Taxes, Ballots & a Water Breakthrough

Boyle Heights Fire Raises New Questions While a High-Profile Fire Trial Falls Apart

Hour 1 - A massive warehouse fire in Boyle Heights has been knocked down, but the controversy is just heating up. As investigators examine reports of rotting meat, foul odors, and the site's history of safety concerns, Noah Ropp of Food & Water Watch joins us to discuss why the property had already been under scrutiny before the blaze. Then, attorney Lou Shapiro breaks down the mistrial in the Palisades Fire case and what it means going forward. Plus, a judge rejects an effort to freeze Los Angeles County's $4 billion sex abuse settlement payout, setting the stage for another major legal battle. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Taxes, Ballots & a Water Breakthrough

Hour 2 California voters are set to weigh in on a controversial billionaire tax proposal this November, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association backs a competing anti-tax measure—setting up a major showdown over the state's financial future. Then, Jordan Harris, CEO of Solar AquaGrid, joins Monks & Merrill to discuss an innovative project that could help solve two of California's biggest challenges at once: water shortages and clean energy. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Lifeguard Controversies and a Fire Trial Hits a Dead End

Hour 3 - An alleged hidden-camera scandal involving a former Orange County State Parks chief has raised disturbing questions about trust and accountability among lifeguards. At the same time, Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles are clashing over control of lifeguard operations and public safety. Plus, the high-profile Palisades Fire arson case ends without a verdict as a jury deadlocks, forcing a mistrial and leaving major questions unanswered. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Inside the Boyle Heights Blaze and California's Earthquake Wake-Up Cal

Hour 1 - Michael Monks and Chris Merrill examine the aftermath of the Boyle Heights fire and the legal battle unfolding on behalf of impacted residents. Trial attorney William (Will) Sykes of Claggett & Sykes Law joins the show to discuss the victims he represents and what's next in their pursuit of justice. The hosts also cover the latest developments in the Palisades fire arson trial, the devastating earthquakes that rocked Venezuela, and what those quakes could mean for California. Plus, John Vidale, Director of the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC), explains the recent seismic activity around the world and whether Californians should be paying closer attention. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Housing Gridlock, UFO Secrets & a New Era for Schools

Hour 2 - Michael Monks and Chris Merrill tackle the red tape slowing Los Angeles' housing crisis with Nolan Gray, Senior Director of Legislation and Research at California YIMBY, who explains how bureaucracy has turned homebuilding into a waiting game—and what reforms could change that. Then, Hannah Brandt of NewsNation joins the show to discuss the latest push for UFO transparency as experts and lawmakers gather for the Disclosure Forum. Plus, the hosts break down Los Angeles' selection of a new schools superintendent following months of controversy and what the leadership change could mean for the nation's second-largest school district. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.