MAY LINE –UP

Monday, April 30th, 11 p.m.

Dr. John E. Deasy, Superintendent of Schools/Los Angeles Unified Public Schools

Dr. Deasy talks to co-host Sharon Jimenez about the fight to stop the elimination of jobs by passing a parcel tax in Los Angeles.  Deasy says property owners would pay a flat parcel tax that would be temporary to keep LAUSD from laying off additional staff.

LA BUSINESS TODAY – (Monday 1/30/2012)

Susan Yara, is leading the big publishing house Sandow Media into a unique new branding with interactive online media and a retail storefront. LA Business Today co-host Sharon Jimenez talks to Yara about the NYC and South Florida based magazine New Beauty partnering with the exclusive retailer Fred Segal to host a website inside the retail store in Santa Monica. LA’s celebrity and entertainment business leadership has brought the magazine to hire a senior editorial digital staff in Southern California. The interview provides a fascinating look behind the business of beauty in a struggling economy.

Jonathan Sheldon is an independent film, television, and music producer. Sheldon talks with Emmy winning talk show Co-Host Bob Jimenez about the recent battle between the Motion Picture Association of America and the titans of the Internet over the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and his new PBS show “My Future Baby” focusing on women freezing eggs to extend fertility as career demands and economic challenges delays marriage and family. As independent filmmakers make more movies than the six major studios Sheldon discusses his book “The Declaration of the Independent Filmmaker-How to Make Movies Outside of Hollywood.”

FEBRUARY LINE –UP

Monday, February 6^th

Norma Zager is an award winning print journalist with a lot to say about one of the most important commodities in LA- OIL. The LA press club award winning writer who took on Erin Brockovich in her book, “Erin Brockovich and the Beverly Hills Greenscam” says oil is too important to the economy to ignore while environmental concerns when it comes to public health make the job on reporting on the business of oil a challenging one. LA Business Today co-host Bob Jimenez interviews the investigative writer about her new role reporting in Los Feliz and where her next investigations might lead in Los Angeles.

Rob Rader says the Motion Picture Association of America and the studios behind the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) lost out to the Internet giants in the first round of lobbying to prevent piracy because they don’t understand the Internet. Rader is an entertainment attorney who has negotiated many film and video game deals in Hollywood. LA Business Today co-host Sharon Jimenez talks to Rader about the business of piracy and about the leadership he brings to the board of trustees of Santa Monica College. A colorful attorney who doesn’t mince words Rader provides colorful commentary on everything from pornography on the Internet to what it takes to survive in Hollywood.

Monday, February 13^th

Emil Gampe of EMILcouture has exploded on designer scene in Los Angeles after winning “Launch My Line” on Bravo. The Austrian born designer’s fabulous creations include a dress weighing over a hundred pounds made out of ‘red carpet.’ LA Business Today co-host Sharon Jimenez talks to the engaging designer about his passion for fashion and why Los Angeles is an important fashion center because of its glamorous awards shows and TV shows where beauty and fashion matter.

Ingrid Lazcano knows when you want a cookie the last thing you may be thinking about is nutrition. The creator and founder of Andean Dream produces cookies and other products with the highly nutritious food product quinoa. LA Business Today co-host Bob Jimenez talks to Ingrid Lazcano about the importance of this nutritious ingredient and why quinoa is an important food source for the world. In a lively conversation Jimenez & Lazcano explore a business which supports some of the poorest indigenous farmers in the world while giving Los Angeles a cookie that matters.

Monday, February 20th

Mimi Kennedy is part of the incredible ensemble cast of 2012 Oscar nominated best picture MIDNIGHT IN PARIS.  The LA based Kennedy was offered the role in Woody Allen's new comeback movie after Allen marveled over Kennedy's acting abilities in the independent film In the Loop.  Surviving four decades as a working actress Kennedy talks about the business and her incredible new movie Midnight in Paris.   Sharon Jimenez talks to Mimi Kennedy about her great career and how she has beat the odds in show biz.

Jane Pak's leadership in the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-LA) Hosting a Women in Power luncheon this February 2012 the organization continues to support and build the leadership of women in business.  Bob Jimenez talks to Jane Pak about women in business and the challenges in this rough economy.

Monday, February 27th

Sheldon Larry's very independent controversial film about the underground ball world of transgenders in Los Angeles made it from the LA Film Festival, to Toronto, and this February to the Berlin, Film Festival.  The USC Cinema instructor has taken an LA story and wowed the world receiving standing ovations in every city where "Leave It On The Floor" has played.   Congratulations to Sheldon Larry and USC on this film which humanizes the lives and the showcases the talents of this often maligned population. Bob Jimenez talks to Sheldon Larry about the success of his independent film.

Kathay Feng's political reform leadership in California helped create the first independent redistricting commission in the state's history.  The State Supreme Court recently upheld the new state districts giving needed creditability to the new process of drawing political districts which may well yield some new leadership in the state.  Sharon Jimenez talks to the Executive Director of California Common Cause Kathay Feng.

LA Business On Channel 35 LA and the World Wide Internet Streaming Mondays at 10 am and 11 pm & streaming at www.lacityview.org

Monday January 2nd

Susan Touchbourne has a very ambitious new TV series project she is working to bring into production in 2012.  Prairie Bones is set in the American Civil War and will be a look back at another time in US history where we were greatly challenged as a nation to redefine ourselves and build a new economy.  Touchbourne has some top Hollywood talent attached to the project and believes it’s a series whose time is important now.  Sharon Jimenez interviews Susan Touchbourne.

Mark Workman helps people find new pathways to success in their careers.  His company Kickstart Careers is focused on shaping people’s skills to the new economy and helping them find a pathway to new lives.  Workman has consulted with some of the biggest companies in LA.  Now he is bringing his skills to his own company as he changes lives one career at a time.  Bob Jimenez interviews Mark Workman.

Monday January 9th

Michael Kelly is Executive Director of the LA Coalition for the economy and jobs.  The coalition is made up of the most established business leaders in Los Angeles and is unprecedented in its work to build new visions for Los Angeles uniting all the neighborhoods in the city under one single coalition with a determination to make a difference in 2012 and beyond.  Bob Jimenez talks to Michael Kelly.

Dutch Merrick is a Union Props Master creating the sets that bringing dramas to life in TV series shot in Hollywood.  Merrick is also the head of the local board of directors of KPFK LA’s most popular progressive radio destination.  Sharon Jimenez talks to Merrick about running progressive radio and about building the sets that influence how Americans see their lives on TV.

Monday January 16th

Marvin Saul passed away in late 2011 leaving a legacy of business leadership that will be impossible to replace.  The founder and owner of Junior’s Deli created one of the most popular restaurants in the history of Westwood.  Beloved by employees and customers alike Marvin Saul gave his last interview to Sharon Jimenez on LA Business Today.

Jonas Mohr is an LA based photographer whose new book “Mugshots” is a powerful chronicle on the impact of imprisonment on the lives of minority men.  The powerful photo essay includes the stories of struggle and redemption in one of the most populous prison populations in the world today.  California’s prisons are a huge part of the economy of the state affecting employment and business in extraordinary ways.  Bob Jimenez talks to Jonas Mohr.

Monday January 23rd

Esai Morales is one of Hollywood’s leading Latino Actors.  A formidable force on screen and off the LA based actor has proven he can act, produce, and even run successful restaurants in the City of Los Angeles.  Morales tells Bob Jimenez it is still an uphill climb for Latinos in Hollywood.

Jordi Vilasuso was the star of one of America’s long running and best watched soap operas All My Children.  In 2011 All My Children was cancelled by the network and replaced with a product the networks are looking to for increased profits – Reality TV.  The trend towards reality TV continues to threaten the livelihoods of Hollywood’s promising actors.  Jordi Vilasuso talks to Sharon Jimenez about the end of All My Children on ABC and what is possibly next for the actor and the business of soap operas.

Monday January 30th

Susan Yara Dayalan is behind a powerful new digital portal supporting the internationally acclaimed New Beauty Magazine.  The major magazine is looking to Susan and her staff in Southern California to bring digital online excellence to a Southern Florida based magazine giant.  Fred Segal is the new home of a media giant launching the region into the high end marketing of the most sought after beauty products in the world.  Sharon Jimenez talks to Susan Yara Dayalan about the business model for New Beauty.

Jonathan Sheldon is founder and co-owner of Strand Media an entertainment company out of LA that produces non-fiction television.   Sheldon was recognized by Film Independent for his unique production company.  Bob Jimenez talks to Jonathan Sheldon about the business of producing non-fiction TV in LA. 

DECEMBER 5TH

Greg Schenz is senior vice president for business and legal affairs for the Endgame Entertainment company. Endgame produces movies and theatrical productions. Hotel Rwanda the academy award nominated film and Legally Blonde on Broadway are two productions of the many projects Endgame has successfully brought to the marketplace. Sharon Jimenez talks with Greg Schenz about Endgame and his leadership in the privately held company.

Beverly Nero is a small business leaders with her own production company Beverly Nero Productions. An accomplished musician, actress, and film producer Nero continues to lead projects in Hollywood that make a difference. The daughter of famed composer Peter Nero (Summer of 42). Bob Jimenez talks to Beverly Nero latest film project is about autism.

DECEMBER 12TH

Steven Allen Fox is the director of the Golden State Pops Orchestra chosen business of the year in San Pedro. Bringing a new level of entertainment excellence to LA’s Harbor City Fox is a renounced director and music composer. Sharon Jimenez talks to Steven Fox about the business of music.

Drew Silverstein is a composer of film and television scores. Silverstein is making his mark in the music industry in Los Angeles with many hit singles and original arrangements. Film and entertainment music scoring is one of LA’s most creative industries bringing attention to LA from filmmakers worldwide. Bob Jimenez talks to Drew Silverstein about the business of music.

DECEMBER 19TH

There’s no business like the BUZZ business in Hollywood. Karin Kogan is marketing director for BuzzMedia overseeing the content of more than thirty websites supporting the entertainment industry. Bob Jimenez talks to Karin Kogan about the business of BUZZ!

Chris Denson is the director of innovation for LA’s The Regan Group. Denson started out as a stand-up comedian in Detroit and has taken his skills and talents from the Black Entertainment Network to the leadership of one of LA’s top marketing companies. Sharon Jimenez talks to Chris Denson about the business of marketing in today’s economy.

DECEMBER 26TH

Susan Touchbourne is a screenwriter and producer whose career has included many successful films and tv shows. She has two major projects she is working on including a film about Wall Street during the 1929 crash and the civil war where she ties the conflicts of contemporary America with two major events in American history. Sharon Jimenez talks to Sharon Touchbourne about the business of screenwriting and producing.

Mark Workman has worked with the top entertainment studios in Hollywood. The founder of Kickspark Careers he is now helping clients find their fulfillment as they move into new careers in a changing economy. Bob Jimenez talks to Mark Workman about his vision for helping people steer their lives in a positive way through the employment maze.

Monday, November 7th 10 am & 11 pm PST LA Business Today streaming worldwide at www.lacityview.org and airing on Channel 35

Dan Schnur is USC’s director of the Jesse Unruh Institute of Politics. Sharon Jimenez talks to Schnur about how the Occupy Movement may affect public policy decisions that affect business in LA.

Louis Lee is a business owner in San Pedro with a big role in bringing the USS Iowa the World War II battleship to the city’s important port. Bob Jimenez talks to the owner of J.D. Hobbies about his leadership to bring this major tourist attraction to San Pedro, LA’s Port Community.

Monday, November 14th 10 am & 11 pm PST LA Business Today streaming worldwide on the Internet at www.lacityview.org and airing on Channel 35

Daniel Morales is one of LA’s leading film publicist in the Spanish Language. Tapiz Media Group creates the buzz behind the major Latino film festivals promoting the global image of LA’s Latino communities. Bob Jimenez talks to Daniel Morales on LA Business Today

Rick Najera is an Alma award winning writer/producer/director with a lot to say about the business of Latinos in Hollywood. Sharon Jimenez talks to the ‘funny’ guy about the serious side of his leadership as a role model for millions of Latinos in the TV and film industry.

Monday, November 21st 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. LA Business Today streaming worldwide on the Internet at www.lacityview.org and airing on Channel 35.

Ann Gentry is the owner of some of the most successful vegan restaurants in the country. The owner of Real Food Daily is a visionary who took an acting career and turned it into a healthful lifestyle business that makes her a highly sought after voice in the cooking world. Sharon and Bob Jimenez talk with Ann Gentry on LA Business Today.

Monday, November 28th 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. LA Business Today streaming worldwide on the Internet at www.lacityview.org and airing on Channel 35. TBA

Monday, October 10th  10 a.m. 11 p.m. 

Jonathan Wolf, Managing Director of the American Film Market.  Jonathan Wolf's leadership of the American Film Market generates 4 billion dollars in annual film distribution revenues each year.  AFM is the best attended film trade show in the world setting LA apart in the leadership of Indy films.  Sharon Jimenez talks to Jonathan Wolf about AFM 2011 coming up Nov. 2-9th.   http://www.americanfilmmarket.com   Film leaders from 70 countries will be coming into LAX for this conference.

Brad Friedman, Internet investigative reporter, www.BradBlog.com.  Brad Friedman has made LA the home base of one of the most powerful Blogs in America.  Brad's reporting has brought him many accolades from some of the most famous political names in America who say he is on the pulse of public policy as it relates to decisions which affect the business of LA and the nation.  Bob Jimenez interviews Brad Freidman.

Monday, October 17th 10 a.m. 11 p.m.

Gary Gero, CEO of Climate Action Reserve.  Gary Gero is the head of an LA based non-profit overseeing the economic equation of bringing industries in California into emissions (greenhouse gases) regulatory compliance without harming the economy.  His job is to make sure LA's air gets clean without businesses going under because of regulation.  Gary grew up in the San Fernando Valley when the air was so smoggy he couldn't see to the end of his street.  

Greg Abbotts (Gadget) Greg Abbotts, CEO Left Coast Electric.  Greg Abbotts aka Gadget has been featured on network news shows throughout the country.  Greg is profiled in the new documentary, Revenge of the Electric Car, coming out in theaters in LA this month.  Greg turns gasoline powered cars into electric cars.  

Monday, October 24th 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. 

Uriel Saenz, Executive Promotions, Los Angeles Times & Hoy.  Uriel Saenz is busy working promoting the many community events supporting by the LA Times.  A top fashion designer Saenz designs were recently showcased in Humen, China.  

Jose Luis Valenzuela, Artistic Director New Los Angeles Theater Center.  Jose Luis Valenzuela has been in the fight for the arts in downtown Los Angeles for three decades.  Now the artistic director of the beautifully renovated Los Angeles Theater Center on Spring Street he says the arts are helping businesses of all kinds in downtown LA.  LATC has 50 thousand visitors a year and is growing in popularity by making ticket prices affordable in this economy.

Monday, October 31st, 10 a.m. 11 p.m. 

Mimi Kennedy, Haskell Wexler, Martin Guigui, Jordi Vilasuso, & Tim McHugh – an All-Star Hollywood line up join Bob and Sharon Jimenez at the LA Latino International Film Festival.  The standing room only panel at LALIFF in Hollywood drew Indy film enthusiasts ready to hear frank talk about the work to keep jobs in film and television in California.  Thank you to festival founders and directors Edward James Olmos and Marlene Dermer for inviting LA Business Today co-hosts Bob and Sharon Jimenez to lead the important panel. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH 10 a.m. 11 p.m. CHANNEL 35 and streaming livewww.lacityview.org Internet

Marty Weiss, President Martin Weiss Talent Management - Child stars have always been a fixture in the film and tv industry in Hollywood. Marty Weiss is a talent manager who specializes in placing children in movies and tv. Marty says LA is still the only place to be if you are a child actor. Bob Jimenez talks about the business of managing children in the entertainment industry.

Jodi Evans, co-founder President Code Pink - Jodi Evans led Jerry Brown’s campaign for the Presidency in the 70′s. Now she is leading the nation’s biggest ‘pink’ movement organizing women to make a difference in the business of peace and non-violence. The co-founder of Code Pink is well known in the power circles of Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Sharon Jimenez talks to Jodi Evans about her fight bring US war dollars back to the LA economy.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th

Kurt Engstrom – ATT Regional Operations Manager As ATT-UVerse works to bring 52 new channels into Los Angeles what kind of content can customers expect?  The big media giant has the technology to bring high speed Internet/Phone/TV into households throughout the country, but, in California there are lawsuits in San Francisco over the boxes needed to support the technology and other challenges for the company. Sharon Jimenez talks to the former Marine who is leading the charge for ATT in its high stakes plan to be the biggest player in the industry.

Sydney Levine, Entertainment Blogger, Founder The Literacy Project When Sydney Levine blogs Hollywood pays attention. The well respected film blogger says Indy Filmmakers need to look to Europe if they want to get their productions financed.  Levine talks candidly about the challenges for the film industry and her leadership to help teenagers in LA be better readers and better students.  Sydney Levine talks with Bob Jimenez about the Hollywood jobs challenge and how to create a future for LA youth.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH

Gregg Irish, Executive Director,Workforce Investment Board The City of Los Angeles is taking the job challenge very seriously.   While Mayor Villariagosa is lobbying Washington D.C. to get LA's fair share of planned transportation expansion jobs the Workforce Investment Board is working to support the growth of jobs and job seekers in the City of Los Angeles.  Bob Jimenez talks with Gregg Irish about the work to get LA working.

Jean Blake Fleming, Actress/Producer/Philanthropist Veteran actress, philanthropist,and realtor Jean Blake Fleming remembers when Universal Studios was the only studio in LA making movies.  Recalling how TV upset the film industry back in the 60's Blake-Fleming says the only way to survive in the rough and tumble competition of Hollywood is to know that "NO" is just the start of the conversation.  Her latest Indy Film, Smoke Screen, challenges the criminalizing of marijuana users and advocates for legalizing drugs and controlling their distribution.  A formidable business leader in the San Fernando Valley Jean and her husband David Fleming donated a million dollars to the development of a performing arts center at Cal State Northridge.   Sharon Jimenez talks to a legendary Hollywood actress and LA promoter.

MONDAY OCTOBER 3RD, 2011

ESAI MORALES, ACTOR, PRODUCER, ENTREPRENEUR Actor/producer Esai Morales says Latinos are going to have to move out of traditional roles to more mainstream characters if they are going to get a share of the acting jobs in Hollywood.   Morales says he is confident in Hollywood's ability to be more inclusive, but, the ethnic group will have to fight harder for roles that dignify them as mainstream characters. Morales is executive producer of Gun Hill Road an INDY film the actor brought to open LA's oldest film festival, OUTFEST, this year in downtown LA.   Bob Jimenez talks to Esai Morales about his leadership as one of the best known Latino actors in Los Angeles.

JORDI VILASUSO, INDY ACTOR, SOAP OPERA STAR Jordi Vilasuso came on LA Business Today the day after the soap opera he was starring in, All My Children, went dark after 41 years.   ABC canceled the popular soap opera to replace the production with a less expensive reality show.  Jobs for actors in Hollywood continue to be lost as studios look to replace expensive dramas with reality TV shows that show more profit for their bottom line.  What's next for All My Children?  Will these jobs be lost to LA or can the actors keep the show together and become popular with an online soap opera?  Sharon Jimenez talks to Jordi Vilasuso about the business of acting in Hollywood.

MONDAY AUGUST 29TH 2011  10 a.m. and 11 p.m. CHANNEL 35 and streaming live at www.lacityview.org Internet

Kathay Feng, Executive Director, California Common Cause

The LA Chamber of Commerce was one of many business supporting the work of Kathay Feng, Executive Director of California Common Cause in fighting for the state’s new independent redistricting commission.  Feng’s business is good government.  She knows the state can’t support strong business leadership without a rigorous democracy.  Sharon Jimenez interviews the leading lady in the fight for a better State Legislature and US Congress to serve California.

Sheldon Larry, Movie Producer, Cinema Professor University Southern California

Making an independent movie is a daunting economic enterprise for most producers in Hollywood.  USC Cinema instructor Sheldon Larry has accomplished a movie which has audiences standing on their feet throughout the country.  “Leave It On The Floor” is a musical about the underground balls of LA’s transgender minorities.  The movie celebrates their contribution to the arts and fashion industry in Los Angeles.  Bob Jimenez interviews Sheldon Larry.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH, 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. and streaming live at www.lacityview.org Internet

Blase Bonpane, Founder Office of the America, KPFK’s popular talk show host

LA is one of the leading centers for peace activism in the world. The business of peace is on the move as one of KPFK’s most popular radio talk show host Blase Bonpane says plans are underway for a major action in Washington D.C. this fall to get the country back on track in the business of peace.  How would LA look if the defense industry dollars were re-allocated to other businesses?  Sharon Jimenez talks to this world renowned peace leader a native son of Los Angeles.

Ayahlushim Getacheux, Senior VP Thomas Properties

One of the most ambitious new development projects in the history of downtown Los Angeles is the plan to revitalize the Wilshire Grand Hotel.  A new 40 story luxury hotel will be going up with a significant investment in the inner city by Korean Air Lines.  Ayahlushim Getachew the senior VP of Thomas Properties talks to Bob Jimenez about the hotel and what the development will bring in the way of jobs to LA.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH 10 a.m. 11 p.m. CHANNEL 35 and streaming live www.lacityview.org Internet

Marty Weiss, President Martin Weiss Talent Management

Child stars have always been a fixture in the film and tv industry in Hollywood.  Marty Weiss is a talent manager who specializes in placing children in movies and tv.  Marty says LA is still the only place to be if you are a child actor.  Bob Jimenez talks about the business of managing children in the entertainment industry.

Jodi Evans, co-founder President Code Pink

Jodi Evans led Jerry Brown’s campaign for the Presidency in the 70′s.  Now she is leading the nation’s biggest ‘pink’ movement organizing women to make a difference in the business of peace and non-violence.  The co-founder of Code Pink is well known in the power circles of Los Angeles and Washington D.C.  Sharon Jimenez talks to Jodi Evans about her fight bring US war dollars back to the LA economy.

Bob & Sharon Jimenez host LA Business Today