James Farr Guest Hosts First Things First

James Farr will serve as guest host of KBLA’s “First Things First,” the station's weekday morning drive program that is typically hosted by Dominique DiPrima - every day this week of editorial coverage examining issues affecting Pasadena, Altadena, and communities across Los Angeles County's Fifth Supervisorial District.

The week's editorial coverage connects regional news with the issues shaping Pasadena, Altadena, and the San Gabriel Valley, including housing and homelessness, civic engagement, public safety, police accountability, technology, journalism, and long-term community recovery following the Eaton Fire.

At the time of publication, the week's editorial lineup includes:

Monday — Housing, Homelessness, and Recovery

The week begins with a conversation about the latest Los Angeles County homeless count and what the findings mean for Pasadena, Altadena, and neighboring communities as local leaders continue addressing housing affordability, homelessness, and post-fire recovery.

Jasmyne Cannick, a strategist, award-winning journalist, and political commentator, joins the program to examine the policy implications behind the latest data and the challenges facing local communities.

Tuesday — Civic Engagement and Political Dialogue

The conversation turns to how shifting political perspectives and civic engagement shape public policy discussions affecting Pasadena, Altadena, and communities throughout Los Angeles County's Fifth Supervisorial District.

John Wood Jr., a national leader with Braver Angels and former vice chair of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, joins the program for a discussion about Black Republicans, political diversity, and civic participation.

Wednesday — Public Trust, Accountability, and Community Innovation

Civil rights attorney Brad Gage joins the program with updates on several high-profile legal matters, including litigation involving the Pasadena Police Department, the Beverly Hills Police Department, the Tyson Crutchfield case, and the latest developments involving officers alleging workplace discrimination.

The program also welcomes Esosa Osa, founder and CEO of Onyx Impact, to discuss artificial intelligence, journalism, digital equity, and community engagement through Ask Aisha and the Journalism University initiative. The conversation will also highlight Onyx Impact's verified support of NAACP fire recovery and relief efforts while exploring how technology can help strengthen communities recovering from disaster.

Thursday — Public Policy and Civil Rights

The week's focus on public policy continues with a conversation examining California's Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA), pretextual traffic stops, the use of Flock automated license plate reader technology, and the broader public policy debates surrounding Pasadena Police Department practices and police accountability.

Sheila Bates, public policy director for Black Lives Matter Grassroots, joins the program to examine the civil rights implications of those issues for communities across Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

Friday — Culture, Community, and Recovery

The week's editorial coverage concludes with Greenline Housing Foundation's ongoing work supporting Altadena fire survivors through housing recovery and relief efforts.

Jasmine Schupert of Greenline Housing Foundation and Grammy-nominated recording artist Jon B. join the program to discuss the partnerships helping families continue rebuilding following the Eaton Fire, as well as Jon B.'s participation in Chris Holden's 27th Annual Community Resource Fair & Block Party.

Throughout the week, First Things First will examine the stories, policies, and people shaping Pasadena, Altadena, and neighboring communities, bringing together public officials, journalists, advocates, subject-matter experts, and community voices for conversations grounded in local reporting and public service.

Tune In Live

First Things First with Dominique DiPrima

Monday – Friday

6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. PT

About First Things First with Dominique DiPrima

They say "all politics is local." First Things First offers news and commentary from a uniquely different perspective. The program features newsmakers alongside unconventional voices listeners are unlikely to hear anywhere else on Los Angeles talk radio, all helmed by one of the most trusted voices in local community advocacy.

About James Farr

James Farr keeps the conversation live. Thinking about his thoughts out loud while talking in cursive, he invites readers into the conversations that culture leaves behind the headlines.

James Farr is the host of “Conversation Live: Altadena Rising” on KBLA Talk 1580—the ‘show of record’, chronicling for the nation the recovery, rebuilding, and resilience of Altadena's Black community following the Eaton Fire.

Farr is also a featured columnist for LA Progressive, Hollywood Progressive, and Black Press.

About KBLA Talk 1580

KBLA Talk 1580 is Southern California's Black-owned talk radio station, delivering news, conversation, and community-centered programming that amplifies Black voices and perspectives across Los Angeles and beyond.

Source: www.kbla1580.com