What kind of parental rights should sperm donors have?; Credit: culpfiction/Flickr

A new bill proposed by California State Senator Jerry Hill aims to increase parental rights to sperm donors. Under current state law, someone who donates sperm through a sperm bank and does not marry the woman who conceives is not considered the child’s natural father unless the couple agrees to it beforehand. But a case involving actor Jason Patric has gotten Senator Hill and supporters to consider some changes to the law.

In Patric’s case, the actor donated sperm to an ex-girlfriend in 2009 and now wishes to gain partial custody of the child. While Patric claims that the couple agreed to raise the child together and that he has a loving relationship with his 3-year-old son, his ex-girlfriend Danielle Schreiber claims that the couple agreed that Patric would not raise the child.

Under provisions written into the new bill, a person in Patric’s case would be eligible for more parental rights by proving to the court that he openly acknowledges the child as his own, and that he receives the child into his home.

Senator Hill argues that a father cultivating a parental relationship with a child deserves a fair crack at custody. But opponents of the bill worry that it will unfairly empower men and reduce the rights of the women, including women who wish to raise their children alone or lesbian couples who wish to create their own nuclear family.

What would the bill actually accomplish, and to what extent will it be able to affect a judge’s decision when contemplating custody? And who needs more help in the system? Should we be concerned to help fathers who build healthy relationships with their children gain some custody (despite what they and the mothers initially agreed) or to protect women who want to give fathers an entry into the child’s life without giving up control?

Guests:
Carol Chodroff, Juvenile and Family Law Attorney; she also helped draft the California bill.

Patricia Bellasalma, President of the California National Organization for Women

Prescriptions for testosterone for men 40 and older has been on the rise. But are testosterone supplements safe?; Credit: Tommy Hemmert Olesen/Flickr

Television ads for low testosterone therapy claim it can boost libido, increase sexual health, aid in weight loss and reverse fatigue in men over 40, who naturally have lower testosterone levels than they did in their 20s. It's part of a widespread marketing campaign that has been encouraging men to seek out their doctors for treatment. A recent study in the JAMA Internal Medicine found that prescriptions for testosterone for men 40 and older rose 40 percent from 2001 to 2011.

However, despite its popularity, medical professionals are divided about what exactly counts as a low testosterone level and what should be done to treat the symptoms. Many of the symptoms touted by the television ads are typical side effects of age, but could be improved with changes to diet and exercise.   

What are the side effects of testosterone supplements? Is this just the latest direct-to-consumer marketing campaign by pharmaceutical companies or can testosterone therapy help give aging men a safe boost? Have you takes testosterone therapy?

Guests:

John Carmichael, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Karron Power, MD, MPH, hormone replacement and preventive medicine specialist and founder of Youth Renewal Center  

"The American Senate: An Insider's History" by Neil MacNeil and Senate historian Richard Baker

Who holds the record for the longest filibuster? Which Senator won a seat with only $147 in expenditures? Which Senator almost beat a man to death with a cane on the Senate floor? Sometimes it seems like the Senate makes headlines for its antics than its legislation, but according to Senate historian Richard A. Baker, the Senate is so much more than fodder for trivia questions. Baker was appointed the Senate’s first official historian and served from 1975 to 2009.

In his new book co-authored with the late Neil MacNeil, “The American Senate: An Insider’s History;” Baker details how the Senate has changed over time. On one hand, Baker thinks it’s a very different Senate than what the framers of the Constitution had in mind. However, on the other hand, the Senate has maintained its purpose for being a place of “sober, second thought.”

Is the Senate too slow in passing legislation? Is it the consequence of a polarized electorate? What’s the history of the filibuster? What needs to change in the Senate? Richard Baker joins AirTalk to discuss the history of the Senate, his own frustrations with Senate rules and, of course, answer those trivia questions.   

Guest:
Richard A. Baker, co-author of “The American Senate: An Insider’s History;” appointed official Senate historian from 1975-2009

Did culture play a role in the pilots lack of communication before the crash?

The Asiana plane crash in San Francisco this weekend has left everyone with more questions than answers.  The National Transportation Safety Board has said that it would take months, if not years, to complete a full investigation. For some aviation experts, the accident brings to mind an earlier incident, when Korean Air Flight 801 crashed into a hill while flying into an airport in Guam in 1997, killing 223 people.

Writer Malcolm Gladwell wrote about the crash in his 2008 book, "Outliers," and his analysis pointed to Korea's hierarchical culture as the main reason behind the tragic event. In that culture, subordinates simply do not challenge someone more senior than they are. "What they were struggling with was a cultural legacy, that Korean culture is hierarchical," Gladwell said in a Fortune interview. "You are obliged to be deferential toward your elders and superiors in a way that would be unimaginable in the U.S.".

Could this same cultural dynamic have affected the pilot's behaviors on Asiana? Does culture play a role in the crash? Do different cultural norms affect decision making in emergency situations?

Guests:

Gary Katzenstein, a Professor at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley

Captain Ross Rusty Aimer, CEO of Aero Consulting and a former United Airlines Pilot

City planners in Los Angeles are considering a "road diet" that aims to increase bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure while limiting car traffic.; Credit: waltarrrrr/Flickr

Cities across the US are putting their roads on a diet. Trying to meet increasing environmental and public health goals, city planners have adopted a “road diet” platform that aims to increase bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure while limiting car traffic.

In Los Angeles, City Councilman Jose Huizar has been a major political force behind such projects, including an upcoming project that will reduce a lane on a stretch of Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock, and another upcoming project on Broadway Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles. That project, part of the larger Bringing Back Broadway initiative, starts this summer with a temporary “dress rehearsal” that includes a reduction of six traffic lanes to three, expanding the sidewalks and adding public space amenities.

Road diets have been championed not only by researchers and city planners but often by local residents, businesses, and especially bicycle advocates. But not everyone in LA is thrilled about the changes. These projects tend to maximize car traffic thresholds and delay drive times, and some people feel like the city has taken on an advocacy role at the expense of practicality.

What are the factors that determine when a city street is ripe for a “road diet”? Is it exclusively to meet environmental and health goals, or are other factors like improving local business considered? And how does the city government go about informing the public of the changes and the costs? Have road diets in other cities been successful? 

Guests:
Nathan Baird, Bicycle Coordinator with the LA Department of Transportation

Tom Topping, founder of the Eagle Rock-based newspaper, the Boulevard Sentinel, and an advocate for auto lanes

Chief Justice John Roberts chose 10 out of 11 members of the FISA Court.; Credit: Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Yesterday, a former federal judge who served on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court testified about flaws in how the “secret court” operates. “Anyone who has been a judge will tell you a judge needs to hear both sides of a case,” said James Robertson. He said only the government’s side is represented effectively. The FISA court deals with classified information to make rulings on national security, including surveillance by the National Security Agency.

FISA and the NSA have been under scrutiny since whistleblower Edward Snowden released information about immense amounts of US government surveillance of Americans and abroad. A Washington lawmaker is proposing a fix for FISA. Rep. Steve Cohen (D - TN) says it shouldn’t just be the Supreme Court chief justice that appoints federal judges to the secret court. He wants congressional leaders to have power of appointment to ensure a more diverse political make-up. Currently, 10 of the 11 judges on the FISA court are Republican - all of whom were appointed by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts.

Why hasn’t the FISA court operated with a “devil’s advocate?” Would congressional oversight of FISA judges lead to politicization? Is there too much “groupthink” on the current court? Why does the government win the vast amount of cases before the FISA court?

Guests:

Patrick Toomey, Fellow, ACLU National Security Project, American Civil Liberties Union

Richard Samp, Chief Counsel, Washington Legal Foundation

Master cleanse ingredients in store.

Consumer interest in “detox” drinks and pricey juices has skyrocketed in recent years. The “master cleanse” version has you forego food for days at a time in place of water, lemon juice, cayenne and honey or agave syrup. The goal is all around better health, including slimming down and boosting energy.

But is cleansing safe? What toxins does it get rid of? Do the positive results last just a few days? Are there negative results that last longer?

Eric Garcetti delivers his speech at his mayoral inauguration ceremony on June 30th, 2013. He is the 42nd mayor of Los Angeles.; Credit: Mae Ryan/KPCC

Mayor Eric Garcetti told all of Los Angeles’ department chiefs that they need to reapply for their jobs. It’s part of the new mayor’s efforts to make City Hall more efficient. The mayor wants to hear from city managers on how they can better incorporate the use of technology in how the city is run and to ensure the channels of communication between residents and government departments are open.

Job creation is another big concern for the new mayor. Garcetti has said that he wants to remake Los Angeles as the film production capital of the country and that he plans to appoint a Film Czar to achieve that aim. Larry checks in with Mayor Garcetti on those topics and more.

Guest:

Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles

Defense attorney Mark O'Mara (2nd R) uses a foam dummy to describe the altercation between George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin to defense witness and law enforcement expert Dennis Root (R) during Zimmerman's murder trial in Semimole circuit court on July 10, 2013 in Sanford, Florida.; Credit: Pool/Getty Images

Closing arguments could begin today for the George Zimmerman trial. The neighborhood watch volunteer pleaded not guilty in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, claiming he killed the Florida teen in self-defense on Feb. 26, 2012. Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder.

The well-publicized case has had a few last-minute odd twists and turns. Earlier today, Judge Debra Nelson allowed jurors in the case to consider the lesser charge of manslaughter. Prosecutor Richard Mantei also tried to introduce third-degree murder charges, claiming that Zimmerman committed child abuse for shooting the teenager.

On Wednesday, Zimmerman declined to testify in his trial, after Judge Debra Nelson asked him directly and repeated whether he wanted to do so. His defense attorney, Don West, objected to the judge's move, but was vehemently overruled.   

Guests:
Michael Muskal, LA Times reporter who’s been covering the George Zimmerman trial

Bennett Gershman, Professor of Law at Pace University in New York and a former prosecutor

John Boehner advocates for piecemeal changes to the immigration system.

President Obama may not see an immigration bill on his desk anytime soon. Despite the Senate’s 68 to 32 vote on its comprehensive immigration bill, the House is in no rush to provide a pathway to citizenship.

House Speaker John Boehner told the Associated Press that the majority of House Republicans prefer to deal with immigration in pieces. Their priority is to firstly secure the border. In addition, the House is looking at stricter enforcement of immigration laws, increasing deportations and more temporary worker programs and visas.

Should immigration reform be comprehensive or in pieces? Will the House make any decisions on immigration reform before Congress goes on recess? Should the President campaign to quickly pass legislation for immigration reform?

Guests:
Lisa Mascaro, Congressional Reporter, Los Angeles Times

Seung Min Kim, Congressional Reporter for POLITICO

Should female inmates be forced to undergo tubal ligations?; Credit: JOSE CABEZAS/AFP/Getty Images

The Center for Investigative Reporting found that doctors with the California Department of Corrections sterilized nearly 150 female inmates from 2006 to 2010 without the required approvals. The report found that state doctors were paid nearly $150,000 to perform tubal ligations on inmates.

Prison Advocates maintain that many were forced to undergo the procedures, and that medical staff targeted women most likely to return to prison. Allegations like this have been made before, nearly half a century ago, when inmates accused doctors of sterilizing  the poor and mentally ill. It forced lawmakers to ban the practice in 1979.

Federal and state law ban sterilizations only if federal funds are being used. California uses states funds, but the procedure requires approval from top medical personnel. Some say the surgeries empower female inmates giving them options, especially for those on drugs or suffering other medical conditions.

What approvals do think the state should require before a sterilization? Should this be completely banned unless the inmate requests it? Do women in prison deserve the option for methods of birth control?

Guest:
Corey Johnson, reporter for The Center for Investigative Reporting

Bigger banks complain that tax breaks for credit unions pose an unfair advantage.; Credit: Mark Lennihan/AP

The role of credit unions in the U.S. is growing, as is their customer base. Big banks have been losing their customers to credit unions in part because of frustration over rising banks fees. Now those big banks are pushing to abolish credit unions' tax exempt status. According to a 2010 report from the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board, eliminating the tax exemption would raise $19 billion in taxes over the next decade. 

Credit unions say this is an attempt by the banks to eliminate competition. Is it fair for credit unions to continue to get tax breaks despite their growth? Or would the move eliminate an important check on bank fees?

Guests:
Beth Mills, Vice president of communications at the California Bankers Association

Fred R. Becker Jr., President and CEO of the National Association of Federal Credit Unions

Actor Charlie Day arrives at the premiere of Pacific Rim at Dolby Theatre on July 9, 2013 in Hollywood, California.; Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Larry and KPCC critics Tim Cogshell and Andy Klein review this week’s releases, including Pacific Rim, Grown Ups 2, The Hunt and more. TGI-Filmweek!

Pacific Rim

Grown Ups 2

The Hunt

Fruitvale Station

Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide

Andy Klein, film critic for KPCC and the L.A. Times Community Papers chain

Do you think the police in Florida need to prepare for possible riots?

The highly charged murder trial of George Zimmerman concludes today. As jury deliberations begin, supporters of 17-year-old African American victim, Trayvon Martin, are hoping for a conviction. However, if the jury returns an acquittal, local leaders are calling for calm. This week, Jacksonville Pastor John Guns said, "Let's learn lessons from this and not simply repeat the painful history that our country has experienced." Area law enforcement are preparing for protests nonetheless. Time magazine commentator, Marc Polite, says the tone of preparations is racial fear mongering. He wrote, "In some ways, the calls for order recapitulate what this case is all about—the assumption of violence on the part of the black community, and of black men." Others say protesting trial verdicts are a legitimate part of American discourse.

Guests:

Melina Abdullah, Professor and Chair of Pan-African Studies at California State University

Joe Hicks, Vice President, Community Advocates, Inc.

Janet Napolitano is leaving the White House for the University of California system.

Janet Napolitano announced today she’s leaving her White House post to take the helm of the 10-campus system. The former Arizona governor replaces Mark G. Yudof who steps down in August. A member of the search committee said Napolitano will be “fresh eyes and a new sensibility” to the higher education institution.

But with tight budgets and a push to online education, will her outsider perspective be enough to adapt the state-wide institution?

Guest:

Larry Gordon, Los Angeles Times reporter with a focus on higher education and the U.C. system. 

Can violent criminals be rehabilitated? ; Credit: Vlad Karpinskiy/Flickr

Convicted serial rapist Christopher Evans Hubbart's scheduled release from a mental hospital in Los Angeles County has stirred up a lot of emotions. Hubbart admitted to authorities he has raped nearly 40 women throughout California between 1971 and 1983. He was first arrested in 1972 for a series of rapes in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. After his release from a state mental hospital in 1979 Hubbart moved to the Bay Area and reoffended. In 1996, Hubbart was classified as a sexually violent predator and was committed to Coalinga State Hospital, where he is still incarcerated.

In May, a judge in Santa Clara County granted Hubbart conditional release, saying that there's enough evidence to show that Hubbart "would not be a danger to others due to his diagnosed mental disorder while under the supervision and treatment in the community."No release date has been set, and authorities still need to determine where Hubbart would go. But the college town of Claremont, where Hubbart grew up in, is already gearing up to fight his release. Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said her office will also challenge his release decision.If released, Hubbard would be put under strict supervision. He would be the first sexually violent predator to be conditionally released in Los Angeles County. Hubbart’s lawyer says he is unlikely to reoffend.

What’s the process to determine whether a serial sex offender is ready to re-enter society? What are steps and treatments sexually violent predators must go through before they could be released?

Guests:

Vonda Tracey, Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney,  the Forensic Mental Issues Team that’s handling Hubbart’s release

Christine Ward, Executive Director of Crime Victims Action Alliance

Killer Whales performing at SeaWorld; Credit: flickr/MomMaven

In February 2010, a performing killer whale named Tilikum killed Dawn Brancheau, killed a trainer at SeaWorld. People blamed Brancheau’s death on “trainer error,” but Tilikum is notorious for being the only Orca in the world that has taken the lives of several people while in captivity. In Blackfish, director-producer Gabriela Cowperthwaite explores the complexities of the relationships between trainers and killer whales in captivity and looks at the treatment the animals face.

Is it possible for these powerful animals to be tamed? Are all whales in captivity traumatized by that experience? Or is it possible for them to be kept safely?

Guests:

Gabriela Cowperthwaite, director of the documentary “Blackfish”

John Hargrove, former killer whale trainer with nearly two decades training orcas at SeaWorld of California, SeaWorld of Texas, and Marineland in the south of France

Zachary Martin, Danielle Dalton and Dane Johnson of Rancho Cucomonga and Kyle Lucas of Newport Beach often spend the day at Huntington Beach and have a bonfire in the evening.; Credit: Maya Sugarman/KPCC

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) today ruled 7-6 to create new rules for fire pits. The fire pits need to be kept 700 feet away from residential homes, according to the ruling.

The SCAQMD said this will only affect 10 percent of the fire pits, but the ruling could spell the end of fire pits in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, though it wouldn't likely effect those in Huntington Beach.

Before fire pits are removed, however, cities that want them gone will have to apply to the California Coastal Commission for a permit. If the CCC approves the permit, pits violating the rules will be removed, but the CCC aren't likely to simply rubber stamp the legislation.

Guest:
Ben Bergman, KPCC's Orange County reporter

David C. Robertson's book "Brick by Brick" tells the story of the iconic LEGO brand.

The iconic LEGO brick was built in 1958, and since has captivated fans everywhere becoming the world's most valuable toy company.  But just 10 years ago the company faced bankruptcy, failing in profits. It started with a Danish carpenter who created toys, and through innovation created hit toys for the next four decades. The book,  “Brick by Brick: How LEGO Rewrote the Rules of Innovation and Conquered the Global Toy Industry” delves into the key strategies of the company, its most popular inventions and what nearly ruined the company. This is an insiders story that gives a glimpse into the brand that has reinvented itself through designers, company leadership and loyal fans.

Guest:

David Robertson, is a professor of Innovation and Product Development at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and the author of “Brick by Brick: How LEGO Rewrote the Rules of Innovation and Conquered the Global Toy Industry”

Protesters gathered in cities across the country following the verdict.; Credit: The Eyes of New York/Flickr

George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin last year, was acquitted of all charges Saturday after a 16-hour deliberation by the jury. Since the verdict, protests have sprung up all over the country, from Los Angeles to Florida, with demonstrators who say justice was not served during the trial, calling out a “broken justice system.”

Though both the prosecution and Zimmerman’s defense stated the case was not about race, the killing of an unarmed African American teen by the Hispanic-Jewish Zimmerman raised questions of race outside the courtroom. While some believe Zimmerman should have been found guilty of either the second-degree murder or manslaughter charges brought against him, many lawyers and legal analysts say the prosecution simply did not meet the necessary burden of proof and that the justice system worked just as it should have.

As protests continue, civil rights organizations including the NAACP and ACLU are calling on the Department of Justice to consider a federal case against Zimmerman for civil rights violations. 

Did the justice system work the way it’s supposed to in this case? Would there have been a different outcome if the case had been tried in a different state? What are the chances of a federal case against Zimmerman? What about a civil case?

Guests:
Stanley Goldman, Professor Criminal Law at Stanford Law School

Brian T. Dunn, Attorney & Managing Partner in the California office of The Cochran Firm

Lawrence Rosenthal, Professor of Law at Chapman University

Andrew Branca, attorney in Massachusetts who specializes in self defense laws

Jon Greenbaum, Chief Council, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights