From comedy writer to homeless advocate: a bold journey through L.A’s political landscape

The unexpected career pivot

Transitioning from the world of comedy writing, with notable works on “Eastbound & Down,” “Family Guy,” and “Dickinson”, to tackling Los Angeles’ epidemic of homelessness may seem surprising. Yet, it’s precisely the path a former TV writer decided to take, exchanging laughter for serious advocacy. His career metamorphosis, driven by a commitment to social change, started in the most unlikely of places: the campaign trail.

Joining the fight: the beginning of a new chapter

A new kind of campaign

Our protagonist began this profound journey by backing a local campaign. In 2020, he actively supported the election of Nithya Raman to the Los Angeles City Council for the 4th District.

“Nithya’s guidance gave me the confidence to reach out to people, something I never thought I could do independently,” he shared. Making a tangible difference fueled a newfound passion—helping others escape homelessness provided a unique and empowering fulfillment.

The power of grassroots involvement

From volunteering to full commitment

Their first encounter dates back to 2017, during volunteer work with SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition. When Raman declared her council candidacy in 2019, the former writer took a crucial step. He ditched his co-showrunner role on “Chad” to fully concentrate on the campaign.

“Nithya running was too significant an opportunity to pass up, particularly given the city council’s substantial influence over homelessness issues.”

Little did he know, this decision would lead to a prolonged absence from the TV industry.

Activism in city hall

Navigating the complexities of governance

In July 2021, he became a senior advisor on Raman’s staff, shifting from entertainment to the intricate workings of City Hall. Despite trading the creative freedom of writer’s rooms for bureaucratic challenges, he found solace in podcasting with “Hollywood Handbook” and “The Flagrant Ones”.

On a recent Monday, he announced his departure from the government, though his zeal for advocacy remains unwavering.

“With the arrival of my second child and some TV work on the horizon, it felt like the right moment to reengage in public discourse—something more challenging as a city employee.”

Making conversations count

With renewed energy, he launched Big City Heat, a new Substack, accompanied by a podcast miniseries. The central issue now? Measure A.

Measure A: a crucial tool in the fight against homelessness

Measure A proposes increased funding for homeless services in L.A. County by raising the current quarter-cent sales tax to a half-cent. This enhancement builds on Measure H, which proved revolutionary when introduced in 2017.

“Our homelessness support system has evolved dramatically since my early outreach days, from offering distant, unfamiliar group shelters to providing local options like hotel rooms and continued support toward permanent housing,” he noted. The stark contrast with the past underscores the essential role of robust service infrastructure. Removing these services, he warned, would revert outreach efforts to mere distribution of necessities, like water, without longer-term solutions.

Future leadership and its implications

The upcoming presidential election holds particular significance for L.A.’s fight against homelessness. The reliance on federal support for housing programs and emergency pandemic funding has been pivotal.

“Federal funds transformed our shelter network, offering unprecedented opportunities to house people in hotels. A change in presidential leadership could jeopardize this progress significantly.” He recalled past threats of punitive measures over supportive interventions, emphasizing the critical nature of informed voting.

Engaging the community: a call for participation

“An email to your local representative holds remarkable power,” he reminded, urging public engagement. Influencing policy through collective action remains crucial. Mobilizing packets of five, ten, or more can create momentum for substantial change.

The road ahead

This journey from scripted humor to hands-on advocacy illustrates the profound impact of individual efforts on broader societal issues. By staying informed and actively participating, the community can continue to push for vital reforms in addressing homelessness.

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