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May 5 - 9, 2008
Monday, May 5
DNA Doubts: Are Prosecutors Exaggerating Genetic Evidence?
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Prosecutors often make claims that the chance of a mismatch with DNA evidence is one in a million - or more. Not so, according to a feature in the "Los Angeles Times." In fact, it may be that innocent people are going to jail based on cold-cases matches in the DNA database that have one chance in three of flagging the wrong person. The California Supreme Court is weighing the statistical and other concerns raised by cold hit cases - the highest court yet to consider them - beginning this Thursday in People vs. Nelson. Patt talks with DNA experts about these disturbing doubts about DNA.
Larry McMurtry on The American West
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This week, novelist, screenwriter and essayist Larry McMurtry received the 2008 Los Angeles Public Library Literary Award for the body of his work, which includes 40-plus novels, many of which have become films. What many people don't know about him is that McMurtry is a consummate book person. He has been romancing the book since he was six years-old, when a relative heading off to World War II left him a box of 19 books. He has since collected and cherished 38,000 more. In a rare interview, McMurtry talks with Patt about his life, his work, and his prediction of a future with bookless libraries.
- Larry McMurtry, novelist, screenwriter and essayist
Journalism: "If we go, who will know?"
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People love catchphrases, as evidenced by the hundreds of wordsmiths who recently submitted snappy mottos surmising the state of journalism in six words. Sentiments expressed in the phrases range from disillusion and cynicism to outright optimism. Multiple submissions by journalists seem to indicate a feeling of under-appreciation for the occupation. "They'll miss us when we're gone" was a popular finalist. With circulation down for many major newspaper in the country, it's no surprise the media is left feeling unwanted.
Props 98 vs. 99: Two Drastically Different Paths to Reforming Eminent Domain
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The opaque nature of California's initiative is true to form with two competing propositions coming up on this June's ballot that, on first glance, have similar objectives. Proposition 98 would severely hinder government's ability to seize land under eminent domain powers; it would also gradually eliminate rent control provisions in communities throughout the state. Proposition 99 would provide limited restrictions on the government's power to grab single-family homes for transfer to another private party, but if 99 passes it automatically nullifies 98, therefore protecting rent control. So how strongly do you feel about eminent domain and rent control? How you answer will probably determine the fate of 98 & 99, two seemingly similar initiatives that are actually on a collision course in June.
OC Janitors Vote to Strike
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Over the weekend, 2,000 unionized janitors from Orange County, some earning as little as $350/week, authorized their leaders to call a strike. The Orange County Federation of Labor upped the ante this morning by choosing to support the janitors, adding an additional 140,000 union members from 80 different unions who will not cross the picket line if a strike is called. SEIU is also negotiating contracts for janitors in LA, San Diego and Northern California. Patt speaks with both sides of table and engages them in some on-air negotiations.
- Mike Garcia, President of SEIU local 1877
- Dick Davis, spokesman for Orange County Maintenance Contractors
Will Indiana & North Carolina Finally End This Thing?
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Probably not, but tomorrow's primaries in Indiana and North Carolina could go a long way to either solidifying Barack Obama's claim to the Democratic nomination or give a further boost to Hillary Clinton's resurgent campaign. The two states, with a combined total of 187 pledged delegates at stake, have become much more competitive after Hillary's convincing win in Pennsylvania. They also contain a mix of voter demographics crucial to each side's strategies, from a large concentration of African Americans in North Carolina to white, blue collar workers in Indiana. With Barack looking to put this thing in the books and Hillary seeking to cement her comeback, we get a preview of the latest primaries in a seemingly perpetual nomination process.
Tuesday, May 6
Helping the Valley Be Cool? DWP Proposes Tiered Rates
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The DWP is proposing today a three tiered system to charge energy users - the more power you use, the higher the tier you go, the pricier your bills become. But those living in the sweltering San Fernando Valley "hot zones" might get cut a break. The plan, which is set to reward energy conservation, will be giving Valley residents leeway from tier placement due to their high temperature location. Is this really making the city energy conscious or will valley residents simply become more comfortable with cranking up the AC? Patt gets the details on the new rate plan.
Enter your zip code and find out your rate zone on the LADWP website
Mystery of the Missing Manhole Covers
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If you are walking or driving through Long Beach, you might want to watch where you are going. Manhole covers are disappearing like hotcakes from the city, with nearly 50 cast iron lids stolen from the streets in the past eight weeks. Recycling companies are only shelling out ten dollars for these 150 pound covers, and while cheap to dispose of, lid disappearances are costing the city up to $500 to replace. Patt discusses who might be behind this and why they would go through so much strain for so little gain.
LA Adopts Anti-Mansionization Ordinance
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Under the "Mansionization Ordinance," which was passed by the City Council today, the maximum square footage of a single-family house can be no larger than half the size of the lot. Although it doesn't apply to houses in the hills or coastal areas, the impact will be significant across Los Angeles, but is it a positive move?
The Contractor Conundrum
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The government builds subways, highways, sewers, airports, airplanes and rocket ships. Trillions are spent. But who decides which firms get the contracts and how the money is allocated? Los Angeles World Airports is currently under scrutiny because the firm that was chosen to modernize the airport has close ties to Gina Marie Lindsey, the airport's director. Often, government officials who pick a contractor on a large project end up working for that contractor after they leave office--or in the case of Dick Cheney and Halliburton, between offices. So with so much money floating around, and so much power, and so much potential for conflicts of interest, favors and graft, how can tax payers know when a bid is legitimately going to the best contractor or consultant for the job? Patt takes a look at the government contractor conundrum.
Kobe is Most Valuable
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Kobe Bryant has won NBA scoring titles and NBA championships with Lakers, but he has never won the Most Valuable Player award - that is, until today when he was named the '07-'08 season MVP. Kobe started the year demanding a trade from the Lakers, and most basketball pundits picked L.A.'s team to miss the playoffs. Instead Kobe stayed with the Lakers and lead them through an impressive season in which they were easily one of the top teams in the league, winning the Western Conference. Now that the Lakers are firmly "Kobe's team" his next step should be toward the NBA title series-they already hold a one game lead on the Utah Jazz in the second round.
Step Away from the Doughnut! LAPD Arrests Waist Lines
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It's a problem for all Americans--the temptation to eat those sweet, creamy desserts and crispy bacon burgers leads to expanding waistlines and clogged arteries. For the police, who are constantly out on patrol, sitting down for a proper and healthy meal is an added challenge--especially when a chili dog is so easy to grab. LAPD chief psychologist Kevin Jablonski noticed some years ago that officers needed some help eating healthier. Together with the department's dietician, Rana Parker, the two are trying to create a leaner department. How's it working out? Patt gets the skinny.
Wednesday, May 7
SAG Talks Break Down, AFTRA Starting
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The Writers Guild resolved their issues with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers just in time for negotiations with the actors. Unfortunately, AMPTP talks with the Screen Actors Guild broke down. AMPTP now starts negotiating separately with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, which split with SAG last month. It's exactly the kind of split negotiation many actors wanted to avoid. June 30th marks the expiration of the current SAG contract. What will all this mean for the film and television industries? And how will that ripple into the LA economy? Patt finds out.
Love Him or Hate Him: Jimmy Carter, the Perpetual Protagonist
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There have been few, if any, ex-Presidents of the United States as active, as outspoken or as controversial as Jimmy Carter. Whether he's negotiating peace settlements between warring factions in Third World countries or building houses in impoverished areas of the United States with Habitat for Humanity, it's hard to criticize Carter's work ethic no matter what you might think of his politics. President Carter has written a new book that chronicles the source of his work ethic, his mother Bessie Lillian Gordy Carter, titled "A Remarkable Mother." The irrepressible "Miss Lillian" became known as America's First Mama and would serve to inspire President Carter's own philanthropic work when she joined the Peace Corps at 68-years-old. Patt talks not only about powerful mothers with President Carter but also covers his recent, highly criticized meetings with Hamas.
- Jimmy Carter, Thirty-Ninth President of the United States; 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Winner; founder of the Carter Center; author, "A Remarkable Mother"
President Carter will speaking tonight at 6:30 at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena.
Remember Our Rainy Winter? California's Good Fortune Has Melted Away
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Southern Californians might have been excused for thinking that the record rain fall of early winter had eased drought concerns a bit, at least for this year. However, a bone-dry March and April and rising temperatures have all but nullified our wet winter, and recent measurements of the Sierra snow pack have confirmed that we're in water trouble yet again. The water content of the snow pack stands at just 67% of average for the May 1st date, even though snowfall was about average in January and February. After drought conditions last year, much of the snowmelt will merely be absorbed by parched soil and won't make its way into the streams and rivers. Combine the diminished snow pack with the loss of traditional water sources and California is, once again, on water watch.
Janitor Strike Expected
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Mimicking SEIU janitors in Orange County, SEIU janitors in Los Angeles today voted to authorize a strike. Only this time, union members have already taken to the streets, picketing in front of office buildings. Greatly increasing the likelihood of a successful walk-out is the fact that the LA County Federation of Labor, with 800,000 members, voted to support the janitors by not crossing picket lines. Patt receives an update on today’s vote from KPCC reporter Patricia Nazario, who was at the rally in Los Angeles.
- KPCC Reporter Patricia Nazario
Recovering from the Fire: Griffith Park One Year Later
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One year after fire set nearly a fifth of Griffith Park ablaze, much of the park has reopened while other parts remain closed. The Governor and Mayor pledged a $50 million for recovery, but so far just $2 million to stabilize the soil and $1.15 million for storm drain repairs has materialized. With Southern California's fire season just starting, Patt follows up on what's happened since the Griffith Park fire. From smoking bans to the recovery fund, has anything changed?
View the Griffith Park Wildlife Plan
Thursday, May 8
Up to Our Eyeballs: Consumer Debt Piles On
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In spite of, or perhaps because of, the souring economy Americans are still spending well beyond our means. Consumer borrowing jumped more than double the amount economists forecast back in March, increasing by $15.3 billion mostly in the form of credit card debt. The Federal Reserve said yesterday that overall consumer debt is now at $2.56 trillion-to put things in perspective, the total U.S. federal government debt is at $9.5 trillion. Because banks have tightened standards for home-equity loans and other borrowing, and American households remain overextended, consumers are forced into more unappetizing loan scenarios, such as high-interest credit cards. Considering we're in so far over our heads, is there any way to break the borrowing cycle?
Olympic Athletes - Watch Your Step!
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The Olympics are about sports, or are they? Inevitably the political and religious beliefs of the participating nations enter the games and cause controversy. In an attempt to reaffirm its apolitical position amidst criticism of China's handling of Tibet, the International Olympic Committee drafted a letter clarifying what qualifies as protest, explaining that athletes' external appearance, clothing and gestures will be scrutinized. Are the Olympics an inappropriate venue for political expression? You decide, as the controversial 2008 Olympic Games rapidly approach.
Mr. Obama Goes to Washington
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Barack Obama took a leisurely stroll through the House chambers this morning with an almost-dare we say it-presidential air about him.
Israel and You
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It was this month in 1948 that the United Nations passed Resolution 181, which set the legal foundation for the creation of a Jewish State in Palestine. Today, conflict between Arab states, Palestinians, and Jews in Israel and in the occupied territories remains an overriding issue for the region. Over the years, the relationship between Americans and Israel has evolved. Many Jewish-Americans remain supportive of Israel, but are dismayed at some of Israeli's policies, such as permitting settlements in the territories. Arab-Americans also have strong feelings about America's relationship to Israel, the largest single recipient of American aid. Patt opens the phones to KPCC's listeners about their relationship to Israel and how it has changed and evolved over time.
Friday, May 9
Espinoza Tips Obama into the Superdelegate Lead
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In the aftermath of the May 6 primaries in North Carolina and Indiana, superdelegates are moving to close ranks behind Senator Barack Obama. One of fives superdelegates who announced their support for Obama this morning, Ed Espinoza told Patt in March that he would remain neutral into June. Patt asks Espinoza what convinced him to commit.
- Ed Espinoza, Superdelegate and Democratic National Committee member from Long Beach
Closure on Foreclosures
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Is it homeowner relief or bailout for speculators? With 39 Republicans and no Democrats crossing party lines, the House voted yesterday to expand the availability of federally-backed mortgages. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 500,000 homeowners will benefit from the bill, which will insure even sub-prime borrowers if their banks provide some relief from the debt. With a veto threat looming and the bill moving on to the Senate, Patt talks to industry experts and Congressmen from both sides of the aisle who supported the bill.
Sizing Up These Newsy Times
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Media outlets are juggling the tricky convergence of prolonged wars abroad, topsy-turvy political campaigns at home, and shrinking newsroom budgets all around. Controversial public figures like Sam Zell and Rupert Murdoch are shaping different visions of corporate media ownership, while recent investigations have revealed a concerted effort by the Pentagon to feed messages to television military analysts. Patt checks in with NPR's media correspondent David Folkenflik on the current media landscape.
The Albatross in Your Driveway is a SUV
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The downfall of the Sport Utility Vehicle has been well documented, but even as the large, fuel inefficient trucks have become less popular, there are still millions of them lurking on the roads and in car dealership showrooms. Sales of traditional SUV's are down 28% for the year and car dealers are employing all kinds of tactics to get them off their lots-Chrysler is even subsidizing fuel costs, capping gasoline at $2.99/gallon for three years for people who buy or lease new vehicles. Owners of SUV's looking to dump them are in for a tougher sell, sometimes taking thousands less than what they paid for expensive SUV's just a year ago. Is the SUV really dying a slow death, and what can you do to kill off your own 4-wheel-drive albatross?
Does Hollywood show a Gender Bias with Summer Movies?
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"Iron Man," "Batman" and "No Country for Old Men"... nearly all Hollywood movies have one thing in common: men. As the summer movie season starts, it seems that Hollywood executives have all-but forgotten about the concept of the leading lady. There are a few exceptions, of course, such as "Sex in the City." But when it comes to action films, it's anything but ladies night. Patt talks with film industry commentators about the lack of ladies at the movies.
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