The Mutual ‘F—k You’ Defines California Politics Today

Both Citizens and Public Officials Need Protection From the Anger and Violence Threatening Civic Life

As he left office in December, Los Angeles City Council member Paul Koretz publicly addressed Angelenos who disrupt meetings of the scandal-plagued council with protests and profanity. “In their own words,” Koretz said, “I yield my time: F—k you.”

This closing comment of a political career—Koretz lost a bid for city controller—might have seemed inappropriate. But in the council chamber, it drew a wildly positive reaction, with council staffers jumping up and down and Koretz’s colleagues standing to applaud. It was as if “F—k you” had replaced “Eureka” as the state …

| Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

How Do You Solve a Problem Like L.A.’s City Council?

In This Moment of Pain and Division, There’s Opportunity to Demand Real Change for Our Democracy

“Do we even need a city council?” That was the provocative title question posed at last night’s Zócalo/KCRW event at the Herald Examiner Building in downtown Los Angeles.

To get at …

Can Gloria Molina Still Slay Giants?

The L.A. City Council Race Will Put the Longtime County Supervisor’s Legacy on the Line

Memories are short in Los Angeles, so many of us don’t know–or have forgotten–the history behind arguably the biggest story of this Southern California political season: Gloria Molina’s bid to …

Political Organizer Torie Osborn

A Late-Comer to the Joys of Napping

Torie Osborn is a longtime Los Angeles political organizer and activist. Before participating in a panel on what Mayor Eric Garcetti’s first year says about the future of L.A., she …

Eric Garcetti: Rock Star or Bureaucrat?

After a Year in Office, the Jury Is Still Out on L.A.’s Mayor and His Vision for the Future

Is Eric Garcetti a rock-star-in-waiting who has laid the groundwork to make major change in Los Angeles? Or is he a bureaucrat who lacks direction and big vision for the …

Should I Give a Damn About the Mayor’s F-Bomb?

Why It’s OK for You, Your Kids, and Even Your Mom to Listen to L.A.’s Foul-Mouthed Eric Garcetti

In using an expletive last week to tell a rally of hockey fans, “This is a big fuckin’ day,” did Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti cross a line?

There are real …