Best Mike Bonin Podcasts (2025)

1
Targeting the Vulnerable: the CA Budget 34:02

Play Pause

9d ago34:02

34:02

Vulnerable Californians are in the crosshairs. That’s one of the big takeaways from Governor Newsom’s latest budget proposal -- the May Revise.Last week on this podcast, we focused on the proposal’s impact on transportation, housing and climate. Today we’re looking at its impact on vulnerable and low income Californians, and the news is pretty ugly…

1
Streaming, Crying, Throwing Up 50:34

4d ago50:34

50:34

Mike, Hayes, and Carla discuss the growing desire among LA Councilmembers to rein in mayoral oversight of homelessness as they’re potentially being called into Judge David O. Carter’s federal courtroom. Plus, new city and state efforts to lure the entertainment industry back to LA, and a journalist investigated by former sheriff Alex Villanueva sue…

1
Wage Against the Machine 58:26

11d ago58:26

58:26

Alissa, Mike and Godfrey give a full update on how LA City’s budget went from disastrous to just “very bad” — including actions from the council’s budget committee to reduce over 1,600 proposed layoffs to 600. Then, a new minimum wage for tourism workers has hotels threatening to pull their Olympics deals. And LA’s former deputy mayor of public saf…

1
Can Transit Survive Gavin's Budget? - with Eli Lipmen 47:46

16d ago47:46

47:46

Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled his latest budget proposal. What does it mean for mass transit, for housing, and for the fight to save the climate? We will get into with Eli Lipmen, executive director of MOVE LA. Transit Advocates Warn of Fiscal Crisis After Newsom Passes on Emergency Funding: https://www.kqed.org/news/12040042/transit-advocates…

1
Shelter Skelter 53:28

18d ago53:28

53:28

Alissa and Mike are joined by guest co-host Laura Raymond for a whole episode on homelessness and housing. Gavin Newsom orders cities to ban visible homelessness, again. Is Measure ULA’s “mansion tax” stifling housing production in the city of LA? And post-fire Altadena is championing new models of property ownership to combat speculation and displ…

1
On the Chopper Block 58:31

25d ago58:31

58:31

Mike, Alissa, and Rachel discuss how LA’s budget crisis could lead to an LAPD with fewer officers and more accountability around its helicopter fleet. Metro hires a chief for its new in-house police department. Plus, why LA County approved a $4 billion settlement for thousands of sexual abuse claims, and what this means for survivors. Support LA Po…

1
Paw Payroll 1:09:57

1M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

Scott, Hayes, and Alissa dive into LA City budget fallout: how positions were eliminated, which departments are getting funded, and why LA’s liability payouts are so much higher now. 100 days out from the fires, LA hits major recovery milestones. And former LA County sheriff Alex Villanueva is evaluated for emotional distress. The mayor’s budget su…

1
Rudy Espinoza: Finding the Courage to Fight 38:06

1M ago38:06

38:06

In the face of an onslaught of attacks on civil rights and civil liberties and social justice programs, are you feeling demoralized, or helpless, or isolated? If so, you are not alone. In this episode, we talk with Rudy Espinoza, executive director of Inclusive Action for the City, about his personal and political search for the courage to stand up…

1
Planes, Trains, and Automated People Movers 53:36

1M ago53:36

53:36

Alissa and Mike are joined by guest co-host Oscar Zarate, director of external affairs at CHIRLA, to discuss how workers are mobilizing for immigrant rights on May Day. The Real ID deadline is on May 7, creating another barrier to travel in Trump’s America. And the first phase of LAX’s long-awaited rail connection has an opening date, while Inglewo…

1
The LA Shitty Budget 57:45

1M ago57:45

57:45

Alissa, Mike, Godfrey, and Rachel watch LA Mayor Karen Bass’s State of the City address and discuss why a speech that was hyped as a "fundamental overhaul of city government" didn’t deliver on that promise. And a first look at the city’s budget includes major layoffs and department cuts to cover a billion-dollar funding gap. Check out Bass’s propos…

1
Fighting Oligarchy: The Significance of the L.A. Rally 38:36

2M ago38:36

38:36

Last weekend, a crowd 36,000 strong flocked to downtown Los Angeles, filling Gloria Molina Grand Park, surrounding Los Angeles City Hall, and stretching a half mile down Spring Street. From all around Southern California they came to hear and to cheer Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and to amplify the message that America needs a gover…

1
There's a New Tariff in Town 55:30

2M ago55:30

55:30

Alissa, Mike, and Rachel talk about how the Trump administration is attempting to stoke fear and uncertainty at the port, schools, and cultural organizations — and how some local institutions are resisting. Plus: LA28 is getting challenged on Olympics venues, and LA’s budget-busting $2.2 billion convention center expansion lives to see another day.…

1
Breaking Up is Hard to Do 1:00:28

2M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Los Angeles County is creating its own Department of Homeless Services – and pulling hundreds of people and hundreds of millions of dollars out of LAHSA – the joint city-county homelessness services agency. Is it a big and long overdue step to maximize taxpayer investments in solving homelessness? Or is it a rushed and divisive move that threatens …

1
All Is Not LAHSA 1:03:40

2M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Hayes, Alissa, and Mike are joined by guest co-host Carla Hall, former Los Angeles Times editorial board member, to discuss LA County’s dramatic decision to pull funding from the LA Homeless Services Authority. Plus County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath is making big moves in a role known for anything but. And a discussion about the future of the LA Ti…

1
A Delete Unknown 50:24

2M ago50:24

50:24

Alissa, Mike, and Rachel discuss proposed changes to LA city’s slur-strewn public comment process. Karen Bass found her deleted text messages sent during the fires, but what conversations are we still missing? And Metro advances an incomplete street for Vermont Avenue. LA Times: "LA City Council seeks crackdown on the N-word and C-word at meetings”…

1
We’re Not Gavin It 43:26

2M ago43:26

43:26

Alissa, Godfrey, and Rachel gather on the first day of spring to try and figure out what the hell Gavin Newsom is doing with his new MAGA-platforming podcast. Plus, new LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman won’t resentence the Menendez brothers until they apologize for "all the lies that they have told.” And some real estate influencers want …

1
You Audit Know 1:14:41

3M ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Scott, Hayes, and Alissa look back on how the pandemic has changed LA, five years later. Then, a scathing audit of homelessness services at the city and LAHSA, a famous content creator’s burglary raises questions about LAPD response rates, and the brazenness of Huntington Park’s corruption scandal, "Operation Dirty Pond." Listen to the March 16, 20…

1
Marissa Roy: Candidate for LA City Attorney 52:02

3M ago52:02

52:02

Did you know that as a resident of Los Angeles, you have an attorney? The City Attorney is elected to represent and fight for the people of Los Angeles and to serve as the City’s lawyer. Deputy Attorney General Marissa Roy recently announced her campaign for Los Angeles City Attorney, campaigning to protect workers from wage theft, renters from ill…

1
The Fired Next Time 47:56

3M ago47:56

47:56

Alissa, Rachel, and Mike recap former LAFD chief Kristin Crowley’s failed attempt to appeal her firing and discuss the political repercussions from the fire union, UFLAC. LA Mayor Karen Bass faces a recall campaign. And revenue shortfalls are forecast for LA, meaning leaders will have to take action to address the city’s park funding crisis. Crowle…

1
Crowley Control 56:00

3M ago56:00

56:00

Hayes, Rachel, Mike, and LA Pod producer Sophie Bridges discuss the ongoing political soap opera over the firing of LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley and lament that deeper questions are getting lost amid the drama. Plus, a big victory for LA County tenants, and more evidence of racism in the LAPD. Mayor Karen Bass fired LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, then C…

1
Elon-fire of the Vanities 41:36

3M ago41:36

41:36

Alissa, Hayes, and David discuss the local impacts of Elon Musk’s federal government takeover and reminisce about how he got his start right here in LA. And how other local billionaires are sucking up to Musk, including the one who owns the Los Angeles Times. Plus, new air and water quality testing results. Please fill out the LA Podcast listener s…

1
Shoup Hug 42:21

4M ago42:21

42:21

Alissa, Mike, and Godfrey discuss yet another new LA rebuilding effort focused on climate — and why this one could be different. Plus, California becomes even more uninsurable, and city leaders are colluding to stop affordable housing in Venice. And remembering Donald Shoup, the UCLA professor who changed the way LA looked at parking. UCLA’s new Bl…

1
Ricky Business 54:04

4M ago54:04

54:04

Alissa, Rachel, and Godfrey talk about the protests that are drawing attention to Trump’s mass deportation policies when California’s elected officials are not. Then: Rick Caruso launches his nonprofit, Steadfast LA, into a field that grows more crowded each day, and how Mayor Karen Bass should be thinking about rebuilding LA City infrastructure. D…

1
Fed Flag Warning 1:02:00

4M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Alissa, Mike, and Hayes ask the big questions: is the fire department underfunded, who is really in charge of LA’s recovery, which electeds are taking all the blame, and why? Plus, emergency tenant protections are once again shelved by LA City Council. Hayes’s Big City Heat story: “The question no one is going on TV about” "24 hours that changed Lo…

1
Literal Emergency Episode: The LA Fires 1:22:59

5M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

On January 8, 2025, Angelenos woke up to a city that had been irrevocably transformed overnight. On a special live show recorded on Zoom, Alissa, Mike, and Rachel discuss the fires, the city and county response, and where LA goes next. Also joining: Eater LA reporter Mona Holmes on Altadena, Hayes on housing, and Public Counsel’s Faizah Malik on em…

1
Hugo Soto-Martinez: Warrior for the Working Class 1:05:30

5M ago1:05:30

1:05:30

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 W…

1
Bad Op-Edicine 55:30

5M ago55:30

55:30

It’s the final episode of 2024! Scott, Alissa, Rachel, and Mike discuss the biggest (or most under-reported) stories of the year including the implosion of local media, trust in elected officials, 2028 Olympics leadership, and the breakdown of LA City services. Plus, the co-hosts make some predictions for 2025 and beyond. Take Mike’s local media su…

1
Jackie Goldberg: Lessons from a Life on the Frontlines 1:13:11

6M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

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 Ass…

1
Driving While Black: Tackling Racial Bias in Traffic Enforcement in Los Angeles 57:56

7M ago57:56

57:56

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 expe…

1
Isaac Bryan: Determined to Fight 31:29

7M ago31:29

31:29

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 a…

1
Fall Back 46:49

7M ago46:49

46:49

Alissa, Rachel, Mike, David, and Hayes discuss last week’s election results, including the déjà vu-inducing national swing to the right, a mixed bag of state props, and many local progressive wins, including the passage of Measure A. And then: where we're finding hope and focusing energy in the weeks ahead. LA County election results California Sta…

1
Progressives in YOUR Backyard 1:00:50

7M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

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 offici…

1
Prop 32: Raise the Wage 17:48

7M ago17:48

17:48

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

1
Prop 3: The Right to Marriage 26:45

7M ago26:45

26:45

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. What's Next, Los …

1
October Surprise 1:28:59

7M ago1:28:59

1:28:59

Alissa and Rachel are joined by Mike Bonin, Godfrey Plata, and David Levitus to talk about all the tricks and treats on your ballot, including the key local races in next week’s election, a slew of state props, and very consequential county and city measures. Plus, some exciting changes are in store for the podcast! LA Forward Voter Guide "What is …

1
George Gascon: On the Side of Justice: 1:03:37

7M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

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.netfl…

1
Girl on Fire: Ysabel Jurado 1:01:13

7M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

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…

1
Prop 6: Ending Forced Labor in CA 25:09

7M ago25:09

25:09

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 …

1
Judicial Candidate George Turner - Superior Court #39 41:00

7M ago41:00

41:00

A Superior Court judge has tremendous power – yet the races for judge get very little attention, and one of the most frequent questions I am asked during every election cycle is “What about the judges? Who should I vote for?” I talk with judicial candidate George Turner, running for Seat 39, on this episode of WNLA. https://georgeaturner4judge.com/…

1
Judicial Candidate Ericka Wiley - Seat #48 33:23

8M ago33:23

33:23

Who should I vote for for judge? That is one of the most frequent questions I get during election season. Today I talk with judicial candidate Ericka Wiley, running for seat #48, on WNLA. https://www.wileyforjudge.com/ LA Forward Voter Guide What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.…

1
MEASURE A: Forward or Backward on Homelessness in LA? 47:39

8M ago47:39

47:39

Homelessness is the biggest crisis facing Los Angeles County. Can we continue to make progress and really tackle this problem? Or will we backslide and allow another huge and devastating increase in homelessness? That’s what’s at stake as voters consider Measure A on the LA County ballot. I will get into it with my guests today on WNLA: Los Angeles…

1
Prop 4: Combatting Climate Change 27:20

8M ago27:20

27:20

The signs of the climate crisis are everywhere – and it is clear we are not doing enough to combat it. That’s why Proposition 4 is on your ballot. We discuss what is in the proposition, and why it is important for the state of California, and the future of neighborhoods. My guest is State Senator Ben Allen, who proposed creating the bond measure an…

1
Prop 36: Justice in the Balance 51:38

8M ago51:38

51:38

Is Prop 36 -- the most talked about proposition on the ballot -- a return to an era of law and order? or a backslide to an era of mass incarceration? That’s what we discuss on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles, with my guests, former state Assemblymember Mike Gatto, in favor of the proposition, and State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a voca…

1
Measure G: Who Wields the Power? 43:20

8M ago43:20

43:20

The official title for Measure G is “LOS ANGELES COUNTY GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY CHARTER AMENDMENT.” That sure makes it sound dry, boring and wonky. It is anything but. It is about power. Incredible power. Who will wield it? And who will they represent? We discuss Measure G on this episode of WNLA with County Supervisor Linds…

1
Prop 33: The Battle Over Rent Control 49:06

8M ago49:06

49:06

Proposition 33 is one of the hottest items on the California state ballot. If approved, it would allow cities and counties to establish, increase or expand rent control. Proponents say it is necessary to keep rents affordable and prevent families from falling into homelessness. Opponents say it will hurt small "mom and pop" landlords, and stop deve…

1
Getting Out and Giving Back: Candidate Spotlight on Franky Carrillo 1:00:23

8M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

He was wrongfully convicted and spent 20 years behind bars. Since his his exoneration and release, he has dedicated himself to public service – and now he is a candidate for the California State Assembly. I talk with Franky Carrillo on this episode of What's Next, Los Angeles. Campaign Website: https://frankycarrillo.com/ L.A. County to pay $10 mil…

1
Handcuffs, Not Housing: The Growing Push to Criminalize Homelessness 47:29

9M ago47:29

47:29

Since a critical U.S. Supreme Court ruling last summer, public officials have been rushing to drastically expand criminalization of homelessness. It's a cynical move, spending a fortune on making homelessness less visible while actually making the crisis much worse, and much harder to solve. In this episode, Mike talks with Alex Visotsky of the Nat…

1
Finding Common Ground: Mark Ramos 52:17

9M ago52:17

52:17

There are more than 3 million Democratic voters in Los Angeles County. Who decides which candidate gets the party’s endorsement? Or where the party spends its money? How is the local party negotiating tensions between progressives and moderates? I talk with Mark Ramos, the chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. A former grocery worker an…

1
Killing Newspapers: Big Tech & Gavin Newsom 28:31

9M ago28:31

28:31

Did California Governor Gavin Newson kill efforts to save newspapers from Big Tech? A few weeks ago, Newsom announced a deal with Google that effectively killed legislation to force Google, Meta and other big tech firms to compensate news organizations for making money off their products. He announced the state would enter into a sort of private-pa…

1
Labor Day Special: L.A.'s Labor History 55:19

9M ago55:19

55:19

It was just a year ago that Los Angeles was the focus nationally and internationally of the Hot Labor Summer of 2023. With workers in various industries taking to the streets and demanding better pay and working conditions, and with overwhelming public support, the message was clear: Los Angeles is a labor town. But it wasn't always that way. Los A…