THE ILLEST CHRISTIAN DEATH METAL RAPPER I EVER HEARD

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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 than with support from Hillard, a powerhouse of talent and authenticity.

We discussed Hillard’s earliest experiences with rap and hip hop music, his inspiration as he went from Christian hip hop to edgier sounds, his Heal Thyself album with Nathan Giesecke and Daniel B. Smith, his song “Schuyler” hitting the big screen via Peacock’s new Fresh Prince remake, and even which side Marty’s rolling with on Bel Air in the games ahead, plus more 🤞🏽

(0:02) Welcome Marty Hillard of Ebony Tusks to J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast!
(7:15) Shout out Topeka, and all of the communities across the I-70 Corridor!
(17:58) Marty’s discovery of his talent for music, especially in the Middle School years
(32:08) Saying more in particular about that Christian Hip Hop music
(43:25) The reception of Eminem’s 8 Mile across the Midwest
(54:58) The impact of urban renewal in central Topeka
(1:03:05) Truly, this is a chat by the fireside
(1:16:28) Considering what’s next for Marty now that Heal Thyself is complete
(1:23:25) A snapshot of time
(1:33:21) Marty Hillard is a true artist uplifting 90s sounds and attitude with a 21st century flare that’s all his own
(1:35:33) Also check out Ebony Tusk’s YouTube channel to enjoy more of their work
(1:39:23) Oh and by the way, is Marty on Team Will or Team Carlton? For the record
(1:40:47) Also shout out to Bel Air, the new Fresh Prince remake!

You can also keep up with Hillard via IG. And to make a one-time donation to my nonprofit work for working-class communities in Los Angeles, please do so here. To support the production of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast for as little as $5 a month, check out my page at patreon.com/jimbotimes.

J.T.

CAN THIS PALESTINIAN-AMERICAN BECOME A SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE IN L.A. COUNTY?

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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 Khamashta is a Palestinian-American Public Defender who’s served in this role for over 20 years; she is running for Superior Court Office No. 93. The only thing an eligible voter needs to do is write in “Natasha” in the write-in ✍🏽 candidate section on this part of the ballot to elect her for the seat. Recall that any eligible voter in L.A. County, no matter the zip code, can cast a vote for the 10 Superior Court Judge offices up for election this Tuesday, March 5th; you can also vote this Sunday or Monday, depending on what’s better for your schedule through your local Vote Center, which you can locate here.

(0:02) Welcome Natasha Kamashta to J.T. the LA Storyteller Podcast!
(0:24) A race quite unlike any other for elections taking place this Tuesday, March 5th for L.A. County voters
(0:43) How one finds themselves running as a Write-In Candidate for a Superior Court Judge Office
(2:00) Natasha Kamashta’s Palestinian American heritage as a major influence on her decision to run
(6:50) Just to be sure, how do voters actually write in a candidate for a political office?
(8:19) For the record, what does an L.A. Superior Court Judge actually do for people who live in Los Angeles?
(12:00) Remember, any eligible voter, regardless of where they live in L.A. County, can vote for Superior Court Judges
(12:52) Historically, most Judges at the Superior Court have actually been former prosecutors
(15:05) For the record, what inspired Kamashta to become a Public Defender to begin with?
(18:38) Kamashta’s visit to Palestine during law school was another big factor in leading her to become a Public Defender
(21:02) Why do Public Defenders actually seem to be overwhelmed by the amount of cases they’re assigned?
(24:37) Despite its continual shortcomings, are there still some strengths to the judicial system?
(26:29) The judicial system can and does save lives, especially in terms of gender and those who face major challenges with their families
(28:16) For the record, what would separate Kamashta from her opponent when it comes to this Superior Court office?(31:59) With all this said, how do we vote for Kamashta for Superior Court Judge Office No. 93 again?
(33:41) Thanks once again and “see you” on Election Day, Tuesday, March 5th!

Learn more about Natasha at www.natasha4judge.com, and keep up with her campaign’s Cuentos on IG here. To make a one-time donation to my nonprofit, Quien Es Tu Vecindario, please do so via onevecindario.org. To support the production of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast, check out my PATREON.

J.T.

ELECTING A SOCIALIST FOR PRESIDENT

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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 campaign out of New York City with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which was initially broadcast on January 28th, 2024. You can vote for the pair in California–including at the last minute–through the Peace and Freedom Party ticket and keep up with De La Cruz and Garcia’s campaign on IG. Check back soon for the official show-notes!

(0:33) Hey, what’s going on Los Angeles? It’s J.T.
(1:00) I’m back from El Salvador
election Journey out to my father’s homeland of El Salvador this past January late January through early
(1:25) Thanks again to each and every single supporter whether you donated online or whether you came out to our spectacular movie night out with Midnight Books in Boyle Heights
(1:55) Now, Election Day is just 7 days away, and generally speaking, they’re low turnout affairs
(4:04) Nonetheless, let’s go over some key notes for voters to keep in mind about the process
(4:32) Firstly, you do not have to vote in every race for your ballot to be counted
(5:35) You also do not need to wait until Tuesday, March 5th to vote! You can do so now, right away! I myself voted this past Sunday
(8:13) Next up, a brief note about Write In Candidates and say, the Democratic Party process for this versus that of the Republic Party
(9:47) Now, consider Claudia De La Cruz’s campaign with the Peace and Freedom Party in California
(11:49) Last minute voting, also known as Conditional Voter Registration
(13:57) With this said, let’s consider tracking your vote
(14:04) Re: the lesser of two evils argument when it comes to the Presidential Race
(15:16) Voting with pride and enthusiasm instead of with shame and embarrassment
(18:30) In that vein, this episode features a rebroadcast of none other than Claudia De La Cruz and Karina Garcia, who are Democratic Socialists running for President out of NYC. Enjoy!
(20:02) P.S. Did you hear about my first-ever Vote By Mail party? In East Hollywood; Wednesday February 28th
(21:06) With that said, from Los Angeles to New York, it’s J.T.
(21:21) Carla Reyes: Good morning to the West Coast…
(28:03) Lucy Ceballos Felix out of Texas for Claudia De La Cruz and Karina Garcia
(31:40) Miya Tada, out of the People’s Forum in New York and New Jersey
(33:40) Stephanie Weatherbee, International People’s Assembly
(41:49) Juana López out of Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, pre-gentrification; Latina Institute
(45:21) Amari Butler, pro Palestine student organizer with the Harvard African and African-American resistance organization
(51:26) Nathali Hrizi, Public School Educator, San Francisco 
(59:15) Dr. Jared Ball, Black Power Media; author of The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power
(1:04:45) Nisreen Muntasser, Mamas for Palestine
(1:11:20) Vijay Prashad; author of Red Star Over the Third World
(1:14:18) Eugene Peryear, PSL Central Committee Member
(1:23:16) Karina Garcia, Vice Presidential candidate for the Vote Socialist 2024 Campaign
(1:36:07) Claudia De La Cruz, Presidential Candidate for the Vote Socialist 2024 Campaign

Last but certainly not least, to make a one-time donation to my team and I’s Vote By Mail Party in East Hollywood this Wednesday, February 28th, please do so here. To support the production of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast, check out my PATREON.

J.T.

RENT IS DUE. WHERE IS MY MONEY??

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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 the candidates, see jmbtms.com.

(1:07) Shout out to the Social Primate Podcast! Where yours truly chatted with Eddie as the final guest of the year
(2:37) The $50,000,000,000,000 gift. From workers in the U.S. to the top 1%, “free of charge”
(7:09) Speaking of numbers, the amount of homelessness in the U.S. broke records this year
(10:04) 7 of the Victorville 8, better known as the Justice 8, are still being held without bail in San Bernardino County!!
(13:10) Call the Victorville D.A.’s office to demand their IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (760) 243-8600
(14:37) Now, let’s talk about the Public Policy Institute of California and some findings recently
(16:12) In California, if all were even-Steven, 6 out of 10 ballots cast in elections would be from communities of color
(18:10) In terms of age within CA, turnout from voters 18 – 54 years old should be 65%. Instead, it’s at 40%.
(22:13) L.A. City Council District 2: Adrian Nazarian vs Sam Kbushyan vs Manuel Gonez
(26:20) L.A. City Council District 4: Nithya Raman vs Ethan Weaver
(30:13) L.A. City Council District 6: Imelda Padilla
(33:11) L.A. City Council District 8: Marqueece Harris-Dawson
(36:14) L.A. City Council District 10: Gracee Yoo vs Heather Hutt vs Reginald Jones-Sawyer
(41:27) L.A. City Council District 12: John Lee
(43:52) L.A. City Council District 14: Miguel Santiago vs Wendy Carrillo vs Kevin De Leon vs Ysabel Jurado
(51:07) LAUSD Board District 1: Dewayne Davis vs Didi Watts
(52:23) LAUSD Board District 3: Dan Chang vs Janie Dam vs Scott Schemerelson
(53:43) LAUSD Board District 5: Fidencio Joel Gallardo vs Graciela Ortiz
(55:57) LAUSD Board District 7: Tanya Ortiz Franklin
(57:14) Stay tuned for numbers on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors Race as well as the District Attorney’s Office!

To make a one-time donation to my fundraiser for the 9th anniversary of JIMBO TIMES, please do so through jmbtms.com. To support the production of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast, please check out my PATREON.

J.T.

sixth street bridge in los angeles california

2024 L.A. City Council and LAUSD Races to look out for by funds raised

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Please note that these numbers are for campaign contributions disclosed to the L.A. Ethics Commission as of September 30th, 2023. Q4 Reports should be out before the end of January 🤞🏽

L.A. City Council District 2

Neighborhoods in CD-2 include North Hollywood, Studio City, Sun Valley, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, Valley Village, and Van Nuys.

CandidateTotal Raised as of September 30, 2023Endorsed by:
Adrian Nazarian$540,783.00Mayor Bass, L.A. County Sheriff Luna,
outgoing CD-2 Rep. Paul Krekorian
Sam Kbushyan$293,345.00Former L.A. City Attorney, Carmen “Nuch” Trutanich
Manuel Gonez$140,145.79Cindy Montanez, Victor Narro of the UCLA Labor Center, Ed Begley Jr., Muslim Dem Club of Southern California

L.A. City Council District 4

Neighborhoods in CD-4 include Los Feliz, Hollywood Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, parts of Reseda, Silver Lake, Studio City, and Van Nuys.

CandidateTotal RaisedEndorsed by:
Nithya Raman (Incumbent)$254,085.22Mayor Bass, Supervisor Hilda Solis, Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley
Ethan Weaver$141,779.93L.A. Police Protective League, United Firefighters L.A. City, Association for L.A. Deputy Sheriffs

L.A. City Council District 6

Neighborhoods in CD-4 include Lake Balboa, Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta, North Hills, North Hollywood and Sun Valley. However, Council District 6 held a special election this past June to replace outgoing Council Member Nury Martinez and elected Imelda Padilla until December 2024. Check back for an update to see if the seat will actually be back on the ballot for the 2024 – 2028 term.

CandidateTotal RaisedEndorsed (previously) by:
Imelda Padilla (Incumbent)$34,960.00L.A. Times, L.A. Daily News, The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA)

L.A. City Council District 8

Neighborhoods in CD-8 include Baldwin Hills, Chesterfield Square, Crenshaw, Leimert Park, Jefferson Park, West Adams, Hyde Park, Vermont Vista, Green Meadows, View Heights and West Park Terrace.

CandidateTotal RaisedEndorsed (previously) by:
Marqueece Harris-Dawson (Incumbent)$177,150.00Congressman Bass, former Mayor Garcetti, CD-2 Rep. Paul Krekorian

L.A. City Council District 10

Neighborhoods in CD-10 include Arlington Heights, Koreatown, Mid-City, Palms, South Robertson, West Adams, and Wilshire Center.

Candidate Funds RaisedEndorsed by:
Grace Yoo$186,714.81Former LA City Controller, City Council Member, and California Inspector General Laura Chick
Heather Hutt (Incumbent)$174,785.00The Hollywood Chamber PAC
Reginald Jones-Sawyer$174,126.00Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Congressman Adam Schiff

L.A. City Council District 12

Neighborhoods in CD-12 include Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Northridge, Porter Ranch, West Hills, North Hills, and Reseda.

CandidateFunds RaisedEndorsed (previously) by:
John Lee (Incumbent)$308,352.00The Armenian National Committee of America – North San Fernando Valley (ANCA – North SFV), Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

L.A. City Council District 14

Neighborhoods in CD-14 include Boyle Heights, Skid Row, El Sereno, Ramona Gardens, the Arts District, Eagle Rock, and parts of Highland Park.

CandidateFunds RaisedEndorsed by:
Miguel Santiago$359,848.17Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Los Angeles County Democratic Party, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Wendy Carrillo$180,761.87Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Kevin De Leon (Incumbent)$117,285.00
Ysabel Jurado$101,643.86CD-1 Representative Eunisses Hernandez, LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg, Culver City Mayor Emeritus Dr. Daniel Wayne Lee

LAUSD District 1

District 1 covers a broad area from Mid-City to Pio-Pico, the West Athens area, and more.

CandidateFunds RaisedEndorsed by:
Dewayne Davis$33,490.00Former LAUSD Superintendent Dr. Ramon C. Cortines
Didi Watts$32,729.77LAUSD District 4 Representative Nick Melvoin, LAUSD District 7 Representative Tanya Ortiz Franklin,

LAUSD District 3

District 3 covers a broad area encompassing most of the West San Fernando Valley.

CandidateFunds RaisedEndorsed by:
Dan Chang$108,746.00Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former LAUSD Board President Monica Garcia, and current LAUSD District 7 Representative Tanya Ortiz Franklin
Janie Dam$50,980.00
Scott Schemerelson (Incumbent)$40,868.40United Teachers of Los Angeles

LAUSD District 5

District 5 covers a massive area through Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Highland Park (small part), Mt. Washington, Elysian Valley, northern Echo Park and Silver Lake, Los Feliz (part), Atwater Village, Hollywood, East Hollywood (part), Koreatown (part), Pico Union (part), South L.A. (part), and West Adams (part). BD5 also includes the cities of Vernon, Huntington Park, Maywood, Bell, Cudahy, and South Gate.

CandidateFunds RaisedEndorsed by:
Fidencio Joel Gallardo$53,988.10Supervisor Hilda Solís, LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg, LAUSD District 2 Representative Dr. Rocío Rivas
Graciela Ortiz $50,000.00Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Los Angeles School Police Officers Association, Kelly Gonez, LAUSD District 6 Representative

LAUSD District 7

LAUSD Board District 7 covers most of South L.A. and the Harbor Area.

CandidateFunds RaisedEndorsed (previously) by:
Tanya Ortiz Franklin$36,868.00Los Angeles Supervisor Janice Hahn, Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Former LAUSD Board President Monica Garcia

Naturally, this is a developing story. To get the scoop on Q4’s reports and hear more, be sure you’re subscribed to J.T. the L.A. Storyteller!

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