Alice Walton is politics reporter for KPCC; previously, she created and published TheCityMaven.com, a news site on L.A. politics. Before participating in a panel on why there are so few women in L.A. politics, she talked about why people love City Hall cockroach stories in the Zócalo green room.
Where do you go to be alone?
That’s a good question. I’m alone in my apartment, mostly because I have terrible street parking in my place, so no one will come and visit me.
What tweet are you most proud of?
The ones that are quirkiest seem to be the best and are the most fun and most enjoyed. Last week I had a tweet about finding a cockroach in the paper towel dispenser at City Hall, and people loved that. People tweeted back their cockroach stories. I even got a call from KTLA wanting to do a story on it. So stuff like that’s pretty good, or any time I can tweet about what a city councilmember is doing during a meeting, that’s pretty funny.
What’s your favorite cliché?
Probably that things always work out. It’s such a cliché, and I don’t even know what it means, but I think it’s a helpful thing to keep in mind if you’re frustrated or bothered by something.
What TV channel is most likely to have been on last at your apartment?
Probably Bravo or HGTV. But probably Bravo.
Besides women and fewer cockroaches, what does L.A. politics need more of?
I think it needs people to be way more engaged. I don’t think the average Angeleno knows what City Hall should be doing for them, and doesn’t know what to expect of their elected officials.
What dessert do you find impossible to resist?
Ice cream. That’s why there’s none in my apartment.
What do you wish you had the nerve to do?
Maybe be more expressive. I’m very used to playing the role of the reporter, where you don’t really have an opinion, you’re the one asking questions. And sometimes it’s good to have an opinion and get involved in something you really believe in.
What’s the last great party you attended?
My college roommate got married over the weekend, so that was a fabulous party.
What do you love to hate?
I would say reality TV, but I actually really like reality TV, so I don’t think that counts.
What advice do you give to aspiring journalists?
They have to work really hard, ask a ton of questions, and respect deadlines. And be persistent.