MHD Off the Record

MHD and new co-host Chavonne Taylor discuss the importance of viewing psychology and mental wellness from a community perspective with Dr. Cheryl Grills. Dr. Cheryl Grills is a Clinical Psychologist with a current emphasis in Community Psychology. She is also a full-time Professor and director of the Psychology Applied Research Center at Loyola Marymount University as well as a Governor appointee on the California Reparations Task Force and Chair of LA County Sybil Brand Commission. www.bellarmine.lmu.edu/psychology/parc/ourteam/cherylgrillsphd Episode Spotify Playlist

For this episode, Marqueece Harris - Dawson is joined by Martin Draluck, Chef de Cuisine at Post and Beam in South LA, formerly of Hatchet Hall in Culver City. You may know Chef Mark for his work on the Netflix Docuseries High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America. 

For this episode, Marqueece Harris - Dawson is joined by the ladies from HBO Max’s Sweet Life: Los Angeles: Amanda Scott, Briana Jones, and Tylynn Burns. Their conversation focuses on generational wealth and what young Black people can do to build wealth and community ownership. 

LA is the creative capital of the world and continues to lead in media and entertainment. How can the media operate as a tool to inform and empower? Media outlets play a vital role in keeping the public informed and engaged. This conversation with Dominique DiPrima and MHD takes an in depth look at the role of Black media and how its influence and power can shift public opinion on any subject.

This episode takes a deeper look into what makes safe communities. My guest, Aqeela Sherrills and I are both strong advocates for holistic Community Safety Partnerships that empower residents to play a role in public safety. These programs have helped contribute to improved public safety and foster better relationships between the police and communities. Aqeela’s dedication to ending violence and promoting community-based public safety began in Watts, Los Angeles, where he joined the Grape Street Crips. At age 19, Aqeela and Hall of Fame NFL star Jim Brown co-founded the Amer-I-Can Program, Inc. to address the impact of systemic racism and heal gang violence in cities across the country by empowering individuals to overcome factors that negatively influenced their lives.  From 1989 to 1999, more than 400,000 adult and juvenile inmates in 16 states were trained in the Amer-I-Can curriculum, and 1500 high risk youth were diverted from continued involvement with California criminal justice system.  During that time, Aqeela was a chief architect of a historic truce between the Crips and Bloods in Watts. That ceasefire began to fray because of the systemic racism that creates conditions that bred crime, drugs, and violence. Aqeela and his brothers created the Community Self-Determination Institute in 1999 to tackle those personal and social issues, including healing communities’ post (and present) traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Aqeela serves as the Senior Advisor to the Alliance for Safety and Justice’s Shared Safety Initiative, a national nonprofit working to replace justice and prison system waste with common sense solutions that create safe neighborhoods and save taxpayer dollars. He is a member of the Board of Directors of The Alliance for Safety and Justice, and Chairman of the Board of the Newark Community Street Team.

Cooking With Gabby was founded by Steven “Chef Steve” Vasquez Sr. and his wife Lisa. Their vision was to address the serious health challenges facing children and families—specifically poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It began with Chef Steve and his daughter Gabby cooking healthy meals together and sharing the benefits of nutritious eating, fitness, dance, and active lifestyles throughout their community, starting when Gabby was a young child.By 2006, Cooking With Gabby had formalized its mission: to reduce health disparities in low-income communities, where issues like obesity, diabetes, and poor nutrition are prevalent. As a non-profit, the organization has since reached thousands of children and families, equipping them with tools and education to lead healthier lives from an early age.Resources:www.cookingwithgabby.orgCommunity AnnouncementsHalloween Events  Halloween at St. Andrews ParkSt. Andrews Park 8701 S St Andrews Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90047Thursday, October 30th 6 to 9 p.m., with a $2 haunted house.Friday, October 31st 4:30 to 9 p.m. this time, the haunted house is free! Haunted Night in the Park! King Park Rec Center 3916 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90062Friday, October 31st 2:30 to 7 p.m - Completely free for all ages! Halloween Night PartyHarvard Park Rec Center 1535 W 62nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90047October 31st from 4:30 to 8:30 p.mDia de los Muertos24th Street Theatre 1117 W 24th St, Los Angeles, CA 90007Sunday, November 2nd, from 6 to 10 PM

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council District 8 staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Jay McAdams, Executive Director of the 24th STreet Theatre, a unique organization blending professional productions and world-class artists with quality arts education since 1997. Their mission is to engage, educate, and provoke young people and their families with excellent theatre and arts education.  Jay is a producer, having produced dozens of theatrical productions over the last 20 years and won LA Weekly’s 2011 Production of the Year Award. He is also a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and is a 2011 Leadership LA Fellow. Among his other leadership training is LA County Arts Commission’s Arts Leadership Initiative, the Annenberg Leadership Institute, and the prestigious Stanford University Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, where Jay won a Center for Social Innovation Fellowship.Resources:www.24thstreet.orgwww.instagram.com/24thstPHONE: (213) 745-6516E-MAIL: theatre@24thstreet.org

On this episode, the roles have shifted a little... Producer, Chavonne Taylor, steps into the host role to interview Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson about Proposition 50, the single item on California’s November 2025 special ballot.At its core, Prop 50 would put new, temporary voting maps in place for the upcoming election — a direct response to efforts in Texas and other states to tilt congressional districts in President Trump’s favor. The measure has sparked confusion and misinformation, with some claiming it ends independent redistricting. In this conversation, we break down what Prop 50 actually says, why it’s temporary, how it connects to national politics, and what’s at stake for Black and Brown communities in California and beyond.Resources:Statewide Special Election – November 4, 2025Registration deadline: October 20Ballots mailed: October 6Ballot drop-off locations open: October 7Early in-person voting begins: October 25 (in all Voter’s Choice Act counties)Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by: November 4 and received by November 12Every active registered voter will automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot. You can return it by mail, drop box, or directly to your county elections office.For details, visit sos.ca.gov/elections or call 916-653-6814. www.instagram.com/mhdcd8www.mhdcd8.comCommunity AnnouncementsTaste of Soul 2025 – tasteofsoulla.com___________________________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with with Maya Suzuki-Daniels and Lupe Carrasco Cardona about immigrant rights, community safety, and the grassroots organizing behind the Harbor Area Peace Patrols. These patrols, launched in San Pedro, are part of a broader effort by the Community Self-Defense Coalition — an alliance of more than 65 organizations across Los Angeles and Southern California working to defend immigrant rights and respond collectively to ICE activity. Maya is a teacher, union leader, and a founding organizer of the Harbor Area Peace Patrols. Lupe is an award-winning Ethnic Studies educator, chair of the Association of Raza Educators in LA, and a steering committee member of the Community Self-Defense coalition. Together, along with many other community members, they’re helping shape community-led models of safety and solidarity that challenge traditional policing and center immigrant justice.Resources:www.instagram.com/communityselfdefensecoalitionwww.instagram.com/harborareapeacepatrolsCommunity AnnouncementsCentral Ave Jazz Fest - centralavejazzfest.comCalifornia Secretary of State Voting Info - sos.ca.gov/elections or call 916-653-6814____________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

Renata Simril is the President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in youth sports equity and legacy planning. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded access to sports for young people across Southern California, particularly in underserved communities, with a focus on closing the play equity gap.Born and raised in Los Angeles, Renata brings a deep understanding of the city’s challenges and opportunities. Her career spans the military, private sector, and public service, including leadership roles at the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers, and the City of Los Angeles. She also played a key role in the development of the Staples Center and was instrumental in launching the Play Equity Fund where she serves as president, the only nonprofit in the country focused solely on equity in youth sports.A fierce advocate for inclusion, Renata operates at the intersection of civic leadership, community impact, and youth development. As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, she is helping shape a legacy that ensures all Angelenos, especially those in historically excluded neighborhoods, benefit from this global event.Resources:www.la84.orgwww.playequityfund.orgIG: @renataangeleno @la84foundation @playequityfundCommunity Announcements:CicLAvia - www.ciclavia.org/ciclavia_historic_south_central_meets_watts25California Secretary of State Voting Info - sos.ca.gov/elections or call 916-653-6814_____________________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson delves into the critical issues of immigrant rights, the profound impact of storytelling, and how both shape justice and community in Los Angeles.Angelica Salas is a nationally recognized immigrant rights leader and Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (or Chirla), a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that advocates for the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees, working to advance justice and full inclusion for all immigrants . An immigrant from Durango, Mexico, Angelica came to the U.S. as a child and later became a citizen in 2008. Since joining CHIRLA in 1995 and becoming its director in 1999, she has helped grow the organization into one of the country’s most influential immigrant-led groups, leading major local and national campaigns for immigrant justice—including drivers’ licenses for undocumented people, in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, and DACA protections. She also helped found key national coalitions like FIRM and NPNA and serves as a powerful spokesperson for immigrant communities across media and policy spaces.Resources:www.chirla.orgInstagram: @chirla_orgErnesto Rocha aka ‘undocubae’, is an organizer, storyteller, artist and TEDx Speaker. He has over 15 years of community organizing and storytelling experience. His work focuses on advocating for systematically impacted communities, immigrant rights and low wage workers in various industries in Los Angeles. Ernesto uses the power of story to explore identity and narrative formation as a process of collective empowerment and liberation. He is a sought after curator and creative director that works with non-profit organizations, governmental agencies and art/cultural centers to produce original storytelling installations/activations to advance the understanding of complex social justice issues. He worked at Community Coalition for 8 years and served as the Associate Director of Art + Culture. He graduated from UCLA with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Chicana/o Studies and is currently pursuing his Masters in Fine Arts from the USC Roski School of Art.Resources:Instagram: @undocubaelinktr.ee/undocubaeCommunity AnnouncementsFamily Source Centers: l4families.orgLA Legacy Business Grants: bit.ly/LAlegacy (link is case-sensitive)LA Business Source Centers: bit.ly/BusinessSource10 (link is case-sensitive)__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

In this episode, Los Angeles City Council Staffer, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with Andre Christian of Watts Life United, Roman Maldonado from Thee Illusions Car Club, and Dwight Lewis of the National Lowrider Association. These men are some of the organizers behind the Stop the Hate & Stop the Raids Solidarity Ride taking place August 10th and kicking off  9am at Mcarthur park. This event was created in direct response to the recent wave of ICE raids across Los Angeles, especially in South Central. It aims to demonstrate solidarity and support within communities facing political turmoil. The ride is explicitly designed as a Black and Brown initiative, emphasizing moving together as one.We talk about how the lowrider community is using culture as protest, as protection, and as a tool to strengthen Black and Brown unity during a time of fear and rising tension.Resources:Register for the Lowrider Solidarity and Unity Ride at https://bit.ly/unityridelaFor questions about the event email wattslifeunited@gmail.com or call Nira at (323)213-7588Community Announcements:South LA Pride: www.southlapride.comLA Legacy Business Grants: bit.ly/LAlegacy (link is case-sensitive)LA Business Source Centers: bit.ly/BusinessSource10 (link is case-sensitive)__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

Los Angeles's own Jeanette Bolden-Pickens is the third-generation owner of 27th Street Bakery, a historic South LA business known nationwide for its legendary sweet potato pies. A proud Angeleno, she took over the family legacy started by her grandfather in 1956—keeping its deep community roots while expanding its reach across the country. Under her leadership, the bakery has weathered everything from economic shifts to a global pandemic, all while staying true to its mission of serving tradition by the slice.Before returning to the family business, Jeanette was a world-class sprinter and Olympic gold medalist. She later became one of the most respected coaches in the sport, leading the UCLA women’s track team and making history in 2008 as the first Olympic gold medalist to head the U.S. women’s track and field team at the Olympics. Her path from the Olympic podium to running one of LA’s most iconic family businesses reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence.Resources:www.27thstreetbakery.comInstagram: 27thstreetbakeryCommunity AnnouncmentsFamilySource Centers: LA4Families.orgLegacy Business Grants: bit.ly/LAlegacy (link is case-sensitive)LA Business Source Centers: bit.ly/BusinessSource10 (link is case-sensitive)__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

Breaunna Alston is the Communications and Marketing Specialist for Destination Crenshaw, a community-led public art and cultural infrastructure project along Crenshaw Boulevard. Originally from Sacramento, she brings a strong background in media arts and a passion for storytelling to her work. After transferring from UC Merced to Clark Atlanta University, she earned her degree in Mass Media Arts, gaining hands-on experience at CAU TV and WCLK Jazz Radio. She joined Destination Crenshaw as an intern before transitioning into a full-time role. Through her communications efforts, she helps amplify Crenshaw’s story and create space for Black Angelenos to connect, celebrate, and thrive. Outside of her professional work, she’s also a music artist, using creativity as a personal outlet and form of expression.Resources:www.DestinationCrenshaw.laEvents for July 7th-14thSummer Night at the Museum Paint and Sip with Live Music  July 11, 2025 6-9 pm961 W Compton Blvd. Compton, CA 90220 Visit: nhm.org/summernightsBlack LA Food Tour July 12th Party Bus Food TourJuly 19th Crenshaw Crawl July 26th Party Bus Food Tour Location: All Chill Hip Hop Ice Cream 3415 West 43rd Pl Los Angeles, CA 90008 www.blackfoodtour.com (IG: @daisysblacklafoodtour)Everyday People Day party and music July 13th 4 PM - 10 PMLocation: The Beehive 961 E. 61ST STLink: www.instagram.com/p/DL0ZVGjOyo3 (IG: @everydayppl) BreatheGood Yoga July 13th 9:30 AM -12:00 PMLocation: The WalkGood Yard 4019 W Pico BlvdLink: www.walkgoodla.org IG: @walkgoodlaBreathe Good: The Best Man (movie screening) Movie in the park July 13th 8 PMLocation: The WalkGood Yard 4019 W Pico BlvdAfro Latino Culture Fest July 19th // 3 PM - 11 PM Location: LA Plaza De Cultura Artes 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CAFree Entry Link: https://lapca.org/event/second-annual-afro-latino-culture-fest-freeThe warmest Winter Ever (Concert)Performance from iconic artist and songwriter James FauntleroyJuly 19th Los Angeles Link: jamesfauntleroyii.comThe Playground Adult Field Day July 20, 2025 1 PM - 7 PM Flag Football, Tug-o-war, 3-legged race and moreLocation: Kenneth Hahn Park 4100 S. La Cienga Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90056Link: https://peerpop.io/view/events/theplaygroundanadultfieldday+2025-07-20__________Want to learn more...

On this episode of MHD Off the Record’s LA Resources, Los Angeles City Council Staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Ritu Mahajan Estes of Public Counsel about your rights regardless of immigration status, what to do during an ICE encounter, and how communities can safely support one another during times of increased enforcement.Rithu Mahajan Estes is the Directing Attorney of the Community Development Project at Public Counsel. She leads the team providing pro bono legal and policy support to nonprofits, small businesses, street vendors, and community coalitions across Los Angeles County. Under her leadership, the project achieved a major victory in securing a groundbreaking settlement with the City of Los Angeles to eliminate discriminatory “no vending” zones and reimburse affected vendors. A former Supervising Senior Staff Attorney, Ritu brings deep experience in transactional legal services, impact litigation, and community organizing.Resources:ICE FAQ for Small Businesses and Nonprofits: https://publiccounsel.org/publications/faqs-on-nonprofit-and-small-business-rights-with-respect-to-immigration-enforcement-ice/Public Counsel Immigrants' Rights KYR Information: https://bit.ly/KYR-immigrationPublic Counsel Family Preparedness Guides: https://publiccounsel.org/publications/a-guide-to-planning-for-your-childs-care-family-preparedness/LA Street Vendor Campaign Go Fund for Street Vendors Impacted by ICE Raids: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-street-vendors-impacted-by-ice-raidsCLUE Justice Detained Immigrant Bond Fund: https://www.cluejustice.org/support-the-detained-immigrant-bond-fund/Community AnnouncementsCHIRLA Immigrant Assistance LineCall: (888) 624-4752Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PMLanguages: English and SpanishServices include:• Know-your-rights information• Reporting ICE activity• Case updates and immigration questions• Referrals to trusted legal servicesVisit: www.chirla.org/resources/immigrant-assistance-line-2__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Kinikia Gardner, a Senior Planner with the Los Angeles City Planning Department. With more than two decades of experience in urban planning, Kinikia has focused her career on making the planning process more accessible and equitable, especially for historically underserved communities.She currently leads the South LA Development Services Center, one of only a few centers across the city where residents, business owners, and developers can get in-person help with permits, zoning, land use, and development questions. These centers are part of the Planning Department’s effort to demystify a process that often feels out of reach for everyday Angelenos.Kinikia is also a member of Black Planners of Los Angeles, a Qualified Minority Employee Organization within the City that helped push for the creation of the South LA center.Resourcesplanning.lacity.govplanning.lacity.gov/project-review/south-los-angeles-development-services-centerappointments.lacity.org/apptsys/Public/AccountSouth LA DSCAddress: 8475 S. Vermont Avenue, 1st FloorEmail: planning.southla@lacity.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/planning4laCommunity AnnouncementsEvent Name: CicLAviaNeighborhoods Featured: Historic South Central, Florence-Firestone, WattsDate: Sunday, June 22ndTime: 9 AM to 4 PMLocation: Central Avenue & 103rd StreetWebsite: www.ciclavia.org/ciclavia_historic_south_central_meets_watts25__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harrs-Dawson sitsdown with Naima Keith, Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA, about the important role of Black Art in LA History.Naima J. Keith is the Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA. Within her role, she oversees all aspects of and sets the vision for LACMA’s innovative and exhibition-driven educational programming that serves more than 650,000 community members annually.Prior to her position at LACMA, Keith was the Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the California African American Museum where she guided the curatorial and education departments as well as marketing and communications.Resourceswww.naimajkeith.comEpisode Spotify Playlist__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky represents LA’s 5th District and currently serves as Chair of the City Council’s Budget, Finance, and Innovation Committee. A native Angeleno and environmental attorney, she brings a policy-driven approach to tackling some of the city’s most urgent challenges, including fiscal responsibility, climate resilience, and equity. As Budget Chair, Yaroslavsky is at the forefront of navigating a billion-dollar deficit facing the city. She is focused on ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the budgeting process while protecting core services like homelessness response, public safety, and infrastructure. Her leadership reflects a balance of compassion and pragmatism, making sure that Los Angeles builds toward long-term stability without losing sight of the people impacted by budget decisions.Resourcescouncildistrict5.lacity.gov__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

Los Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with Cesar Gonzalez, COO of Vallarta Supermarkets, about valuing families, communities, and creating access to both jobs and healthy food in South Los Angeles.Cesar Gonzalez is the Chief Operating Officer of Vallarta Supermarkets, a family-owned grocery chain founded in 1985 and rooted in California’s Latino communities. Under his leadership, Vallarta has expanded to 59 stores, including 27 in Los Angeles County. In 2025, Vallarta opened a nearly 50,000-square-foot store at Crenshaw and Slauson, a predominantly Black neighborhood that had gone without a full-service grocery store for four years. The store brings culturally relevant offerings, local vendors like Dulan’s Soul Food, and over 165 jobs to the area, representing a significant investment in community health, food access, and economic opportunity.ResourcesLocation: 3300 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043Website: vallartasupermarkets.comInstagram: vallarta.supermarkets__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

The 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest, sparked by the acquittal of officers in the brutal beating of Rodney King, exposed deep cracks in the systems meant to protect and serve. More than thirty years later, what actions can we take to create real public safety practices that center justice, equity, and community care?Joining Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to explore these questions is John Kim, President and CEO of Catalyst California (formerly Advancement Project California). John shares his personal reflections on the uprising and how it continues to shape his work today. He also discusses how Catalyst California is helping to advance a new vision of safety—one that moves away from traditional policing and invests in community-centered solutions like Alternative Traffic Enforcement.Sign up for our newsletter at beacons.ai/mhdcd8ResourcesJohn Kim is the President and CEO of Catalyst California (formerly Advancement Project California), a leading racial justice organization that champions systemic change to achieve equity and expand opportunity across the state. Throughout his career, John has been a strong advocate for community-driven solutions that address structural barriers in public education, voting rights, public finance, and public safety. Under his leadership, Catalyst California has been at the forefront of efforts to reimagine justice and safety by investing in alternatives to policing and advancing policies that center the needs and voices of historically marginalized communities. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to building a more just and inclusive California.Website: www.catalystcalifornia.orgInstagram: @catalystcaLearn more about Alternative Traffic Enforcement programs and community-based safety models at:www.catalystcalifornia.org/initiatives/reimagine-justice-safetyCommunity AnnouncementsCrenshaw Farmers' MarketOpen every Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PMLocated at 5730 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043 (Historic Fire Station 54 parking lot)Accepts CalFresh EBT cards and WIC checks. Offers Market Match, which doubles CalFresh benefits up to $20 per day.For more information, visit foodaccessla.org/crenshaw-farmers-market or follow on Instagram: @crenshawfm__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!