What comes first, the person or the egg? California pro-lifers are conjuring up the argument of “personhood” for the 2010 ballot, trying to amend the state constitution to declare that personhood—and all the rights that come with it—begins at conception. Opponents say the initiative is “so extreme that it could literally outlaw IUDs and birth control pills,” but supporters of the movement are undeterred, gathering up signatures to get a measure on next year’s ballot.
Two juveniles have been arrested in two separate arson investigations in the southland; a 16-year-old boy is charged with setting the Yucaipa fire in the Inland Empire and is suspected by law enforcement to be involved in more than a dozen fires in the last three years. The second juvenile, 13 years of age, is under arrest in the Morris fire, which burned across the San Gabriel Mountains in late August. According to the Department of Justice, in 2005, of nearly 1500 arson arrests in California, 52% involved juveniles. What's behind this criminal behavior of the young, and how can it be prevented?
After Congress approved the stimulus package, they set up www.recovery.gov to track stimulus funds across the country and promote transparency in government spending, but then came www.recovery.COM, which does a better job tracking the government’s spending than the government does. Why is the government dropping the ball and will the new Web site they launch today fix the problem?
The perfectly manicured, always green and lush lawn has been a fixture of Southern California communities for so many decades that it’s practically seen as a birthright. However, the harsh reality of water shortages and rationing has brought the unsightly development of brown lawns to properties across Los Angeles. One grass researcher at UC Riverside is trying to ensure that the grass will always be greener in SoCal.
Oscar-winning film director Roman Polanski was finally arrested over the weekend in Switzerland. Polanski admitted to having sexual relations with a thirteen-year old girl back in 1977 but he fled the country before his case made it to court. The arrest may pave the way for his extradition back to the United States to face sexual assault charges. He’s 76 years old and some say (including the victim) leave the man alone; it’s all water under the bridge. But others feel he should he have to face the music. We’ll examine the legal issues of the case, the psychology impacts of sexual abuse and the media’s coverage and portrayal of Polanski.
Patt Morrison is known for its innovative discussions of local politics and culture, as well as its presentation of the effects of national and world news on Southern California.
