The Times podcast: The fight to become L.A. County sheriff

Robert Luna Alex Villanueva

By Denise Guerra

and David Toledo

Sept. 28, 2022 5 AM PT

Listen to this episode of The Times:

Alex Villanueva was elected as Los Angeles County sheriff in 2018 with support from progressives riding an anti-Trump wave. But since he took office, he has shifted to the right. His opponent in the November election, retired Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna, leads in the polls.

But at a time when issues surrounding law enforcement are part of a national conversation, how much do they differ? We talk about it, as we hear from both candidates at a debate this month. Read the full transcript here.

Host: Gustavo Arellano

Guest: L.A. Times law enforcement reporter Alene Tchekmedyian

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Luna, Villanueva trade charges in antagonistic L.A. sheriff debate

Alex Villanueva thought his ‘Quien es más Latino?’ strategy would sink his opponent. Nope

Sheriff Villanueva in tight race as challenger Robert Luna has edge in new poll

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About The Times

“The Times” is produced by Shannon Lin, Denise Guerra, Kasia Broussalian, David Toledo and Ashlea Brown. Our editorial assistant is Madalyn Amato. Our engineers are Mario Diaz, Mark Nieto and Mike Heflin. Our editor is Kinsee Morlan. Our executive producers are Jazmin Aguilera, Heba Elorbany and Shani Hilton. And our theme music is by Andrew Eapen.

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Former Los Angeles Times staffer Denise Guerra was a senior producer and co-creator of the news podcast “The Times.” Guerra graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from UCLA and a master’s in journalism from USC. She previously was a community liaison with the city of Los Angeles on transportation, housing and bridge projects. Guerra also has worked at Marketplace, KPCC and NPR, where she helped launch the Saturday edition of the “Up First” podcast and produced music segments, covered BLM protests at the White House and filed this story to find out how her grandfather ended up in San Quentin prison. Born and raised in California, you can find her surfing, hiking or snowboarding.

David Toledo is a former podcast producer for the Los Angeles Times. During his tenure, he produced captivating stories that aligned with the publication’s priorities for their flagship news podcast “The Times.” Notably, he spearheaded the show’s entertainment news and LGBTQ+ coverage.

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