Michael Monks examines how the January 2025 Palisades Fire has forced city officials to reconsider the downtown Convention Center expansion, jeopardizing plans for the 2028 Olympic Games. He then sits down with LA County GOP Chairwoman Roxanne Hogue, who discusses the challenges and opportunities facing over a million registered Republicans in a predominantly Democratic region, emphasizing public safety and good governance. Together, they delve into downtown LA’s paradox of breathtaking high-rises contrasted with chaotic, grimy streets, and wrap up by exploring national influences like President Trump’s return and critiquing the “top two” primary system for limiting minority party representation.