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Governor Brown releases revised state budget proposal

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California Governor Jerry Brown

California Governor Jerry Brown announces his public employee pension reform plan October 27, 2011 at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California. ; Credit: Max Whittaker/Getty Images

The revised budget proposal, released this morning in Sacramento, comes in at $156.2 billion -- $1.3 billion more than the one unveiled in January. Most of the extra money, $1.2 billion, would go towards the state's Medi-Cal program. The new budget proposal states that 1.4 million more enrollees than the state expected in January have signed up for Medi-Cal under Obamacare.

The revised budget plan also sets aside $142 million for the drought-related expenses. The state legislature is required to pass a budget by June 15. Lawmakers will lose pay if they fail to do so.

It other state capitol news, Assemblywoman Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) has become the new California Assembly Speaker--the first San Diegan to hold the post.

Guest: 

Chris Megerian, Sacramento reporter for the Los Angeles Times. He covers state politics and the budget.

 


European court ruling protects privacy in Google search results - should U.S. follow suit?

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Google logo is seen on a wall at the entrance of the Google offices in Brussels on February 5, 2014. ; Credit: GEORGES GOBET/AFP/Getty Images

In a landmark decision for online personal privacy, an E.U. court ruled that Google must remove some links to personal information. The decision followed legal complaints, including one from a Spanish doctor who wanted a link related to a malpractice issue removed from Google’s search results.

The E.U. court is defending the right to be forgotten -- for outdated or irrelevent information to be pulled from search results. Legal analysts have said that the ruling may benefit everyday people, who can more directly influence what results come up when others, including potential employers, Google their name.

This may be especially relevant for younger people, who have grown up with photos and personal information posting online. Public figures may be less impacted by the ruling. Critics of the court’s decision have said that influencing Google’s search results is a form of censorship.

Who should be responsible for regulating personal information online? What can and should be “forgotten”? 

Guest: 

Jack Lerner, Clinical Associate Professor of Law and Director of the USC Intellectual Property and Technology Law Clinic, USC Gould School of Law

James Rule, researcher at the Center for the Study of Law and Society at UC Berkeley, is the author of "Privacy in Peril: How we are Sacrificing a Fundamental Right in Exchange for Security and Convenience."

Female-run startups fight for investment

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US Danae Ringelmann, co-founder of Indiegogo, an Internet company that helps raise funds for small businesses, talks during a session at LeWeb Paris 2012 in Saint-Denis, near Paris on December 5, 2012. ; Credit: AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Women are fighting for money and opportunities in the world of startup entrepreneurship, but the playing field is still far from level. According to an ongoing survey at Emory University, startups with female team members, even just one, are 18 percent less likely to attract equity investors.

A study out of Harvard pitted investment pitches by men and women against one another and found that both male and female investors are more likely to choose a man’s pitch.

The gap is well known, and not entirely surprising -- 96 percent of senior venture capitalists are men, and in 2013, only 16 percent of companies pitching to angel investors were owned by women -- there’s a gender gap in startup businesses.

Critics of the male-dominated startup industry say that learned intuition is what compels investors to fund men more frequently than women.

What might help narrow the gap? How can women and men in investing and startup entrepreneurship adapt their behavior to make things more accessible? How will the idea of who is worth of investment change?

Guest: 

Fiona Murray, Associate Dean of Innovation, Alvin J. Siteman Professor of Entrepreneurship, Faculty Director at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship at MIT

 

'Dining with Dogs' Bill: Should California allow dogs on restaurant patios?

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Two dogs rest while their owners eat in

Two dogs rest while their owners eat in a restaurant on April 29,2012 in Antigua, Guatemala.; Credit: JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP/Getty Images

Under current California law, the only live animals allowed in eateries include police dogs, animals used in decoration — such as aquariums — animals used as consumption and service animals for disabled patrons.

But that soon could change. 

Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada’s (D-Davis) bill, which would allow pet dogs in restaurants’ outdoor areas, is heading to the California Senate. The bill was approved by the State Assembly on May 8. Los Angeles and Santa Barbara have already passed ordinances allowing the presence of dogs on restaurants patios. 

"Despite the best efforts of city and county public health departments to balance the desire of restaurant and dog owners with the need to preserve public health, state law currently preempts any effort they make to accommodate dogs on dining patios,” Yamada said in a statement. “AB 1965 remedies this by allowing willing businesses to accommodate customers and their dogs while still providing local governments the option to determine if additional standards are necessary for their communities.”

Supporters of the bill say that allowing dogs in outdoor spaces will allow restaurant owners to expand their clientele and give customers a more broad selection of restaurants.

Critics cite concerns for allergy and asthma sufferers, whose conditions may be exacerbated by the presence of a dog in a dining establishment. In addition, they worry that some dog owners will not clean up after their pets, if they were to relieve themselves in or near the restaurant patio. 

The bill would not mandate that restaurant allow dogs on patios, but would leave the option open for establishments to decide on their own. The practice is already occurring in numerous cities throughout the state. The bill would make it legal unless prohibited by local ordinance.   

Will the permission to bring dogs to eateries be beneficial to restaurants in Los Angeles? Will other customers be disturbed by the presence of dogs in restaurants?

Guest:

Mariko Yamada, (D) California Assemblymember for the 4th District, including parts of the counties of Napa, Lake, Sonoma, Yolo and more; Author of AB 1965

Santa Monica City Council votes tonight on controversial Hines project

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Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel Up For Sale On Ebay

The Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier on April 16, 2008 in Santa Monica, California. ; Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

In early February, Santa Monica City Council, voted 4-3, approving the building of a 765,000 square-foot mixed-use development – the Bergamot Transit Village.

It would replace the Papermate factory at Olympic and 26th. The development, headed by Hines, an international real estate firm, would consist of restaurants, housing, retail shops, and office space. Opponents fear an onslaught of traffic, and a deterioration of Santa Monica character.

Two Santa Monica groups oppose the action. Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City is suing the project, saying the City staff did not “properly study reasonable project alternatives” as part of a state-mandated environmental impact report (EIR).

Residocracy.org, a group consisting of Santa Monica residents, collected over 13,000 signatures (over twice the amount needed) for a referendum. Tonight, the City Council will vote. Councilmembers have the choice to either stop the development, or put it to vote for citizens to weigh-in on the ballot.

Guests: 

Juan Matute, Associate Director at the Institute for Transportation Studies at UCLA

Sue Himmelrich, Planning Commissioner for the City of Santa Monica

 

Should the state regulate Covered California health insurance premiums?

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Anthem Blue Cross Rate Hike

Then-Assembylman Dave Jones, D-Sacramento, chair of the Assembly Health Committee, questions Leslie Margolin, president of Anthem Blue Cross, about rising premium costs during a hearing at the Capitol in Sacramento. ; Credit: Rich Pedroncelli/AP

A November ballot initiative would allow California’s insurance commission to reject health insurance rate increases, regulating Covered California in the same way it does property, casualty, and auto insurance.

The measure, backed by Consumer Watchdog and Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, would determine whether rates were reasonable and aims to protect consumers.

Opposition to the initiative has been fierce, and a study commissioned by Californians Against Higher Healthcare Costs (a group of doctors, hospitals, and health plans against the initiative) found that allowing the insurance commissioner to regulate Covered California would disrupt the healthcare overhaul. These critics argue that the ACA should be given time to take effect in California without interference, and that having two parties with regulating authority over health insurance premiums would result in chaos and consumer cost.

The Insurance Commissioner other backers say these claims are exaggerated. How would insurance commission-regulated health exchanges impact consumers? Who should have authority over Covered California rates?

Guests:

Dave Jones, California Insurance Commissioner

Dario Frommer, Former California Assembly Majority Leader (2004-2006) and chair of the Assembly Committee on Health; current partner with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Los Angeles. 

 

Orange County becomes first large county to adopt Laura’s Law

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Ann Menasche

Disability Rights California attorney Ann Menasche wears an anti-Laura's Law sticker at the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting.; Credit: Rebecca Plevin/KPCC

Laura’s Law, passed in California in 2002, allows court-ordered treatment of people with severe mental illness.

In the 10-plus years since the law first past, it has gone almost completely unused, except for passage in tiny Nevada County.

Debate over passage of the law in Orange County has been fierce, with proponents telling heartfelt stories about family members lost to mental illness. Critics of the law argue that it can easily infringe on basic human rights -- that forcing treatment is an inappropriate intervention into someone’s private life.

Without Laura’s Law, people with mental illness can be held for only 72 hours at a time, and only when they pose an imminent danger to themselves or others. Some lawmakers voting for the passage of Laura’s Law vocalized support while acknowledging that the law would need a lot of supervision in a larger county.

Should courts be allowed to order treatment for people with severe mental illness? How will Laura’s Law take effect in a large county? How could it impact people with mental illness and their families?

Guest:  

Steve Pitman, President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Orange County.

Sally Zinman, executive director, CAMHPRO (California Association of Mental Health Peer Run Organizations)

Network Upfronts: What you’ll see and won’t see next year on TV

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FOX 2014 Programming Presentation

Chris Messina, Mindy Kaling and Ike Barinholtz attend the FOX 2014 Programming Presentation at the FOX Fanfront on May 12, 2014 in New York City.; Credit: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images

The upfronts are here -- the time of year when television network executives present their shows to advertisers, as an opportunity for marketers to buy television commercial time.

As we approach the end of the week, one visible trend is a high number African-American actresses are carrying series in Scandal (Kerry Washington) , State of Affairs (Alfre Woodard), and Red Band Society (Octavia Spencer).

Spy and conspiracy dramas are going strong with Homeland, Allegiance and The Americans picked-up at NBC. Comic-themed shows also seem to be hot with Gotham, The Flash, and Agent Carter all moving forward.

Notably, ABC, the fourth-place broadcast network, is launching 12 new series between fall and mid-season.

What other shows are debuting? Which shows are getting lots of buzz? What shows are cancelled? Any surprises?

Guest: 

Daniel Holloway, Programming and Digital Media Editor at Broadcasting & Cable, a TV industry trade magazine. He’s in New York covering the upfronts for the publication

Lee Doyle, President, Client Development, Mindshare, a media and marketing agency with offices around the world. 


Should job applicants disclose their embarrassing online history?

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Should you inform your potential employer of past social media misconduct? ; Credit: Facebook.com

The national unemployment rate might be dropping, but ask anyone, and they’ll tell you it still isn’t easy finding a job.

According to Generation Opportunity, a libertarian-leaning organization, the unemployment rate for those between 18 and 29 years old was at about 9 percent in April. For applicants that are hoping to join the workforce, one thing that they have to deal with that they didn’t necessarily have to a decade ago is their social media history: embarrassing or compromising photographs or videos that potential employers might stumble upon online.

Should applicants voluntarily tell potential employers about the skeletons in their social media closet? How should they bring up that conversation. When should they bring up that topic? What should they say?

Guest:

Debbie Hatke, Talent Strategy Manager at Strategic HR, Inc, a human resource management firm in Cincinnati, Ohio

#BringBackOurGirls: An exercise in soft power or futility?

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Michelle Obama holds up a sign contributing to the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

The kidnapping of some 300 school girls in Nigeria by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram has outraged the world. An international rescue effort with the U.S., U.K., France, Israel and Canada has been under way. This week, the Nigerian government has shown willingness to negotiate with the militant group for the release of the girls.

A grassroot effort using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls to bring international attention to the kidnappings has spread from Nigeria to the rest of the world. The hashtag has been used over a million times on social media. Even high-powered politicians have joined the hashtag activism campaign. Last week, First Lady Michelle Obama shared her photo holding a #BringBackOurGirls sign, sparking an immediate conservative backlash. Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors joined the campaign, posing for a photo holding signs emblazoned with the hashtag.

While it’s not new for regular citizens to undertake social-media campaigns, it is new for so many politicians to do so. Who is the audience? Is social media activism effective? Could it be categorized as soft diplomacy?

Guest:  

Nicco Mele, Lecturer in Public Policy, Shorenstein Center at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government

How the business of pot grows an industry

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Colorado Experiments With Liberalization Of Marijuana Laws

ASPEN, CO - APRIL 18: Brian Stern of Denver, Colorado looks over one of the LED grow lights sold by his company at the Cannabis Crown 2010 expo in Aspen, Colorado. Colorado, one of 14 states to allow use of medical marijuana, has experienced an explosion in marijuana dispensaries, trade shows and related businesses in the last year as marijuana use becomes more mainstream. ; Credit: Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Marijuana sales are booming, and with it, entrepreneurship is inspired. California is home to many ancillary businesses profiting from making products and services that partner well with cannabis. There’s Medical Marijuana, Inc, the first publicly traded company focused on cannabis and hemp-based products, based in San Diego.

Steep Hill Hallent, headquartered in Oakland, is a premiere marijuana research and development company that ensures medical marijuana has been tested for molds, mildews, and other safety concerns.

In Anaheim, Bhang Medicinal Chocolate makes cannabis infused truffles and chocolate bars. Kush Bottles in Santa Ana, creates child safe, medical grade containers for marijuana. According to ArcView Group, a San Francisco investment network and market research firm focused on legal cannabis, sales are expected to grow to $2.57 billion this year, up from $1.53 billion a year ago.

Chris Walsh, editor of the website Marijuana Business Daily, says that ancillary businesses are yielding an estimated annual revenue in the hundreds of millions, and likely much more. 21 states allow the sale of some form of pot.

As states around the US change their regulations with regards to legalizing marijuana use both medically, and recreationally, is weed business the new frontier?

Guest:

Chris Walsh, editor of the website Marijuana Business Daily, based in Colorado

 

By 2015, 30 percent of Californians will be on Medi-Cal - how will the state cope?

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Health Fair Helps People Sign Up For Insurance Ahead Of Monday's Deadline

BAY POINT, CA - MARCH 28: An attendee holds a flyer as she waits to register for healthcare insurance during a healthcare enrollment fair at Ambrose Community Center on March 28, 2014 in Bay Point, California. ; Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Governor Jerry Brown’s new budget estimate accounts for a significant rise in the portion of the population enrolled in Medi-Cal. By 2015, 30 percent of Californians will be enrolled, about 11.5 million people.

Governor Brown’s budget added $1.2 billion to account for the increase, giving a total $2.4 billion to Medi-Cal users. While some lawmakers are critical of the budget increase, within the medical community, there is only alarm that it’s not quite enough.

The California Medical Association has said that retaining 10 percent provider cuts will carry consequences for low-income patients.

How will Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal find doctors who take their insurance? Is the state prepared for the influx in new enrollees and new patients? How will doctors and nurses be compensated?

Guests:

Chris Megerian, Sacramento reporter for the Los Angeles Times. He covers state politics and the budget.

Emily Bazar, Senior writer at the the Center for Health Reporting, covering stories about the federal healthcare overhaul, Medi-Cal budget cuts, and other healthcare related issues

Dr. Hector Flores, M.D., co-founded and currently serves as the Medical Director of the Family Care Specialists Medical Group in East Los Angeles

 

Net Neutrality: Is free and open access to the web threatened?

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Federal Communications Commission Proposes New Open Internet Rules

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 15: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler listens during an open meeting to receive public comment on proposed open Internet notice of proposed rulemaking and spectrum auctions May 15, 2014 at the FCC headquarters in Washington, DC. The FCC has voted in favor of a proposal to reform net neutrality and could allow Internet service providers to charge for faster and higher-quality service. ; Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images

It’s widely recognized that a founding principle of the internet is free and open access to information by all users. But on Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission voted to move forward with a proposal to allow Internet Service Providers, like Comcast and Verizon, to charge websites for higher quality and faster delivery of their products.

This is otherwise known as the “fast lane” -- because by paying for this service, a company like Netflix, could improve the quality and speed of their entertainment stream to consumers.

But, to offsets costs, might such a large company ping consumers with higher costs to pay for the service? Is it possible small companies, unable to afford “fast lane” costs, will be relegated to the “slow lane”? Could companies, “slow laned”, eventually be blocked from access? Could this then lead to the obsolescence of those companies?

In this kind of climate do start-ups and non-profits stand an internet chance? Does creating a more elite access to content mean the internet is no longer free and open? How far could these kinds of restrictions to information go?

Guests:

Brian Fung, Technology Reporter at the Washington Post 

Michael Weinberg, Vice President of Public Knowledge, a D.C.-based non-profit organization focused on preserving the openness of the Internet.

Jeffrey Eisenach, Director of the Center for Internet, Communications, and Technology Policy at the American Enterprise Institute - a think tank focus on free-market principles

Pixar’s co-founder on the business of creativity

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Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Dr. Ed Catmull, Ph.D.

A new book from Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull is getting rave reviews. Fast Company writes: “Steve Jobs—not a man inclined to hyperbole when asked about the qualities of others—once described Ed Catmull as ‘very wise,’ ‘very self-aware,’ ‘really thoughtful,’ ‘really, really smart,’ and possessing ‘quiet strength,’ all in a single interview.

Catmull, president of both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation, has written what just might be the most thoughtful management book ever.”

Catmull has experienced huge success since Pixar released Toy Story, its first feature film, in 1995. The Pixar team has consistently produced hits including "Finding Nemo", "Up" and "The Incredibles", while continually raising the bar for computer animation.

How has animation changed since Pixar released its first film? What advice would Catmull give to encourage a creative work environment? How does Catmull divide his responsibilities as president of both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation?

Guest:  

Dr. Ed Catmull, Ph.D., Co-Founder and President, Pixar Animation Studios, Five-time Academy Award recipient, Author of“Creativity Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration”

 

Is the New York Times firing of Jill Abramson indicative of pay equity problems?

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New York Times Cities For Tomorrow Conference - Cocktail Reception

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 21: Executive Editor for The New York Times Jill Abramson speaks at the cocktail reception for the New York Times Cities for Tomorrow Conference on April 21, 2014 in New York City. ; Credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for the New York Times

The New York Times appointed managing editor Dean Baquet executive editor yesterday after firing Jill Abramson from the paper’s top position.

Abramson was made executive editor in September 2011 and was the first woman ever to lead the New York Times. Abramson’s dismissal follows reports of clashes between her and management at the paper, including an alleged disagreement over pay disparity between Abramson and her predecessor, Bill Keller.

The Times has said that payment and pension plans for Abramson and Keller were “directly comparable,” and in his speech to the surprised newsroom yesterday afternoon, Arthur Sulzberger Jr. said only that he thought “new leadership will improve some aspects of the management of the newsroom.”

Abramson’s departure is already causing ripples in the journalism community -- many female journalists looked up to the editor. The decision has also sparked interest in pay transparency and discussion of pay equity at elite institutions. 

How will this decision impact journalism at the New York Times and beyond? Is compensation equal in the upper echelons of elite institutions? Should payment be more transparent?

Guest:  

David Folkenflik, media correspondent for National Public Radio

Heidi Hartmann, President, Institute for Women's Policy Research;  labor economist whose work focuses on women and the economy, workforce participation and pay equity


Dangerous Rhythm: Why Movie Musicals Matter

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"Dangerous Rhythm: Why Movie Musicals Matter" by Richard Barrios.

Think movie musicals and most people might think Singin’ in the Rain or The Sound of Music. It might not be as dominant a movie genre as before, but the musical is still alive and well in cinema today.

In "Dangerous Rhythm: Why Movie Musicals Matter," historian Richard Barrios explores movie musicals from the first hit, the Jazz Singer, to present-day examples like Chicago and Les Misérables, providing a history of the genre, as well as a touch of backstage gossip of some of its biggest stars.  

Guest:

Richard Barrios, author of “Dangerous Rhythm: Why Movie Musicals Matter” (Oxford University Press, 2014). He’s also the author of “Screened Out: Playing Gay in Hollywood from Edison to Stonewall” (Routledge, 2005)

 

 

FilmWeek: Godzilla, Million Dollar Arm, The Immigrant, and more

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Warner Bros. And Legendary Pictures Preview - Comic-Con International 2013

Actres Elizabeth Olsen and actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson speak onstage at the Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures preview of "Godzilla" during Comic-Con International 2013 at San Diego Convention Center on July 20, 2013 in San Diego, California. ; Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Larry and KPCC film critics Henry Sheehan and Amy Nicholson review this week’s releases, including Godzilla, Million Dollar Arm, The Immigrant, and more. TGI-Filmweek!

Godzilla

Million Dollar Arm

The Immigrant

Guests: 

Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com

Amy Nicholson, film critic for LA Weekly

 

Zillow wants to forecast how much individual homes would cost a year from now

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A suburban tract home for sale in north Downey, Calif., September 2010. ; Credit: Leslie Berestein Rojas/KPCC

Zillow, the real estate database, launched a new service last week predicting how much a home will be worth a year from now. The Zestimate Forecast focuses on 50 million homes, and forecasts are calculated three times a week.

The company uses a variety of variables to come up with the forecast, including the supply of homes, projected local unemployment rate, income growth, foreclosure data and so forth.

How accurate are the forecasts? Would a service like Zestimate Forecast help you make a decision on selling or buying a home?  

Guests:

Svenja Gudell, Director of Economic Research, Zillow, an online real estate database, who is working on the new Zestimate Forecast

Mark Schniepp, Director, California Economic Forecast, an economic consulting firm that forecasts real estate prices in Southern California based out of Santa Barbara; former Senior Economist for the California State Controller's Office, and consulting economist to the California Department of Transportation

Downtown LA developer wants pedestrian bridge to avoid homeless

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Decade-Long Effort To Renew Downtown L.A. Stalls Amid Current Economy

A homeless man sleeps on the sidewalk next to a prepared downtown lot where the new Los Angeles United States Courthouse is supposed to be built but is idle on March 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.; Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

Los Angeles developer Geoffrey Palmer is fighting to erect a walkway between two apartment buildings downtown, arguing that it would protect future residents from a homeless encampment nearby.

The private bridge would cross Temple Street between buildings on either side to allow tenants a route above the homeless people living in a 110 Freeway underpass.

City planners, developers, and residents are debating the issue — critics of the walkway say that these kinds of private bridges demonize the homeless population, which is already being pushed out of the area as it becomes increasingly gentrified.

The Central Area Planning Commission rejected Palmer’s walkway proposal last month, but a new appeal from Councilman Jose Huizar and Palmer is asking the commission to overturn its decision. Huizar focuses on business in the area, and connecting residents to shops and neighbors, and his supporters contend that the new buildings and the walkways will help add to Downtown’s vibrant community.

Can private walkways really contribute to a bustling street scene downtown? How does a community create a sense of safety and togetherness? Is it fair to create a bridge for apartment residents to pass over the a homeless encampment?

Guests: 

Patricia Diefrenderfer, senior city planner with the Department of City Planning Los Angeles, project manager for The Transit Neighborhood Plans

To hear this segment, click on the "Listen Now" icon in the upper left.

Is there a link between agricultural irrigation and earthquakes?

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A sign marking the location of the San Andreas fault in California.; Credit: goingslo/Flickr (cc by-nc-nd)

Scientists noticed an increased occurrence of earthquakes in southern Monterey County, close to Parkfield, California. Stumped as to why, Colin B. Amos, assistant professor of geology at Western Washington University, and his team set-out to find an answer.

Just a few days ago, their report was released with a possible reason: the pumping of groundwater in the Central Valley. Since the mid-1800s, groundwater has been pumped to irrigate the surrounding farms and cities.

Today, the Central Valley produces one-quarter of the United States’ food, including 40% of its fruits and nuts. It’s the second-most-pumped aquifer system in the nation. Amos’ report suggests that the earth, no longer pinned down by the heavy groundwater, uplifts, resulting in small earthquakes.

Does this mean humans are responsible for these earthquakes? Has the pumping of massive amounts of groundwater over the past 150 years, disturbed the earth’s upper crust? Could little quakes influence bigger quakes in Los Angeles or San Francisco? Or, could little quakes release tension on the San Andreas fault, leading to a lesser possibility of the Big One?

Guests:

Bill Hammond, Research Professor at the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology; Co-Author of the study

Tom Holzer, research geologist with the Earthquake Hazards Team of U.S. Geological Survey

 

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