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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.
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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.
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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
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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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LAist Studios’ podcast reveals new 2024 stories.
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Episode 4 of Imperfect Paradise: Strippers Union includes updates on the first six months since Star Garden reopened as the only unionized strip club in the country.Listen • 34:06
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Some dancers previously had their sights on unionizing a different L.A. strip club: Jumbo’s Clown Room. But then the pandemic hit.Listen • 46:19
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The organizing efforts by the mostly white group of dancers at the North Hollywood raised questions from others in the community about who would really benefit.Listen • 43:00