Schools can now reopen... but will they? Some confusing and clarifying words from the Mayor on Project Roomkey. DA George Gascon seeks information on officer misconduct. Is Patrick Soon-Shiong selling the LA Times? Councilmember Nithya Raman changes course. And freelance reporter CERISE CASTLE joins the show to speak up about her experiences working at KCRW and their new #MyBlackLA project.

We didn’t reach out for comment from KCRW before the episode aired, but after it was released, Cerise Castle corrected or clarified a few moments: Paul Bennun is KCRW’s Chief Content Officer, not Chief Operating Officer. Also, a previous version of this episode contained a statement from Cerise Castle about a meeting she'd had with a KCRW staff member. Later, Cerise and another former KCRW employee clarified on social media that she had misremembered and that her recollection wasn’t accurate. We've removed that section from the episode.

Roomkey of the Year

A news and politics podcast for people who live in Los Angeles. Hosted by Scott Frazier, Alissa Walker, and Rachel Reyes.

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Government

Rachel and Alissa talk about the proposed gondola from Union Station to Dodger Stadium and 31 requirements placed on its developers by the Metro board. Then, they're joined by Godfrey Plata from LA Forward to talk through a few key races and issues in next week's Super Tuesday election.

My Gondolences

On the one-year anniversary of the Fed Tapes, Scott, Alissa, and Rachel discuss the legacy of the shocking scandal — including two new lawsuits, proposals for charter reform, and how the participants are working hard to rehabilitate themselves in public. And ethics charges are finally filed against yet another councilmember, John Lee, also known as "City Staffer B."

Bittersweet Dem Phonies

Scott and Alissa are joined by former LA Podcast host turned Council District 4 staffer Hayes Davenport to discuss the council’s 12-3 vote to approve huge raises for LAPD and what that means for the city’s non-police services. Plus, a look back on how the city’s approach to addressing homelessness has changed — and what still needs to change.

Raise to the Bottom

On the eve of the storm, Scott, Alissa, and Rachel discuss the region's preparations for Hurricane Hilary, the first tropical storm to make landfall in LA since 1939. Plus, more union workers join LA's summer of solidarity, and the oh-so-swift response to a rash of smash grabs-slash-flash robs at local malls. But first, Rachel gets personal, and content warning, a conversation about child sexual abuse, rape, and grooming in an LAUSD school takes place from 12 minutes to 33 minutes if you want to skip that part.

Writers on the Storm

Scott, Alissa, and Rachel break down the charges for the latest LA councilmember indictment, including why the case against Curren Price is different. Plus, white supremacist fascists crash LA's Pride month, and final thoughts on the CD 6 election.

Roomkey of the Year

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