Which Way, L.A.?

Los Angeles Grows Up

Historically horizontal, LA is becoming increasingly vertical. We hear from listeners and experts with different opinions about urbanization and the end of sprawl.

Four Los Angeles City Council Races on the May 21 Ballot

Whether it's Eric Garcetti or Wendy Greuel, LA's new mayor will have to work with the City Council. Four of the 15 seats are still undecided. We hear about them all.

Privacy Groups Sue LAPD over License Plate Scanners

The LAPD and County Sheriff use special cameras to scan the license plates, with drivers unaware they're under surveillance. We hear about a lawsuit to force the issue.

Can LA Get a Handle on Medical Marijuana?

LA voters face three medical marijuana measures with ranging degrees of regulation. Two would impose new taxes. Is it all about medicine or recreational use as well?

Great Expectations for Immigration Reform

With an immigration bill headed to the floor of the US Senate, we hear about family unification and the role of organized labor. Also, UCLA's become a smoke-free campus.

Governor Brown's School Funding Reform

Gov. Brown says he'll battle fellow Democrats if they oppose his bid to provide more money to districts with low-income students and English learners.

What Does Fisker?s Failure Mean for California?s Green...

Mayor Villaraigosa said Fisker would be part of an electric-car industry centered in Southern California, but Fisker is now on the edge of bankruptcy.

Out-of-State Admissions at UC Continue to Rise

Tuition and fees at UC campuses have soared, as have admissions of students from out of state, who pay even more. Are in-state students are being pushed aside?

Is There Finally an App for Responsive Government?

MyLA311 is an application to provide city services to smart phone users. But can you follow up on how your complaints are being handled?

UTLA Teachers' 'No Confidence' Vote in Superintendent...

LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy has dismissed a "no confidence" vote by UTLA. We hear from teachers on both sides who may agree with each other more than they disagree.

Villaraigosa's Final State of the City

Last night was his final state-of-the city speech, but Mayor Villaraigosa isn't done yet. He's got a new plan for city workers to pay more into retirement and healthcare.

Powerball Fever Comes to California

Despite odds of 175 million to one, the State Lottery says Powerball will "inspire" new players to "believe in something bigger" than Super-Lotto-Plus and Megamillions.

Lancaster's Solar Leadership

Would if we were required to put solar panels on our roofs. It's about to happen in Lancaster, where new law mandates solar roofing on all new residential construction.

Dodgers Reboot: New Owners, Record Payroll and a...

The Dodgers have overtaken the Yankees with a payroll of $230 million. We get a preview of the upcoming season and the new look at a renovated Dodger Stadium.

California's Prop 8 at the Supreme Court

After California voters banned same-sex marriage, federal courts declared it unconstitutional. Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear the case. What are the options?

Will Medicating the Mentally Ill Increase Public Safety?

LA County Supervisors want to expand ?Laura's Law,? to forcibly medicate people who might commit violent crimes. Are the mentally ill more violent than anyone else?

A New Rail Yard Is Proposed at the LA Ports

It?s the economy versus the health of people living near the Port of Los Angeles who are opposed to a massive new facility to be built there.

Courtroom Cuts Underway in LA County

California's court system is the largest in the US and one of the most underfunded. After $1 billion in cuts, the downsizing is starting to be felt. Is justice at stake?

Coming Soon: A Terror Trial in a New York Courtroom

Osama bin Laden's son-in-law was captured, not killed. Should Suleiman abu Ghaith be tried in a New York courtroom, rather than before a military tribunal at Guantanamo?

The Primary's Over, Prepare for the Runoff

It?s Garcetti and Greuel in the runoff for Mayor, both opposed to the sales tax increase that was defeated. Also, LA Times columnist Steve Lopez on the low voter turnout.

Preview of the Los Angeles City Elections

LA's latest election is all but over except for the voting, with a low turnout expected tomorrow. Then it's on to the May runoffs. We talk about polls, money and the search for real issues.

Politics, Education Reform and Diversity in LA Public...

The LA School Board election?s become Ground Zero for education reformers. Also, should families gentrifying LA neighborhoods push for new charters or improve existing schools?

The City Attorney Race

We ask Los Angeles City Attorney candidates Mike Feuer, Greg Smith and Carmen Trutanich about their priorities and get each of them to assess the other.

County Agency Blamed for Child Deaths Undertakes Reform

Another scathing report on LA County's Department of Children and Family Services recounts 15 gruesome deaths and even a case of torture that could have been prevented.

Can Science and Medicine Help Prevent Violent Crime?

The latest mass killing has renewed multiple controversies about mobilizing science and medicine to prevent violent crime. We look at the legal and ethical issues.

Proposition A: Will a Half-Penny Tax Fix LA's Budget?

On March 5 LA voters go to the polls to elect a new mayor, and other key officials. They?ll also be confronted with Proposition A, a half-cent rise in LA's sales tax.

Sheriff's Department Firings: Reform or Public Relations?

Is Sheriff Baca's firing of the Jump Out Boys, an organized gang of deputies within the department, real house-cleaning or only symbolic?

One Month Left until Election Day in Los Angeles

With the mayoral race one month away, we hear what Eric Garcetti and Wendy Gruel promised in private meetings of municipal union members and why labor is so important in LA.

Can the Boy Scouts Stage a Revival by Ending the Ban on...

The Boy Scouts of America helped end discrimination against blacks and Jews, but they still ban boys and leaders who are gay. Next week, that may change.

Obama Releases Immigration Plan

President Obama today endorsed the immigration principles of a bipartisan group of Senators. We hear excerpts from his speech and reaction from Southern Californians.

Angelenos to Vote on Competing Marijuana Measures

Medical marijuana, illegal under federal law, is legal in 20 states. In California, each city has its own regulations. LA is about to put competing proposals on the ballot.

Brown Promises Money and Tough Love for Community...

Gov. Brown wants to push students through community college faster by charging them more when they slow down. But not all kids have the skills for higher education.

The Mayors Race, and How About Them Clippers, Lakers,...

Three of the five candidates for Mayor of LA have served on the City Council and one holds a citywide office. But none of them is well-known to voters. Tonight we?ll talk with political reporters about who they are, what they?re talking about and who?s got the money. Are polls at this stage believable?

LA-Area School Districts Pitted Over Funding

In a heavily hyped interview with Oprah Winfrey, it?s reported that disgraced former cycling champion Lance Armstrong has finally admitted to illegal doping. Does this mean the Postal Service might get back the 30-million it paid to sponsor his team?

The Governor Proposes His State Budget for 2013

For only the second time in 10 years, the next state budget will have a surplus?if Governor Brown?s latest proposals are approved by the Democratic supermajority.

California Health Insurers Request Big Rate Increases

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California want to raise health insurance rates by 20 to 26%--despite the promises of the President?s Affordable Care Act. Should the insurance commissioner Dave Jones have the power to deny the increases?as regulators in other states can?

The New Congress and Hillary Clinton's Past and Future

The least productive Congress gives way to a new Congress today. Who will wield power? Also, the legacy of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Do Newspapers Have a Future after All?

The death of newspapers at the hands of the Internet has been predicted, but circulation?s rising and investors are taking an interest again. Will digital news be different?

Getting the Most Bang for Your Charity Buck

Many Americans are pulling out their checkbooks in a year-end surge of tax deductible giving. How has charitable giving changed? If tax laws change, will giving change?

Is America More Religious than Ever?

The US is one of the world?s most religious countries, but American religion is changing. Does it unify or divide? Will atheists be more accepted or more ostracized?

Publishing, Union Busting and the First Amendment

A federal court?s overruled the National Labor Relations Board in a case involving journalists at the Santa Barbara News Press. It's all about allegations of union busting.

Is the Mental Healthcare Measure Working in California?

The "Millionaire's Tax," passed in 2004, has made$7 billion for mental healthcare. Are needy patients getting the care they need? Are voters getting what they were promised?

Michigan's Right-to-Work Laws and the American Middle...

This week Michigan passed Right to Work bills that affect both public and private sector employees. Sara Terry explores the politics and economics of the movement.

Yellowstone Wolf Killing Casts Spotlight on Wolf Policy

When Yellowstone's most famous wolf was killed by a hunter, her death became an international story. Judy Muller looks at the role of the wolf in modern-day America.

Is the Carbon Tax an Idea Whose Time Has Come?

The idea of addressing climate change with a carbon tax is hardly new, but it's suddenly gaining new popularity ? and from some unusual quarters.

A Green Political Agenda for City Elections

Seventh Day of Strike at the Ports of LA and Long Beach

Alex Chadwick sits in for Warren Olney with "WWLA?" on KCRW to talk about the port strike in Southern California, now a week old with no reports of progress in talks. What?s at stake? Warren be on with the To The Point part of the show a little later ? he?s talking about a series of same sex marriage legal challenges before the Supreme Court, which appear in no hurry to hear any of them.

Brutality Claims Belie LAPD Reforms

The 1992 Rodney King beatings produced an era of reform at the LAPD. But records show misleading reports about excessive force even when it?s been videotaped.

Implementing a Reformed Three Strikes

A sentence of 25 years to life for stealing a leaf-blower may be reduced now that California voters have reformed the nation's toughest Three Strikes law.

The Red Scare and the Hollywood Blacklist

An update on the Hollywood Reporter's role in the anti-Communist witch-hunt that led to blacklisting of movie stars, writers and others who refused to cooperate with HUAC.

Movies Leaving Hollywood

For years, California's been trying to stem runaway film and TV production to other states and countries. We get the latest on a major sector of the local economy.

California Launches Cap and Trade Program with First...

The controversy continues over California's long-awaited ?Cap and Trade? program, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels in the next eight years.

Remembering California Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

In LA County, many veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are coping with unemployment and poverty. Plus, profiles of Californians who?ve made the ultimate sacrifice.

Republican Party in California: Where Does It Go from...

Having won majorities in both houses of the state legislature, Democrats could raise taxes without asking voters. Also, has Proposition 30 saved public schools?

Props 30 and 38: A High-Stakes Election for Public...

Two propositions on next week's ballot are about education. We hear how Prop 30 (Governor Brown) and Prop 38 (civil rights attorney Molly Munger) compare.

The Race for LA District Attorney

LA County voters are preparing to elect the next District Attorney. We talk with Jackie Lacey and Alan Jackson about 'three strikes,' the death penalty and Proposition 30.

Measure B: Enforcing the Use of Condoms in Pornography

Measure B on the LA County ballot, which would require condoms for all male performers in the porn industry, has divided business interests and performers themselves.

Is California's Initiative Process Out of Control?

California voters are faced with 11 initiatives on next month's ballot, four supported by lone millionaires with their own ideas and interests.

Silicon Beach Brings Change to Westside

The digital world's moving to LA, the heart of the entertainment world. Content and technology are gentrifying Silicon Beach. Will Venice ever be funky again after Google?

Shuttle Celebration Gets Downsized

Inglewood and LA are "inviting the public" to view the Shuttle Endeavour as it proceeds from LAX to the Science Center, but they're making it as difficult as possible.

Gas Prices Spike

Gasoline rose by 60 cents last week in some places ? by 40 cents this weekend alone ? setting records all over California. Is it "malicious and manipulative trading?"

Councilman Alarcon to Stand Trial for Perjury, Voter...

Councilman Richard Alarcn will be tried for fraud and perjury, but probably not before he stands for election to the State Assembly in less than a month.

Free, After Serving 19 Years of a Life Sentence

The LAPD is investigating detective work that put a Los Angeles man in prison 19 years ago?for a murder he didn?t commit. We?ll talk with him about his new life on the outside. We?ll hear about programs in Chinese culture and language at UCLA and LA Unified?paid for by China. Are they for propaganda as well as education?

AEG Tells LA that Sale Will Not Affect NFL Stadium Plans

Los Angeles has been trying to figure out the sudden offer for sale of AEG at the very moment it seemed to have worked out a deal to bring the NFL back to LA.

Campaign Strategy and Science

"A letter in a plain white envelope could swing the presidential election..." We talk about the overlooked wizards of winning elections.

Governor Brown, Molly Munger and the Future of Public...

Props 30 and 38 would raise taxes for similar goals, but one would send money to Sacramento, the other directly to schools. We hear more about the measures' differences.

In Inglewood and South LA It's Goodbye Trees, Hello...

Hundreds of tall old trees in LA and Inglewood are being cut down to make way for the Space Shuttle Endeavour to travel from LAX to Exposition Park. Is it worth the sacrifice?

Super PAC's, Big Money and the Convention outside the...

A look at how money and influence meet in Republican politics, and the diversity that makes Florida a swing state with seniors, Hispanics and evangelicals.

Zev Yaroslavsky Won't Run for Mayor of Los Angeles

After almost 40 years in elected office, LA Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky says he won't run for Mayor of Los Angeles. He'll hang it up when his term is over in 2014.

Robert Redford Debuts a New Independent Movie Theater

Robert Redford says his new theater complex fulfills his dream of building a movie theater in his "home town." We talk about Hollywood and the world of independent films.

Genetically Modified Food and Ethical Cycling

The battle over Prop 37 and the labeling of all genetically modified food. Also, even though it?s illegal, is it ethical for cyclists to run red lights and stop signs?

Mini Dream Act Rolls Out in Los Angeles

President Obama made a bid for Latino voters by ordering that immigrants brought to this country as children could apply for 2-year deportation delays even though they are here illegally. nbsp;

It?s a Cruel Summer for LAUSD Kids

Restoring a Whitewashed Political Mural on Olvera Street

An 80-foot-long mural by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, covered up since the 1930's, is re-emerging on the side of a building on Olvera Street in downtown LA.

Mission to Mars, Made in LA

Sunday, the high-tech rover Curiosity lands on Mars. We hear about generations of dreams and "seven minutes of terror."

Big Stem Cell Grants and Apple Vs Samsung

When California voters approved 3 billion dollars in bonds for stem-cell research, they weren?t told how long it might take to develop treatments for diseases that have no cures. That was in 2004, and the agency that was created is still trying to get research out of the lab and into the clinical phase. We?ll hear what the latest 150 million in grants are for and what it?s realistic to expect. Also? Apple and Samsung. When two giants of high technology go to court, what does it mean for...

Governor Brown?s Massive Water Project

Jerry Brown proposes a canal to divert Northern California water around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and bring it to Southern California, again. Also tonight, there?s talk of a referendum to repeal this week?s ban on medical marijuana clinics by the LA City Council. Will the State Supreme make a decision before voters get to the polls? And later, is London really ready to light the torch??

Fallout from State Parks' Hidden Funds

After threatening to close 70 parks for a lack of money, the state found $54 million hidden away, enough to keep them open twice over. What happened to all that money?

Backlash against Union Clout Spreads to California

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker led an anti-union movement that spread to Ohio and Indiana. Are California voters as resentful of organized labor as those in the Midwest?

Who Should Clean Up the City's Foreclosed Homes?

LA City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has filed a lawsuit against US Bank, to force clean-up of foreclosed properties that have made some neighborhoods magnets for crime.

Remaking Watts' Infamous Jordan Downs Housing Project

Developers have plans to tear down 700 units of public housing, to upgrade Watts without displacement of the low-income people that comes with gentrification.

High Speed Rail Takes Off in California, or Does It?

After the legislature agreed to allocate $8 billion in state and federal funds, the biggest public works project in state history might begin next year ? or it might not.

What's the Future of MOCA?

MOCA can't spend $8.75 million in matching funds because it didn't raise any matching money on its own last year. Now it?s curator has been fired. Is LA's world-class museum on shaky grounds?

Homeowners' Bill of Rights

The banks don?t like it, but the California legislature has passed the "Homeowners' Bill of Rights," offering protection for troubled homeowners.

What Today's Healthcare Ruling Means for California

With "Obamacare" upheld by the Supreme Court, President Obama's called for rapid implementation. Some 4.6 million additional Californians will now be eligible for coverage.

A Republican Super PAC in California

Former GOP officials going outside party to create a Super PAC will even settle for moderate Democrats. Will big money destroy the two-party system in California?

Eli Broad and the Art of Being Unreasonable

He's contributed more to LA art and culture than any one person since Dorothy Chandler built the Music Center. We ask Eli Broad why he calls himself "The Unreasonable Man."

California State Parks Under Stress

Governor Brown has proposed closing 70 of California's 279 state parks to save $22 million. About 30 will be saved, 3 of which will turn operations over to private contractors.

Battle over Genetically Modified Foods Goes to Voters

A measure that would require the labeling of genetically modified food has qualified for California's November ballot.

Will UCLA Anderson School Privatize?

State budget cuts have prompted UCLA's Anderson School MBA program to reject public money in favor of private donations and higher tuition.

Aftermath of California's Jungle Primary

After yesterday's primary, has California lost its power to help Democrats re-take control of Congress? Is the ?top two? process a success? We look at election results.

Election June, 2012: A California Primary to Remember?

Tomorrow's California primary could shake up state and Congressional politics for years to come. Hear why the LA Times told readers, "Don't sit this one out."

Competing Medical Marijuana Bans Move Forward

Despite passage of California's Prop 215, medical marijuana is illegal under federal law. LA's latest effort attempts to balance risk of legal action with patient demand.

Memorial Day in America: Fun or Remembrance?

Memorial Day is a holiday dedicated to America?s war dead, but which is spent in very different ways in different cities, towns, neighborhoods and by different individuals.

California's 'Jungle Primary'

The June 5 election will be like nothing California's seen before, and the general election will feature run-offs between candidates of the same party.

Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Farm Workers

The United Farm Workers celebrated its 50th anniversary this weekend with leaders, including the late Cesar Chavez, still being canonized by some, demonized by others.