MHD Off the Record

Latest Episodes:

City in All Directions: Follow Your Heart Cafe, Leonis Adobe Museum, Lanark Skate Park Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

MHD Off The Record’s 'City in All Directions' highlights the best places to eat, learn, and play throughout Los Angeles. From hidden gems to community favorites, this segment connects listeners with local spots, resources, and opportunities that enrich life across the city.

For this episode of City in All Directions, we take a trip through Los Angeles Council District 3, represented by Council President Pro Tempore Bob Blumenfield. This district includes neighborhoods such as Woodland Hills, Reseda, and Canoga Park.

Resources:

District Website: cd3.lacity.gov

Eat: Follow Your Heart Market & Cafe

Website: followyourheart.com/follow-your-heart-market-and-cafe

Learn: Leonis Adobe Museum

Website: www.leonisadobemuseum.org

Play: Lanark Skatepark

Address:21816 Lanark St, Canoga Park, CA 91304

__________

Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

City in All Directions: Sawtelle Japantown, Will Rogers State Historic State Park, Electric Lodge Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

For this episode of City in All Directions, we’re heading to the Westside of LA to explore Council District 11, represented by Councilmember Traci Park. This district covers some of LA’s most famous neighborhoods like Venice, Playa del Rey, Westchester, Mar Vista, Ladera, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Playa Vista, and Sawtelle.

Resources:

District Website: cd11.lacity.gov

Eat/Learn: Sawtelle Japantown

Tsujita LA Artisan - www.tsujita.com/sawtelle-la

Sushi Tsujita - www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-tsujita-los-angeles

Izakaya Sasaya - izakaya-sasaya.com

Japanese Institute of Sawtelle - sites.google.com/sawtellegakuin.org/jis

Learn/Play: Will Rogers State Park

Website: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=626

Play/Learn: Electric Lodge

Website: www.electriclodge.org

Address: 1416 Electric Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Phone: (310) 306-1854

__________

Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

[REMIXED] MHD OTR South LA Highlight: Patrick Henry Johnson Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council Staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Destination Crenshaw artist Patrick Henry Johnson. Patrick Henry Johnson is an internationally acclaimed visual artist based in Los Angeles. Johnson was born in Valdosta, Georgia Johnson attended The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida before moving to LA to further his career as an artist. In 1993, Johnson undertook a five-year apprenticeship with an international mural company where he learned the basics of mural making and began to hone his own unique style. Johnson’s artwork can be seen in various parts of Los Angeles including a 72 x 14-foot mural titled “Penta-Loom Ode to Soldiers” at 51st Street and Central Avenue depicting the cost of war to the human soul. He is also well known for his iconic mural “Elixir: The Rebirth” at Crenshaw Blvd. and Stocker St. and created original illustrations for Maryum Ali’s children’s book “I Shook Up the World: The Incredible Life of Muhammad Ali.”

Resources:

Instagram: @iampatrickhenryjohnson

www.DestinationCrenshaw.la

Community Announcements

The 2nd District Business Interruption Fund

LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell is offering Business grants up to $10,000 to support those impacted by recent challenges.
Deadline to apply is Thursday, November 7, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit bit.ly/SecondDistrictBIF

DHS Mobile Clinics

The LA County Department of Health Services is bringing mobile clinics offering free medical care to our unhoused neighbors.
The clinic will be available on October 17th, from 9 AM to 2 PM, at the HOPICS Manchester Navigation Center, 729 West Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, 90044.
For more information or additional dates and locations, call 562-385-8554 or email mobileclinics@dhs.lacounty.gov.

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Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

City in All Directions: El Carrusel Bakery, Valley Relics Museum, Sepulveda Basin Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

For our first episode of City in All Directions, we’re heading to the heart of the San Fernando Valley to explore Council District 6, represented by Councilmember Imelda Padilla. This district covers a diverse range of neighborhoods, including Sun Valley, Panorama City, Arleta, and Lake Balboa.

Resources

District website: cd6.lacity.gov

Eat: El Carrusel Bakery

Website: carruselbakery.com

Locations in District:

VAN NUYS

14851 Victory Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91411

(818) 988-3797

ARLETA

13923 Van Nuys Blvd Arleta, CA 91331

(818) 896-7999

Learn: Valley Relics Museum

Website:valleyrelicsmuseum.org

Location in District:

Van Nuys Airport

7900 Balboa Blvd. Lake Balboa, CA 91406

Hangar C 3 & 4

Play: Sepulveda Basin

Websites:

www.laparks.org/park/sepulveda-basin-sports-complex

www.laparks.org/aquatic/balboa

lariverrecreation.org/sepulveda-basin-river-recreation-zone

engineering.lacity.gov/sepulveda-basin-vision-plan-final-plan-available

thejapanesegarden.com

__________

Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

South LA Highlight: RIDEWITUS LA Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Kellie Hart, founder of the RideWitUs LA Bike Store and Co-founder of the RideWitUs LA Bike Club, an organization dedicated to promoting cycling culture and community engagement. The Ridewitus Bike Club offers group rides, cycling education, and events that bring people together through their shared love of biking. The associated store provides quality cycling gear and equipment, catering to both beginners and experienced cyclists. Under Kellie Hart's leadership, the club has grown into a hub for cyclists of all backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.

Resources:

www.ridewitus.com

www.instagram.com/ridewitus_la

Community Announcements:

Build Your Future Job Fair

Thursday, September 19th 10 AM to 1 PM at the
400 W Washington Blvd, Culinary Arts Building E3 at LA Trade Tech College .
For more information and to register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/build-your-future-job-fair-tickets-1002617244167?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sports and Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit

Thursday, October 10 9 AM to 2 PM
L.A. Convention Center 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
RSVP now at bit.ly/LASESD2024

Sitdown W/ a Staffer

Praise in the Park Gospel Music Festival

September 28th 10AM to 5PM
St. Andrews Park 8701 S St Andrews Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90047
www.instagram.com/praiseintheparkla

South LA Highlight: LA Focus Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, we speak with Lisa Collins, founder and publisher of LA Focus, a monthly newspaper dedicated to highlighting news relevant to LA’s African American community. A passionate Los Angeles native, Lisa aims to equip Black Angelenos with essential information and resources, emphasizing the church's role in community empowerment. Before founding LA Focus, she served as the gospel editor at Billboard Magazine for over a decade and established the renowned “The Gospel Music Industry Round-Up.” Her entertainment reporting career includes interviews with notable entertainers such as Richard Pryor, Michael Jackson, and Prince. With over 300 articles published in national outlets like Essence, Collins is a notable figure in both journalism and community advocacy.

Resources:

www.lafocusnews.com

Phone: (310) 677-6011

Community Announcements:

Cool Spots LA

The Climate Emergency Mobilization Office brings us 'Cool Spots LA,' a city resource for finding public facilities to cool down and escape the heat during the summer.
Visit Climate4LA.org/CoolSpotsLA
Sign up for NotifyLA extreme heat alerts at emergency.lacity.org

Crenshaw Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 10am - 3pm (rain or shine)
Located in the Historic Fire Station 54 parking lot at 5730 Crenshaw Blvd (off of Crenshaw and Slauson, adjacent to U.S. Bank)
Link: foodaccessla.org/crenshaw-farmers-market

Sitdown w/ a Staffer Resources:

www.aging.lacity.gov

www.ad.lacounty.gov

South LA Highlight: Coffee Del Mundo Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, we speak with Jonathan Kinnard, co-founder of Coffee Del Mundo, a specialty coffee shop located in South Los Angeles. Originally from Tennessee, Jonathan transitioned from the insurance industry to coffee after studying roasting in Turkey. His café is dairy-free and supports Black and Latinx communities, promoting non-European coffee traditions and direct relationships with farmers. Jonathan’s vision is to foster social change through conscious consumerism and to bring people together by celebrating cultural diversity through coffee. Coffee Del Mundo is known for its high-quality, ethically sourced coffee and dedication to sustainability.

Resources:

www.coffeedelmundo.com

Community Announcements:

Metro Mobility Wallet

Applications for Phase II of the Mobility Wallet are now open.
This prepaid debit card allows recipients to use various transportation services, including Metro Bus, Metro Rail, Metro Micro, bikeshare, e-scooters, taxis, ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft), regional transport (Greyhound, Amtrak, FlixBus), and even bike shop purchases.
Participants can receive up to $1800 to spend on these shared transportation options.
For more information and to apply, visit metro.net/mobilitywallet1

Cool Spots LA

The Climate Emergency Mobilization Office brings us 'Cool Spots LA,' a city resource for finding public facilities to cool down and escape the heat during the summer.
Visit Climate4LA.org/CoolSpotsLA
Sign up for NotifyLA extreme heat alerts at emergency.lacity.org

South LA Highlight: Air West Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, we speak with Chris Young, co-founder of Air West, an elite basketball run + youth clinic based in Los Angeles. Currently, they host a free weekly basketball clinic in Exposition Park for youth ages 5 to 13. Here, kids can work with expert trainers to help them develop their skills.

Chris has an extensive background in sports instruction and community engagement. He served as a basketball instructor for the City of Los Angeles, conducting clinics, evaluations, and coaching teams in the Junior Clippers League and the Clippers Late Night Hoops League. Chris also served as an Assistant Varsity Coach at Leuzinger High School, where he mentored NBA players Russell Westbrook, Dorell Wright, and Delon Wright, further showcasing his dedication to nurturing young talent. Through Air West, he aims to mentor the next generation of basketball stars, fostering their skills and personal development.

Resources:

www.airwestla.com

Community Announcements:

Metro Mobility Wallet

Applications for Phase II of the Mobility Wallet are now open.
This prepaid debit card allows recipients to use various transportation services, including Metro Bus, Metro Rail, Metro Micro, bikeshare, e-scooters, taxis, ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft), regional transport (Greyhound, Amtrak, FlixBus), and even bike shop purchases.
Participants can receive up to $1800 to spend on these shared transportation options.
For more information and to apply, visit metro.net/mobilitywallet1

Crenshaw Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 10am - 3pm (rain or shine)
Located in the Historic Fire Station 54 parking lot at 5730 Crenshaw Blvd (off of Crenshaw and Slauson, adjacent to U.S. Bank)
Link: foodaccessla.org/crenshaw-farmers-market

Sitdown with a Staffer Resources

Western Our Way

South LA Highlight: Charlotta Bass (feat. Susan Anderson) Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, we are doing our first posthumous highlight honoring Charlotta Spears Bass, a pioneering African American journalist and civil rights activist, best known for her work with the California Eagle, one of the oldest and longest-running African American newspapers in the United States. For this conversation, we speak with historian and author Susan Anderson. Susan is  the History Curator and Program Manager at the California African American Museum here in Los Angeles, and a member of the editorial board of California History journal. Previously, she was Director of Collections, Library, Exhibitions and Programs at the California Historical Society in San Francisco, as well as Interim Chief Curator at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland, and Curator of Collecting Los Angeles at UCLA Library Special Collections. Susan was also featured on PBS’s special on Charlotta Bass titled “Unladylike” and is the author of Nostalgia for a Trumpet: Poems of Memory and History.

Resources:

www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/charlotta-spears-bass-first-black-woman-vp-nominee-epkd15/15441/

www.nytimes.com/2024/02/07/us/california-black-history-month.html

www.heydaybooks.com/authors/susan-d-anderson/

caamuseum.org

Community Announcements:

Summer Night Lights

Join us from now to August 10th, every Thursday through Saturday, 6 PM to 11 PM, for a summer filled with fun, food, and festivities.
for participating parks visit Instagram.com/mhdcd8

Metro Mobility Wallet

Applications for Phase II of the Mobility Wallet are now open.
This prepaid debit card allows recipients to use various transportation services, including Metro Bus, Metro Rail, Metro Micro, bikeshare, e-scooters, taxis, ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft), regional transport (Greyhound, Amtrak, FlixBus), and even bike shop purchases.
Participants can receive up to $1800 to spend on these shared transportation options.
For more information and to apply, visit metro.net/mobilitywallet1

South LA Highlight: Barber Gurus Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, we speak with Carlos Spivey and Mona Gotoy, Founder and co-Founder of Barber Gurus inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young barbers through training, mentorship, and community service. Carlos, a seasoned barber and educator, founded the organization to nurture new talents and provide community support, including free haircuts for those in need. Mona, with her background in finance, serves as the Vice President, enhancing financial literacy and organizing various workshops. Together with Treasurer and partner Cameron Ellis, they embody the mission of Barber Gurus Inc., using their diverse skills to foster a new generation of skilled and socially conscious barbers.

Resources:

www.barbergurusinc.org

www.instagram.com/barber_gurus

Sitdown w/ a Staffer Resources:

myla311.lacity.org

cd8.lacity.gov

Community Announcements

Cool Spots LA

The Climate Emergency Mobilization Office brings us 'Cool Spots LA,' a city resource for finding public facilities to cool down and escape the heat during the summer.
Visit Climate4LA.org/CoolSpotsLA
Sign up for NotifyLA extreme heat alerts at emergency.lacity.org

Summer Night Lights

Join us from July 5th to August 10th, every Tuesday through Saturday, 6 PM to 11 PM, for a summer filled with fun, food, and festivities.
for participating parks visit Instagram.com/mhdcd8

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