MHD Off the Record

MHDCD8
  • 4.9 (10)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
MHD Off the Record

The MHD Off the Record Podcast provides an inside look at Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s perspective on the culture, values, and policies shaping the City of Los Angeles. With a focus on uniting diverse neighborhoods across the city, the podcast delivers political and policy insight, offering listeners an opportunity to learn more about their City’s culture, resources, and government. Whether discussing groundbreaking ideas for change, highlighting community-driven solutions, or sharing personal stories that reveal the role of multicultural activism, music, and culture in his worldview, this podcast is for anyone interested in the progression of Los Angeles.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 33 Are Community Resources Truly Accessible? (Feat. Rocsii Woolley and Lauren Brazile)

    Figuring out how to get access to the right resources—whether it’s housing, jobs, or financial support—can be overwhelming. So who should be responsible for making sure people get the help they need? Should the government be doing more, or are community organizations better equipped to step in? Are we empowering ourselves, or are we asking too much from the system? Sitting down with us to answer these questions are Lauren Brazile, President of We Grow LA, an organization dedicated to empowering communities through resources, education, and support, and Rocsii Woolley, Founder & CEO of The Source LA, who has helped thousands secure jobs, housing, and business opportunities while advocating for community-driven solutions ***************************************************** Sign up for our newsletter at beacons.ai/mhdcd8 ****************************************************** Resources Lauren Brazile is the president of We Grow LA (WGLA), an organization dedicated to empowering communities through resources, education, and support. Under her leadership, WGLA strives to create a more equitable and just society for all. She has been instrumental in providing the community with essential tools and knowledge, as evidenced by her participation in events like the Know to Grow Masterclass, where she collaborated with figures such as comedian Watts Homie Quan, choreographer Storm DeBarge, and educator Champ Reggie Foster. Lauren is also an active member of GLAAAC, NAACP, and Forbes BLK and is currently a fellow in the Black Girl Ventures 2025 cohort and BMO Bank 2025 Venture cohort. Her commitment to economic empowerment and community advocacy continues to shape opportunities for those historically excluded from access to resources and support. Website: www.wegrowla.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/wegrowla (@wegrowla) Rocsii Woolley is a devoted wife, mother, woman of faith, entrepreneur and community leader. As the Founder and CEO of The Source LA, she has been a driving force in providing housing, employment, and essential resources to underserved communities. With over a decade of HR experience, she’s helped hire over 10,000 community members and supported more than 400 individuals in securing stable housing. She also manages the Watts Business Source Center at Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), offering business solutions to local entrepreneurs, and serves as Chapter Advisor for The Black Professionals Network, strengthening professional connections and fostering community development. Rocsii’s impact has earned her numerous accolades from the County and City of Los Angeles, Inglewood, Compton, Long Beach, and the state of California, including the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and medallion. A marketing expert with a large social media following, she also provides strategic social media services through her consulting agency, helping businesses expand their reach and impact. As a mentor and business visionary, Rocsii remains committed to creating pathways for others to succeed and thrive. Website: www.thesourcela.co Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesourcela Other Resources www.RampLA.org Community Announcements HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program Mandatory orientation on Saturday,...

    34 min

  2. MAR 3

    Ep. 32 Can Guaranteed Basic Income Really Break the Cycle of Poverty?

    On this episode of MHD Off the Record, MHD sits down with Abigail Marquez, General Manager of the Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), and Michael Tubbs, Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) and Special Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom. Together, they dive into the realities of Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI)—a policy designed to provide no-strings-attached cash payments to individuals and families in need. With millions struggling to make ends meet, we ask: Does GBI empower people to escape poverty, or does it foster dependency? Our guests share insights from pilot programs in Los Angeles and Stockton, breaking down the data, misconceptions, and long-term impact of direct cash assistance. Abigail R. Marquez serves as the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), a position she has held since 2021. With nearly 21 years of experience advancing anti-poverty initiatives in Los Angeles, Marquez plays a key role in overseeing programs designed to disrupt generational poverty and support low-income residents. She is responsible for administering the City’s Consolidated Plan, which allocates around $120 million in federal funds annually to support various capital projects and social services. This includes managing 20 FamilySource Centers and services for domestic violence and human trafficking survivors. Under her leadership, CIFD has implemented notable initiatives, including the Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program (BIG), the largest of its kind in the nation, and the Opportunity LA Children’s Savings Account program, which helps thousands of first-graders build financial security. Prior to this role, she was the Assistant General Manager at the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), where she led efforts in community services and development​. Michael Tubbs is the Founder of the Non-profit organization, End Poverty in California (EPIC), the Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), and the Special Advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom for Economic Mobility and Opportunity. In 2016, he was elected Mayor of Stockton at 26-years-old. He was the city’s first African-American Mayor, and the youngest Mayor of any major city in American history. As Mayor, Tubbs was lauded for his leadership and innovation. He raised over $20 million dollars to create the Stockton Scholars, a universal scholarship and mentorship program for Stockton students. Additionally, he piloted the first mayor-led guaranteed income pilot in the country. His book, The Deeper the Roots: A Memoir of Hope and Home, where he details the experiences of his life is available now wherever books are sold. Community Announcements Free Tax Prep There are free tax prep locations all across LA. Here are four locations where you can get help: All People's Community Center – South LA Barrio Action Youth & Family Center – El Sereno El Nido Family Center – South LA & Pacoima West Adams/Leimert Park FamilySource Center Visit www.FreeTaxPrepLA.org to find a location near you and book an appointment today. Impacted Worker & Family Recovery Centers Providing family support, job assistance, youth services, and small business resources at no cost. Open Monday - Friday 9 to 5pm West LA WorkSource Center (JVS-SoCal) 5446 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230 310-309-6000 Northeast San Fernando Valley WorkSource Center (Mission College) 13356 Eldridge Ave., Campus Center, Sylmar, CA 91342 818-482-1754 West Adams/Leimert Park FamilySource Center 4305 Degnan Blvd., Suite 105, Los Angeles, CA...

    1h 6m

  3. FEB 17

    Ep. 31 How Do We Prevent Erasure of Altadena's Black Community?

    For this episode, LA Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson honors the Black history and Legacy of the Altadena Community in the County of Los Angeles. How and why did Black families move to Altadena, what challenges have they overcome to keep their place in it, and how do we prevent the erasure of their stories and history especially as we rebuild after the unprecedented wildfires that devastated Eaton Canyon and the foothill communities? Guests: Donald "Donny" Kincey Donny Kincy is a third-generation Altadena resident with deep familial and historical ties to the community. As a dedicated historian and advocate, he works tirelessly to preserve the rich legacy of Altadena’s Black residents, ensuring their stories and contributions are recognized and remembered. Donny has been instrumental in initiatives documenting Black migration to Altadena, addressing displacement, and celebrating the cultural impact of Black families in the area. His work extends to community resilience efforts, most recently supporting recovery and rebuilding for families affected by the devastating wildfires in Altadena. With a passion for storytelling, preservation and activism, Donny remains a vital voice in the ongoing conversation about Black history, identity, and belonging in Altadena. www.gofundme.com/f/help-mr-donny-rebuild-after-the-eaton-wildfires Dana Amihere Dana Amihere is a designer, developer and data journalist. She’s the founder and executive director of AfroLA, a nonprofit newsroom covering Los Angeles through the lens of the Black community. She’s committed to solutions reporting that centers racial and social justice, especially through data-driven storytelling. Amihere also owns Code Black Media, a digital media consultancy that lives at the intersection of data, design and equity. Previously, she worked in data, interactive design and news apps for LAist, The Dallas Morning News, Pew Research Center and The Baltimore Sun.  Amihere has taught data journalism and interaction design for nearly a decade, including positions with University of Southern California, and most recently, UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. www.AfroLANews.com Community Announcements Free Employment Transition Services: City of Los Angeles’ Rapid Response Team is offering free employment transition services to connect those who lost their jobs due to the LA Wildfires with job opportunities, unemployment benefits, health care, and job training. Orientations are available in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 6 PM, and Saturdays at 10 AM. Register now at bit.ly/EWDDRapid-Response or visit your nearest WorkSource Center. Disaster Cal-Fresh (SNAP) Cal-Fresh provides one month of food benefits to households affected by natural disasters Visit getcalfresh.org/d-snap for details. LA Black History Month Festival What: Live performances, an African marketplace, and important conversations about health, wellness, and culture When: Sunday, February 23rd, from 11 AM to 6 PM Where: Pan Pacific Park 7600 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 www.lablackhistorymonthfestival.com

    1h 5m

  4. FEB 3

    Keys to the City: Wildfire Recovery for L.A. Businesses

    The City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (or EWDD) drives economic growth by supporting thriving businesses and creating job training and career opportunities across Los Angeles. Their mission focuses on fostering a strong workforce, sustainable neighborhoods, and prosperous communities throughout the city.  EWDD also plays a vital role in providing resources and support for businesses impacted by the unprecedented wildfires our city recently faced, helping them to recover and thrive in the face of adversity. For this discussion, we speak with Frederick Jackson, the Assistant General Manager of Economic Development for EWDD. With over 25 years of experience in urban planning and economic development, he supports initiatives that foster thriving businesses, job training, and sustainable communities across the city. Resources EWDD Recovery Resources for Businesses: bit.ly/LAFiresResources25 LA Regional Economic Recovery: Community Business Organizations (CBOs): bit.ly/3Wxesmj If you need direct, in-person assistance, FEMA has established Disaster Recovery Centers to provide support" Westside: UCLA Research Park at 10850 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064.Eastside: Pasadena City College Community Education Center at 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107

    32 min

  5. JAN 20

    Los Angeles City Resources: FEMA, Recovery, and Support

    On this episode of MHD Off the Record, we decided to bring you LA City resources that can help you, your family, and our community as we recover from the unprecedented wildfires that have impacted so many of us and our loved ones. Below are the resources we discuss on the show. Please share with those in need. ************ The website Unified.lacity.gov is your go-to resource for updates on fire activity, evacuation orders, and available services. It’s designed to be a one-stop shop for critical information. If you need direct, in-person assistance, FEMA has established Disaster Recovery Centers to provide support Westside: UCLA Research Park at 10850 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064.Eastside: Pasadena City College Community Education Center at 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. Both centers operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. FEMA Website: DisasterAssistance.gov FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362 Cal Fire: fire.ca.gov LA City Fire Department LAFD.org LA County Fire Department: fire.lacounty.gov City of LA Notifications: emergency.lacity.gov/alerts LA County Notifications: ready.lacounty.gov LAPD Missing Persons Unit: (213) 996-1800 LA Sheriff’s Department Altadena Station: (626) 798-1131 Red Cross: 1-800-675-5799 Los Angeles Animal Services : 213-270-8155 or laanimalservices.com Evacuation Centers Westwood Recreation Center: Located at 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025.Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: Located at 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331.Pasadena Convention Center: Located at 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101.Pomona Fairplex: Located at 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768. SHELTER RESOURCES Text “SHELTER” to 43362 LA County Resources: 2-1-1 Large Animal Emergency Shelters LA Equestrian Center: Located at 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91506Hansen Dam Equestrian Center: Located at 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, CA 91342. LA Economic & Workforce Development Department: ewddlacity.com U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): SBA.gov For residents affected by the fires, there are several city, county, and state programs available: The City of LA Recovery Resources can be accessed at Emergency.lacity.gov/recovery.The LA County Recovery Resources are available ata...

    18 min

  6. JAN 6

    [Re-Air]MHD OTR South LA Highlight: TG Boxing Gym

    On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Rudy and Ana Garcia, owners of Team Garcia Boxing Gym in South Central Los Angeles. TG Boxing Gym has experienced trainers and coaches who can help you reach your goal to compete as an amateur or pro boxer. Team Garcia also gives back to their local community by being a safe space for the local youth through their non-profit which provides sparring and boxing classes for children as young as 7 years old. Rudy is a South Central native who has been boxing since 10 years old, competitively boxing since 14, and has been a coach for about 20 years. In addition to supporting Rudy in gym management, Ana, also a South Central Native, runs their non-boxing Women’s fitness classes. Resources: www.tgboxing.com www.instagram.com/latgboxing Phone: (323) 561-4677

    41 min

  7. 12/23/2024

    Keys to the City: Mark Twain Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library

    You’re listening to MHD OTR’s Keys to the City, where we help unlock access to the city’s best-kept secrets—free and low-cost resources that can make a real difference in your life. Each episode, we give you the keys to opportunities and programs that you might not know about, but should absolutely take advantage of. On this episode, we speak with Christopher Taylor who currently serves as an Adult Librarian at the Mark Twain Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, where he provides a range of services to support the community. He brings over a decade of experience in library and information services, having worked in legal, public, and special libraries. With a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Queens College, Christopher is passionate about connecting people with the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive. He’ll share insights into the programs and services offered at the Mark Twain Branch Library, which he believes serves as a hub for education, creativity, and community engagement. Can libraries like the Mark Twain Branch be the key to stronger, more connected neighborhoods by providing essential resources and fostering community—or are they struggling to stay relevant in the digital age? We discuss all that and more. Resources Mark Twain Branch Library  9621 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90003 www.lapl.org/branches/mark-twain www.lapl.org www.lapl.org/ask-a-librarian

    32 min

  8. 12/09/2024

    City in All Directions: Mama's International Tameles, Audubon Center at Debs Park, LA State Historic Park

    For this episode of MHD Off The Record’s City in All Directions, we take you through Los Angeles City Council District 1 and spotlight places in the City of Los Angeles where you can eat, learn, and play! From hidden gems to community favorites, we’re here to connect you with local spots, resources, and opportunities that enrich life across the city. So, if you're looking to eat a great meal, develop a new skill, or just have a good time, here, we explore how each LA City Council District shines in every direction.  Council District 1 is represented by Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. This district stretches across many neighborhoods including but not limited to Highland Park, Westlake, Chinatown, and Pico-Union. Known for its rich culture and history, District 1 is a hub for art, food, and community. Resources: District Website: cd1.lacity.gov Eat: Mama's International Tameles (also known as Mama's Tameles & Pupusas) Website: ordermamasinternationaltamales.com Instagram: @mamastamales Learn: Audubon Center at Debs Park Website: debspark.audubon.org Play: LA State Historic Park Website: lastatehistoricpark.org

    9 min
See All (89)

    4.9
    out of 5
    10 Ratings

    About

    The MHD Off the Record Podcast provides an inside look at Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s perspective on the culture, values, and policies shaping the City of Los Angeles. With a focus on uniting diverse neighborhoods across the city, the podcast delivers political and policy insight, offering listeners an opportunity to learn more about their City’s culture, resources, and government. Whether discussing groundbreaking ideas for change, highlighting community-driven solutions, or sharing personal stories that reveal the role of multicultural activism, music, and culture in his worldview, this podcast is for anyone interested in the progression of Los Angeles.

    Information

    • Creator
      MHDCD8
    • Years Active
      2021 - 2025
    • Episodes
      89
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © MHDCD8
    • Show Website
      MHD Off the Record

    You Might Also Like

    • Mash-Ups Rap FR
      Music
      Music

      Updated Semiweekly

    • 2Pac - Life So Hard (DJ LeKido Remix)
      Music
      Music

      Updated 04/15/2019

    • KCRW's Left, Right & Center
      News
      News

      Updated Weekly

    Content Restricted

    This episode can’t be played on the web in your country or region.

    To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

    Stay up to date with this show

    Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
    Select a country or region

    Africa, Middle East, and India

    Asia Pacific

    Europe

    Latin America and the Caribbean

    The United States and Canada