Lots of big news to kick off 2024. Late last week, LAPD Chief Michel Moore announced a sudden retirement, putting Mayor Karen Bass in the hotseat as she begins to choose a replacement. Meanwhile Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva denies the existence of deputy gangs while under oath.  The Supreme Court has decided to take up a draconian anti-homeless law, and people who usually call themselves progressives are hoping the right-wing court will criminalize homelessness. Meanwhile, is LA backing away from affordable housing in wealthy neighborhoods? And what is the fate of local journalism as Kevin Merida leaves the LA Times? Guest co-hosts Alissa Walker and Godfrey Plata return to the podcast and discuss it all with Mike.

Chief Moore Resignation
LA TIMES: LAPD Chief Michel Moore to step down at end of February
ERICKA SMITH: Column: LAPD’s Michel Moore is (finally) leaving. Here’s what L.A. needs in a new chief
LA TIMES: Detectives claim LAPD chief sought investigation of Mayor Bass over USC scholarship 

LASD
LATIMES: Villanueva denies existence of deputy gangs as L.A. County officials seek accountability 
LAIST: Former Sheriff’s Deputy Convicted In Fatal Shooting of Ryan Twyman; First Such Conviction In Two Decades In LA 

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR HOMELESSNESS CASE
LA TIMES: Supreme Court to rule on clearing homeless encampments in California and the West
COURTHOUSE NEWS: Oregon city trying to take blankets, pillows from homeless loses appeal
NEWSOM: Governor Newsom Statement on Court Ruling Obstructing Encampments Clearing 

LA Backing Away from Affordable Housing in Wealthy Areas?
LAIST: Housing Advocates Sue City Of LA For Stalling Affordable Housing Near Single-Family Homes:
REAL DEAL: YIMBY challenges LA’s denial of affordable housing in Winnetka:
OP-ED: Housing needs to go into highly resourced wealthy neighborhoods or else none of this matters: 

Kevin Merida Ouster
NYT: Editor of The Los Angeles Times Steps Down
POYNTER INSTITUTE:: Major surprise shakeup at the Los Angeles Times
POLITICO:

What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.