Three months after California legislators slashed spending for the second time this year, a $2.1 billion drop in tax revenues has opened a $1 billion hole in state coffers. After endless negotiations, late nights and general angst in passing the budget earlier this summer - now what?
A recent Rand Corporation study found that sugary snacks commonly sold at convenience stores may play a key role in high obesity rates in South Los Angeles. The study noted that 26% of people living in South LA are obese versus 18% in Los Angeles County. Is the availability of unhealthy snack food to blame? The LA City Council is set to consider a proposal that could limit convenience stores in South LA but will reducing their numbers curb residents’ Twinkie cravings?
Up until now carbon sequestration meant burying carbon emissions deep underground; and up until now, timber companies like Sierra Pacific looked at forests as giant piggy banks full of commercially viable assets. But in one of the first tangible changes in the coming carbon trading economy, Sierra Pacific has signed a deal with California to grow more trees for carbon sequestration, to manage more forest acreage while still being able to cut down trees for commercial use. Can the new approach please all involved parties?
Passing updated federal hate crime legislation has been a priority for the Democratic Party for quite some time, and has been a major target for scorn by Republicans during that same period. Last week the House of Representatives did pass a bill that expanded the definition of hate crimes to those committed because of a victim’s sexual orientation—unfortunately for Democrats the only way to pass the bill was to attach it to a defense spending authorization, infuriating Republicans. Was it a cheap way to pass such an important bill, and how will the new hate crimes definition affect law enforcement?
As many homeowners look forward to the first rains in the Southland seen in months, those in the foothill communities below the San Gabriel Mountains are worried that a downpour will trigger mudslides. Even with preparation, can moving mud from a fire-denuded hillside be stopped?
Sony is the latest victim of the tough economic times plaguing movie studios in La La land. The studio announced that it will put the kibosh on buying scripts or acquiring new projects until its new fiscal year begins in April. Sony will however give the “green” light to special projects with a limited risk factor like, “This Is It,” the Michael Jackson documentary. What does this mean for the studio, the film industry, the California economy and for movie goers?
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.
