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December 13 - 17, 2004
Monday, Dec. 13
Governor's Power Play
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Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters joins Kitty for an update on Sacramento politics, including the latest effort by Governor Schwarzenegger to block lawmaker opposition to his plans.
The Plot Against America
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In the alternate universe created in Philip Roth's latest novel, Charles Lindbergh defeats FDR to win the 1940 Presidential election. The story revolves around Roth and his family growing up in an increasingly anti-Semitic environment under Lindbergh's administration. His novel is titled, The Plot Against America (Houghton Mifflin).
Contra Dancing for the Holidays
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Throughout Southern California dancers of all ages, races, and lifestyles come together to contra dance and socialize. No partner? No problem. Many single people join in this uniquely American dance form, which finds its roots in English country folk traditions. Susan Michaels, contra expert, tells us why so many people get on their feet and move to the lively fiddle music of this dance.
For contra dancing in Los Angeles County, see Los Angeles California Dance Cooperative, and for Orange County, visit The Living Tradition, or call the contra dance hotline at 818-951-2003.
Tuesday, Dec. 14
Buffalo Repatriation
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On Wednesday, December 15th, one hundred of Catalina's famous buffalo will be rounded up and relocated to Lakota land in South Dakota. The island is currently home to about 250 head of buffalo but can only comfortably support a herd of 150. The Catalina Conservancy and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians have joined together to repatriate the animals. Lenny Altherr, manager of the herd, explains the logistics of the move. The Conservancy has also established programs to protect and re-establish endangered species on the Island, such as the Bald Eagle Reintroduction Program and the Catalina Island Fox Recovery Program. Kitty speaks with Ann Muscat, President and CEO of the Catalina Conservancy, Jimi Castillo, Spiritual leader of the Tongva Indians, and Maurice Lyons, Chief of the Morongo Indians.
Water Issues – the Drought
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Catalina's water reserves have dropped and the island is observing Stage 1 water rationing. What happens if the drought continues and the island goes to Stage 2 conditions? Kitty talks with Gary Huffman of Southern California Edison. The company provides Catalina with all public utilities: electricity, gas, and water. Ann Muscat of the Catalina Conservancy adds to the discussion of the island’s water needs.
Island Life
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What is it like to live on an island with one square mile of residential space, one public school, one hospital, one movie theatre, and an eleven-year waiting list for an automobile permit? For the 3,500 year round residents of Catalina it's life as usual. Kitty speaks with Wayne Griffin, head of the Catalina Chamber of Commerce and 27-year island resident, to find out what island life is really like.
Catalina’s 32nd Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration
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The annual New Year’s Eve dinner dance takes place in the world-famous Casino Ballroom. Ring in the 2005 dancing to the music of The Yachtsmen, a big band featuring music from the 30's, 40's, 50's & 60's. So put on your tux and your dancing shoes as we look at the decades old island tradition. Wayne Griffin of the hosting Catalina Island Chamer of Commerce shares the preparation details. Kitty also hears from Lolo and Lydia Saldaña, who have been boogying in the New Year at the ball for decades.
Wednesday, Dec. 15
President Carter
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In his latest book Sharing Good Times (Simon & Schuster), author, Noble laureate, proud grandfather, and former president Jimmy Carter offers some advice on how to live the good life. With all his rich experiences, his primary source of happiness has always been the simple pleasure of relaxing with friends and family, and the gratification that comes from sharing.
President Carter will be signing books tonight at Borders Bookstore in Westwood. 1360 Westwood Boulevard beginning at 7 pm.
Ask the Chief
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Kitty sits down with LAPD Chief William Bratton for Ask the Chief, our monthly discussion on policing Los Angeles.
Do the Polka!
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Couples across the Southland kick up their heels every weekend to the lively Bohemian polka. This Czech peasant dance was invented in the 1830s and soon found tremendous success in the ballrooms of France and England. Today the polka is danced in parish halls, nightclubs, Elks clubs, and casino hotels throughout California. Bill Hill, host of his own polka program on KSPC 88.7 FM in Claremont, tells us why this exuberant dance is so popular.
Thursday, Dec. 16
Hate Crime Report Released Today
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The Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission will hold a news conference to release its annual "Hate Crime Report" and speak on the major findings of the annual compilation and analysis of hate crimes in the county for 2003. Among those expected are Sheriff Lee Baca, LAPD Chief William Bratton, District Attorney Steve Cooley, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, members of the Board of Supervisors, Anti-Defamation League Regional Director Amanda Susskind, Muslim Public Affairs Council Executive Director Salam Al Marayati and victims of hate crimes.
Speaker Fabian Nuñez
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Assembly speaker Fabian Nuñez joins Kitty to talk about the new agenda for the California State Senate and the Assembly. According to the speaker, priorities for the new legislative session include: transportation, education, health care, and job creation. On the Legislature's first day, however, the bill among the 83 introduced that garnered the most attention was the one to legalize gay marriage. Nuñez has said publicly that the democrats want to work with the governor to ensure a positive atmosphere in the Capitol; after last year's session was marred by highly publicized name-calling, we will have to wait and see.
Hotel Rwanda
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Paul Rusesabaginia was a hotel manager who was able to shelter more than 1,200 Rwandans, Tutsi and Hutu, in the midst of the Rwandan genocide. A new film opens next week that tells his story.
The Loh Life
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Nutcracker Not-so-Sweet, or why ballerinas hate Christmas
Friday, Dec. 17
Martin Ludlow’s new gang initiative
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The city of Los Angeles spends millions of dollars each year grappling with gangs. Councilman Martin Ludlow says that is not enough. He has proposed the creation of a city department dedicated to stemming gang violence. Will the creation of another bureaucratic organization be the innovative technique needed to stop the violence? Kitty asks the councilman why this proposal would succeed where others have failed.
Policing South Los Angeles
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How do you change the mindset of a child from South Los Angeles who has never been north of the 10 freeway, has never seen the ocean, and who never expects to live past the age of 19? Kitty sits down with Deputy Chief Earl Paysinger, commanding officer of the LAPD's South Bureau, to discuss policing an area of Los Angeles where gangs are rampant and homicides routine. How can you make change in a community inured to violent crime? And how do you get people from outside the area invested in what happens in South Los Angeles?
Clippers vs. Lakers
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Even though the Lakers won their match-up with the Clippers last week, according to the court of public opinion, the Clippers are the ones on the rise… Kitty gets the latest on the popularity of Clipper Elton Brand, the over-zealous trading habits of Clippers owner Donald Sterling, plus all the latest off-court gossip, from Kobe vs. Karl and beyond from Elizabeth Kaye, writer for Los Angeles Times Magazine and author of the (2002) book Ain't No Tomorrow: Kobe, Shaq, and the Making of a Lakers Dynasty (McGraw-Hill).
Salsa!
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Salsa's rhythm and tempo bring alive the spirit and soul of the Latin heart and will add fire and excitement to anyone who dances it - SALSA is HOT. Fay Roberts leads her own band, Orquesta Charangoa, and is dedicated to this special music. She joins Kitty in studio with some of her latest recordings and invites everyone to dance this holiday season.
Check for information about Fay Roberts and her orchestra.
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