Live From LA County

LA County’s Public Defender Ricardo D. García joins Rodney Collins for a candid conversation about client-centered representation, Community Outreach Court, expungement clinics, and leading the nation’s largest public defender office. He shares his LA story, what “flipping the pyramid” in leadership looks like, and how technology (including AI) and community partnerships expand access to justice....

This episode features Mark Pestrella, Director of LA County Public Works, leading the nation’s largest municipal public works agency. He walks through how Public Works touches everyday life—from capturing stormwater in dams for groundwater recharge and preventing floods after wildfires, to maintaining roads and transit options (including the Beach Bus), managing sewers and wastewater issues, and p...

In this episode, Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Director of the nation’s largest public mental health system, shares how LA County is transforming care from crisis response to recovery grounded in hope, equity, and community.  🔍Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss: • 988 & Care Court: How new crisis pathways and collaborative courts are changing outcomes. • Equity & Access: Bottom-up anti-racism work (AR...

Did you know that one Los Angeles County department quietly impacts nearly everything you eat, buy, and use — yet most people have never heard of it? In Episode Six, we sit down with Kurt Floren, Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights & Measures, to uncover why his team calls themselves “The Biggest Little Department in the County.”🔍Why you should listen:• 🌱 Learn how the department s...

Listen to Kurt Floren as he shares his experience interviewing for a leadership position. Does he ultimately secure the job? Clip from LiveFrom LA County Podcast - Episode 6 "Your Food, Your Gas, Your Wallet: Kurt Floren"   Host: Rodney Collins Producers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina Curry Editor: Alban Kalasa Guest: Kurt Floren

This episode features a visionary conversation with Norma Edith García-González, Director of LA County Parks & Recreation. From advancing equity and public health to building community through shared spaces, discover the vision driving one of the largest park systems in the nation. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:• What should be within walking distance for everyone.• Why the department of “f...

What opportunities can a summer job lead to? Clip from Live From LA County Podcast - Episode 5"The Power of Parks: Building Healthier, More Connected Communities with Norma Edith García-González"Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Norma Edith García-González

What if public social services weren’t just about meeting basic needs, but about creating opportunity, dignity, and real community connection? In episode four, we sit down with Dr. Jackie Contreras, Director of the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), to talk about how she’s transforming the largest local social services agency in the nation. 🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover: • The diff...

This episode features a vibrant conversation with Kristin Sakoda, the visionary Director of the Department of Arts and Culture. From special events, famous LA Venues, and making the arts more accessible, creative Kristin reveals how the arts are not just nice-to-have — they’re an essential public service. 🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover: • How art is essential in all aspects of daily life in L...

In this compelling conversation, Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.), Director of the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD), joins host Rodney Collins for a bold and unfiltered discussion on  transformational leadership ,  second chances , and what it truly means to center equity and care in our justice system. From the bench to the frontlines of system change, Judge Armstead opens up about...

In the debut episode, we go behind the scenes of local governance with  Mr. Yen , Executive Officer for the  Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors . He shares what it takes to lead a department that supports the Board’s operations, dozens of commissions, and vital public transparency efforts, all while championing inclusion, mentorship, and community service. From his legal background to his wor...