What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike Bonin
Los Angeles is at a turning point. We are living in a defining moment. What happens next is up to us. Over the past few years, problems and challenges have shaken this city -- and tremendous opportunities for change have presented themselves. How do we rise to this moment and emerge a better place to live? What will it take to create a more just and a more equitable community? Working together, how are we going to create a stronger, forward-thinking Los Angeles? Mike Bonin, writer, teacher, progressive activist and former City Councilmember, looks at the issues and problems facing Los Angeles, examines ideas, and talks with the people who will lead us to a brighter future.
Produced in partnership with LA Forward.
What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike Bonin
George Gascón: Reforming Criminal Justice in LA
Riding a wave of public support for criminal justice reform, George Gascón won election as Los Angeles County District Attorney last fall. When he took office in December, he announced a package of sweeping reforms to remake the criminal justice system in Los Angeles.
In this edition of What's Next Los Angeles, Mike Bonin talks with Gascón, who explains why he’s getting rid of cash bail, reviewing sentences, reopening investigations into fatal police shootings, and ending prosecutions of cases that criminalize homelessness and addiction. He talks about how he feels critics are peddling fear and propping up a system that perpetuates crime.
George Gascón
Twitter: @georgegascon
Campaign website: GeorgeGascon.org
Official Website: da.lacounty.org
You can see his package of reforms here. You can read Gascón's new cash bail policy here.
You can the read UC Irvine analysis of the impacts of Prop 47 here. You can see the PPIC report on Prop 47's impact on crime and recidivism here, and the PPIC report on how Prop 47 has reduced racial disparities in the criminal justice system here.
You can see the LA Times precinct by precinct of Gascón's victory here.
The Kern County DA's ridiculous and over-the-top criticism of Gascón is here. You can read some coverage of the LA police union's $1 million campaign to stop Gascón from getting elected here.
What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.