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PODCAST

MHD Off the Record

MHD Off the Record takes you inside Los Angeles City Hall with Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Each episode explores the culture, politics, and policies shaping life in Los Angeles from housing and homelessness to city planning, public safety, and immigrant rights. Focused on uniting neighborhoods across the city, the MHD Off the Record podcast blends political insight with community-driven solutions. Listeners hear conversations with civic leaders, activists, and community stakeholders

government politics

All Episodes

44:07

[Re-Air] Ep. 13 What Should We Know About Black LA...

MHD Off the Record ·

2026/03/16

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

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49:34

[Re-Air] Ep. 12 Do We Need New Models of Policing and...

MHD Off the Record ·

2026/03/02

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

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58:05

Ep. 41: What Happens When Black Women Lead? (feat....

MHD Off the Record ·

2026/02/16

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

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35:17

South LA Highlight: Here to Help

MHD Off the Record ·

2026/02/02

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

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34:05

[Re-Air] Ep 7: What is the Role of Community...

MHD Off the Record ·

2026/01/19

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

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38:07

[Re-Air] MHD OTR South LA Highlight: Wellnest

MHD Off the Record ·

2026/01/05

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

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48:34

Ep. 40: What Does it Take to Lead a Global City?...

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/12/22

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

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33:58

[Re-Air] Ep. 33 Are Community Resources Truly...

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/12/08

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

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52:49

Keys to the City: Mayor's Office of Community Safety

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/11/24

On this episode, we’re exploring how Los Angeles is redefining public safety beyond enforcement. The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, led by Deputy Mayor Karen Lane, is building a citywide network of programs rooted in prevention, healing, and opportunity. We’ll be discussing everything from youth mentorship and violence interruption to reentry support and community-led crisis response.Karen Lane launched the city’s first Office of Community Safety under Mayor Karen Bass. With deep roots in

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47:27

Ep. 39: How Do We Turn Cultural Influence Into...

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/11/10

On this episode, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with singer, songwriter, producer, and artistic creator James Fauntleroy. James is a four-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. He recently co-wrote "Die With A Smile" by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, which won an award at the 2025 Grammys, hit No. 1 (5 wks) on Billboard and became the fastest song to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify on its way to topping the platforms global

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26:37

South LA Highlight: Cooking with Gabby

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/10/27

Cooking With Gabby was founded by Steven “Chef Steve” Vasquez Sr. and his wife Lisa. Their vision was to address the serious health challenges facing children and families—specifically poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It began with Chef Steve and his daughter Gabby cooking healthy meals together and sharing the benefits of nutritious eating, fitness, dance, and active lifestyles throughout their community, starting when Gabby was a young child.By 2006, Cooking With Gabby had

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46:20

[Re-Air] MHD OTR South LA Highlight: 24th STreet Theatre

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/10/13

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council District 8 staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Jay McAdams, Executive Director of the 24th STreet Theatre, a unique organization blending professional productions and world-class artists with quality arts education since 1997. Their mission is to engage, educate, and provoke young people and their families with excellent theatre and arts education. Jay is a producer, having produced dozens of theatrical productions over the last 20 years and won LA

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33:47

Ep. 38: What is California's Prop. 50?

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/09/29

On this episode, the roles are shift a little... Producer, Chavonne Taylor, steps into the host seat to interview Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson about Proposition 50, the single item on California’s November 2025 special ballot.At its core, Prop 50 would put new, temporary voting maps in place for the upcoming election — a direct response to efforts in Texas and other states to tilt congressional districts in President Trump’s favor. The measure has sparked confusion and

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50:55

Ep. 37 How Can Communities Protect Each Other? (Feat....

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/09/15

On this episode, we’re talking with Maya Suzuki-Daniels and Lupe Carrasco Cardona about immigrant rights, community safety, and the grassroots organizing behind the Harbor Area Peace Patrols. These patrols, launched in San Pedro, are part of a broader effort by the Community Self-Defense Coalition — an alliance of more than 65 organizations across Los Angeles and Southern California working to defend immigrant rights and respond collectively to ICE activity. Maya is a teacher, union leader, and a

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50:02

Ep. 36 Why Do We Need Public Investment in Youth...

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/09/01

Renata Simril is the President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in youth sports equity and legacy planning. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded access to sports for young people across Southern California, particularly in underserved communities, with a focus on closing the play equity gap.Born and raised in Los Angeles, Renata brings a deep understanding of the city’s challenges and opportunities. Her career spans the military, private sector, and public

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01:06:31

Ep. 35 What Does it Take to Protect Immigrant Rights?...

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/08/18

On this episode, we delve into the critical issues of immigrant rights, the profound impact of storytelling, and how both shape justice and community in Los Angeles.Angelica Salas is a nationally recognized immigrant rights leader and Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (or Chirla), a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that advocates for the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees, working to advance justice and full inclusion for all immigrants . An

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37:01

South LA Highlight: Low Rider Solidarity and Unity Ride

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/08/04

In this episode, we sit down with Andre Christian of Watts Life United, Roman Maldonado from Thee Illusions Car Club, and Dwight Lewis of the National Lowrider Association. These men are some of the organizers behind the Stop the Hate & Stop the Raids Solidarity Ride taking place August 10th and kicking off 9am at Mcarthur park. This event was created in direct response to the recent wave of ICE raids across Los Angeles, especially in South Central. It aims to demonstrate solidarity and support

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50:07

South LA Highlight: 27th Street Bakery

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/07/21

Jeanette Bolden-Pickens is the third-generation owner of 27th Street Bakery, a historic South LA business known nationwide for its legendary sweet potato pies. A proud Angeleno, she took over the family legacy started by her grandfather in 1956—keeping its deep community roots while expanding its reach across the country. Under her leadership, the bakery has weathered everything from economic shifts to a global pandemic, all while staying true to its mission of serving tradition by the slice.Before

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35:25

South LA Highlight: Breaunna Alston of Destination...

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/07/07

Breaunna Alston is the Communications and Marketing Specialist for Destination Crenshaw, a community-led public art and cultural infrastructure project along Crenshaw Boulevard. Originally from Sacramento, she brings a strong background in media arts and a passion for storytelling to her work. After transferring from UC Merced to Clark Atlanta University, she earned her degree in Mass Media Arts, gaining hands-on experience at CAU TV and WCLK Jazz Radio. She joined Destination Crenshaw as an intern

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36:32

LA Resource: Know Your (Immigration) Rights

MHD Off the Record ·

2025/06/23

On this episode of MHD Off the Record’s LA Resources, we speak with Ritu Mahajan Estes of Public Counsel about your rights regardless of immigration status, what to do during an ICE encounter, and how communities can safely support one another during times of increased enforcement.Rithu Mahajan Estes is the Directing Attorney of the Community Development Project at Public Counsel. She leads the team providing pro bono legal and policy support to nonprofits, small businesses, street vendors, and

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55 results

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