Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez has been at the forefront of some of the biggest political battles of the past two years. From winning an Olympic wage for tourism workers, fighting for the rights of street vendors, and championing renter protections, he has been a warrior for the working class.  I talk with him on this episode of WNLA.

On the eve of her retirement after six decades of public service, Jackie Goldberg reflects on the history she made as an organizer and an elected official, and offers insights an advice to a new generation of activists. 

Goldberg is ending a career that stints on the Los Angeles school board, the Los Angeles City Council and the California State Assembly. She has been a trailblazing LGBT official and a key progressive leader. In a wide ranging interview with Mike, Jackie shares a history rich with lessons about persistence, collaboration, and staying true to your values. 

Mike and Jackie sat down to talk on November 18, her 80th birthday. The next day, she led the LAUSD board to pass emergency resolutions protecting immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community from the incoming Trump administration.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the critical issue of racially biased traffic enforcement in Los Angeles, often referred to as "Driving While Black." Our discussion focuses on the systemic challenges faced by drivers of color, who are disproportionately targeted and affected by traffic stops in the city.

Joining us are two esteemed experts in the field: Chauncee Smith of Catalyst California, and Leslie Cooper Johnson of the Community Coalition.

Together, we explore:

- The historical context and current state of racially biased traffic enforcement in Los Angeles.

- Real-life stories and statistical data that highlight the severity of this issue.

- Innovative policy proposals and practical solutions aimed at reducing racial disparities in traffic stops.

- The role of community involvement and advocacy in driving systemic change.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and hear from our experts on how Los Angeles can move towards equitable and just traffic enforcement policies. Join the conversation as we seek to pave the way for progressive change in our city.

MORE INFO:

PUSH-LA: https://pushla.org/

Catalyst California: https://www.catalystcalifornia.org/

Community Coalition: https://cocosouthla.org/

Council File Index (search for file # 20-0875): https://cityclerk.lacity.org/m.clerkconnect/#/cfmsSearch

Los Angeles Times op-ed “Why traffic stops can be deadly for people of color”by Frank R. Baumgartner, Derek Epp and Kelsey Shoubt. 

Washington Post ran an op-ed titled “Get police out of the business of traffic stops.” TJ Grayson and James Forman Jr.

New York Timesop-ed, “Police Officers Shouldn’t Be the Ones to Enforce Traffic Laws by Sarah Seo.,

Slate: The Myth of the Dangerous Traffic Stop Is Killing Black Men in America by Mark Josef Stern. 

North Carolina Times-News: “What would happen if cops didn’t make certain traffic stops? This North Carolina city offers a case study.” 

In 2019, the LA Times reported that data showed a black person in a vehicle was more than four times as likely to be searched by police as a white person, and a Latino was three times as likely. That same year, the LA Times detailed the problem of racially disparate enforcement in LAPD’s Metro unit.

In this episode of "What's Next Los Angeles," Mike talks with Assemblymember Isaac Bryan about recent election results and their impact on the progressive movement. Despite progressives facing some big defeats, Assemblymember Bryan sees signs of hope and expresses his unwavering determination to organize and continue the fight for change.

Join us as Assemblymember Bryan reflects on the challenges and opportunities ahead, offering a candid look at the political landscape and the resilience needed to push forward. This episode is for anyone interested in the future of progressive politics and the power of perseverance. Don't miss this conversation about navigating setbacks and the relentless pursuit of a better future for Los Angeles and beyond.

LA Podcast:

Mike's Substack essay, "Looking for a Silver Lining in Los Angeles"

You’ve heard about a new wave of progressives who have won office in the City of Los Angeles, but do you know about the incredible leaders in cities all around LA County? You will after listening to this episode of WNLA. I talk with Santa Monica Councilmember Caroline Torosis and Cudahy Vice Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar about progressive elected officials and candidates in Baldwin Park, Bell Gardens, Burbank, Culver City, Cudahy, Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Santa Monica, South Pasadena, West Covina, and West Hollywood.


LA FORWARD PROGRESSIVE VOTER GUIDE

LA PODCAST

Should California raise its minimum wage? That's the question posed by Proposition 32 on the state ballot. I speak with Saru Jayaraman of One Fair Wage on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.

For California voters, gay marriage is on the line in this election. 

How is that possible? I will discuss why you should vote YES on Proposition 3, with my guest, Assemblymember Rick Zbur, former head of Equality California, the largest statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the country.

00:12

this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.

District Attorney George Gascon is one of the most controversial candidates on your ballot. I talk with him about his record, his thoughts on crime and punishment, what it means to be a progressive prosecutor, and about the Menendez Brothers case, on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.


Netflix episodes about Franky Carrillo: https://www.netflix.com/title/80214563 (episodes 4 and 5)


LA FORWARD PROGRESSIVE VOTER GUIDE

LA PODCAST

Ysabel Jurado is shaking up Los Angeles politics.  A progressive candidate rooted in service to her community, she is taking on an establishment that is fighting back hard and ugly. But she remains joyful and optimistic. Today I talk  – and play a game of "Name That Tune" – with Ysabel Jurado – on What's Next, Los Angeles.

Mike’s CD14 Soundtrack
What About US - Pink
The Rent is Too Damn High - Jimmy McMillan
I Can’t Breathe - H.E.R. 
Your Racist Friend - They Might be Giants
I’m Coming Out - Diana Ross 
Fight the Power - Public Enemy
Girl is on Fire - Alicia Keys –

Ysabel's Favorite Campaign Song
Anything Can Happen - Ellie Goulding

LA FORWARD PROGRESSIVE VOTER GUIDE

LA PODCAST

One hundred sixty years after the abolition of slavery, California voters will decide whether to ban forced labor in the Golden State. That's what Proposition 6 on the state ballot is all about. And that's the topic on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles.

https://voteyesprop6.com/

https://voteyesoncaprop6.com/

CalMatters on Prop 6 

Ballotpedia on Prop 6

CA Legislative Analyst on Prop 6

LA Forward Voter Guide