This long-exposure photograph taken on April 23, 2015 on Earth Day shows Lyrids meteors shower passing near the Milky Way in the clear night sky of Thanlyin, nearly 14miles away from Yangon. ; Credit: YE AUNG THU/AFP/Getty Images

In the mid-1800’s several women worked as human computers at Harvard College’s Observatory.

Their job was to interpret what their male co-workers saw while looking through telescopes at the night sky. Later, with the advent of photography, the same women studied the stars captured on glass photographic plates. Their discoveries attracted worldwide acclaim and their classification system for stars is still used today. 

Dana Sobel’s book, “The Glass Universe” tells the story of this group of women who were pioneers in a field dominated by men. Now, decades later, the half-million plates they studied are being digitized for ongoing research.

Guest:

Dava Sobel, author of “The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars” (Viking, 2016) as well as a former science reporter for the New York Times

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

A GoPro Hero 4 camera is displayed at the 2015 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 6, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.; Credit: David Becker/Getty Images

Ever find an old Walkman in your parent's house? What about a Gameboy you played as a kid? The feature of these gadgets - music, games, camera -are increasingly integrated into the one true smartphone.

Today, we are experiencing a real decline in small personal electronics, according to Farhad Manjoo, technology columnist at The New York Times. In his recent column, Manjoo declares that "winter is coming for gadget." Indeed, with the Fitbit's acquisition of smartwatch maker Pebble, the outlook for single-function devices isn't optimistic. But gadgets might be taking on a different form in today's tech landscape. Fitbit, the company that bought out Pebble, makes fitness tracker -- a gadget in its own right. In addition, there are more drones humming overhead than ever; there are more internet-connected hoverboards than ever. Some might even call a Tesla vehicle a “gadget” because of  its connectivity and applications.

So where is the state of gadgetry right now? And how are gadget companies evolving as the market becomes saturated? What’s your most memorable gadget from the past?

Guests:

Farhad Manjoo, The New York Times Technology Columnist. His recent column is titled “The Gadget Apocalypse Is Upon Us;" he tweets @fmanjoo

Ashley Carman, Tech reporter at the Verge. Her recent article is titled “No, Gadgets Aren’t Dead;” she tweets @ashleyrcarman

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

On Alvarado Street across from MacArthur Park vendors set up shop to sell clothing, technology and more. ; Credit: Ken Scarboro/KPCC

Street vending in L.A. could be legalized if a measure passes at today's city council committee meeting. The measure, which was proposed by councilmembers Joe Buscaino and Curren Price would legalize street vending in the city. As reported by KPCC, conditions for street vendors will include permission from adjacent brick and mortar businesses and allowing for a maximum of four street vendors, two on each side of the street, per block.

So how will this affect brick-and-mortar businesses and street vendors? Larry speaks to Buscaino today to find out more.

Guests: 

Joe Buscaino, L.A. City Councilmember representing District 15 which includes San Pedro and Harbor City; he co-wrote the proposal to legalize street vending

Rudy Espinoza, Executive Director at the Leadership for Urban Renewal Network; he is part of the steering committee for the L.A. Street Vending campaign.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

President-elect Donald Trump looks on during at the DeltaPlex Arena, December 9, 2016 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. ; Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Weekend reports found that some in the intelligence community believe Russia released hacked emails to aide President-elect Donald Trump. A bipartisan group in the Senate is calling for an investigation.

In our weekly politics roundtable, we’ll look at the Obama Administration’s call for intelligence agencies to do a full report on any efforts by Russia to influence the recent election and hear from ranking Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff on what the next investigative steps are now that both the FBI and CIA have reported possible cyber-meddling in the U.S. election.

Guests:

Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), U.S. Congressman and ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee

Mike Madrid, Republican strategist for Grassroots Lab, a firm based in Sacramento

Ed Espinoza, Democratic strategist and director of Progress Texas, a political communications firm based in Austin, TX; former Western States Director for the Democratic National Committee in California and a superdelegate in 2008

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

; Credit: William Youngblood

The 2016 election has exposed just how divided our country has become and how little communication there is between those who support Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

AirTalk brings together 8 people – 4 Trump supporters and 4 Clinton voters – for a town hall to talk about their differences, their hopes, their fears for the next 4 years.

They are all Southern Californians, from different walks of life and with  different perspectives.

Tune in Tuesday on AirTalk for the conversation.

Guests:

Trump supporters:

Ben Clymer, chief financial officer of the Body Shop & Collision Centers of Southern California. He lives in Riverside

"How many of us here are entrepreneurs? Many of us. So having someone who's never served their whole life in government -- which let's face it, would any of us say the government is known for efficiency? No! So having a guy from the  private sector his entire life, I think that's what excites me, to see what the economy can really do."

Terrance Lang, a marketing executive who lives in Westchester

"As a Black American from the inner city, let me be really clear: illegal immigration has had a devastating impact on Black Americans. Our schools are overcrowded. The hospitals are overcrowded.... There are no jobs.... You cannot  ask the African American community to be open to this idea of illegal immigration when it does so much harm to my community.... When Trump says, 'what do you have to lose?' when talking to the Black community? What do we have to lose?! Hillary Clinton promised more of the same. 

Mark Ma, an IT professional who lives in Pomona

"We need to make a distinction between rhetoric versus actual policy decisions. He does have moderates in his Cabinet. If I were to guess, when it comes time to implement a vetting process [for Muslim immigrants], it's going to be reasonable and sensible. It's not going to be an outright ban based on a religion."

Francisco Rivera, a janitorial worker who lives in Huntington Park  

"A couple of my family members asked me, ' you being born in Mexico, how can you support Donald Trump?' And I said this, 'Do you support your immigration laws in Mexico? Yes?! That makes you a patriot, right? How can that make you a racist?'"

Clinton supporters

Anabel Cuevas, a project manager in the tech industry who lives in Culver City  

"I am very close to my families. So right away, I have to start thinking about Plan B and C of them getting deported, and my family getting completely broken.... My parents are undocumented....  I think this country is really important with how we talk about law, but at the same time, those laws are not always effective or they are a little outdated. It doesn't take into account how it affects people's safety and livelihood."

Eugene Hung, a content writer for websites who lives in Fullerton

"Part of the problem with Trump, and even now after the election, is that the rhetoric obviously makes a lot of difference to a lot of people....  Even if we assume the policy is going to be somewhat sensible, there's still a lot of danger for a lot of people. There's a Muslim friend of mine, she wears a hijab. She didn't go out of the house for a couple of days after the election.... Rhetoric makes a difference."

Faisal Qazi, a neurologist who lives in Fullerton

"What just saddens me is the fact that Trump supporters are ready and willing to overlook the vitriol coming from that campaign, in that populace anger of theirs, at the expense of other Americans and the future of other Americans."

Mia Shackelford, a college senior at Scripps College in Claremont, majoring in math and economics

"The type of free trade that we've had over the last 50 years has led to a lot of prosperity and also a lot of peace. From an economics perspective, when people are trading with each other, when people's economic well-beings are tied up with each other, it makes it less likely for people to want to bomb each other.... Trump's rhetoric is just, to me, so divorced from any kind of economic thinking, it makes me concerned that the economy might crash, and it also makes me concerned about the rise of global tension."

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) speaks at a news conference on Capitol Hill October 8, 2013 in Washington, DC.; Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) ended her filibuster of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act last Friday, coming short of the 41 votes needed to block the $11 billion bill that would authorize water projects across the nation, according to the San Francisco Gate.

The sweeping legislation, which Boxer co-wrote, has sparked tensions between salmon-fishing conversation groups and urban water growers as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Boxer condemned late additions to the bill by longtime colleague Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) as a “sneak attack” and “midnight rider” that would devastate the nation’s salmon in order to help the San Joaquin Valley’s agribusiness.

Now that the bill has passed, what’s next for Southern Californians? Where exactly will our water go, and what are the environmental concerns against the Endangered Species Act?

Guests:

Doug Obegi, a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council's water program

Roger Patterson, assistant general manager for strategic water initiatives, Metropolitan Water District

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Former Texas Governor Rick Perry arrives at Trump Tower, December 12, 2016 in New York City. ; Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The latest Cabinet picks by President-elect Donald Trump, including the CEO of Exxon Mobil for Secretary of State, could portend lengthy confirmation hearings and fiery bluster in the Senate - from both sides of the aisle.

For now, as reported by the Associated Press, three Republican senators have publicly voiced concerns about the Rex Tillerson nomination to State: Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Marco Rubio of Florida. However, considering the highly partisan choices for other appointments, such as Senator Jeff Sessions for Attorney General, it is possible that Democrats on the Hill will have to choose their battles.

Which nominations could Democrats vote down with the help of some Republican colleagues? Which appointments should Democrats give easier passes to, if any?

Guests: 

Burgess Everett, POLITICO congressional reporter who’s been reporting on this angle

Todd Ruger, Legal Affairs Staff Writer for CQ Roll Call; he’s been reporting on Senator Jeff Sessions’ nomination to be Attorney General

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is seen as former presidential candidate Ben Carson gives him his endorsement during a press conference at the Mar-A-Lago Club.; Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

It’s now been 35 days since Donald Trump won the election and, bolstered by yesterday’s cancellation, he’s delayed holding a press conference longer than any modern president.

Since the 1970s, presidents-elect have held a post-election press conference on average 3.4 days after being elected and never more than 9 days after.

Larry talks with presidential historian Robert Dallek about which presidents come closest to Trump’s adversarial relationship with the press and what the role of press conferences still is in the age of Twitter. Plus, we ask what you want to hear the president-elect answer.

Guest:

Robert Dallek, a presidential historian at Stanford University who has written many presidential biographies including “An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917–1963”

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Men dressed as a Santa drink at a bar called The Hall during the annual SantaCon pub crawl December 12, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.; Credit: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Whether we’re drinking to remember or to forget, there’s no shortage of alcohol from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, as author Sarah Hepola details in a recent piece on NPR’s ‘Fresh Air.’

At your work holiday party talking with your cube mate about your upcoming travel plans? Beer me, helps cut the tension. Aunt Barbara incessantly asking about your love life at the family gathering? Whiskey, neat. But sometimes things go too far and you wake up the next morning with a headache that could slay a walrus and having to answer questions like “How are you feeling today?” or being reminded of what an unstoppable force you were on the dance floor, even if all that booze had done its best to make you forget.

As socially acceptable as it already is, drinking seems to become even more so during the holiday season, which can not only create opportunities for us to make fools of ourselves in front of family, friends, and/or supervisors, but can also alienate those who choose not to partake. If you don’t drink, you can be seen as boring or un-fun. Yet little consideration is given to those who don’t drink, despite the fact that many hosts will go out of their way to accommodate someone who is vegetarian or gluten-free.

What’s your personal policy when it comes to drinking at the holidays? Are you able to moderate yourself or do you have to abstain because it’s either go all-out or don’t drink at all? If you don’t drink, do you feel alienated because of it?

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a rally organized by the Tea Party Patriots against the Iran nuclear deal in front of the Capitol in Washington, DC.; Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

Among the many question marks still surrounding President-elect Donald J. Trump’s transition into office, one of the most pressing continues to be what he will do about the Iran nuclear deal.

Formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Trump vowed during his presidential campaign to dismantle the “disastrous” deal with Iran if he were elected. The landmark agreement is one of the hallmarks of President Obama’s administration and essentially rolled back international sanctions in exchange for Iran agreeing to significantly dial down its nuclear program. While it wasn’t ratified by Congress or formally signed, the member nations of the agreement remain committed to keeping it intact, and while President-elect Trump does have the power to pull the U.S. out of the deal, it’s unclear whether that’s what he meant by ‘dismantling’ the deal or whether he aims to renegotiate it.

What should President-elect Trump do in regards to the Iran nuclear deal? What would happen if he decides to pull the U.S. out? How might he renegotiate it? What can we glean from recent cabinet appointments in terms of how he might proceed? What could happen to relations between the U.S. and other Middle Eastern countries as a result? Who stands to gain/lose the most from the U.S. pulling out of the deal?

Guests:

Ellie Geranmayeh, policy fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Program of the European Council on Foreign Relations

James Phillips, senior research fellow for Middle Eastern affairs at The Heritage Foundation’s Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Garment worker making clothing. ; Credit: Maya Sugarman/KPCC

As we're out shopping, it's easy to forget where our clothes come from.

But for a large portion of “Made in the U.S.A.” items, they're really made in L.A. More than 40,000 people, largely immigrant women, work in clothing factories south and east of Downtown L.A.

According to a recent U.S. Labor Department study, many of those workers are being paid less than what they're legally entitled to receive. The government claims long hours often don't net worker overtime, and per-piece payments to sewing machine operators often fail to reach minimum wage. Some of the biggest names in retail clothing are supplied by these factories, including Ross, TJ Maxx, and Forever 21. A recent op-ed in the L.A. Times argues the problem is rampant in garment factories across Southern California and that the industry has done little about it.

The fashion industry has pushed back on the study, saying it snapshots the small portion of the industry that does operate underground and that it is not a fair portrayal of the industry as a whole, which operates by the books. They say the state and federal government aren’t doing enough to educate people coming into the garment industry on the laws and regulations for workers.

Guests: 

Jessie Kornberg, CEO, Bet Tzedek, a public interest law firm which provides legal aid to garment workers in Los Angeles

Ilse Metchek, president of the California Fashion Association, a group advocating for workers, manufacturers, and suppliers in the garment industry

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

A man works with a power pole in front of a warehouse where a fire claimed the lives of at least thirty-six people on December 5, 2016 in Oakland, California.; Credit: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

The Oakland warehouse fire earlier this month hasn’t just raised anxiety with fans of the underground music scene, it could also affect Angelenos living in unpermitted housing.

As reported by KPCC, City Attorney Mike Feuer has said authorities will be issuing a crackdown in the underground arts and music scene, but the specifics of prioritizing enforcement are unclear.

This has been a growing concern for people in L.A.’s Arts District, where rising rents have been a catalyst for some to take up residence in their place of business or studios.

Have you ever lived in your place of business or your art studio? If so, what was the deciding factor in the trade-off between DIY housing and higher rent?

Here's what some of our listeners had to say:

Trey in Koreatown is an artist and said he's lived in unpermitted housing for most of his life. 

TREY: We find ourselves living in these spaces, especially as artists because we need a place that isn't as precious as a house — if we spill a little paint on the ground it's really no big deal. I've seen so many [unpermitted] spaces that are very beautiful, like if you've walked into an Atomic Ranch magazine home. But I've also seen pretty dangerous [places] too.  

Scott in Studio City is a touring musician and said he's played at places like the Ghost Ship in Oakland. He says the need to work has always outweighed the danger of performing in DIY spaces.

SCOTT: You just have way too many people in a space with one exit; a lot of different art fixtures on the walls, a lot of crowded areas. From a technical aspect, as a musician, you know your gear well and you know when it's functioning properly. So even when you're setting up in an area like that, sometimes the microphones give you shocks, so you know the wiring is not right. We'd make remarks that some of these DIY venue spaces are like death traps.

Jay in Koreatown said he's lived in unpermitted housing in the past, and there should be a compromise between a crackdown and no regulation for places like the Ghost Ship.

JAY: What happened at the Ghost Ship is very rare. I see an overreaction going on here. If we pay just a little supervision to these spaces, they could be slated for living. Especially since they're a reflection on how housing is so overpriced now, and we have this glut of open warehouse spaces that nobody is using. 

Kim in Pasadena said her daughter suffered serious injuries from an accident in unpermitted housing.

KIM: My daughter was living in an unpermitted space in Highland Park. They built a sleeping loft with no railing. She fell off [of the sleeping loft], broke her collar bone and her ribs. She had two skull fractures. We're very fortunate that she's alive. Even the smaller places can be very dangerous.

*Note: These quotes have been edited for clarity

Guests:

Josie Huang, KPCC reporter covering housing and changing neighborhoods

Andy Hermann, LA Weekly music editor; he's been following the underground music scene; he tweets from @andyhermanla

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

A mobile phone screen displays dating apps. ; Credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images

According to a recent Atlantic article, dating apps like Tinder and Hinge may be creating more exhaustion than excitement when thinking about the prospect of meeting someone new.

With the promise of a quick, productive way to filter through all the available people out there, there’s also the chore of swiping through the endless possibilities in the hopes of striking gold.

But are these apps making things harder or is dating just as overwhelming as it’s always been? And if the age-old challenge of finding a mate is to blame, then how have dating apps become a less fun and more fatigue-inducing experience?

Guests:

Julie Beck, senior associate editor at The Atlantic; she wrote the article, “The Rise of Dating App Fatigue”

Julie Albright, Ph.D., professor of psychology at USC’s Dornsife School and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in infidelity, relationship issues and online dating. She tweets @DrJulieA

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

A great number of senior Citzens struggle with various forms of dementia at Villa Albrecht.; Credit: Carsten Koall/Getty Images

When Bakersfield Police shot and killed 73-year-old Francisco Serna Monday it seems officers were not informed Serna was suffering from dementia.

According to Bakersfield Police Chief Lyle Martin, Serna's neighbors who called police said his behavior was bizarre, aggressive, and they thought he was carrying a gun.

Martin said when police encountered Serna, he refused to remove his hand from his jacket pocket and to stop walking toward the officers despite many commands, so a police officer fired seven shots. They later found a crucifix on Serna, but no weapon. Meanwhile Serna's son Rogelio Serna posted a video on Facebook about the shooting Tuesday. "Right across the street is where the police shot my father ... and my dad was not armed," Rogelio said in the video.

He wrote in another post that his father was in the early stages of dementia and would go on small walks when he had trouble sleeping. "Last night he took his last walk," Serna wrote.

This tragedy highlights the challenges of maintaining the safety and stewardship of loved ones with dementia.

Dr. Laura Mosqueda, M.D., a USC specialist in elder care, joins AirTalk to offer her expertise in this area - one that is especially important during the holidays when family visiting aging relatives might encounter signs of decreased functioning.

Guest:

Laura Mosqueda, M.D., Professor of Family Medicine and Geriatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

A picture taken on March 14, 2016 shows tablets and a stethoscope displayed for an illustration on a desktop in Paris.
; Credit: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

Covered California is extending its deadline to enroll for health insurance coverage that begins January 1st. The new deadline is midnight on Saturday, December 17th.

Read the full story here. 

Guests:

Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California

Chad Terhune, senior correspondent for Kaiser Health News and its affiliated news site, California Healthline

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

In this Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, photo, a home under construction and for sale is shown in Roswell, Ga.; Credit: John Bazemore/AP

As many expected, the U.S. Federal Reserve has hiked its benchmark interest rate a quarter of a percentage point from the current 0.25-0.50 range to 0.50-0.75 and says to expect three more rate increases over the course of 2017.

The unanimous vote is seen as a nod of confidence to the economic progress the U.S. has continued to make, though there is still uncertainty moving forward, given the ongoing White House transition and the numerous campaign promises President-elect Trump made, including plans to increase spending and cut taxes. Mortgage rates have also been on a steady rise since Mr. Trump was elected, which some economists say could be a signal that now is the time to buy or sell if you’re looking to do either one.

Today on AirTalk, Larry and two Southern California economists explore what the interest rate hikes could mean for consumers in the short and long term and take a look at the state of Southern California’s housing market.

Guests:

William Yu, economist with the UCLA Anderson Forecast; his areas of expertise include the Los Angeles economy and housing market

Mark Schniepp, director of the California Economic Forecast

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

This Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016 file photo shows tents from a homeless encampment line a street in downtown Los Angeles.; Credit: Richard Vogel/AP

In 2014, California passed Prop 47, releasing thousands of inmates with non-violent, low-level offenses as an attempt to alleviate its overcrowded prisons.

Two years later, The Desert Sun reports that these ex-inmates have only fed into a larger cycle of homelessness, drug addiction and petty crime.

Host Larry Mantle speaks with Jill Castellano of The Desert Sun about the unexpected repercussions of Prop 47, and how attempting to solve one of California’s most pressing problems has only fueled another.

Guest:

Jill Castellano, data investigations editor for The Desert Sun; she tweets @Jill_Castellano

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

President Barack Obama at the 20th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit in Stateline, Nevada, Aug. 31, 2016.; Credit: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

President Obama is holding a press conference before the First Family leaves for winter vacation. Topics expected to come up include Russia and allegations over the country’s intervening in the presidential election, and President-Elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominations.

President Obama Holds a Press Conference 

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas speaks during a news conference.; Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The use of jailhouse informants to help prosecutors convict criminals is in the spotlight in Southern California after the U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday that it would open an investigation into the Orange County District Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Department to determine whether the agencies violated defendants' constitutional right to a lawyer and a fair trial, as well as whether due process rights were violated by failing to disclose evidence.

So,d when can prosecutors use jailhouse informants? And what are the rules that govern them? Chapman University law professor and former federal prosecutor Larry Rosenthal says there are two major factors to consider when using a jailhouse informant.

"The first is once an individual has been charged with a crime...the prosecution can’t deal with them except through a lawyer. An informant can be used to gather evidence that could be used in the pending case only if that informant is entirely passive. That means very careful precautions have to be taken in order to ensure that the informant isn’t actually trying to gather evidence. Second, any information relative to the credibility of that informant has to be disclosed to the defense."

Rosenthal says on the rare occasions that he used jailhouse informants as a prosecutor, it was carefully supervised and informants not only had to acknowledge in writing that they understood the rules, but also had their conversations recorded to ensure there was no active information-gathering going on. He adds that it's unlikely that the Orange County DA will be charged with a crime. In order for that to happen, he says, there would have to be proof that the DA went about trying to deny people their right to a fair trial, and that the evidence here suggests incompetence, not criminal negligence.

"When the OC DA gets pressed [on this issue], they have a very interesting answer. They say, ‘We’re not corrupt. We’re not trying to frame people. We’re just incompetent.’ That’s the real problem here...If we have a district attorney in Orange County who can’t figure out what kinds of reforms are required, that’s the most serious problem. 

Irvine-based criminal defense attorney William Weinberg sees it differently, saying he doesn't rule out criminal prosecution. He thinks this case is important because it shows a systemic effort by the Orange County DA and Sheriff's Department to move informants around the jail, and adds that they even had computer software set up to monitor the informants.

"I think that situation has revealed that it’s almost impossible to get a really fair and honest informant to reveal information about criminal activity because it has to be passively-received information, and that’s very hard. It’s tempting for the jail to do what Orange County Sheriff’s Department did which is develop this completely secret system of cultivating and deploying informants in the jail system."

Weinberg says given how difficult it is to get an honest informant who is only gathering information passively, you'd think defense attorneys like him would lick their chops at the prospect of a prosecutor introducing evidence obtained by a jail informant. But it's often not that simple.

"Most confidential informant cases are at street level. They’re people who have been charged with or suspected of crimes who ended up giving information to help themselves. The problem with licking your chops is you might be looking down at an empty plate because you don’t have all the information necessary to ask the questions you’d like to ask."

Before the investigation, the most notable fallout from the informant scandal has been being thrown off the prosecution of mass murderer Scott Dekraai, who carried out the 2011 Seal Beach salon shooting that left eight people dead. An appeals court judge recently upheld the March 2015 decision that removed Rackauckas' office from the prosecution and turned it over to the state attorney general after evidence and testimony showed that the DA's office had wired Dekraai's cell and gotten a jail informant to obtain information from him while he was represented by a lawyer, which violates his civil rights.

Both the Orange County District Attorney's Office and the Orange County Sheriff's Department have denied intentional wrongdoing and say they welcome the Justice Department's investigation.

Guests:

Larry Rosenthal, professor in the Fowler School of Law at Chapman University and a former federal prosecutor

William Weinberg, criminal defense attorney based in Irvine

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

In this photo illustration, Sarah Ward breast feeds her daughter Esme at home with bottles of Lewis Road Creamery 'Breast Milk' in the foreground. ; Credit: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Infants born at a very low birth weight can greatly benefit from pasteurized, donated breast milk, but families should avoid feeding babies unpasteurized breast milk acquired through the internet or other informal networks because of the risks of contamination, according to a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Read the full story here. 

Guests:

Rebecca Plevin, KPCC’s Health Reporter who has been following the story. She tweets from @rebeccaplevin

Pauline Sakamoto, Executive Director of Mother’s Milk Bank in San Jose, Calif., the only nonprofit donor milk bank licensed in California

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.