J.T. the L.A. Storyteller

You can also watch this conversation on YouTube. Aida Ashouri is an Iranian-American immigrant running for L.A. City Attorney this year. In this IG Live she speaks with me about her last few days on the campaign trail gathering signatures, and just what it’s gonna take to reach as many voters as possible before electionContinue reading AIDA ASHOURI IS RUNNING FOR L.A. CITY ATTORNEY →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Because of course you don’t think it’s “Mission Accomplished” in Caracas already, do you? On Saturday, January 3rd the U.S.’s unprovoked attack on Venezuela cost at least 40 people their lives and led to the unwarranted, illegal kidnapping of the acting president, NicolasContinue reading MAKING AMERICAN GUERRILLAS AGAIN →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. From Dana Williamson, who was outgoing Governor Newsom’s former Chief of Staff, to California’s own Attorney General Rob Bonta, to Oakland’s Ex-Mayor Sheng Thao, to Orange County’s Andrew Do, the last couple of weeks since the passage of Prop 50 have seen aContinue reading IS CALIFORNIA SAVABLE? IS IT WORTH SAVING? →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Prop 50 HAS PASSED. Now, could Gavin Newsom tell us about just why California has the second highest rate of unemployment in the nation, behind only Washington D.C? Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss my written work via Making a Neighborhood.Continue reading VOTING IN CALIFORNIA IS EASY. FINDING A JOB, NOT SO MUCH! →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. PROP 50: “Requires temporary use of new congressional district maps through 2030. Directs independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to resume enacting congressional district maps in 2031. Establishes policy supporting nonpartisan redistricting commissions nationwide. Fiscal Impact: One-time costs to counties of up to a fewContinue reading ON PROP 50: SEEING EYE TO EYE WITH REPUBLICANS IN CALIFORNIA?? →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. At this critical juncture for creators and our online community, it’s time to make some changes to how we do it. Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss my written work via Making a Neighborhood. To support a Local Vendor Buyout campaignContinue reading STREAMERS WAKE UP: IT’S TIME TO DO BETTER →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Deeyah Khan’s “White Right: Meeting the Enemy” is a must-watch this weekend. Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss my written work via Making a Neighborhood. To support a Local Vendor Buyout campaign for East Hollywood, Virgil Village and Silver Lake, pleaseContinue reading DEI: THE EXISTENTIAL THREAT OF OUR TIME →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. It’s been a little while since I sat down for some hot takes, but this week is exceptional! Yesterday in Los Angeles charges were announced by federal prosecutors against Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 29 year old Uber driver who the state alleges is responsibleContinue reading SUSPECT CHARGED FOR PACIFIC PALISADES FIRES. NOW WHAT? →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode via YouTube. In this installment of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast, guest David Cowen and I discuss his being diagnosed with bipolar disorder as early as when he was 21 years old, Kabbalah and Zionism, Israel’s genocide through forced starvation in Gaza, as well asContinue reading FROM L.A. TO KHAN YUNIS: ALL EYES ON GAZA →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode via YouTube. On Sunday, August 3rd in East Hollywood, Mark Casas and his partner Angel Maria Zavala spearheaded a special pop-up with Ondo Coffee in support of Who Is Your Neighborhood, also known as Quien Es Tu Vecindario. The pop-up featured home-style chilaquiles as wellContinue reading RAISING OVER $1,000 FOR STREET VENDORS IN A SINGLE DAY →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. It’s Friday, August 1st, and for this installment of the podcast my goal is get you up to speed on all things on so-called “IMMIGRATION REFORM” as it pertains to Los Angeles, most of all for the people of Los Angeles. In caseContinue reading 3,000 ARRESTS PER DAY BUT NOT ENOUGH TIME TO WARRANT THEM →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode via YouTube. The answer is probably not, but his father, Fred Trump, sure was! In 1905 Donald Trump’s grandfather Friedrich Trump, originally born in Kallstadt, was threatened with deportation for failing to report for military services in the 1880s. When he nonetheless pleaded to beContinue reading WAIT, DONALD TRUMP IS AN ANCHOR BABY?! →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 2,000 National Guard troops are to return to base immediately, while another 2,000 are to remain, so in this installment we consider just what the administration’s deployment of National Guard personnel—after wresting control of them from Newsom—has actually meant for communities across LosContinue reading MISSION ACCOMPLISHED IN L.A? →

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. ***To support a Local Vendor Buyout campaign for East Hollywood, Virgil Village and Silver Lake, please do so via Quien Es Tu Vecindario HERE.*** J.T.

LET THE CITY KNOW: You can also watch this episode on YouTube. I. Family shaken after Huntington Park home raided, KTLA: https://youtu.be/-os0_WGcLKU II. South L.A. fireworks explosion likely caused by miscalculations from bomb technicians, LAPD chief says: https://youtu.be/Xr0yAlbGvKY?si=YKtDIalypLr6YLVA III. LA Black Panther member recalls shootout with LAPD’s newly formed SWAT in 1969 on Central Avenue,Continue reading ICE FIREBOMBED THIS HOME IN SOUTHEAST L.A., BUT LAPD DID IT FIRST →

LET THE CITY KNOW: This round-up can also be viewed on YouTube. So much to read, yet, such little time. This reality notwithstanding, here are four articles I think you should check out this weekend and why. 1. Aryan Brotherhood members found guilty of ordering L.A. County murders from prison – Matthew Ormseth, L.A. TimesContinue reading TRUMP’S MASS DEPORTATION HITS ITS OWN WALL →

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. In this first installment of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast for 2025 I’m pleased to introduce the Los Cuentos Listenership to Anneliese Hanson, better known as My Goth Therapist! Official show-notes coming soon. For now, stay vigilant and stay tuned. And Let The City Know! J.T.

2024 has been an incredible year, but today I’ve got one more present for the Los Cuentos listenership before it’s over: The 150th episode of the Social Primate Podcast featuring yours truly, which aired live on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024. In the special program, as noted by Eddie Aguirre, my colleague and podcaster from anotherContinue reading SURPRISE! EPISODE 150 WITH THE SOCIAL PRIMATE PODCAST →

With less than two weeks to go before Election Day on November 5th, here are my unapologetic positions for this year’s measures in California: (3:14) – NO ON PROP 2(9:54) – YES ON PROP 3(12:31) – NO ON PROP 4(18:14) – UNDECIDED ON PROP 5(23:35) – YES ON PROP 6(26:52) – YES ON PROP 32(28:02)Continue reading PROPS 2 – 36 IN CALIFORNIA THIS SEASON →

Got a ballot recently? Reporter at L.A. Public Press Elizabeth Chou and I get into a handful of the choices on the ballot this November to get you started on your voting journey! We discuss Prop 36, or the innocuously titled “Drug and Theft Crime Penalties and Treatment-Mandated Felonies Initiative,” Prop 33, or the “ProhibitContinue reading PROP 36, L.A. REDISTRICTING AND ETHICS, AND EXPANDING THE L.A. COUNTY BOARD →

On this installment of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast we speak with Renee Rose, who is the Deputy-in-Charge of the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Unit in Los Angeles County. With over thirty years of experience in the courtroom, including as a prosecutor for the Hardcore Gang Unit, she’s now running for Superior Court Judge,Continue reading RENEE ROSE IS A PROSECUTOR OF OVER 30 YEARS NOW RUNNING FOR JUDGE →

On October 12th the city of Los Angeles brings back a major block party in “Broadway Night Lights” at the center of downtown L.A. Formerly “Night on Broadway” by Jose Huizar and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI), an association of business owners in downtown L.A., the event is now being funded by Art DevelopmentContinue reading BROADWAY NIGHT LIGHTS WITH SUEÑO PRODUCTIONS →

It was my people with the Sueño team who connected me with the Los Angeles Conservancy, which was first founded in 1978 in defense of none other than our dearly beloved L.A. Public Library; more soon, but for now, thanks again to Alex Inshishian for allowing us to speak with him about this incredible backstoryContinue reading HOW THE LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY SAVED THE L.A. PUBLIC LIBRARY →

On this installment of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast we’re joined by Phoenix Tso, who chats with us about The Tenant Association, a new podcast on the Chinatown Hillside Villa Tenant Association, which formed in 2018 after residents there received a 300% Rent Increase without any prior notice from their landlord; in addition to theContinue reading THE TENANT ASSOCIATION WITH PHOENIX TSO →

The return of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast features Eric Solis, an L.A. born architect and designer now living and consulting in Mexico City, where the rise of a new, international gentrification has pushed residents like himself to fight back and organize. Solis’s roots in Los Angeles also run deep, however, especially given his timeContinue reading DESIGNING FOR THE REALITIES WITH ERIC SOLIS →

There is no podcast this week since yours truly is busy just prepping for the official 10 year Anniversary Bash for JIMBOTIMES.COM, but the podcast will be back with new guests and Cuentos in no time! In the meantime, it’s my great pleasure to invite you to the official ten year gathering for J.T. theContinue reading LOS ANGELES, YOU ARE INVITED: TO TEN MORE YEARS 🤞🏽 →

Let the city know! This summer, both J.T. the L.A. Storyteller and Rhymefest Los Angeles turn ten years young in the game; our coming together is thus going to be the hip hop and Los Cuentos event of the summer. The entire block and every family is invited! Yours truly also extends the biggest shoutContinue reading RHYMEFEST TURNS TEN TOO, LOS ANGELES →

George A. Turner is a father of three and is originally from the city of Inglewood, where he continues to live with his family. Turner has served as a Public Defender for L.A. County for the last 16 years and is now running for L.A. County Superior Court Judge, Seat 39. To learn more aboutContinue reading WHO CAN JUDGE ME IN L.A. COUNTY? FEATURING GEORGE A. TURNER →

Ericka Wiley is running for Superior Court Judge Seat 48 this November after serving as a Public Defender in Los Angeles for nearly 24 years and garnering over 47% of the vote this past March. We discuss how Wiley entered the race to begin with, just what she believes qualifies her for the Superior CourtContinue reading WHO CAN JUDGE ME IN L.A. COUNTY? FEATURING ERICKA WILEY →

On Wednesday, July 3rd, the Rios-Vela family attended the first court hearing for the alleged and primary suspect behind the murder of The Rios Brothers, Marcos Navarro, 33 years old. It was an extremely emotional day, yet Amalia Vela in particular spoke out with clarity and courage about what she seeks in terms of accountabilityContinue reading SEEKING JUSTICE FOR THE RIOS BROTHERS OF EAST HOLLYWOOD – LOS CUENTOS WRAP-UP →

With L.A. City Council recapped, let’s place LAUSD elections from March into perspective. LAUSD has a board of seven members, each of which is elected every four years. The board meets regularly on Tuesday afternoons, and by a long shot, its most important job is managing L.A. Schools’ annual budget, which in the 2023 –Continue reading LAUSD MARCH 2024 PRIMARIES: RECAP →

Henry Lara is the one and only Angeleno Heart. In this special episode at the Los Angeles Public Library’s Octavia Lab, we discuss his upbringing, his inspiration, and what’s next for his work as the rawest photographer born and raised in Los Angeles. This week also marked a horrendous loss for yours truly and theContinue reading ANGELENO HEART: “THEY WANT TO TELL THEIR STORY” →

It’s official! There are now just 136 days before it’s “high-key” time for elections again. This is because in California ballots for the election are sent to voters some 29 days before Election Day. So then, even if Election Day is on November 5th, many of us will have the opportunity to vote on L.A.Continue reading L.A. MARCH 2024 PRIMARIES: RECAP →

You can also catch this WRAP-UP on YouTube. On Friday, May 17, the L.A. City Council presented a number of local celebrities with some proclamations. May 17th was declared “Shohei Ohtani day,” while May 19th is now “Father Greg Boyle” day, at least on the official calendar of the L.A. City Council chambers. Afterwards, aContinue reading SHOHEI OHTANI AND L.A. CITY COUNCIL ARE BESTIES NOW? – LOS CUENTOS WRAP-UP →

Today the Los Angeles Dodgers are worth $5.4 billion. But for the land they took to play ball, Vincent “Chente” Montalvo’s family received what his grandfather John De Nava called peanuts. His grandmother, Adela De Nava–now 91 years old(!)–also continues to stand by this claim. It’s not just about the money, though. Earlier this year,Continue reading THE DODGERS: COLLEAGUES, OR COLONIZERS? →

First up, enjoy a new Intro for the podcast! Followed by a few notes on the week from yours truly, including on the tragic passing of Mirna Soza while boarding L.A. Metro’s B Line on Monday, April 22nd, as well as on the Armenian Genocide of 1915, commemorated every year on April 24th. Then, fromContinue reading OAXACALIFORNIA: OAXACAN AMERICANS IN L.A. →

In this installment of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast yours truly sits down with P, the horrible vandal, to discuss L.A. City Council’s recent approval of over $4 million to “remove graffiti covering three abandoned skyscrapers in downtown L.A., secure the site, and restore the public right of way on the adjacent sidewalks.” We alsoContinue reading DOWNTOWN L.A.’s GRAFFITI TOWERS →

In this update for J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast we reflect on our two year Anniversary Party for the Making a Neighborhood newsletter at local Bellevue Park, which included a dazzling Healing Circle by Koreatown and Pico-Union’s very own Monica Garcia, MFT. To subscribe to Making a Neighborhood for free, please do so here. Also,Continue reading A DAY WITHOUT AN IMMIGRANT IN LOS ANGELES (’06 EDITION) →

With Election Day finally over with it was an absolute pleasure to speak with Marty Hillard of the legendary Ebony Tusks crew out of Lawrence, Kansas; from Los Angeles to the Midwest, it’s time for J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast to branch out, and I could think of no better way to do so thanContinue reading THE ILLEST CHRISTIAN DEATH METAL RAPPER I EVER HEARD →

Los Angeles could definitely use more Public Defenders in the County’s Superior Court, where judges overwhelmingly hail from the prosecutorial side. Before you leave the Superior Court Judge section of your ballot blank, tune into this podcast to learn about Natasha Khamashta’s write-in campaign and that of her colleagues’, the Defenders of Justice. Natasha KhamashtaContinue reading CAN THIS PALESTINIAN-AMERICAN BECOME A SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE IN L.A. COUNTY? →

In the first official update from yours truly since our special Election Journey to El Salvador, let’s get into some final details for L.A. County’s March 5th Primary Elections and how to vote–including at the last minute–between now and then. Plus, we rebroadcast the Launch Party for Claudia De La Cruz and Karina Garcia’s campaignContinue reading ELECTING A SOCIALIST FOR PRESIDENT →

On this installment of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast we speak with Konstantine Anthony, the former mayor of Burbank and a current representative at the Burbank City Council who is now running to replace Kathryn Barger for Los Angeles County District 5. Keep up with Council Member Anthony’s campaign through his IG, and find yourContinue reading THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST MAYOR OF BURBANK →

On this installment of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast we speak with Jillian Burgos, the treasurer of the North Hollywood Neighborhood Council, which is known to issue more Community Impact Reports than any other Neighborhood Council! Burgos has called Los Angeles home since 2009 and is now running a people-powered campaign to replace Paul KrekorianContinue reading STRAIGHT OUTTA SAN FERNANDO VALLEY →

In the first full episode for J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast this 2024, which is also doubling as an episode for K-Town Is OK, we sit down with filmmaker and journalist Vladimir Santos—who also forms one half of Ey Foo You a Rocker?—as well as Indigenous Arts and Healing Practitioner, the one and only MonicaContinue reading FROM K-TOWN TO SAN SALVADOR →

In the first update for J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast this 2024, our Cheat Sheet on L.A. City Council Races in March via Making a Neighborhood. Then, yours truly returns to El Salvador this January, this time as an Election Observer for presidential elections in my papa’s homeland. To make a one-time donation to myContinue reading PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN EL SALVADOR →

In the final episode of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast for 2023, yours truly breaks down the upcoming L.A. City Council and LAUSD Elections. Mail in ballots across California should reach voters as soon as February 5th, 2024, or just thirty-eight days away from the publication date of this recording! To learn more about theContinue reading RENT IS DUE. WHERE IS MY MONEY?? →

Thanks to matching funds! Los Angeles, meet Ysabel Jurado for Council District 14. (02:15) What is Council-District 14? Which neighborhoods does it include?(03:42) Ysabel is another Highland Park native and graduate of Immaculate Heart High School(05:38) Sharing the Highland Park area with Council-District 1, which takes the side south of York Blvd(06:49) The reason YsabelContinue reading RAISING OVER $150,000 WITHOUT PAC MONEY IN L.A. →

On this edition of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast, yours truly sits down for an extensive conversation with the Social Primate Podcast’s Eddie Aguirre. Eddie is a graphic designer by trade and has hosted the Social Primate Podcast since 2017. We discuss Eddie’s roots on the Southeast side of Los Angeles, better known as SELA,Continue reading SOUTHEAST L.A. IN THE BUILDING →