CalFresh work requirements, Artist mural collective, Altadena recovery — Sunday Edition
Over 260,000 L.A. County residents face losing CalFresh food benefits due to new federal work requirements that mandate 20 hours of work or volunteering per week for able-bodied adults without dependents—effectively cutting off access after three months every three years. The policy impacts vulnerable populations including veterans, former foster youth, and people experiencing homelessness, sparking concern from advocates. Meanwhile, a grassroots collective of artists led by educator Eric Caruso has transformed under-resourced schoolyards across Los Angeles with vibrant murals over 13 years, proving that art can be both a tool for joy and a form of community healing. In Altadena, a pet grooming business called Wetpaws is fighting to survive nearly 18 months after the Eaton Fire destroyed half the town, but a desperate social media plea for help sparked an outpouring of community support that not only restored their client base but led them to commit to a three-year lease—symbolizing resilience in the face of disaster. These stories reveal how policy shifts, creative activism, and local solidarity are shaping life in Southern California today.
More than 260,000 L.A. County residents risk losing CalFresh benefits under new federal work requirements effective immediately.
A teacher-led artist collective has painted 70 murals at under-resourced schools across L.A. over 13 years, bringing art directly to students who rarely see it.
Wetpaws, a pet grooming business in Altadena, regained its footing after a viral social media post asking for help, leading to a 3-year lease commitment.
The Little Literary Fair in downtown LA brings together independent West Coast publishers to showcase books outside the 'big five' publishing giants.
Federal work requirements for CalFresh now limit benefits to three months every three years for able-bodied adults without dependents.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Craft Rave & Voter Prep
LAist invites listeners to a craft rave in Pasadena on June 20th and reminds them to prepare for the upcoming primary election with resources at laist.com/vote.
260,000 at Risk of Losing CalFresh
“Those able-bodied individuals without dependents will have to either work at least 20 hours or do some volunteering. The new rules apply to new applicants and those recertifying. Those ineligible will be limited to three months of CalFresh benefits every three years.”
Data Center Protests in Coachella & Monterey Park
Residents in Coachella and Monterey Park are pushing back against proposed data center developments, citing water use, power grid strain, and lack of local jobs.
Art Collective Brings Murals to L.A. Schools
“Every single time you see the kids' faces, it pushes you forward to want to do it another year.”
Little Literary Fair Celebrates Indie Publishers
“It's not until we're all in the same room with all our best books literally out on the table that you get to see kind of what a phenomenal publishing culture Los Angeles truly has.”
“They thought about the outpouring of support they got after their post. I can't imagine what the community is going through, losing their homes and losing everything that they had, yet they're still coming back.”
“It's not until we're all in the same room with all our best books literally out on the table that you get to see kind of what a phenomenal publishing culture Los Angeles truly has.”
“Those able -bodied individuals without dependents will have to... either work at least 20 hours or do some volunteering. The new rules apply to new applicants and those recertifying. Those ineligible will be limited to three months of CalFresh benefits every three years.”
Host
Guests
Eric Caruso
person
Wetpaws
other
CalFresh
other
Eaton Fire
other
Little Literary Fair
other
L.A. County
organization
Los Angeles Review of Books
organization
Coachella
place
Angel City Press
organization
UC Berkeley
organization
Fed eyes sluggish wage growth
25m • 6/8/2026
They can no longer keep the story straight
1h 8m • 6/1/2026
California Fire Victims Still Waiting: Where Did The Relief Money Go?
10m • 6/3/2026
UCLA dorm assaults arrest, Riverside fire displaces 150, Ziggy Marley on his latest album — Saturday Edition
11m • 5/30/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime