MHD Off the Record

Jaksot

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  [Re-Air] Ep. 32 Can Guaranteed Basic Income Really Break the Cycle of Poverty? 31.08.2026 1t 6min

  On this episode of MHD Off the Record, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with Abigail Marquez, General Manager of the Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), and Michael Tubbs, Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) and Special Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom. Together, they dive into the realities of Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI)—a policy designed to provide no-strings-attached cash payments to individuals and families in need.With millions struggling to make ends meet, we ask: Does GBI empower people to escape poverty, or does it foster dependency? Our guests share insights from pilot programs in Los Angeles and Stockton, breaking down the data, misconceptions, and long-term impact of direct cash assistance.Abigail R. Marquez serves as the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), a position she has held since 2021. With nearly 21 years of experience advancing anti-poverty initiatives in Los Angeles, Marquez plays a key role in overseeing programs designed to disrupt generational poverty and support low-income residents. She is responsible for administering the City’s Consolidated Plan, which allocates around $120 million in federal funds annually to support various capital projects and social services. This includes managing 20 FamilySource Centers and services for domestic violence and human trafficking survivors. Under her leadership, CIFD has implemented notable initiatives, including the Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program (BIG), the largest of its kind in the nation, and the Opportunity LA Children’s Savings Account program, which helps thousands of first-graders build financial security. Prior to this role, she was the Assistant General Manager at the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), where she led efforts in community services and development​.Michael Tubbs is the Founder of the Non-profit organization, End Poverty in California (EPIC), the Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), and the Special Advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom for Economic Mobility and Opportunity. In 2016, he was elected Mayor of Stockton at 26-years-old. He was the city’s first African-American Mayor, and the youngest Mayor of any major city in American history. As Mayor, Tubbs was lauded for his leadership and innovation. He raised over $20 million dollars to create the Stockton Scholars, a universal scholarship and mentorship program for Stockton students. Additionally, he piloted the first mayor-led guaranteed income pilot in the country. His book, The Deeper the Roots: A Memoir of Hope and Home, where he details the experiences of his life is available now wherever books are sold.Community AnnouncementsTHIS IS A RE-AIR, so information in the announcements is not up to date.__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!Sign up for MHD Off the Record Newsletter at beacons.ai/mhdcd8
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  South LA Highlight: LA Native 17.08.2026 45min

  We sit down with Odessa Bowdin-Sierra, the founder and designer behind LA Native, a Los Angeles apparel brand celebrating local pride, neighborhood identity, and the belief that moving up doesn't always mean moving out. A proud Angelino with deep ties to the Crenshaw community, Odessa first made her mark in 2003 with Nobody Jones Boutique, bringing high-quality, fashion-forward clothing to a neighborhood she felt deserved more options. In this conversation, she shares her journey through the fashion industry, the racism that drove her to open her own shop, the origins of LA Native as a "love letter" to the city, and her philosophy on community reinvestment and small business ownership.ResourcesLA Native website: shoplanative.comLA Native storefront: 4343 Crenshaw Boulevard (across from Leimert Park, next to Taco Mel)Community AnnouncementsSouth LA Economic Development Strategy Meeting Thursday, August 27th | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Council District 8 Constituent Service Center — 8475 South Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles Conducted in English and Spanish. Accessibility accommodations available upon request.Keep Los Angeles Beautiful — 8th Annual Beautification Conference Saturday, September 19th | 9:00 AM Friendship Auditorium — 3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles Free and open to all. Workshops, panel discussions, and a community resource expo with 30+ exhibitors.Subscribe & ReviewRate, subscribe, and review MHD Off the Record — leave a review and get a shout-out on the show!
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  South LA Highlight: Guardian Gym LA 03.08.2026 51min

  In this episode of MHD Off the Record — South LA Highlights, host Chavonne Taylor sits down with Coach Dominic "Nick" Haider, founder of Guardian Project Los Angeles and Omni Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Coach Nick shares his personal journey from a bullied mixed-race kid who found refuge in martial arts through a scholarship, to a professional fighter, to a chef-turned-jiu-jitsu instructor dedicated to serving South LA youth.The conversation explores how Guardian Project LA provides free jiu-jitsu training, mentorship, meals, and wellness resources at Harvard Park, South Park, and Algin Sutton Park through the LAPD's Community Safety Partnership (CSP) program. Coach Nick explains his philosophy of creating a safe, non-militarized space where kids can build confidence, resilience, and agency — drawing on lessons from his own childhood and his years running restaurant kitchens with a culture of care.ResourcesWebsite: guardianlosangeles.orgEmail: [email protected] or [email protected] AnnouncementMetro Vermont Transit Corridor Project — South LA, help shape the future of transit on Vermont Avenue. Metro's Vermont Transit Corridor Project is moving toward construction, and the decisions made now will affect how families, workers, students, and seniors travel for years to come. Join a community meeting August 10–15, in person or online, and make sure our neighborhoods are heard.🔗 Learn more: metro.net/vermont
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  Ep. 43: What Does Hip-Hop Reveal About Power and Place? (Feat. Jeff Chang) 20.07.2026 35min

  In this episode, Jeff Chang joins Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to discuss the cultural significance of hip-hop as a language of place, its role in expressing community truths, and how each generation redefines its voice through music, graffiti, and dance.Jeff Chang is an author, journalist, cultural critic, and organizer whose work helped define hip-hop as a political, social, and cultural force. He is the author of Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation, a foundational book on how hip-hop emerged from youth culture, organizing, migration, race, and urban crisis. He also wrote Who We Be: A Cultural History of Race in Post-Civil Rights America and We Gon' Be Alright: Notes on Race and Resegregation. His newest work, Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, looks at how a cultural icon can become a symbol of identity, resistance, and possibility. Chang's work treats culture as a place where communities explain themselves before institutions are ready to listen. That’s why he is perfect for this conversation about hip-hop, social messaging, Nipsey Hussle's legacy, and what the city's cultural future says about its political future. Key TopicsHip-hop as a cultural languageRepresentation of community truths in musicGenerational evolution of hip-hopHip-hop's role in urban identityJeff Chang's perspective on hip-hop and cultureResources:www.jeffchang.netCommunity AnnouncementsVisit bit.ly/CD8Summer for Summer Events in CD8
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  [Re-Air] Ep. 27 How Can we Learn about LA's Robust History and Heritage? Feat. Evan Lovett 06.07.2026 1t 26min

  On this episode, MHD talks about the fascinating and rich history of the great City of Los Angeles with Evan Lovett.Evan Lovett is the dynamic creator of social media mainstay "L.A. in a Minute" and host of its engaging podcast, In a Minute with Evan Lovett. He emerges from the community of North Hills, fueled by a profound love for Los Angeles. A UCLA journalism graduate, he has worked for the L.A. Times, NBC, and later began working in the AdTech space. Launched in 2022, the series delves into L.A.'s rich history and culture, earning features on KCRW, KIIS-FM, Access Hollywood, KTLA, and more. Lovett's work is a blend of personal storytelling and educational content, aimed at highlighting LA's diverse heritage and intriguing history.Resources:www.instagram.com/lainaminutewww.tiktok.com/@evanlovett
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  [Re-Air] Ep. 26 How Do We Support Justice-Involved Individuals in South LA? Feat. Susan Burton 22.06.2026 57min

  In this episode, MHD talks with A New Way of Life founder, Susan Burton, about her journey to criminal justice activism and the ways we can support those who are coming home after being incarcerated.Susan Burton, an esteemed advocate for criminal justice reform and the founder of A New Way of Life, who has dedicated her life to supporting formerly incarcerated women by providing housing, legal services, and a path to personal empowerment. Having personally navigated the challenges of re-entry after nearly two decades in and out of the criminal justice system, Susan's journey began with her own struggle for recovery following the devastating loss of her young son. Her experiences fueled a commitment to change, leading to the establishment of A New Way of Life in 1998, a beacon of hope and transformation for countless women.Resources:www.beingsusanburton.comwww.anewwayoflife.orgSpotify Playlist: playlist.sptfy.com/SusanBurton
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  Ep. 42: What Happens When You Legislate with Authenticity? (Feat. Holly Mitchell) 08.06.2026 1t 12min

  Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell serves on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, representing the Second District, which includes more than two million residents across South Los Angeles, the South Bay, Koreatown, and surrounding communities. A third-generation Angeleno and longtime public servant, Supervisor Mitchell has built her career around equity, expanding the social safety net, and investing in families, children, small businesses, and communities that have historically been underserved. Before joining the Board of Supervisors in 2020, she served in the California State Assembly and State Senate, where she authored more than 100 laws and became known as a strong voice on budget equity, child welfare, economic justice, and racial justice. Her work reflects a deep understanding of Los Angeles County’s role in meeting people’s basic needs while creating pathways for residents to thrive.Resources:mitchell.lacounty.govCommunity AnnouncementsSouth LA Job FairCrenshaw High SchoolThursday, June 25th, 10 a.m., featuring free food, free Live Scans, a Kids Zone, and live entertainment.All are welcome, and justice-impacted community members are encouraged to attend.Register at southlajobfair.eventbrite.com.Juneteenth Events6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Resource FairGeorge Washington Carver Park 1400 E. 118th St, Los Angeles, CA 90059Saturday, June 13th 12 to 4 p.m.Free and open to all, with on-site County services, community resources, family activities, live performances, food trucks, health and wellness resources, tenant and landlord resources, record expungement support, pool time and lessons, live art, and more.Register at mitchell.lacounty.gov/Juneteenth-2026.Juneteenth Calling AllSister Dreamer Sculpture Park 1810 W. 76th St.Friday, June 19th 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring dancers, marching bands, drill teams, roller skaters, double dutch crews, and more.Help set the record for the world’s longest Soul Train line.3 p.m. Soul Train line starts.7 p.m. “7 Stories of the Soul” film screening.
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  Keys to the City: Bureau of Street Lighting 25.05.2026 37min

  Los Angeles has 223,000 streetlights, and the assessments that fund their upkeep haven't been updated since 1996. In this episode, we sit down with two leaders from the Bureau of Street Lighting to break down the ballot landing in property owners' mailboxes right now and what's at stake for neighborhoods like ours if it doesn't pass. The deadline is June 2nd. Listen up and pass it on.Guests:Ansar Mustafa is a lifelong Angeleno who has spent 20 years improving the city he calls home. As a licensed Civil Engineer and ENVISION Sustainability Professional, he currently leads the Community Impact Division for the Bureau of Street Lighting — overseeing everything from decorative neighborhood lighting and community banners to major council-funded infrastructure initiatives. Before joining BSL, Ansar managed complex, multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects at the Bureau of EngineeringRodney Fulton is a seasoned infrastructure professional with nearly three decades of hands-on experience in fiber optics, field leadership, and street lighting systems. He got his start in 1997 with PacBell and rose through the ranks to play a key role in the E-Rate initiative, helping bring fiber connectivity into classrooms across Los Angeles. A proud member of Local 11 for over 24 years, Rodney joined BSL in 2024, where he continues to lead complex fiber projects and mentor the next generation of skilled tradespeople.Resourceslalights.lacity.org/residents/prop_218.htmlFor questions or concerns, contact [email protected]
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  South LA Highlight: South Central Spits Fire! 11.05.2026 1t 15min

  bridgette bianca and GusTavo Guerra Vasquez are co-founders of South Central Spits Fire!, a program created to uplift the cultural and artistic wealth and diversity of literary talent in South Central Los Angeles.bridgette bianca is a poet and professor from South Central whose work centers the Black experience, storytelling, and cultural memory. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Howard University and an MFA in Writing from Otis College of Art & Design, and is the author of be/trouble, a nationally recognized poetry collection that has been featured on major reading lists and literary platforms. She has performed at venues including the LA Times Festival of Books and The World Stage, and continues to lead workshops and community-centered literary programming across the City.GusTavo Adolfo Guerra Vásquez is a poet, professor, peacemaker and curator from South Central whose work spans across the United States and beyond. A co-founder of multiple poetry and art collectives, he has organized and collaborated with artists throughout the Americas, including curating the #PoeticPandemic spoken word series during quarantine. His work has been featured in exhibitions and publications, and he continues to use poetry and cultural programming to connect communities and elevate stories rooted in the community. His poetry chapbook “GuatemaLAngelino” has received accolades from educators and mental health professionals.Resourceswww.instagram.com/southcentralspitsfire
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  [RE-Air] Ep. 34 What Does Real Public Safety Look Like? (Feat. John Kim) 27.04.2026 50min

  The 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest, sparked by the acquittal of officers in the brutal beating of Rodney King, exposed deep cracks in the systems meant to protect and serve. More than thirty years later, what actions can we take to create real public safety practices that center justice, equity, and community care?Joining Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to explore these questions is John Kim, President and CEO of Catalyst California (formerly Advancement Project California). John shares his personal reflections on the uprising and how it continues to shape his work today. He also discusses how Catalyst California is helping to advance a new vision of safety—one that moves away from traditional policing and invests in community-centered solutions like Alternative Traffic Enforcement.Sign up for our newsletter at beacons.ai/mhdcd8ResourcesJohn Kim is the President and CEO of Catalyst California (formerly Advancement Project California), a leading racial justice organization that champions systemic change to achieve equity and expand opportunity across the state. Throughout his career, John has been a strong advocate for community-driven solutions that address structural barriers in public education, voting rights, public finance, and public safety. Under his leadership, Catalyst California has been at the forefront of efforts to reimagine justice and safety by investing in alternatives to policing and advancing policies that center the needs and voices of historically marginalized communities. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to building a more just and inclusive California.Website: www.catalystcalifornia.orgInstagram: @catalystcaLearn more about Alternative Traffic Enforcement programs and community-based safety models at:www.catalystcalifornia.org/initiatives/reimagine-justice-safetyCommunity AnnouncementsCrenshaw Farmers' MarketOpen every Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PMLocated at 5730 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043 (Historic Fire Station 54 parking lot)Accepts CalFresh EBT cards and WIC checks. Offers Market Match, which doubles CalFresh benefits up to $20 per day.For more information, visit foodaccessla.org/crenshaw-farmers-market or follow on Instagram: @crenshawfm__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!
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  [Re-Air]Ep. 25 How Do Our Artists Stay Rooted and Invested in the Community? Feat. D Smoke 13.04.2026 1t 7min

  On this episode, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson talks about education, family, and community with Inglewood's own D Smoke.Daniel “D Smoke” Farris is an acclaimed American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame after winning Netflix's "Rhythm + Flow" in 2019. Known for his seamless blend of rap, R&B, jazz, and gospel, and for incorporating both English and Spanish in his lyrics, D Smoke's music often tackles themes of social justice, community, and identity. His debut album, "Black Habits," released in 2020, was critically praised and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. With a background as a music educator and a family deeply rooted in music, D Smoke's work is characterized by its lyrical depth, musicality, and a mission to inspire and educate.Resources:www.dsmokemusic.comwww.instagram.com/dsmoke7Episode Playlist:https://playlist.sptfy.com/mhdotr25Community Announcements:Line Dancing ClassFridays 10:00am - 11:30amConstituent Services Center, 8475 S. Vermont Ave, 90044www.instagram.com/p/C3vHUk7OTSh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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  South LA Highlight: Crop Swap LA 30.03.2026 35min

  Jamiah Hargins is the founder and president of Crop Swap LA, a Los Angeles urban farming nonprofit rooted in Leimert Park and dedicated to making fresh, locally grown food accessible to South LA communities. Founded in 2018 as a simple neighborhood produce swap, Crop Swap LA has grown into a globally recognized movement operating multiple microfarms across the city, feeding dozens of families weekly with organically grown produce using rainwater capture and solar energy. Jamiah has been honored by Adidas as part of their Honoring Black Excellence initiative with a commissioned mural unveiled on Degnan Blvd in Leimert Park, named a 2022 LISC Michael Rubinger Community Fellow, and recognized as a Climate Hero by One Earth.ResourcesWebsite: www.cropswapla.orgPhone: (213) 878-2752Community AnnouncementsLADWP Landscape Efficiency Assistance Program: www.ladwp.com/LEAP
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  [Re-Air] Ep. 13 What Should We Know About Black LA Business History? Feat. Yolanda Hester 16.03.2026 44min

  African American entrepreneurship has a long and fascinating history in Los Angeles. The period from the 1920s to the 1960s was the era of “race enterprises,” in which black entrepreneurs specifically catered to black consumers. Collectively, these enterprises supported a growing middle class and one of the highest rates of African American homeownership in the country. As rich as this history is, so little is discussed regarding Black business in Los Angeles. So MHD and co-host Chavonne bring it to the surface in an enriching conversation with independent public historian, writer, and researcher Yolanda Hester!Yolanda Hester is an independent public historian, writer, and researcher. She is interested in highlighting lesser-documented stories and helping them find their way to the historical record. Her work has included exploring the history of Black business in LA (Community and Commerce) for The Center for Oral History Research at UCLA, consulting on the history of The Shindana Toy Factory for KCET (Shindana Toy Company: Changing the American Doll Industry), as well as projects for the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and The National Urban League. She currently manages the oral history project for Arthur Ashe Legacy at UCLA. Her most recent essay The Legacy of Shindana Toys: Black Play and Black Power can be found in The American Journal of Play.Resources:www.yolandahester.comwww.library.ucla.edu/location/library-special-collections/discover-collections/online-exhibits/community-commerce-oral-histories-african-american-businesses-los-angeleswww.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/episodes/shindana-toy-company-changing-the-american-doll-industryEpisode Spotify Playlist
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  [Re-Air] Ep. 12 Do We Need New Models of Policing and Public Safety? Feat. Leslie Cooper Johnson and Brian Bentley 02.03.2026 49min

  The 1992 Los Angeles Uprising was sparked after a jury acquitted four LAPD officers who had been charged with using excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King on April 29, 1992. With the anniversary of the civil unrest approaching, MHD and his co-host, Chavonne Taylor, discuss new policing and public safety models with PUSH LA (Promoting Unity, Safety & Health in Los Angeles) convener Leslie Cooper Johnson and former LAPD Officer Brian S. Bentley.Leslie Cooper Johnson is the Vice President of Organizational Development at Community Coalition, or CoCo, a social justice organization in South Los Angeles, where she has worked for the past 15 years. A lifelong resident of Inglewood, she received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. As part of her role at CoCo, Leslie convenes the PUSH LA collective, which stands for Promoting Unity, Safety & Health in Los Angeles. PUSH LA was formed in response to decades of racist policing and has a mission to “reimagine protect & serve.”Brian S. Bentley is an author and a former LAPD officer. His first book, One Time: The Story of a South Central Los Angeles Police Officer, graphically depicts his involvement in suspect beatings and describes in detail the gratification he and his partners received from their actions. He claims some officers are addicted to violence and can't stop on their own. His book lets readers see firsthand how police brutality is accepted and encouraged in law enforcement. Bentley spent most of his career at Southwest Division. He was one of the few LAPD officers who lived in the division they patrolled. Resources:REIMAGINING TRAFFIC SAFETY & BOLD POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN LOS ANGELESEpisode Spotify Playlist
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  Ep. 41: What Happens When Black Women Lead? (feat. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Bernita Walker, and Brandy Muñiz) 16.02.2026 58min

  On this episode, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with three trailblazing leaders featured in the current City Hall exhibition, "When Black Women Lead, Communities Thrive, Everybody Wins". In honor of African-American Heritage Month, the group discusses the pivotal, often unrecognized role Black women play in shaping Los Angeles through housing, health equity, and community advocacy.The conversation explores the "underground railroad" of support that exists among women leaders, the challenges of balancing direct service with upstream policy change, and the personal sacrifices required to lead community institutions.Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Founding President of Ward Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), who has led the development of more than 400 units of affordable housing and serves on the LA County Metro Board.Bernita R. Walker, CEO and Co-founder of Project: PeaceMakers, Inc., a survivor, longtime advocate, and retired Deputy Sheriff whose work in domestic violence prevention spans more than four decades.Brandy Muñiz, Executive Director of All Peoples Community Center, an 84-year-old institution where she leads housing initiatives and community-centered programs addressing poverty and systemic inequities in Historic South Central.Community AnnouncementsWhen Black Women Lead: Communities Thrive, Everybody Wins Exhibition3rd Floor Bridge Gallery, Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012February 2–26, 2026 | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Closed weekends)Free and open to the public (visitor badge required after security screening)
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  South LA Highlight: Here to Help 02.02.2026 35min

  Tamekia Strayhorn is the Founder Executive Director of Here to Help Foundation, a South Los Angeles–based community development corporation focused on housing stability, economic opportunity, and support services for individuals and families navigating housing insecurity. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach by centering dignity, access, and long-term stability for residents often overlooked by traditional systems.Resources:Website: www.heretohelpcdc.orgAddress: 7409 Crenshaw BlvdPhone: (323)305-6631Community AnnouncementsWhen Black Women Lead: Communities Thrive, Everybody Wins Exhibition3rd Floor Bridge Gallery, Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012February 2–26, 2026 | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Closed weekends)Free and open to the public (visitor badge required after security screening)
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  [Re-Air] Ep 7: What is the Role of Community Connection in Mental Wellness? feat. Dr. Cheryl Grills 19.01.2026 34min

  Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and co-host Chavonne Taylor discuss the importance of viewing psychology and mental wellness from a community perspective with Dr. Cheryl Grills. Dr. Cheryl Grills is a Clinical Psychologist with a current emphasis in Community Psychology. She is also a full-time Professor and director of the Psychology Applied Research Center at Loyola Marymount University as well as a Governor appointee on the California Reparations Task Force and Chair of LA County Sybil Brand Commission.www.bellarmine.lmu.edu/psychology/parc/ourteam/cherylgrillsphdEpisode Spotify Playlist
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  [Re-Air] South LA Highlight: Wellnest 05.01.2026 38min

  On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Paco Retana, Vice President of Programs at Wellnest, a nationally acclaimed, and leading provider of emotional health and wellness services to children, young adults, families, and their communities. As Vice President of Programs at Wellnest, he is responsible for all clinical services, including program evaluation and training. He also oversees the areas of outpatient, early intervention, intensive services and life learning/transition age youth services. He is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Masters in Social Welfare from UCLA.Resources:www.wellnestla.orgwww.wellnestla.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Wellnest-2021-Annual-Report.pdfRing the Alarm The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America
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  Ep. 40: What Does it Take to Lead a Global City? (Feat. Eric Garcetti) 22.12.2025 48min

  In this episode of MHD Off the Record, Council President Marquise Harris-Dawson sits down with former Los Angeles Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti. Returning to his roots in the San Fernando Valley, Garcetti reflects on his journey from the youngest City Council President in LA history to representing the United States on the world stage.Ambassador Garcetti served as the 42nd mayor of LA from 2013 to 2022 after 12 years on the City Council, including six as Council President. As mayor, he led major initiatives such as raising the city’s minimum wage to $15, securing the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and launching LA’s Green New Deal. He later served as U.S. Ambassador to India from 2023 to 2025, strengthening diplomatic and strategic ties between the two countries. He currently serves as Chair of C40 Cities, the global network of mayors focused on tackling the climate crisis.Resources:www.ericgarcetti.comCommunity Announcements:If you or someone in your household relies on Medi-Cal, now is the time to act.Apply or renew your Medi-Cal benefits today at dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal.If you need help navigating the process, the Mayor’s Fund We Are LA Hotline is available at 213-584-1808.
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  [Re-Air] Ep. 33 Are Community Resources Truly Accessible? (Feat. Rocsii Woolley and Lauren Brazile) 08.12.2025 33min

  Los Angeles is a huge city with many resources and opportunities. However, figuring out how to get access to the right resources—whether it’s housing, jobs, or financial support—can be overwhelming. So who should be responsible for making sure people get the help they need? Should the government be doing more, or are community organizations better equipped to step in? Are we empowering ourselves, or are we asking too much from the system?Sitting down with Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to answer these questions are Lauren Brazile, President of We Grow LA, an organization dedicated to empowering communities through resources, education, and support, and Rocsii Woolley, Founder & CEO of The Source LA, who has helped thousands secure jobs, housing, and business opportunities while advocating for community-driven solutions*****************************************************Sign up for our newsletter at beacons.ai/mhdcd8******************************************************ResourcesLauren Brazile is the president of We Grow LA (WGLA), an organization dedicated to empowering communities through resources, education, and support. Under her leadership, WGLA strives to create a more equitable and just society for all. She has been instrumental in providing the community with essential tools and knowledge, as evidenced by her participation in events like the Know to Grow Masterclass, where she collaborated with figures such as comedian Watts Homie Quan, choreographer Storm DeBarge, and educator Champ Reggie Foster.Lauren is also an active member of GLAAAC, NAACP, and Forbes BLK and is currently a fellow in the Black Girl Ventures 2025 cohort and BMO Bank 2025 Venture cohort. Her commitment to economic empowerment and community advocacy continues to shape opportunities for those historically excluded from access to resources and support.Website: www.wegrowla.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/wegrowla (@wegrowla)Rocsii Woolley is a devoted wife, mother, woman of faith, entrepreneur and community leader. As the Founder and CEO of The Source LA, she has been a driving force in providing housing, employment, and essential resources to underserved communities. With over a decade of HR experience, she’s helped hire over 10,000 community members and supported more than 400 individuals in securing stable housing. She also manages the Watts Business Source Center at Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), offering business solutions to local entrepreneurs, and serves as Chapter Advisor for The Black Professionals Network, strengthening professional connections and fostering community development.Rocsii’s impact has earned her numerous accolades from the County and City of Los Angeles, Inglewood, Compton, Long Beach, and the state of California, including the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and medallion. A marketing expert with a large social media following, she also provides strategic social media services through her consulting agency, helping businesses expand their reach and impact. As a mentor and business visionary, Rocsii remains committed to creating pathways for others to succeed and thrive.Website: www.thesourcela.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/thesourcelaWant to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!Sign up for MHD Off the Record Newsletter at beacons.ai/mhdcd8