What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike Bonin

Mar 13 2024 9

What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike Bonin Podcast artwork

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, former City Councilmember and current progressive activist, looks at the issues and problems facing Los Angeles, examines ideas, and talks with the people who will lead us to a brighter future.

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Blowouts, Nail-biters and Big Surprises: Primary 2024

Mar 13 2024 107 mins

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 h

Why the D.A. Race Really Matters (and why you should vote for George Gascon)

Mar 03 2024 61 mins

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 prosecu

Stop the Death & Violence: Vote YES on LA

Mar 02 2024 36 mins

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

Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Groups Target Glendale Schools

Mar 01 2024 61 mins

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 a

Heather Hutt for L.A. City Council: Candidate Spotlight

Feb 29 2024 55 mins

The last in my series of 2024 primary election candidate spotlights: Heather HuttSince 2020, L.A.'s 10th council district has had a revolving cast of councilmembers, both elected and appointed. The City Council appointed Heather Hutt to fill the post in September 2022. She is now running to represent the district as its elected councilmember.Before serving on the council. Hutt

Reggie Jones-Sawyer for City Council: Candidate Spotlight

Feb 27 2024 60 mins

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 re

Forward or Backward at LA City Hall?

Feb 26 2024 66 mins

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 th

Jillian Burgos for City Council: Candidate Spotlight

Feb 24 2024 53 mins

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 Treasure

Nithya Raman: A Progressive Champion in the Los Angeles Death Match

Feb 21 2024 57 mins

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

Aura Vasquez for City Council: Candidate Spotlight

Feb 20 2024 80 mins

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 envi