Zachary Ellison
@zacharyellison.bsky.social
USC Whistleblower. Independent Journalist: Politics, Investigations, Media. Barack Obama's 2008 Campaign One-Millionth Online Donor.
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Zachary Obama | Zachary Ellison | Substack
Politics, Investigations, Media in Los Angeles, California.
Twitter: @ZacharyObama:https://twitter.com/ZacharyObama
Venmo: @Zachary-Ellison: https://account.venmo.com/u/Zachary-Ellison
CashApp:@Zach...
zacharyellison.substack.com
Hello, I’m Zachary Ellison, Independent Journalist. I cover politics, investigations, and media in Los Angeles. You can find my work on Substack:
zacharyellison.substack.com
zacharyellison.substack.com
I’m proud to have just renewed my membership in the Los Angeles Press Club for a second year. Thankful for a profession that values investigation and powerful reporting.
lapressclub.org
lapressclub.org
- Los Angeles Press Club
18th National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards Gala This year’s National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards contest is officially closed. Our judges now face the daunting task of reviewing a...
lapressclub.org
October 21, 2025 at 1:30 AM
I’m proud to have just renewed my membership in the Los Angeles Press Club for a second year. Thankful for a profession that values investigation and powerful reporting.
lapressclub.org
lapressclub.org
Great analysis by Michele Martinez of California politics.
What does a successful gubernatorial candidate look like? Will California choose a change leader of business as usual in 2026? Must read.
open.substack.com/pub/michelem...
What does a successful gubernatorial candidate look like? Will California choose a change leader of business as usual in 2026? Must read.
open.substack.com/pub/michelem...
What a California Governor Really Does—and Why It Matters
Before we choose a governor, we deserve a clear understanding of what the role demands—and what it makes possible.
open.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Great analysis by Michele Martinez of California politics.
What does a successful gubernatorial candidate look like? Will California choose a change leader of business as usual in 2026? Must read.
open.substack.com/pub/michelem...
What does a successful gubernatorial candidate look like? Will California choose a change leader of business as usual in 2026? Must read.
open.substack.com/pub/michelem...
Welp. After avoiding it capably for a solid 5 years, I’ve finally been infected with COVID-19. My mistake perhaps was not getting the new booster sooner considering I work in public schools. The pandemic is still happening. Hoping for no long-term symptoms.
September 25, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Welp. After avoiding it capably for a solid 5 years, I’ve finally been infected with COVID-19. My mistake perhaps was not getting the new booster sooner considering I work in public schools. The pandemic is still happening. Hoping for no long-term symptoms.
Now is a great time to support @roof.bsky.social who is again facing a sweep as an unhoused person in Los Angeles. Please support my colleague in her attempt to stay in her shelter.
roofless.substack.com
roofless.substack.com
roofless | Ruth | Substack
Survival, Belonging & Justice for The Unhoused in LA • Liberation for landless + oppressed people globally. Click to read roofless, by Ruth, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
roofless.substack.com
August 26, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Now is a great time to support @roof.bsky.social who is again facing a sweep as an unhoused person in Los Angeles. Please support my colleague in her attempt to stay in her shelter.
roofless.substack.com
roofless.substack.com
Perfect way to end the thunderstorm with some sunset colors out here in the Coachella Valley. The sudden stormy wind blast at the start was a fairly impressive proceeding.
August 26, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Perfect way to end the thunderstorm with some sunset colors out here in the Coachella Valley. The sudden stormy wind blast at the start was a fairly impressive proceeding.
Today is my 39th birthday. I’m grateful to all my friends and family for being in my life, you’re very appreciated. Thank you also to all who have supported my work as a journalist: zacharyellison.substack.com
Zachary Ellison | Substack
Politics, Investigations, and Media in Los Angeles, California.
The biggest stories in Los Angeles other publications are afraid to touch. From political corruption to life on the streets, I go wher...
zacharyellison.substack.com
July 29, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Today is my 39th birthday. I’m grateful to all my friends and family for being in my life, you’re very appreciated. Thank you also to all who have supported my work as a journalist: zacharyellison.substack.com
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
DAILY MEMO: ICE puts on a show at McArthur Park as we pass the 30-day mark. Welcome to day 32 of the ICE Siege of L.A. ~ @eltragon.bsky.social
July 8, 2025 at 5:06 AM
DAILY MEMO: ICE puts on a show at McArthur Park as we pass the 30-day mark. Welcome to day 32 of the ICE Siege of L.A. ~ @eltragon.bsky.social
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
Multiple other allegations have been levied against the owner of an L.A. taco chain across the internet since the video's publication, with calls to boycott the establishment, as well as requesting he not be welcomed to BMO Stadium as a LAFC supporter.
The full story: lataco.com/taquero-trum...
The full story: lataco.com/taquero-trum...
July 8, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Multiple other allegations have been levied against the owner of an L.A. taco chain across the internet since the video's publication, with calls to boycott the establishment, as well as requesting he not be welcomed to BMO Stadium as a LAFC supporter.
The full story: lataco.com/taquero-trum...
The full story: lataco.com/taquero-trum...
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
Senator Alex Padilla joins @eltragon.bsky.social to discuss his new bill he introduced with Senator Cory Booker called “The Visible Act” and more. This is part 1. 🧵
July 9, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Senator Alex Padilla joins @eltragon.bsky.social to discuss his new bill he introduced with Senator Cory Booker called “The Visible Act” and more. This is part 1. 🧵
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
DAILY MEMO: Chaos at Van Nuys Home Depot while Bell Gardens Mayor Gets an ICE Agent's Badge Number and More ~ @eltragon.bsky.social
July 9, 2025 at 5:18 AM
DAILY MEMO: Chaos at Van Nuys Home Depot while Bell Gardens Mayor Gets an ICE Agent's Badge Number and More ~ @eltragon.bsky.social
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
ICE raids, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and banana pudding: the secrets of survival, solidarity, and sales at a San Gabriel Valley night market. lataco.com/street-vendo...
July 9, 2025 at 8:16 PM
ICE raids, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and banana pudding: the secrets of survival, solidarity, and sales at a San Gabriel Valley night market. lataco.com/street-vendo...
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
After being hit, CJ Johnson dropped his skateboard, then picked it up and ran towards the first street medic that he saw. There was “blood everywhere,” . . . He is one of several people LAPD officers reportedly injured during No Kings Day. lataco.com/cj-johnson-l...
by @shoton35mm.bsky.social
by @shoton35mm.bsky.social
July 9, 2025 at 8:35 PM
After being hit, CJ Johnson dropped his skateboard, then picked it up and ran towards the first street medic that he saw. There was “blood everywhere,” . . . He is one of several people LAPD officers reportedly injured during No Kings Day. lataco.com/cj-johnson-l...
by @shoton35mm.bsky.social
by @shoton35mm.bsky.social
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
Our commitment to one another and compassion may be the biggest weapon we've got against the fear L.A. is being targeted with. We've gotten dozens of questions about how you can help, including where to volunteer. We heard you, and we answered. lataco.com/los-angeles-...
July 10, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Our commitment to one another and compassion may be the biggest weapon we've got against the fear L.A. is being targeted with. We've gotten dozens of questions about how you can help, including where to volunteer. We heard you, and we answered. lataco.com/los-angeles-...
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
Reposted by Zachary Ellison
“They were arrested, in our eyes unconstitutionally, in the course of an unconstitutional raid meant to attack our communities and pick up people based on the color of their skin and where they're standing," attorney Cal Soto said. 🧵
lataco.com/observers-ho...
by @shoton35mm.bsky.social
lataco.com/observers-ho...
by @shoton35mm.bsky.social
July 10, 2025 at 1:53 AM
“They were arrested, in our eyes unconstitutionally, in the course of an unconstitutional raid meant to attack our communities and pick up people based on the color of their skin and where they're standing," attorney Cal Soto said. 🧵
lataco.com/observers-ho...
by @shoton35mm.bsky.social
lataco.com/observers-ho...
by @shoton35mm.bsky.social
Six months ago today much of Altadena was burned to the ground. Life has moved on and so have I but I’m going to be optimistic about reconstruction and the future of community. 🙏
July 8, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Six months ago today much of Altadena was burned to the ground. Life has moved on and so have I but I’m going to be optimistic about reconstruction and the future of community. 🙏
The latest with @roof.bsky.social on the pressing questions on housing and homelessness in Los Angeles. In a surprise decision there will be no receivership even as more money than before comes from taxpayers.
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-178-a...
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-178-a...
Part 178: A Homelessness Impasse in Los Angeles? Judicial Nothingburger and Policy Indecision
Published July 2, 2025.
zacharyellison.substack.com
July 3, 2025 at 5:36 AM
The latest with @roof.bsky.social on the pressing questions on housing and homelessness in Los Angeles. In a surprise decision there will be no receivership even as more money than before comes from taxpayers.
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-178-a...
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-178-a...
Pretty easy day on the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail in Idyllwild. Not out as much in the woods lately, but all good things in time. That tree canopy! 💚
June 29, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Pretty easy day on the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail in Idyllwild. Not out as much in the woods lately, but all good things in time. That tree canopy! 💚
Just updated with response from the CA AG’s office. Honestly doesn’t sound too legally promising to sue the oil industry over climate change as a Californian or displaced Altadenan.
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-176-t...
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-176-t...
Part 176: The Eaton Fire Fallout – Market Conduct Examinations and Community Rebuilding
Published June 13, 2025. Updated June 24, 2025.
open.substack.com
June 24, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Just updated with response from the CA AG’s office. Honestly doesn’t sound too legally promising to sue the oil industry over climate change as a Californian or displaced Altadenan.
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-176-t...
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-176-t...
Another Sunday spent well in Joshua Tree National Park stopping at all the best exhibits. So many reasons why the California Desert rocks far and wide. 🏜️
June 23, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Another Sunday spent well in Joshua Tree National Park stopping at all the best exhibits. So many reasons why the California Desert rocks far and wide. 🏜️
Thank you @gustavoarellano.bsky.social for always including me in your newsletter. Guti gang! Subscribe to the newsletter.
June 21, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Thank you @gustavoarellano.bsky.social for always including me in your newsletter. Guti gang! Subscribe to the newsletter.
Should I write another Best of Substack piece that discuss whistleblowers and whistleblowing? Which authors should I include?
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/special-th...
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/special-th...
SPECIAL: The Best Los Angeles Substacks – Journalism Practice in the City of Angels
Published March 7, 2025.
zacharyellison.substack.com
June 21, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Should I write another Best of Substack piece that discuss whistleblowers and whistleblowing? Which authors should I include?
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/special-th...
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/special-th...
The California Attorney General Office press office just phoned to let me know an update is coming on litigation against “Big Oil” soon.
Part 176: The Eaton Fire Fallout – Market Conduct Examinations and Community Rebuilding
Published June 13, 2025. Updated June 17, 2025.
open.substack.com
June 20, 2025 at 11:06 PM
The California Attorney General Office press office just phoned to let me know an update is coming on litigation against “Big Oil” soon.
Donald Trump has finally angered the masses with his immigration sweeps. Nowhere has fought back harder than Los Angeles and California, the latest from on the ground in Palm Springs. What will happen next in Round 2?
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-177-t...
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-177-t...
Part 177: The Battle for Los Angeles – Resisting Donald Trump in the Golden State
Published June 18, 2025.
zacharyellison.substack.com
June 19, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Donald Trump has finally angered the masses with his immigration sweeps. Nowhere has fought back harder than Los Angeles and California, the latest from on the ground in Palm Springs. What will happen next in Round 2?
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-177-t...
zacharyellison.substack.com/p/part-177-t...