In this powerful episode of Common Sense Citizen, hosts Sam Yebri and Ryan Afari sit down with Paul Webster, co-founder of the LA Alliance, to expose the systemic failure behind Los Angeles’s homelessness crisis. Billions of dollars have been spent — yet the crisis has only deepened. This conversation is a wake-up call, revealing how mismanagement, lack of accountability, and political inaction have created a humanitarian disaster on our streets. 

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• LA has spent billions on homelessness, yet the crisis continues to worsen — with no clear accountability
 • A federal audit revealed $2.3 billion in unaccounted spending and inflated service claims
 • The LA Alliance sued the city and county, resulting in binding court settlements to enforce real action
 • Permanent supportive housing is slow and costly; transitional housing offers faster, scalable solutions
 • LASA’s leadership collapsed amid scandal — including a $2M contract signed to her husband’s nonprofit
 • A potential federal receivership and criminal investigations are now underway
 • True change requires civic engagement, political courage, and system-wide accountability

To learn more, visit:
https://www.thrivelosangeles.org/

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/thrivela/

In this inaugural episode of Common Sense Citizen, host Ryan Afari is joined by restaurateur Christy Vega, venture capitalist John Kim, and attorney/activist Sam Yebri for a passionate, unfiltered look at the policies and politics shaping Los Angeles. Brought together under the umbrella of Thrive LA, they highlight the systemic breakdowns recently exposed by the city’s wildfire crisis—from crumbling infrastructure to chronically under-resourced fire and police departments—and underscore the need for citizens to get engaged.

The panel explores why national political labels fail to solve local problems, and how performative policies lead to skyrocketing rents, overwhelming regulations on small businesses, and the perpetuation of homelessness. They call for practical, results-driven reform—a “radical middle” approach—rooted in accountability and common sense. Learn why 2026’s major city elections could transform LA’s future, and how everyday Angelenos can seize this moment to recruit better leaders, demand fiscal transparency, and reimagine public safety. Whether you’re a lifelong Angeleno or new to the city, this episode will inspire you to step up, get informed, and reclaim a Los Angeles where everyone can truly thrive.

To learn more, visit:
https://www.thrivelosangeles.org/

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/thrivela/