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October 16 - 20, 2006
Monday, Oct. 16
The Race for Lt. Governor
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Two hard-working politicians are vying for the lieutenant governor's spot in the upcoming election. John Garamendi is currently California's Insurance Commissioner, but looks forward to the possibility of taking on a new job.
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John Garamendi, California Insurance Commisioner and candidate for Lieutenant Governor
The Latest on the Hawaii Earthquake
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Twenty-four hours after Sunday's 6.7-magnitude quake, there were no reports of any deaths or serious injuries, and there were few signs of any major damage. Patt gets the latest from the ground in Hawaii.
The Reaper's Line
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Former U.S. Border Patrol and Customs agent talks about his book detailing violence, corruption and shortcomings on both sides of the border.
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Lee Morgan II author of The Reaper's Line
The Funniest Person in Orange County
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On Saturday night at the Martini Blues nightclub the Orange County's Funniest Person Contest crowned its fifth titleholder. The contest lasted more than a month, featuring 60 budding comedians. Brandon Tyra was the last comedian standing.
Tuesday, Oct. 17
Jessica's Law - What's Already on the Books?
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Proposition 83, also known as Jessica's Law, was designed to amend existing laws relating to violent and habitual sex offenders and child molesters to increase penalties and monitoring. But what are the current laws against sex offenders?
Debate on Proposition 83: Jessica's Law
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The primary objective of Proposition 83 is to toughen punishments for sexually violent predators and sex offenders. Supporters argue that it is an important tool in giving police the information they need to keep track of sex criminals, helps to stops child molesters from moving near a school or park and keeps sexual predators in prison longer. Opponents claim that Proposition 83 would cost taxpayers an estimated $500 million but would not increase public safety because it's most restrictive and expensive provisions apply to misdemeanor offenders and others convicted of minor, nonviolent offenses. Patt Morrison hears from both sides.
Wednesday, Oct. 18
Voter Intimidation in Orange County
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A number of Latinos in Orange County recently received letters which warned that some immigrants could be deported or jailed for voting in next month's elections. The letter was written in Spanish and also claimed that the government has created a computer system to track down the names of immigrant voters. No organization has taken credit for the letter, which is currently being investigated by authorities.
The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) is offering to help concerned citizens who have received letters or have questions.
O.J. Simpson's "Rights of Publicity"
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A Santa Monica Superior Court judge today took under submission Fred Goldman's request to have former running back O.J. Simpson's right of publicity transferred to him, in yet another legal battle between the two parties.
Flu for Who?
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Public health officials are turning more and more to flu shots as useful tools. They can quell outbreaks of influenza in seniors and other vulnerable communities. Administering them can also serve as a test run for a pandemic or bioterror attack. But in recent years, supply problems have hurt efforts to get flu shots out and many people still don't understand how they work or what health risks may be associated with them.
To schedule a flu shot with the LA County Department of Public Health, visit: lapublichealth.org
Thursday, Oct. 19
Iraq: The Security and Political Update
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The US Military crackdown in Baghdad has not succeeded in significantly reducing the level of violence. There were two more American deaths reported today, bringing the number of Americans killed in Iraq this month up to 73. Meanwhile, the Iraqi Parliament is working on defining the future of that country's political structure: will it become a more decentralized confederacy, or a nation where most of the power is based in Baghdad? Patt talks to Ambassador (David) Satterfield, currently he is Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State, Coordinator for Iraq. Later in this segment she'll talk to Tom Bowman, NPR's Pentagon Correspondent who recently returned from a month in Iraq.
Proposition 88
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It's a proposed constitutional amendment pegged to November's ballot that would generate $450 million for school programs. But despite California's need for education funds, Proposition 88 has attracted some unexpected opponents, including the California Federation of Teachers and the PTA. They're taking issue with how it would raise money: via a $50-a-year tax on most land parcels. Opponents call that an attack on Proposition 13, the state's property tax initiative.
A Report Card for Roy Romer
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How well did the outgoing LAUSD Superintendent perform his job? KPCC reporter Adolfo Guzman Lopez recently sat down with Roy Romer to talk about his tenure at the helm of the nation's second largest school district and about his plans for the future. He joins Patt with the details.
- KPCC reporter Adolfo Guzman Lopez
Friday, Oct. 20
Proposition 85
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One year after Californians turned down a nearly identical initiative requiring a parent to be told if a daughter wants an abortion, they will be asked to vote in November on a similar measure. Proposition 85 says minors can't receive an abortion until 48 hours after a doctor informs the minor's parent or guardian. Opponents say the proposition endangers young women. Supporters say it comes down to a parent's right to know. Hear from the opponents and proponents of the measure in a debate hosted by Patt Morrison from the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock.
The discussion continues on the web. Listen here

Left to right: Panelists Monica Shaneyfelt and Katie Short (from the Yes on 85 side) and Martha Swiller and Diane Medsker (from the No on 85 side)
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