Inside the Issues: The Podcast

California Rep. Karen Bass surfaced as a possible vice president pick for Joe Biden and recently co-introduced a bill pushing for police reform at a federal level. But prior to entering politics, Bass said she never thought she would be an elected official. In fact, her first job was as a physician assistant. SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen sits down with Bass to learn more about her and her work.   Producer Esther Lee then joins to talk about her first job as a reporter.

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Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

http://cocosouthla.org/our-story/

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As we approach Fourth of July, the national dialogue continues to revolve around a bigger conversation: how can we make this world a place where everyone is heard and everyone feels free? This week, SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen sits down with Lora King, the daughter of Rodney King. She shares what it was like to grow up after her father was beaten by Los Angeles police officers and the 1992 riots that followed.   Producer Esther Lee then joins Alex to talk about her thoughts on freedom in America.

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Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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COVID-19 might have put a pause on actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s projects, but it has not stopped him from getting creative. SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen chats with Gordon-Levitt about his YouTube mini-series Create Together, where people from all over the world work jointly to create poetry, art, music, and content.    Producer Esther Lee then joins to talk about her latest creative social media adventure.

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Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

Instagram account: @thenewsstand_

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen speaks with Melina Abdullah​, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter L.A. Abdullah recounts how she joined the movement, her experience presenting the “People’s Budget” to the L.A. City Council, and her reason behind why she wants to re-imagine public safety. Producer Esther Lee then joins to celebrate Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

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Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen had the chance to sit down with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the U.S. currently leading the charge against COVID-19. They discuss protests, COVID-19 vaccines, and Brad Pitt’s impression of Dr. Fauci on Saturday Night Live. Later, Alex talks about how doctors are using stories to help them cope with the coronavirus crisis.

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Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen sits down with two women who have represented law and order in the City of Angels for decades. LA District Attorney Jackie Lacey and former LAPD Sgt. Cheryl Dorsey share their differing views on law enforcement during this time of civil unrest. 
  Producer Esther Lee then joins to talk about her lack of dialogue when it comes to racism.

IN THIS EPISODE

More info on Cheryl Dorsey's Book: https://sgtcheryldorsey.com/books/

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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George Floyd's name has become known nationwide as protestors took to the streets following his death.    SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen speaks with Emmy-winning director Ava DuVernay on the issue of privilege, saying some live their whole lives without the fear of being racially profiled by law enforcement.    DuVernay also discussed the launch of her online education platform Array 101.    Producer Esther Lee then joined to talk about her observations on her daily runs through Hancock Park.

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Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu of California has been actively calling out President Donald Trump on Twitter, asserting that he is “going after the institutions of our democracy.”   SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen sits down with Rep. Lieu to discuss these tweets. They also talk about the tragedy of Vincent Chin and how Taiwan managed to stay a step ahead in coronavirus prevention.   Producer Esther Lee then joins Alex to talk about local efforts to raise money to support Asian-owned small businesses. 

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Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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SoCal in 17 host Alex Cohen talks with Rep. Maxine Waters of California's 43rd congressional district to remember her sister, who recently passed after contracting the coronavirus. Rep. Waters shares fond memories of Velma Moody, whom she affectionately called “sister baby.” She implores everyone to “keep your a** at home” and always wear a mask in public.   Later, Alex and producer Esther Lee debate on whether they should approach someone without a mask in public to remind them to wear one.

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Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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When the pandemic hit, SoCal restaurant Everytable kicked things into full gear and expanded their operation to get more food delivered to seniors, students, and other residents in need. On this episode of SoCal in 17, host Alex Cohen speaks with Sam Polk, the founder of Everytable, who talked about their latest donation from Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, a gift that will allow the restaurant to provide 500 free meals a day to Compton residents for a whole month. There's also a “how to” on car care by Spectrum News 1 reporter Ariel Wesler. Later, producer Esther Lee and Alex talk about their latest kitchen creations.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

GET IN TOUCH

Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

SoCal in 17 Page

#OneSoCal

On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17

Call (424) 209-8764 and leave us a voicemail!