On Election Day 2024, while most of the level-headed American public mourned the re-emergence of the far-right orange man, local folks in Los Angeles had a moment of electoral triumph with the victory of Ysabel Jurado to the Los Angeles City Council. Jurado is the first Filipino/a/x American to ever serve on the City Council for the nation’s 2nd largest city and the home to the largest number of Filipinos outside of the Philippines. It was truly a victory for Filipinos and so many other historically marginalized communities in the city.

The TFAL crew knew Ysabel for many years and have been a big supporter of her leadership, so we are ecstatic that she was able to join the podcast. Listen as we discuss her victory over her racist and corrupt opponent, her first few months in office, her loyalty and duty to working class communities, California’s housing crisis, Bernie-chella, and the hopeful future of SM Eagle Rock (aka Eagle Rock Plaza). We also ask her what it was like to work with great Ryan and Joe (spoiler: Ryan and Joe are mid). If you want to know more about the inner workings, pressures, and rewards of running a campaign and serving as an elected official, this is the episode for you.

Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found.