Julia Paskin
I think of myself as a reverse engineer when it comes to the experiences of Southern Californians. I work to understand and highlight stories from often unheard voices and work backwards to demonstrate how and why that experience is possible. From immigration, law enforcement, to homelessness, to the environment, how do laws and policies impact our lives? And what social, political, and environmental forces inform our experiences? What solutions work and who do they serve?
I grew up in an old New York City tenement, raised by a working-class, single mom (shout out to Mama Paskin). I came to California to study at CalArts and in search of lower rents (the misguided irony!) so issues of economic equity and the arts are both close to my heart. I came to journalism after working in the performing arts and then social justice and political organizing.
While I may have left NYC fleeing an unlivable economy, I stayed here after falling in love with Greater Los Angeles and all that our diverse communities have to offer. I have now spent nearly half my life here and have made an art of defending LA from anyone who dares to talk trash-- because anyone who doesn’t have anything nice to say about our town, just doesn’t know enough about it.
Julia is the host of All Things Considered on weekdays on LAist 89.3 and The L.A. Report podcast.
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LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas says incompliance could result in termination. -
People identified as high risk will be offered support to help stabilize their housing situations. -
Gas prices hold steady at near record high prices as millions of people prepare to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday. -
Bobby Cagle's departure comes after a series of high-profiles cases in which children under the agency's watch have been abused or died. -
The program will start in Hollywood and Venice, and could expand to other neighborhoods. -
About one in ten residents are food insecure right now. At the peak of the Covid pandemic, it was about a third. -
Blue lights will shine at City Hall, SoFi Stadium and the Grand Park fountain to honor victims of the pandemic. -
L.A. is starting to send unvaccinated workers home — without pay — for refusing to submit to regular testing. There are already at least 77 city employees on unpaid leave. -
LAUSD has released its guidelines for students attending district schools in the Spring 2022 semester, including new rules for COVID-19 tests and masks. -
Gov. Gavin Newsom got his COVID booster vaccination and is encouraging all Californians 18 and older to go ahead and get theirs, if they want it.
