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Listen • 33:56Listen • 33:56Investigating fraud allegations over missing pandemic funds in Orange CountyAn LAist investigation uncovered more than $13 million in public funds directed by Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do to Viet America Society (VAS) without disclosing his daughter was a leader at the nonprofit. County officials now allege that money was “brazenly plundered” for personal gain. Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido speaks with LAist correspondent Nick Gerda, who broke the story, about the ongoing investigation.
About Imperfect Paradise
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(she/her)
Imperfect Paradise is an award-winning weekly narrative podcast showcasing California stories with universal significance, hosted by Antonia Cereijido.
Each deeply reported story is driven by characters who illuminate aspects of American identity and underscore California's reputation as a home for dreamers and schemers, its heartbreaking inequality, its varied and diverse communities, its unique combination of dense cities and wild places.
New episodes premiere Wednesdays, with broadcasts on LAist 89.3 the following Sundays.
Supporters
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Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.
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This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Show your support for Imperfect Paradise today!
LAist Studios relies on your listener support to power the podcasts you love. Your donation today enables us to create more great podcasts for you.
Recent Stories
Who is Andrew Do? Why is his 23-year-old daughter involved? What does a county supervisor even do? We explain the saga playing out in O.C.
Listen
• 33:56
Start a Series
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Incumbent L.A. District Attorney George Gascón faces a tough challenge from criminal defense attorney Nathan Hochman as Gascón seeks a second four-year term.Listen • 39:34 -
Self-described cynic Jill Replogle was asked to report on the celebrity mountain lion for LAist's new podcast, Imperfect Paradise: Lions, Coyotes & Bears. Along the way, she found herself converted to a fan.Listen • 45:45
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Lorena Ríos reflects on reporting “Return to Mexico,” a four-part series of LAist Studios podcast Imperfect Paradise.Listen • 35:50
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JB Hamby is California’s lead negotiator in the historic negotiation over one of the state’s most vital sources of water.Listen • 41:45
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Dancers at Star Garden demanded better working conditions — including protection from aggressive guests. Up next: An actual contract.Listen • 42:27
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For one devoted hobbyist magician, the members-only Los Angeles institution was too alluring to resist. But the love faded. 'Imperfect Paradise: The Castle,' Part 1.Listen • 28:31
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In December 2020, Sadie and Eddie Martinez were falsely accused of attempted kidnapping by a white woman who had been shopping at a Michaels craft store at the same time as them. This is the story of Sadie's fight to clear their names and bring her accuser to justice.Listen • 34:39
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Antonia Cereijido reflects on her motivation for hosting "Nury & The Secret Tapes," the four-part series for the new season of the LAist Studios podcast "Imperfect Paradise"Listen • 40:45
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In episode two of Imperfect Paradise: District Attorney Gascón we hear from the D.A. about his transformation to progressive prosecutor and from one of his frontline lawyers about their concerns.Listen • 38:12 -
Their plights inspire ambitious projects to undo some of the damage.Listen • 25:58
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In Episode 4 of our latest Imperfect Paradise series about predators, host Antonia Cereijido reflects on why Jackie and Shadow’s story resonates so deeply.Listen • 24:53
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In contrast to beloved predators like P-22, Griffith Park’s late famous mountain lion, people in L.A. have a much more complicated relationship with coyotes.Listen • 44:28
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Return from Mexico: A mother barred from the U.S. for more than a decade reunites with her four kidsWhen Gloria de la Rosa learned that she would get her green card and could return to the U.S., she knew she was coming back to a changed family.Listen • 41:22
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Part 3 of Imperfect Paradise: Return to Mexico follows Daniel Zamora as he rebuilds his life in Mexico after deportation — getting a new job as a teacher, buying a home, finding a new partner and reclaiming Mexico as his homeland.Listen • 32:45
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“It was a kind of connection to the U.S. and it made you feel like you hadn't lost everything," Daniel Zamora says in the latest episode of "Return to Mexico."Listen • 34:47
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Learn more about the new podcast from LAist Studios and NPR.
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A conversation with negotiations expert Victoria Medvec.Listen • 24:31
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At stake is the future of the Colorado River, which provides about 30% of SoCal’s drinking water.Listen • 33:17
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