Podcasts about la county

LA County is joining the fight against the feds over personal data of SNAP recipients. Orange County Republicans want to make sure there are no more DOGS casting votes. A housing project moves forward at Big Bear Lake despite concerns from bald eagle watchers. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

According to today's LA County Board of Supervisors meeting, LA County Sheriffs admit they were classifying street takeovers the same way they did speeding. Also The task force thinks safe and sane legal street takeovers at Pomona fairplex might solve the problem!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Bonta more worried about the criminals than crime?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that temporarily blocked federal immigration agents from indiscriminately arresting people on sidewalks, at Home Depots, swap meets, etc. Santa Monica is on the verge of a fiscal emergency as massive sex abuse settlements and shrinking revenues stretch city services, reflecting a wider crisis across LA County. The book “Changeover” explores the budding rivalry between tennis phenoms Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and what it means for the future of the sport. No candidate exists for 2025’s “song of the summer.” Media consumption is fragmented, streaming allows people to listen to the same songs for longer, and more artists are competing for attention. 

California Republicans are circling the wagons to defeat the state's redistricting election. The LAPD pulls its security detail for former Vice President Kamala Harris. LA County wildfire crews get some essential tools from Canada. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

Hollywood Swing and Miss. Binge Watching is Good! FOX 11's  Matthew Seedorff joins the show to talk: Alleged crime ring uses secret LA County tunnels to hide stolen cars, whistleblower says.

In SGV Connect 138, Streetsblog talked to Benito Flores and others in the Reclaimers movement that were helping him resist eviction in the Caltrans owned property he was living in. The Reclaimers are a group of formerly unhoused people who moved into Caltrans-owned properties in 2020 to both put a roof over their heads during a public health crisis and draw attention to the amount of publicly owned housing that was not being lived in during a nationwide housing crisis. After losing several court cases, Flores and other reclaimers were given a choice: move out of their house and work with the homeless authority to get new housing or stay and risk forcible eviction. Flores chose to stay, and sadly passed away after falling from a treehouse he built as a hideaway when the sheriffs or state police came. In this episode, we interview two reclaimers who chose the first option: leaving their reclaimed homes and working with HACLA. The interview takes place in Councilwoman Jurado's El Sereno office with Marta Escudero and Cecilia Lopez, members of the Reclaimers movement. In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, they occupied vacant Caltrans-owned homes in El Sereno, inspired by the Moms for Housing movement. Both describe how displacement and the housing crisis pushed them to act, with support from groups like ACE, Eastside Café, and HACLA. Initially granted two-year leases, Marta and Cecilia later faced eviction efforts and legal battles. Marta negotiated with HACLA to secure Section 8 housing in Boyle Heights, where she now lives with her daughters. She emphasizes the importance of staying in her community for family support and schooling needs. Cecilia, however, remains unhoused, still couch-surfing despite promises of permanent housing, and expresses frustration with HACLA's delays and broken commitments. For Streetsblog's complete five-year coverage for the Reclaimer movement, click here. A transcript of the interview is available below. SGV Connect is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.” Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays! Marta - Hello. My name is Marta Escudero. Cecilia - Hello. My name is Cecilia Lopez. Damien - ...and I'm Damian Newton. Nice to meet you. We should have done that when we got here instead of waiting for the recording. Anyway, we're in the El Sereno office of Councilwoman Jurado, and we're talking today with two of the Reclaimers. This is mostly for me when I'm listening to it five years from now, going, "Wait, what? It was in the office?"  So let's start the interview how we've started most of the interviews by just sort of recapping the beginning for anyone that's listening for the first time, because and for anyone that's listened before. I always think this is such a dramatic and unique story. It's always worth repeating in the words of the people that lived it. So why don't we just start with what a Reclaimer is and what happened in 2020 Marta - So at least for my side of the story, because there's multiple sides, I found out that ACE and LACLA, LATU, DSA were meeting months before. Well, during that time, I was couch surfing with my daughters, and I was falling into despair because there was no housing. And then I saw Moms for Housing on the TV, and I wanted to do something similar, inspired by these black moms that took housing up north, and so I started reaching out to people and letting people know what I wanted to do. And my friend Colleen, which she's amazing, she's the one that, like, really motivated me to do this.  She gave me the contact for Amy Scherer from ACE, and that's when I found out they had been planning this for a while. And then at the same time, Angela from Eastside Cafe put something on Facebook, and I reached out to her, and then they linked together. At that same time, Ruby Gordillo was doing canvassing of empty houses through ACE, and found these houses in El Sereno as well. So it was just all kind of meshed together. And we began planning, I believe in December I joined and we began planning more thoroughly, like in January, and then covid hit, and it was right in the lockdown.  We were even thinking, "Should we do it? Should we wait?" And then we said, "let's just do it." And it was right. It was just pure luck. It was right on the weekend of the lockdown. And so everything was in chaos, and the governor just let us slide. I think if it wasn't for that, I believe if it wasn't for that, we probably would have been taken out. Cecilia - Definitely... all hog tied. Damien - So with the support of all these groups, the two of you moved in separately to different houses in El Sereno, both in El Sereno, because I know there were other places that ... okay... both in El Sereno. You moved into houses during the first weekend of the lockdown. I don't think I ever put that together in my head that it was, Cecilia - It was March 14, I believe. Damien - Yeah, yeah. So you moved in. I know there was some, some action to try and get you out, but the governor's office actually stepped in and said, you know, let them stay. There's a crisis, and… Cecilia - We had sent letters first, because we were having a rough time in the beginning with CHP. Damien - That'd be the Highway Patrol, because these were Caltrans owned properties. Caltrans owned these properties because they were in the right of way of a freeway expansion that they wanted to do the 710, which was canceled in 2017, or 18, I believe. And then they still own the properties, although they're starting to divest the ones in Pasadena, I know they're being - and South Pasadena - those are being turned into the properties are, I believe, being demolished and turned into affordable housing, but the people that moved into them are not they may have an option to rent into the affordable housing, but there's no homeowner option that had been discussed when Caltrans bought these houses, like way back in the 70s. The 1970s. Okay, so the originally you were given one year leases, if I remember correctly, Marta - two-year leases. Damien - And so you stayed in there, then through 2022, and then there were legal efforts to evict and not evict, and tenants rights were claimed, and all that stuff went to court. Right? Marta - Yes, because we were given a two-year lease and the HACLA was not providing the housing we needed and were asking for, because people have individual needs, I especially requested to be geographically close, because I'm a single mother and I have all my support system here, plus my daughters, go to special schools.  They're unique. There's people from Santa Monica, from South LA. They go to these schools from the valley, because they're so unique that I can't find them anywhere else, and I didn't want to have to go through that commute. It's exhausting, and so I really fought for that to be included in HACLA. They think that anywhere is okay, and I don't agree with that. I feel that people have unique needs, and housing should provide that for us as well. Cecilia - I feel the same way, except I don't have kids, but my roots are here. I was born here, and so that's all I know. I am used to the area. I'm comfortable being here, and I feel safe here. Damien - So the legal actions around that I know went on for a couple years with eviction efforts, efforts to oppose in court, as I understand it, the legal efforts were sort of exhausted sometime in 2024. One of the reasons we're doing this interview is we did the one with Benito and Roberto a couple months ago. Benito, when offered something after the court cases expired, chose to stay in his house and fight eviction. Other people made different decisions when HACLA made offers to them for housing. So I guess I'm get both of you, I'm assuming, took the HACLA offer -- Cecilia -- but I think we're bypassing a place here because the first two years we were living in the house that we began... Damien - The reclaimed house? Cecilia - Right and then during that time, after the two years, we were asked to move because the houses supposedly needed to be inspected. And then were given another lease for another two years into the new home, which was still in the Caltrans homes. Damien - So you moved from one home to a different one. It's still that Caltrans owns properties in 2022ish. Cecilia - But that was only because they needed us to sign the lease, the agreement that none of us were really happy about, but we really didn't have a choice to not sign. Damien - Okay. So the original two years, and then there was another two years in a different house. And so it was when that expired. And the legal options were out. And then HACLA came to you guys with a new offer, which I'm guessing, since we're here, you both took, could you describe sort of what that offer was like? You know, when we talked to Benito, he was not happy with the offer, but it was for, I believe, four years. A four year lease? Marta - We all had different-- Damien - Okay, everyone was offered a different lease Marta - Based on our circumstances. Cecilia - I think they offered him four years to live in a hotel, and he was not happy about that. Mart -  I wouldn't have taken that deal either, but I do think there was room for negotiation, because that's what I did with HACLA. I was offered some housing at first, and I said, No. I kept saying, No, this is what I want, and you need to look for this. And I also sought outside support so I could push what I wanted, and I got something fairly good in the end.  The  eviction process is horrible, and I already knew I wasn't gonna win legally. We didn't get these houses legally in the first place,  we weren't gonna get them through the legal system. I already had that in mind. I was going to get evicted at some point, and so I needed to prepare for that. And it was a very stressful time, and I couldn't be in despair for my daughters. And so I needed to be in a place where I could be able to think and just keep going. I felt I couldn't stay. I wanted to avoid as much as possible, doing eviction defense. I already had a plan to do it, if that was the last resort.  First of all, I didn't want to bring violence to my community. Second of all, I also have a lot of vulnerable people in my life that are immigrants that need more care, and so I want to be well because I can't pour from my empty cup, and also because of my daughters. And so I was really pushing for HACLA to do something that was good for us, in order for me and my daughters to be well. And I had supporters that pushed because first they kept, like giving me less money or trying to locate me in different areas, and I kept with supporters, phone banking, emailing, and I was able to get a pretty decent deal.  It's in Boyle Heights, which is close to me, and I've lived in Boyle Heights. Before it's section eight, we actually have more room inside. And it's, yeah, amazing public housing, which I think needs to be more of, and that's why I took that deal. Damien - So this is an open ended lease, though it doesn't expire in a certain number of years. Cecilia - That's what we were promised, exactly. Marta - I got what HACLA had promised me in the first place, and I couldn't say, No, my daughters are thriving there, and I really like that place, and now I'm able to offer more support. I'm also part of another organization, J Town Action and Solidarity, that works with unhoused communities and anti gentrification work. And I want to, I want to be there for the most vulnerable people, and now I'm able to do that, that I'm better. I know I was spiraling during that time, and 50 knows I was in grad school, I was working. I'm a single mom. I was facing eviction. I was like, in this or I was just like, it was too much. That's a lot. Damien - I've done many of those things, but not all at once, and mercifully, have never had to worry about eviction. But that's, that's that's a full plate, and now you feel like you're on the other side the HACLA came through with it, with the promise that a print gave to you, and as a result, you're able to now start giving back to or continue giving back to your community in a different way. Marta - Yeah and HACLA shouldn't just do this to be because I'm not special. HACLA should do this to everybody, because everyone deserves not to be displaced, to stay in their community and to have equitable housing. Damien - And I think that's a big point about staying in the community. When we've done homelessness coverage. We did a series back before the pandemic. The goal of that series was to go and interview and visit different places that offered different steps in the process for someone who was experiencing homelessness to fully house. So we visited, you know, temporary shelters and interim housing and that place up in Glendale, Ascencia and stuff like that. And what we heard when we talked to the people, was like, Yes, I'm very grateful to have this roof over my head. But you know, the people I know are 20 miles away and 20 miles away in LA County is a real barrier to being able to have any sort of interaction, much less still be part of the community. Marta - They're isolated. They're a lot of them are in carceral states in shelters as well, and so and displaced from their communities is very isolating, and people with mental health issues, Cecilia - They don't feel safe, and they pass. Marta - So we need better alternatives, for sure. Damien - So what's your experience with your current housing situation? Cecilia - I am still unhoused. I was also promised permanent housing. I was offered. We started to go through the paperwork, and then, for some reason, it just stopped. I continued with my eviction and, well, that was not easy, like she says, and that was just an awful long experience. But I'm glad it's over, but I also am not housed since, since then, I've been couch surfing again, like I was in the beginning, and so I'm very displeased, but I'm still working on it. Damien - Is HACLA still involved? Cecilia - Yes, because they're the only ones that I could be reaching out to, but I believe, also not to go back on what Benito was offered. And I think that was why he was so very upset, is because we all were promised and offered permanent housing. So when they offered him four years in the hotel, of course, he was upset. Damien - Benito  challenged us to reach out to HACLA to see if we could get a response as to what happened, and we got a very legalese - we did - We got a very legalese response. I imagine if we reached out on your behalf, it would be the same thing we can't discuss. You know, you know exactly. Cecilia - That's their good excuse. Damien - Yeah, I imagine it might actually be almost the same statement with, like, two or three, you know, things where they changed pronouns and changed his name to your name. But do you, I guess, regret or the decision not to go the same route he did as far as, like, a physical resistance of eviction? Or do you--- Cecilia - I would have never gone that route. I would have never, ever gone that route, ever, and I feel bad that he did. Damien - So what do you see as a potential next step? Is it hoping the HACLA process works out? Cecilia - Exactly, I still have hope. Damien - Yeah, and so we talked to someone. I talked to someone last night on the phone, before this, and she can't be with us today for the interview, and when she was. It gave a very similar story to the one we've heard today. And she was saying that she is in housing now. She took a HACLA deal, but she misses her old place and preferred it. And she actually was saying, like, if my message, if we were to do the interview, my message would be, you know, put me back in my old house, if that were and it's probably not an option, because they probably have plans for that area, but if there was, area. But if there was an option to go back to the house that you had been in-- Cecilia - I knew they  would come to my house to do inspections and tell me, would you please stop doing, you know, like renovations and repairs on the house? And I said, Well, I'm here. I want to enjoy my house, and I want to make sure that it's safe and that it's livable and presentable, if anything. And they would just continue to tell me, you know you're never going to live here forever. And I said, I know that, but while I'm here, I want to enjoy my house. Marta - Another option is that these houses are going for bidding, and El Sereno Community Land Trust would want to purchase these houses. The problem is, like, last year, the land trust got like, probably one of the worst houses and just one. And the people, the agencies, entities that are getting more of the houses are Habitat for Humanity... is one, I don't know Cecilia - That's one of the main ones. Marta - That's one of the main ones that's getting that, and they're basically just flipping the houses because we tried to apply, and it's not at our income level, so it's not for deeply affordable housing. The Land Trust would like to bring the Reclaimers back, especially like Cecilia and other people that have roots in El Sereno. I think it's very important for them to come back to these houses. And so we're trying to get Caltrans to realize this and prioritize Reclaimers to come back to these houses. I know I have a friend that's doing work in Altadena also trying to get Caltrans houses for the people that were displaced during the fires. Like those are people that we need to prioritize. I feel, Cecilia - I feel that if it wasn't for our movement, then these homes would have still been vacant and rotting and going to waste also. Damien - Well, I think that's one of the reasons this story has captured people's imagination in a way that a lot of other stories that deal with issues around the unhoused haven't the direct action and the focus that was done on it, and how that really changed the conversation in this area around those housing and those issues. And I know when we're traveling for work, I'll have people in other parts of the state, if, when I say, you know, Streetsblog, oh, and I do our San Gabriel, they're like, Oh, you did the Reclaimers podcast. And then they'll ask for updates. And sometimes I have them right at my fingertips, and sometimes I have to look them up. Cecilia - We also know that there has never been anyone to stand up to the state, to bring this up, into the light, to let everyone know that this data has all these properties they're just wasting. And this is not just in El Sereno. It's statewide. Marta - That's like our major outrage, that these houses have been sitting vacant for so long and nothing was being done. And then it's not only here, like all the states, a lot of them Caltrans owned by Caltrans, sometimes by county, by city. How are we in a housing crisis? And these houses are sitting vacant, immoral? And that's why, to me, legality doesn't matter. Of like, yes, we took the houses, but we took it because it's immoral to have them just rotting while people are -- Cecilia - It should be against the law. It really should. The houses are being wasted. There's people suffering out there daily, every day, everywhere, statewide. Damien - And you were making the point earlier that, yes, after some letters, the governor's office interceded and told the state, we pretty much have to stop doing it, to stop trying to force you out, and the county and city to figure something out. But do you think that that was probably not just a result of the public pressure, but also a result of the chaos of the pandemic, or do you think this could have been a very different story? Cecilia - Oh definitely without pandemic it, it would have probably never have happened. Damien - Yeah, you can't see it, but everybody's shaking their heads in the room for the people that are listening. So we've discussed a little bit about the current situations, the housing situations you're in, and what the next steps are for the movement to try and force governments to do something with the properties they have that are not being utilized. You know, the homelessness crisis hasn't gone away in the past five years. Cecilia - It's never gonna go away unless there's permanent housing, affordable, permanent housing. Damien - So what do we see as the next step for the movement from here, for me, sure we can get, we can do it locally, on what we're doing, and then maybe expand to talk about, like, what we would like to see the state do in future years. Marta - Right. Oh, for me, locally, with the Reclaimers to get more of the houses through Caltrans, either individually, if that's an option, or through El Sereno community land trust as a whole, I feel like there should be more reclaiming like I think me I wanted also like moms for housing inspire more reclaiming locally and nationally, worldwide. I feel like we need to build a reclaiming movement, because again, it's immoral to have vacant houses while people are suffering in this supposedly fabricated housing crisis, because it's not natural, and so it's a product of capitalism and All these, all these oppressions we're under. So I want more people to reclaim and if people need support, I'm here for it... Cecilia - A lot of people may not see it as being the correct way, but if we were able to get others aware of all these homes that are rotting then, then then if we, if that's the way we have to do it, then, then that's what we're going to do. Marta - One of the oppositions we had in this neighborhood, and I think in general, is like, I work hard for my housing, so why should you get handouts? And I don't agree with that, like I could work hard for my housing, and I still think that people deserve housing because, not because I did it and I suffered and I wasn't able to spend time with my daughters because I was working so hard. Doesn't mean that I want better for other people. I think as humans, we should want better for other people, and if that takes a housing I know like it helps so many people to have a house-- Cecilia - People really don't start to see it unless it's right there in your front lawn. Somebody pulls up a tent and starts living on your sidewalk. Then they start to see it, then it starts to affect them. Damien - I know it's very early in the process for this, but have any of the candidates for governor, in any way, said anything about this that would give you any hope. It seems like this is something that Villaraigosa would have picked up on. Marta - Yeah, they either have ignored us or maybe they don't know, but I feel like we need to be out there more now and start demanding housing, permanent housing, stable housing, housing that really cares about people. Because the most vulnerable people on the streets I work with are unhoused all the time, I know their stories. I know they're highly traumatized, a lot of times, foster care, children that have weaned out of the system, that don't have support.  There's abused women out there, veterans, people that can't pay their medical bills, and so we tend to stigmatize or stereotype, "oh, it's just addicts," but often also substance abuse. I feel like anyone, and I don't care if they're addicts, they need housing, but substance abuse doesn't come from prior. A lot of times it's what they do to survive on the streets. Damien - There was actually the West Side city council member Mike Bonin, who would talk about how there was a period in his life where he was homeless, and talked about how the drug abuse followed the becoming homeless, not the other way, not the other way around. And he would talk very movingly about it, as the council was, you know, ready to do something horrible about criminalizing homelessness. And at the time, the council was even more conservative than it is now, so there were a lot of 12 to one, you know, with two people, not there type votes with Mike, you know, being the one. And I think, though, that that's, that's a very interesting point, in a way, he humanized the issue for a lot of West siders, that whose only experience with homelessness was that person who was pulling up a tent in front of their house or pulling up an RV in front of their house. So their house. I don't know where I was going with that. Cecilia - Also there, there were many, many vouchers that were unused, that were supposed to have been given out. And Huckle said on them, a lot of Section Eight vouchers are on. Used every year, and they expire. And so what no one ever looks into that portion like, why none of those, all those vouchers, should have been used because there are enough people to use them, and no one ever gets that side of the story either. You know, I think they need to dig deeper. And why are there so many homeless people out there? HACLA is not helping by doing such things. Damien - So I feel like we've covered a lot of the issues we wanted to talk about. I know that sometimes, since we do this very conversationally, these podcasts, instead of a list of questions, sometimes there's something people are really dying to say, and I just didn't ask the right questions. So at the end, I am always like, if we miss something, feel free to just chime in and say it, because I want to make sure that we're getting your stories and your beliefs and opinions and values out there as much as possible. So if there's something we missed, please just fill it in. You can say I did a great job. That is totally acceptable. Chris is shaking his head because he's heard me say this so many times. Marta - Yeah. Well, I mean to me, it's just the issue of displacement worldwide, especially right now with Palestine, I feel really strongly about that, like I don't. I think people deserve to be in the places where they feel comfortable in the places where they have support. And like Trump says, "Oh, they could just go to another Arab country." Like that doesn't make sense to me. Same thing with HACLA. "You could just go to the valley and find another school. That's fine." No. Like, no. We have roots. Here we have a community. Here we have schools that meet my daughter's needs. We can't just go anywhere, and this is something that needs to be humanized, because not just any offer should be okay, like there should be a really intentional offer that fits individual needs, because that affects our mental health and our health in general. Damien - I think there is a stigma. Well, we offered them something, or, Oh, they were offered a voucher, and especially around the project room key. We would hear that a lot. Well, they were offered a hotel, Marta - Like the phrase beggars can't be choosers. Damien - Project room key was very well intentioned, but it was also there, but it was also very uneven. Some facilities worked great. Some did not. But I would hear that a lot when we were talking about that program back during the pandemic with people, well, they were offered something and didn't take it as though that somehow moved down their value, almost. Marta - Yeah, I agree. Anything else? Damien - No. Well, thank you both for your time. You know, always said, feel free to reach out if there's something we should know. I would love to hear if the people are ready to move into the El Sereno Community Land Trust home. We know if and when that happens, I should say when that happens, it will, you know, we would love to be able to come out and cover that, you know, highlight that success slowly, for sure. Yeah, well, I mean, you know, to take a house that's fallen into disrepair and get it ready like that is an undertaking. And for a nonprofit that's doing it for the first time, it's a double undertaking. You know, the next one will be easier. I understand that. Marta - it's gonna be difficult. They're looking for funding for this house. They plan to do it ecologically. So they're doing a lot of research on Earth build, that is, that is also fire friendly, because we know what happened in Altadena and those houses there. So these are going to be more fire resilient with clay. And also they're sustainable, and this is the type of housing that we need in Los Angeles. So I'm really excited for this project. I know it's going to be hard to fund it, but we're looking forward to this project.    

Governor Newsom wants the courts to finally put an end to the National Guard deployment in Los Angeles. LA County leaders are putting off a decision on a new rent relief program. Fire officials say certain homeowners can now stay behind during wildfire evacuations. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

Six months ago, Stay in LA co-founders Sarah Adina Smith and Alexandra Pechman came on the show to explain why their grassroots movement was desperately needed to keep film production in Los Angeles. Since then, they've racked up a good amount of wins —from helping secure California's $750 million tax incentive to advocating for permitting reform across LA County. Today we're joined by two other leaders driving this coalition: showrunner and co-founder Noelle Stehman, and social impact producer Kate Holguin. We break down their wins, setbacks, and what's next in the battle for Hollywood's future. But as both guests make clear, the wins so far are just the beginning. As Noelle puts it: "If we don't continue to put pressure on policymakers and studio execs... the industry is going to continue to disappear and deteriorate."

LA County considers a new program to help wildfire survivors and ICE victims pay their rent. A school emergency alert system for immigration sweeps goes before the State Assembly. It's time for parents to start researching LA Unified's specialized programs for next year. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

Want your teen to swap scrolling for soul-filling creativity? Curious how “mind-watching” (kids' word for mindfulness) can calm thought-storms and build resilience? In this episode, Colleen talks with artist and youth-mental-health advocate Rafael McMaster, founder of Indivisible Arts. Rafael shares how a 30-minute “Fundamental Life Tools” practice—taught in kid language and paired with an hour of hands-on art—helps teens regulate emotions, focus, and reconnect with purpose. You'll hear how peer mentorship supercharges buy-in, why phones naturally disappear when real-life creativity is compelling, and how gratitude “G-flips,” intention setting, and compassion turn chaos into clarity—at home, in school, and even for foster youth. About the guestRafael McMaster is a creative director, photographer, and founder/CEO of Indivisible Arts, a nonprofit in LA County dedicated to cultivating one million conscious youth through art, mentorship, and practical mindfulness. His forthcoming book, Fundamental Life Tools, distills seven everyday practices—awareness (“mind-watching”), acceptance, intention, gratitude (“G-flip”), compassion, forgiveness/resentment work, and connection—developed with teens and used in after-school labs and high-school classrooms (including Da Vinci Rise). He also pilots Stream of Consciousness • Life, a teen-taught micro-lesson platform. Teach the tool, then do the art. A short, concrete practice (“mind-watching”) before creative time helps kids notice thoughts instead of obeying them—lowering anxiety and boosting self-control. Make IRL more interesting than the phone. When spaces are playful, social, and soulful (music studio, fashion lab, spray-paint alley), teens forget their screens—no rules required. Prioritize the soul over performance. Reframe art as “the language of the soul.” When kids reconnect with joy, presence, and gratitude, grades, sports, and auditions become more tolerable—and often improve—without fear-based pressure. Learn more at: https://www.indivisiblearts.org/ Follow Rafael at https://www.instagram.com/mcmaster.peace/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Atty Carl E. Douglas recently won $3.8 million dollars from LA County for a deputy's use of so-called "less lethal" force on his clients. Atty. Douglas is in private practice at Douglas / Hicks Law in Los Angeles. Mr. Douglas is the former Managing Attorney at the Law Offices of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. where he was employed for over eleven years until opening his own practice in March 1998. Although he is perhaps best known for his successful work as the Coordinator of O.J. Simpson's criminal defense team, Mr. Douglas now represents plaintiffs in state and federal courts in his diverse civil litigation practice.https://www.instagram.com/ced.esq/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Please remember to rate and review our podcast!Check out your YouTube channel @comadresycomics  CHISME DE LA SEMANA:  Valiant's new Bloodshot #1 is under fire online for a panel depicting what is seen as thinly veiled transphobic dialogue.ON MY RADAR:  Eyes of Wakanda streaming on Disney+ & KPop Demon Hunters streaming on Netflix.  It Killed Everyone But Me by Ryan ParrottHORA DE LA CERVECITA:  KBS Hazelnut Fudge by Founders Brewing Co.BOOK REVIEW:  BEYONDTOPIA LEGENDS - Tales from the Mystic Verseby Bryan Valenza (Author), Henry Barajas (Author), Sami Basri (Artist), Garrie Gastonny (Artist) @beyondtopiaEN LA LIBRERIA:   We Will Survive: FairSquare Graphics 2025 rebirth!  After being abused by our distributor, we have to reprint ALL our titles to carry on. Will you help us doing so? @fairsquaregraphics     http://kck.st/45AHlll  JUNTOS Y FUERTES: LA County Library's Hispanic Heritage Month EventsJoin Hispanic Heritage Month events in LA County with LA County Library's special programs, activities, and booklists. Explore curated reading lists that highlight Hispanic American culture and history—featuring titles for kids, teens, and adults. Enjoy family-friendly activities such as book clubs, craft-making workshops, and many other cultural events.lacountylibrary.orgSALUDOS: Dalton bartender at Sheraton San Diego Resort at Sunglow Cabana Bar.Follow us on socials @comadresycomicsVisit our website comadresycomics.comProduced by Comadres y Comics Podcast

  What happens when a juvenile justice system fails to provide proper education? A new report reveals that Los Angeles County's incarcerated youth have faced decades of neglect, with chronic absenteeism, low graduation rates, and high suspensions far worse than state averages. The Education Justice Coalition is now urging the Board of Supervisors to reduce youth incarceration, guarantee quality education, and enforce accountability to address these long-standing violations.  

Dr. D'Artagnan Scorza is the inaugural Executive Director of Racial Equity for Los Angeles County. He leads the anti-racism, diversity and inclusion initiative. Prior to joining the county, he was founder and Executive Director of the Social Justice Learning Institute. Dr. Scorza is a graduate of Morningside High School and a US Navy Iraq-War Veteran. He has Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, a B.S. in Liberal Studies from National University and a B.A. in the Study of Religion from UCLA. on this podcast he shares the plans by LA County regarding reparations following a motion by Supervisor Holly Mitchell to look into reparations on a county level.https://ceo.lacounty.gov/ardi/ https://www.instagram.com/dartagnanscorza/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Jon Herold takes the mic on The Daily Herold with sharp commentary on global and domestic flashpoints. He unpacks the tense debate over peace versus ceasefire in Ukraine, weighing Putin, Zelensky, and Trump's roles in the evolving negotiations. Back home, Herold dissects Trump's push to eliminate mail-in ballots and voting machines, spotlighting a DOJ case alleging LA County's voting contracts fed bribery slush funds. The conversation shifts to Tulsi Gabbard's revocation of security clearances for intel officials tied to Russiagate, with Ed Martin promising accountability through grand juries. On the economic front, Herold covers Trump's criticism of Jerome Powell, the Fed's internal shakeups, and Stephen Moran's fast-tracked nomination. He rounds out the episode with stories on Bed Bath & Beyond refusing to open stores in California, Stephen Miller's fiery Union Station speech, and shakeups from Target to the Air Force. A packed episode blending geopolitics, election integrity, and America First economics.

Today on AirTalk, the Trump administration vows to limit almost all access to mail-in ballots; LA 2028 Olympic finance and logistical updates; the state of robotics in the age of AI; how LA County is dealing with beach sand erosion; how to have a drought-friendly yard, and why we can't fall asleep. Today on AirTalk: President Trump looks to end mail-in ballots (00:15) LA 2028 Olympics check-in (16:51) The state of robotics (33:30) LA County beach erosion (51:13) Drought-friendly yards (1:11:26) Why can't we fall asleep? (1:30:01) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

We tell you where you can stay cool in the heatwave arriving tomorrow. LA County is starting to declare lots a public nuisance over fire debris. The Cal State system is giving all its students and faculty ChatGPT. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

LA County and 20 other states filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for allegedly breaching Medicaid recipients' private healthcare data for mass deportation plans. KCSB's Lina Lim explains the conflict.

California is suing Trump for withholding money for crime victims. Extreme heat will be back later this week. L.A. County is moving forward with a plan to protect beaches like Zuma and Dockweiler. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

A federal immigration officer show at a car of passengers in San Bernardino. LA County will bring dozens of new mental health beds to the soon-to-be renovated Metropolitan State Hospital campus in Norwalk. The legacy of Blue Note comes to Los Angeles -- with a new club in Hollywood. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!Support the show: https://laist.com

It's the first day of school at L-A Unified, and teachers are on the lookout for ICE agents. Governor Newsom is ready to re-write California's Congressional maps. LA County's top judge is denouncing courthouse immigration detainments. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

A new chapter is unfolding in the power struggle between President Trump and cities as he sends the National Guard into DC — and defends the LA deployment in court.  UC regents are meeting to discuss whether to settle with the Trump administration over their freezing of grants. But an appeals court may unfreeze the money first. New research reveals the death toll from the January fires in LA County may be far higher than official counts. Many deaths linked to smoke, stress, and health disruptions are unreported.  “Woody at Home, Volume 1 and 2” contains Woody Guthrie’s 22 previously unreleased songs that protest against racism, facism, and corruption.

Nole and Kevin are joined by their friend and fellow firefighter, Ronnie Evans, for a deeply personal and powerful conversation. The episode centers on Ronnie's harrowing experience during the recent Eaton Fire, where he, while on duty, had to watch his childhood home burn to the ground as his own home was simultaneously threatened. Ronnie shares a minute-by-minute account of that night—the difficult calls with his father, the chaos of evacuating his family, and the helpless feeling of watching his community burn.Beyond the fire, Ronnie discusses his journey into the fire service through the grueling LA County Fire Camps, the life-altering perspective shift of becoming a young father, and his brilliant "plate" analogy for balancing the heavy commitments of work, family, and personal growth. This is a story of devastating loss, incredible resilience, and the hard-earned wisdom that comes from weathering the storm.Key Topics & Timestamps(01:56) - Welcome, Ronnie Evans(02:54) - The origins of Ronnie's nickname, "Regular Ronnie," and the dangers of revealing your pet peeves in a fire station.(05:40) - Ronnie's start in the fire service as a student worker and being reluctantly pushed to apply for the Fire Suppression Aide (FSA) program.(08:20) - The brutal reality of his first day of training and the year-long physical transformation it took to prepare for the academy.(11:35) - What is an FSA? A look inside LA County's Type 1 Hand Crews.(17:28) - Juggling a new baby, a wife in nursing school, and the financial struggles of being an FSA during a hiring freeze.(18:45) - The story of getting the call for the fire academy five months before his wedding.(21:18) - How becoming a father immediately changes your priorities and provides the "death of selfishness."(25:14) - The Eaton Fire: The story begins, starting with the 4 a.m. winds.(28:00) - The phone calls with his dad and the moment of regret over his initial "you'll be fine" assessment.(30:01) - The chaotic scene evacuating his elderly parents, his grandma, and his young children.(31:00) - The "blowtorch" conditions and the grim reality of telling friends their homes were gone.(33:00) - The devastating moment he saw his childhood home fully engulfed in 40-foot flames.(34:00) - Believing his own house was also lost and the relief of finding it still standing amidst the destruction.(37:41) - An important discussion: Why staying behind to "defend your home with a garden hose" was not a viable or safe option.(43:20) - The aftermath: The immense stress of displacement and trying to help his parents start over.(49:15) - A lesson for all first responders: Balancing the professional "we've got this" attitude with the reality of worst-case scenarios for your own family.(01:04:24) - The Plate Analogy: Ronnie's brilliant concept for managing life's commitments by categorizing them as "steaks," "sides," and "salads."(01:14:39) - A key fatherhood lesson: How to react to your children to create a safe space for them to be honest with you.(01:22:12) - An interesting question: What is the difference between having a "goal" and having an "agenda"?Sign up for this year's 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb! Send us an email: thefireupprogram@gmail.comSign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!The Fire You Carry Instagram.

Preview: Wildfires: Colleague Jeff Bliss reports on the dangerous Canyon fire on the north LA County border. More later. 1915 QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA BUSH FIRE

The Canyon Fire expands across Ventura County into LA County. The Trump Administration asks the Supreme Court to end restrictions on the SoCal Immigration crackdown. Prosecutors want disgraced former OC Supervisor Andrew Do to pay up, but how much? Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

Michael Monks says a DTLA homeless encampment was cleared—then reappeared. LA County landlords must now keep apartments under 82 degrees. A solar boom is heating up Kern County. Two arrests may be tied to the Encino burglary ring. The Gifford Fire is threatening hundreds of homes along the Central Coast. And don't miss the Teacher of the Day, or Bellio's sparkling water addiction. Plus, a must-watch Billy Joel doc on HBO Max: So It Goes. 

Today on AirTalk, we go over LA County's latest count of unhoused people as of July; why NASA is fast-tracking a plan to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon; which one of your teachers had a lasting impact on you?; LA County budget pressures; how couples find intimacy and sexual fulfillment after having children, and what makes a good airplane movie? Today on AirTalk: LA County's latest homelessness count (00:15) NASA's plans for nuclear Moon reactors(17:38) Which teacher had a lasting impact on you? (32:37) LA County budget update (51:17) Intimacy after having kids (1:05:37) What makes a good airplane movie? (1:24:49) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

A heat wave arrives with some areas about to hit triple-digit temps. LA County gets a new hub for Skid Row homeless services. Thousands in the San Fernando Valley may wake up to no water. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

What does it take to rebuild one of the most complex regional economies in the world, while also preparing for the 2028 Olympics and a rapidly evolving workforce? In this episode of Future of Work, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo sits down with Maria S. Salinas, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, to explore how LA's business community is leading through disruption, rebuilding with intention, and reimagining what workforce development can look like. Maria shares why she believes the Chamber must be a “caretaker of the region,” how public-private partnerships are critical to long-term resilience, and what an employer-led approach to workforce development means in practice.    You'll learn: What the LA Chamber actually does and how it balances business needs with community well-being Why rebuilding LA means investing in policy, preparedness, and people How the “Get in the Game” initiative is helping small businesses compete for Olympic contracts What employer-led workforce development looks like Where business and education leaders still need stronger alignment to support the future of work   About the Guest: Maria S. Salinas is the President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in LA County, representing over 235,000 businesses. Since becoming the first woman and first Latina to lead the Chamber in its 132-year history, she has championed a reimagined vision: “A Thriving Region for All.” Under her leadership, the Chamber focuses on advocacy, global engagement, and community collaboration to drive inclusive economic growth. A seasoned business leader and advocate, Ms. Salinas serves on numerous boards and commissions, including appointments by Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Eric Garcetti, and represents LA in state and national policy efforts.   Engage with us: LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website   More from Maria S. Salinas & Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce LinkedIn: @mariassalinas   Website: https://lachamber.com/ Instagram, Twitter/X , Facebook: @LAAreaChamber LinkedIn: @los-angeles-area-chamber-of-commerce   Partner with us! Contact our host, Salvatrice Cummo, directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking    Find the transcript of this episode here   Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!  

Mega Quake in Russia causes tsunami warnings across Japan, Hawaii and West Coast // Hertz' AI System That Scans for "Damage" on Rental Cars Is Turning into an Epic Disaster // Michael Monks, hot dogs and standing appointment with Panda Express // Michael Monks, LA County cracking down on traffic in and out of ghost kitchens  

Amy Kinh hosts your Thursday Wake Up Call. ABC White House correspondent Karen Travers speaks on Trump saying 'it's going to work out very well' regarding the tariff deadline. Amy takes us ‘Out and About' to the National History Museum of LA County for ‘Fierce!' The story of cats. Bloomberg's Courtney Donohoe shares the latest regarding business and Wall Street. The show closes with ABC News national reporter Jim Ryan talking about extreme heat waves causing hot-car deaths.

❌ What to Do If Your Divorce Papers Are Rejected in LA County | Los Angeles Divorce Did the Los Angeles County court reject your divorce paperwork? You're not alone—and the good news is, it can be fixed.

LA County considers banning masks on cops, including federal agents. Orange County prepares for the worst as it plans to lose substance abuse funding. The SoCal connection to the man accused of shooting up a New York City office building. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

❌ What to Do If Your Divorce Papers Are Rejected in LA County | Los Angeles Divorce

Today on AirTalk, LA County braces for shortfalls of funding in homelessness services ahead of Trump's proposed federal government funding cuts; what is that one food item you just refuse to eat?; New Zealand-style ice cream and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk: Devastating blows to LA homelessness services (00:15) The science behind food aversion (16:15) Creamy Boys New Zealand-style ice cream (38:35) FilmWeek (51:25) JAWS actor Robert Shaw’s life story is told in a new book (1:24:55) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

A recent ICE arrest in Southern California is raising more questions about how immigration enforcement is being carried out and who gets caught in the crossfire. The man taken into custody is a DACA recipient. He's deaf and primarily communicates through sign language. His ordeal, for the most part, left his friends and family in the dark, until he was finally able to return home. Guest: Brittny Mejia, LA Times California Attorney General Rob Bonta is asking a judge to bring LA County's juvenile halls under state control. Reporter: Libby Rainey, LAist The new federal budget signed into law by President Donald Trump is expected to negatively impact many people enrolled in Covered California, the state's marketplace for subsidized health plans.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonta really wants to make the mess at Los Padrinos his problem? go for it budSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/LAWNERD ! #honeylovepod #ad In the Alex Murdaugh case, his defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, is claiming new, exculpatory evidence was not turned over to the defense during the trial. They are text messages between Murdaugh and Eddie Smith. This is in addition to the ongoing appeal of the murder conviction based on allegations that the clerk of court, Becky Hill, influenced the jury. This could mean that a new murder trial can occur. However, Murdaugh will remain in prison for decades due to his multiple financial crime convictions. The gag order has been lifted in the Bryan Kohberger case and his sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23rd. While he waived his right to appeal, he can still file one, though it is unlikely to change his predetermined four consecutive life sentences. Tom Girardi has reported to prison as of July 17th, 2025, despite his attempts to delay. Court documents indicate that his motion for bond pending appeal will be heard in September, but the attorneys agreed he would go into custody in the interim. Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers are divorcing. Denise has filed for and received a temporary restraining order, alleging physical violence. The LA County court system is currently down online and I will cover this more in-depth once all court documents are available RESOURCES Bryan Kohberger Stream July 10 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy9rHg9m4xk Alex Murdaugh Appeal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HKNZBInEso First Girardi Stream - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn16T4ySkec The Emily Show July 14 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysy5bvjKuac Alex Murdaugh Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJUHo2XsVhGNBhaMdx9B_cq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(July 21,2025)Federal cuts leave Los Angeles County health system in crisis. Inside the wild world of dog wellness in Los Angeles. Make Coca-Cola Great again. ‘Quiet Cracking' is the newest term for workplace problems – and it's ‘pretty pervasive,' expert says.

Today's top stories:Authorities arrest pursuit suspect out of NW BakersfieldKern County Sheriff's Office search and rescue recovers man's body from Kern RiverFay Fire burns over 640 acres near Lake IsabellaFamily hosts fundraiser car wash for victim in south Bakersfield stabbingCandlelight vigil held in Bakersfield for Texas flood victims3 LA County deputies mourned after training facility explosionPresident Trump says he wants Washington Commanders to change back to its former nameTrump sues Wall Street Journal, Rupert Murdoch over Epstein letter storyMegaladon shark teeth on display at Buena Vista MuseumFor more local news, visit KGET.com.Stream local news for free on KGET+. Visit KGET.com/plus for more information.

The head of In n Out is moving her family to Tennessee and she's far from the only one packing up and leaving California in the rearview mirror. Why? Plus, Michael explores how LA County made a mistake by passing Measure G, which no one seemed to know would repeal Measure J. Now the county is scrambling to fix it and find out how it happened in the first place. LA and LA County have reported a decrease in the homeless population but that doesn't appear to be true for downtown LA where more legacy businesses have announced their closures due to the economic and cultural climate. And the Ports of LA and Long Beach see fluctuations in cargo volume as the President's tariff policy continues to shift.

They claim Chief Viera Rosa is incompetent and corrupt and they want him out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine.Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely were joined by Johnny Gray III and David Baumann, two remarkable crew chiefs from L.A. County Fire Department's air operations. They take us on a compelling journey—from their athletic backgrounds to their vital roles in emergency services—highlighting the importance of teamwork, leadership, and mental resilience.Through personal stories, they share lessons learned from overcoming failure, navigating high-stakes situations, and the critical impact of mentorship and community involvement. Whether it's tackling devastating wildfires, honoring fallen heroes, or working alongside family, their experiences shed light on the enduring spirit of dedication and service that drives them.Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Garmin and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch.

Trump's ICE is attacking undocumented people in LA County because there are a lot of them -- maybe a million, out of a total of 3.3 million Latinos, and also because LA is one of the most Democratic counties in the country. And LA has a big and militant alliance of immigrants rights groups that are fighting Trump. Harold Meyerson will explain the deportation battle in Southern California at this point. Also: Rachel Kushner will talk about the informant and provacateur who infiltrates an anarchist eco-commune in rural France – the central character in her award-winning novel, “Creation Lake” - it's out now, in paperback.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine.Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely were joined by Johnny Gray III and David Baumann, two remarkable crew chiefs from L.A. County Fire Department's air operations. They take us on a compelling journey—from their athletic backgrounds to their vital roles in emergency services—highlighting the importance of teamwork, leadership, and mental resilience.Through personal stories, they share lessons learned from overcoming failure, navigating high-stakes situations, and the critical impact of mentorship and community involvement. Whether it's tackling devastating wildfires, honoring fallen heroes, or working alongside family, their experiences shed light on the enduring spirit of dedication and service that drives them.Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.

Tim shares highlights from the Santa Anita racetrack before diving into California's upcoming gas tax hike and what it means for your wallet. Then, a crime spree across LA County involving multiple store lootings during illegal street takeovers grabs Tim's attention. He wraps the hour with a look at skyrocketing concert ticket prices and the rise of surge pricing at live events.

80 years ago, Smokey the Bear was mostly talking about campfire safety. Now? Things are a little different.Forest fires have always been a normal part of our landscape – and a tool used by human civilizations for millennia.But as climate change makes our landscapes hotter and drier, wildfires are getting bigger and more destructive. Fire consumed 8.9 million acres across the U.S. last year. The LA County fires this January are the costliest so far, with some estimates putting the total close to $250 billion in damages.We discuss how we can better adapt to living with massive fires and how we should think about fighting – and preventing – them.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Unlicensed, the first fiction show created by Jeffrey and Joseph since Night Vale, returns for a third season. Lou Rosen and Molly Hatch are unlicensed private detectives, scraping by on whatever cases they can get from their little office on the fringes of LA County.Reeling from a devastating betrayal and a major earthquake, this season finds Lou and Molly trying to rebuild their lives and evaluate their futures. But those futures might not be as long as they hope.Lou and Molly start what appears to be a quiet case: a series of strange home break-ins all involving ex-employees of a defunct Long Beach stereo manufacturer. But this case will quickly bring them up against an opponent more ruthless and resourceful than they've ever faced before. Lou and Molly have always gotten by on their wits, but what to do when facing an enemy who can outmatch them in both wits and violence?A cat and mouse game through the forgotten regions of Southern California, including a shady direct-to-video movie studio, the unglamorous workers neighborhoods of glamorous Catalina Island, and the distant remote parts of the desert, where help cannot reach you in time.There will be grave danger. There will be deaths.But maybe some things matter more than survival.Listen with a free Audible trial today.