The Limited Data Behind Why Schools Remain Closed, The Status of Project HomeKey's Efforts to House the Homeless, the State's Master Plan for Early Childhood Ed.

Students attend class wearing face masks in Antibes, France, on Nov. 2. At the end of October, France returned to a partial national lockdown to stem a surge in coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, schools remain open.
Serge Haouzi/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images

Take Two | December 1, 2020

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49:20

CALIFORNIA IS ON TRACK FOR A REALLY BAD WINTER, BUT SHOULD SCHOOL HERE REMAIN SHUTTERED?

Any day now it appears the state could be shutdown again, per the Governor’s warning. Cases of coronavirus continue to climb, hospitals are filling up...and we have yet to see what spike the Thanksgiving holiday may bring. All of this suggests to families out there that most schools in California will NOT reopen any time soon. For many, that is a heartbreaking sceanario. Already we've seen some signs of learning loss and a few parents this week filed a lawsuit against the state for failing to provide equal educational opportunities during the pandemic. But what does the science say about whether kids should be in class - or not?

Guest:

Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital.

THE SUPREME COURT HEARS TRUMP CENSUS CASE ON IMMIGRANTS

On Nov. 30 the Supreme Court took up the Trump Administration's plan to remove immigrants without legal status from the census count -- something that could cost CA 2 million counted people and political representation. We hear how the judges responded and whether President Trump's case will stand.

Guest:

KPCC's Caroline Champlin talks to A Martinez.

VENICE HOMEOWNERS TAKE ACTION ON HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS

One consequence of the coronavirus pandemic here in LA has been more people living outside in homeless encampments. A big one sprang up in a residential part of Venice, concerning nearby homeowners––worried about filth, noise, violence and fires. In this extended feature, KPCC's Aaron Schrank follows neighbors as they tried to get the city to clear the encampment.

GOV. NEWSOM'S PROJECT HOMEKEY RACES AGAINST A DEADLINE TO FIND HOUSING FOR HOMELESS

With over 150,000 people experiencing homelessness in California and at a high risk of Covid-19 infection, Governor Gavin Newsom hopes Project Homekey will allow the government to rapidly purchase permanent housing for them. A Martinez speaks with Matt Levin, housing and data reporter for CalMatters and co-host of the podcast “Gimme Shelter," about the project's prospects, funding and potential impact.

Guest:

Matt Levin, housing and data reporter for CalMatters and co-host of the podcast “Gimme Shelter."

CALIFORNIA COMES UP WITH A "MASTER PLAN" FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE

The state released its so called "Master Plan" for early childhood care and education - a road map for how the Governor might deliver on some of pre-COVID plans for our youngest students.

Guest: