What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike Bonin

June is LGBTQ Pride Month.  It is time when those of us in the queer community celebrate who we are. It is a time of joy and empowerment. And a time for reflection – of thinking about how far we've come, and how far we've gone back again,It is also a time to celebrate our heroes. That is why, in this episode, I speak with Lu Lipmen, a non-binary 13 year-old who is fighting back against the wave of anti-trans hate. They discuss how they face the hate and vitriol -- and how they respond with such courage, poise and determination.Lu is an inspiring person, and this is a very special episode. I hope you enjoy it.What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.

Vulnerable Californians are in the crosshairs. That's one of the big takeaways from Governor Newsom's latest budget proposal -- the May Revise.Last week on this podcast, we focused on the proposal's impact on transportation, housing and climate. Today we're looking at its impact on vulnerable and low income Californians, and the news is pretty ugly.Among those likely to suffer if the Legislature doesn't make changes are low income families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, people who are unhoused, survivors of domestic violence, and foster youth, and immigrants.Our guest on this episode is Chris Hoene, executive director of the California Budget & Policy Center – a well-respected organization that does research and analysis of state policies, with an eye toward equity and impacts policies have on people who are vulnerable.Read the California Budget & Policy Center latest report here: https://calbudgetcenter.org/issues/california-budget/For more on the Los Angeles City Budget, check out this week's episode of LA Podcast, with Mike, Alissa Walker and Godfrey Plata. What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.

Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled his latest budget proposal. What does it mean for mass transit, for housing, and for the fight to save the climate? We will get into with Eli Lipmen, executive director of MOVE LA.Transit Advocates Warn of Fiscal Crisis After Newsom Passes on Emergency Funding: https://www.kqed.org/news/12040042/transit-advocates-warn-fiscal-crisis-after-newsom-passes-on-emergency-funding#:~:text=Newsom%20include%20%242%20billion%20in,of%20Fund%20California%20Public%20Transit.)First Reviews of the Governor's Revised Budget Are In: https://cal.streetsblog.org/2025/05/15/first-reviews-of-the-governors-revised-budget-are-inGovernor Newsom unveils proposal to cut red tape and fast-track housing and development: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/05/14/governor-newsom-unveils-proposal-to-cut-red-tape-and-fast-track-housing-and-development/Gavin Newsom lays down the law on housing construction: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/15/housing-dividing-california-democrats-newsom-00350811Newsom's budget cuts anger allies and leave the state's chronic deficit unresolved: https://calmatters.org/commentary/2025/05/newsom-budget-chronic-deficit-unresolved/Newsom says bailing L.A. out of budget crisis is ‘nonstarter.' Bass remains hopeful: https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2025-05-17/newsom-no-money-for-la-budgetMove LA: https://www.movela.org/Festival Trail: https://festivaltrail.org/What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.

In the face of an onslaught of attacks on civil rights and civil liberties and social justice programs, are you feeling demoralized, or helpless, or isolated?If so, you are not alone.  In this episode, we talk with Rudy Espinoza, executive director of Inclusive Action for the City, about his personal and political search for the courage to stand up, and about the strength he finds in solidarity.LINKSInclusive Action for the CityRudy's essay in Nonprofit QuarterlyInfo on the May Day events across the countryLA Forward Spring Into Action Event - May 3What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.

Last weekend, a crowd 36,000 strong flocked to downtown Los Angeles, filling Gloria Molina Grand Park, surrounding Los Angeles City Hall, and stretching a half mile down Spring Street. From all around Southern California they came to hear and to cheer Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and to amplify the message that America needs a government that fights for its people, and not its billionaires.This stop on the Fighting Oligarchy tour was the largest Sanders or AOC rally, ever, anywhere. We'll recap, play some highlights, and contextualize the momentous event on this episode of WNLA.What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.

Los Angeles County is creating its own Department of Homeless Services – and pulling hundreds of people and hundreds of millions of dollars out of LAHSA – the joint city-county homelessness services agency.Is it a big and long overdue step to maximize taxpayer investments in solving homelessness? Or is it a rushed and divisive move that threatens recent progress in bringing our unhoused neighbors indoors?We'll discuss that with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and with Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield – on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles?Some Great LinksThis week's LA Podcast with me, Alissa Walker, Hayes Davenport and special guest co-host . . . Carla Hall, who just left her gig as the last member of the editorial board at the LA Times.LA Times: County supervisors create new homeless agency, despite warnings from L.A. mayorLAist: Head of LA homeless services resigns days after county votes to pull $350M from troubled agencyLA Public Press: Unhoused LA residents react to LAHSA's unravelingLA Times: Feds to look into potential fraud and corruption in Southern California homeless fundsWhat's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.

Did you know that as a resident of Los Angeles, you have an attorney? The City Attorney is elected to represent and fight for the people of Los Angeles and to serve as the City's lawyer. Deputy Attorney General Marissa Roy recently announced her campaign for Los Angeles City Attorney, campaigning to protect workers from wage theft, renters from illegal evictions, and consumers from fraud. Marissa is running against our current City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. In stark contrast, Hydee has opposed affordable housing for Los Angelenos, sued journalists, prosecuted protesters, and surveilled the emails of her employees.Find out more about Marissa and her campaign here. You can also follow along on social media on Instagram and X. Links and Additional ReadingWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike Bonin, The Trouble with HydeeCapital & Main, The Landlord Behind Massive Los Angeles Eviction Has Spent More Than $1 Million on City ElectionsWhat's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez has been at the forefront of some of the biggest political battles of the past two years. From winning an Olympic wage for tourism workers, fighting for the rights of street vendors, and championing renter protections, he has been a warrior for the working class.  I talk with him on this episode of WNLA.

On the eve of her retirement after six decades of public service, Jackie Goldberg reflects on the history she made as an organizer and an elected official, and offers insights an advice to a new generation of activists. Goldberg is ending a career that stints on the Los Angeles school board, the Los Angeles City Council and the California State Assembly. She has been a trailblazing LGBT official and a key progressive leader. In a wide ranging interview with Mike, Jackie shares a history rich with lessons about persistence, collaboration, and staying true to your values. Mike and Jackie sat down to talk on November 18, her 80th birthday. The next day, she led the LAUSD board to pass emergency resolutions protecting immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community from the incoming Trump administration.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the critical issue of racially biased traffic enforcement in Los Angeles, often referred to as "Driving While Black." Our discussion focuses on the systemic challenges faced by drivers of color, who are disproportionately targeted and affected by traffic stops in the city.Joining us are two esteemed experts in the field: Chauncee Smith of Catalyst California, and Leslie Cooper Johnson of the Community Coalition.Together, we explore:- The historical context and current state of racially biased traffic enforcement in Los Angeles.- Real-life stories and statistical data that highlight the severity of this issue.- Innovative policy proposals and practical solutions aimed at reducing racial disparities in traffic stops.- The role of community involvement and advocacy in driving systemic change.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and hear from our experts on how Los Angeles can move towards equitable and just traffic enforcement policies. Join the conversation as we seek to pave the way for progressive change in our city.MORE INFO:PUSH-LA: https://pushla.org/Catalyst California: https://www.catalystcalifornia.org/Community Coalition: https://cocosouthla.org/Council File Index (search for file # 20-0875): https://cityclerk.lacity.org/m.clerkconnect/#/cfmsSearchLos Angeles Times op-ed “Why traffic stops can be deadly for people of color”by Frank R. Baumgartner, Derek Epp and Kelsey Shoubt. Washington Post ran an op-ed titled “Get police out of the business of traffic stops.” TJ Grayson and James Forman Jr.New York Timesop-ed, “Police Officers Shouldn't Be the Ones to Enforce Traffic Laws by Sarah Seo.,Slate: The Myth of the Dangerous Traffic Stop Is Killing Black Men in America by Mark Josef Stern. North Carolina Times-News: “What would happen if cops didn't make certain traffic stops? This North Carolina city offers a case study.” In 2019, the LA Times reported that data showed a black person in a vehicle was more than four times as likely to be searched by police as a white person, and a Latino was three times as likely. That same year, the LA Times detailed the problem of racially disparate enforcement in LAPD's Metro unit.

In this episode of "What's Next Los Angeles," Mike talks with Assemblymember Isaac Bryan about recent election results and their impact on the progressive movement. Despite progressives facing some big defeats, Assemblymember Bryan sees signs of hope and expresses his unwavering determination to organize and continue the fight for change.Join us as Assemblymember Bryan reflects on the challenges and opportunities ahead, offering a candid look at the political landscape and the resilience needed to push forward. This episode is for anyone interested in the future of progressive politics and the power of perseverance. Don't miss this conversation about navigating setbacks and the relentless pursuit of a better future for Los Angeles and beyond.LA Podcast: Mike's Substack essay, "Looking for a Silver Lining in Los Angeles"

You've heard about a new wave of progressives who have won office in the City of Los Angeles, but do you know about the incredible leaders in cities all around LA County? You will after listening to this episode of WNLA. I talk with Santa Monica Councilmember Caroline Torosis and Cudahy Vice Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar about progressive elected officials and candidates in Baldwin Park, Bell Gardens, Burbank, Culver City, Cudahy, Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Santa Monica, South Pasadena, West Covina, and West Hollywood.LA FORWARD PROGRESSIVE VOTER GUIDELA PODCAST

Should California raise its minimum wage? That's the question posed by Proposition 32 on the state ballot. I speak with Saru Jayaraman of One Fair Wage on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.

For California voters, gay marriage is on the line in this election. How is that possible? I will discuss why you should vote YES on Proposition 3, with my guest, Assemblymember Rick Zbur, former head of Equality California, the largest statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the country.00:12this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.

District Attorney George Gascon is one of the most controversial candidates on your ballot. I talk with him about his record, his thoughts on crime and punishment, what it means to be a progressive prosecutor, and about the Menendez Brothers case, on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.Netflix episodes about Franky Carrillo: https://www.netflix.com/title/80214563 (episodes 4 and 5)LA FORWARD PROGRESSIVE VOTER GUIDELA PODCAST

Ysabel Jurado is shaking up Los Angeles politics.  A progressive candidate rooted in service to her community, she is taking on an establishment that is fighting back hard and ugly. But she remains joyful and optimistic. Today I talk  – and play a game of "Name That Tune" – with Ysabel Jurado – on What's Next, Los Angeles.Mike's CD14 SoundtrackWhat About US - Pink The Rent is Too Damn High - Jimmy McMillan I Can't Breathe - H.E.R. Your Racist Friend - They Might be Giants I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross Fight the Power - Public Enemy Girl is on Fire - Alicia Keys –Ysabel's Favorite Campaign SongAnything Can Happen - Ellie GouldingLA FORWARD PROGRESSIVE VOTER GUIDELA PODCAST

One hundred sixty years after the abolition of slavery, California voters will decide whether to ban forced labor in the Golden State. That's what Proposition 6 on the state ballot is all about. And that's the topic on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.https://voteyesprop6.com/https://voteyesoncaprop6.com/CalMatters on Prop 6 Ballotpedia on Prop 6CA Legislative Analyst on Prop 6LA Forward Voter Guide

A Superior Court judge has tremendous power – yet the races for judge get very little attention, and one of the most frequent questions I am asked during every election cycle is “What about the judges? Who should I vote for?”I talk with judicial candidate George Turner, running for Seat 39, on this episode of WNLA.https://georgeaturner4judge.com/LA Forward Voter Guide

Who should I vote for for judge?That is one of the most frequent questions I get during election season.  Today I talk with judicial candidate Ericka Wiley, running for seat #48, on WNLA.https://www.wileyforjudge.com/LA Forward Voter Guide

Homelessness is the biggest crisis facing Los Angeles County. Can we continue to make progress and really tackle this problem? Or will we backslide and allow another huge and devastating increase in homelessness?  That's what's at stake as voters consider Measure A on the LA County ballot. I will get into it with my guests today on WNLA: Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell; Veronica Mitchell of HOPICS; and Laura Raymond of ACT-LA.LAist Voter Game Plan Briefing on Measure ALA Times explainer on Measure ALA Times endorsement of Measure ALA Forward Voter GuideYesOnA.laMeasureAFacts.com County CEO's report - Measuring Measure H's Impact

The signs of the climate crisis are everywhere – and it is clear we are not doing enough to combat it. That's why Proposition 4 is on your ballot. We discuss what is in the proposition, and why it is important for the state of California, and the future of neighborhoods. My guest is State Senator Ben Allen, who proposed creating the bond measure and putting it on the ballot this year. Allen represents the 24th DIstrict, including most of the LA County coast and Santa Monica Mountains. He chairs the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and co-chairs the Legislative Environmental Caucus. Additional Info: Official Voter GuideLegislative Analyst report CalMattersLA Times endorsementBallotpedia entryYes on 4 websiteHoward Jarvis Taxpayers Assn argument against Prop 4LA Forward Voter Guide

Is Prop 36 -- the most talked about proposition on the ballot -- a return to an era of law and order? or a backslide to an era of mass incarceration? That's what we discuss on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles, with my guests, former state Assemblymember Mike Gatto, in favor of the proposition, and State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a vocal opponent Prop 36.Official Ballot entry: https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/36/Ballotpedia breakdown: https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_36,_Drug_and_Theft_Crime_Penalties_and_Treatment-Mandated_Felonies_Initiative_(2024)CalMatters explainer: https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2024/propositions/prop-36-crime-penalties/Yes on 36 campaign: https://voteyesprop36.com/No on 36 campaign: https://www.stopprop36.com/LA Times - No on 36: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-09-22/editorial-proposition36-no-fills-prison-war-on-drugsLA Forward Comprehensive Progressive Voter Guide: https://www.laforward.org/voterguideSen. Lola Smallwood Cuevas: https://lolaforca.com/, https://sd28.senate.ca.gov/Mike Gatto: https://mikegatto.com/Noir by Necessity, by Mike Gatto: https://www.amazon.com/Noir-Necessity-Fathers-Unsolved-Murder/dp/1685133819

The official title for Measure G is “LOS ANGELES COUNTY GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY CHARTER AMENDMENT.”That sure makes it sound dry, boring and wonky. It is anything but. It is about power. Incredible power. Who will wield it? And who will they represent?We discuss Measure G on this episode of WNLA with County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, author of the proposal, and Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who opposes it.More Info:Unpacking the impact of Los Angeles County's ballot measuresWhy proposal to expand the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is such a big dealMeasure to expand the LA County Board of Supervisors heads to the ballot. Here's what you should know

Proposition 33 is one of the hottest items on the California state ballot. If approved, it would allow cities and counties to establish, increase or expand rent control. Proponents say it is necessary to keep rents affordable and prevent families from falling into homelessness. Opponents say it will hurt small "mom and pop" landlords, and stop development of much-needed multi-family housing.In this episode, Mike talks with Susie Shannon, campaign manager of Yes on 33, and with Daniel Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, a landlord group.Yes on 33: https://yeson33.org/No on Prop 33: https://noonprop33.com/Ballotpedia on Prop 33: https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_33,_Prohibit_State_Limitations_on_Local_Rent_Control_Initiative_(2024)CalMatters on Prop 33: https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2024/propositions/prop-33-rent-control/Prop 33 - Official Ballot Arguments: https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/33/Legislative Analyst report on Prop 33: https://lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis/Proposition?number=33&year=2024

He was wrongfully convicted and spent 20 years behind bars. Since his his exoneration and release, he has dedicated himself to public service – and now he is a candidate for the California State Assembly. I talk with Franky Carrillo on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.Campaign Website: https://frankycarrillo.com/L.A. County to pay $10 million to man whose murder conviction was overturned: https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-francisco-carrillo-settlement-20160719-snap-story.htmlNetflix episodes about Franky Carrillo: https://www.netflix.com/title/80214563 (episodes 4 and 5)

Since a critical U.S. Supreme Court ruling last summer, public officials have been rushing to drastically expand criminalization of homelessness. It's a cynical move, spending a fortune on making homelessness less visible while actually making the crisis much worse, and much harder to solve.In this episode, Mike talks with Alex Visotsky of the National Alliance to End Homelessness about the growing push to criminalize homelessness in California, and with John Raphling, author of a blistering Human Rights Watch report on how bad criminalization was in Los Angeles, even prior to the court decision.Important links and further reading:National Alliance to End Homelessness: https://endhomelessness.org/Human Rights Watch: https://www.hrw.org/NAEH - The Supreme Court Rules on Homelessness: https://endhomelessness.org/blog/the-supreme-court-rules-on-homelessness-what-it-all-means/"You Have to Move" - HRW report - https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/08/14/you-have-move/cruel-and-ineffective-criminalization-unhoused-people-los-angelesMike Bonin - Tough Talk, Bad Policy: https://mikebonin.substack.com/p/tough-talk-bad-policyPlanetizen: California Cities Intensify Criminalization of Unhoused Residents: https://www.planetizen.com/news/2024/09/131753-california-cities-intensify-criminalization-unhoused-residentsAlex Visotsky - @alexvisotzky on Twitter

There are more than 3 million Democratic voters in Los Angeles County. Who decides which candidate gets the party's endorsement? Or where the party spends its money? How is the local party negotiating tensions between progressives and moderates? I talk with Mark Ramos, the chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. A former grocery worker and current head of UFCW 1428, Ramos is determined to bring people into the party, and find common ground with fellow union members who have voted for Trump.

Did California Governor Gavin Newson kill efforts to save newspapers from Big Tech?  A few weeks ago, Newsom announced a deal with Google that effectively killed legislation to force Google, Meta and other big tech firms to compensate news organizations for making money off their products. He announced the state would enter into a sort of private-partnership with Google and Open AI -- just as a federal court was declaring Google an illegal monopoly.What the hell happened? Mike Bonin talks with Matt Pearce of the Media Guild of the West, on the latest episode of What's Next, Los Angeles? LINKSCalifornia's Deal With Big Tech on Newsroom Funding Kills Revenue-Sharing Legislation (KQED)The News Business Really Is Cratering (Politico)Notes on a Dying Form (Annenberg)Matt Pearce @mattdpearce https://mattdpearce.substack.com/Media Guild of the West

It was just a year ago that Los Angeles was the focus nationally and internationally of the Hot Labor Summer of 2023. With workers in various industries taking to the streets and demanding better pay and working conditions, and with overwhelming public support, the message was clear: Los Angeles is a labor town.But it wasn't always that way. Los Angeles was once known as one of the most anti-union cities in the country. On this Labor Day weekend, Kent Wong of the UCLA Labor Center walks us through the ups and downs of the history of organized labor in Los Angeles -- and reveals how victories and losses here shaped the labor movement nationally.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:UCLA Labor CenterMemory Work Los AngelesCal Federation of Labor - Labor HistoryLA Stories: Labor Movements in Los AngelesMiguel Contreras: Legacy of a Labor LeaderMike Garcia and the Justice for Janitors MovementFrom Coors to California: David Sickler and the New Working ClassVoices from the Front Lines: Organizing Immigrant Workers in Los AngelesFrom Mission to Microchip: A History of California Labor by Fred Glass (book)

Marqueece Harris-Dawson becomes Los Angeles City Council President September 20. Who is he, and how does he intend to lead? In this episode, he talks at length with Mike about Los Angeles, Black politics and multiracial coalitions, unarmed crisis response, homelessness, housing, preparing for the Olympics, and a lot more! Links & Additional ReadingMarqueece Harris-Dawson BioMHD Off the Record PodcastL.A. Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson wins the council presidency, will replace KrekorianDestination Crenshaw:

A week after polls closed, the results of a lot of elections are becoming and apparent, and there have been some wild developments! There have been blowouts, nail-biters and big surprises, and Alissa Walker and Godfrey Plata join Mike Bonin to review and discuss it all.  The resounding victory of Measure HLA. An edge-of-your-seats finale to the Nithya Raman re-election campaign.  A huge surge for progressives in multiple races. A closely watched anti-gay campaign in Glendale. And a helluva lot more.Check the chapter markers to find the segments of the show you're most interested in.

One of the most high-profile races on the ballot is the one for Los Angeles County District Attorney, where incumbent George Gascon – a progressive reformer – is being challenged by a large field of candidates.What does a District Attorney really do? How does the position impact criminal justice? How much does it impact crime, and in what ways? And what is a progressive prosecutor? Why is reform needed and what does it look like? In this episode, we talk about that and more, including why it important – crucial even – to re-elect George Gascon. Mike talks with Marissa Roy, the podcast's resident legal analyst, as well as Tracee Porter, who has been through the criminal justice system, and talks about what harms it caused her, and the rest of society. 

In Los Angeles, there is a deadly crisis on our streets. People from all walks of life – grandparents, elementary school children, service workers, pastors, artists – are falling victim to a rampant killer. Incredibly, elected officials are doing almost nothing about it, but voters can change that – right now.The killer is traffic violence, and it is on the rise. In 2023, 337 people were killed in automobile crashes in Los Angeles. It's the worst year on record, with more people dying from car crashes than from murder. In fact, car crashes are the number killer of children in Los Angeles County. An additional 1,559 people were severely injured last year. Voting yes on the Healthy Streets initiative – Measure HLA – would be a huge step to address this crisis and keep our streets safe.In this episode, Mike talks with Michael Schneider of Streets for All, the lead proponent of the measure. They discuss what it would do, why it is necessary, and how the opposition if full of lies and exaggerations.

You've seen the waves of anti-LGBTQ+ hate in Florida and other places, but did you know it is happening right here in Greater Los Angeles? For the past few years, anti-LGBTQ+ hate has been growing, thanks to the influence of Proud Boys, J6 insurrectionists, and right-wing provocateurs with groups like LibsofTikTok and Gays Against Groomers.  And now, two of the leaders of the anti-LGBTQ+ movement, which has been terrorizing parents, students, teachers and school officials, are running for seats on the Glendale School Board.In this episode, Mike talks about what has happened over the past few years with parent Angie Givant, teacher Alicia Harris and LGBTQ+ activist and GUSD alum Erik Adamian. And then later in the show, Angie and Alicia will join me to talk about the dynamics and the particulars of the school board race.Further InformationGUSD Parents for Public Schools websiteGUSD Parents for Public Schools  twitterGALAS LGBTQ+ Armenian SocietyWNLA: Who is Really Behind the Anti-LGBTQ+ protests in LA? (June 12, 2023)Guardian: ‘Chaos campaign': how an Armenian enclave became the center of an anti-LGBTQ+ battleDaily Beast: How Far-Right Extremists Are Targeting Pro-LGBT SchoolsGlendale News-Press: Advocates Denounce Hate Speech, Harassment Across GUSDThe Real Jordan Henry: Extremist in GlendaleThe Real Aneta Krpekyan

The last in my series of 2024 primary election candidate spotlights: Heather HuttSince 2020, L.A.'s 10th council district has had a revolving cast of councilmembers, both elected and appointed. The City Council appointed Heather Hutt to fill the post in September 2022. She is now running to represent the district as its elected councilmember.Before serving on the council. Hutt served in senior roles for several public officials, most notably as state director for then-US Senator Kamala Harris, chief of staff to Councilmember Herb Wesson, and district director to state Assemblymember and Senator Isadore Hall. She has the endorsement of Mayor Bass, the council's progressive bloc, and also the council's most conservative members. She was born and raised in the 10th district – and she is also a single mother to 3 sons that she raised in the 10th district.She and I served together on the council for about 90 days at one of the most politically tumultuous times in modern LA history.Her website is here: https://www.heatherhutt.com/

Since 2020, L.A.'s 10th council district has had a revolving cast of councilmembers, both elected and appointed. Now, voters finally get to choose a permanent, voting representative on the council.There is a big and impressive field of candidates   – and on this episode I talk with Reggie Jones-Sawyer.An Assemblymember representing South Los Angeles since 2012, Jones-Sawyer revived the chamber's Progressive Caucus and has chaired the Public Safety Committee, where he was pushed major legislation to reimagine public safety and promote alternatives to incarceration. Prior to his election to office, Jones-Sawyer was an officer with the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. He served for several years in various capacities for the City of Los Angeles, including as deputy mayor, an assistant general manager, and director of real estate.You can find out more about his campaign here: https://www.reggieforla.com/

The elections are here -- and in the City of Los Angeles, seven of the 15 council seats are on the ballot, and five of them are pretty spirited. Mike is joined by journalist and political strategist Jasmyne Cannick and Democratic Party activist and former council candidate Marco Santana to discuss what's at stake, break down each of the races, and dish a bit.Some context on the elections:Council District 14: Your guide to the L.A. City Council District 14 race (LA Times)The Seething Anti-Blackness of Kevin de LeónCouncil District 10: Laist Coverage Council District 12:  Ethics Showdown in District 12 City Council RaceCouncil District 4:  LA's Corporate Class Wants to Reverse Progressive GainCouncil District 2:  LAist Coverage

Jillian Burgos is an essential healthcare worker, and a small business owner. She graduated from Emily's List Ignite Change Fellowship and Los Angeles Democrats inaugural TAP Academy and now a 2023 New Leaders Council fellow. Jillian ran for office and was elected to the NoHo Neighborhood Council as the Arts Organization Representative. Shortly after she was appointed as Treasurer, Chair of the Outreach Committee and Housing and Services Committee. Since then she has created a Tenant Rights Workshop in partnership with The City of Los Angeles, Abundant Housing LA and SAJE, helped pass several Neighborhood Purpose Grants that fed many of NoHo's Unhoused, and brought mental health services and mentorship to schoolchildren with PESA.You can learn more about her at her campaign website: https://www.jillianforthevalley.com/

Councilmember Raman has fought for renters, solutions to homelessness, strategies  to combat climate change, and smart, effective programs to promote public safety. She has made significant progress — and now she is being punished for it. Special interests are spending a fortune to defeat her, reverse progress, and kneecap the progressive movement. She joins Mike and Peter Dreier to  discuss their article in The Nation this week, reporting on the campaign against her.  Their article, "Los Angeles Death Match", (the online title "LA's Corporate Class Wants to Reverse Progressive Gains"), focuses on the combined assault of corporate landlords, the police and firefighters associations, and right-wingers are fighting like hell to defeat her.  She talks about her love for LA, tackling big challenges, and fighting the bullshit.The Nation: Los Angeles Death MatchRaman's re-election website: https://www.nithya2024.com/

Since 2020, L.A.'s 10th council district has had a revolving cast of councilmembers, both elected and appointed. Now, voters finally get to choose a permanent, voting representative on the council.There is a big and impressive field of candidates   – and on this episode I talk with Aura Vasquez.Aura Vasquez is an Afro-Latina Colombian immigrant, community leader, fearless environmental justice advocate, and renewable energy advisor.  She served as a mayoral appointee to the Board of Water and Power Commissioners from 2017 to 2020.  She has served as the  Climate Justice Director for the Center for Popular Democracy. Prior to that, she advocated for state and federal immigrant rights with the PICO Network, fought for the the largest rooftop solar program in the country, and pushed for clean energy as an organizer with the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign.  She was elected to the Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council (WCKNC) in 2012, where she became the only Latina and only non-Korean American on the board. You can find out more about her at her campaign website: https://www.auraforthepeople.com/

NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas.With Adam Schiff running for U.S. Senate, his Los Angeles area 30th district congressional seat – which stretches from Burbank and Glendale and Sunland Tujunga down to Hancock Park and West Hollywood – is up for grabs for the first time in twenty years. There is a wide field of candidates running for the seat in next year's election, and we are going to talk with the major candidates, one on one and in-depth, on What's Next, Los Angeles.In this episode, Mike talks with Nick Melvoin, a member of the member of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education since 2017. Before taking office, he was a school teacher in Watts, worked in the Obama White House with the Domestic Policy Council and worked with the U.S. Attorney's office,You can find more on Nick at his website: https://www.nickmelvoin.com/

NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas.With Adam Schiff running for U.S. Senate, his Los Angeles area 30th district congressional seat – which stretches from Burbank and Glendale and Sunland Tujunga down to Hancock Park and West Hollywood – is up for grabs for the first time in twenty years. There is a wide field of candidates running for the seat in next year's election, and we are going to talk with the major candidates, one on one and in-depth, on What's Next, Los Angeles.In this episode, Mike talks with former Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer. Prior to his two terms as the city's lawyer and prosecutor, he served in the California Assembly, where he held the post of Majority Policy Leader. Before that, he served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council and as  Director of Bet Tzedek Legal Services.More info on Mike here: https://mikefeuerforcongress.com/

NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas.With Adam Schiff running for U.S. Senate, his Los Angeles area 30th district congressional seat – which stretches from Burbank and Glendale and Sunland Tujunga down to Hancock Park and West Hollywood – is up for grabs for the first time in twenty years. There is a wide field of candidates running for the seat in next year's election, and we are going to talk with the major candidates, one on one and in-depth, on What's Next, Los Angeles.In this episode, Mike talks with Laura Friedman, who has represented the Burbank/Glendale area in the State Assembly since 2016. In the assembly, she is chair of the Transportation Committee, and policy chair of the Progressive Caucus. Prior to her election to the assembly, she was a councilmember and mayor of the city of Glendale.

NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas.Sepi Shyne is an Iranian-born American attorney, civil rights advocate, and member of the West Hollywood City Council who has been serving as West Hollywood's mayor until last month. Shyne is the first LGBTQ+ Iranian-American to be elected to office as well as the first woman of color elected to the West Hollywood City Council.As an elected official, she has fought for support and incentive programs for locally owned businesses working to rebound after the pandemic. She worked to increase rental assistance and address homelessness. She  worked to raise the minimum wage to the highest in the nation,Shyne served on the City of West Hollywood's LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, on the City of West Hollywood's Business License Commission, and on the Los Angeles County Assessor's Advisory Council on which she continues to serve. She has also led many boards and organizations, including the LGBT Bar Association of Los Angeles, and as a Board of Governor and Steering Committee leader with the Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles. Mayor Shyne is a Co-Organizer of WeHo Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a community group that was created during the pandemic to help provide resources for seniors, people with disabilities, and people in immunosuppressed households via social media and volunteer check-in calls. You can learn more at her campaign website here: https://www.sepishyne.com/

NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas.Maebe A Girl is currently serving as Treasurer and At-Large Representative for the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles. Upon her election in 2019, she became the first drag queen elected to public office in the United States. Maebe is responsible for forming the Silver Lake LGBTQIA Advocates Committee -the first queer-focused committee in the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council system. She is also co-founder of the LGBTQ+ Alliance of Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils, which is recognized as the first city-backed initiative for the LGBTQ+ Community in the City of Los Angeles. On the committee level, Maebe serves as Co-Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee, Co-Chair of the Reimagining Public Safety Committee, and Co-Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Housing and Homelessness for the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council.You can learn more about Maebe here: https://maebeagirlforcongress.org/

Who will unseat disgraced Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León? That's the question a lot of people are asking as we head into the March primary. There is a big and impressive field of candidates   – and on this episode I talk with Lalo Vargas.Vargas is science teacher at Franklin High School in Highland Park. He is the son of immigrants, a community organizer, and a gay man. A former firefighter/EMT, he is running to the left of a pretty progressive field of candidates. He is an avowed socialist, and is a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation You can learn more about him here: https://www.laloforcd14.com/

For fourteen years, Paul Krekorian has represented the 2nd council district on the Los Angeles City Council. He has been a powerful leader, chairing the Budget & Finance Committee for several years, and serving as City Council President since October 2022. But in less than year, he will be termed out of office, and it is time for voters to choose a new representative for the neighborhoods of North Hollywood, Studio City, Sun Valley, Toluca Lake, Valley GLeb, Valley VIllage and Van Nuys.  There is large field of candidates running for the seat, including today's guest, Sam Kbushyan.Kbushyan is an immigrant to Los Angeles, and describes himself as a social and economic justice advocate. He operates Sam Kbushyan Group (SKG), which consults with small businesses and non-profits. He serves on the L.A. Community Alliance and Immigrants Charitable Foundation. In 2023, Sam was appointed to serve on Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's advisory transition team.  You can learn more about him here: https://samforcd2.com/

Since 2020, L.A.'s 10th council district has had a revolving cast of councilmembers, both elected and appointed. Now, voters finally get to choose a permanent, voting representative on the council.There is a big and impressive field of candidates   – and on this episode I talk with Rev. Eddie Anderson.Pastor Eddie is a civil rights activist and ordained minister with degrees from Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology.  He is an organizer for LA Voice(PICO),advocate for  Black Lives Matter, Co-Founder of Clergy4BlackLives, a convener and former Co-Chair of the New Poor People's Campaign in California. He served as a Commissioner for the Los Angeles Redistricting Commission (2020-2021) and is on the board of the ARDI Advisory Body of Los Angeles County and the Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee for LAHSA and LA County.He has the endorsements of the Los Angeles Times, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, and the California Working Families Party.You can learn more about him at: https://anderson2024.com/

Who will unseat disgraced Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León? That's the question a lot of people are asking as we head into the March primary. There is a big and impressive field of candidates   – and on this episode I talk with Ysabel Jurado.Jurado is a tenants rights attorney, affordable housing activist, single mom, daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrants, and lifelong Angeleno. She is running as a strong progressive, with the backing of Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez and City Controller Kenneth Mejia. We talked about personal story, and her thoughts on a range of issues, including homelessness, housing, public safety and a lot more.You can learn more about her at: https://ysabeljurado.la/

Who will represent South Los Angeles in the California State Assembly? That's a big question facing voters of the 57th Assembly District,  which includes  South Los Angeles, Southeast Los Angeles, West Adams, University Park, Florence, Watts, Downtown Los Angeles and Skid Row.Greg "Baba" Akili is a longtime community, civil rights,  and labor organizer and a well-respected leader in Black Lives Matter movement in Los Angeles.  Akili, as he likes to be known, is a senior advisor to the Black Worker Center at UCLA and one of the leaders of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles. He has worked for the United Farm Workers, the Obama presidential campaign, and campaigns to protect voting rights and social security. I first met him in 2008 when he was training people –including me – to be organizers for the Obama campaign.He has the endorsements of:Sen. Lola Smallwood CuevasAssembly Member Buffy WicksLA City Controller Kenneth MejiaHon. Herb Wesson, Jr., 65th Speaker of the State AssemblyDr. Daniel Lee, Mayor of Culver City, retiredDolores Huerta, American Civil Rights leaderDanny Glover, American Actor, Film Producer and ActivistDr. Cornel West, American philosopher and political activistCarl Douglas, Civil Rights AttorneyDr. Melina Abdullah, Civil Rights leader, BLMLA & BLM GrassrootsYou can learn more about him at: https://akili4thepeople.com/

Who will represent South Los Angeles in the California State Assembly? That's a big question facing voters of the 57th Assembly District,  which includes  South Los Angeles, Southeast Los Angeles, West Adams, University Park, Florence, Watts, Downtown Los Angeles and Skid RowDulce Vasquez currently serves as Assistant Vice President for  Arizona State University in Downtown Los Angeles. She was previously the Managing Director of Zócalo Public Square, L.A.'s civic forum.  She was appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to serve as a Commissioner to El Pueblo Historic Monument, Los Angeles' birthplace.     Born in Tampico, Mexico, she's lived all over the country, but has called LA home for the last 15 years. After spending half of her childhood undocumented, she attended Northwestern University, The Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), and earned a Master's in Public Policy from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.She has the endorsements of incumbent Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Equality California, and Abundant Housing LA.I spoke to Sade at length shortly before Christmas. about her life and her agenda . Her website info  is here; https://www.dulcevasquez.com/