Blake Mallen

This Tuesday, June 2nd feels bigger than politics…

It feels even bigger than a decision about the future of Los Angeles.

It feels like one of those moments where people already know something needs to change - but also know it’s going to take all of us to make it possible.

For most of my life, I thought my vote - my voice - didn’t really matter.

The last 17 months taught me otherwise.

Because the decisions being made right now will shape families, communities, rebuilding, recovery… and what comes next.

So if you’ve been paying attention…
If you’ve been frustrated…
If you’ve been hoping for something better…

Now is the time.

Don’t sit this one out.

Show up. Step up. Speak up.

Vote.

And inspire others to do the same.

Because silence won’t create change.

And the future will be shaped by the people willing to participate in it.

So please help shine a light in a moment that truly matters.

Because light exposes truth.
Truth creates pressure.
And pressure creates change.

We have now through June 2nd to help create that change.

Comment below if you’re showing up 👇🏼

Please share this with someone in Los Angeles 🙏🏻

PS. I’ve shared some of my personal perspective and lived experience in previous posts around Mayor, Insurance Commissioner, and City Council. If you find it helpful, comment or DM “SEND” and I’ll send them your way.

Most people never think about the Insurance Commissioner… until something goes wrong.

After the Palisades fire, Joel Pollak and I formed an unexpected friendship — not as commentators or creators, but as neighbors, fathers, and fellow Palisades residents navigating one of the hardest seasons of our lives.

Our kids went to the same school:
Marquez Charter Elementary.

It burned down on January 7th.

Like so many others in this community, we experienced the same uncertainty, loss, frustration, and questions about what comes next.

Through that process, we’d go on early morning walks and talk about what we were navigating and what needs to change.

One of those conversations centered around the insurance challenges our community is facing - and the importance of the California Insurance Commissioner role.

Because this position impacts:
insurance access,
wildfire recovery,
claims,
rebuilding,
and millions of Californians.

Yet it’s not getting the attention it deserves.

And that conversation led to a simple idea:

What if we created a space where people could hear directly from the candidates running for California Insurance Commissioner?

So with Joel’s relationships, and fellow Palisades resident helping secure studio space through iHeartRadio, we made the conversation happen.

No major network.
No giant production.
Just people who care.

Featured guests:
Ben Allen
Merritt Farren
Patrick Wolff
Sean Lee

Along with community advocate Joy Chen.

The conversation is honest, thoughtful, informative, and at times deeply emotional.

If you’re still forming your opinion, hearing directly from the candidates may help you make a more informed decision before voting.

Comment or DM “LISTEN” and I’ll send you the direct link to the full conversation.

The June 2 primary matters.
Your voice matters.

And if you believe more people should pay attention to rebuilding, insurance, and accountability in California - share this.

(Note: The original podcast discussion was recorded as audio only. AI image/video tools were used sparingly throughout this edit to help visually bring parts of the conversation and surrounding context to life.)

This is probably the most important and personal video I’ve ever shared...

Not because it’s political.
Because it’s personal.

Like many people, I used to think my voice didn’t really matter…
until the last year forced me to realize how much leadership, systems, and local decisions actually impact our everyday lives.

Losing our home in the Palisades fire changed a lot for me.
But what changed me even more… was everything that came after.

And right now, this moment in time feels bigger than politics.

It forces us to ask:
What kind of city do we actually want to live in?
And what are we willing to do about it?

This isn’t about left or right.

It’s about whether the system is actually working for the people it’s supposed to serve.

If you live in Los Angeles:
Please register.
Please vote.
Please use your voice.

Ballots are already going out.
Election Day is June 2nd.

If you’re not registered, the online deadline is May 18th.
Comment or DM me “VOTE” and I’ll send you the direct links and everything you need to know.

And for everyone outside LA watching this:

I know you can reach someone who lives here.
Please share this with them - and with anyone else you think needs to hear it.

Because light exposes truth.
Truth creates pressure.
And pressure creates change.

Now is the time to be part of that change.