Bill Carrick, veteran Democratic political consultant
Speaker Bass Speaks Out on the May Revise
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How does California pull out of the 17.2 billion dollar deficit? In his May revise, Gov. Schwarzenegger proposed a few options for Californians: a one-cent sales tax increase, modernizing the state lottery to gain money for a "rainy day fund," and a number of other cuts to endure. This revised budget was announced only a short time after Karen Bass was sworn in as California speaker of the Assembly. So what does the new speaker have to say about these new big plans?
Health Care Under the Knife in the Governor's Revised Budget
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Trying to close the $15.2-billion budget shortfall and build a $2-billion reserve, the Governor's revised state budget reduces $2.9 billion in health care and social service spending. The changes will particularly focus on cutting full in-home supportive services for the elderly and disable, reducing the pay of service workers to minimum wage, limiting health care for legal immigrants, and eliminating the cost-of-living increases for some disabled people and families in the CalWORKS program. What are the health care ramifications of the budget cuts?
- Anthony Wright, Executive Director, Health Access California, a non-profit organization that works with a broad coalition of more than 200 member organizations to achieve quality, affordable health care for all Californians
- Lynn Kersey, Executive Director, Maternal and Child Health Access, a non-profit dedicated to improving the health of low income women and families through advocacy. education, training and direct services
Comedy Congress
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When analyzing the latest news or watching the actions of our elected officials, it can be tough to choose whether to laugh or cry. Today, Patt Morrison makes the decision for you: with Comedy Congress, we're taking a humorous look back at the week in politics and current events, and a look ahead at the absurdities yet to come. With the Democrats nearly done feasting on each other, the fight gradually turns into the more traditional Republican-Democrat bloodsport. We cover the intra-party feuds and ramblings of our own governor until you wish George Bush would just go away. The truth hurts far less when it's told by comedians.
- Maz Jobrani, founding member of the "Axis of Evil" Comedy Tour, which has toured the world; starred in the ABC comedy "Knights of Prosperity"; recurring roles on Fox's "24" & HBO show "Curb Your Enthusiasm"; appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and frequently on Comedy Central
- Steve Trevino, perpetually-on-the-road comic, performed on Comedy Central; working on a new pilot show for Comedy Central
Thursday, May 15
California Supreme Court Overrules Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
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In early March, the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a series of cases brought by gay and lesbian couples, the city of San Francisco and two gay rights advocacy groups, and today issued its long-awaited decision. In a pivotal move, the Supreme Court overturned the gay marriage ban, labeling the state laws as discriminatory. What are the obstacles to implementation of the Court's opinion? Patt talks with attorneys and experts on both sides of the issue.
California Supreme Court Overrules Ban on Same-Sex Marriage (Continued)
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Patt continues the discussion on the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, speaking with the attorney representing many of the couples involved in the litigation and taking listener calls.
Pellicano found Guilty
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Stars such as Sylvester Stallone and Keith Carradine are breathing a sigh of relief, no longer having to worry if their phones are being tapped. After being charged with such swindling detective tactics, the private eye to the stars, Anthony Pellicano, was found guilty of racketeering and conspiracy earlier today. Now accused of 76 of the 77 counts, Pellicano's snooping will surely be put on hold. Patt speaks to reporter Steven Mikulan of what occurred today in the courtroom and throughout this case.
- Steven Mikulan, reporter for LA Weekly who followed the Pellicano trial
Mother Linked to Internet Suicide is Indicted
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Back in 2004, a 13-year-old girl committed suicide after having her heart broken by her Myspace boyfriend. Turns out, this young boyfriend was not a boy at all but 49 year old Lori Drew, the mother of a former friend of the girl. Today, Drew was charged by a federal grand jury for fraudulently using a social networking site to "cyber-bully." The federal statute on accessing protected computers in which Drew has been charged has frequently been used in the case of hacking, but Drew's case will be the first in social-networking. Patt gets the scoop on the details of this indictment.
Wednesday, May 14
A Definitive Ruling on Gay Marriage in California?
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In a long-anticipated decision, the California Supreme Court will rule Thursday on the legality of the state's ban on gay marriage. This case was born out of San Francisco's attempt to enfranchise gay marriage in 2004, which ultimately resulted in court challenges on both sides of the issue. One of the central conflicts to be resolved by the Supreme Court tomorrow is whether the voters or the Legislature should have the ultimate authority to set California's marriage policy or whether judges can declare the law unconstitutional. With a constitutional amendment that explicitly outlaws gay marriage appeared to be headed toward the November ballot, whatever the Court's decision tomorrow it's guaranteed we haven't heard the end of this debate.
Governor's May Revise
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What's different about the revised budget Governor Schwarzenegger announced today from January's? An additional $2.7-billion to the deficit for one thing. With a broken-down housing market and a national economic downturn, California's economy continues to suffer. Balancing a budget with low coffers is impossible without cuts, but the governor was sure to also note the state will seek new and creative sources of revenue. Patt dissects the Governor's May revise.
Polar Bears Threatened? The Bush Administration Says Yes
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The plight of the polar bears is now well-known after Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth." The link between global warming and decreasing polar bear populations appears to be undeniable, yet Interior Secretary Kempthorne has stated it would be "wholly inappropriate" to use protection of the bears to guide our government's efforts to cut green house gas emissions. Patt looks into the implications of today's verdict.
More on the Governor's May Revise
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Listen in to the press conference held by the Governor detailing his May revise of the California budget.
More Borrowing, New Taxes, Spending Cuts: California's Unappetizing Options
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California's budget deficit, a constantly moving target, is now estimated to be at $17.2 billion. Gov. Schwarzenegger released his revised state budget this afternoon and now it's time for hard decisions - and for a slight change, Californians will have a direct say in choosing the method to close the budget shortfall. The Governor is proposing a sale of future lottery profits for upfront payments that would go into the state's "Rainy Day Fund" but will offer California voters a choice: either borrow against the state lottery or implement a 1-cent increase in the state sales tax. This is just one of many tough decisions that have to be made: between entrenched state interests, like the teachers unions, opposing deep spending cuts and the legislature's GOP caucus, opposing any new tax increases, how will the Governor balance the state's fiscal needs and navigate treacherous political waters?
Barbara Walters - "Audition"
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When television rookies approach Barbara Walters and say "I want to be you," she responds, "Then you have to take the whole package." And quite a package it is - from a childhood raised among nightclub performers, to becoming the first female co-anchor of an evening news show, to a steamy affair with a U.S. Senator. In her new memoir, "Audition," she talks about proving herself time and time again and the many "try-out's" she has endured throughout her career. Today Patt turns the microphone on one of television's best-known television journalists.
- Barbara Walters, broadcast journalist. Her memoir, "Audition,"
has just been published.
Ms. Walters will be signing books tonight at 7:00 pm at Vroman's in Pasadena.
Tuesday, May 13
The Geology of the China Quake
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Monday's 7.9 earthquake slammed Sichuan province, causing devastation and killing some 12,000 people. Powerful aftershocks continue to hit, adding to the terror. Seismologists say this quake was geologically similar to the Northridge and San Fernando quakes that hit Southern California. Patt talks with a seismologist about how the China quake relates to our own temblor-prone region.
Pop Artist Raushenberg Dies
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One of the great pioneers of the 50's pop art scene has died. For nearly five decades Robert Rauschenberg ran with the likes of Warhol and Lichtenstein influencing the art scene with his blend of talents. As a painter, sculptor, photographer and performance artist- Rauschenberg always strived to push beyond the artistic norm. Patt discusses Rauschenberg's life and impact on contemporary art.
USC's Hard Foul: Another Trojan Faces Ethical Violation Charges
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O.J. Mayo was a poor kid growing up in West Virginia who was blessed with a very marketable gift: unbelievable basketball skills that made Mayo the most coveted high school player in the country in 2007. As he made plans to attend USC and play basketball for the Trojans there were already people around Mayo who had plans of their own: to make millions off of his eventual career in the NBA. ESPN's "Outside the Lines" revealed that Mayo had accepted around $30,000 in cash and gifts during his time in high school and USC, which are major violations of NCAA rules that could result in the tough sanctions against the Trojans for next season. How common is it for amateur players to accept gifts, and why doesn't Mayo face any repercussions for his behavior?
- Colin Cowherd, host of "The Herd" on ESPN Radio Network
- Nick Roman: KPCC Senior News Editor and Sports enthusiast
Preview of the Governor's May Revise
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Schwarzenegger has left Californians confused about the state budget this past month. When asked about the deficit, his estimates have fluctuated by the billions. Tomorrow a firm number should be revealed as the governor unveils his newly revised budget. Patt asks the executive director of the California Budget Project about what she foresees in the governor's plan.
"The Downhill Lie: A Hacker's Return to a Ruinous Sport"
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Carl Hiaasen is "one sick bastard." And he's bad at golf as well. After a 32-year hiatus, Hiaasen was seduced by the sport again. He offers us a confessional about his tumultuous return to the fairways in his latest book, "The Downhill Lie: A Hacker's Return to a Ruinous Sport"
Carl Hiassen will be speaking at ALOUD at Central Library on Wednesday, May 14th at 7pm
Monday, May 12
Speaking with the Speaker: Exit Interview with Fabian Núñez
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State Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez is one of the most powerful politicians in California. Still, he wasn't powerful enough to assure the passage of Proposition 93, which was to extend term limits. Now the Democratic Assemblyman from the 46th District, which includes downtown Los Angeles, turns over the speaker's reigns to Assemblywoman Karen Bass and he will be termed-out of the Assembly in December. Patt talks with Núñez about his accomplishments over his six years in Sacramento politics and his next career move.
The "Upfronts" Fall Television Preview
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Couch potatoes listen up! This is the week CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox and the CW go to New York to woo advertisers with their new fall lineups. As the networks compete for eyeballs with DVDs, You Tube, and other sources of entertainment, they've been hard-pressed to find new ways to attract viewers - and thereby advertisers. This year the networks are still recovering from the writer's strike and competition from games and other sources of home entertainment are stronger than ever. Patt finds out what to expect in the next TV season.
Because I Said So: A Growing Reliance on Belief Over Fact
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From Switfboats to 9/11 conspiracies and governing from the gut, growing partisanship and new media technologies are distorting our perspectives of what is actually "real." Or so argues Salon.com staff writer Farhad Manjoo in his new book, "True Enough: Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society" (Wiley). Describing what Stephen Colbert has cheekily and infamously termed "truthiness," Manjoo joins Patt to discuss how, in today's blogging, YouTube-filled world, new technologies allow people to avoid ideas that contradict what they "know" to be true.
Brazen Assassinations in Mexico City
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Edgar Millan Gomez and Esteban Robles Espinoza certainly are not household names in the United States; and yet the assassinations of the national coordinator of Mexico's battle against organized crime and director of Mexico City's anti-kidnapping unit, respectively, have direct ramifications for Americans. Gun battles raging between rival drug cartels and sometimes corrupt police forces are relatively common in Tijuana and Baja California, but the brazen murder of two of Mexico's top police figures is an alarming escalation. Millan Gomez was killed just one week after he announced the arrests of a dozen suspected drug cartel hit men. What can the U.S. do to help contain violent Mexican drug cartels, and will the effects be felt across the border?
The Day After the Locke High Lockdown
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Blood, batons and... 600 brawling students. This was the scene at Locke High School last Friday as a fight spawned by warring graffiti crews escalated into a campuswide riot. Underlying the conflict was familiar racial tension; by the end of the day Hispanics were placed in the gym, while blacks were quarantined to the multi-purpose room. As school lets out for the day today, we look at how the school has recovered and what plans are in place for preventing future outbreaks.
- Adolfo Guzman Lopez, KPCC reporter at Locke High School
- Earl Perkins, Assistant Superintendent for school operations for LAUSD
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