A Los Angeles County freeway on Dec. 1, 2009.; Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority gave its support this week for a $6 billion proposal to widen the 710 Freeway.

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the plan would add one lane in each direction between Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach and the 60 Freeway in East Los Angeles. It could also make changes to 24 major streets and displace an estimated 436 people, many of which live in low income areas.

But the 710 corridor is a path for tens of thousands of trucks to access the ports of L.A. and Long Beach and Metro argues that as the number of trucks increase, congestion is rising. So will a wider freeway make for a better traffic flow?

Guests:

Martin Wachs, distinguished professor emeritus of urban planning at UCLA

Adrian Martinez, staff attorney at the environmental law firm, EarthJustice

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

A pedestrian walks past a 7-Eleven store on January 10, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.; Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Last month, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents raided 7-11 convenience stores across the country.

Managers were served audit notices and all-in-all, 21 workers were arrested.

The audits and raids sent a shockwave through immigrant communities across the country, including right here in Los Angeles, where one of the 7-11 stores that was raided is located.

We’re asking AirTalk listeners: how are employers talking to undocumented employees about recent ICE raids? How are employees talking to each other and what are those conversations like? If you run or work at a business where undocumented workers have been an integral part of the operation of the business, how are you dealing with the audits and raids? Are you changing hiring practices or vetting employees in a different way? What conversations are you hearing your employees or co-workers have?

Correction: An earlier version of this article identified KIWA as the Korean Immigrant Workers Association instead of the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Association. We have made a correction and apologize for the error.

Guests:

José Eduardo Sánchez, director of organizing for Koreatown Immigrant Workers Association (KIWA)

Davis Bae, regional managing partner at the Seattle office of Fisher Phillips, a national labor and employment law firm that represents employers, where he also co-chairs their immigration practice

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

The Amazon website is seen on December 5, 2017 in Dandenong, Australia.; Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed last week to take up a case that would overturn a 1992 decision exempting retailers with no physical presence in a state from collecting state sales tax.

As reported by Reuters, the South Dakota appeal was made following a lower court decision in favor of Wayfair Inc., Overstock.com Inc. and Newegg Inc. Main Street retail supporters like the National Retail Federation are in favor of requiring online businesses to collect state sales tax, regardless of where the company is based. They say the move would even the playing field in the digital age. Since these sales tax requirements were lifted before the online sales boom, trade groups in favor of local retail stores also say the exemption is antiquated.

E-commerce advocates such as NetChoice argue that a change in the law would stifle innovation, putting undue burdens on businesses that don’t have a store, office or warehouse in states where purchases are made.

So how would these state sales tax charges work if the law is overturned? And what would the impact to local brick-and-mortar retailers be if state sales taxes are not required for in-state online retailers?

Guests:

Steve DelBianco, president of NetChoice, an e-commerce trade association group

Rachelle Bernstein, vice president and tax counsel at the National Retail Federation

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

In this photo illustration, twenty and five dollar bills are displayed on August 29, 2017 in San Anselmo, California.; Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Whether it was your first glimpse of a weekly allowance or watching your friend get a shiny new car, it’s amazing how our memories affect the way we think about money.

Family financial values play a big part in how we handle our investments as adults. But what if your parents never talked about the bills? Or, maybe money was an open subject and you had to pitch-in at an early age. Maybe Mom and Dad had great investments and showed you how to do the same.

Gaby Dunn, host of the “Bad With Money” podcast, remembers how her mom, a lawyer, would barter with people in need who couldn’t pay for legal services. And that shaped how Dunn measured her own financial worth as a freelancer.

AirTalk wants to hear about the memories that formed your views about money. Was there a specific moment when your parents spoke to you about paying the bills? Did money remain a mystery until you earned your first paycheck? Does financial planning feel overwhelming due to past circumstances? And how did the way you handle money evolve over time?

Call us at 866-893-5722.

Guests:

Gaby Dunn, writer and host of “Bad With Money” a financial planning podcast; her upcoming book, "Bad With Money" is due out later this year; she tweets @gabydunn

Delia Fernandez, fee-only certified financial planner and investment advisor with Fernandez Financial Advisory, LLC

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

A finger is posed next to the Snapchat app logo on an iPad on August 3, 2016 in London, England.; Credit: Carl Court/Getty Images

There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the videos taken during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.

As CNN reported, a student shot video of classmates who were hiding in their classroom as the gunman opened fire. News outlets advise viewer discretion, but there are questions about whether these videos should be shown at all, and what the rules are in obtaining clips from minors.

On the law enforcement side, it’s unclear whether videos could help improve future tactics in active shooter situations, or reveal game plans that are best kept secret. And what does video use mean for investigations?

Larry speaks to a panel of law, media ethics and security experts to find out more about the growing use of videos taken during shootings.

Guests:

Todd M. Keil, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, from 2009 to 2012); for 23 years, he was a special agent with the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service

Jane Kirtley, professor of media ethics and law at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota

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

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

Sheriff vehicles are seen at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, a city about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Miami on February 14, 2018 following a school shooting.; Credit: MICHELE EVE SANDBERG/AFP/Getty Images

Yesterday in Parkland, Flor., 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz allegedly walked into his old high school with an AR-15 and open fired.

17 people were shot and killed, and a multitude of other were injured.

At this point in time, police have reportedly identified all the victims and will be releasing their names later today.

Law enforcement is also investigating the troubled past of Cruz, whose adoptive mother had recently died and was living with friends.

This morning, President Trump gave a speech offering his condolences and support to the Parkland community and those affected by the shooting. The topic of gun control was not addressed, but the president did speak of actions needed in better addressing mental health disorders, and stated that school safety was now a top priority for his administration.

We get the latest from a Florida reporter and discuss Trump’s speech and its implications.

Guests:

Louis Nelson, breaking news reporter for Politico based in Arlington, VA; he tweets @louisjnelson

Vic Micolucci, anchor and reporter at WJXT, a TV news station in Jacksonville, FL; he is in Parkland covering the story; he tweets @WJXTvic

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

Civil rights Leaders hold hands as they lead a crowd of hundreds of thousands at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Washington DC, August 28, 1963.; Credit: Express Newspapers/Getty Images

Financially, middle class African-Americans are better off than they have been in decades past.

But when you look at their growth compared to that of other ethnic groups, the progress is comparatively slow. Some even say that progress has plateaued or is dropping off.

In 2017, analysis of census data showed African-Americans were the only racial group in the country earning less money than they were in the year 2000. Two years earlier, in 2015, researchers at Stanford University published a study that pointed to the neighborhood gap as one of the major factors behind racial disparities across the U.S. Using census data, the researchers discovered that even among black and white families who made the same amount of money each year, white families were more likely to live in a “good” neighborhoods with good schools, parks, day-care, etc. What the researchers said was even more striking is that they found typical middle-income black families live in neighborhoods where the average income is lower than a neighborhood where your average low-income white family.    

Some might say there’s also an issue of segregation among middle class African-Americans. While education and job opportunities are now more accessible than they have been in the past for middle class blacks, many families have been sequestered into neighborhoods with low home values, which can leads to disparity in opportunities. In this 2016 op-ed from the New York Times, author Henry Louis Gates, Jr. points to the work of Harvard sociologist William Julius Wilson, who argues that there are two groups within Black America: the haves and the have-nots. And the haves, some argue, don’t like being associated with those they believe are ‘have nots.’

Today on AirTalk, Larry Mantle looks back at the history of the rise of the black middle class, and talks with expert historians about what the past can tell us about what the future may hold.

Guests:

Stefan Bradley, Ph.D., chair of the African American Studies department at Loyola Marymount University; his research focuses on post-WWII Black communities in America

Jody Armour, professor of law at USC

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

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, special counsel on the Russian investigation, leaves following a meeting with members of the US Senate Judiciary Committee at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on June 21, 2017. ; Credit: AFP Contributor/AFP/Getty Images

A week that began with the hope that an open debate on the Senate floor would result in a DACA fix has stalled after four immigration proposals were blocked Thursday.

One of the proposals was a bipartisan measure that would have given $25 billion to border security as well as a road to citizenship for DACA recipients. Another was a measure that would have carried out Trump’s proposal to create a path to citizenship in exchange for border wall funding and limits to legal immigration.

So what happens next? Has an immigration agreement stalled for good? And what does this mean for DACA recipients?  

Plus, news broke today when the DoJ announced Friday that special counsel Robert Mueller has indicted 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities in the Russia probe, including a Kremlin-linked internet research firm called the Internet Research Agency.

Mueller charged the defendants with conspiracy to defraud to United States.

The indictment said the Internet Research Agency had a “strategic goal to sow discord in the US political system,” using social media to disseminate fake information to U.S. audiences.

You can read the indictment here. 

Larry talks with Bloomberg Congressional reporter Laura Litvan to get the latest.

Guest:

Laura Litvan, Congressional reporter for Bloomberg News; she tweets @LauraLitvan

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

A budtender displays cannabis at the Higher Path medical marijuana dispensary in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California, December 27, 2017.; Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

A California bill introduced Wednesday would keep employees from losing their jobs if they test positive for medical cannabis use.

As reported by the Cannifornian, the proposal, AB 2069, would also prevent businesses from refusing to hire people because they use medical marijuana. A growing number of states have put similar laws into practice. And Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), who introduced the bill, argues that the change would help people from turning to opioids for pain relief.

AB 2069 wouldn’t protect workers such as pilots, pipeline workers and boat crew members who must be tested under federal law for marijuana use. Proponents of the bill also say that the current testing system detects marijuana that could have been ingested weeks or even months earlier.

So what are the drawbacks of the bill? And how do employers feel about this proposal?

Guests:

Ellen Komp, deputy director for California NORML, a cannabis legislation advocacy group

Todd Wulffson, labor employment defense attorney and partner at the law firm, Carothers, DiSante & Freudenberger in Irvine

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

Nikolas Cruz, 19, a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where he allegedly killed 17 people, is seen on a closed circuit television screen during a bond hearing in front of Broward Judge Kim Mollica at the Broward County Courthouse on February 15, 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.; Credit: Pool/Getty Images

As more details surface from Wednesday’s deadly attack on a Parkland, Florida high school, the 19-year-old accused shooter fits into a familiar narrative: Lone wolf. Depressed. Troubled.

But aside from being anti-social, there were a number of signs that posed Nikolas Cruz as a serious threat. In a new statement just released by the FBI, a source close to Cruz had called the FBI’s tipline about Cruz's potential to carry out a school shooting, including his “gun ownership, desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts [...]”

The statement also said that established FBI protocols were not followed.

Other sources show that a threatening comment was posted onto YouTube by the username “Nikolas Cruz” in September. “I’m going to be a professional school shooter,” it said. Cruz's violent behavior towards animals was also reported by neighbors, including shooting chickens with BB guns, poking sticks down rabbit holes and killing squirrels.

When reporting a potentially violent person to authorities, how should law enforcement respond? What are the protocols when receiving numerous complaints that include both true risks and false alarms?

Guests:

Ron Hosko, president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to law enforcement professionals; former Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigation Division at the FBI (2012-2014)

Eugene O’Donnell, professor of law and police science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice; former NYPD officer and former prosecutor in Kings County, New York

Alex Yufik, Psy.D., board certified forensic psychologist and licensed attorney; in his  private practice, he sees patients and conducts forensic evaluations in criminal and civil cases

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

Tyra Heman (R) a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, holds a sign that reads, 'Enough No Guns,' in front of the school where 17 people that were killed on February 14, on February 19, 2018 in Parkland, Florida.; Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Gun control advocates are calling for a national walkout at schools across the country.

The planned March 14th event follows last Wednesday’s mass shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school. The organizers are calling on Congressional and state legislators to tighten gun restrictions.

How far might the walkouts extend and will they have a political effect?

Guest:

Sergio Bustos, senior editor of POLITICO Florida; he’s been following the story

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

California state Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, left, listens as lawmakers debate a recall election measure Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Sacramento.; Credit: Rich Pedroncelli/AP

Paid signature-gathering has been a part of the ballot initiative process since its inception in Oregon the early 20th century, but a California Senator is aiming to change that by proposing a bill that would ban signature-gatherers from collecting payment on a per-signature basis.

Fullerton Democrat Josh Newman says that signature-gatherers are already powerful agents for advancing ballot initiatives, and that paying them only incentivizes them further to go to any lengths to get a signature. “Too often,” he says, “this includes misrepresenting the purpose of the petition or straight out lying to get voters to sign. This is fraud, plain and simple, and it damages the integrity of the process. Voters have a right to know that what they are signing is actually what they will be voting for on the ballot.”

If passed, the bill would levy a fine of $25,000 or $50 per signature, whichever is greater, against the organizations that employ the signature-gatherers who are being paid per-signature. The signature-gatherers themselves could also be fined up to $1,000 for participating. The bill would not prohibit paid signature-gathering altogether, just the practice of being paid for each signature gotten.

Critics of the bill say this proposal could face significant legal and constitutional hurdles as it moves through the legislative process. Similar bills have been proposed in the past but have ultimately been vetoed by the governor at the time.

Today on AirTalk, Larry speaks with the state senator behind the bill and an expert on signature-gathering for ballot initiatives to explain how this would change the process.

Guests:

Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), California State Senator representing Senate District 29, which encompasses portions of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties including Anaheim, Chino Hills, Fullerton, West Covina and Yorba Linda; he is the author of SB 1394, which would prohibit signature gatherers from being paid per-signature

David McCuan, professor and chair in the department of political science at Sonoma State University

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

The Sheriff's Department Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles, California on January 30, 2015. ; Credit: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

A San Francisco case of a defendant with bail set at $350,000 is getting a lot of attention.

The defendant, 64-year-old Kenneth Humphrey, is accused of stealing a $5 bottle of cologne and has been detained since May because he cannot make bail. Last month, this prompted a state appeals court to order a new bail hearing for Humphrey, setting off a new standard for the state.

In the current system, bail amounts are determined by a chart, not the defendant’s income. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced today that he will not appeal a state appellate court’s ruling in the case and, in a Sacramento news conference, said that setting high bail for low income defendants perpetuates a poverty cycle. Rather than continue with the traditional system, Becerra advocates for setting bail into fixed amounts depending on the defendant’s charges and record.

But Los Angeles County District Attorney Eric Siddall has pointed out that Humphrey had four prior robbery offenses, and many critics of bail reform argue that bail has already been set to match the defendant’s potential threat to the public. So what do you think about the suggested change? Should a person’s income be considered when setting bail?

Guests:

Jeff Adachi, the public defender of San Francisco

Eric Siddall, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney; vice president of the Association of Los Angeles Deputy District Attorneys, a collective bargaining agent representing nearly 1,000 Deputy District Attorneys who work for Los Angeles County

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

Csosplayers watch the film "Black Panther" in 3D which featuring Oscar-winning Mexico born Kenyan actress Lupita Nyongo during Movie Jabbers Black Panther Cosplay Screening in Nairobi, Kenya, on February 14, 2018.; Credit: YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images

Over President’s Day weekend, Disney-Marvel’s “Black Panther” smashed the box office, bringing in over $200 million opening weekend and labeling it Fandango’s fourth biggest pre-seller of all time, just on the heels of the last three “Star Wars” movies.

Based on Marvel Comics’ original 60’s character and set in the fictional African country of Wakanda, Ryan Coogler’s film actually isn’t the first black superhero movie. But it is the first to break international attention – and with promise. Circulating hashtags like #BlackPantherSoLit, #WelcometoWakanda and #WakandaCametoSlay reveal that early viewers are backing the hype.

The film is a defining moment for the black community, many of whom have waited an entire lifetime to see a Blockbuster cast and story line devoted to Afrocentrism. It’s also a defining moment for black women as the film embraces female power.

So if you’ve seen “Black Panther,” we want to hear from you: did it deliver? And if you haven’t seen it, beware of spoilers! Call us at 866-893-5722.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjDjIWPwcPU

Guest:

Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com; he tweets @CinemaInMind

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

The Rev. Billy F. Graham speaks to the crowd on a rainy night October 7, 2004 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.; Credit: Larry W. Smith/Getty Images

The Rev. Billy Graham, who transformed American religious life through his preaching and activism, becoming a counselor to presidents and the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, died Wednesday at 99-years-old.

Graham, who long suffered from cancer, pneumonia and other ailments, died at his home in North Carolina, spokesman Mark DeMoss told The Associated Press.

Graham had a history with Los Angeles, drawing nearly 350,000 people in downtown Los Angeles in a span of eight weeks back in 1949, the attention feeding his rise to fame. He returned to Southern California for more speaking super events, completely filling out the stands and field of the Memorial Coliseum in 1963.

Larry talks to president of the Fuller Theological Seminary Mark Labberton about Graham’s connections with Hollywood and Los Angeles media, as well as what he meant to the post-war generation and the religious community of L.A.

With files from the Associated Press.

We learned this morning that Rev. Billy Graham had passed away at 99, @LarryMantle’s first thought was to his connection to and impact on Los Angeles, where he really made his name nationally. We'll look back on Graham's place in L.A. religious history today at 11:50a on @KPCCpic.twitter.com/2Zq9X5B2VB

— AirTalk (@AirTalk) February 21, 2018

Guest:

Mark Labberton, president of Fuller Theological Seminary

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

California state Sen. Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, announces that he will take a month-long leave of absence while an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against him are completed during the opening day of the Senate in Sacramento, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018.; Credit: Steve Yeater/AP

A wave of sexual harassment allegations have swept the California Legislature since the #MeToo movement.

Yesterday, a state Senate investigation has released its findings on claims against Sen. Tony Mendoza, which found that the Democratic lawmaker likely engaged in “unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior” toward six women.

The Senate could vote this week on whether disciplinary action will be taken against Democratic Sen. Tony Mendoza.

Meanwhile, Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, who remains on leave amid sexual misconduct allegations against her, ramped up her defense Tuesday. Garcia, a vocal leader in the #MeToo movement, says claims against her are a political smear designed to discredit her record.

She is accused of playing a drinking game and groping a former male legislative staffer.

Larry speaks with a panel of guests on these latest developments.

Guests:

Melody Gutierrez, political reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle; she’s been following this story; she tweets @Melody Gutierrez

Sue M. Bendavid, employment law attorney in Los Angeles with Lewitt Hackman; she represents companies and management in seuxal harassment allegations

Ed Soule, an associate professor at Georgetown University’s business school; his areas of expertise include business ethics and corporate social responsibility

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

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck addresses the media at Police Headquarters in Los Angeles, California on October 20, 2014.; Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck surprised many in January when he announced he will be retiring in June, nearly a year and a half before his current term as police chief is supposed to end.

Serving the citizens of Los Angeles for over 40 years has been the honor of a lifetime. Leading the men and women of the #LAPD -my family- has been a privilege I never thought I’d be worthy of. Today, I am announcing my retirement effective June 27th of this year.

— Chief Charlie Beck (@LAPDChiefBeck) January 19, 2018

When Beck was appointed chief of police in 2009, the LAPD was facing substantial financial restraints and a recovering reputation as it completed anticorruption measures required by the federal government after the Rampart scandal in the late 1990s.

Recently, the department has faced different challenges as trust in police diminished nationwide in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and numerous highly publicized officer-involved civilian deaths.

The LAPD has been the subject of its own controversial officer-involved shootings, which have also played a hand in the lengthy debate over when and how the department should release officer body cam footage from similar critical incidents.

When Chief Beck joined AirTalk for his monthly check-in, we asked him why he decided to leave his post early, which qualities he considers the most important for his successor to have and whether he’ll be consulted at all in the selection process.

Interview Highlights

On his unexpected decision to retire a year and a half before his term is up:

It’s always a tough decision when to leave. I don’t do the job for my own gratification, I do it for the organization. This organization’s been part of my life since the day I was born, literally, and it’s very important to me what happens in it and to it when I’m gone, so I’ve always wanted to pick the right time to go, and I think a couple of things influenced me on this.

One of them was that I think we have the right people in place to make a good decision about who will be the next chief, and then I also think we have a good pool of candidates available from within the department and also recently retired from the department, so that there’ll be good continuity in the processes that both Bill Bratton and I have put into place.

So, you know, timing is everything. It’s not quite two years early, it’s a year and five months early — but I think if I waited longer, it would be more difficult for the city to get the right chief.

On why he thinks the next chief should have a history of working in the LAPD:

For police management, generally when things are going well, it makes sense to stay — if you have proper candidates — it makes sense to stay within, because it supports the ongoing efforts of the current people in the department. Generally, when you go outside it’s because either you don’t have any good candidates available on the inside or there’s a crisis that demands changed leadership, and that changed leadership isn’t always best done from somebody that grew up in the organization.

So, I mean, every organization requires different timing. I think the chief has to be the right chief for his or her time in history. That’s the most important thing. I don’t think that I would have been the right choice in 2002, when Bratton became chief, and I think that I was good choice in 2009 when I became chief.

I think there was a big difference in the needs of the organization at the time, and that’s what you’re looking for, is a chief that fulfills the needs of the organization and the city.

On the qualities he thinks it’s most important for his successor to have:

You need somebody that engenders trust outside and inside the department. You need somebody that is good as a spokesperson for the department, is good with the media and is thoughtful about what he or she says. You need somebody that is well-grounded in policing, that isn’t going to need a lot of outside help to make the nuts-and-bolts type decisions that a chief has to make regarding law enforcement and those kind of things.

So, you know, it’s a difficult job and I think it’s been more difficult over the last couple of years than it has in the past decade or so, because of the national conversation and some really horrific things that have happened in other departments that reflect badly on the profession.

On how the next chief can attract qualified and diverse recruits:

To push some light on this, right now the Los Angeles Police Department is larger than it’s ever been: 10,088 police officers. We’ve never been bigger than that, and actually this is the largest we’ve ever been so, you know, we are getting enough recruits.

I think that we need to continue to strive for diversity. I encourage folks that bring a different face than is commonly thought of to policing to apply, and we do a number of outreach efforts to make sure that happens. But, you know, the reality is that we are able to hire qualified candidates, but – to your point – I think it’s important that we continue outreach so we get a diverse field.

On the prominent presence of Latino officers in the LAPD:

It’s actually right at 48 percent, which is coincidentally exactly the population breakdown of the city of Los Angeles. We will soon be a majority Latino, and as a matter of fact, I haven’t checked in the last couple of weeks, so we may be now.

I mean, that demographic is very attracted to policing for a number of reasons. It is an excellent pathway to middle America, you know, to the middle class, and has been for a number of groups that are first- or second-generation immigrants over history.

You know the stereotypical Irish cop? Well that was because that was an immigrant group that was trying to move up into the middle class, and that’s traditionally been the role of policing, and I think that we should celebrate that. That’s a great thing.

On the department’s gender, ethnicity and veteran status demographic breakdown:

We’re about 20 percent vets, about 20 percent female. Almost half Hispanic, about 10 percent African-American and almost 10 percent Asian/Pacific Islander — so pretty diverse.

On how many Latino officers can speak Spanish well enough to communicate with L.A.’s Spanish-speaking community:

Well, enough that it isn’t a big issue with us anymore. You know, for years, trying to get enough officers that spoke Spanish or Korean or any of the many many languages that are commonly spoken in Los Angeles was difficult.

But our diversity is such that now it isn’t that hard. So I can’t give you that percentage, but I can tell you that we used to have a pay incentive for speaking Spanish, and now it’s so common that it’s almost a moot point.

On if there’s a strong likelihood that L.A.’s next chief of police will be a woman:

Oh, absolutely, and I won’t get into individuals — I don’t think that’s appropriate, particularly during this election process — but there are a number of candidates, more than one, that are female… just happen to be female and are eminently qualified to do the job, so I think that that may be something that happens.

On whether he expects the Police Commission to consult him during their review and recommendation process for the next chief:

Well, I expect it because that’s what they’ve said. Both the mayor and the Commission have said that they will talk to me, listen to me. One of the things about being around for as long as I have is almost, well, anybody that could be a serious candidate is somebody I know and have known for decades, and have known either not only as the chief, but as a peer and sometimes even as a subordinate. You learn a lot about people when they don’t work for you, so I have a lot of detail on all the candidates.

Other topics discussed include:

• The Police Commission’s new proposal to automatically release video footage of “critical incidents” that result in civilian deaths within 45 days of the event

• The LAPD’s protocol when notified of “creepy” behavior like that exhibited by Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz when the tip does not include concrete evidence

• A check-in on the investigation into where a 12-year-old girl got the gun that “unintentionally” went off in Sal Castro Middle School

• Why the number of arrests of homeless people has increased, and what other options officers have besides making an arrest

• An update on the viral altercation between an officer and a Metro rider in January that had some saying the LAPD used excessive force– plus, what are officers supposed to do when Metro riders don’t follow the rules?

• How the LAPD organizes eyewitness lineups in the wake of a new bill looking to change lineup standards

• Why the LAPD is still offering the Deferred Retirement Option Plan to veteran officers after an LA Times investigation found that many participants go out on leave for extended periods of time after enrolling, allowing them to collect their salary and pension simultaneously without working

• What you should do if you think you might be a victim of a phone scam, which are on the rise in SoCal

• The LAPD’s new inspector general

Guest:

Charlie Beck, chief of police of the Los Angeles Police Department; last month, he announced his retirement; his last day as chief will be June 27, his 65th birthday

This story has been updated.

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

The Red Line at 7th Street/Metro Center.; Credit: Todd Johnson/KPCC

Phil Washington returns for his recurring visit with AirTalk to discuss the latest MTA news.

Topics include:

• Metro’s support for the widening of the 710 freeway

• Washington’s reaction to the Nava/Lechuga incident, and what the expectations are of the LAPD when handling code-of-conduct situations

• Ager Linder’s recent sexual assault conviction and moving forward with the prevention of sexual harassment on the Metro; also, a review of Metro’s policing changes and recent data on its results

• Metro ridership is the lowest it’s been in a decade – why? And how is Metro competing with rising car-ownership?

• The current state and future of Metro’s bike sharing operation

• The closing and construction of the Crenshaw and Green Lines, and the advancement of LAX’s people mover

• Details regarding AECOM and John Laing’s proposal to assist with the Vermont Avenue Transit Corridor

• What goes into choosing the artwork on and around LA’s metro system?

• Possible changes to Metro fares – what they are, what the end-goal is and how will they be enforced

• Celebrating Metro’s 25th birthday

Guest:

Phil Washington, CEO of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro)

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

The "YouTube" logo is seen on a tablet screen on December 4, 2012.; Credit: LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images

YouTube has changed the world – with cat videos, double rainbows and ‘Despacito.’

There’s no true recipe for cooking up a viral video, but when they do break, the way we obsess over them tells a lot about us as human beings and our evolving society.

Kevin Allocca, head of culture and trends at YouTube, has spent almost a decade tracking the Internet’s most beloved video sensations and trends. From double rainbows, to “Charlie bit my finger,” to music videos that break billions of views, YouTube has redefined the way we consume entertainment and connect with people around the world.

Allocca details the wacky, surprising and intriguing phenomena of online videos in his new book, “Videocracy: How YouTube Is Changing the World...with Double Rainbows, Singing Foxes, and Other Trends We Can’t Stop Watching.”

He joins Larry Mantle to give us the scoop.

Kevin Allocca will be discussing his new book, “Videocracy,” tonight, Thursday, Feb 22, at the Diesel bookstore in Santa Monica. The event starts at 6:30 p.m.

Guest:

Kevin Allocca, YouTube’s head of culture and trends; author of “Videocracy: How YouTube Is Changing the World . . . with Double Rainbows, Singing Foxes, and Other Trends We Can’t Stop Watching;” he tweets @shockallocca

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

Harvey Weinstein speaks during a panel discussion after a screening of the documentary "Bully" at MPAA on March 15, 2012 in Washington, D.C.; Credit: Kris Connor/Getty Images for The Weinstein Co.

After months of high-profile accusations, the rape allegation of an Italian model against Harvey Weinstein might be the case that will bring him to trial.

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the Italian model-actress accuses Weinstein of rape in her Beverly Hills hotel room five years ago. The case may work in her favor due to who she told soon after the alleged assault, but there is little physical evidence of the incident and no proof as of yet that Weinstein was at the hotel.

But in California, testimony is admissible in court from other women accusing Weinstein of sexual misconduct, even if the allegations don’t end in criminal charges. This could prove a pattern of behavior, that may lead to a conviction. There are reportedly 85 allegations of sexual misconduct against the Hollywood mogul. The L.A. County District Attorney’s office will decide whether to file the case.

Weinstein’s attorneys have said he never engaged in non-consensual sex acts.

Larry speaks to legal experts today to find out more about whether there’s a strong case against Weinstein.

Guests:

Dmitry Gorin, a former sex crimes prosecutor in the Los Angeles DA’s office and a criminal defense attorney

Ambrosio Rodriguez, former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney; he led the sex crimes team in the Riverside D.A.’s office

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