How To Watchdog Your Local Government (And Other Headlines)

Here are some of the phrases used to describe potentially unethical and even criminal behavior uncovered at Anaheim City Hall: “Mob behavior." "Rampant corruption." "Strategic manipulation of the electorate."

Civic watchdogs

Years before an independent investigation uncovered details of the problems in the city, a small group of community activists called out many of the same alleged misdeeds — determined to bring wrongdoing into the light.

Some of these residents, described as "a small, rag-tag group of rebels" by a former city manager, left their full-time jobs in pursuit of justice. Reporter Jill Replogle talked to some of these local activists about what motivated them to get involved.

Here’s a notable quote from Anaheim resident Cynthia Ward:

How To LA

We’re here to help curious Angelenos connect with others, discover the new, navigate the confusing, and even drive some change along the way.

Listen Now

Jill’s story is a personal, up-close look at the lives of civic watchdogs who are often dismissed as gadflies. And as a bonus, here’s a guide on how to watchdog your own local government.

Now, before we continue to more news …

The How to LA team needs some help from you, dear readers.

We wanna know how this newsletter — or our podcast — has helped you connect with L.A.

Maybe we pointed you to a new hiking spot or restaurant…maybe we helped you understand city politics a little more or the history of one of L.A.’s many dynamic neighborhoods.

Let us know the ways How to LA has affected your life:

• We've got a link to a survey here
• Or send us a voice memo at howtola@SCPR.org

More news

(After you stop hitting snooze)

• Following requests from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and questions from LAist, federal officials on Monday granted one of the mayor’s biggest asks to help speed up the time it takes unhoused people to get into permanent housing.
• It's supposed to get hotter this week, and it won't just be uncomfortable for us … it could make things tough on the California power grid. That's why flex alerts could be on the way.
• A victims’ group put up seven billboards of unsolved murders in L.A. County in hopes of leads and awareness.
• A trio of state hospitals that declared bankruptcy earlier in the year are positioning themselves for deals that could rejuvenate their operations.
• Clarence Avant, a businessman and executive who was known as a titan in the worlds of sports, music and politics, died Sunday in Los Angeles at the age of 92. Muhammad Ali, Barack Obama and Jackie Robinson were among the people he worked with in his long career.

Wait... one more thing

Those last-minute summer plans

International and local artists come together to create murals and other forms of art and music during the Long Beach Walls and Art Renzei Festival, Aug. 14 - 19.

(

Dina Saadi

/

Courtesy of Long Beach Walls

)

I can’t believe that summer is almost over. I have a bias for fall because of Halloween, but I do love a good summer concert at the Greek Theatre or Ford Amphitheatre.

And speaking of, here are three of my picks for this week’s events so you get those end-of-summer plans in and you can add it to your social media feed.

THREE: Long Beach Walls and Art Renzei Festival, Long Beach

With the theme of “Follow Your Bliss,” this year’s festival brings together a series of events that encourage self-reflection and an exploration of your own passion and joy. The festival includes 24/7 viewing of the murals, bike tours and more.

TWO: The Airborne Toxic Event, Wilshire

The band plays four hometown shows in L.A., part of a tour celebrating the 15th anniversary of their self-titled debut album.

ONE: Tuesday Night Cafe’s Fundraising Kickoff Show, Little Tokyo
The Tuesday Night Project presents the next installment of its flagship program, the Tuesday Night Cafe — one of the longest-running free art series in DTLA.

BONUS: We just added new events to our list, but this week we have our Culinary Connections - Summer Cookout event with How To LA host Brian De Los Santos and associate food editor Gab Chabrán. See all our events here and get your tickets!