Shows
What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninRudy Espinoza: Finding the Courage to FightIn the face of an onslaught of attacks on civil rights and civil liberties and social justice programs, are you feeling demoralized, or helpless, or isolated?If so, you are not alone. In this episode, we talk with Rudy Espinoza, executive director of Inclusive Action for the City, about his personal and political search for the courage to stand up, and about the strength he finds in solidarity.LINKSInclusive Action for the CityRudy's essay in Nonprofit QuarterlyInfo on the May Day events across the country2025-04-2938 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninFighting Oligarchy: The Significance of the L.A. RallyLast weekend, a crowd 36,000 strong flocked to downtown Los Angeles, filling Gloria Molina Grand Park, surrounding Los Angeles City Hall, and stretching a half mile down Spring Street. From all around Southern California they came to hear and to cheer Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and to amplify the message that America needs a government that fights for its people, and not its billionaires.This stop on the Fighting Oligarchy tour was the largest Sanders or AOC rally, ever, anywhere. We’ll recap, play some highlights, and contextualize the momentous event on this epis...2025-04-1538 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninBreaking Up is Hard to DoLos Angeles County is creating its own Department of Homeless Services – and pulling hundreds of people and hundreds of millions of dollars out of LAHSA – the joint city-county homelessness services agency.Is it a big and long overdue step to maximize taxpayer investments in solving homelessness? Or is it a rushed and divisive move that threatens recent progress in bringing our unhoused neighbors indoors?We’ll discuss that with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and with Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield – on this episode of What’s Next, Los Angeles?2025-04-091h 00What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninMarissa Roy: Candidate for LA City AttorneyDid 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 has opposed affordable housing for Los Angelenos, sued journalists, prosecuted protesters, and surveilled the emails of her...2025-03-1152 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninHugo Soto-Martinez: Warrior for the Working ClassLos 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.2025-01-061h 05
What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninJackie Goldberg: Lessons from a Life on the FrontlinesOn 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 history rich with lessons about persistence, collaboration, and staying true to your values. 2024-12-021h 13
What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninDriving While Black: Tackling Racial Bias in Traffic Enforcement in Los AngelesIn 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 historical context and current state of racially biased traffic enforcement in Los Angeles....2024-11-1857 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninIsaac Bryan: Determined to FightIn 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 needed to push forward. This episode is for anyone interested in the future of progressive politics and the power of perseverance. Don't miss this...2024-11-1331 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninProgressives in YOUR BackyardYou’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 Pasadena, West Covina, and West Hollywood.LA FORWARD PROGRESSIVE VOTER GUIDELA PODCAST...2024-11-041h 00What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninProp 32: Raise the WageShould 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.2024-11-0117 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninProp 3: The Right to MarriageFor 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.00:12this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.2024-10-3126 min
LA PodcastOctober SurpriseAlissa and Rachel are joined by Mike Bonin, Godfrey Plata, and David Levitus to talk about all the tricks and treats on your ballot, including the key local races in next week’s election, a slew of state props, and very consequential county and city measures. Plus, some exciting changes are in store for the podcast!LA Forward Voter Guide"What is LACAHSA and how can it prevent homelessness?" Alissa’s Report Forward piece on the new housing authority funded by Measure AThe "more powerful offspring of Measure H”: read Hayes Davenport on Measu...2024-10-311h 28What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninGeorge Gascon: On the Side of Justice: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 GUIDELA PODCASTWhat's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.2024-10-291h 03What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninGirl on Fire: Ysabel JuradoYsabel 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 SoundtrackWhat 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 I’m Coming...2024-10-281h 01What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninProp 6: Ending Forced Labor in CAOne 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 6CA Legislative Analyst on Prop 6LA Forward Voter GuideWhat's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.2024-10-2725 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninJudicial Candidate George Turner - Superior Court #39A 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 GuideWhat's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.2024-10-2541 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninJudicial Candidate Ericka Wiley - Seat #48Who 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 GuideWhat's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.2024-10-2333 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninMEASURE A: Forward or Backward on Homelessness in LA?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 ALA Times explainer on Measure ALA Times endorsement of Measu...2024-10-2147 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninProp 4: Combatting Climate ChangeThe 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 chairs the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and co-chairs the Legislative Environmental Cauc...2024-10-1827 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninProp 36: Justice in the BalanceIs 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/California_Proposition_36,_Drug_and_Theft_Crime_Penalties_and_Treatment-Mandated_Felonies_Initiative_(2024)CalMatters explainer: https://ca...2024-10-1451 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninMeasure G: Who Wields the Power?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 measuresWhy proposal to expand the Los Angeles County Boar...2024-10-1043 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninProp 33: The Battle Over Rent ControlProposition 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 Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, a landlord group.Yes on 33: https...2024-10-0749 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninGetting Out and Giving Back: Candidate Spotlight on Franky CarrilloHe 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-story.htmlNetflix episodes about Franky Carrillo: https://www.netflix.com/title/80214563 (episodes 4 and 5)What's Next, Los An...2024-09-301h 00What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninHandcuffs, Not Housing: The Growing Push to Criminalize HomelessnessSince 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 blistering Human Rights Watch report on how bad criminalization was in Los Angeles, even prior to the court decision....2024-09-2347 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninFinding Common Ground: Mark RamosThere 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 for Trump.What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA...2024-09-1652 min
What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninKilling Newspapers: Big Tech & Gavin NewsomDid 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 talks with Matt Pearce of the Media Guild of the West, on the latest episode of What’s N...2024-09-0928 min
What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninLabor Day Special: L.A.'s Labor HistoryIt 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 through the ups and downs of the history of organized...2024-09-0255 min
What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninMarqueece: On the RecordMarqueece 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 ReadingMarqueece Harris-Dawson BioMHD Off the Record PodcastL.A. Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson wins the council presidency, will replace KrekorianDestination Crenshaw:What's Next, Los Angeles? is p...2024-08-261h 07What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninBlowouts, Nail-biters and Big Surprises: Primary 2024A 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 helluva lot more.Check the chapter markers to find the segments of the show you're most interested in....2024-03-131h 47What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninWhy the D.A. Race Really Matters (and why you should vote for George Gascon)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 important – crucial even – to re-elect George Gascon. Mike talks with Mari...2024-03-031h 01What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninStop the Death & Violence: Vote YES on LAIn 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 car crashes than from murder. In fact, car crashes are the number killer of child...2024-03-0236 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninAnti-LGBTQ+ Hate Groups Target Glendale SchoolsYou'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 for seats on the Glendale School Board.In this episode, Mike talks about what has happened over the past few y...2024-03-011h 01What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninHeather Hutt for L.A. City Council: Candidate SpotlightThe 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 served in senior roles for several public officials, most notably as state director for then-US Senator Kamala Harris, chief of staff to Councilmember Herb Wesson, and district director to state Assemblymember and Senator Isadore Hall...2024-02-2955 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninReggie Jones-Sawyer for City Council: Candidate SpotlightSince 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 legislation to reimagine public safety and promote alternatives to incarceration. Prior to his election to office, Jones-Sawyer was an officer with the Los Ang...2024-02-271h 00What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninForward or Backward at LA City Hall?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-Blackness of Kevin de LeónCouncil District 10: Laist C...2024-02-261h 06What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninJillian Burgos for City Council: Candidate SpotlightJillian 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 Workshop in partnership with The City of Los Angeles, Abundant Housing LA and SAJE, helped pass several Neighborhood Purpose Grants that fed ma...2024-02-2453 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninNithya Raman: A Progressive Champion in the Los Angeles Death MatchCouncilmember 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 article, "Los Angeles Death Match", (the online title "LA’s Corporate Class Wants to Reverse Progressive Gains"), focuses on the combined assault of corporate landlords, the police...2024-02-2157 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninAura Vasquez for City Council: Candidate SpotlightSince 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 of Water and Power Commissioners from 2017 to 2020. She has served as the Climate Justice Director for the Center for Popular Democracy. Prior to tha...2024-02-201h 20What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninRe-Air: Laura Friedman for Congress - Candidate SpotlightNOTE: 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 and in-depth, on What's Next, Los Angeles.In this epis...2024-02-201h 00What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninRe-Air: Mike Feuer for Congress - Candidate SpotlightNOTE: 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 and in-depth, on What's Next, Los Angeles.In this epis...2024-02-201h 19What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninRe-Air: Nick Melvoin for Congress - Candidate SpotlightNOTE: 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 and in-depth, on What's Next, Los Angeles.In this epis...2024-02-2059 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninRe-Air: Maebe A Girl for Congress: Candidate SpotlightNOTE: 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 is also co-founder of the LGBTQ+ Alliance of Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils, which is recognized as the first city-backed initiative for...2024-02-201h 01What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninRe-Air: Sepi Shyne for Congress - Candidate SpotlightNOTE: 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 programs for locally owned businesses working to rebound after the pandemic. She worked to increase...2024-02-2051 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninLalo Vargas for City Council: Candidate SpotlightWho 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 avowed socialist, and is a member of the...2024-02-091h 13What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninPastor Eddie Anderson for City Council: Candidate SpotlightSince 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 for Black Lives Matter, Co-Founder of Clergy4BlackLives, a convener and former Co-Chair of the New Poor People's Campa...2024-02-091h 11What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninSam Kbushyan for City Council: Candidate SpotlightFor 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. There is large field of candidates running for the seat, including today’s guest, Sam Kbushyan.2024-02-091h 06What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninYsabel Jurado for City Council: Candidate SpotlightWho 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 and City Controller Kenneth Mejia. We talked about personal story, and her thoughts on a range of issues...2024-01-311h 21What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninBaba Akili for State Assembly - Candidate SpotlightWho 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 advisor to the Black Worker Center at UCLA and one of the leaders of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles. He has wo...2024-01-281h 27What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninDulce Vasquez for State Assembly - WNLA Candidate SpotlightWho 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 RowDulce 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. She was appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to serve as a Commissioner to El Pueblo Historic Monument, Los Angeles’ birthplace. Born in T...2024-01-251h 09What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninSade Elhewary for State Assembly - WNLA Candidate SpotlightWho 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 RowOne 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.Sade is a first time candidate, but has been endorsed by tons of political heavyweights, such as Mayor Karen Bass, Supe...2024-01-221h 28What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninLA's Chief No Moore 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 backing away from affordable housing in wealthy neighborhoods? And what is the fate of local journalism as Kevin Merida leaves the LA Times? Gu...2024-01-161h 24What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninCandidate Spotlight: Serena ObersteinAs 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 federal prison.Oberstein, who is currently head of Jewish World Watch, would be the first Democrat to...2024-01-131h 09What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninGetting Real About Public Safety: LA DEFENSADoes 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 DefensaMegan Castillo, ReImagine LA Coalition Coordinator, La DefensaGabriela Vázquez, Deputy Director, La DefensaLa Defensa: https://ladefensa.org/Instagram: http...2024-01-091h 26What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninSorry, Not Sorry"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 Council District Six.Important Commentary:Mike's...2023-10-181h 06What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninCongressional Candidate Spotlight: Nick MelvoinWith 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 and in-depth, on What's Next, Los Angeles.In this episode, Mike talks with Nick Melvoin, a member of the member of the Los Angeles Unified School Dist...2023-10-0359 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninPower, Politics, and Police RaisesLOTS to talk about this week. Big wins for workers in the state legislature, and now Gavin Newsom needs to be decide whether to sign or veto a bunch of important bills. Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced a run for the board of Supervisors in what will be a very busy election cycle. And huge LAPD police raises have killed a golden opportunity to keep Los Angeles safe. All that and more as Brittany Nichols (SAG strike captain and Emmy-nominated writer of Abbot Elementary) and Godfrey Santos Plata of LA Forward join Mike. You can follow Brittani at...2023-09-181h 21What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninCongressional Candidate Spotlight: Mike FeuerWith 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 and in-depth, on What's Next, Los Angeles.In this episode, Mike talks with former Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer. Prior to his two terms as the...2023-09-061h 19What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninCandidate Spotlight on LAURA FRIEDMANWith 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 and in-depth, on What's Next, Los Angeles.In this episode, Mike talks with Laura Friedman, who has represented the Burbank/Glendale area in the State Assembly sinc...2023-08-221h 00What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninThe Trouble with HydeeLos Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto is blocking affordable and homeless housing, refusing to help tenants facing eviction, and violating the First Amendment rights of reporters -- and more. Mike is joined by two special guests: civil rights attorney Marissa Roy and Godfrey Santos Plata. They discuss the foibles and scandals of the city attorney, as well as LA's hot labor summer, the plight of renters, and more. We guarantee it is the only podcast you'll ever hear that includes mentions of the Los Angeles City Charter, Beyonce, and the founder of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, H...2023-08-141h 11What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninHandcuffing the PressJournalists have been detained, beaten, and targeted by the government -- right here in Los Angeles. It has happened to freelance, independent journalists, as well as journalists with major organizations, such as the Los Angeles Times, KPCC, and Spectrum One News. How bad and how comprehensive are efforts to handcuff the press? What impact is it having on hard-hitting coverage in Southern California? Mike talks with Lexis-Olivier Ray of L.A. TACO, Ben Camacho a reporter and photographer often published at Knock LA, and Adam Rose of the Los Angeles Press Club.Further Reading:Reporters for...2023-08-0759 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninZev's Los AngelesFor forty years, Zev Yaroslavsky was a major force in Los Angeles politics. As a member of the City Council and then the Board of Supervisors, Zev played a leading role in civic affairs at a time of dramatic change. He wasn’t just a witness to LA history, he was a shaper of it.If there was a major issue in Los Angeles, he was in the thick of it. Police reform. Mass transit. Health care. Budget crises. The Olympics. Homelessness. Development issues. Fighting Big Oil. Whether you agree with what he did or...2023-07-241h 16What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninThe Fed Tapes: How the LA Times Won the PulitzerLast October, one the biggest news stories in Los Angeles and around the nation was the release of the Fed Tapes -- revealing an ugly, racist conversation between some of my council colleagues and the head of the labor federation. For me and my family, it was brutal and personally wrenching. For Los Angeles, it was a scandal of epic proportions. It was a window into the ugly souls of of some of the most powerful people in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Times assigned dozens of reporters, editors and columnists to cover the story. The staff of...2023-07-101h 11What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninA Dirty Eviction and a Dangerous PrecedentLos Angeles is about to experience the biggest mass eviction in generations – and it might be just the beginning of a huge wave of mass evictions – unless we stop a corporate real estate giant that is trying to force hundreds of families out of their homes.The multi-billion dollar firm Douglas Emmett is using the need to install fire sprinklers as a pretext to evict every resident of its 700 rent controlled units of the Barrington Plaza apartments in West LA -- even though sprinkler experts say the work can be done without evictions. Tenants aren't just fighting to s...2023-06-2232 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninHappy Father's Day - with Congressman Jimmy GomezIn a special Father's Day episode of What's Next, Los Angeles, Mike talks with Los Angeles area Congressman Jimmy Gomez, who this year formed a Congressional Dads Caucus to focus on pushing legislation that helps working families. A first-time Dad, Gomez gained attention when young Hodge accompanied him onto the House floor for January's prolonged vote for Speaker of the House of Representatives. Jimmy and Mike talk about the joys of fatherhood, and balancing parenting with politics. And Mike shares a few thoughts about the amazing Dads in his life.Happy Father's Day!What's Next, L...2023-06-1733 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninWho is really behind the anti-LGBTQ+ protests in Los Angeles? The national wave of anti-gay, anti-trans hate is erupting here in Los Angeles County – and it’s a lot uglier and even more sinister than you think. It’s being led and fed by dangerous forces – Proud Boys, right-wingers, and Capitol Hill rioters. On this episode, Mike talks with independent journalists Sean Beckner-Carmitchel and Joey Scott, who explain what really went down in North Hollywood and Glendale, and who is really behind it.NEWS REPORTS:Daily Beast: How Far-Right Extremists Are Targeting Pro-LGBT Schools Knock LA: Proud Boys and Others...2023-06-1249 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninWhat Will Keep Our Neighborhoods Safe?What will it to take to keep our neighborhoods safe? Both progressives and conservatives agree we need an alternative to always calling the police. People usually at odds are in consensus that we need an unarmed response to non-violent emergency calls. What would that look like and how would it operate?In Denver, they have created a tremendously successful and popular model. Denver STAR routinely and safely provides a mobile, civilian response to emergency calls about people experiencing problems related to mental health, depression, poverty, homelessness, and/or substance use issues. In this episode of Wha...2023-05-2241 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninHow do we fight Big Money $$$ in elections?How can we fix a broken political system? How can we re-energize grassroots democracy? How do counteract the poisonous influence of big money in our elections? One big idea is something called "democracy vouchers."“Democracy vouchers” is a campaign finance system in which all residents are issued vouchers that they can donate to political candidates who, in turn, redeem them for public campaign funds. Democracy vouchers help democratize campaign finance by both: empowering ordinary citizens to participate more in the financing of political campaigns; and empowering political candidates to run for office without relying on — and spending as muc...2023-05-1539 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninStreets for ALL of usLos Angeles has some of the worst traffic, some of the worst air, and some of the most unsafe streets in the country -- and LA voters are going to have a chance to do something about it next year.I talk with Michael Schneider of Streets for All, the driving force behind the Healthy Streets LA ballot initiative, 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.2023-04-2451 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninThe First 100 Days (with Alissa Walker & Scott Frazier of LA Podcast)It’s been 100 days since Mayor Karen Bass and the new crew of elected officials took office in the city of Los Angeles. How are they doing? I talk about that, homelessness, public safety, LA Metro, and a lot more with Alissa Walker and Scott Frazier of LA Podcast on the latest edition of What’s Next Los Angeles.Alissa is co-host of LA Podcast, and a writer for Curbed/New Yorker. Her twitter handle is @awalkerinLA. Scott is another LA Podcast host. You can find his long form writing at his blog, Benny Wally. 2023-03-201h 25What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninOn Trial: Corruption in Los AngelesBribery. Prostitution. Betrayal. Courtroom drama. The FBI investigation into LA City Hall has it all. It had led to a series of guilty pleas and guilty verdicts, for elected officials, staffers, developers, and lobbyists. The investigation's biggest trial -- against former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan -- is underway now, and it is has continued to generate revelations about former City Councilmember Jose Huizar and City Hall.Most LA media outlets are not covering the trial -- but legal reporter Meghann Cuniff is, and Mike talks with her in depth on this week's What's Next, L...2023-03-0656 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninCD6 Candidate Spotlight: Isaac KimWhen Nury Martinez resigned from the City Council in October, it left 270,000 residents of the east San Fernando Valley without representation. The special election to fill the seat is April 4, and Mike is talking one-on-one with each of the candidates. In this episode, he talks with Isaac Kim. Kim's family hails from the Valley. The first time candidate runs an online men’s grooming and skin care business. His campaign slogan is “I am your local small business owner. I am your teammate. I am your amplifier."Website: https://www.isaacforthevalley.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/i...2023-02-2740 minWhat's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike BoninCD6 Candidate Spotlight: Douglas SierraWhen Nury Martinez resigned from the City Council in October, it left 270,000 residents of the east San Fernando Valley without representation. The special election to fill the seat is April 4, and Mike is talking one-on-one with each of the candidates. In this episode, he talks with Douglas Sierra. He has a background as a consultant at Deloitte Consulting, a business analyst at the nonprofit Child Care Resource Center, and as a coordinator for the nonprofit A Place Called Home.Website: https://votedouglas.com/IG: @votedouglasWhat's Next, Los Angeles? is...2023-02-2753 min