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What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike Bonin
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Los Angeles is at a turning point. We are living in a defining moment. What happens next is up to us. Over the past few years, problems and challenges have shaken this city -- and tremendous opportunities for change have presented themselves. How do we rise to this moment and emerge a better place to live? What will it take to create a more just and a more equitable community? Working together, how are we going to create a stronger, forward-thinking Los Angeles? Mike Bonin, writer, teacher, progressive activist and former City Councilmember, looks at the issues and problems facing Los Angeles, examines ideas, and talks with the people who will lead us to a brighter future.
Produced in partnership with LA Forward.
93 Episodes
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Did you know that as a resident of Los Angeles, you have an attorney? The City Attorney is elected to represent and fight for the people of Los Angeles and to serve as the City’s lawyer. Deputy Attorney General Marissa Roy recently announced her campaign for Los Angeles City Attorney, campaigning to protect workers from wage theft, renters from illegal evictions, and consumers from fraud. Marissa is running against our current City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. In stark contrast, Hydee...
Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez has been at the forefront of some of the biggest political battles of the past two years. From winning an Olympic wage for tourism workers, fighting for the rights of street vendors, and championing renter protections, he has been a warrior for the working class. I talk with him on this episode of WNLA. What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.
On the eve of her retirement after six decades of public service, Jackie Goldberg reflects on the history she made as an organizer and an elected official, and offers insights an advice to a new generation of activists. Goldberg is ending a career that stints on the Los Angeles school board, the Los Angeles City Council and the California State Assembly. She has been a trailblazing LGBT official and a key progressive leader. In a wide ranging interview with Mike, Jackie shares a histor...
In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the critical issue of racially biased traffic enforcement in Los Angeles, often referred to as "Driving While Black." Our discussion focuses on the systemic challenges faced by drivers of color, who are disproportionately targeted and affected by traffic stops in the city. Joining us are two esteemed experts in the field: Chauncee Smith of Catalyst California, and Leslie Cooper Johnson of the Community Coalition. Together, we explore: - The historic...
In this episode of "What's Next Los Angeles," Mike talks with Assemblymember Isaac Bryan about recent election results and their impact on the progressive movement. Despite progressives facing some big defeats, Assemblymember Bryan sees signs of hope and expresses his unwavering determination to organize and continue the fight for change. Join us as Assemblymember Bryan reflects on the challenges and opportunities ahead, offering a candid look at the political landscape and the resilience nee...
You’ve heard about a new wave of progressives who have won office in the City of Los Angeles, but do you know about the incredible leaders in cities all around LA County? You will after listening to this episode of WNLA. I talk with Santa Monica Councilmember Caroline Torosis and Cudahy Vice Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar about progressive elected officials and candidates in Baldwin Park, Bell Gardens, Burbank, Culver City, Cudahy, Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Santa Monica, South Pasad...
Should California raise its minimum wage? That's the question posed by Proposition 32 on the state ballot. I speak with Saru Jayaraman of One Fair Wage on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles. What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.
For California voters, gay marriage is on the line in this election. How is that possible? I will discuss why you should vote YES on Proposition 3, with my guest, Assemblymember Rick Zbur, former head of Equality California, the largest statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the country. 00:12 this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles. What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.
District Attorney George Gascon is one of the most controversial candidates on your ballot. I talk with him about his record, his thoughts on crime and punishment, what it means to be a progressive prosecutor, and about the Menendez Brothers case, on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles. Netflix episodes about Franky Carrillo: https://www.netflix.com/title/80214563 (episodes 4 and 5) LA FORWARD PROGRESSIVE VOTER GUIDE LA PODCAST What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by M...
Ysabel Jurado is shaking up Los Angeles politics. A progressive candidate rooted in service to her community, she is taking on an establishment that is fighting back hard and ugly. But she remains joyful and optimistic. Today I talk – and play a game of "Name That Tune" – with Ysabel Jurado – on What's Next, Los Angeles. Mike’s CD14 Soundtrack What About US - Pink The Rent is Too Damn High - Jimmy McMillan I Can’t Breathe - H.E.R. Your Racist Friend - They Might be Giants ...
One hundred sixty years after the abolition of slavery, California voters will decide whether to ban forced labor in the Golden State. That's what Proposition 6 on the state ballot is all about. And that's the topic on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles. https://voteyesprop6.com/ https://voteyesoncaprop6.com/ CalMatters on Prop 6 Ballotpedia on Prop 6 CA Legislative Analyst on Prop 6 LA Forward Voter Guide What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in...
A Superior Court judge has tremendous power – yet the races for judge get very little attention, and one of the most frequent questions I am asked during every election cycle is “What about the judges? Who should I vote for?” I talk with judicial candidate George Turner, running for Seat 39, on this episode of WNLA. https://georgeaturner4judge.com/ LA Forward Voter Guide What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.
Who should I vote for for judge? That is one of the most frequent questions I get during election season. Today I talk with judicial candidate Ericka Wiley, running for seat #48, on WNLA. https://www.wileyforjudge.com/ LA Forward Voter Guide What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.
Homelessness is the biggest crisis facing Los Angeles County. Can we continue to make progress and really tackle this problem? Or will we backslide and allow another huge and devastating increase in homelessness? That’s what’s at stake as voters consider Measure A on the LA County ballot. I will get into it with my guests today on WNLA: Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell; Veronica Mitchell of HOPICS; and Laura Raymond of ACT-LA. LAist Voter Game Plan Briefing on Measure A LA...
The signs of the climate crisis are everywhere – and it is clear we are not doing enough to combat it. That’s why Proposition 4 is on your ballot. We discuss what is in the proposition, and why it is important for the state of California, and the future of neighborhoods. My guest is State Senator Ben Allen, who proposed creating the bond measure and putting it on the ballot this year. Allen represents the 24th DIstrict, including most of the LA County coast and Santa Monica Mountains. He chai...
Is Prop 36 -- the most talked about proposition on the ballot -- a return to an era of law and order? or a backslide to an era of mass incarceration? That’s what we discuss on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles, with my guests, former state Assemblymember Mike Gatto, in favor of the proposition, and State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a vocal opponent Prop 36. Official Ballot entry: https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/36/ Ballotpedia breakdown: https://ballotpedia.org/Californ...
The official title for Measure G is “LOS ANGELES COUNTY GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY CHARTER AMENDMENT.” That sure makes it sound dry, boring and wonky. It is anything but. It is about power. Incredible power. Who will wield it? And who will they represent? We discuss Measure G on this episode of WNLA with County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, author of the proposal, and Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who opposes it. More Info: Unpacking the impact of Los Angeles County's ballot...
Proposition 33 is one of the hottest items on the California state ballot. If approved, it would allow cities and counties to establish, increase or expand rent control. Proponents say it is necessary to keep rents affordable and prevent families from falling into homelessness. Opponents say it will hurt small "mom and pop" landlords, and stop development of much-needed multi-family housing. In this episode, Mike talks with Susie Shannon, campaign manager of Yes on 33, and with Daniel Yukels...
He was wrongfully convicted and spent 20 years behind bars. Since his his exoneration and release, he has dedicated himself to public service – and now he is a candidate for the California State Assembly. I talk with Franky Carrillo on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles. Campaign Website: https://frankycarrillo.com/ L.A. County to pay $10 million to man whose murder conviction was overturned: https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-francisco-carrillo-settlement-20160719-snap-stor...
Since a critical U.S. Supreme Court ruling last summer, public officials have been rushing to drastically expand criminalization of homelessness. It's a cynical move, spending a fortune on making homelessness less visible while actually making the crisis much worse, and much harder to solve. In this episode, Mike talks with Alex Visotsky of the National Alliance to End Homelessness about the growing push to criminalize homelessness in California, and with John Raphling, author of a blisterin...
There are more than 3 million Democratic voters in Los Angeles County. Who decides which candidate gets the party’s endorsement? Or where the party spends its money? How is the local party negotiating tensions between progressives and moderates? I talk with Mark Ramos, the chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. A former grocery worker and current head of UFCW 1428, Ramos is determined to bring people into the party, and find common ground with fellow union members who have voted fo...
Did California Governor Gavin Newson kill efforts to save newspapers from Big Tech? A few weeks ago, Newsom announced a deal with Google that effectively killed legislation to force Google, Meta and other big tech firms to compensate news organizations for making money off their products. He announced the state would enter into a sort of private-partnership with Google and Open AI -- just as a federal court was declaring Google an illegal monopoly. What the hell happened? Mike Bonin ta...
It was just a year ago that Los Angeles was the focus nationally and internationally of the Hot Labor Summer of 2023. With workers in various industries taking to the streets and demanding better pay and working conditions, and with overwhelming public support, the message was clear: Los Angeles is a labor town. But it wasn't always that way. Los Angeles was once known as one of the most anti-union cities in the country. On this Labor Day weekend, Kent Wong of the UCLA Labor Center walks us ...
Marqueece Harris-Dawson becomes Los Angeles City Council President September 20. Who is he, and how does he intend to lead? In this episode, he talks at length with Mike about Los Angeles, Black politics and multiracial coalitions, unarmed crisis response, homelessness, housing, preparing for the Olympics, and a lot more! Links & Additional Reading Marqueece Harris-Dawson Bio MHD Off the Record Podcast L.A. Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson wins the council presidency, will ...
A week after polls closed, the results of a lot of elections are becoming and apparent, and there have been some wild developments! There have been blowouts, nail-biters and big surprises, and Alissa Walker and Godfrey Plata join Mike Bonin to review and discuss it all. The resounding victory of Measure HLA. An edge-of-your-seats finale to the Nithya Raman re-election campaign. A huge surge for progressives in multiple races. A closely watched anti-gay campaign in Glendale. And a ...
One of the most high-profile races on the ballot is the one for Los Angeles County District Attorney, where incumbent George Gascon – a progressive reformer – is being challenged by a large field of candidates. What does a District Attorney really do? How does the position impact criminal justice? How much does it impact crime, and in what ways? And what is a progressive prosecutor? Why is reform needed and what does it look like? In this episode, we talk about that and more, including why it...
In Los Angeles, there is a deadly crisis on our streets. People from all walks of life – grandparents, elementary school children, service workers, pastors, artists – are falling victim to a rampant killer. Incredibly, elected officials are doing almost nothing about it, but voters can change that – right now. The killer is traffic violence, and it is on the rise. In 2023, 337 people were killed in automobile crashes in Los Angeles. It’s the worst year on record, with more people dying from c...
You've seen the waves of anti-LGBTQ+ hate in Florida and other places, but did you know it is happening right here in Greater Los Angeles? For the past few years, anti-LGBTQ+ hate has been growing, thanks to the influence of Proud Boys, J6 insurrectionists, and right-wing provocateurs with groups like LibsofTikTok and Gays Against Groomers. And now, two of the leaders of the anti-LGBTQ+ movement, which has been terrorizing parents, students, teachers and school officials, are running fo...
The last in my series of 2024 primary election candidate spotlights: Heather Hutt Since 2020, L.A.'s 10th council district has had a revolving cast of councilmembers, both elected and appointed. The City Council appointed Heather Hutt to fill the post in September 2022. She is now running to represent the district as its elected councilmember. Before serving on the council. Hutt served in senior roles for several public officials, most notably as state director for then-US Senator Kamala Har...
Since 2020, L.A.'s 10th council district has had a revolving cast of councilmembers, both elected and appointed. Now, voters finally get to choose a permanent, voting representative on the council.There is a big and impressive field of candidates – and on this episode I talk with Reggie Jones-Sawyer. An Assemblymember representing South Los Angeles since 2012, Jones-Sawyer revived the chamber's Progressive Caucus and has chaired the Public Safety Committee, where he was pushed major l...
The elections are here -- and in the City of Los Angeles, seven of the 15 council seats are on the ballot, and five of them are pretty spirited. Mike is joined by journalist and political strategist Jasmyne Cannick and Democratic Party activist and former council candidate Marco Santana to discuss what's at stake, break down each of the races, and dish a bit. Some context on the elections: Council District 14: Your guide to the L.A. City Council District 14 race (LA Times) The Seething Anti...
Jillian Burgos is an essential healthcare worker, and a small business owner. She graduated from Emily’s List Ignite Change Fellowship and Los Angeles Democrats inaugural TAP Academy and now a 2023 New Leaders Council fellow. Jillian ran for office and was elected to the NoHo Neighborhood Council as the Arts Organization Representative. Shortly after she was appointed as Treasurer, Chair of the Outreach Committee and Housing and Services Committee. Since then she has created a Tenant Rights W...
Councilmember Raman has fought for renters, solutions to homelessness, strategies to combat climate change, and smart, effective programs to promote public safety. She has made significant progress — and now she is being punished for it. Special interests are spending a fortune to defeat her, reverse progress, and kneecap the progressive movement. She joins Mike and Peter Dreier to discuss their article in The Nation this week, reporting on the campaign against her. Their ar...
Since 2020, L.A.'s 10th council district has had a revolving cast of councilmembers, both elected and appointed. Now, voters finally get to choose a permanent, voting representative on the council.There is a big and impressive field of candidates – and on this episode I talk with Aura Vasquez. Aura Vasquez is an Afro-Latina Colombian immigrant, community leader, fearless environmental justice advocate, and renewable energy advisor. She served as a mayoral appointee to the Board ...
NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. With Adam Schiff running for U.S. Senate, his Los Angeles area 30th district congressional seat – which stretches from Burbank and Glendale and Sunland Tujunga down to Hancock Park and West Hollywood – is up for grabs for the first time in twenty years. There is a wide field of candidates running for the seat in next year's election, and we are going to talk with the major candidates, one on one an...
NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. With Adam Schiff running for U.S. Senate, his Los Angeles area 30th district congressional seat – which stretches from Burbank and Glendale and Sunland Tujunga down to Hancock Park and West Hollywood – is up for grabs for the first time in twenty years. There is a wide field of candidates running for the seat in next year's election, and we are going to talk with the major candidates, one on one an...
NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. With Adam Schiff running for U.S. Senate, his Los Angeles area 30th district congressional seat – which stretches from Burbank and Glendale and Sunland Tujunga down to Hancock Park and West Hollywood – is up for grabs for the first time in twenty years. There is a wide field of candidates running for the seat in next year's election, and we are going to talk with the major candidates, one on one an...
NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. Sepi Shyne is an Iranian-born American attorney, civil rights advocate, and member of the West Hollywood City Council who has been serving as West Hollywood's mayor until last month. Shyne is the first LGBTQ+ Iranian-American to be elected to office as well as the first woman of color elected to the West Hollywood City Council. As an elected official, she has fought for support and incentive progra...
NOTE: This interview first aired last summer, before the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. Maebe A Girl is currently serving as Treasurer and At-Large Representative for the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles. Upon her election in 2019, she became the first drag queen elected to public office in the United States. Maebe is responsible for forming the Silver Lake LGBTQIA Advocates Committee -the first queer-focused committee in the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council system. She...
Who will unseat disgraced Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León? That’s the question a lot of people are asking as we head into the March primary. There is a big and impressive field of candidates – and on this episode I talk with Lalo Vargas. Vargas is science teacher at Franklin High School in Highland Park. He is the son of immigrants, a community organizer, and a gay man. A former firefighter/EMT, he is running to the left of a pretty progressive field of candidates. He is an ...
For fourteen years, Paul Krekorian has represented the 2nd council district on the Los Angeles City Council. He has been a powerful leader, chairing the Budget & Finance Committee for several years, and serving as City Council President since October 2022. But in less than year, he will be termed out of office, and it is time for voters to choose a new representative for the neighborhoods of North Hollywood, Studio City, Sun Valley, Toluca Lake, Valley GLeb, Valley VIllage and Van Nuys.&n...
Since 2020, L.A.'s 10th council district has had a revolving cast of councilmembers, both elected and appointed. Now, voters finally get to choose a permanent, voting representative on the council.There is a big and impressive field of candidates – and on this episode I talk with Rev. Eddie Anderson. Pastor Eddie is a civil rights activist and ordained minister with degrees from Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology. He is an organizer for LA Voice(PICO),advocate fo...
Who will unseat disgraced Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León? That’s the question a lot of people are asking as we head into the March primary. There is a big and impressive field of candidates – and on this episode I talk with Ysabel Jurado. Jurado is a tenants rights attorney, affordable housing activist, single mom, daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrants, and lifelong Angeleno. She is running as a strong progressive, with the backing of Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez ...
Who will represent South Los Angeles in the California State Assembly? That’s a big question facing voters of the 57th Assembly District, which includes South Los Angeles, Southeast Los Angeles, West Adams, University Park, Florence, Watts, Downtown Los Angeles and Skid Row. Greg "Baba" Akili is a longtime community, civil rights, and labor organizer and a well-respected leader in Black Lives Matter movement in Los Angeles. Akili, as he likes to be known, is a senior ...
Who will represent South Los Angeles in the California State Assembly? That’s a big question facing voters of the 57th Assembly District, which includes South Los Angeles, Southeast Los Angeles, West Adams, University Park, Florence, Watts, Downtown Los Angeles and Skid Row Dulce Vasquez currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Arizona State University in Downtown Los Angeles. She was previously the Managing Director of Zócalo Public Square, L.A.’s civic forum. ...
Who will represent South Los Angeles in the California State Assembly? That’s a big question facing voters of the 57th Assembly District, which includes South Los Angeles, Southeast Los Angeles, West Adams, University Park, Florence, Watts, Downtown Los Angeles and Skid Row One of the first candidates to jump into the race was Sade Elhewary, an educator, organizer and advocate who worked for years for the South LA based multiracial community organization, Community Coalition. Sad...
Lots of big news to kick off 2024. Late last week, LAPD Chief Michel Moore announced a sudden retirement, putting Mayor Karen Bass in the hotseat as she begins to choose a replacement. Meanwhile Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva denies the existence of deputy gangs while under oath. The Supreme Court has decided to take up a draconian anti-homeless law, and people who usually call themselves progressives are hoping the right-wing court will criminalize homelessness. Meanwhile, is LA ...
As part of a series of in-depth, one-on-one interviews with candidates on the March ballot, I talk with Serena Oberstein, who is running to unseat incumbent Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee to represent the 12th District in the northwest San Fernando Valley. It is a fascinating race, pitting Oberstein, former president of the city's Ethics Commission, against an elected official who is under investigation by the commission for his alleged role in a scandal that sent his predecessor to ...
Does our criminal justice system work? Does it really provide for public safety? Or is it a broken, racist system that makes society’s troubles even worse? I talk with leaders of La Defensa, a nonprofit working to end our reliance on jails, cash bail, and a system that throws people away. Guests: Ivette Alé-Ferlito, executive director and co-founder, La Defensa Megan Castillo, ReImagine LA Coalition Coordinator, La Defensa Gabriela Vázquez, Deputy Director, La Defensa La Defensa: https://l...
"Sorry, Not Sorry!" That's essentially the message of Nury Martinez, Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo, who spent the past week on a faux apology tour, trying to rewrite the history of the racist Fed Tapes scandal, and portray themselves, ridiculously, as the victims. Mike talks about it with Jelani Hendrix, former president of Black Los Angeles Young Democrats, Dr. Diandra “Dr Dee” Bremond, former board member of BLAYD, and Marco Santana, Democratic activist and former candidate for Coun...
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Super important topic for anyone who experiences traffic and commuting in Los Angeles