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
Candidate Spotlight: John Erickson
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It is election season again, and that means more candidate spotlights so you can get to know the people who are asking for your vote. Today, in the debut episode of a new season of What's Next, Los Angeles: John Erickson, candidate for State Senate in District 24.
SD24 is the seat being vacated by Ben Allen, who is termed out of office after 12 years representing a sprawling district that stretches from Rancho Palos Verdes and the South Bay, the coastal Westside, Malibu and Santa Monica, and neighborhoods from Westwood and Fairfax east to Hollywood.
The first candidate we’re speaking with in this race is Erickson, a councilmember and former mayor of the City of West Hollywood. Erickson has served on the West Hollywood City Council since 2020 and was re-elected in 2024. During his time in office, he’s supported efforts to expand affordable housing, strengthen tenant protections, and maintain West Hollywood’s role as a center of LGBTQ political life. He points to raising the city’s minimum wage as one of his signature achievements. Erickson served as the city’s mayor from 2024 to 2025. Before entering elected office, he worked in public affairs and advocacy, including as a vice president at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. He now serves as chief of staff for the Alliance for a Better Community.
Campaign Website: https://www.johnerickson4senate.com/
This episode is produced and edited by Daniel Huecias, sponsored by LA Forward. Research provided by the Pat Brown Institute at Cal State LA.
What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.