CivitasLA: Recent Episodes
Dwayne Gathers
Featuring diverse and emerging leaders who are creating and building community across the greater Los Angeles region, while seeking to elevate discourse, foster community connections and promote civic knowledge and engagement.
Best-selling author Steven Rowley is quoted as saying: “There are times when Los Angeles is the most magical city on Earth. When the Santa Ana winds sweep through and the air is warm and so, so clear. When the jacaranda trees bloom in the most brilliant lilac violet. When the ocean sparkles on a warm February day and you’re pushing fine grains of sand through your bare toes while the rest of the country is hunkered down under blankets slurping soup.”
Join CivitasLA in this mini-episode as we are reminded by previous guests (including Mayor Joy Belmonte, Christian Huebel, Kacy Keys, Ayahlushim Getachew, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Kevin Demoff, Leticia Rhi Buckley, Josefina Lopez, Alfred Fraijo Jr., Arturo Sneider, Dani Klein Modisett, LeAnn Jones, Leslie Jones, Lia Jones, Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma, and Rabbi Mari Chernow) of a few of their favorite places to take a visitor to enjoy some of the magic our region has to offer.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
The Economist magazine, in a holiday special from December 2021, entitled “The Pleasures of The Table” – discussing how restaurants came to be and how the pandemic may change them – noted: “Being deprived of restaurants has made people realize how much they value them. Eating out fulfills needs which seem fundamental to human nature. People need to date, to seal deals and to peer at their fellow humans. At a good restaurant you can travel without traveling, or simply feel coddled.”
Are you ready to be “coddled?” Join CivitasLA for this mini-episode as we hear from previous guests (including Kacy Keys, Ayahlushim Getachew, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Leticia Rhi Buckley, Josefina Lopez, Arturo Sneider, Dani Klein Modisett, Lia Jones, Leslie Jones, LeAnn Jones, Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma, Rabbi Mari Chernow, and Kevin Demoff) as they remind us of some of “their” favorite restaurants across our region.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA)
Author David J. Wolpe, in “Why Faith Matters,” states “On balance, religion increases social stability, enabling people to live happier, more productive and better lives. That does not demonstrate religion’s truth. It does remind us, however, that we are creatures designed to flourish – to heal and to help – when we believe.”
Exploring the state of our local faith community, CivitasLA is joined by two of our region’s most noted faith leaders, Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma, Senior Pastor of Hollywood United Methodist Church, described as “…one of the most famous churches on the Pacific Coast” and Rabbi Mari Chernow, Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel of Hollywood, “a historic reform congregation in the heart of Los Angeles that serves as a vibrant hub Jewish life” as we discuss the central role their respective institutions have played in nurturing faith and their engagement in the civic life of the Hollywood community and of our region. To learn more, please visit: https://hollywoodumc.org/; https://www.tioh.org/
And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
From an article by Meredith Wood, entitled: “What Is Crowdfunding? Definition, How It Works, Types,” she notes “Crowdfunding is a form of financing a project or business venture by raising small amounts of money from a collective of individuals. There are over 600 different crowdfunding platforms in the world that make it easy for entrepreneurs, investors, and people to connect. Anyone with an idea has the chance to pitch it to available investors. It’s a young, yet popular form of both crowdsourcing and alternative financing.”
As CivitasLA continues its recognition of National Entrepreneurship Month, a time – as shared in a White House proclamation – to celebrate entrepreneurs who “combine passion, resilience, and ingenuity to solve hard problems and create products and businesses that improve our lives,” we’re joined by Quentin Strode, President and CEO of NEW Community Investments as he shares a new resource, Impresario, an innovative crowd-sourced capital access solution aimed at furthering their mission of building economic development and financial sustainability among women, minority, and veteran-owned entrepreneurs in underserved communities. To learn more, please visit: https://impresariobynew.org/
And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In a report from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor entitled “Women’s Entrepreneurship 2020/21, Thriving Through Crisis,” it states: “Entrepreneurship is an essential driver of societal health and wealth. It is also a formidable engine of economic growth.” It further notes: “Women entrepreneurs are making significant contributions to the global economy and society. Based on the countries in the GEM 2020 survey, an estimated 274 million women globally are involved in business startups in addition to 139 million women owners/managers of established businesses and 144 million women informal investor globally.”
As CivitasLA celebrates National Entrepreneurship Month 2022, we’re joined by three entrepreneurial sisters – Lia Dias, Owner of Hype Hair Magazine and Girl Cave LA, and LeAnn and Leslie Jones, Co-Founders of 1010 Wine Bar & Events, the first wine bar in Inglewood – as they share their journey growing up in Inglewood, their respective paths to entrepreneurship, and how they work to engage, inspire and serve community through their respective entrepreneurial endeavors. To learn more, please visit: www.girlcavela.com; www.hypehair.com and www.1010wineandevents.com.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In a report from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor entitled “Women’s Entrepreneurship 2020/21, Thriving Through Crisis,” it states: “Entrepreneurship is an essential driver of societal health and wealth. It is also a formidable engine of economic growth.” It further notes: “Women entrepreneurs are making significant contributions to the global economy and society. Based on the countries in the GEM 2020 survey, an estimated 274 million women globally are involved in business startups in addition to 139 million women owners/managers of established businesses and 144 million women informal investor globally.”
As CivitasLA celebrates National Entrepreneurship Month 2022, we’re joined by three entrepreneurial sisters – Lia Dias, Owner of Hype Hair Magazine and Girl Cave LA, and LeAnn and Leslie Jones, Co-Founders of 1010 Wine Bar & Events, the first wine bar in Inglewood – as they share their journey growing up in Inglewood, their respective paths to entrepreneurship, and how they work to engage, inspire and serve community through their respective entrepreneurial endeavors. To learn more, please visit: www.girlcavela.com; www.hypehair.com and www.1010wineandevents.com.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As we recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (November), a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, which affects more than 6 million Americans, and recognize National Entrepreneurship Month (also November), a time -- as shared in a proclamation from the White House – to celebrate entrepreneurs who “combine passion, resilience and ingenuity to solve hard problems and create products and businesses that improve our lives,” CivitasLA is joined by Dani Klein Modisett, Founder and CEO of Laugher On Call.
Founded in 2019, Laughter On Call (LOC) was created in order to pair comedians with those experiencing Alzheimer’s and to create connections through shared laughter. Since then, LOC has expanded their services to the broader corporate community and their employees, having facilitated over 450 such corporate events. Join us in conversation with Dani as she discusses the founding and evolution of LOC – first in the health care space addressing Alzheimer’s patients to expanding their work in the corporate arena, with a mission of fostering greater mental health and wellness through shared laughter. To learn more, please visit: www.laughteroncall.com.
And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As CivitasLA continues its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re joined by Arturo Sneider, Founding Partner & CEO of Primestor Development Inc.
With no prior experience in the sector, but inspired by a desire to revitalize neighborhoods through real estate, Arturo joins CivitasLA to discuss Primestor’s mission of managing and developing properties that empower the communities they operate in; how they promote excellence; and share their model for success achieved operating in serving diverse communities in South and Southeast Los Angeles, amongst other locations.
Established in 1992, Primestor Development Inc. has emerged as a retail sector leader, focused on leasing, property management, development, construction management, rehabilitation and acquisitions. They have developed, managed, and acquired several million square feet of space across four states and currently oversee a portfolio in excess of $750 MM. To learn more, please visit: http://www.primestor.com/
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
It’s been said, by Jorge N. Neal, co-curator and museum educator at the Boyle Heights Museum, that “all roads lead to Boyle Heights, it’s a place of intersection.” Boyle Heights, part of the original Spanish land grant that established the city of Los Angeles in 1781, covering roughly 6.5 square miles located 3 miles east of Downtown, is one of LA’s oldest and most historically significant communities in the region. Historically, it’s been home to generations of immigrants (being called the Ellis Island of the West), serving as home to some of the largest populations of Japanese and Jewish residents in Southern California.
As CivitasLA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, we’re joined by Josefina Lopez, Founding Artistic Director of Casa 0101 Theater and screenwriter, and Alfred Fraijo Jr., attorney and community leader --- both raised in Boyle Heights and actively engaged in the civic and business life of the community -- for “Community Spotlight: Boyle Heights” as we explore this unique community; consider its rich history, its place at the center of the Latino experience in LA and central role in Chicano culture and social justice movements.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
It’s been said, by Jorge N. Neal, co-curator and museum educator at the Boyle Heights Museum, that “all roads lead to Boyle Heights, it’s a place of intersection.” Boyle Heights, part of the original Spanish land grant that established the city of Los Angeles in 1781, covering roughly 6.5 square miles located 3 miles east of Downtown, is one of LA’s oldest and most historically significant communities in the region. Historically, it’s been home to generations of immigrants (being called the Ellis Island of the West), serving as home to some of the largest populations of Japanese and Jewish residents in Southern California.
As CivitasLA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, we’re joined by Josefina Lopez, Founding Artistic Director of Casa 0101 Theater and screenwriter, and Alfred Fraijo Jr., attorney and community leader --- both raised in Boyle Heights and actively engaged in the civic and business life of the community -- for “Community Spotlight: Boyle Heights” as we explore this unique community; consider its rich history, its place at the center of the Latino experience in LA and central role in Chicano culture and social justice movements.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
The story of Los Angeles is the story of the Mexican, Mexican American, and Latino experience in the region. Sharing that story is the work of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, based in Downtown Los Angeles, which seeks to honor the past, inspire the future, and recognize the enduring cultural influence of Mexicans, Mexican Americans and all Latinas/Latinos in Los Angeles through transformative exhibitions, programming and educational experiences.
As CivitasLA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, we’re joined by LA Plaza’s new CEO, Leticia Rhi Buckley, the first Latina to hold this position, as we discuss their work exploring the Mexican and Mexican American history of Los Angeles, and efforts to build and serve community through an extensive array of programs in music, dance, films, art, history, culinary arts, topical events, nature, and much more. (https://lapca.org/mexican-american-history/)
A well-respected arts advocate and administrator, Leticia has served with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission (now Department of Arts and Culture), as Vice President for Californians for the Arts/California Arts Advocates, and as an Adjunct Professor at the Center for Business and Management of the Arts at Claremont Graduate University. To learn more, please visit: www.lapca.org.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
The story of Los Angeles is the story of the Mexican, Mexican American, and Latino experience in the region. Sharing that story is the work of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, based in Downtown Los Angeles, which seeks to honor the past, inspire the future, and recognize the enduring cultural influence of Mexicans, Mexican Americans and all Latinas/Latinos in Los Angeles through transformative exhibitions, programming and educational experiences.
As CivitasLA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, we’re joined by LA Plaza’s new CEO, Leticia Rhi Buckley, the first Latina to hold this position, as we discuss their work exploring the Mexican and Mexican American history of Los Angeles, and efforts to build and serve community through an extensive array of programs in music, dance, films, art, history, culinary arts, topical events, nature, and much more. (https://lapca.org/mexican-american-history/)
A well-respected arts advocate and administrator, Leticia has served with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission (now Department of Arts and Culture), as Vice President for Californians for the Arts/California Arts Advocates, and as an Adjunct Professor at the Center for Business and Management of the Arts at Claremont Graduate University. To learn more, please visit: www.lapca.org.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
From an article entitled: “The Importance of Sports in Society,” it notes “Sports are a telling reflection of a society's values, and they are a significant contributor as well, especially in the United States. Sports impact our culture, our other sources of entertainment and our economy.”
Join CivitasLA in discussion with Kevin Demoff, Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Rams, as we discuss the role that sport plays in building community, the extensive civic and community engagement undertaken by the Rams since their return to the region, and the impact winning the Super Bowl has on their continued reintegration into the fabric of the Los Angeles community.
Serving in his 14th year as COO, Kevin has been responsible for re-organizing the club's business efforts with a focus on delivering a better overall experience for fans, building a team that reflects Los Angeles, and increasing the club's presence in the community. Since the team’s return, in 2016, the Rams have been the third winningest team in the National Football League; completed the development of SoFi Stadium (the most cutting-edge sports facility in the world), are investing billions in additional residential, commercial and mixed-use development in Inglewood; and have hosted – and won – Super Bowl LVI. To learn more, please visit: https://www.therams.com.
And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Reports suggest that approximately 10% of all American businesses are Black-owned. However, this community of businesses witnessed the sharpest decline due to the COVID 19 pandemic, with 41% of businesses closing, according to April 2020 census data. Since then, Black-owned businesses have rebounded, with 2021 showing the strongest creation of small businesses in the past two decades.
As CivitasLA celebrates Black Business Month, a time to acknowledge the contribution of black business owners and entrepreneurs, and the contribution of black-owned business to our economy, we are joined by
Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, the inaugural President & CEO for The Center by Lendistry, as we discuss the state of Black business in our region and their work providing the critical tools and resources to impact small businesses in underserved communities.
Ms. Thrash-Ntuk is a seasoned community and economic development practitioner with more than 15-years of experience in both non-profit and private sectors. Her strengths range from community advocacy, to asset, and real estate development around neighborhood revitalization. To learn more, please visit: https://thecenterbylendistry.org/about-us/
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In an article entitled “Women are underrepresented in CRE – Here’s how we change it” the author notes “while 64% of all residential realtors are women, in CRE (commercial real estate), that number is roughly 36.7%. Zippia.com, which tracks real estate developer demographics, the numbers further show that amongst developers, women represent 33% versus 67% for men. And, that Black or African American developers represent roughly 9% of all developers. And these numbers are significantly lower for Southern California.
Navigating the competitive world of commercial real estate development, Ayahlushim Getachew, Principal of the T.A. Group and Kacy Keys, Founder of Praxis Development Group join CivitasLA to share their respective journeys as real estate and economic development professionals before launching their development firms, offering their perspectives as women and how their experiences have shaped how they approach projects and engage in the work of building communities in which they operate. To learn more, please visit www.praxisdevgroup.com.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Building bridges between Los Angeles and the world, the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA) plays a crucial role in creating international connections; cultivating local innovation; and activating global potential. For more than 40 years, IVCLA has facilitated countless leadership exchanges and cross border programs in close coordination with the U.S. State Department, helping to advance U.S. global objectives. Many of the international visitors that have participated in IVCLA programs have become leaders in and of their respective governments.
CivitasLA is thrilled to have Janet Elliott, President & CEO, International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, return to the podcast and to be joined by two international guests currently participating in the International Visitor Leadership Program’s “Summit for Democracy IVLP Initiative” – Mr. Christian Huebel, City Director, Department for Democracy & Strategy, City of Mannheim, Germany and Hon. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City, Philippines. Join us as we discuss the work of creating, building and serving community; and the work of fostering civic knowledge and engagement – from a global perspective. To learn more about these cities, please visit: www.mannheim.de or www.quezoncity.gov.ph. And, to learn more about the work of IVCLA, please visit www.IVCLA.org.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In a December 2021 article by Time Out magazine, it noted about Los Angeles: “This city is big—and stuffed with so many worthwhile experiences that you’ll never be asking yourself what to do—so expect to put in the miles taking in everything it has to offer, from the beaches of Santa Monica to the vibrant historic streets of the Arts District and super-hip Silver Lake. There are so many great places to visit and things to see, it can be hard knowing where to start and what to fit in.” Join CivitasLA in this mini-episode as we are reminded by previous guests (including Patty Lombard, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, Mike Feuer, Nora Houndalas, Claire Risoli, Robert Schwan, Adel Hagekhalil, OG Chino, Alia J. Daniels, Christopher J. Rodriguez, and Lorri Jean) as they remind us of a few of their favorite places to take a visitor across our region.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
From a report in “Restaurant Business” -- Beverages play an important role in our everyday lives. Besides the obvious importance of hydrating our bodies, the drink is a social gathering tool. Whether sharing an ice cream soda, toasting a new bride and groom with champagne, celebrating a promotion with a fine vintage, or meeting friends for coffee, the drink provides the social background. Join CivitasLA in this mini-episode as we are reminded by several of our previous guests (including Patty Lombard; Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Jasmine Willis, David Carlisle, Denise Diaz, Lindsey Horvath, Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, Claire Risoli, Craig Greiwe, Alex Valente, Janet Burt, Alia J. Daniels, Christopher J. Rodriguez, and Lorri Jean) of a few of their favorite places to take a sip across our region.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Television writer Philip Rosenthal is quoted as saying “A good restaurant is like a vacation – it transports you, and it becomes a lot more than just about the food.” Are you ready to be transported? Join CivitasLA for this mini-episode as we hear from previous guests (including Marqueece Harris-Dawson; Karen A. Clark; Jasmin Willis; David Carlisle; Lindsey Horvath; Lorna Little, Nora Houndalas; Craig Greiwe; Alex Valente; Alexander Kim; Alia J. Daniels; and Lorri Jean) as they remind us of some of “their” favorite restaurants across our region.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As CivitasLA celebrates Pride Month 2022, we are joined by Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, recognized as one of the most seasoned and effective LGBTQ leaders in the country. Starting from humble beginnings, with a budget of just under $8 million in 1993 when she arrived, her leadership has witnessed an exponential growth in resources to the Center and a significant growth in services to the community.
Since 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center (www.lalgbtcenter.org/about) has celebrated and championed LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region, with a team of nearly 800 professionals serving community across ten locations, supported by a budget of nearly $150 million. As she prepares to retire, Lorri reflects on her decades of advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and her leadership in elevating the LA LGBT Center to becoming one of the most significant non-profit organizations in the U.S.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In a report from Project Child entitled “Why Diverse Representation Matters,” it notes: “How often do you see an accurate depiction of yourself? How often can you pick out a character from a cast and be able to relate to their identity or cultural background? Are those questions even relevant enough to ask? The short answer: yes.”
As CivitasLA celebrates Pride Month 2022, we are joined by Alia J. Daniels, Esq. and Christopher J. Rodriguez, Esq., Co-Founders of Revry (www.Revry.tv), the world’s first global queer streaming network to discuss their work in advancing LGBTQ+ representation and stories. Revry offers members a uniquely curated selection of domestic and international content that includes iconic narrative and documentary films, cutting -edge series, groundbreaking podcasts, music albums and videos, and the most original queer-focused content in the world, embracing points of view and stories often overlooked and underrepresented in traditional media. With a mission to create a space for true belonging, Revry’s presence has grown to reach a global audience in over 130 countries and more than 250 million homes.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA)
During the 1970s, after the United States relaxed immigration restrictions, more Koreans began to settle in what became Los Angeles’s 2.7-mile neighborhood of Koreatown. Over time, this enclave of Korean immigrants has become a hotbed of Korean culture – from Korean BBQ to K-Pop – making a significant impact on the culture and economy of our region. As CivitasLA celebrates Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we are joined by three community and civic leaders, Janet Burt, Director of Diversity and Business Development, Lewis Brisbois; Alexander Kim, CEO, Three Kings Public Affairs; and OG Chino, Owner, Escala K-Town as we discuss the history of this neighborhood, the evolution of Korean American civic and political participation in our community, and the economic and cultural impacts on our region.
To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
With a goal to better understand the diverse communities and property types he was responsible for building across the region as a developer, Alex Valente, SVP, Trammell Crow Company, joins CivitasLA and shares his unique experience during the pandemic of decamping from his home and living in five different neighborhoods and multi-family property types across the region (over the course of 18 months!)
Hear Alex’s journey as he experienced the distinct communities of Marina Del Rey, Chinatown/El Puebo, Bunker Hill, Koreatown, Santa Monica, and then Hollywood. Alex shares his take on these very different communities; perspectives on Los Angeles; and lessons learned and how it informs his work as a developer. To learn more, please visit Trammell Crow Company at www.trammellcrow.com.
And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As CivitasLA marks “Earth Day” 2022, we note the extraordinary importance of water to the very formation and growth of our region and the impact its scarcity will have on future growth. Join us in conversation with Adel Hagekhalil, General Manager of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) as he discusses their history, central role in shaping the communities of Southern California and how our communities will be impacted as the state navigates an historic drought and climate change.
Created by state law in 1928, MWD has imported water from the Colorado River since 1941 and from Northern California since the early 1970s and is responsible for providing water directly or indirectly to 19 million residents. MWD has been a major supporter of Southern California water conservation and water recycling programs, along with other local water management activities. To learn more, please visit: www.mwdh2o.com.
And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
With a mission to elevate civic discourse, foster community connections, and promote civic knowledge and engagement, CivitasLA is proud to offer this series of conversations with Los Angeles Mayoral candidates seeking to lead this diverse and dynamic city.
Join our conversation with businessman Craig Greiwe as we discuss the importance of civic engagement, his journey as a community builder and leader, and as he shares thoughts on how he would hope to lead this community. To learn more, please visit www.craigformayor.com.
And for more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
A recent study indicates that of all things consumers want to do in a post-pandemic world, going to a restaurant is the top item. In fact, 62 percent of all respondents indicated this is the first thing they'll do. While restaurants are great for our collective psyche, they're also great for the economy. Considering just the independent restaurants -- not chains or other types of operations -- the number of people independent restaurants employ in New York City alone is greater than the number employed by the entire United States aviation industry.
As CivitasLA celebrates DineLA Restaurant week, join us in conversation with Nora Hondoulas, Le Petit Greek (Larchmont); Claire Risoli, PochaLA (Highland Park); and Robert Schwan, Gjelina (Venice), as we discuss the role restaurants play in our respective communities, their impact on our local economies, and where they eat out when not at their own restaurants. To learn more, please visit: www.lepetitgreek.com; www.pochala.com; www.gjelina.com.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
With a mission to elevate civic discourse, foster community connections, and promote civic knowledge and engagement, CivitasLA is proud to offer this series of conversations with Los Angeles Mayoral candidates seeking to lead this diverse and dynamic city.
Join our conversation with Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, the city’s chief lawyer and prosecutor since 2013, as we discuss the importance of civic engagement, his journey as a community builder and leader, and as he shares thoughts on how would hope to lead this community. To learn more, please visit www.mikeforla.com.
And for more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Formed in 1921 to replace the old Hollywood Board of Trade, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has represented and advocated for a cross section of businesses large and small, non-profit organizations, and residents throughout the Hollywood community. As the second largest business organization in the Los Angeles region, the Chamber also has the unique distinction of managing two important global assets, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign. As CivitasLA celebrates Women’s History Month, we are joined by Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, Regional Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T California, and the first Latina (or Latino) to serve as Chair of the Board of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. As the Chamber celebrates 100 of service to community, join us in conversation with Ms. Sanchez Cornejo as she discusses how chambers are evolving to engage new audiences and address ever-changing issues affecting businesses. And what leadership lessons she hopes to bring to the role as she steers the organization as it embarks on its next hundred years and seeks to fulfill its mission “To Advance a Dynamic Business Climate and Elevate the Hollywood Experience for All.” To learn more, please visit: www.HollywoodChamber.net.
And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Founded in 1908 as a home for pregnant young women with nowhere else to turn, St. Anne’s Family Services has evolved into one of the region’s leading social services agencies, meeting the ever-changing needs of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable populations by offering an array of comprehensive services that promote the safety, resilience and ongoing achievement of the children and families served. As CivitasLA celebrates Women’s History Month, we’re joined by Ms. Lorna Little, MSW, the first woman to lead the organization as President and CEO, as we discuss her efforts to develop and deliver innovative programs for children and families, while fostering thriving families with brighter futures. To learn more, please visit: www.stannes.org.
And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
What began (in 1978) as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California as “Women’s History Week,” led by the work of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women became “Women’s History Month” in 1987 when the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 100-9. As CivitasLA celebrates Women’s History Month, we’re joined by two emerging leaders in our region, Councilmembers Denise Lopez Diaz, City of South Gate, and Lindsey Horvath, City of West Hollywood, as we discuss female elected leadership; they share their experiences as active community members; and perspectives on their respective journeys as elected officials leading community. For more information, we invite you to visit: www.cityofsouthgate.org/735/Council-Member-Denise-Diaz; www.lindseyhorvath.com
And, for more information about CivitasLA, please visit: www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Dating back to the American Revolutionary War, African Americans have made significant contributions to our country in science and medicine. Names we may not recognize include those such as Patricia Bath, a pioneer in the treatment and prevention of blindness. Bath became the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology in 1973, which led to her appointment two years later as the first woman faculty member at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute. In 1988, Bath became the first African American woman physician to receive a medical patent, which improved cataract treatment. As CivitasLA celebrates Black History Month, we’re joined by Dr. David Carlisle, President of the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, located in the Willowbrook community of South LA and one of just a handful of Black medical schools in our country, as we discuss efforts to build a healthy community and their central role in training the next generation of health service professionals needed in our diverse communities. To learn more, please visit: https://www.cdrewu.edu/ And for more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Created in 1977 in the aftermath of the Civil Rights movement, with an aim to address the historical disinvestment in urban communities, the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) has sought to encourage financial institutions to better meet the credit needs of the communities in which they do business, including those considered low- and moderate-income and communities of color.
As CivitasLA celebrates Black History Month, we are joined by Karen A. Clark (SVP, Multicultural Strategies & Business Development) and Jasmine Willis (Branch Manager, VP) of City National Bank, our region’s leading home-grown financial institution, to discuss the role banks have played in disinvesting in our urban communities; the imperative for greater financial inclusion, defined by the World Bank to be when “individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs….delivered in a responsible and sustainable way”; and City National’s approach to investing in diverse communities. To learn more, please visit www.CNB.com.
And for more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As CivitasLA honors the legacy of the late Rev Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we are reminded of words from his last book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” First, the line of progress is never straight. For a period a movement may follow a straight line and then it encounters obstacles and the path bends. It is like curving around a mountain when you are approaching a city. Often it feels as though you are moving backward, and you lose sight of your goal; but in fact you are moving ahead, and soon you will see the city again, closer by.”
Join us for a conversation with Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, another distinguished alum of Morehouse College, who shares perspectives on this legacy and reflects on where Black Los Angeles is as a community, challenges and opportunities, and its impact on the culture. To learn more and get involved, please visit: www.mhdcd8.com and you can also hear the Councilmember on ‘MHD Off The Record’ at www.open.spotify.com.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Originally called “Glenwood”, Larchmont Boulevard received its current name around 1912. In 1921, the Los Angeles Times announced a new business district on Larchmont consisting of 30 stores, developed by Julius LaBonte and Charles Ramson. At that time, there was an explosion in population occurring in the area – and in Los Angeles in general – and this noted commercial corridor would support the needs of adjacent residential developments. In fact, Larchmont was planned as the first neighborhood shopping center in Los Angeles. The late LA City Councilmember, Tom LaBonge, prioritized preserving the “village atmosphere” of the Boulevard (in 1992) as he recognized it as the “physical and social, as well as retail, center for the surrounding neighborhoods of Larchmont, Hancock Park and Windsor Square.
Celebrating 100 years serving as the center of this vibrant community, CivitasLA is joined by Larchmont civic leaders, and local stakeholders – Patty Lombard, Co-Publisher of the Larchmont Buzz; Joanna Vernetti of Vernetti Restaurant; and Todd Warner of Tailwaggers as we discuss the evolution of the boulevard (and community); the changing nature of retail and its impact on maintaining the “village atmosphere” that it’s been known for. For more information, please visit: Larchmont Buzz at https://www.larchmontbuzz.com; Vernetti Restaurant at https://vernetti.la; and Tailwaggers at https://www.tailwaggerspets.com.
And, for more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
American Novelist, Christopher Isherwood wrote “An afternoon drive from Los Angeles will take you up into the high mountains, where eagles circle above the forests and the cold blue lakes, or out over the Mojave Desert, with its weird vegetation and immense vistas. Not very far away are Death Valley, and Yosemite, and Sequoia Forest with its giant trees which were growing long before the Parthenon was built.”
Amidst such soaring natural beauty, join our CivitasLA guests for this mini episode as they recap a few of our region’s “hidden gems,” in their words. Whether you’re local or visiting the region, we hope you find time to explore these hidden treasures of the region.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
A recent study by U.S. News rated “The 30 Most Fun Places to Live in the U.S.” According to their study, Los Angeles ranks as the No. 7 Most Fun Place to Live, placing the City of Angels ahead of other metropolises like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Chicago. The region welcomes more than 25 million people from flights alone each year; is home to more than 30,500 restaurants; and ranked tops for sports enthusiasts, being home to the Rams and Chargers football teams; Dodgers and Angels baseball teams; Lakers and Clippers basketball teams; the Kings and Ducks hockey teams, and so much more.
So, if you’re planning a visit, where would OUR civic leaders take you. Hear from our CivitasLA guests as they share a few of their favorite places to take a visitor to our region – in their words.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
At the beginning of 2020 (pre-pandemic), Restaurant Critic Bill Addison wrote in the Los Angeles Times “It has been a radical decade in dining for Los Angeles — a time when once-quiet neighborhoods became restaurant destinations, when voices at every tier of the industry diversified, when culinary spaces decentralized, when a sense of ownership and pride in L.A.’s uniqueness settled into the city’s marrow”.
In this mini episode, hear our region’s civic leaders share a few of their favorite restaurants in their words. So, whether
you’re local or visiting, we hope you’ll be inspired to check out one of these LA favorites.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Appearing in Public Administration Review, Prof. Evan Berman wrote a piece entitled “Dealing With Cynical Citizens” stating “widespread concern exists about public cynicism toward government.” And that “manifestations of public cynicism include pervasive believe that government policies and public officials are corrupt, inept, or out to take advantage of citizens.”
Addressing the myriad challenges faced by any city leader, and balancing sometimes conflicting interests of diverse constituencies, CivitasLA is joined for its 50th episode by Los Angeles City Council President Pro Tem Mitch O’Farrell. Representing over 250,000 residents of the 13th District, O’Farrell has engaged citizens across one of the most diverse districts in this region. Distinct communities within the district includes the neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Echo Park, Elysian Valley, Glassell Park, Historic Filipinotown, Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown, Rampart Village, and Silver Lake.
As shared by one of his former colleagues, “There is no one I can think of who is more committed to his district.” Sharing his own perspective on governance and representation, the Councilmember has stated “I am committed to being a resource for any and all without judgment. That's my philosophy on public service and constituent service.” To learn more about the work of Councilmember O’Farrell and his team’s efforts to improve the quality of life in their district, please visit: https://cd13.lacity.org/about
And for more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In this Thanksgiving episode, we pause to give thanks for our families (some we may not have seen since pre-pandemic) and consider the meaning of “family” and “community” – those we are born into and those we create. In a first of its kind report published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Associate Professor of Communication Studies Jeffrey Hall at the University of Kansas has sought to define the amount of time necessary to make a friend as well as how long it typically takes to move through deepening stages of friendship. The study found that it takes roughly 50 hours of time together to move from mere acquaintance to casual friend, 90 hours to go from that stage to simple “friend” status and more than 200 hours before you can consider someone your close friend.
Given how transient society can be these days, the time challenges we all seem to face, and the sheer size of our region, join CivitasLA in conversation with three Angelenos (Timothy Halligan, Rancho Park; Rob Michaelson, Laurel Canyon; and Veronica Perez, Echo Park) as we discuss the challenge of finding one’s tribe and we hear their perspectives on the subject and learn about their LA journeys and respective paths to “finding community” in our diverse and vast region.
To learn more about CivitasLA, please visit us at www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA); on Instagram (@Civitas_LA) or Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Beginning as a Spanish Rancho in 1798, the City of Glendale incorporated in 1906 and has grown to become the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County with a population just under 200,000. Over time, Glendale has also become home to significant companies in the Greater Los Angeles region. Headquarters to notable companies including International House of Pancakes, Avery Dennison, LegalZoom and Public Storage, Glendale also boasts an impressive array of leading creative companies, including Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Interactive, Marvel Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation, and KABC-TV, to name a few.
Since the 1960s, Glendale has also become home to the largest diaspora of Armenians in the U.S., representing roughly 40% of the city’s overall population. This, in stark contrast to the historic prevalence of racially restrictive covenants in Glendale, and its status as a “sundown town” well into the mid-20th century. That said, as of late 2020, Glendale was only one of three cities in the United States to acknowledge and apologize for its racially exclusionary past.
Join CivitasLA for our latest “Community Spotlight” with Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian and Elen Asatryan, two noted community leaders, as we discuss the issues and opportunities facing Glendale today and the central role the Armenian community plays within the city, our region, and continues to play internationally. To learn more, please visit: https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/city-council/councilmember-ardy-kassakhian.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, please visit us as www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA); on Instagram (@Civitas_LA) or Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In recent years, thousands of local newspapers have gone out of business, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of late 2019, over 65 million Americans lived in a county with either only one local paper or none. Studies show a connection between a shift away from local news and a decline in the number of candidates that run for local office as well as lower voter participation. Communities that have lost a newspaper are more likely to become politically polarized, which, as a recent Gallup poll notes, has significant negative impacts for our society.
CivitasLA is joined by Jim Newton, former Editorial Page Editor & Columnist of the Los Angeles Times, to discuss the state of local news coverage of our communities and the role newspapers play in informing, educating, and engaging its readers, while alternative forms of news reporting and sharing are on the rise. Over a distinguished 25-year career, Jim served as a reporter, editor, bureau chief, columnist, and editor of the editorial pages. He is the recipient of numerous national and local awards in journalism and participated in two staff efforts, coverage of the 1992 riots and the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, that were awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Jim has also authored four books. In 2015, Newton joined the faculty at UCLA, teaching communications and public policy, and as Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Blueprint, a magazine about Los Angeles and California policy challenges. Learn more about Blueprint here: https://blueprint.ucla.edu/
For more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Consisting of 8 cities (Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, South Gate and Vernon), and roughly 440,000 residents (90% identifying as Latinx), stretching along the 710 freeway, Southeast Los Angeles has been one of the hardest hit by COVID-19, as many of its residents being the essential workers of our region. Prior to COVID-19, Southeast LA has long faced environmental challenges, given its location adjacent to a major freeway; has had less access to green space than the rest of the county; and have less access to grocery stores and fresh produce. As South Gate Councilmember Denise Diaz has noted, “We are the doughnut hole of LA County. Funding tends to go to our neighboring cities and not here.”
Founded on the belief that “community problems must be solved by the community itself,” CivitasLA is pleased to be joined by Andy Carrasco, VP, SoCalGas and Emma Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer, of Southeast Community Development Corp. (SCDC) two civic leaders working to elevate the collective voice of the Southeast LA region. Hear how SCDC has continued to engage local stakeholders and funding sources to invest in the area and transform the region. To learn more about SCDC, please visit: https://www.scdcorp.org/about-us/history/.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, please visit us as www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA); on Instagram (@Civitas_LA) or Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Latino art and artists have played an important role in the history and life of the Los Angeles region, dating back to the 1920’s. For nearly 50 years, Self-Help Graphics & Art (SHG) has served as a prominent center for Latino art in printmaking, exhibition, and training, while also serving as a resource for young and emerging artists.
CivitasLA is joined by Betty Avila, Executive Director of SHG, as we discuss the rich history of Chicanx art in our region; the work SHG has undertaken to nurture aspiring artists; and efforts to elevate and expand the voices of Latinx artists and arts organizations through the formation of the Latinx Arts Alliance.
To learn more about SHG and get involved, please visit www.selfhelpgraphics.com and to learn more about the Latinx Arts Alliance, please visit www.latinxartsalliance.org.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, please visit us as www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA); on Instagram (@Civitas_LA) or Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Reports suggest Latinas, a fast-growing segment of the U.S. population, will represent 30% of the female population by 2060. However, statistics have also shown that 3 in 10 Latina households have zero or negative wealth. Recognizing the wealth gap as a call to action, New Economics for Women was founded – in 1984 – with a mission to provide a voice and leadership for low—income and low-wealth immigrant Latinas and their families.
CivitasLA is joined by Bea Stotzer, Co-Founder of New Economics for Women (NEW) to discuss their efforts to build community and spark economic mobility for women through wealth creation, housing, education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. NEW has built spaces and designed solutions, educated people, and invested in communities across the Greater Los Angeles region, while the organization’s social enterprise has cultivated 13 different private/public partnerships and developed another nonprofit organization.
Bea, a nationally recognized business leader and family advocate who has devoted her life to creating economic and business solutions for poor families, leveraged an initial $97,000 grant into $300 million in investments for NEW. Bea currently chairs the Los Angeles County Women and Girls Initiative Governing Council. To learn more about NEW and to get involved, please visit: https://neweconomicsforwomen.org/.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we also hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
The actress, Greta Gerwig is quoted as saying: “Los Angeles is a place where if you have the right person with you, there are all these little worlds that you would never guess by just looking at the exterior of what the city is.”
In this mini episode, let’s recap a few of our region’s “hidden gems” as shared by previous guests, in their words. Whether you’re local or visiting the region, we hope you find time to explore these hidden treasures of the region.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
While most studies warn of the health risks of alcohol consumption, researchers at the University of Oxford have looked at whether having a drink may play a role in improving social cohesion, given its long association with human social activities. The study further shows that frequenting a local pub can directly affect people's social network size and how engaged they are in their local community.
In this mini episode, we recap a few of our region’s favorite watering holes as shared by previous guests, in their words. And remember, if you are going to one of these, please “drink responsibly.”
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Jonathan Gold, the late Los Angeles Times food critic noted:
“Heraclitus once wrote that it is impossible to step in the same river twice. In Los Angeles, it can be nearly impossible to eat in the same restaurant twice. This is, I believe, what the economists call creative destruction. And it is not impossible here to experience extremes — restaurants that are born and die in a single evening; restaurants in suburbs so distant that they may as well be theoretical; restaurants so hard to get into that they may not actually exist outside of blogs. Los Angeles is where the modern restaurant was born, the good, the bad and the ugly of it, and we’re too far gone to stop now.”
In this mini episode, hear our region’s civic leaders share their favorite restaurants in our region in their words. So, whether you’re local or visiting, we hope you’ll be inspired to check out on these LA favorites.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Founded in San Francisco in 1942 to train young veterans in the leadership skills necessary to assure that our democratic system of government could more effectively meet the needs of its citizens, Coro Southern California has operated since 1957, with a mission to strengthen the democratic process by preparing emerging leaders for effective and ethical leadership in public affairs.
Join CivitasLA in conversation with Natalie Samarjian, President and CEO of Coro Southern California (herself a Coro alum) as we discuss their work in redefining what leadership means and looks like and their efforts towards building the next generation of community builders and leaders in our region who can engage in systems thinking and possess the ability to collaborate with other innovators across sectors, ideologies, and backgrounds.
Under Natalie’s leadership, Coro has developed a new strategic plan, expanded programs, partnerships, and revenue, and cultivated a growing community of Coro alumni who are transforming communities across the country. (https://corola.org/people/natalie-samarjian/) To learn more and get involved, please visit: https://corola.org/
For more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and/or Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” And, as Pew Research Center reports, with over 90,000 government units in the U.S., roughly 2% have ever run for federal, state, or local office.
CivitasLA is joined by two distinguished civic leaders – Los Angeles City Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson & Mark Ridley-Thomas - who share their journey from community leaders to elected leadership and help answer the question “Why Serve?” for those who may feel disengaged from civic life and political participation. Representing over 500,000 citizens across their respective districts, they account for more than 30 years of combined elected service to community at the local, county and state levels of government. To learn more and get involved, please visit: www.mhdcd8.com and www.markridley-thomas.com.
And for more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Founded on July 4,1905 by industrialist Abbot Kinney, the iconic community of Venice was designed as a seaside resort to resemble Venice, Italy. Many of Abbot Kinney’s first employees, those that built Venice, were African-American, largely residing in the Oakwood neighborhood. Over time, in the 1950s and 1960s, the Beat Generation came to Venice and brought with it their art and poetry. Later, musicians such as Jim Morrison and artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat lived and worked in the area.
With the arrival of Whole Foods, in 2008, and multiple tech companies such as Snapchat and Google moving into the area, giving it the moniker of “Silicon Beach,” Abbot Kinney Boulevard was called “the coolest block in America.” Join CivitasLA in conversation with two longtime and leading Venice community stakeholders, Robert Schwan, Founding Partner of Gjelina and Elizabeth Benson Forer, Chief Executive Officer of the Venice Family Clinic, to share their perspectives on this unique community. To learn more, please visit: www.venicefamilyclinic.org.
And for more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
While making up roughly 48% of the global workforce, women account for approximately 22% of labor participation in the traditional energy sector. The numbers get worse when one considers participation in management and senior management. However, the challenges of the energy sector become more pressing as the sector goes through a process of transformation; clean energy transitions will require innovative solutions and business models to be adopted and greater participation from a more diverse talent pool.
CivitasLA is joined by Reiko Kerr, Senior Assistant General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (the nation’s largest municipal-owned utility and the first woman to head LADWP’s Power System) and Phyllis Currie, who chairs the board of directors of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, a regional transmission organization that runs an energy market and manages transmission assets in 15 states. Join us as we discuss the challenge, and opportunity, to grow the ranks of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and efforts to close the gender gap in the energy and utilities sector as women will play a critical role in driving innovative and inclusive solutions. Both are actively engaged in growing the community of women in the power sector through various civic organizations, including the Association of Women in Water, Energy, and the Environment. (https://www.ladwpnews.com/a-woman-of-power-meet-reiko-kerr/) (https://awwee.org/). Learn more here - https://www.ladwp.com/, https://awwee.org/.
And for more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Long known as America’s oldest black-owned nightclub, Jewel’s Catch One opened in 1973 and was considered a radical oasis where queer people of all colors could come and be liberated. At that time, gay black women didn’t own nightclubs, especially nightclubs that catered to gay black people. Over time, the bar itself took on immense fame and fortune with visits from celebrities like Sandra Bernhard, Sharon Stone, Thelma Houston, Evelyn “Champagne” King, amongst others. But what was looming as the 80s unfolded and would shake the foundation of the club and of many queer, underground bars in America: the AIDS crisis. Nevertheless, Jewel, and her Catch One, persisted, providing a safe space for people, creating and fostering a community of healing and support in the depths of darkness and pain.
As CivitasLA celebrates Pride Month 2021, join Jewel Thais-Williams, a pioneer who holds the record for the longest running Black lesbian-owned event space in the country, as we discuss the role that her iconic nightclub played in providing a strong sense of community in Los Angeles over the span of decades and its impacts on the history of gay, and Black gay life, in Los Angeles. Her persistence during many trials and tribulations resulted from her never quit attitude. When asked if she ever thought to call it quits, Jewel commented that she’d say to herself, “There’s no quit to your game, Jewel. It’s no accident you were put in this position to do these things.”
For more information, please visit: https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/jewels-catch-one/ https://www.hollywoodinsider.com/jewels-catch-one-netflix-documentary-lgbtq/) https://holisticintegrativeacupuncture.org/
For more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Originally called Sherman, named after the railroad magnate, that built lines between Hollywood and the Beach Cities, the City of West Hollywood wields enormous influence over the L.A. lifestyle and is home to world-class art galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs, and theaters. The iconic stretch of Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights Blvd is known as The Strip and is only in West Hollywood. The club scene, with many legendary establishments such as The Roxy, Whisky a Go-Go, Viper Room and Rainbow Bar, have a long history of hosting performances from rock ‘n’ roll’s finest. The Comedy Store continues to showcase the leading names in stand-up as well as emerging stars.” Santa Monica Boulevard – called a reflection of its residents and their values, and recently designated by the American Planning Association (APA) as one of 10 Great Streets under the organization’s Great Places in America program - is essential to the identity of West Hollywood.
Join CivitasLA in conversation with Councilmember John Erickson; longtime resident and community activist Estevan Montemayor; and Genevieve Morrill, President and CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, celebrating its 100th anniversary, as we discuss how this city of under two square miles, with fewer than 36,000 residents occupies such outsized importance to the region. To learn more about this unique community, please visit: https://www.visitwesthollywood.com/; https://www.wehochamber.com/
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Established in 1927 by Walter H. Leimert, Leimert Park was one of the first planned communities in Los Angeles. Consisting of roughly 1.20 square miles within LA’s Crenshaw District, this historic community has the largest Black population in the Greater LA region, with more than 79% of residents identifying as such. Indeed, “nurtured by three generations of African Americans with a shared vision of economic self-empowerment, the patronage of black businesses, the cultivation of black arts, and the maintenance of a public commons for political discourse, Leimert Park is not just the crown jewel of black Los Angeles, it is its center.” (https://www.kcet.org/shows/departures/the-center-can-hold-leimert-park-and-black-los-angeles)
With the expansion of LA Metro’s new rail line running down Crenshaw Boulevard to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); the advancement of the signature “Destination Crenshaw” project; and new entrepreneurs setting their sights on the district, CivitasLA is joined by distinguished community leaders offering their unique perspectives on the issues, challenges and opportunities faced by the community. Join us in conversation with Diane Robertson, Community Advocate and Founder, Leimert Park Jazz Festival (https://www.leimertparkjazzfestival.com); Akil West, Founder and CEO of Sole Folks (https://solefolks.com/); and longtime resident, Roland Wiley, Founder of RAW International (https://www.rawinternational.com/).
To learn more about this unique community, please visit: (https://maps.latimes.com/neighborhoods/neighborhood/leimert-park/); (http://www.leimertparkmovie.com/PressReleases/LeimertParkHistory.pdf)
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As the Greater Los Angeles region celebrates its 95th annual World Trade Week, with the theme: GLOBAL TRADE – The Road to Economic Recovery, few institutions will play a greater role in the region’s recovery than our ports. The San Pedro Bay Port Complex moves roughly 40% of all inbound cargo entering the U.S., supports over 170,000 jobs locally (and nearly 3,000,000 nationally), and generates over $5 billion a year in U.S. Customs revenues.
Ports, and the goods movement sector, are also known to cause environmental impacts to air, water and land, and pose risks to the health and well-being of those who live in close proximity to ports and rail yards, who are disproportionately low-income and working-class households.
Join us in conversation with Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Long Beach (POLB), the second busiest port in the U.S., as we discuss how the POLB is navigating these complex issues by showing leadership in “greening” the port, mitigating community impacts of their operations, while positioning the port to remain an essential player in growing our regional economy. For more about the Port of Long Beach, please visit: www.polb.com.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Marking Earth Day 2021, with the theme “Restore Our Earth,” more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Earth Day 2021 focuses on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative ideas that can restore the world’s ecosystems.
Join us in conversation with Taj Ahmad Eldridge, Senior Director of Investments at Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) to learn how they are working to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies and ensuring an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation, transforming markets, and enhancing community. For more information, please visit www.laincubator.org.
And, to learn more about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Home to the Port of Los Angeles (one of the busiest seaports in the world and the leading container port in the U.S.), the San Pedro community consists of just over 12 square miles with a population of approximately 80,000. However, as the gateway for international commerce, this historic community occupies a singularly unique place in the Greater Los Angeles region.
With a mission to “profitably produce developments that improve the quality of urban life,” we’re joined by Wayne Ratkovich, Founder and Chairman of The Ratkovich Company, to discuss their latest project, West Harbor, and its role in current efforts to re-brand San Pedro as a historical community with new and exciting employment opportunities and a high and ever-improving quality of life. (https://buildsanpedro.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/San-Pedro-2018-Report-5.0-FINAL.pdf). Spurred by initiatives such as Measure P, the waterfront community will see over $1 billion in infrastructure improvements by the Port of LA and another $500 million in private investment in the area, with projects such as West Harbor playing a vital role.
Wayne Ratkovich and his team, over the course of four decades, have simultaneously transformed and preserved the urban landscape of Los Angeles. From the historic preservation of the Oviatt Building in Downtown Los Angeles to the redevelopment of Howard Hughes’ original aircraft hangers in West Los Angeles, iconic projects like the Wiltern in Mid City and The Bloc in DTLA, to projects in Alhambra, the Ratkovich company has touched every corner of the city. To learn more, please visit: www.ratkovich.com.
For more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Parks and recreation are essential to communities and community well-being. According to the National Recreation and Parks Association, “There are no communities that pride themselves on their quality of life…without having a robust, active systems of parks and recreations program for public use and enjoyment.”
As CivitasLA celebrates Women’s History Month (March 2021), we’re excited to be joined by Carolyn Ramsay, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, to discuss their work to enhance, expand, preserve, and promote public recreation and advance park equity for the diverse people of Los Angeles. Through her work grassroots organizing, nonprofit management, and service in city government, Carolyn’s been a staunch advocate for parks and open space for more than 20 years. Prior to leading the LA Parks Foundation, she served at the Trust for Public Land and, before that, as a City Council Chief of Staff, serving the District that is home to Griffith Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. (itself home to the world-class Griffith Observatory, the iconic Greek Theatre, and the famous Hollywood Sign). To learn more, please visit: www.laparksfoundation.org.
For more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As we celebrate Women’s History Month (March 2021), CivitasLA is excited to be joined by Rochelle Mills, President & CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities. Honored as a “woman of influence” at the inaugural Orange County Power Women award ceremony, celebrating 20 outstanding women who are leading and shaping commercial real estate, we invite you to join this dialogue on how economic diversity creates more sustainable and stable communities and how, according to IHO’s motto, “it starts with housing.”
Founded in 1976 to help business and government address issues of affordable housing and the shortage of low-moderate income housing in Irvine, CA, Innovative Housing has greatly expanded as they provide high-quality, well- designed affordable housing across Southern California.
In doing this work, IHO works to build thriving communities by integrating a range of resident services and programs into each project and works to integrate each project into the fabric of each community it works in, placing strong emphasis on community engagement. To learn more about IHO, please visit: www.innovativehousing.com.
For more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As we celebrate Women’s History Month (March 2021), CivitasLA is excited to be joined by Betty LaMarr, Founder, and Dawn L. Brown, Chief Executive Officer, EmpowHer Institute.
Founded in 2003 by a small group of committed friends with a passion for supporting women and girls, EmpowHer’ s mission is to “empower girls and young women in marginalized communities through education, training, and mentorship to become confident, college and career ready.” Since then, the EmpowHer community has grown to more than 4,000, supported by a collaborative model that includes the partnership of hundreds of volunteers and numerous schools, and with the support of individual donors, corporations, philanthropy, and other community organizations.
Join us as we discuss the work of EmpowHer in addressing some of the critical challenges facing young women of color from marginalized communities in our region. And how the work of EmpowHer seeks to support girls in developing the skills and access to the necessary resources to navigate systemic barriers and break generational cycles of poverty.
After 17 years of leading the organization, Betty stepped down recently from her role and has been succeeded by Dawn, bringing her own 20 + years of experience in the non-profit sector and work on behalf of issues affecting women and girls of color. To learn more, please visit: www.empowher.org.
As we celebrate Black History Month (February 2021), CivitasLA is excited to be joined by Rex Richardson, Vice Mayor of the City of Long Beach, the second largest city in Los Angeles County, with an estimated population of just under 470,000 people. Join us as we discuss community service and civic engagement from his various perspectives as an organizer and his path to elected leadership. And how, as an elected leader, he’s leveraged his role to help lead an “Uptown Renaissance” in North Long Beach.
Elected to represent the residents of the 9th District on the City Council in 2014, Richardson became the youngest councilmember to ever be elected in the City of Long Beach. In 2016, he became the youngest Vice Mayor in Long Beach history. Since then, Rex continues to expand on his leadership in Long Beach, and beyond, serving as President of the Southern California Association of Governments (the largest metropolitan planning organization in the country, representing the interests of 191 cities) and recently being elected to the Board of Directors of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board.
With a mission to make Uptown a great place to live, through effective communication and by empowering families and business to thrive, we discuss how community leadership and efforts to elevate civic knowledge and engagement have powered several critical initiatives. These include the Uptown Planning Land Use and Neighborhood Strategy (UPLAN) https://lbbusinessjournal.com/shattering-stereotypes-transforming-north-long-beach) and championing the Long Beach ‘Everyone In’ Economic Inclusion Initiative, amongst others. As noted by Richardson, “All of this together is really a case study of urban revitalization. It’s all about economic inclusion, which is making sure every part of our town is economically viable and playing to the strengths of those communities.” To learn more, we invite you to visit: www.insidedistrict9.com
For more information about CivitasLA, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As we celebrate Black History Month (February 2021), CivitasLA is excited to be joined by Prof. Hal Walker and his wife, Dr. Bettye Walker, as we discuss his groundbreaking career in the world of science and space technology in Southern California. And how that life’s work led them to launch the African – American Male Achievers Network (A-MAN) in Los Angeles, and subsequently expand that work to South Africa, to grow access to opportunities for communities of color in the science and technology arena.
Hildreth “Hal” Walker, aerospace engineer and scientist, was an early pioneer in the field of laser telemetry who, amongst many accomplishments, was the first person to successfully fire the Laser to the Moon during the Apollo 11 Moon Landing in 1969. Walker’s space technology career dates to 1959 where he served as a technical member of the RCA Corporation’s Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) team; served as a laser systems specialist for KORAD Laser Systems in the early 1960’s; and participated in the development of the first Tactical Laser Target Designator System for the U.S. Army while at Hughes Aircraft Company, where he retired after serving in management.
With his wife Bettye, an educational leader in the Los Angeles area, they co-founded A-MAN, with a mission to utilize STEM-related projects as a motivational tool to advance educational achievement, intellectual and career development of
African American, Latino and other under-represented minority students from pre-Kindergarten thru 12th grades. A-MAN works to increase diversity and representation in this thriving sector.
Join us in our conversation with Hal and Bettye, as we discuss their work in bringing science and technology to life for young minds; the community A-MAN has developed and their achievements; and share their perspectives on growing diverse representation and participation in science and technology careers. To learn more and get involved, please visit: (http://www.aman.org/our-history.html; http://www.a-mansasciencecenter.com/about/)
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Building community involves a wide array of actors, including business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector. In a report published by the Office of Nonprofit Engagement of JP Morgan Chase, “Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in building healthy communities by providing critical services that contribute to economic stability and mobility.” Further, the report notes that because of the “combination of strong community relationships and intimate local knowledge, these organizations often understand better than anyone else their communities; needs and the best ways to meet them.”
Nationally, there are nearly 1.3 million nonprofit organizations that account for nearly 10% of the labor force. Here in the greater Los Angeles region, Los Angeles County is home to over 37,000 nonprofit organizations, the largest cluster in any county in the U.S. In Southern California, no organization has played a greater role in providing critical resources to the nonprofit sector, enabling their important and necessary work. Cultivating success has been the mission of CNM for over 40 years, as it’s delivered a wide array of services to nonprofit boards, developed capacity building programs, and provided technical assistance and training resources to millions of nonprofit leaders and board members throughout Southern California.
Join us in this conversation with nonprofit leader, Maura Harrington, Senior Vice President, the Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM), as we discuss the impact COVID 19 and the ensuing economic fallout has had on the nonprofit sector in the region; as she shares how the CNM has adapted to serve and build community capacity; and we learn about exciting new initiatives unveiled this past year to elevate and advance the next generation of community leaders. To learn more, please visit: www.cnmsocal.org/about.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In a report from Main Street America, “Streets as Places,” it notes “Streets are our most fundamental public places. They often represent the largest area of public space in a community and provide the overarching framework by which our cities physically expand and develop over time.” In advancing the concept of “Streets as Places” everyone is challenged to view streets not just providing the function of transporting people, but to also acknowledge the “vital role they play in energizing social and economic life in communities” and “positions communities as the owners of their streets, with a right and a responsibility to directly impact how their public spaces look, function and feel.”
As the second largest city in the U.S., Los Angeles is home to nearly 4 million residents living in a land area of roughly 470 square miles with over 7,500 miles of streets!!! Join us as we discuss the importance of streets to a community; efforts by City of LA leadership to re-imagine and reclaim its streets (in a city notoriously known for its automobile culture); and lessons learned from the frontline, with Kevin James, most recently the President of the Board of Public Works Commission for the City of LA. (https://dpw.lacity.org/about-kevin-james)
For seven years, James served as President of the Board, the longest consecutively serving board president in history, overseeing the Department of Public Works, with over 5,000 employees responsible for “the design construction, renovation, and operation of public projects….and the maintenance of streets, sidewalks, sewers, streetlights and street trees.” During that time, the City, under Mayor Eric Garcetti, launched the “Great Streets initiative”(https://ladot.lacity.org/sites/default/files/documents/diy-great-streets-manual-lrg-1.pdf) aimed at targeting resources to communities to strengthen key corridors.
And, since the COVID 19 pandemic, the City has undertaken a number of initiatives – whether the LA Al Fresco Initiative (https://corona-virus.la/laalfresco) or the Slow Streets Initiative (https://ladot.lacity.org/coronavirus/apply-slow-street-your-neighborhood) – which seeks to reimage and repurpose streets in a way that prioritizes pedestrians over cars, while supporting businesses, creating more space for outdoor recreation, and providing new ways for citizens to come together
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As noted by activist, author, and journalist Marty Rubin, “Parks and playgrounds are the soul of a city.” With 87 regional and local parks, 344 miles of horse and hiking trails, 19 golf courses and 31 public swimming pools --- and, the beach, Angelenos have myriad opportunities to “get out” and enjoy the Southern California climate.
Hear from our CivitasLA civic leaders about their favorite parks and open spaces in our region. In this episode, we take a listen back to some of the favorite parks – in their words.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As stated by noted author Fran Lebowitz “Los Angeles is a large city-like area surrounding the Beverly Hills Hotel.” Well, we do love the Beverly Hills Hotel, but the greater Los Angeles region is fortunate to possess a wide range of communities, attractions, and things to appeal to the 50+ million visitors who come to our region annually.
Hear from our CivitasLA civic leaders about their favorite places to take a visitor to our region. In this episode we take a listen back to some of the favorite places – in their words.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As is said “a person’s gotta eat.” So, when our CivitasLA civic leaders take a rest from creating, building, and serving community, where do they go to dine? Well, Los Angeles offers an abundance of restaurants, possessing over 29,000 options (Bogota possesses over 34,000, while New York City comes in at around 27,000!).
Hear from our CivitasLA civic leaders about their favorite restaurants in our region. In this episode we take a listen back and hear from these leaders – in their words.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In California, the Arts contribute an exceptional amount to not only the cultural and creative capital of the state, but to its overall economic activity and well-being. With $650.3 billion in annual output in California and over $200 billion in annual output in the Greater Los Angeles area, creativity is a massive engine for economic activity and growth.
However, like many large cities, the creative community is increasingly squeezed by high costs for workspace and housing, and insufficient numbers of affordable units being produced. Meeting this challenge, we look forward to a conversation with Michael Bohn, AIA, of the design firm Studio One Eleven, which – through a collaborative effort – spearheaded the first adaptive re-use project of its kind in Orange County, California resulting in the Santa Ana Arts Collective.
Supporting the City of Santa Ana’s mission to develop Main Street into an emerging arts corridor, the project is designed to integrate residential living, arts programming, and transportation improvements to elevate the Main Street Cultural Corridor. The Santa Ana Arts Collective represents the culmination of an innovative effort to transform a 1960’s office building into a thriving new community featuring a 58-unit affordable housing complex, including 10 new affordable townhomes that replaced a former surface parking lot. The office building itself was transformed into studios and one-, two-, and three-bedrooms live-work lofts, with additional amenities including a ground-floor art gallery, studios, and music rooms.
Recently recognized by the Southern California Development Forum’s annual “Design and Philanthropy Awards” as the winner in the category of Adaptive Reuse/Renovation/Historic Preservation which highlights efforts to “re-imagine our older sites and existing structures” join Michael in this conversation as we discuss how the project came into being; the role its playing in creating a new community of affordable housing for creatives; and discuss the prospects for additional adaptive re-use projects. To learn more, please visit https://studio-111.com/portfolio/detail/santa-ana-arts-collective/ and www.Studio-111.com
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
While the 12th largest city within Los Angeles County (with 88 separate jurisdictions), with a population of approximately 110,000, Inglewood has experienced unprecedented development. In 2016, the NFL’s Rams and Chargers announced a move to Inglewood. Subsequently, the landmark Forum was sold, renovated, and returned as live concert venue. And now talks are underway for the development of a new home for the NBA Los Angeles Clippers franchise. Additionally, the LA Metro’s new Crenshaw/LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) line, designed to provide LAX with a connection to the regional rail system, will consist of eight new stations that will serve Inglewood and its environs.
Looking to capitalize on the economic development taking place, but also responding to the lack of outlets for local talent and the creative community to find space for expansive expression and collaboration in the Black community, Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, two lawyers by training and profession, joined forces to create Sip & Sonder. With a goal to provide the start-up and creative communities with access to a space where business and networks could be forged while drinking coffee, Amanda-Jane and Shanita established Sip & Sonder in 2017 in Downtown Inglewood, the city’s first specialty coffee house.
Join us as we discuss the role of coffee shops in creating and building community; their journey as Black female entrepreneurs; and the impact of Inglewood’s surge of investment on the city and small businesses. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.sipandsonder.com
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
It has been stated that “community media, and in particular radio, can provide the platform for the public dialogue through which people can define who they are, what they want, and how to get it, at the same time building long-term capacity to solve problems in ways that lead to sustainable social change and development.”
For more than 50 years, KJLH Radio (102.3 FM) has provided that crucial platform for the African- American community and is one of just two Black-owned and operated commercial radio stations in all of California, a state with a population of 40 million people. Independently owned and operated since 1965, the station was sold, in 1979, to music legend Stevie Wonder. And, having operated from studios in the Crenshaw District of South Los Angeles, the station moved to the City of Inglewood, where it operates today.
Join us as we hear from Karen Slade, Vice President and General Manager of KJLH Radio as we discuss their work being actively engaged in community service and standing unapologetically as a vanguard for the people and frontline voice of social change. Additionally, we discuss the importance of community radio during a time of a rapidly changing media landscape; how they’re meeting the needs of a new generation of listeners; and how this work is being carried out with the backdrop of a changing Inglewood.
Despite revolutions in technology, media consumption trends and media availability, local radio listenership has held steady over the past decade. And, for KJLH under Karen’s leadership, the station has more than doubled its signal, expanding its audience reach, and has competed to earn a greater percentage of listener market share. To learn more, please visit www.kjlhradio.com and you can find KJLH on the FM dial at 102.3.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Formed in 2008 “to empower individuals to stand up, create change, and help their communities thrive,” the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) works to serve youth of color through educational programs in the City of Inglewood and across South Los Angeles; seeks to transform neighborhoods and improve the built environment; and aims to foster systems change through collaboration and cultivation of a new generation of leaders.
Empowering individuals to advocate for community-centered development has also been a goal of SJLI, while working in concert with others seeking to promote sustainable community investment amidst a rapidly changing landscape underway in Inglewood. While the 12th largest city within Los Angeles County (with 88 separate jurisdictions), with a population of approximately 110,000, Inglewood has experienced unprecedented development. In 2016, the NFL’s Rams and Chargers announced a move to Inglewood. Subsequently, the landmark Forum was sold, renovated, and returned as live concert venue. And now talks are underway for the development of a new home for the NBA Los Angeles Clippers franchise. Additionally, the LA Metro’s new Crenshaw/LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) line, designed to provide LAX with a connection to the regional rail system, will consist of eight new stations that will serve Inglewood and its environs.
Join us in our conversation with D’Artagnan Scorza, Founder and Executive Director of the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI), President of the Board of the Inglewood Unified School District, and named among the 40 Emerging Civic Leaders Under 40 (in 2018) as we discuss their work empowering youth and building leadership and navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the economic forces being faced by Inglewood. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.sjli.org.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Philanthropy has been called a critical part of a democratic society. Its purpose is to improve wellbeing by preventing and solving social problems. In 1973, four Los Angeles area foundations came together with a common vision to build a community of grant makers. Together, The Ahmanson Foundation, the Cummins Foundation, the Norton Simon Foundation, and the Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation founded the Los Angeles Inter-Foundation Center (LAIFC). More than 40 years later, their visionary group has become today’s diverse Southern California Grantmakers (SCG), a regional association representing 300+ grant makers of all types and reflecting the evolving character of the philanthropic sector in Southern California and addressing the diverse needs of the communities served.
The philanthropic sector has adapted rapidly in the face of unprecedented challenges this year. However, even in this new environment, funders must continue to sharpen their grantmaking abilities and knowledge to keep pace with the new and increasing demands for foundation resources. Join us for our conversation with SoCal Grantmakers’ President & CEO, Christine Essel, as we discuss their 40 -year legacy of working to create a stronger and more vibrant philanthropic community.
As 2020 has unfolded, an unprecedented year with the COVID 19 pandemic, the resulting economic crisis, and social unrest, philanthropy, too, has been called to look at its practices and seek bold new solutions to embrace systemic change. In a report by McKinsey & Company, entitled Embracing Complexity, it noted that “current funding practices are often built to support short-term projects …. rather than collaborative evolving approaches to create lasting change.”
Join us in our conversation today, as we talk with Christine about her unique perspective on “community” and how SoCal Grantmakers is looking to meet this critical moment and evolve its work to embrace systems change and engage in true partnerships with the diverse communities it serves. To learn more and become involved, please visit www.socalgrantmakers.org.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
First popularized in the 1970’s, the study of mindfulness has blossomed as an area of academic study and practice. And, as the expansion of the discipline unfolds, many are bringing the practice of mindfulness to communities at large, as opposed to individuals. Many are also aiming to bring this practice to previously underserved communities, as poverty has been linked to decreased functional brain connectivity, anxiety, and depression.
As a young man experiencing the trauma of gun shots outside his bedroom window, Justin Michael Williams shares his journey of healing and transformation. As an author, musician, and transformational speaker, Justin will share with us how he uses music and meditation to wake up the world and aims to fulfill his mission to build community and see that “We Rise Together.”
With over a decade of teaching experience, Justin has been described as “a pioneering millennial voice for diversity and inclusion in wellness.” Learn how this work has been used in diverse communities to promote healing, growth, and create community connections. Justin’s teachings, starting local and building communities of color engaged in the practice of mindfulness, has grown exponentially and now reaches more than 40 countries around the world.
To learn more about Justin’s work, hear his podcast “The Kingdom” or you can find his book, “Stay Woke, a Meditation Guide for the Rest of Us” by visiting www.justinmichaelwilliams.com
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com.
And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Founded during a time of crisis, in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the late 1980’s, Project Angel Food has served as a reliable lifeline to thousands of community members diagnosed with critical life- threatening illness.
Envisioning a world where every sick person is fed, nourished, and loved, Project Angel Food prepares and delivers over one million meals a year, free of charge to people who face hunger, isolation, and critical illness. Since its founding in 1989, Project Angel Food has delivered over 13 million free medically tailored meals across 4000+ square miles of Los Angeles County, from the Antelope Valley to the South Bay.
In addition to serving the nutrition needs of critically ill people, the COVID 19 pandemic has brought forth new challenges – including economic, housing and food insecurity – which has made food banks and other food programs more essential than ever. Join Project Angel Food’s Executive Director, Richard Ayoub, as we discuss the remarkable journey of the organization, its evolution, and how it’s risen – yet again – to the challenges brought on by another pandemic, and how they are meeting this COVID 19 moment to be of service to community members facing critical illness as well as food insecurity. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.angelfood.org.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com and we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Building bridges between Los Angeles and the world, the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA) plays a crucial role in creating international connections; cultivating local innovation; and activating global potential.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, IVCLA develops leadership exchanges and advances a range of cross border programs that addresses critical issues, including: alleviating chronic poverty and hunger, creating sustainable communities, promoting tolerance through the arts, empowering women in leadership, controlling infectious diseases, eliminating human trafficking, and promoting civic engagement, amongst others. Many of the international visitors that have participated in IVCLA programs have become leaders in and of their respective governments.
While COVID-19 has made cross-cultural and international collaboration and connection more challenging than ever, the work of IVCLA has become more vital to the health and well-being of our international state system and the success of our world post-pandemic.
Join us for our conversation with Janet Elliott, President & CEO, International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, as we discuss the work of IVCLA; how IVCLA has adapted to facilitate connections and foster citizen diplomacy in new and innovative ways; and the important role IVCLA plays in the civic fabric of Los Angeles and connecting Los Angeles to the world. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.IVCLA.org.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com
And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
As Southern California celebrates World Trade Week (WTW), which for more than 90 years has brought focus to the important role international commerce has played in shaping our region, we’re joined by Stephen Cheung, President of the World Trade Center Los Angeles, to discuss LA’s place in the global commercial community; the economic impact of trade and investment on the region; and the role WTCLA plays in fostering critical cross border connections.
The McKinsey Global Institute, in a report entitled “Urban America: US cities in the global economy,” projected Los Angeles to become the fourth-largest city in the world ranked by GDP (with Tokyo being #1 and New York City #2). Key to this success, for LA and others, is building connections to other US cities and global cities which is seen as “a source of strength and new ideas.”
With a mission to make Los Angeles the nation’s leading center for international trade, the WTCLA is dedicated to attracting foreign direct investment to the Los Angeles region and facilitating business opportunities for the region’s business community and their counterparts globally. In carrying out that mission, WTCLA offers several important programs and services that seek to educate, inform, and foster cross border collaboration and connections that can result in mutually beneficial and sustainable economic opportunity. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.wtcla.org
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com.
And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
In California, the Arts contribute an exceptional amount to not only the cultural and creative capital of the state, but to its overall economic activity and well-being. With $650.3 billion in annual output in California, the fifth largest economy in the world, and $203.2 billion in annual output in Los Angeles, the largest county (by population) in the United States, creativity is a massive engine for economic activity and growth.
Heavily impacted by the global pandemic and the economic crisis that has ensued, a May report issued by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), noted the “Arts and Entertainment” industry was among the highest risk industries for job loss related to COVID-19. In that report, the LAEDC projected that initial job loss related to Stay At Home orders for “Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media” in the Los Angeles region could reach as high as 52.5% (year-over-year change).
Navigating these challenges and advocating for the interests and needs of the region’s creative community is Arts for LA. Join us for our conversation with Gustavo Herrera, Executive Director of Arts for LA as we discuss their critical role as a leading voice for the arts in the Greater Los Angeles region. Learn about their efforts to inform, engage, and mobilize individuals and organizations to advocate for access to the arts across all communities; arts education for every student; robust investment in the arts; and inclusion of diverse and underrepresented voices. Arts for LA invests in leadership development; growing networks of civically engaged advocates; building deep relationships with elected officials; and working in partnership across sectors to make LA a vibrant, prosperous, creative, and healthy society.
Gustavo will share his insights on the current state of the creative economy, initiatives underway to support the creative community, and share the work underway to develop a recovery strategy through a series of Community Strategy Sessions that will culminate in their upcoming ‘State of the Arts Summit’, taking place October 16th. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.artsforla.org. And for information about the State of the Arts Summit, please visit www.artsforla.org/sota2020.
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For nearly 40 years, the Downtown Breakfast Club has served to recognize, foster, and encourage the orderly and planned growth of Downtown Los Angeles. The group consists of individual representatives from all major sectors, including real estate, banking, international investment, architects & engineers, urban planners, investment brokers, insurance development organizations and governmental agencies. Meeting on a bi-monthly basis, the group maintains a profile of current business activity through featured guest speakers and works to encourage and support sound principles of developing a better quality of life for Downtown Los Angeles.
Join us as we follow this remarkable evolution of a community in Los Angeles with Hal Bastian, known as “Mr. Downtown,” and explore the fits and starts of transforming DTLA and its subsequent rise. And we look at the Downtown Breakfast Club’s annual event bringing together hundreds of civic leaders to celebrate the highlights (Roses) and low lights (Lemons) in the DTLA evolution. To know “What’s Up?” in DTLA please visit www.HalBastian.com or visit www.majorproperties.com
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Representing just 1% of the land mass of the City of Los Angeles, Downtown LA (DTLA) is emerging, in some sense, as “the Center of It All.” Attracting billions of dollars in investment over the past two decades, DTLA’s revitalization has been remarkable. Known principally as a business center, which closed after 5 pm, DTLA has become the city’s fastest growing community, with 30% of new apartments built in the city, or nearly 50,000 units. The current population of approximately 80,000 people has nearly doubled over the past decade. Continued residential growth for DTLA is projected to reach 250,000 people living in the area by 2040.
As a major employment center, DTLA houses over 68 million square feet of office space, 22 million square feet of retail space, and the surge of new hotel development has resulted in over 9,000 hotels rooms that support 22 million visitors, annually.
Leading the way in this revitalization effort has been the Central City Association (CCA), advocating for policies that enhance the vibrancy of Downtown Los Angeles, increasing investment in the region, and navigating the challenges that face the community. Its diverse membership of businesses, trade associations and nonprofit organizations collectively employ more than 350,000 people.
Join CCA’s President & CEO, Jessica Lall, as she discusses the impact of CCA on the Downtown revitalization and their vision for the future of this fast-growing community. To learn more and become involved, please visit: www.ccala.org
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Founded in 1992 in the aftermath of the civil unrest in Los Angeles, which witnessed over $1 Billion in economic damage, Community Build came into being with a purpose to empower people, build platforms for human capital investment, promote economic development and to deliver critical programs and services.
From those difficult days, the South Los Angeles region, comprising over 51 square miles, more than 750,000 residents, and 28 neighborhoods has witnessed a significant increase in public and private investment, with major projects underway. Yet, with rising investment also comes increased community concern over potential displacement and a host of other issues.
Join us as we speak with Robert Sausedo, President & CEO of Community Build, as he shares his firsthand experience at the civil unrest in 1992, the work of Community Build in rebuilding South LA, and discusses the economic potential of the region going forward. To learn more and get involved, please visit: www.communitybuild.org.
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With a belief that a child’s zip code should never determine her/his destiny; but realizing that the community one grows up in impacts that young person’s odds of graduating high school; health outcomes; and lifetime economic opportunities, “Promise Zones” were created by the federal government for the purpose of partnering with local leaders to increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, and leverage private investment in order to address public health and other priorities identified by the community. Join us in a conversation with Effie Turnbull Sanders, Executive Director of the SLATE-Z promise zone as she discusses their efforts to promote neighborhood revitalization, educational excellence, and economic empowerment in order to realize the promise and potential of South Los Angeles. To learn more and become involved, please visit: www.slatez.org
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Join Mark A. Wilson, President, CEO/Co-Founder of the Coalition for Responsible Community Development, discussing their work focusing on “changing lives and building neighborhoods responsibly.” Since 2005, CRCD has focused its efforts on the historic “South Central” community of Vernon Central, with a mission “to better sustain, coordinate and improve local planning, development and community services that address the needs of low-income and working-class residents and small businesses in South Los Angeles.” Learn how this community in South LA is evolving; and how CRCD’s work – whether in youth empowerment; workforce and economic development; affordable housing; or efforts to preserve its rich cultural history – are having an impact. To learn more and get involved, please visit: https://www.coalitionrcd.org/
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Embracing a bold vision to radically improve the future of LA communities by increasing educational equity and ultimately closing the opportunity gap, the LA Promise Fund is a nonprofit organization with a mission to prepare students for success in college, career, and life. Join us in a conversation with Veronica Melvin, President & CEO of LA Promise fund as she discusses the work of the LA Promise community, the organization’s focus on South LA, and it’s efforts to address the talent pipeline problem that exists in STEM fields. To learn more and become involved, please visit: www.lapromisefund.org
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Founded in 2009 to promote LGBTQ+ equality and fight discrimination in the business world, StartOut has emerged as a leading champion for the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial community, providing the resources entrepreneurs need to succeed, promoting success, and providing critical research on the economic impacts of LGBTQ+ discrimination. Join Chris Fraley, Board Member of StartOut, as we discuss the evolution of the organization and its work; the state of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship in the U.S. and in our region; and also the Supreme Court’s recent landmark ruling that federal law protects workers from job discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, and its impacts on LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship. To learn more and get involved, please visit http://www.StartOut.org
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In LA’s signature industry —entertainment – NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) is forging a path and creating community for the next generation of storytellers. With the goal of showcasing, supporting, educating and connecting diverse and emerging filmmakers, NFMLA is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization designed to showcase innovative works by emerging filmmakers from around the world, providing the Los Angeles community of entertainment professionals and film goers with a constant surge of monthly screening events. Meet Founding Executive Director, Larry Laboe, as we discuss the work of NFMLA and its efforts to provide a forum where filmmakers can be recognized for their contributions, have open audience discussions about their projects and connect with industry professionals for insight on distribution, production, acquisition, and representation. To learn more and get involved, please visit http://www.newfilmmakersla.com
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Educating, inspiring and supporting our youth takes a village. In the village that is Hollywood, we explore the work of the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood (BGCH). Since 1937, the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood has provided a safe haven for children to discover, learn, lead and succeed. We are joined by visionary leader of the BGCH, CEO Mel Culpepper, where we discuss the important community building work taking place at their club and how the changes taking place across Hollywood impacts that work. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.bgchollywood.com.
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Cities are ever evolving and spaces within cities are forever being re-imagined. And, with COVID 19, the global pandemic is also influencing how cities reshape themselves, and this is true in LA. In Los Angeles, the historic and globally recognized community of Hollywood has been undergoing rapid revitalization that has attracted billions in new investment. As private capital has returned, significant public investment and re-imaging is also taking place. This episode features a conversation with Dan Halden, Director of the HEART of Hollywood, and Li Wen, Design Principal with Gensler, a global design and architecture firm, to talk about the visionary re-imaging of Hollywood’s central corridor, Hollywood Boulevard, and the transformative Walk of Fame Master Plan project. To learn more and get involved, please visit: www.heartofhollywood.la
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Join Creator & Host Dwayne Gathers as he introduces the CivitasLA podcast and its goals of featuring diverse leaders, fostering community connections, and promoting civic engagement. With nearly two decades of civic and community engagement experience in Los Angeles through service on various boards and commissions, Dwayne shares his thoughts on the need (and opportunity) to create a platform that would highlight and celebrate the work of a broader range of up and coming leaders and elevate more diverse voices in the region’s civic conversation.
For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com
And, we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and stay in touch with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).
Welcome to CivitasLA, a new podcast featuring diverse and emerging leaders who make up this dynamic region and are creating community every day . . . and building a better future. Each week, learn from and be inspired by a new generation of civic entrepreneurs who are forging a path forward in making Los Angeles a stronger, more resilient, and connected group of citizens.