A new bill aims to reduce the number of RV encampments
New legislation, signed by Governor Newsom last week, promises to clear RV encampments that have exploded in numbers since the start of the pandemic. AB 2525 was authored by Democratic Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur and sponsored by LA Mayor Karen Bass as a way to create additional space for people to park their RVs. Together with CalTrans, the City will now be able to lease parcels of land at a reduced rate, mostly near or under freeways, to store the vehicles why their owners are moved into interim housing. Joining us today on AirTalk to discuss the new bill and how it will take effect is Rick Chavez Zbur, California assemblymember representing the 51st Assembly District and author of AB 2525.
LA County District Attorney race: Challenger Nathan Hochman shares his priorities if elected
Outside of congressional seats in the county's purple districts, the highest profile race to follow in Los Angeles has been the role of District Attorney. Incumbent George Gascon faces a tough re-election campaign, having been elected in a much different political environment in 2020, with high-profile crimes that have surpassed many voters' interest in police reform. His challenger in this general election is Nathan Hochman, a criminal law attorney and former federal prosecutor. Today on AirTalk, we'll speak to Hochman about his decision to run against District Attorney Gascon, and what alternatives he presents for the position.
SoCal History: The City of Angels once had its own mayoral demons
Last month, New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges that he took bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. But New York is not the only city with a history of murky political figures. Corruption in the City of Angels is an all too familiar subject. Just two years ago, the Los Angeles City Council was rocked by scandal after a secretly recorded conversation leaked to journalists revealed racist remarks made by council members. When it comes to the Mayor's office, L.A. was once home to one of the most corrupt administrations in history. Today on AirTalk, we look at the life of former L.A. Mayor Frank L. Shaw. Joining us to discuss is Patt Morrison, columnist for the Los Angeles Times.
Former county sheriff has been appointed to lead the Los Angeles police force
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced Friday that Jim McDonnell will be the city’s next police chief, ending a months-long search after Michel Moore said he was retiring from the department’s top job. McDonnell is familiar to many Angelenos. He served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 29 years, and later was elected to L.A. County sheriff. He most recently served as the director of the University of Southern California's Price School’s Safe Communities Institute. Bass said she will work with McDonnell on expanding the police force, deploying more officers on the street and modernizing the department's technology. She said she also wants to strengthen community relations with the LAPD.
Joining us this morning on AirTalk is Frank Stoltze, civics and democracy correspondent at LAist and Sheriff Robert Luna.
Read the full LAist story here.
Charter Amendment ER: LA City Ethics Commission reforms
Los Angeles voters on Nov. 5 will consider a package of ethics reforms designed to fight corruption at City Hall. This follows a string of political scandals in recent years, including a 2022 audio leak that exposed how elected officials can manipulate the redistricting process to stay in power. One of the measures to vote on is Charter Amendment ER, which proposes reforms to the City Council's Ethics Commission. The measure would establish a minimum annual budget for the Commission; increase the Commission’s authority over spending decisions and hiring matters; allow the Commission to obtain outside counsel in limited circumstances; impose additional qualification requirements on Commission members; require the City Council to hold a public hearing on Commission proposals; and increase penalties for violations of City laws. Supporters call it the first significant reform to the Ethics Commission in its 20-year history. Critics, who believe the package doesn't go far enough, say the council dumped key proposals after pushback from lobbyists.
Today on AirTalk, we'll discuss the measure and delve into some of its critiques with Paul Krekorian, L.A. City Council President Emeritus, and Aaron Robertson, Director of Political Voice for Catalyst California.
With files from LAist. You can read more about Charter Amendment ER here.
The cop who inspired 'BlacKkKlansman' tells a new story from Mormon Country
Ron Stallworth was the first African-American and youngest detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department, where he infiltrated the ranks of the Ku Klux Klan. The story inspired a 2018 best-selling book, Black Klansman, which was adapted into a film written and directed by Spike Lee. His latest book tells a new story about his time in Salt Lake City, Utah, where, again, he finds himself an outsider both within the police department and a state largely influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Stallworth joins to discuss The Gangs of Zion: A Black Cop’s Crusade in Mormon Country.
