Best Mike Bonin Podcasts (2025)

1
Marissa Roy: Candidate for LA City Attorney 52:02

10d ago52:02

52:02

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 ill…

1
You Audit Know 1:14:41

32m ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Scott, Hayes, and Alissa look back on how the pandemic has changed LA, five years later. Then, a scathing audit of homelessness services at the city and LAHSA, a famous content creator’s burglary raises questions about LAPD response rates, and the brazenness of Huntington Park’s corruption scandal, "Operation Dirty Pond." Listen to the March 16, 20…

1
The Fired Next Time 47:56

2d ago47:56

47:56

Alissa, Rachel, and Mike recap former LAFD chief Kristin Crowley’s failed attempt to appeal her firing and discuss the political repercussions from the fire union, UFLAC. LA Mayor Karen Bass faces a recall campaign. And revenue shortfalls are forecast for LA, meaning leaders will have to take action to address the city’s park funding crisis. Crowle…

1
Crowley Control 56:00

9d ago56:00

56:00

Hayes, Rachel, Mike, and LA Pod producer Sophie Bridges discuss the ongoing political soap opera over the firing of LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley and lament that deeper questions are getting lost amid the drama. Plus, a big victory for LA County tenants, and more evidence of racism in the LAPD. Mayor Karen Bass fired LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, then C…

1
Elon-fire of the Vanities 41:36

23d ago41:36

41:36

Alissa, Hayes, and David discuss the local impacts of Elon Musk’s federal government takeover and reminisce about how he got his start right here in LA. And how other local billionaires are sucking up to Musk, including the one who owns the Los Angeles Times. Plus, new air and water quality testing results. Please fill out the LA Podcast listener s…

1
Shoup Hug 42:21

24d ago42:21

42:21

Alissa, Mike, and Godfrey discuss yet another new LA rebuilding effort focused on climate — and why this one could be different. Plus, California becomes even more uninsurable, and city leaders are colluding to stop affordable housing in Venice. And remembering Donald Shoup, the UCLA professor who changed the way LA looked at parking. UCLA’s new Bl…

1
Ricky Business 54:04

1M ago54:04

54:04

Alissa, Rachel, and Godfrey talk about the protests that are drawing attention to Trump’s mass deportation policies when California’s elected officials are not. Then: Rick Caruso launches his nonprofit, Steadfast LA, into a field that grows more crowded each day, and how Mayor Karen Bass should be thinking about rebuilding LA City infrastructure. D…

1
Fed Flag Warning 1:02:00

1M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Alissa, Mike, and Hayes ask the big questions: is the fire department underfunded, who is really in charge of LA’s recovery, which electeds are taking all the blame, and why? Plus, emergency tenant protections are once again shelved by LA City Council. Hayes’s Big City Heat story: “The question no one is going on TV about” "24 hours that changed Lo…

1
Literal Emergency Episode: The LA Fires 1:22:59

2M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

On January 8, 2025, Angelenos woke up to a city that had been irrevocably transformed overnight. On a special live show recorded on Zoom, Alissa, Mike, and Rachel discuss the fires, the city and county response, and where LA goes next. Also joining: Eater LA reporter Mona Holmes on Altadena, Hayes on housing, and Public Counsel’s Faizah Malik on em…

1
Hugo Soto-Martinez: Warrior for the Working Class 1:05:30

2M ago1:05:30

1:05:30

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 W…

1
Bad Op-Edicine 55:30

3M ago55:30

55:30

It’s the final episode of 2024! Scott, Alissa, Rachel, and Mike discuss the biggest (or most under-reported) stories of the year including the implosion of local media, trust in elected officials, 2028 Olympics leadership, and the breakdown of LA City services. Plus, the co-hosts make some predictions for 2025 and beyond. Take Mike’s local media su…

1
Jackie Goldberg: Lessons from a Life on the Frontlines 1:13:11

4M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

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 Ass…

1
Driving While Black: Tackling Racial Bias in Traffic Enforcement in Los Angeles 57:56

4M ago57:56

57:56

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 expe…

1
Isaac Bryan: Determined to Fight 31:29

4M ago31:29

31:29

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 a…

1
Fall Back 46:49

4M ago46:49

46:49

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. LA County election results California Sta…

1
Progressives in YOUR Backyard 1:00:50

5M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

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 offici…

1
Prop 32: Raise the Wage 17:48

5M ago17:48

17:48

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.By Mike Bonin

1
Prop 3: The Right to Marriage 26:45

5M ago26:45

26:45

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 …

1
October Surprise 1:28:59

5M ago1:28:59

1:28:59

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! LA Forward Voter Guide "What is …

1
George Gascon: On the Side of Justice: 1:03:37

5M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

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.netfl…

1
Girl on Fire: Ysabel Jurado 1:01:13

5M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

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…

1
Prop 6: Ending Forced Labor in CA 25:09

5M ago25:09

25:09

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 …

1
Judicial Candidate George Turner - Superior Court #39 41:00

5M ago41:00

41:00

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/…

1
Judicial Candidate Ericka Wiley - Seat #48 33:23

5M ago33:23

33:23

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.…

1
MEASURE A: Forward or Backward on Homelessness in LA? 47:39

5M ago47:39

47:39

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…

1
Prop 4: Combatting Climate Change 27:20

5M ago27:20

27:20

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 an…

1
Prop 36: Justice in the Balance 51:38

5M ago51:38

51:38

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 voca…

1
Measure G: Who Wields the Power? 43:20

5M ago43:20

43:20

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 Linds…

1
Prop 33: The Battle Over Rent Control 49:06

6M ago49:06

49:06

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 deve…

1
Getting Out and Giving Back: Candidate Spotlight on Franky Carrillo 1:00:23

6M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

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 mil…

1
Handcuffs, Not Housing: The Growing Push to Criminalize Homelessness 47:29

6M ago47:29

47:29

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 Nat…

1
Finding Common Ground: Mark Ramos 52:17

6M ago52:17

52:17

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 an…

1
Killing Newspapers: Big Tech & Gavin Newsom 28:31

6M ago28:31

28:31

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-pa…

1
Labor Day Special: L.A.'s Labor History 55:19

7M ago55:19

55:19

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 A…

1
Marqueece: On the Record 1:07:57

7M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

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…

1
Blowouts, Nail-biters and Big Surprises: Primary 2024 1:47:44

1y ago1:47:44

1:47:44

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 Nith…

1
Why the D.A. Race Really Matters (and why you should vote for George Gascon) 1:01:20

1y ago1:01:20

1:01:20

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? An…

1
Stop the Death & Violence: Vote YES on LA 36:07

1y ago36:07

36:07

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…

1
Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Groups Target Glendale Schools 1:01:58

1y ago1:01:58

1:01:58

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…

1
My Gondolences 1:51:32

1y ago1:51:32

1:51:32

“Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it?” LA Times sports writer Bill Shaikin went in search of answers last year “The secret to reducing car trips in LA is often much simpler than what well-connected consultants might want you to believe.” Alissa’s gondola story from 2020 Supervisor Hilda Solis’s motion with 31 requirements for the gondola develop…

1
Heather Hutt for L.A. City Council: Candidate Spotlight 55:10

1y ago55:10

55:10

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. Befo…

1
Reggie Jones-Sawyer for City Council: Candidate Spotlight 1:00:11

1y ago1:00:11

1:00:11

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…

1
Forward or Backward at LA City Hall? 1:06:15

1y ago1:06:15

1:06:15

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 …

1
Jillian Burgos for City Council: Candidate Spotlight 53:39

1y ago53:39

53:39

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 aft…

1
Nithya Raman: A Progressive Champion in the Los Angeles Death Match 57:57

1y ago57:57

57:57

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. …

1
Aura Vasquez for City Council: Candidate Spotlight 1:20:46

1y ago1:20:46

1:20:46

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, com…

1
Re-Air: Maebe A Girl for Congress: Candidate Spotlight 1:01:16

1y ago1:01:16

1:01:16

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 responsi…

1
Re-Air: Laura Friedman for Congress - Candidate Spotlight 1:00:55

1y ago1:00:55

1:00:55

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. T…

1
Re-Air: Sepi Shyne for Congress - Candidate Spotlight 51:01

1y ago51:01

51:01

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 we…

1
Re-Air: Mike Feuer for Congress - Candidate Spotlight 1:19:01

1y ago1:19:01

1:19:01

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. T…

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