Podcasts about reclaimers

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.    

The Reclaimers face off with Calypso and the Black Talon at the Blackwood and Sons Funeral Emporium and discover the potential culprit behind the missing persons cases plaguing the Island of Manhattan. Unfortunately, during the process one of their own goes missing, and the trail leads them to the doorstep of The Hellfire Club. The Reclaimers from In the Shadow of Evil and In the Mouth of Madness find themselves on the planet Noir in Marvel Galaxies after an incursion destroyed their reality. Want to hear the full intro song by Bombshell? Here's the link! https://youtu.be/nRHFs4ljz_QCheck out the new Horror Compendium for Everyday Heroes brought to you exclusively by Dreamslayer Studios! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/512154/requiem-a-horror-compendium-for-everyday-heroesFeaturing players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studiosCheck out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may be provided by Dark Fantasy Studio or Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

This week's SGV Connect reconnects with the Reclaimers (full coverage), the group of formerly homeless people that moved into Caltrans-owned houses at the start of the pandemic without the agency's permission. Over the past five years, the Reclaimers have been on a legal odyssey that's involved not just Caltrans and the three cities where the transportation agency owned houses in the right of way for a now cancelled freeway extension, but also the California Highway Patrol, and even the Governor's Office. This interview focuses mostly on the story of Benito Flores, a 76-year old handyman still residing at a Caltrans owned home in El Sereno. Flores has resisted eviction, and plans to stay in the house until he is forcibly removed. When the Sheriffs eventually arrive to remove him, he plans on escaping to a treehouse he has built on the property. He hopes his action continues to draw attention to how the housing system continues to work against people of lesser means and promotes a rent strike he hopes will materialize in December of 2026. Flores claims that the Housing Authority for the City of Los Angeles has lied about him in court filings when they stated that he refused permanent supportive housing. At Flores' request, we asked HACLA to comment on this. Their full comment is below, right before the audio from the podcast. Statement from HACLA: For the past five years, The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has managed the El Sereno Temporary Housing Program under a lease with Caltrans, providing essential resources including utilities, case management, housing navigation placement support and financial subsidies to over 44 households and close to 150 individuals, including Mr. Benito Flores. This program has helped over 90% of our families find permanent housing, with more placements underway. We understand that for Mr. Flores, this is not just about a house but a home, which is why he has been provided with the fullest array of services and housing search assistance including referrals to multiple permanent affordable housing sites as well as access to an emergency housing voucher, which unfortunately, he refused.  HACLA offered several housing referrals, including some deeply affordable options, including senior housing and permanent supportive housing. During the pandemic, HACLA offered Mr. Flores an emergency housing voucher which could be used in the private market to expand his housing options. Additionally, People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) attempted to complete applications on Mr. Flores' behalf so he could be prioritized in the Coordinated Entry System for placement into permanent supportive housing. Regarding documentation, it is our general policy not to release private information about our program participants and we have confirmed with PATH that we cannot release any of Mr. Flores' case notes. 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!    

The Reclaimers continue their search for Felicia Hardy's gal-pal after their dock-side zombie battle on the East End of the Isle of Manhattan. After a brief interlude and education with The Night Nurse, Claire Temple, The Reclaimers head over to Harlem to investigate the Blackwell and Son's Funeral Emporium. But their investigation is stalled with the interference of The Night Shift.The Reclaimers from In the Shadow of Evil and In the Mouth of Madness find themselves on the planet Noir in Marvel Galaxies after an incursion destroyed their reality. Want to hear the full intro song by Bombshell? Here's the link! https://youtu.be/nRHFs4ljz_QCheck out the new Horror Compendium for Everyday Heroes brought to you exclusively by Dreamslayer Studios! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/512154/requiem-a-horror-compendium-for-everyday-heroesFeaturing players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studiosCheck out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may be provided by Dark Fantasy Studio or Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

Welcome to Noir - a Marvel Galaxies crossover with In the Shadow of Evil and In the Mouth of Madness. The Reclaimers are paranormal investigators that work out of the Bleeker Street Sanctum - a jazz club that is a front for their more important work on the Isle of Manhattan. A new case walks into the Sanctum under the guise of a beautiful thief by the name of Felicia Hardy. A friend has gone missing and there are signs of dark forces at play surrounding her disappearance. The Reclaimers from In the Shadow of Evil and In the Mouth of Madness find themselves on the planet Noir in Marvel Galaxies after an incursion destroyed their reality. Want to hear the full intro song by Bombshell? Here's the link! https://youtu.be/nRHFs4ljz_QCheck out the new Horror Compendium for Everyday Heroes brought to you exclusively by Dreamslayer Studios! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/512154/requiem-a-horror-compendium-for-everyday-heroesFeaturing players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studiosCheck out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may be provided by Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The Reclaimers' journey across the globe in search of the Eden Mechanism comes to a close as they face Loki and the High Evolutionary as the Negative Zone begins to seep through the cracks of reality. Something waits on the other side - Annihilus and his Annihilation Wave! Could this be the end of reality as we know it?Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Check out the new Horror Compendium for Everyday Heroes brought to you exclusively by Dreamslayer Studios! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/512154/requiem-a-horror-compendium-for-everyday-heroesFeaturing players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studiosCheck out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may provided by Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

Uxaria's astral form is brough to the throne room of the ruler of the universe - God Emperor Doom - and the secrets of the Universe are revealed. This interaction is a game changer for the Children of the Blindfather, and now Doom knows of their existence. Their journey officially begins here, but first they must deal with the perils of The Savage Land!Cameo by the Reclaimers from In the Mouth of Madness!Dreamslayer Merch is now available! Check us out at  https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studiosOur Everyday Heroes Horror Compendium, REQUIEM is now available for download! Click here to buy your copy!https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/512154/Requiem--A-Horror-Compendium-for-Everyday-Heroes?affiliate_id=1762912Inspired by the old comic book tales of What If? and 2015's Secret Wars saga, we embark on a journey with a tightly knit family unit thrust into a Galaxy far, far away as the secrets of the past they never knew begin to unravel. If you're a fan of the Fantastic Four's family dynamic, the lore of the X-Men or the adventures of The Guardians of the Galaxy, the Children of the Blindfather are sure to carve a special place in your heart as we explore Marvel Galaxies!A Marvel Superheroes RPG Live Play utilizing Foundry VTTLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosVisit Dreamslayer Studios online at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Additional music by Monument Studios https://www.monumentstudios.net/For more Marvel Superheroes action, check out our other campaigns:IROSHANhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZrWbwUCH4XA3EeGmthj67Y_fUMOpU2h-Orphans of the Bliphttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZrWbwUCH4XDVF-aD_XrRzyZC4lDK75iXIn the Shadow of Evil/In the Mouth of Madnesshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZrWbwUCH4XA6cNHVkounbBaJZAwE1UfJ Thanks to our monthly supporters Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

Aubrey converses with Luyanda Hlatshwayo, Business Development Manager and reclaimer at African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) and Angela Schaerer, a resident of Bordeaux in Johannesburg, about the economy of waste reclaimers in South Africa and working to improve working conditions, fight for recognition, and change the way society sees waste and those who collect it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Drinking from the Well of Mimir, The Reclaimers see visions of the past, present and future. Everything is revealed to them - from the trials of early man to the machinations of a wayward son. The trickster god, Loki has his sights set on the Asgardian throne, and he is willing to deal with the devil to achieve his goal. Join us for the penultimate episode of In the Mouth of Madness - our heroes leave this episode forever changed. Featuring a special tie-in to Marvel Galaxies!Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Check out the new Horror Compendium for Everyday Heroes brought to you exclusively by Dreamslayer Studios! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/512154/requiem-a-horror-compendium-for-everyday-heroesFeaturing players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may be provided by Monument Studios and Dark Fantasy Studio. Thanks to our monthly supporters Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The Reclaimers journey to Asgard in hot pursuit of the trickster god, Loki and the Goddard Coin. They arrive only to be stopped in their tracks by the all-seeing Heimdall. Their presence unannounced, they must seek permission from the All-Father, Odin to continue their trek. The Trial of Odin begins here, and a series of great personal sacrifices must be made to uncover the truth.Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Check out the new Horror Compendium for Everyday Heroes brought to you exclusively by Dreamslayer Studios! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/512154/requiem-a-horror-compendium-for-everyday-heroesFeaturing players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may provided by Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The Reclaimers face their most powerful enemy to date as Shuma-Gorath emerges from captivity in the mystic city of New Salem! The fate of the world hangs in the balance in a battle for the ages!Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Check out the new Horror Compendium for Everyday Heroes brought to you exclusively by Dreamslayer Studios! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/512154/requiem-a-horror-compendium-for-everyday-heroesFeaturing players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may provided by Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

In the humble abode of Agatha Harkness, The Reclaimers discuss the final leg of their mission and what the future may hold, both for the team and the world at large. A heavy weight has fallen on their shoulders and the outcome of this next confrontation may affect not only the outcome of the War, but the fate of this reality. Still unsure of what to do with the pieces of the Eden Mechanism, The Reclaimers with their new companion Indiana Jones are transported to confront Nicolas Scratch and the Salem Seven in the mystical city of New Salem.Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Check out the new Horror Compendium for Everyday Heroes brought to you exclusively by Dreamslayer Studios! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/512154/requiem-a-horror-compendium-for-everyday-heroesFeaturing players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may provided by Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Adam Collins Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The Reclaimers return to the United States in search of the Goddard Coin and stumble across the kidnapping of a well-known archaeologist by a gang of thugs in possession of Asgardian weaponry. Who are the Wrecking Crew and what do they want with the Goddard Coin?Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Featuring players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may provided by Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Adam Collins Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The Reclaimers facer thier most harrowing battle to date when they come face to face with the author of the Necronomicon - The Mad Arab Abdul Alhazred. With the demon D'Spayre and his sister Spite at his side, the fate of the world hangs in the balance as The Dweller in Darkness claws his way into our reality. Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Featuring players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may provided by Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The Reclaimers form a shaky bond with a member of the Baghdad Thieves' Guild as they traverse the treacherous waters of the Tigris River. Along the way they encounter roving bandits before stumbling upon the oasis tomb that serves as the base of operations for the band of marauders known as the Desert Storm. Will they defeat the guardians of the tomb before a dark ritual conducted by the author of the Necronomicon comes to fruition? Tune in and find out, True Believers!Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Featuring players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may provided by Monument Studios. Thanks to our monthly supporters Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The Reclaimers confront a horde of Moloids in the depths of the Vladivostok mines as they search for the pieces of The Russian Tooth Wheel. Who or what is the spectral figure guarding the mine and controlling not only the Moloids, but the undead Koschi that haunt the city at night?Please Note: Our last session experienced technical difficulties and we chose not to post it due to the sound issues that we were having. Thus, the slight hiccup in the story - don't worry - we cover it in the recap!Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Featuring players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may come from the following sources: Tabletop Audio and Monument Studios Thanks to our monthly supporters Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The Reclaimers find themselves at the doorstep of an old Hermit whom they believe has the final piece of the Russian Tooth Wheel in his possession. Somewhere in the woods, an unholy howl breaks through the winter silence, and the Hounds of Winter descend upon our heroes. Please Note: Our last session experienced technical difficulties, and we chose not to post it due to the sound issues that we were having. Thus, the slight hiccup in the story - don't worry - we cover it in the recap!Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Featuring players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may come from the following sources: Monument Studios, Tabletop Audio and Darren Curtis. Thanks to our monthly supporters Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

Some suburbs are provided with municipal bins for recyclables, which are then collected by contracted companies who rely on the recyclable waste to generate revenue. But informal waste collectors are now arriving before the trucks and taking their pick of the more valuable items. Lester Kiewit speaks to Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management for the City of Cape Town, to find out if this is causing any problems or whether there is enough to go around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mission continues in the Heart of Dharuunax... but only for some party members! It's time to take down an army of Reclaimers! The battle-map for this encounter is available for free on our Patreon! Check it out here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/116726161 _______________ Boost your Charisma with some HR merch! https://highrollersdnd.teemill.com/ Add official High Rollers Minis to your TTRPG collection here: https://only-games.co/collections/high-rollers Bless your table with the Clever Toad Dice Set: https://dispeldice.com/collections/high-rollers Enhance your bath time experience with the official Altheya themed DiceBombs at https://geekyclean.com/! Check out https://www.highrollersdnd.com/ for all the latest HR News! Love the podcast? Give us a glittering 5 star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-rollers-dnd/id1401508198?see-all=reviews Support the High Rollers on Patreon and get early access to Podcast episodes, vods and more: www.patreon.com/HighRollers Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound, TCT Adventures (Solasta: Crown of the Magisters), Monument Studios and Jolene Khor! Check out Jolene Khor and all her wonderful work on High Rollers on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1WX3ICiTmf4GpHwImnQMs6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Reclaimers face off against the members of the mercenary squad known as the Zodiac for possession of the Roman Dodecahedron as they discover there are other agencies at play in a race to build the mechanism that may hold the key to world peace or world domination.Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Featuring players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may come from the following sources: Tabletop Audio and Monument Studios Thanks to our monthly supporters Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Alan Johnson Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The Reclaimers follow the trail of the Antikythera Mechanism to the doorstep of the Hellfire Club and come face to face with one of the fiercest leaders of the Axis Powers - Baron Wolfgang Von Strucker!Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Featuring players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayAdditional Music from this episode may come from the following sources: Tabletop Audio and Monument Studios Thanks to our monthly supporters Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Alan Johnson Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The newly anointed Reclaimers begin their trek across the globe in search of the pieces of an ancient mechanism that may sway the war in their favor. Their first stop - the Roman Colosseum where evidence points to a secret passage. The Reclaimers must work together to solve the puzzle that gains them access to the catacombs below as the moon shines down from above. Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Featuring players from Startplaying.gamesMusic featured from Syrinscape: https://syrinscape.com/attributions/?id=22&id=928Like what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayMusic and SFX in this episode provided by Syrinscape https://app.syrinscape.com/Additional Music from this episode may come from the following sources: Tabletop Audio and Monument Studios Thanks to our monthly supporters Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Alan Johnson Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

The newly anointed Reclaimers descend into the depths of the Roman Coliseum in search of the Roman Dodecahedron. Within the catacombs, a puzzle awaits and an ancient Roman myth comes to life.Our original band of WWII Superheroes come together once more to combat the forces of the Axis Powers in part two of our In the Shadow of Evil campaign entitled In the Mouth of Madness. Featuring players from Startplaying.gamesLike what you see? Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DreamslayerStudiosPick up your Dreamslayer Merch at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dreamslayer-studios or https://dreamslayerstudios.creator-spring.com/Check out our website at https://dreamslayerstudios.renderforestsites.com/Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamslayerstudios.entertainment/A Marvel Superheroes FASERIP RPG Actual PlayMusic from this episode may come from the following sources: Tabletop Audio and Monument Studios Thanks to our monthly supporters Shawn Pearce (FluffyAlpacaGM) Staci Teter Artalis Jonathan Morton Alan Johnson Oraxsis Laura Shepherd Clint Byrd Michael Brightbill

This week's SGV Connect continues our theme of focusing in on various areas of the SGV for our podcast episodes by looking at the Greater Pasadena area. First, Damien and Chris traveled to El Sereno to meet with some of the Reclaimers, unhoused residents of El Sereno who moved into Caltrans owned properties during the pandemic. Benito, Sandra and Fanny return to SGV Connect (their first appearance can be found here) to advocate for affordable housing and community spaces, discuss the ongoing eviction battle between Caltrans and the Reclaimers. Personal stories and experiences are shared, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice from those in power: especially Caltrans, the county's homeless services provider, and Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin DeLeon. A transcript of their discussion can be found here. This discussion references the Roberti Act, passed in the 1970's to guide Caltrans on how to manage and eventually sell these properties. A good description of Roberti can be found in this article about the competing vision between the Reclaimers and DeLeon for El Sereno. Rick Cole has been a regular commenter at Streetsblog and Santa Monica Next for years. After his election to the Pasadena City Council in March, we reached back out to him to discuss the need to improve Pasadena's transportation infrastructure and engage the community in a more inclusive and proactive approach to address gentrification. Cole emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety, affordability, and alternatives to car use, and the need for a more inclusive approach to urban planning, involving the public in decision-making processes. A transcript of their discussion can be found here.   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.”

“Society calls us waste pickers but I am a reclaimer, I don't collect waste,” says Luyanda Hlashwayo, who for the last 12 years has made a living by sifting through household garbage to find recyclables for sale.It is estimated there are 15-20 million people worldwide who, like Hlatshwayo, depend on the informal waste sector for livelihood.Their work is dangerous and they are paid poorly.Through the Africa Reclaimers Organisation which he helped found, waste pickers from South Africa and Kenya are discussing ways to improve their working conditions and livelihoods, as they continue to push for recognition as formal stakeholders.In this episode of Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja talks to Hlatshwayo and Winnie Wanjira who has been a waste picker at one of the largest landfills in East Africa.

On March 14th, 2020, Martha Escudero and her two daughters became the first family to occupy one of over a hundred vacant homes in El Sereno, Los Angeles. Some people call them squatters, but they call themselves the Reclaimers. The Reclaimers are occupying houses that belong to the California Department of Transportation, who planned to demolish them to build a freeway through this largely Latinx and immigrant neighborhood. This is the story of one of these houses, and its residents, past and present, who have fought to make it their home. This episode originally aired in November 2020.

Talked about the Supernatural Indie Horror short film The Reclaimers and talked horror and our love for tacos

This week's SGV Connect is the second in our “Reclaimers” series, focusing on the efforts of a group of formerly homeless activists in the El Sereno to be housed in formerly unoccupied homes owned by Caltrans. The first interview featured six Reclaimers who shared their personal stories on how they fell into homelessness, strived to be rehoused, and then life as a Reclaimer. The stories are powerful and raw. You can hear the podcast here, and read the transcript here. Today's podcast is the follow-up to that one. We are joined by Timothy Ivison with the United Caltrans Tenants Union and Kristina Meshelski, a leader with the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and a philosophy professor at Cal State Northridge. This pair of activists have worked with and adjacent to the Reclaimer movement. A full transcript of this interview can be found here. SGV Connect is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of Downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.” Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays, and catch past episodes of SGV Connect and #DamienTalks on LibSyn, iTunes, Google Play, or Overcast.

We are Reclaimers because we have to because of desperation. - Benito, one of the Reclaimers living in El Sereno. SGV Connect is sponsored by Foothill Transit. Foothill Transit was not consulted about the content of this podcast and the views expressed are those of the participants and interviewer and may or may not be representative of the views of Foothill Transit, its board, or its staff. A couple of weeks ago, I had a chance to interview four of the El Sereno Caltrans Home Reclaimers: Benito, Marta, Ruby and Sandra. They were joined by two supporters, Roberto Flores and Franny Martinez. I thought the interview would be a standard SGV Connect, updating listeners to the status of the reclaimer movement and their own lives since our last update over a year ago. What happened instead was an hour and ten minute emotional discussion of their lives both as Reclaimers and previously as people experiencing homelessness, why they chose to occupy unoccupied Caltrans-owned properties, their current legal status, and what will happen if courts uphold an eviction notice they received last month. So we're doing things a little differently this time. We're skipping our regular introduction, and going right into the interview in the podcast. Below the embed, instead of the usual ad text is a story and summary of the interview which might be a little easier for folks to follow than the transcript (which you can read here if you choose.) On the night of March 14, 2020, the world was in crisis. The COVID-19 shutdowns were just starting to roll across California, and the long- and short-term future was looking cloudy. That evening a group of people experiencing homelessness, with the support of a team of activists and community members broke into unoccupied Caltrans-owned houses and (re)claimed them as a place to live for themselves and their families. Caltrans owns houses along the 710-corridor as part of their now-abandoned efforts to extend the 710 Freeway north from its current terminus. “I am from El Sereno. I saw these homes empty. And I always thought, ‘How come nobody does anything?', recounted Sandra. “I never connected the way how these homes were hoarded and how other people are homeless in their tents. But when somebody mentioned that we're going to squat in them, it totally makes sense….why hasn't somebody done this sooner?” At the time, nobody was exactly sure what would happen. Would the state police, LAPD or the Sheriffs show up and forcibly remove them? Would the chaos of the moment allow them to slip by unnoticed for a period of time? The initial reclaiming of the houses was meant as a statement about how unjust it was for so many houses to be unsettled when the homeless crisis locally, regionally and nationally was so large; but what would happen to the Reclaimers who were in the houses themselves? In the end, the Reclaimers were either allowed to stay or moved to different short-term housing while they awaited a chance to move into permanent housing. “The state and the whole world was in chaos,” recounts Marta of the day she moved in to her reclaimed home. “So they didn't take us out. Governor Newsom told the CHP to stand down and not do anything when we reclaimed. But then with that process came also an offer to HACLA [Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles] and PATH [People Assisting the Homeless] agency here in Los Angeles, to give us temporary housing.” Unfortunately, the story doesn't end there.  For over three years, the Reclaimers have signed leases with Caltrans, and had them expire without permanent housing offers. They created the El Sereno Community Land Trust to purchase as many of the homes as it could to offer to Reclaimers and others experiencing homelessness; but they found the Trust excluded from local planning by disgraced racist Councilmember Kevin DeLeon and state legislation by Senator María Elena Durazo. They have put in roots in the community, or deeper roots for those with a previous connection; but still received eviction notices for their temporary housing last month. Instead of a move into permanent housing, they find themselves fighting in court for the right to stay where they are. But while working with, or trying to work with, the government has proven difficult and frustrating, the Reclaimers have been buoyed by the support of a progressive community in Los Angeles, and with some education found that their physical neighbors would come to appreciate and welcome them as well. “It was a lot of misinformation,” recounts Marta of her first interactions with her new neighbors. “They were saying that the Reclaimers were not from El Sereno. The majority of the Reclaimers are actually from this community, from El Sereno…Another thing that they said [was that] there was a lot of other services, or other things, that the city provides…as Sandra said that she wasn't offered any.” Over time, things began to change.  “In getting to know the neighbors and also talking to them about this misinformation; some of them did change their minds, not all of them. And my experience with my current neighbors is really good,” she continued. “Soon as I moved in, they offered material help. I am a single mother of two daughters, and so they also offered, you know, just to keep an eye out and keep me and my daughter safe, which I totally am grateful for.” Which isn't to say it has been all smooth sailing in the interactions with the previously housed community. Benito is older, and his English isn't as smooth as the other Reclaimers in the interview. He contrasts his experiences with the community broadly with that of his physical neighbors. “I have one very good neighbor. And I have two neighbors who actually don't talk to me. I think they're confused. Because they are confused about the idea of ‘law and order.' …They are really good people. So they said they understand the homeless, but this is not a way to take the…to go in the house illegally.” Benito says. “Some neighbors are angry, but there are more neighbors on our side. Who opened the house for us? The neighbors. Who was bringing us food? The neighbors. Who was keeping guard in the street to keep us safe? The neighbors. The people.” Benito, like the other Reclaimers on the call, recounts the differences between life as an unhoused person on the street and life as a Reclaimer. In response to a question of, “Why?” His answer is simple.  “​​We are reclaimer because we have to…because of desperation,” he said. And part of that desperation, as Marta mentions above, is that the services offered by the city and county aren't sufficient to meet the needs of the mammoth unhoused population. Sandra and her family lived in a park as part of a large encampment near the Eastside Café where she, Marta, Franny and Roberto met to take part in the interview. The encampment was well known in the neighborhood and was politically controversial. In her months living in the encampment, she said she could not remember a time when social services reached out to offer help.  “Not one time. Not one time did someone come to offer me services,” Sandra recounted of her time in the park. But once the Reclaimers were in the house and the Governor ordered CHP to stand down, things changed. “I remember people were getting placed in hotels. But before that, they didn't even want to do a homeless count.” Which isn't to say the relationship between the Reclaimers and government agencies has been smooth. From basic annoyances - Ruby recounting how she often would have to “tell her life story” to multiple people from the same department over the course of a week - to larger ones; the first leases Reclaimers signed were described as “carceral” by the people who signed them. The road has been bumpy. Offers for more stable housing are often far away from where the Reclaimers currently live, which would take them away from support networks, medical care and jobs. “The houses are there.” Is a refrain you can hear repeatedly throughout the interview as the Reclaimers wonder why agencies seem intent on moving them away from the neighborhood they live in, and in many cases grew up in, instead of finding ways for them to stay where they are. The answer is simple. The city and county have designs for the “Caltrans homes” in El Sereno. DeLeon was a de facto spokesperson for the program but has shrunk to the background following the release of his racist diatribe in the “fed tapes” and his efforts to use redistricting to marginalize historically black communities. Streetsblog broke down the differences between DeLeon's plans and those offered by the community in an article last year. However, just because DeLeon is in the background doesn't mean the plans have changed. “Kevin De Leon's plans didn't go by the wayside,” explains Flores. “What happened is that HACLA is substituting in for Kevin de Leon and trying to legitimize the proposal.” The DeLeon/HACLA proposal has greater power behind it because of S.B. 51, authored by Senator Maria Elena Durazo, and signed into law last year. Among other things, the legislation disallows the selling of Caltrans housing to a co-op in El Sereno. Curiously, this provision of the legislation does not apply to properties in Pasadena and South Pasadena that are also owned by Caltrans and are part of the I-710 Corridor. “I'm really irritated with Maria Elena Durazo,” begins Ruby. “She's the image of, of what I once looked up to as an activist…somebody that was standing up for the marginalized, the unhoused, the immigrant, the hungry.” But after S.B. 51, that image changed.  “For what? For her to acquire this, this position in the state and all of a sudden to decide that that's not what El Sereno needs?.... By creating a bill that was going to leave Pasadena and Alhambra, good and allow them purchase the houses in their hood. But not El Sereno? Because we're Brown, we can't buy the houses?” While the Reclaimers have lived stressful lives, the urgency moved back into desperation when eviction notices arrived last month giving them three days to vacate their properties. The Reclaimers immediately took legal action to vacate the notice, but they face a dark short-term future should they fail in court. While there may not be a “Plan B” if they lose in court, going back to the streets is not an option. “You're going to have to take me out in handcuffs,” says Ruby. “But we're definitely not going to go back to the streets. I do not plan to go back to my car,” adds Sandra. “There is only ‘Plan A.' And that's to fight, fight, fight, fight,” finishes Benito. And if there's one message the Reclaimers would like to leave, it's that this movement isn't just about them. Their story, their struggle, will hopefully end with them permanently housed. But they also hope they are part of a larger struggle to improve conditions for unhoused people throughout the world by showing what is possible if governments' efforts are to truly help the unhoused become housed again. “We're not here to just occupy space, we want to create justice for not only for El Sereno, but I think for housing in general,” says Ruby. “This is a global epidemic at this point.” And the solution is for the government to work with the unhoused, and work with the Reclaimers instead of working around or even against them. “We want to see the government sitting down and negotiating with the Reclaimers,” concludes Fanny. “They should create a pathway in housing homeless people instead of criminalizing them. Because as we see, the homeless encampments are being gated. And that's a loud and clear response from the government saying, ‘We don't want you in the streets'…They need to sit down and negotiate with the Reclaimers and create a pathway with the Reclaimers to house homeless folks. Because who else better than the homeless people who reclaim these homes and make it into a house for themselves and their families and their kids?”

This week, Los Angeles' newly elected mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency to help address the city's homelessness crisis. It's an overwhelming issue that has left a lot of Angelenos wondering how they can help, including this week's listener Alex. On this episode, host Amanda Ripley brings on two people who have experience fighting housing insecurity. Theo Henderson is an activist and host of the podcast, We the Unhoused, which sheds light on the struggles faced by the unhoused community in Los Angeles. Larry Morrissey is the former mayor of Rockford, Illinois. During his tenure, the city functionally ended veteran and chronic homelessness – by doing something altogether different than what most cities have tried. Together Theo and Larry explain what needs to change in order to properly address this crisis.  If you liked this episode, check out: “How to (Really) Help Refugees.”  LA organizations mention: J-Town Action and Solidarity as well as The Reclaimers. Do you have an insurmountable problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you'll also be supporting the work we do here on How To!. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus to help support our work. Want a behind-the-scenes look at how we create the show? Check out Slate's Pocket Collections for research and reading lists, as well as additional insights into how we think about the stories behind the episodes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Los Angeles' newly elected mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency to help address the city's homelessness crisis. It's an overwhelming issue that has left a lot of Angelenos wondering how they can help, including this week's listener Alex. On this episode, host Amanda Ripley brings on two people who have experience fighting housing insecurity. Theo Henderson is an activist and host of the podcast, We the Unhoused, which sheds light on the struggles faced by the unhoused community in Los Angeles. Larry Morrissey is the former mayor of Rockford, Illinois. During his tenure, the city functionally ended veteran and chronic homelessness – by doing something altogether different than what most cities have tried. Together Theo and Larry explain what needs to change in order to properly address this crisis.  If you liked this episode, check out: “How to (Really) Help Refugees.”  LA organizations mention: J-Town Action and Solidarity as well as The Reclaimers. Do you have an insurmountable problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you'll also be supporting the work we do here on How To!. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus to help support our work. Want a behind-the-scenes look at how we create the show? Check out Slate's Pocket Collections for research and reading lists, as well as additional insights into how we think about the stories behind the episodes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two years after they fought for the right to live in vacant, state-owned houses in El Sereno, a group of activists are facing eviction. They hope to stay in the houses for good. Democratic State Senator Sydney Kamlager has been elected to replace LA mayoral hopeful Karen Bass in Congress. Can she find her way in a divided Washington?

Appreciating the role of reclaimers - Luyanda Hlatshwayo by Radio Islam

As the former ‘British Empire Games' draws nearer, actor and musician Kema Sikazwe finds out what the world of museums can learn from the communities, artists and curators who are struggling to reclaim global stories about their culture and identity. Kema sees photographer Vanley Burke's new exhibition, Blood and Fire, curated with Candice Nembhard at Soho House, former home of Matthew Bolton. At the Museum and Gallery, he meets members of We Are Birmingham who have remodelled the iconic round room. With the Commonwealth Games in full swing, Kema also hears how refugees, and members of the LGBT+ communities are ensuring their voices are heard within the cultural festival accompanying the sporting events Presenter: Kema Sikazwe Producer: Will Sadler and Andy Jones A Radio Film production for BBC World Service (Photo: Choma Museum. Credit: Radio Film)

Travelling from Lusaka to the Gwembe Valley and then on to Kabwe, Kema Sikazwe hears from people living in communities where artefacts were taken. In the shadow of the Kariba Dam, Kema meets people who were forced from their land when the valley was flooded who explain how promises made at the time have not been kept. Finally, at the lead-mining site where the Broken Hill Skull was discovered in Kabwe 1921, Kema meets former workers who describe how their homes remain contaminated, more than 25 years on, the UN estimates they are among 300,000 people living on toxic ground. Producer: Andy Jones and Will Sadler A Radio Film production for BBC World Service (Photo: Kema Sikawaze stands next to the Broken Hill man skull. Credit: Radio Film)

This week Maria (@ValarMorDollars), Megan (@ephemeralquiet), and De (@NaniCoolJ) as they review the HBOMax documentary "Woodstock '99"Mentioned in this podcast :Woodstock '99 trailerICP "My Parents are Jugaloos" CartoonThe History of MTV & The very first two hours of MTVYo!MTV RapsDavid Bowie calling out MTV (1983)De Ana can be found all over the internet. You can find her webcomic on Patreon (patreon.com/hexschoolforgirls) or on the website (hexschoolforgirls.com). You can also find her on the Nerdgasm Noire podcast (nerdgasmnoire.net | @NerdgasmNoire) with Maria, and on the I Need Diverse Game Twitch stream playing ttrpgs with The Reclaimers (twitch.com/indg | @Reclaimers). She also likes to talk shit on twitter.If you have any suggestions, comments or questions :Tweet at us - @LCCCrossing Email - Lovecraftchronicles@gmail.com

Returning to Zambia for the first time since he was three years old, Kema Sikazwe continues his journey exploring the impact of colonial legacies through museum collections. Since 1972, Zambians have campaigned to reclaim the ‘Broken Hill Skull' from Britain. Kema learns what has led to the current stalemate, as the repatriation movement gathers pace. Kema also meets Zambian creatives who are fabricating their own interpretations of history with ‘digital repatriation' initiatives, creating new artefacts in response to stories inspired by 3D scans and photographs. (Photo: Kema Sikazwe holds up a matchbox designed using motifs inspired by Zambian objects taken from the country. Credit: Radio Film)

Actor and musician Kema Sikazwe is on a mission to uncover his own personal history as he leaves the UK to return to his homeland of Zambia for the first time since he was three years old. As Kema travels, he learns how museums are telling the uncomfortable stories behind some of the objects in their collection. He joins pupils from his old primary school learning why The Great North Museum in Newcastle is offering to return an ancient musical instrument to Nigeria. Arriving in Birmingham, Sara Wajid, co-director of Birmingham Museums explains how 'decolonising museums' goes way beyond returning objects. He also meets legendary photographer Vanley Burke, putting together a new exhibition with curator Candice Nembhard at the former home of a famous industrialist in Handsworth. Meeting the young members of We Are Birmingham, Kema hears how they have been challenged to transform the iconic round room at Birmingham's Museum and Art Gallery, and seeks their advice on how best to approach his own forthcoming journey. Presenter: Kema Sikazwe Producer: Andy Jones and Will Sander A Radio Film production for BBC World Service (Photo: Kema holds up a coin in the Future Coin museum)

Pheeny finds himself in an odd situation. Jeanette guides a survivor to confront difficult emotions. Sonia has a surprise for Pheeny & Persy.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of advocates in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The scripted series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website.

Senator Emilia Gold delivers good news and accepts an invitation. Reid receives a surprise visitor. Pheeny, Persy, and Topher begin working with a new survivor.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of advocates in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The scripted series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website.

An invitation from Senator Everett catches Persy off guard. As Pheeny helps Persy consider the implications of her response, they are interrupted by an invitation from the Haven's Intake Team to welcome a new resident at the Haven. Persy makes use of the chance to confront her abuser in open court and also, to issue an invitation to Survivors all over the world. Pheeny and Attie make good on their promise to stand by Persy's side to create the future. Together.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website.

In our last visit to the past this season, 'Sephy' returns from the Encampment to find comfort in the company of her dear friend. Pheeny is both supportive and suspicious as he tries to get his friend to share why she is so changed. Even as 'Sephy' assures Pheeny that the trauma is in the past, doubt arises. Persy may be confused about how to explain everything to Pheeny, but one thing is clear to them both: it's time to reclaim Sephy.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website

After the end of the Inquiry, Phoenix & Persephone make the rounds on a public relations circuit, ending with an interview on The Last Word. Meg chats with them about Persy's abuser's trial, Haven procedures, and Sonia's chosen career path. Meg also gets them to open up about what they'll be focusing on now that the Haven's line item status is assured.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website

Pheeny and Attie are surprised by the lingering emotion after the end of the Inquiry and Persy's confession. They are led to a surprising insight about the tools just as Franklin arrives to deliver news that he worries will be misunderstood.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website.

Senator Everett and Senator Gold share the findings of the committee regarding the status of the Haven. As Everett closes the Inquiry, Gold steps in as the now senior member of the Justice Reform and Federal Reclamation Center Oversight Committee. Sonia gets a chance to demonstrate her competence (as predicted by Westlee) and Truman gets to meet one of his personal heroes. Attie's brilliant advocacy helps Pheeny re-frame his emotions so that he can work with Persy to confront the truth they'll both need as a foundation to recovery in the aftermath of Daniels' abuse.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website.

((Trigger Warning: This episode demonstrates coercive control and gaslighting. Please be kind to yourself and seek support if the trigger is too much.))Sephy's attempt to take an ethical stand is met with resistance from Mycroft, who wants her to know the effects and consequences of her choices. Even as Sephy seeks to recover lost ground, Mycroft is ready with arguments of his own.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website

Truman's plan to support Persy has been months in the making and now, it's time to make it happen. A few well-placed poignant insights have a profound impact on all involved. Sonia's subsequent surprise visitor brings evidence that will help Alcorn, Gold, Westlee, and Persy to confront Mycroft and the committee about Persy's Heightened Indicted status and the false declarations from the previous session. Pheeny reacts with shock to the unexpected side effects of these confrontations.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website.

((Trigger Warning: This episode demonstrates coercive control and gaslighting. Please be kind to yourself and seek support if the trigger is too much.))Sephy seeks a consultation with Mycroft as she faces some troubling problems with her caseload at the Encampment, but things devolve into an argument that has Sephy scrambling to both diagnose the problem and provide a solution.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website

Ben revisits The Last Word to help untangle the mess he's created. And the surprise he brings with him will change the entire Inquiry.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website

Ashley helps Pheeny work through the aftermath of the Inquiry and a resulting insight contains surprising comfort for them both. Truman proposes a new solution to an age-old issue for survivors, while Jenna and Rose are given a chance to tackle some of the most painful gaslighting from Little Flock.The Reclaimers is a fiction podcast that follows a group of people in the near future where emotional abuse has been deemed a crime. The series is part sci-fi, part therapy session, and part philosophical fiction.For more information about the tools and methods used in the session in this episode, please visit the Empowering Tools Website