The LA Podcast

Episodes

November 11, 2024 Episode 235

Alissa, Rachel, Mike, David, and Hayes discuss last week’s election results, including the déjà vu-inducing national swing to the right, a mixed bag of state props, and many local progressive wins, including the passage of Measure A. And then: where we’re finding hope and focusing energy in the weeks ahead.

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October 30, 2024 Episode 234

Alissa 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!

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February 29, 2024 Episode 233

Rachel and Alissa talk about the proposed gondola from Union Station to Dodger Stadium and 31 requirements placed on its developers by the Metro board. Then, they’re joined by Godfrey Plata from LA Forward to talk through a few key races and issues in next week’s Super Tuesday election.

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October 10, 2023 Episode 232

On the one-year anniversary of the Fed Tapes, Scott, Alissa, and Rachel discuss the legacy of the shocking scandal — including two new lawsuits, proposals for charter reform, and how the participants are working hard to rehabilitate themselves in public. And ethics charges are finally filed against yet another councilmember, John Lee, also known as “City Staffer B.”

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September 7, 2023 Episode 231

Scott and Alissa are joined by former LA Podcast host turned Council District 4 staffer Hayes Davenport to discuss the council’s 12-3 vote to approve huge raises for LAPD and what that means for the city’s non-police services. Plus, a look back on how the city’s approach to addressing homelessness has changed — and what still needs to change.

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August 21, 2023 Episode 230

On the eve of the storm, Scott, Alissa, and Rachel discuss the region’s preparations for Hurricane Hilary, the first tropical storm to make landfall in LA since 1939. Plus, more union workers join LA’s summer of solidarity, and the oh-so-swift response to a rash of smash grabs-slash-flash robs at local malls. But first, Rachel gets personal, and content warning, a conversation about child sexual abuse, rape, and grooming in an LAUSD school takes place from 12 minutes to 33 minutes if you want to skip that part.

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June 28, 2023 Episode 229

Scott, Alissa, and Rachel break down the charges for the latest LA councilmember indictment, including why the case against Curren Price is different. Plus, white supremacist fascists crash LA’s Pride month, and final thoughts on the CD 6 election.

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May 24, 2023 Episode 228

Scott, Alissa, and Rachel discuss the WGA strike, Jordan Neely’s murder and who gets to feel safe riding transit, the city’s new budget and Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez’s lone dissenting vote, and, of course, “La Sombrita.”

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April 22, 2023 Episode 227

Scott, Alissa, and Rachel talk about the CD 6 primary results, Mark Ridley-Thomas’s conviction and where that leaves the people of CD 10, allegations of a toxic workplace in the City Controller’s office, and the “New LA” of Karen Bass’s first State of the City.

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March 31, 2023 Episode 226

Scott, Alissa, and Rachel are back! In this episode: the CD 6 special election and which candidate is the most “not Nury,” the fence finally coming down at Echo Park Lake, awaiting the verdict for the Mark Ridley-Thomas trial, and a final sendoff to now-Ambassador Eric Garcetti.

Update: Mark Ridley-Thomas was found guilty of 7 felonies, including counts of bribery, conspiracy, honest services mail fraud, and honest services wire fraud. Here’s our thread of previous coverage, including Scott’s hour-long emergency episode from the day of the indictment.

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