RENEE ROSE IS A PROSECUTOR OF OVER 30 YEARS NOW RUNNING FOR JUDGE

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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, Seat 48, which we first lent attention to in our conversation with Ericka Wiley. We thus engage with Rose about changes she’s witnessed in the criminal justice system over the span of her career, including through restorative justice initiatives like the Prosecutors Alliance of California. Rose and yours truly also tussle, even if only slightly, on what progressive policy has looked like with D.A. George Gascón’s office in contrast to former L.A. District Attorney Jackie Lacey’s office.

(1:17) Rose is running for Superior Court Judge, Seat 48
(8:04) Rose’s thoughts on deterrence as the driving factor in L.A.’s criminal justice system
(14:01) On the claim that the criminal justice system is itself the problem
(20:06) Rose’s position on Newsom’s CARE courts as they currently operate
(26:01) Rose’s growth as a prosecutor, especially by recognizing the role of trauma in acts of crime
(32:33) On the Prosecutors Alliance of California, which aims to uplift community-based responses to crime instead of traditional law enforcement
(36:47) On the small, yet significant differences between Jackie Lacey and George Gascón’s offices holding killer cops accountable
(43:34) Rose’s final pitch to voters ahead of Election Day and ballot arrival on October 7th, 2024 (in California)

Learn more about Rose’s campaign at https://www.reneeroseforjudge.com/.

To make a one-time donation to my nonprofit work for working-class communities in The City, 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.

Until the next time, stay vigilant and stay tuned.

J.T.

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.

EPISODE 88 – “JIYOUNG” PARK AND THE DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE SLATE IN L.A. COUNTY

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Fellow John Marshall Barrister Carolyn “Jiyoung” Park (@ParkforJudge) joins us for the 88th episode of the podcast and our first interview with a practicing attorney! We discuss Jiyoung’s campaign for Judge of the Superior Court of L.A. County, office 118. Jiyoung also shouts out her slate, the Defenders of Justice, where she’s joined in her pursuit of a Superior Court Judge office by Holly Hancock for office 70, Elizabeth Lashley-Haynes for office 67, and Anna Reitano for office 60. Our conversation is nothing short of lit as we discuss L.A.’s criminal justice system–the largest in the world–its impact along racial and gendered lines, and how voters anywhere in L.A. county can vote for Jiyoung and the Defenders of Justice slate to transform the definition of justice for our cities and county. Register to vote for L.A.’s 2022 elections HERE. And spread the word! Your voice matters.

J.T.

J.T.’s Community College Trustee and Superior Court Judge Picks for this November 2020

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Los Angeles Community College District – Member of the Board of Trustees, SEAT 1: Andra Hoffman

Why? She’s a transfer student, meaning she hailed from a working class background in the valley when she began her pursuit of a B.A. at L.A. Valley Community College, from which she transferred to Antioch University, the latter of which is especially celebrated throughout Los Angeles for low-cost tuition and accessibility. Moreover, as an adjunct professor at Glendale Community College, it’s clear that Hoffman has a passion for community learning and empowerment. She should continue working to improve the transfer rate for the entirety of LACCD, especially given the transformation of the CC system with this last year of online learning. She should also work towards directing LACCD’s budget towards student housing and work needs.

Los Angeles Community College District – Member of the Board of Trustees, SEAT 3: Anthony Joseph Danna

Why? Danna has a well-crafted Position Paper, which, among other things, notes the need for the LACCD to build student housing through unobligated bond money from Measure CC, which was passed by over 75% of the electorate in November 2016. Danna notes the possibility of building live/learn housing facilities off LACCD campuses with programs similar to Cal State Long Beach’s, which until just recently was building a live/learn hub in downtown Long Beach with the express purpose of developing affordable housing for students and a connection between the university and its downtown area. He also notes the possibility of a satellite facility for LACCD in South Los Angeles in order for the district to improve its services for L.A.’s Black students and community.

Los Angeles Community College District – Member of the Board of Trustees, SEAT 5: Nichelle M. Henderson

Why? She brings much needed energy to the board as a long-time activist, educator, and community organizer. And while her list of priorities doesn’t quite yet include housing for students, she does note that she seeks to make the community college system at the LACCD more relevant to foster youth and formerly incarcerated youth. Two huge wins for this blogger.

Los Angeles Community College District – Member of the Board of Trustees, SEAT 7: Mike Fong

Why? He’s a transfer student, who attended both LACC and ELAC before earning his B.A. from UCLA. Mike also played a role in ensuring a partnership between the LACCD and LAUSD to make the first two years for students graduating from LAUSD free of charge. He should continue to improve on accessibility for students at LACCD, as well as seek opportunities to address student housing needs, food insecurity, and retention within the district.

Member of the State Assembly – 43rd District: Laura Friedman

Why? She talks affordable housing, racial justice and redress, protections for LGBT communities, and even curbing the allowance of higher speed limits. She’s basically kind of a super-legislator, and it’s surprising, and then not surprising, how small of a profile she seems to maintain in Los Angeles.

United States Representative – 28th District: Adam B. Schiff

Honestly, Schiff has had no serious competition ever since he won this seat in 2001, and that needs to change immediately. It’s hard to say just how Schiff hopes to bring badly needed affordable housing for the 28th district in Los Angeles while he spends so much time in Washington D.C., and especially after more than a year focused on “Russiagate.” His opponent, however, who’s placed billboards and flyers around Echo Park claiming that he “defends cops while Schiff defunds them,” is unacceptable to the values of this blogger.

Judge of the Superior Court, Office No. 72: Myanna Dellinger

While Dellinger is not as “experienced” as her rival for this seat, it’s also true that her tenure at the Superior Court should benefit from her international experience as an immigrant from Denmark, not to mention her time as a Fulbright Scholar. She is also a podcaster, producing The Global Energy & Environmental Law Podcast, who has noted that in California, “Power structures, including the government, need to be much more inclusive of women, immigrants, low- and middle-income earners, educators, and other people from a ‘non-traditional’ background including people of color and LGBT people.” She thus earns her marks with J.T. The L.A. Storyteller.

Judge of the Superior Court, Office No. 80: Klint James Mckay

Apart from what’s probably the coolest video for public office for any prospective official in the Golden State this year, Mckay’s understanding that “we’re all more than the worst that we’ve ever done” is precisely the type of judgement that we can use more of in the state with the largest jail system of the United States. Let’s get him the seat.

Judge of the Superior Court, Office No. 162: Scott Andrew Yang

While Yang’s definition of “justice” for Voters Edge comes off as not quite impartial, it’s also true that he’s been assigned to a victims defense unit for something like a decade, which has clearly informed his perspective. Moreover, as an immigrant and former refugee from Vietnam, Yang should understand well the importance of “a second chance” through the arm of the state’s powerful superior court position. J.T. The L.A. Storyteller approves.

Made a mistake on your ballot? Not to worry, you can always make some last-minute corrections. Check out KQUED’s “Tips for Correcting your Choices.”

J.T.