What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike Bonin
Los Angeles is at a turning point. We are living in a defining moment. What happens next is up to us. Over the past few years, problems and challenges have shaken this city -- and tremendous opportunities for change have presented themselves. How do we rise to this moment and emerge a better place to live? What will it take to create a more just and a more equitable community? Working together, how are we going to create a stronger, forward-thinking Los Angeles? Mike Bonin, writer, teacher, progressive activist and former City Councilmember, looks at the issues and problems facing Los Angeles, examines ideas, and talks with the people who will lead us to a brighter future.
Produced in partnership with LA Forward.
What's Next, Los Angeles? with Mike Bonin
ELMER ROLDAN: CD9 Candidate Spotlight
The 9th City Council District in Los Angeles stretches from the southern edge of Downtown Los Angeles, through South Central, all the way toward Watts. The communities of Central-Alameda, Vernon-Central, South Park, Green Meadows, and Vermont Square all call District 9 home. The district is among the most diverse and youngest in the city, with over three-quarters of residents identifying as Latino, a significant Black community, and many families with roots across Latin America and beyond. Nearly 40% of District 9 residents live below the federal poverty line, making it the city’s poorest council district, and many households face challenges of housing insecurity, limited access to good jobs, and environmental burdens.
Currently, District 9 is represented by Councilmember Curren Price, who has held the seat since 2013. With Price’s tenure ending, this year’s open-seat race has drawn intense interest. The primary election will take place on June 2, 2026, and the runoff, if needed, will be in November. This year, the field features community leaders, non-profit executives, and policy advocates all vying for votes. The candidates include Jose Ugarte, Estuardo Mazariegos, Elmer Roldan, and several others—each bringing their own vision for the future of South LA.
Today’s guest is Elmer Roldan, a well-known education advocate whose work has focused on youth opportunity and social equity in Los Angeles. Elmer currently runs Communities In Schools of Los Angeles, has worked for LAUSD, and spent nearly two decades working for Community Coalition. We sat down recently for an in-depth conversation about who he is, what his ties are to the district, and what his agenda and vision are for the district and for Los Angeles.
https://www.elmerroldan.com/
Nov 5 - Elmer Roldan
Nov 12 - Estuardo Mazariegos
Nov 19 - Jose Ugarte
What's Next, Los Angeles? is produced and hosted by Mike Bonin, in partnership with LA Forward.