KPCC News In Brief

Posts about “Politics/Public Affairs” Category

• State budget cuts would limit poor women's birth control access

  The state could save more than $34 million by ending some family planning programs. KPCC’s Patricia Nazario says some Southland women’s health advocates plan to protest those proposed cuts tomorrow.

  Patricia Nazario: The staff of Planned Parenthood doesn’t want the state’s budget trimming to touching its turf. The organization is rallying patients, volunteers, and supporters to show up for a noontime protest and an evening vigil in front of the governor’s downtown L.A. office.

  Health care activists say that for every dollar California puts into family planning and women’s cancer screening programs, the federal government matches $9.

  Last week, the governor acknowledged that every cut in state programs and services will inflict real pain. But, he added, California’s government could become insolvent unless he and Sacramento lawmakers dramatically scale back spending. Analysts say the state faces a $24 billion budget gap next fiscal year.

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  • June 2, 2009 9:49 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA city fire chief retires, reflects on his time as chief

  Los Angeles City Fire Chief Douglas Barry has announced his plans to retire. He’s served the department for 34 years. At a news conference yesterday, he reflected on some standout moments during his three years as chief.

  Douglas Barry: “Sad but proud moment was the funeral that I, as the fire chief was presiding or gave a speech at for Brent Lovrien last year. I was very sad that we lost a member. I’m always sad of that.

  “As the fire chief, you kind of feel like the father figure and everyone’s kind of your children, so you kind of feel hurt when those things happen. But when I looked out across the Cathedral and saw the support of the firefighters – not just our department, throughout the region. It made me very proud to know that that connection really exists.

  “And the proudest moment is, seeing how the department has handled many of the major incidents, being it the Metrolink, the brush fires, the devastating brush fires. And even how we’ve addressed some of the issues that were highlighted when I first came in. I’m very, very proud of that, and I think that as a department, we should be proud.”

  Douglas Barry is the first African-American to lead the Los Angeles Fire Department. His last day on the job will be August 30th.

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  • May 29, 2009 10:05 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA city fire chief will retire

  The chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Douglas Barry, announced today that he’s ready to retire. KPCC’s Brian Watt says his announcement follows more than three decades with the department.

  Brian Watt: South Bay native Douglas Barry attended Narbonne High School, Harbor College, and Cal State Long Beach. He spent 34 years moving up the ranks of the city fire department.

  Three years ago, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed Barry interim chief as the department was burning with racial and sexual harassment scandals. Barry believes he’s turned the department around. But he understands that some people might think controversy drove him out.

  Douglas Barry: To the contrary. Everyone, from the mayor, the City Council, the Fire Commission, the controller, and the fire department members have been extremely supportive of me and my leadership and have expressed to me their desire that I stay longer.

  Watt: Barry is the L.A. Fire Department’s first African-American chief. His announcement comes as the department prepares to address a deficit of $56 million. The tough budget year begins on July 1st, and Barry says he’ll stay on until August 30th to make some of the tough calls.

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  • May 28, 2009 11:27 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA opposes state plan to borrow city property tax revenues

  Lawmakers in Sacramento today continued to wade through more budget cut proposals from the governor. KPCC’s Julie Small reports they heard testimony on his plan to borrow $2 billion from counties and cities – including Los Angeles.

  Jim DeBoo: We’ve just closed a $530 million deficit.

  Julie Small: That’s Jim DeBoo – the City of L.A.’s man in Sacramento. He told members of the budget conference committee Mayor Villaraigosa could sign a balanced budget by the end of the week. But DeBoo also says if the state decides to borrow 8 percent of the city’s property tax – as Governor Schwarzenegger proposes – that will push Los Angeles back into the red.

  DeBoo: It could be anywhere between $85 million and around $100 million in additional deficit. If it does happen, the fear is we’d have to go look at public safety cuts. And that’s something that the mayor and the city council at least in L.A. would really, really like to avoid.

  Small: Representatives from cities across the state told lawmakers they face similar – and equally bad – choices.

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  • May 28, 2009 4:59 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Schwarzenegger speaks on gay marriage ruling

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says he respects the state Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the voter-approved ban on same sex marriage. The governor says he personally believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, but he also told CNN.com that he wouldn’t be surprised if Californians legalized same-sex marriage in the future.

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:

  Gay rights groups are planning to place an initiative legalizing gay marriage on the ballot, perhaps as early as next year.

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  • May 27, 2009 11:13 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Bill introduced to give state oversight of the UC

  State lawmakers introduced a bill today that would ask voters to give the legislature the power to regulate the University of California. The state constitution protects the UC from state regulation.

  The bill would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. If approved, it would strip the UC of its immunity. San Francisco Democratic State Senator Leland Yee is a co-sponsor. He told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that many lawmakers are angry about the high salaries paid to UC executives.

  Leland Yee: “They make more than the president of the United States. They make more than the governor of this state. It seems that their perspective, the regents perspective, of what is appropriate given these tough economic times, given their position relative to other positions in the this country and this state that are just not, not adequate.”

  UC chancellors make $300,000 to $400,000 a year – that goes up to as much as half a million with perks.

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  • May 27, 2009 4:13 PM
  • Categories: Education, Politics/Public Affairs

• Health care advocate decries proposed cuts to Healthy Families

  One of the many programs Governor Schwarzenegger is proposing eliminating is Healthy Families. The $250 million program provides health insurance for kids in low-income families that make too much to qualify for Medi-Cal.

  Howard Kahn is CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, which administers the Healthy Families program in L.A. County. He says without Healthy Families, a quarter of a million kids in L.A. County alone would lose health coverage. And that, says Kahn, would mean that many families would no longer be able to get their kids basic primary care.

  Howard Kahn: “They are going to end up in emergency rooms. They are going to end up in both the county and the community clinics that we’ve got throughout Los Angeles. Those folks have already been seeing an increase in use because of the high unemployment rates. So we are going to have more crowded emergency rooms. That’s no way to run a health care system.”

  Kahn spoke on KPCC’s “AirTalk.”

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  • May 27, 2009 4:09 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Former Bush v. Gore lawyers team up to challenge Prop 8

  A day after the California Supreme Court upheld the state’s voter-approved ban on gay marriage, two prominent attorneys announced they’re teaming up to challenge it in federal court. KPCC’s Brian Watt says the lawyers are better known as legal adversaries.

  Brian Watt: Ted Olson and David Boies argued on opposite sides of the Bush v. Gore case that determined the winner of the 2000 presidential election. David Boies hasn’t forgotten.

  David Boies: Being up here on a platform with Ted Olson and all these lights makes me want to urge everyone to count every vote. (laughter)

  Watt: They’ve filed a lawsuit in federal district court on behalf of two same-sex couples that want to marry – and they sought an injunction to block enforcement of Proposition 8 until the case is decided.

  The suit claims that Prop 8 violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment and discriminates on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. Ted Olson said California’s “domestic partnership” option fails to provide the same benefits and protections as marriage.

  Ted Olson: That is separate, and that is not equal. It is unconstitutional.

  Watt: An attorney for the supporters of Prop 8 says the suit has very little prospect of success. Many gay marriage advocates say it’s too early for a federal lawsuit.

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  • May 27, 2009 3:34 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Officials give digital TV converter demo before June 12 deadline

  Starting in two-and-a-half weeks, broadcast television stations will begin using digital technology to transmit their programs. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says that if your TV is not equipped to carry the new digital signal on June 12th, you’re only going to see fuzz.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “There are some 200,000 Angelinos who haven’t made the conversion to digital TV. We’re very concerned about that because they’ll lose their ability to see the programming they’re used to seeing.”

  It’s not too late to apply for a $40 coupon that’ll help cover the cost of a digital converter box for analog TVs. You can get two per household online at DTV2009.gov.

  Anyone who needs a converter box – or needs to figure out how to hook it up to the TV – can talk to experts and check out demonstrations tomorrow at the L.A. Convention Center. The event is scheduled to run from 9 o’clock in the morning until 4 in the afternoon.

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  • May 27, 2009 3:29 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• Health care advocates warn cuts could lead to higher costs elsewhere

  During a budget hearing at the state capital today, more than 100 people testified on proposed cuts to state medical insurance for low-income Californians. Governor Schwarzenegger suggested the cuts to help close a $24 billion deficit. KPCC’s Julie Small reports that health care advocates warned California will end up paying more for the cuts in the long run.

  Julie Small: One after another, health care activists urged the state’s budget conference committee to reject the governor’s proposed cuts. Herb Meyer, a retired Air Force veteran from Marin County, lost the use of his legs in a boating accident and spent his life savings on medical and support care.

  The 78-year-old now depends on the state’s Medi-Cal program for coverage. From his wheelchair, Meyer told legislators that the governor’s idea to cut so-called “optional” Medi-Cal benefits would hurt recipients.

  Herb Meyer: They’re going to take away their eyeglasses. They’re going to take away their podiatric care. They’re going to take away many of the things that are going to be difficult for them to get.

  Where’re they going to go? They’re going to go to emergency rooms – all this type of thing. It’s going to cost the government more money than they’re going to save in doing these things.

  Small: Meyer said he’s already lost some Medi-Cal drug benefits from the budget cuts the legislature made earlier this year. That cost him $95 of his monthly $2,000 retirement check.

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  • May 27, 2009 3:25 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Cuts imminent for state services

  A hefty cut to California’s Healthy Families program is one solution Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is offering to help offset the state’s projected $24 billion budget shortfall.

  Jean Ross heads the California Budget Project. She told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that the proposed cut would leave close to 950,000 children in the state without medical coverage.

  Jean Ross: “The governor is also proposing to scale back medical coverage for children and that would add an additional about 472,000 children to the ranks of the uninsured. So this would have a dramatic increase on the health status of California’s children.”

  If the legislature approves $5 billion in cuts the governor’s proposed to state programs, programs including universities, state parks, and prisons would be in line for program and personnel reductions. The governor’s also suggested saving more than $1 billion by eliminating the CalWORKs welfare program. The governor’s expected to propose $3 billion in additional cuts next week.

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  • May 27, 2009 2:35 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Bush v. Gore attornies team up for federal suit against Prop 8

  California’s ban on same-sex marriage has compelled two well-known legal adversaries to challenge the law. Attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies argued against each other in the Bush versus Gore case that determined the result of the 2000 presidential election. But Olson said they’ve joined forces to sue against Proposition 8 in federal court.

  Ted Olson: “The case we filed is not about liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican. We’re here in part to symbolize that. This case is about the equal rights guaranteed to every American under the United States Constitution.”

  They filed the suit last Friday on behalf of two same-sex couples who want to marry. Today, they filed an injunction asking the court to stop the enforcement of Prop 8 pending the case’s outcome.

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  • May 27, 2009 2:18 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Rancho Cucamonga councilman arrested on felony grand theft charges

  Authorities arrested Rancho Cucamonga councilman Rex Guiterrez today for allegedly misappropriating public money. KPCC’s Steven Cuevas says the arrest is part of an ever-widening fraud and corruption probe that involves several high-profile San Bernardino County officials.

  Steven Cuevas: The felony charges against Rex Guitterez – misappropriation of public funds and grand theft – arise from his brief stint with the county assessor’s office. He quit in January when the office became the focus of an investigation into alleged fraud and corruption.

  Assessor Bill Postmus resigned soon after. An independent investigation launched by the San Bernardino County board of supervisors portrays the office as a den of political corruption, financial fraud, and drug abuse.

  Gutierrez had been Postmus’ “intergovernmental relations officer.” But investigators say he was dubbed “intergalactic officer” because he rarely showed up for work – even when he continued to collect a paycheck. The county is suing Gutierrez and several other former assessor’s office officials over money allegedly lost through rampant timecard abuse.

  Some of Guiterrez’ colleagues on the Rancho Cucamonga city council are calling on him to step down. He’s served on the council off and on over 17 years.

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  • May 27, 2009 2:17 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA City Council postpones vote on billboard ban

  The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously today on the contentious issue of billboard expansion. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall says it’s not the vote people on either side of the matter had hoped for.

  Cheryl Devall: Now that L.A.’s elected Carmen Trutanich as its next city attorney, the city council has decided to let him review a proposed moratorium on new billboards and digital billboard conversions when he takes office in July.

  A temporary ban on new billboards and supergraphics – ads that wrap around multi-story buildings – runs out next month. The city council is expected to extend that ban to September, when it’s scheduled to vote again.

  The unanimous decision to put off a final decision until September disappointed people who testified for three hours on the free speech, commercial, and aesthetic implications of limiting billboard expansion.

  Anti-sign forces object to a provision that would designate 21 “sign districts” to accommodate new billboards in areas including the L.A. International Airport corridor and Hollywood. Outdoor advertising companies don’t like the fines that plan would charge for every violation of the ordinance.

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  • May 26, 2009 4:52 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Another ballot measure might turn tide in same-sex marriage battle

  The battle in California over same-sex marriage isn’t finished – and KPCC’s Nick Roman says the result next time could be different.

  Nick Roman: This began nine years ago when voters approved Proposition 22 – a statute that said “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” Last May, the state Supreme Court invalidated that measure. Proposition 8 had the same wording as 22 – but it’s a constitutional amendment not as easily dislodged by a court decision. But voters could overturn it.

  Backers of same-sex marriage intend to put a measure on the ballot – and it might succeed. Prop 22 passed with more than 61 percent of the vote. Eight years later, Prop 8 also passed – but with only 52 percent. The 22 percentage point margin of victory that opponents of same-sex marriage had with Prop 22 was down to 4.

  And even though Prop 8 passed in L.A., Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, it earned much less support than Prop 22. One more year and one more election are all that backers of same-sex marriage might need to win.

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  • May 26, 2009 4:32 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Legal scholar suggests Prop 8 not settled, despite court decision

  Legal scholar Richard Hasen of Loyola Law School suggests that Proposition 8 – California’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage – may not be settled despite the state supreme court’s decision in favor of the measure.

  Richard Hasen: “The California Supreme Court has said pretty straightforwardly that as far as the state power and state constitution goes, there’s a lot more power in the hands of voters. And that if the voters want to have the last word here, subject to the federal constitution, they can.”

  Last November, 52 percent of the voters overturned an earlier state Supreme Court decision that briefly made same-sex marriages legal in California. Hasen told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that if more change is on the way, it’ll probably happen through the ballot box in another statewide referendum.

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  • May 26, 2009 4:30 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Supporters of Prop 8 applaud state supreme court's decision

  Supporters of Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, applauded today’s state Supreme Court decision that upheld the vote. Andrew Pugno argued before California’s highest court that last year’s narrow approval of Prop 8 reflected the will of the people. He told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that opponents are within their rights to raise the issue in another ballot measure, but…

  Andrew Pugno: “I don’t suspect that the people of California would look favorably on being asked to vote on this yet again. We’ve already voted on it twice in the last few years, and in fact I don’t think it would be very likely to succeed in taking Prop 8 out of the constitution. Prop 8 was made a close election by the occasional young liberal voter that showed up, that is not likely to show up in those numbers for a long time to come.”

  Nine years ago, California voters approved an earlier ban on same-sex marriage by a much wider margin than they did last November.

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  • May 26, 2009 4:28 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Supreme Court nominee has reputation as tough, smart

  The scrutiny’s begun for President Obama’s pick for an upcoming vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. The president praised federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor of New York as “an inspiring woman” with varied experience on the bench. Legal Network anchor Jami Floyd has reported on cases in Sotomayor’s courtroom.

  Jami Floyd: “She’s tough, I would say hard-nosed, very smart, cuts to the issues, does not suffer fools. And she has a bit of a reputation for being prickly, but I would say if she was a man that wouldn’t be the case. I think some of it is because she is a woman and we have different expectations for women, whether it’s on the bench, at the front of a classroom, or as homemakers.”

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  • May 26, 2009 3:59 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• South LA civil rights leader applauds Prop 8 ruling

  A civil rights activist in South L.A. applauds the California Supreme Court for upholding Proposition 8. Eddie Jones is president of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Association.

  Eddie Jones : “I don’t agree with same-sex marriage. It’s been voted on already. They passed it not to happen. And I think it’s wrong to try to get an amendment to it. I think it’s wrong. The people voted on it. They said ‘no’. No means no.”

  Supporters of same-sex couples’ right to marry say they’ll bring the issue before California voters again. But they haven’t decided when.

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  • May 26, 2009 3:57 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Some support same-sex marriage, also support court's decision

  The California Supreme Court this morning upheld Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage. In response, several callers on KPCC’s “AirTalk” said they support same-sex marriage, but they also support the logic of the court’s decision. Among them was John of Santa Monica.

  John: “The people actually voted on this. And the constitution is supposed to back up the rule of the people. I mean, to complain about a constitutional issue when people vote on it, it just seems redundant – it doesn’t seem right.”

  The court’s ruling also maintains the legality of about 18,000 same-sex marriages that took place between an earlier state supreme court decision that allowed them and the November election that endorsed the ban with 52 percent of the vote.

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  • May 26, 2009 3:52 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• California high court upholds gay marriage ban

  By LISA LEFF
  Associated Press Writer

  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – California’s Supreme Court upheld the state’s gay-marriage ban Tuesday but said the 18,000 same-sex weddings that took place before the prohibition passed are still valid – a ruling decried by gay-rights activists as a hollow victory.

  Demonstrators outside the court booed, wept and yelled, “Shame on you!” Activists said they would go back to the voters as early as next year in a bid to repeal the ban.

  In a 6-1 decision written by Chief Justice Ron George, the court rejected arguments that the ban approved by the voters last fall was such a fundamental change in the California Constitution that it first needed the Legislature’s approval.

  As for the thousands of couples who tied the knot last year in the five months that gay marriage was legal in California, the court said it is well-established principle that an amendment is not retroactive unless it is clear that the voters intended it to be, and that was not the case with Proposition 8.

  Moreover, the court said it would be too disruptive to apply Proposition 8 retroactively and dissolve all gay marriages.

  Doing that would have the effect of “throwing property rights into disarray, destroying the legal interests and expectations of thousands of couples and their families, and potentially undermining the ability of citizens to plan their lives according to the law as it has been determined by this state’s highest court,” the ruling said.

  While gay rights advocates accused the court of failing to protect a minority group from the will of the majority, the justices said that the state’s governing framework gives voters almost unfettered ability to change the California Constitution.

  The decision set off an outcry among a sea of demonstrators who had gathered in front of the San Francisco courthouse, holding signs and waving rainbow flags. Many people also held hands in a chain around an intersection in an act of protest.

  “We’re relieved our marriage was not invalidated, but this is a hollow victory because there are so many that are not allowed to marry those they love,” said Amber Weiss, 32, who was in the crowd at City Hall, near the courthouse, with her partner, Sharon Papo. They were married on the first day gay marriage was legal last year, June 17.

  “I feel very uncomfortable being in a special class of citizens,” Papo said.

  Jeanne Rizzo, 62, who was one of the plaintiffs along with her wife, Pali Cooper, said: “It’s not about whether we get to stay married. Our fight is far from over. I have about 20 years left on this earth, and I’m going to continue to fight for equality every day.”

  A small group of Proposition 8 supporters also gathered outside the court.

  “A lot of people just assume we’re religious nuts. We’re not. But we are Christians and we believe in the Bible,” said George Popko, 22, a student at American River College in Sacramento, where the student government officially endorsed Proposition 8.

  In the state capital, Republican state Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo, the incoming minority leader, said the court’s decision “reaffirmed the principle that the people’s votes do matter.”

  The state Supreme Court ruled 4-3 last May that it was unconstitutional to deny gay couples the right to wed. For a while, that put California - the nation’s most populous state - back in its familiar position in the vanguard of social change; at the time, Massachusetts was the only other state to allow gay marriage.

  In what gay activists called their “Summer of Love,” same-sex couples from around the country rushed to get married in California for fear the voters would take away the right at the ballot box. In November, Proposition 8 passed with 52 percent approval.

  Over the past several months, as the fight went on in California, Iowa, Maine, Vermont and Connecticut legalized gay marriage, bringing to five the number of states that allow same-sex couples to wed.

  In California, gay rights activists argued that the ban was improperly put to the voters and amounted to a revision - which required legislative approval - not an amendment. But the justices disagreed.

  The court said that while the ban denies gay couples use of the term “marriage,” it does not fundamentally disturb their basic right to “establish an officially recognized and protected family relationship with the person of one’s choice and to raise children within the family.” California still allows gay couples to form domestic partnerships.

  In their 136-page majority ruling, the justices said it not their job to address whether the ban is wise public policy, but to decide whether it is constitutionally valid, while “setting aside our own personal beliefs and values.”

  Justice Carlos Moreno, who had been under consideration as President Barack Obama’s nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, was the lone dissenter.

  He said denying same-sex couples the right to wed “strikes at the core of the promise of equality that underlies our California Constitution.” He said it represents a “drastic and far-reaching change.”

  “Promising equal treatment to some is fundamentally different from promising equal treatment for all,” Moreno said. “Promising treatment that is almost equal is fundamentally different from ensuring truly equal treatment.”

  San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, whose office fought the ban, said: “Today we are faced with a disappointing decision. But I think we also know it could have been worse.”

  Democratic state Sen. Christine Kehoe of San Diego said that California “has lost its lead in the fight for civil rights for all people.” And Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco warned the ruling would create “apartheid” in California.

  Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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  • May 26, 2009 2:50 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Possible Republican response to Supreme Court nominee

  Conservative lawmakers responded quickly to President Obama’s nomination of federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ron Elving, senior Washington Editor for National Public Radio, told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that the opposition reflects differences in judicial philosophy.

  Ron Elving: “I think that it’s fair to say that Republicans are upholding a principle of strict adherence to the document of the constitution, the letter of the law if you will, and we’ve already heard quite a number of the Republican senators who are going to be handling theses proceedings on the judiciary committee talking about applying the letter of the law and not trying to interpret what the law, that is to say the Constitution, might mean in a modern context.”

  Some Republicans have questioned the way Sotomayor, a Latina, has decided on affirmative action cases. She ruled against a group of white Connecticut firefighters who’d sued their department claiming racial discrimination.

  The Supreme Court expects to rule on that case this session. If the U.S. Senate approves her nomination, Sotomayor would replace associate justice David Souter, who plans to retire from the court this summer.

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  • May 26, 2009 2:24 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Southern Christian Leadership Conference leader praises Supreme Court pick

  The local head of the organization founded by Martin Luther King, Jr. praised President Obama’s nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Reverend Eric Lee of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California said federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor would bring needed diversity to the nation’s highest court.

  Reverend Eric Lee: “Because of her background, coming from the projects, and working class family, being able to work her way through to becoming a justice, that it adds an element of compassion and understanding about the plight of people who are struggling just for a decent living, and quality of life in our country.”

  If the Senate approves her, Sotomayor – who’s Puerto Rican – would be the first Latina associate justice. President Obama announced the nomination this morning at a White House news conference.

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  • May 26, 2009 2:22 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Gay marriage proponents respond to ruling on Prop 8

  The California Supreme Court this morning upheld Proposition 8 – and the marriages of same-sex couples who wed while their unions were legal. A coalition of faith leaders and groups that support same-sex marriage rights met today in South Los Angeles to hear the ruling on Prop 8 and offer their reactions. Attorney Jenny Pizer is on the legal team that challenged the ballot measure.

  Jenny Pizer: “Proposition 8 stole our right to marry, and it advanced a pernicious idea of equality that puts every California minority at risk. Prop 8 tore our constitution. Today’s deeply disappointing decision puts it to us as a people to repair that damage at the ballot box.”

  The coalition vowed to bring the issue of same-sex marriage before California voters again. But members haven’t decided when. Pizer said the 18,000 same-sex couples who married before voters approved Prop 8 last November will demonstrate that their rights don’t threaten anyone.

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  • May 26, 2009 2:20 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• National Organization for Marriage director praises Prop 8 decision

  The California Supreme Court has ruled against lawsuits that sought to overturn Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on same sex marriage.

  Proposition 8 opponents argued that the measure was a constitutional revision, rather than an amendment, and that it needed the legislature’s approval. But the court rejected that argument in a 6 to 1 ruling.

  Brian Brown praised the ruling on KPCC’s “AirTalk.” Brown is executive director of the National Organization for Marriage, which supported Proposition 8.

  Brian Brown: “This was the common sense decision the court should have made. And we’re very happy with the decision and, you know, any other decision would have essentially said that the people are going to be robbed of their right to speak on an issue that’s of fundamental importance – marriage.”

  Proponents of same sex marriage are vowing to fight the decision. They say they may go back to voters as early as next year to try and repeal Prop 8.

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  • May 26, 2009 2:18 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• State Supreme Court upholds gay marriage ban

  The state Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.

  The court ruled 6-to-1 against gay rights activists who argued that the measure was a constitutional revision, and therefore needed the legislature’s approval. The court did let 18,000 same-sex marriages stand. Those couples were married after the state’s highest court legalized same-sex marriage, and before voters approved Prop 8.

  David Bowers was at the courthouse when the ruling came down. He spoke with KPCC’s Larry Mantle.

  David Bowers: “Extremely disappointed. And now I’m in a group of people who are – my marriage is still held up legal. All my brothers and sisters are out here and they can’t get married. I don’t understand. I’m disappointed.”

  Gay rights activists are vowing to fight the court ruling. They’re planning protests today. In a statement, Governor Schwarzenegger said that he will uphold the court’s ruling, although he believes that someday California will recognize legal gay marriage. He also encouraged people who respond to the court decision to do so peacefully and lawfully.

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  • May 26, 2009 11:37 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Over 1,000 homecare, domestic workers protest protest proposed cuts

  A crowd of more than a thousand Southland homecare providers and their patients and supporters converged on downtown Los Angeles today. They were protesting Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed cuts in home care services.

  Organizer Eliseo Medina of the Service Employees International Union says the governor’s May revise budget would reduce most workers’ pay from 11 or 12 dollars to 8 dollars an hour – minimum wage.

  Eliseo Medina: “They’re being a penny wise and a dollar foolish. If they force all these home care clients out of their homes, where they gonna send them? To nursing homes? They are four times more expensive than home care. This is a bad decision. What the governor proposes is gonna wind up costing them more money, not less.”

  Governor Schwarzenegger has said the huge budget shortfall – made worse by last Tuesday’s defeat of several budget ballot measures – is forcing him to make deep cuts in state programs.

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  • May 22, 2009 4:09 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Obama holding bipartisan immigration meeting, doesn't invite Lungren

  President Obama is moving forward on immigration reform. He’s called a meeting at the White House early next month with congressional members from both parties. But KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports the invitee list may be significant for who’s not on it.

  Kitty Felde: An administration official says the June 8th conference will gather lawmakers from both parties for a “substantive discussion” of immigration issues that will lead to a larger debate later this year. That same official says it would be a “small group.” Two prominent Democrats from California say they were invited: the head of the House Immigration Subcommittee Zoe Lofgren of San Jose and Nancy Pelosi’s right-hand man, Xavier Becerra of Los Angeles.

  But arguably the most experienced Republican on the issue hasn’t been invited. In 1986, it was House Member Dan Lungren’s job to round up GOP votes for the last sweeping immigration bill passed by Congress. But so far, the White House hasn’t tapped the Sacramento Republican for his institutional memory. The White House official who confirmed the meeting says he hasn’t seen the list of invitees.

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  • May 21, 2009 8:44 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Sole Republican vote for climate change bill is Californian

  Democratic Congressman Henry Waxman of Los Angeles scored a major victory on Capitol Hill last night. The Energy and Commerce Committee he chairs passed a major piece of climate change legislation before Memorial Day, just as he promised. The victory came with help from a fellow Californian from the other side of the aisle. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Congressman Henry Waxman: The clerk will call the roll.
  Clerk: Mr. Waxman.
  Waxman: Aye.
  Clerk: Mr. Waxman votes aye.

  Kitty Felde: By a vote of 33-25, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act. The measure battles climate change by promoting renewable sources of electricity. It also creates a pollution credit trading system for industry.

  The vote was largely along party lines. Four Democrats voted no and one Republican, Mary Bono Mack, voted yes. The congresswoman from Palm Springs said the issue of climate change was important enough to move the bill forward. In its present form, she said it was missing one important element.

  Congresswoman Mary Bono Mac: We would really like to see a lot more done to promote nuclear power and don’t feel this bill is doing that.

  Felde: The bill now goes to other House committees and is likely to change quite a bit before coming to the floor for a vote. Even in this committee, members considered nearly a hundred amendments to the bill.

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  • May 21, 2009 8:42 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Governor proposes wholesale cuts to close budget gap

  The Schwarzenegger Administration today proposed sweeping budget cuts to help plug California’s multi-billion dollar deficit. KPCC’s Julie Small reports some popular social services programs could be scrapped entirely.

  Julie Small: Among the programs the Schwarzenegger Administration proposes to scrap is CalWorks. It’s a welfare assistance program for needy families. The Healthy Families program could be gone. It’s the state’s health insurance program for teens and children in low-income families.

  Also on the “cut” list are Cal Grants that pay fees for low-income students at state-funded universities. Altogether, the cuts would save billions of dollars. A spokesman for the governor’s finance department says the state alone funds these programs, so dismantling them won’t threaten any federal funding that California receives.

  Schwarzenegger Administration officials announced the likely cuts after the non-partisan Legislative Analyst raised doubts about whether the governor’s plan to borrow $6 billion from Wall Street to plug the deficit was legal.

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  • May 21, 2009 3:45 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Governor Schwarzenegger withdraws borrowing plan, looks for cuts

  Governor Schwarzenegger’s withdrawn his plan to balance the state budget with 5-and-a-half billion dollars of borrowed money. Instead, he’s asking state agencies to forward more ideas about where they can cut. Jason Dickerson with the Legislative Analyst’s Office told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that the governor was right to reverse his course on borrowing.

  Jason Dickerson: “It could well be a habit the state gets into, but the constitution of the state places fairly strict limits on debt that can be issued. And it really would be, potentially, in violation of those requirements.”

  California’s working with few good fiscal options in the face of a projected $21 billion deficit.

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  • May 21, 2009 3:38 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• State services still at risk, despite appeals for funding to federal government

  California officials are borrowing a strategy from the financial industry – trying to convince the federal government to front some cash fast because this state is too big to fail. Jason Dickerson with the state Legislative Analyst’s Office isn’t sure that approach will spare state services from major cuts.

  Jason Dickerson: “The governor’s $750 million proposal to cut Medi-Cal funding that would require approval from the federal government, that is a pretty risky proposition on which to balance the budget over the next year. We don’t know if the federal government will go along with that. But in terms of looking at selling some state assets and some state lands, rethinking how our boards and commissions work, we think that is a good idea and the legislature should look at that.”

  Federal Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s already saying that California shouldn’t rely on much more financial help from Washington.

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  • May 21, 2009 3:36 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA city attorney-elect Trutanich responds to his win

  Los Angeles’ next City Attorney, Carmen Trutanich, is pledging to change the culture of the department he’ll take over soon. The former gang prosecutor has spent much of the last 20 years in private practice, and that experience will follow him into his first elected position.

  Carmen Trutanich: “We want to make this a real law office. And the only way that a real office can function and be successful is if management and those of the support for management are one – they work as a team together.”

  Trutanich defeated L.A. City Councilman Jack Weiss in the fiercest contest on Tuesday’s ballot.

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  • May 21, 2009 3:29 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Federal stimulus money headed for Southland water systems

  There’s money on tap for water systems in California. KPCC’s Molly Peterson says that much of a $440 million federal stimulus grant will go to the Inland Empire.

  Molly Peterson: Each year, the state gets about a quarter of a billion dollars in support for water infrastructure projects. This year, the federal Environmental Protection Agency says the needs are more urgent, so the agency’s using money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to pay for improvements in California and other states.

  Federal money will go to California’s water resources control board, for regional wastewater treatment and storm runoff projects. The state’s public health department will also get some of the money to upgrade local drinking water systems.

  The recent law will bring zero-interest loans to Southern California – in Riverside County, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency and the Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District will get a combined $54 million. In Los Angeles County, the Upper San Gabriel Valley project is in line for $11 million.

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  • May 21, 2009 3:27 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Cuts likely in state health and human services budget

  The secretary of California’s health and human services agency says difficult cuts lie ahead, given the state’s projected $21 billion deficit. Secretary Kim Belshe told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that her agency’s considering various proposals.

  Kim Belshe: “Basically we are compelled, given nature of state’s fiscal crisis, to look at every program that’s not required by the federal government. We are endeavoring to put forward proposals, though, that target resources to those who are most in need.”

  Belshe says one proposal would eliminate coverage for more than 200,000 children in the state’s Healthy Families program. The state could also drop its support of HIV and AIDS education and prevention programs. Belshe says it’s also likely that clinics will have fewer state resources to work with after the cuts.

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  • May 21, 2009 2:24 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Governor says voters want cuts, but not to favorite programs

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says voters spoke loudly at the polls yesterday – but he’s not sure what they said. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: Governor Schwarzenegger has been trying various ways to balance the state’s budget. He says Tuesday’s election results made it clear the voters want budget cuts. But what kind?

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: You ask them about the cuts and you say, “Do you mind if you have to make an additional $6 billion in cuts in education?” They say, “No, no, no! Not education!” And then you say, “Well, how about in health care?” And they say, “Well, no, I wouldn’t go after the vulnerable citizens.” Then we say, “Well, then we have to make some cuts in law enforcement.” “I want to keep that in place!” So people don’t know themselves where they want the cuts. They just say, “Make the cuts – and you figure it out.”

  Felde: One cut proposed by the governor would cut salaries for home health care workers by $2 an hour. The union protested to the Obama Administration – and the feds threatened to take away billions in stimulus money.

  But Schwarzenegger says he “cleared up some of the confusion” in meetings with administration officials. So the state can make the pay cuts and keep federal stimulus money.

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  • May 20, 2009 4:00 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Governor says voters want cuts, but not to favorite programs

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says voters spoke loudly at the polls yesterday – but he’s not sure what they said. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: Governor Schwarzenegger has been trying various ways to balance the state’s budget. He says Tuesday’s election results made it clear the voters want budget cuts. But what kind?

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: You ask them about the cuts and you say, “Do you mind if you have to make an additional $6 billion in cuts in education?” They say, “No, no, no! Not education!” And then you say, “Well, how about in health care?” And they say, “Well, no, I wouldn’t go after the vulnerable citizens.” Then we say, “Well, then we have to make some cuts in law enforcement.” “I want to keep that in place!” So people don’t know themselves where they want the cuts. They just say, “Make the cuts – and you figure it out.”

  Felde: One cut proposed by the governor would cut salaries for home health care workers by $2 an hour. The union protested to the Obama Administration – and the feds threatened to take away billions in stimulus money.

  But Schwarzenegger says he “cleared up some of the confusion” in meetings with administration officials. So the state can make the pay cuts and keep federal stimulus money.

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  • May 20, 2009 4:00 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Chief Bratton praises city council voting down police hiring freeze

  Los Angeles Police Chief Bill Bratton today praised the L.A. city council’s decision to reject a proposed hiring freeze at his department.

  Chief Bill Bratton: “Right now, we have in excess of 9,900 officers – pretty close to the 10,000 mark. We will within a few months reach the 10,000 mark.

  “We fully anticipate that we will get some federal help through the COPS program – hire some officers there. So we’re in pretty good shape, all things considered, on the number of officers.”

  During KPCC’s “Patt Morrison,” Bratton rejected charges he’d threatened to retaliate against City Councilman Bill Rosendahl for supporting the hiring freeze by pulling officers from his district.

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  • May 20, 2009 3:21 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congressional frontrunner Judy Chu on her primary showing

  Democrat Judy Chu won the most votes in the primary election to represent much of the San Gabriel Valley in Congress. But she didn’t land enough votes to avoid a runoff on July 14th. Chu – a member of the state Board of Equalization – described her next steps to KPCC’s Larry Mantle.

  Judy Chu: “I don’t think it will be necessary to do too big of a campaign. This is a very strongly Democratic district that actually came out 68 to 30 percent in the Obama-McCain election, so it has that tradition, and they couldn’t even field a Republican challenger when Hilda Solis ran.”

  The winner of the runoff will assume the congressional seat Solis vacated when she became the Obama administration’s labor secretary.

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  • May 20, 2009 3:10 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Primary winner Judy Chu talks about what she hopes to bring to Congress

  The candidate who won the most votes in an open primary for a San Gabriel Valley congressional seat is Judy Chu. The veteran politician pulled ahead of 11 other contenders in the race for the job Hilda Solis vacated when she became federal labor secretary. Chu told KPCC’s Larry Mantle what she hopes to bring to Congress.

  Judy Chu: “One thing that I have that is rather unique is a great deal of fiscal experience. I was chair of appropriations in the assembly. I was a member, or am a member, of the Board of Equalization, which brings in $53 billion a year in tax revenue.”

  Chu fell short of the majority she needed to avoid a runoff election on July 14th. The Democrat will face Republican Betty Tom Chu and Libertarian Christopher Agrella.

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  • May 20, 2009 2:54 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Congressman Sherman talks about credit card bill

  The U.S. House overwhelmingly passed a bill today that would limit credit card issuers’ ability to raise interest rates without notice. But the bill does not cap the interest rates those companies can charge. San Fernando Valley Congressman Brad Sherman concedes that the bill won’t, by itself, solve the problem of credit card debt.

  Brad Sherman: “To pass interest rate limitations I think is, would be difficult through this Senate even with 59 or 60 Democratic senators. The fact that we had to work so hard and for so long just to make sure people are not gouged by sharp practices shows you that the banks are not without power here in Washington.”

  Sherman, a Democrat, is one of the co-sponsors of the bill. He spoke with KPCC’s Larry Mantle. The bill does prohibit credit card companies from raising interest rates after only one or two late payments. If President Obama signs the bill into law, issuers will have to wait to boost a customer’s interest rate until a payment is more than 60 days late.

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  • May 20, 2009 2:44 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Mayor Villaraigosa talks about state finances

  Los Angeles voters, like those statewide, rejected five ballot propositions aimed at stabilizing California’s budget. L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says the state’s finances are broken – and the state is responsible to fix them.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “And while I’m disappointed that these important propositions did not pass the governor and the legislature must face the facts and make difficult choices – unfortunately we all know what’s coming. We know that the state will now try to balance the books on the backs of cities, counties, and school districts.”

  The latest version of the state budget calls for California to borrow $68 million that should go to the city of Los Angeles. Villaraigosa says he’ll lobby Sacramento legislators to borrow that money on terms that don’t disadvantage the city.

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  • May 20, 2009 2:41 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LAUSD facing more cuts after statewide election

  L.A. Unified school board president Monica Garcia says the failure of a statewide ballot measure that would have secured more public money for schools has pushed the school district’s financial situation from bad to worse.

  Monica Garcia: “Yesterday’s election means that we are facing an additional cut of about $300 million. Nothing is being spared. We’re looking at whether we can afford summer school, whether or not we have to do more central cuts.”

  L.A. Unified’s superintendent will propose cuts in the next few weeks. The president of the teachers union said he’s open to discussing union concessions only after administrators make concessions of their own.

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  • May 20, 2009 2:37 PM
  • Categories: Education, Politics/Public Affairs

• State finance spokesman says prop failure means deeper cuts

  State lawmakers and the governor are going back to the drawing board to figure out how to fix California’s budget. Voters rejected five ballot measures intended to help close the state’s massive deficit – estimated at $21 billion. State finance department spokesman H.D. Palmer told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that the propositions’ failure will mean deeper cuts.

  H.D. Palmer: “They’re going to be about $5.8 billion deeper than they otherwise would be. We don’t think this is a time for gloating or recriminations by another. It is time for very serious clear-eyed decision making to occur.”

  Governor Schwarzenegger said this morning he’d heard “loud and clear” that voters want the state to cut back without passing additional costs along to them. One of the measures voters rejected, Proposition 1A, would have extended a series of tax increases and imposed a spending cap. Schwarzenegger plans to meet with legislative leaders this afternoon.

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  • May 20, 2009 2:35 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Trutanich beats Weiss for LA city attorney in upset

  A San Pedro-based defense attorney new to politics pulled off an upset win against a two-term councilman in yesterday’s election for L.A. city attorney. Carmen Trutanich beat Jack Weiss with 56 percent of the vote. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Steve Cooley: The next city attorney, Carmen Trutanich.

  Frank Stoltze: At an election night party at the Universal Hilton Hotel, Trutanich thanked supporters and smiled.

  Carmen Trutanich: It’s the hardest I’ve worked to take a pay cut. But it’s worth it because my client from this point forward is the greatest client in the world – the people of Los Angeles. (clapping)

  Stoltze: Councilman Jack Weiss had run a highly negative campaign against Trutanich. Weiss said he called his opponent to congratulate him.

  Jack Weiss: I think both of us agree that the campaign is in the rearview mirror. What matters now is doing a good job covering for the people of the city and I’ve wished him the best, offered him my help.

  Stoltze: Fifty-seven-year-old Trutanich said his election meant business as usual was over at L.A. City Hall. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and most of the city council had backed Weiss. The union that represents LAPD officers spent $700,000 on Trutanich.

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  • May 20, 2009 10:31 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Judy Chu wins open primary to replace Hilda Solis in Congress

  Voters in the San Gabriel valley have elected Judy Chu to the school board, the city council, the state assembly, and the board of equalization. Now, they’re a step closer to sending her to Congress. KPCC’s Brian Watt reports.

  Brian Watt: Judy Chu ran against 11 other candidates in the 32nd Congressional District to fill a seat vacated by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. More than half the district’s voters are Latino – with about 20 percent Asian. Chu not only won the most votes, but also the competition to reach voters across ethnic lines. She promised to make immigration reform a priority.

  Judy Chu: Immigrants have been far too exploited in this society which has led to kind of a hysteria about the whole immigration issue and not a thoughtful solution.

  Watt: Her main opponent in the open primary was fellow Democrat and State Senator Gil Cedillo. But many of Chu’s supporters – including State Assemblyman Ed Hernandez of Covina – didn’t think Cedillo was local enough.

  Ed Hernandez: You know, Gil is a good state senator, but he’s not familiar with the issues of the San Gabriel Valley, which are unique. And the San Gabriel Valley is not Los Angeles.

  Watt: Because she fell short of winning a majority, Judy Chu will face Republican Betty Chu and Libertarian C.M. Argrella in a run-off in July.

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  • May 20, 2009 10:23 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA County Democratic Party official comments on props failure

  Voters yesterday rejected five statewide ballot measures pushed by Governor Schwarzenegger and Democratic lawmakers as a partial fix to the state budget crisis. Eric Bauman is chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.

  Eric Bauman: “I think the bottom line is the voters in California are really angry. And the voters are telling us that they want our legislators and the governor to do their job, they don’t want the people to have to do their job.

  “And it’s unfortunate because we’re facing such an extraordinary deficit. And what’s going to happen is that our legislators and the governor are going to have to figure out how to make very serious cuts.”

  The projected state deficit – without the passage of the ballot measures – is now projected to top $21 billion dollars when the fiscal year starts July 1st.

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  • May 20, 2009 10:20 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Trutanich upsets Weiss in city attorney race

  Carmen Trutanich beat City Councilman Jack Weiss in yesterday’s election for Los Angeles city attorney. The San Pedro-based defense attorney captured 56 percent of the vote. Trutanich spoke with KPCC’s Frank Stoltze at an election night party at the Universal Hilton.

  Carmen Trutanich: “The people had an opportunity to say that business as usual at City Hall is over.”
  Frank Stoltze: “You’ve said you will not be a politician. What does that mean?”
  Trutanich: “I’m going to be the guy that my dad raised as a kid &ndsah; taught me those values that I’ve lived with, and I’m going to carry them to the city, and we’re going to lead – we’re going to lead by cleanliness and integrity.”

  The union that represents LAPD officers spent more than $700,000 on radio and TV ads for Trutanich. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa – who backed Weiss in the race – promised to work cooperatively with Trutanich. Weiss congratulated the new city attorney-elect, and said he didn’t regret the highly negative campaign he ran against his opponent.

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  • May 20, 2009 10:13 AM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Governor, lawmakers meet in aftermath of props defeat

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers are meeting today to determine what to do next. Voters resoundingly defeated propositions on the special election ballot that the governor said would stave off the state government’s financial doom. KPCC’s Shirley Jahad has more.

  Shirley Jahad: California voters aren’t giving state lawmakers or the governor any props. Voters kicking to the curb propositions 1A through 1E – the complicated series of measures the governor and lawmakers wanted to deal with the state budget deficit. Critics said the effort was flawed.

  Voters expressed confusion and exasperation with the whole affair. The one thing they agreed to was that state elected officials shouldn’t get any pay raises when the budget is in the tank.

  Governor Schwarzenegger issued a statement saying he “respects the will of the people.” He says he wants to move forward to address the fiscal crisis with constructive solutions. The governor has said he would cut the school year by seven days, lay off 5,000 state workers, and take money from local governments – which likely means cuts to police and fire.

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  • May 20, 2009 10:10 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• California voters reject state spending cap

  LOS ANGELES (AP) — California voters have rejected a ballot measure that would have created a state spending cap while prolonging temporary tax increases.

  Proposition 1A was the centerpiece of efforts by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other state leaders to fix California’s ongoing fiscal problems. It also would have strengthened the state’s rainy day fund.

  The measure’s defeat means another measure that would have restored more than $9 billion to schools cannot be enacted even if voters approve it. That measure also was trailing in early returns Tuesday.

  Proposition 1A generated the most opposition among the six measures on Tuesday’s ballot. State employee unions opposed the spending cap, while anti-tax groups criticized the $16 billion in tax increases it would have triggered.

  Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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  • May 19, 2009 9:40 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Obama administration announces steps toward electricity standards

  Officials in the Obama administration say they plan aggressive action to bring the electric power grid in to the digital age. The so-called “smart grid” would help utilities manage supply and demand on the electrical grid. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced 16 steps to create uniform electricity standards for the grid.

  Fred Fletcher chairs a national organization that’s helping to coordinate smart grid technologies between utilities. He told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that many Southern California utilities have been moving forward on a “smart grid.”

  Fred Fletcher: “Smart grid, most useful for those utilities that are taking on renewables, and also those that have constrained transmission systems. In California, we’re facing both. We’re bringing in a lot of renewables and our transmission grid needs to be supplemented.”

  Fletcher is also assistant general manager for Burbank Water and Power. The Obama administration hopes to put the first 16 standards in place during the next few months.

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  • May 18, 2009 2:04 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA City Council begins debate on city budget Monday

  The Los Angeles City Council begins debate Monday on a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. The city faces a record $530 million budget gap – brought on by the recession and plummeting tax revenues. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: Among the most contentious issues: whether to continue hiring more police officers in the midst of the budget crisis. The city council’s budget committee has recommended a hiring freeze at the police and fire departments. That’s angered Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who’s made expanding the LAPD a centerpiece of his agenda. Police Chief Bill Bratton’s called the freeze idea “shortsighted and dangerous.”

  The budget committee’s plan also calls for laying off more than 800 city employees – in addition to eliminating more than 1,000 vacant positions. The council’s already begun the process of terminating 400 employees. In addition, the plan would impose 26 unpaid days off on city employees. City leaders and representatives of labor unions are in the midst of negotiations over possible pay cuts to avert layoffs. The unions prefer an early retirement package.

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  • May 15, 2009 7:53 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Biden visits low-income housing development in South LA

  Vice President Joe Biden praised a South Los Angeles housing and health program as a standard that should be replicated nationwide. Biden visited several apartments at Esperanza, a low-income housing development near USC.

  He said the program is one of the first to receive grant money under the Federal Recovery Act, because it’s ready to hit the ground running. Esperanza educates area renters about Asthma triggers and the dangers of lead paint.

  Vice President Joe Biden: “We know the leading indicator of a high-risk for lead poisoning is a high level of poverty. We know that if we’re truly going to really revitalize our communities and help families that are most vulnerable, we need to invest that money now.”

  Biden says Esperanza is getting $875,000 from the federal government. The program won approval last year, with high marks, but the Department of Housing and Urban Development didn’t have the money until the Recovery Act. The program’s director says she’ll use the grant to pay trained staffers who’d considered volunteering their time.

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  • May 15, 2009 4:31 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Plan to ban smoking at state beaches moves forward

  The State Senate approved a plan to ban smoking at state parks and beaches yesterday. The bill is designed to protect marine life and reduce fire danger. KPCC’s Alex Cohen has the story.

  Alex Cohen: Senate Bill 4 calls for a fine of up to $100 for smoking at a state park or beach. Democratic Senator Jenny Oropeza of Long Beach said she is not trying to punish anyone – she’s just trying to make California a cleaner, safer place.

  She referred to federal Environmental Protection Agency research that’s determined cigarette butts are the most frequently found marine debris item in the country. Oropeza added that ingestion of cigarettes by marine animals interferes with their ability to eat and digest food.

  Cigarette butts contain more than 165 chemicals and are not biodegradeable. More than 100 local governments have already passed smoking bans for parks, beaches, and piers. Oropeza’s bill now goes to the California Assembly for review.

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  • May 15, 2009 4:11 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• State Assembly speaker responds to governor's budget proposals

  The governor’s proposals for the budget leave lawmakers with some very tough choices, state Assembly speaker Karen Bass told KPCC’s “AirTalk.”

  Karen Bass: “None of us want to do this. I mean these very proposals were on the table a few months ago and we were able to cobble together the budget without borrowing from local government. If we face a $21 billion deficit, I don’t believe we’re going to be able to put those proposals aside. I believe that borrowing from local government is going to be right on the table.”

  Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed that the state borrow $2 billion from local governments and pay it back within three years. He says that if voters reject six budget-related ballot measures on Tuesday, California’s likely to be $21 billion in the red. There’ll be a much smaller deficit – a little more than $15 billion – if the measures pass.

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  • May 15, 2009 2:59 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congress introduces bill to honor Japanese-American vets

  As Memorial Day approaches, Congress is taking steps to honor two of the most decorated combat units of the Second World War. These veterans fought for their country while their families spent the war in internment camps. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: After the Japanese navy bombed Pearl Harbor, more than 1,400 Japanese-American men in Hawaii volunteered to fight for the U.S. The 100th Infantry Battalion was sent to Italy, where it became known as the “Purple Heart Battalion.”

  Nearly two out of three soldiers in the unit were killed. The Army was so impressed with the unit’s fighting spirit, it recruited Japanese-Americans from California and other mainland states and formed the equally distinguished 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

  This week, the House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill introduced by Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff of Burbank. It would award both units the Congressional Gold Medal.

  California Democrat Barbara Boxer introduced a companion bill in the Senate. Soldiers from these units have earned numerous awards for their valor, including 21 Medals of Honor.

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  • May 15, 2009 2:56 PM
  • Categories: History, Politics/Public Affairs

• Mayor says police, fire shouldn't be cut to balance budget

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is fighting moves by the city council to freeze hiring in the L.A. police and fire departments. Some council members say the plan is necessary to balance the city’s budget. KPCC’s Shirley Jahad has more.

  Shirley Jahad: During a press conference, top brass from the L.A. police and fire departments lined up behind Mayor Villaraigosa. He blasted the plan the city council budget committee had approved.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: They voted to renege on a deal we made with the residents of the city of Los Angeles when asked to pay a little more for trash pickup in exchange for a larger police force and safer neighborhoods.

  They voted to devastate public safety by taking a thousand officers off the streets over the next two years. And they voted to undermine the fire department by removing 120 officers through attrition.

  Jahad: The city is grappling with a shortfall of at least $500 million for the next fiscal year. The mayor insists that there are other places in the budget to make cuts and ask for labor concessions.

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  • May 14, 2009 4:24 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Mayor criticizes suggested police, fire department hiring freeze

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is blasting city council members who approved a plan to stop hiring police officers and firefighters. The city’s facing a $530 million budget shortfall. Even in this tough economy, the mayor told reporters, cops are the last category of employee to cut.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “Now I know some of the critics are saying we can’t afford to pay for more police officers, that our hiring plan will bankrupt the city, that this is the fiscally responsible course of action. And I will say to them, there is nothing more irresponsible than balancing the books on the backs of cops of firefighters and giving up the fight against gangs and gun violence for the sake of short-term budget relief.”

  The L.A. City Council budget committee approved the plan that would leave 600 fewer police officers in the LAPD next year and more than 100 fewer city firefighters. The full council is scheduled to vote on the plan Monday.

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  • May 14, 2009 3:28 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Mayor Villaraigosa asks for employee concessions to save city jobs

  The city of Los Angeles may start to lay off workers as soon as July 1st if public employee unions don’t agree to concessions, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said today. On KPCC’s “Patt Morrison,” he repeated his call for union workers to accept bigger pension contributions, unpaid time off, and an end to annual cost of living adjustments, or COLIs.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “All of us can take a cut here, work together so that we don’t have to lay off people in the magnitude that we would if they’re taking COLIs, not agreeing to contribute 2 more percent to their pension funds, taking one hour a pay period, all of that. Those three things could save 2,200 jobs and the essential services.”

  The city is facing a $530 million budget gap. To close it, an L.A. City Council committee has recommended that city employees take 26 unpaid days off next fiscal year, and that the city freeze police hiring, lay off at least 1,200 workers, and cut services.

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  • May 14, 2009 3:23 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Mayor tries to balance budget, maintain commitment to hire 1,000 new police

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is exchanging heated words with critics on the city council budget committee. They’ve urged him to freeze hiring more police officers so the city can balance its budget. Villaraigosa campaigned for mayor on a promise that 1,000 new cops would join the LAPD on his watch.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “In one fell swoop with this decision by the majority on the budget committee, we are going to eliminate a thousand officers in the next two years. It’s unacceptable and the vast majority of people in this town don’t support it.”

  On KPCC’s “Patt Morrison,” the mayor said Los Angeles is experiencing its lowest crime rate in 55 years.

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  • May 14, 2009 2:57 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Latest budget proposal to include plans to sell state property

  The governor’s latest budget proposal reportedly will include plans to sell off the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, the San Quentin State Prison, and other state-owned property. It’s estimated that California could earn up to $1 billion by selling the property, although that cash wouldn’t come in for two to five years.

  L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky calls the proposal to sell the Coliseum “ridiculous.” He told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that the land on which the stadium sits isn’t worth very much since it’s a park.

  Zev Yaroslavsky: “The property is worthless. No developer would buy it. No real estate person would buy it because you can’t do anything with it. So that’s the first issue – this idea that somehow several hundred million dollars can be realized by selling the coliseum is as bogus as a three dollar bill.”

  Yaroslavsky also contends that the state can’t sell the Coliseum because it doesn’t own the actual stadium, only the land. The proposal is part of the governor’s plan to close a deficit projected at $15 billion. Analysts say the deficit could reach $21 billion, if voters reject a half-dozen measures on next week’s ballot. The governor will introduce his budget proposals this afternoon.

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  • May 14, 2009 11:35 AM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Mayor Villaraigosa pushes for concessions from city's unions

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa yesterday sought to turn up the heat on the city’s labor unions. He wants concessions from them to address a $530 million budget deficit. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: The mayor reminded reporters gathered in his City Hall press room that he once worked as a labor union organizer. But he said the cost of living adjustments, or COLAs, that he once fought so hard for are no longer realistic.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: At a time of unprecedented budget crisis, COLAs just don’t make sense to most people.

  Stoltze: The city faces its biggest budget gap in its history. The mayor wants unions to agree to pay cuts, and to increase contributions to pension funds to avert nearly 3,000 layoffs.

  Villaraigosa: They don’t have to happen!

  Stoltze: Union leaders say they want the city to offer workers early retirement packages. The mayor’s said L.A. can’t afford them. The City Council’s already begun the process of laying off 400 city employees.

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  • May 14, 2009 11:33 AM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Craigslist will drop its erotic services ads

  Operators of the Web site Craigslist said it will drop its controversial “erotic services” category. That’s in response to law enforcement officials who’d called the ads a front for prostitution. KPCC’s Alex Cohen has the story.

  Alex Cohen: “Adult services” will replace the “erotic services” category on Craigslist.org, and the site will charge consenting adults a fee for placing those ads. Employees will also monitor every posting before it appears online. Police agencies had criticized Craigslist for refusing to take those steps before.

  Pressure to remove the erotic category followed the recent murder of a masseuse in Boston. The suspect charged in her death, a medical student, told authorities he’d met the woman through Craigslist.

  Craigslist’s chief executive said the new arrangement preserves a place “for legal businesses to advertise” and incorporates the concerns of state attorneys general, free speech advocates, and millions of people who use the site.

  California Attorney General Jerry Brown said changes on the site help prevent the exploitation of teenagers. He added that Craigslist must continue to ensure that the site does not promote teenage prostitution.

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  • May 14, 2009 11:30 AM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• Children's and mental health advocates bash propositions

  Children’s and mental health advocates say propositions 1A, 1D, and 1E attempt to balance California’s budget on the backs of children and poor and mentally disabled people. About 100 people attended a “Stop the Cuts” rally this afternoon outside the governor’s downtown Los Angeles office.

  Protester Lissette Hernandez has a toddler daughter, and a baby on the way. She told the crowd to defeat Prop 1D, because it would limit access to early-learning programs for children from working and middle-class families.

  Lissette Hernandez: “If it passes, my child will probably watch TV a lot of the day, because I will not have the money or resources to pay for a preschool program and I will be tied up taking care of our baby girl who’s due in October.”

  Jeremy Thompson is with Budget Reform Now – that’s the campaign for props 1A through 1F. He concedes that most Californians are dissatisfied with Sacramento lawmakers. But he says defeating the measures will not teach them a lesson.

  Jeremy Thompson: “To vote no on these will not hurt the legislatures at all. They’ll still go to work on May 20, only they’ll go to work looking at a $21 billion deficit if these fail.”

  Thompson says that could lead to greater public safety risks, including hospital underfunding. California’s special election next Tuesday places six budget-related initiatives before voters. The ballot measures include a constitutional amendment to establish a rainy-day fund for the state.

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  • May 13, 2009 4:10 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• EPA praises Port of Long Beach's Green Flag program

  In Washington today, federal officials are praising the Port of Long Beach’s efforts to control air pollution. KPCC’s Molly Peterson has more.

  Molly Peterson: The port’s green flag program has earned Long Beach officials a blue ribbon. The Environmental Protection Agency’s annual Clean Air Excellence Awards honor a few anti-pollution programs in each state.

  The Green Flag program encourages businesses to slow ships as they approach the harbor – that slows their ability to spew particulate matter and smog into the air. Slower ships may use less fuel, too. A business whose vessels slow within 20 miles of the port 90 percent of the time gets a break in dockage rates.

  The port of Long Beach has put more than $2 million into Green Flag. This year the program expanded to encourage slower shipping within 40 miles of the dock.

  The program’s voluntary – international maritime authorities have the most sway over ships that spend most of their time on international waters. But a few companies in the Green Flag program are returning the money they save on dockage rates to environmental programs in Long Beach.

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  • May 13, 2009 3:23 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs, Transportation

• Mayor declares fiscal emergency, paving way for furloughs

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has declared a fiscal emergency. That paves the way for him to order mandatory unpaid days off for city workers. But the mayor says those furloughs won’t be enough to close L.A.’s $530 million budget gap.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “Furloughs, while they get us immediate savings, don’t address the structural issues of the size of the workforce which is impacting our budget deficit and also our future pension liabilities – reducing our workforce does.”

  The mayor said the city can avert massive layoffs if labor unions that represent city employees agree to pay cuts and contribute more to pension funds. Union leaders want the city to offer an early retirement package. Villaraigosa has said the city can’t afford it. The L.A. City Council already has voted to begin the process of laying off 400 workers.

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  • May 13, 2009 2:52 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA County holds public hearing on budget

  Los Angeles County’s budget is tighter than ever, as the demand for services is higher than ever. That’s one message from today’s public hearing on the county budget. Elizabeth Brennan is a spokeswoman for the Service Employees International Union that represents 55,000 L.A. County workers.

  Elizabeth Brennan: “One in five county residents is on some kind of public assistance. The lines at the social services offices are long. And so how do we come to some sort of compromise when we know that at the same time the budget is very tight?”

  L.A. County supervisors are trying to close a budget gap of more than $400 million. The supervisors plan to eliminate more than 1,600 jobs that are mostly unfilled right now.

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  • May 13, 2009 2:48 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congresswoman Linda Sanchez gives birth

  That crying you’re hearing on Capitol Hill isn’t from a lawmaker who just lost a vote. It’s from the newest addition to California’s congressional family. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde has the news on Congresswoman Linda Sanchez’ new baby.

  Kitty Felde: Only eight members of the House of Representatives have given birth while serving in office. Democrat Linda Sanchez of Lakewood became the latest to join the club of congressional moms.

  Wednesday morning, 7 pound, 14.6 ounce Joaquin Sanchez Sullivan was born. The baby’s father says mother and child are healthy and happy. The congresswoman has promised to introduce Joaquin to the 39th District soon.

  Juggling motherhood and Congress will be a challenge. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has set aside a special room for nursing mothers, but Sanchez is on a waiting list for the only child care center on the Hill.

  Another California congresswoman was the first House mother – retired L.A. County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke gave birth to a daughter in 1973. She was also the first House member granted maternity leave.

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  • May 13, 2009 2:43 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA City Council expected to discuss mayor's fiscal emergency request

  Later this week, the Los Angeles City Council is expected to discuss Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s request for a fiscal emergency. The action would give the mayor the power to order furloughs and lay off city workers.

  Villaraigosa says the city could cut about a thousand jobs beginning in July if public employees unions don’t agree to salary concessions. Barbara Maynard is with the Coalition of L.A. City Unions. She told KPCC’s Larry Mantle those concessions aren’t necessary.

  Barbara Maynard: “It is not needed if the early retirement program is implemented. Now at the end of the day, it might not get the city all the way to where it needs to get. It saves about 220, 240 million dollars, which is a huge step in the right direction.”

  The mayor has said such an early retirement program is not fiscally sustainable. Maynard disputes that statement. The city of L.A. faces a budget deficit of about half-a-billion dollars. The city is also expecting a $300 million drop in tax revenue.

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  • May 13, 2009 11:46 AM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Villaraigosa calls for city employee furloughs to balance budget

  L.A.’s mayor told a public forum today that the City Council needs to declare a fiscal emergency. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall says that he warned of dire budget consequences if the city doesn’t lay off at least 1,000 employees.

  Cheryl Devall: At a Town Hall L.A. luncheon, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the financial situation in Los Angeles is so bad, the city might run out of money between November and February if it doesn’t take drastic measures. They include letting at least a thousand workers go as soon as July 1st, and requiring almost everyone else on the city payroll to take up to 26 unpaid days off during the next fiscal year.

  Villaraigosa said L.A. faces a budget hole as big as $1 billion unless it acts now. With the City Council and labor representatives, he’s crafting a buyout plan that would permanently reduce the city’s workforce.

  The mayor warned that the reduction could mean cutting many more than 1,000 jobs. High unemployment, slow housing sales, and declining sales tax revenue have meant less money for L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa’s Town Hall comments echoed his remarks when he presented this year’s city budget and called for “shared responsibility and shared sacrifice.”

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  • May 12, 2009 3:15 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Santa Monica considers how to handle water shortages

  Santa Monica’s City Council considers a formal plan to respond to water shortages tonight. KPCC’s Molly Peterson reports that conservation has the city in good shape.

  Molly Peterson: Santa Monica gets water from the Metropolitan Water District. Facing drought, low rainfall, and limited supplies from other parts of California, the district voted to cut how much water it delivers to customers like Santa Monica, and to charge penalties for overuse.

  The water shortage response plan gives the city council the authority to declare an emergency and the power to ration water. Santa Monica public works isn’t recommending limits – but the city council is considering an advisory declaration. City officials say they’ve planned for dry times.

  For almost two years, Santa Monica has asked its people to use 20 fewer gallons each day. If everyone did it, that 20-gallon challenge would add up to a 10 percent reduction in the city. Since August 2007, Santa Monica has almost done that – the city’s public works department reports that water demand is down by 9 percent.

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  • May 12, 2009 3:07 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Miss California USA will continue reign, despite lingerie photos, gay marriage comments

  Miss California USA will continue her reign. Miss USA pageant owner Donald Trump announced in New York that Carrie Prejean won’t lose her title. She’d come under fire after the Miss USA pageant broadcast for saying she was against gay marriage.

  Soon after, photos of a nearly nude Prejean modeling lingerie appeared online. California pageant officials say the 21-year-old blonde beauty queen failed to tell them she’d posed for those pictures four years ago. But Trump says the photos aren’t a problem.

  Donald Trump: “We have determined – and we have the absolute right under the contract – we have determined that the pictures taken are fine.”

  As for Prejean’s comment against gay marriage – Trump says it was an “honorable” response that mirrored the opinion of President Obama.

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  • May 12, 2009 11:27 AM
  • Categories: Arts, Politics/Public Affairs

• Iraq reconstruction official says rebuilding hampered by lack of planning

  During six years in Iraq, the United States has allocated more than $47 billion to carry out one of the stated goals of the war – rebuilding the country’s infrastructure. Stuart Bowen Jr., special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that a problem undermined those good intentions – this country had no cohesive plan to make things work before it committed to the war.

  Stuart Bowen Jr.: “The lack within the U.S. government of any system or structure for managing overseas contingency operations – if you don’t plan, unsurprisingly things don’t turn out particularly well, and that’s what happened in Iraq.”

  Bowen said that much of the reconstruction work has shifted from foreign contractors to Iraqi-run companies. That change has reduced some of the waste and corruption Bowen uncovered when he took the inspector general’s job almost five years ago.

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  • May 11, 2009 4:02 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Governor, smaller city officials discuss budget options

  Officials from Los Angeles County’s smaller cities talked about their tightening budgets with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today during a roundtable discussion in Culver City. Bill DeWitt of the Southgate City Council said his city has already asked its 350 employees to take a 10 percent pay cut.

  Bill DeWitt: “When we don’t pick up the trash, or if the potholes don’t get fixed, or if the water pipes are leaking in the street, we have to respond to that now. And if we don’t have the ability to do that because we’ve laid off people or had other problems, then that puts us in a real bad situation.”

  DeWitt and officials from other cities told the governor the state should fix its own budget woes without borrowing from the cities. DeWitt said lending the state some of Southgate’s tax revenues would push the city’s budget “over a cliff.”

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  • May 11, 2009 2:11 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Vote-by-mail deadline looms as price of postage goes up

  Tomorrow’s the last day to register to vote by mail for next week’s special statewide election. But KPCC’s Susan Valot says a change could prevent your request from getting there, if you don’t take care.

  Susan Valot: Vote-by-mail requests have to be in seven days before the election. In this election, we’re deciding whether to adopt statewide propositions that lawmakers want to use to close California’s budget gap.

  Today the price to mail a first-class letter increases by two cents, to 44 cents. That means it’ll cost 44 cents to mail in your vote-by-mail request or your vote-by-mail ballot.

  The U.S. Postal Service is required to forward all ballots to the registrar’s office in a timely manner. If you don’t put on enough postage, your ballot could end up at the registrar too late – and that could leave you out of the election.

  Postmarks don’t count to meet the deadline. If you use “forever” stamps, you’re free and clear. Those are good for first-class letters no matter how much you paid for them.

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  • May 11, 2009 11:52 AM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Federal government says state can't cut salaries of health care workers

  Federal money usually comes with strings attached. California officials are learning just how many strings the economic stimulus package carries. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: California lawmakers, trying to save $74 million, cut home health care workers’ pay by $2 an hour. Not so fast, said the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Under federal guidelines for spending California’s $50 billion in economic stimulus money, the state can’t take the money and then cut back on services.

  The feds threatened to reclaim almost $7 billion if California doesn’t restore the health care workers’ salaries. Governor Schwarzenegger has sent a letter of appeal. His Inspector General Laura Chick has spent a week in Washington clarifying more than a hundred pages of rules and regulations related to stimulus funding.

  The Service Employees International Union represented the home health care workers, and alerted the Obama administration about the cuts. That union campaigned strongly for Barack Obama. When asked whether organized labor was pressuring the administration, a Health and Human Services official replied that the department simply wanted “to ensure that all states comply with the law.”

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  • May 8, 2009 4:13 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• May 19 election could reduce $14 billion budget gap to $8 billion

  Slumping sales and real estate tax revenues mean that California’s running short on money. The state legislative analyst predicts the cash flow could dribble out by July.

  State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that she and other Democrats have already begun to examine the budget for places to cut. She added that voters will play a role in the state’s economic future by deciding on six propositions later this month.

  Karen Bass: “We went through the budget line-by-line and they had a mission: solve an $8 billion problem or solve a $14 billion problem. If the propositions fail, we will have a $14 billion hole.

  “If the propositions pass, we will have an $8 billion hole. I can tell you that my colleagues had a difficult time closing an $8 billion hole; they were not able to close a $14 billion hole.”

  The ballot propositions intended to help California close that hole are not very popular, opinion surveys say. The measures would shift money from restricted uses to the general fund and allow the state to borrow against future lottery revenues, among other changes.

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  • May 8, 2009 4:08 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Lawmakers seek loans to help with state budget

  This week, California lawmakers visited Washington, D.C. in search of short-term loans to help the state through its budget problems. Jason Dickerson, a finance specialist with the state Legislative Analyst’s Office, told KPCC’s “AirTalk” that borrowing from the federal government probably won’t help.

  Jason Dickerson: “We’re looking at a very serious budget problem given the fact that if there were already easy spending cuts and revenue increases, they’ve generally already been made. What comes next will be even more difficult.”

  Dickerson warned that credit markets are still tight and the state may not be able to borrow much money. Anything it borrows from the federal government will come with strings attached, he said. His solution is to enact more program cuts.

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  • May 8, 2009 4:04 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• California could run out of money

  California could run out of money in a couple of months, if the prediction of the state’s chief budget analyst plays out. Jason Dickerson with the Legislative Analyst’s Office told KPCC’s “AirTalk” that fewer home sales, less consumer spending, and more unemployment have all contributed to the problem.

  Jason Dickerson: “A few weeks ago we forecast that 2009/10 state fiscal revenues would be about $8 billion less than expected. Since then, revenues in February, March, and April of this year have been less than expected. So there are very tough choices ahead as the economy continues to be very weak.”

  Dickerson said that in the coming weeks the governor and the legislature are going to examine nearly all categories of state programs for potential cuts. Five measures on the May 19th ballot are intended to address California’s budget gap, but polls of likely voters indicate that none of those propositions may pass.

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  • May 8, 2009 4:01 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Sheriff Baca lobbies for money at White House

  Los Angeles County’s top cop spent the morning at the White House, explaining a federal reimbursement program to members of the Obama administration. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca was not pleased when President Obama cut funding for SCAAP, the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.

  Sheriff Lee Baca: SCAAP is a pure reimbursement fund for local government who is bearing the brunt of criminals who are illegal being arrested and put in county jails.

  Felde: Almost one in four L.A. County jail inmates is undocumented. Baca said that during the Clinton administration, he could count on $35 million a year from SCAAP, money he could spend on crimefighting measures like putting more radio cars on the street.

  Baca said Attorney General Eric Holder was confused about the maze of federal reimbursement programs and didn’t understand SCAAP’s importance to local law enforcement. After his White House meeting, Baca said, administration officials “got it.” But the power to restore funding now shifts to Congress.

  Baca: A long, protracted fight is standard operating procedure in Washington.

  Felde: Now Baca’s making his case to key members of Congress from California.

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  • May 7, 2009 4:24 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Baca lobbies for federal money for housing undocumented immigrant criminals

  Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca is in Washington, D.C. this week, looking for $20 million that disappeared. He said that during the Bush administration, a federal reimbursement to help the county pay for housing undocumented immigrant criminals behind bars dried up. President Obama hasn’t put it back into the budget.

  Sheriff Lee Baca: “We haven’t had the good days since the Clinton administration, understanding that L.A. County and other counties throughout the country are bearing the cost of illegal immigrants in the county jails.”

  Baca spent this morning with White House aides, making the case for fully funding the program. He spent the rest of day speaking to key members of Congress – it holds the purse strings for the reimbursement program.

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  • May 7, 2009 3:44 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• State assembly minority leader Villines resigns from leadership

  State assembly minority leader Mike Villines resigned from leadership today. Since February, his fellow Republicans have taken him to task because he voted for a state budget that included temporary tax increases.

  During a news conference, Villines said he doesn’t regret that vote. Political strategist Arnold Steinberg told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that Villines, from Clovis in the Central Valley, probably meant it when he said he wanted to spend more time with his family.

  Arnold Steinberg: “You know, I think a lot of people don’t realize that when you’re the leader of a caucus, Democratic or Republican, it’s very intense. You’re on call to keep your members happy 24 hours a day, so they’re calling you at home, they’re calling you on your cell phone.

  “And they’re also horse trading, they’re saying, you know I’ll support you on this if you do this, and I want more office space, I want a better parking space, I want to hire one more staff person. And so when you’re the spouse and you’re the kids, you’re saying where is my dad, where is my mom all the time.”

  Assembly Republicans elected Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo as their new caucus chief. Governor Schwarzenegger described Blakeslee as a fiscal hawk who’ll make sure California spends taxpayers’ money wisely.

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  • May 7, 2009 3:35 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Republican state assemblyman challenges Democrat Loretta Sanchez

  The incumbent in Orange County’s 47th Congressional District has a challenger. Details from KPCC’s Cheryl Devall.

  Cheryl Devall: Republican state assemblyman Van Tran of Costa Mesa has filed paperwork to run against Democratic congresswoman Loretta Sanchez next year. Tran’s the first Vietnamese-American in the California legislature, elected five years ago.

  He said he’s running because he believes the district is ripe for change, especially when it comes to the economy. In response, Sanchez said she welcomes a spirited debate about the issues.

  The contest pits against one another members of two major ethnic groups in Orange County’s only majority-Democratic congressional district. The 47th includes Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and parts of Anaheim and Fullerton. Sanchez won the seat against Republican Bob Dornan 13 years ago.

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  • May 7, 2009 3:32 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Federal transportation secretary delivers $67 million to LA County

  Los Angeles County’s transportation agency will get almost $67 million from the federal economic stimulus package. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall has more on the transportation secretary’s announcement today.

  Cheryl Devall: The money will push forward the Metro Gold Line extension into East L.A. In a statement, Federal Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that by delivering the money now, his agency is providing a boost that’ll help keep the project moving while jumpstarting the economy and putting people back to work.

  The grant under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will not increase the government’s commitment to the Gold Line project. But LaHood said L.A. County’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority will get the money faster through the stimulus bill.

  Next month – six months ahead of schedule – Metro expects to open the six-mile Gold Line extension with eight new stops from Little Tokyo to Atlantic and Pomona boulevards in East Los Angeles.

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  • May 7, 2009 2:09 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Transportation

• San Bernardino official's trial moved to Orange County

  A former Inland Empire official accused of fraud will get his day his court – in Orange County. A San Bernardino Superior Court judge says Jim Erwin’s trial can take place in the new venue because of pre-trial publicity. KPCC’s Steven Cuevas has details.

  Steven Cuevas: Jim Erwin is the former chief of staff for San Bernardino County supervisor Neil Derry. He resigned after his arrest two months ago on multiple perjury and fraud charges. Authorities say he took illegal gifts from a developer doing business with the county – then tried to cover his tracks.

  Erwin brokered a multi-million dollar settlement between the county and a developer called Colonies Partners. Authorities say the developer rewarded him with lavish gifts including a Rolex watch, a private jet trip to New York, and adult escort services.

  Erwin didn’t list those items in financial statements as required by law. He’s facing 10 felony counts of perjury and fraud. If a jury convicts him he could spend up to 11 years in state prison.

  The judge in the case claims that publicity surrounding Erwin’s case – and a separate case involving disgraced former county assessor Bill Postmus – could taint a San Bernardino jury. Erwin worked for Postmus until the assessor’s office also became the focus of a widening criminal probe.

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  • May 7, 2009 11:27 AM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• California lobbies for high-speed rail funds from federal government

  In Washington, it’s always about money. California’s Assembly Speaker and several colleagues traveled to Capitol Hill this week to talk about short-term loans – and about transportation dollars. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde says there could be good news for fans of high-speed rail.

  Kitty Felde: This is the year Congress starts talking about how to spend the next big chunk of transportation dollars. California has a number of ideas about how to spend the money.

  Several state lawmakers met this week with federal Transportation Secretary Roy LaHood to make their case. Assembly Speaker Karen Bass says she was pleasantly surprised to find the transportation secretary’s a big fan of a high-speed rail project that would connect Sacramento to San Diego.

  Karen Bass: I mean I knew California was ahead in terms of high-speed rail. But I didn’t know that we were ahead of any other state in the union.

  Felde: Last fall, California voters approved a $10 billion bond to pay for the first phase of the $40 billion project. Bass says no other state has put up that kind of money for high-speed rail projects.

  But Congress will decide how to allocate transportation money. Bass says California may enjoy an advantage – Barbara Boxer heads the U.S. Senate committee that controls transportation dollars.

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  • May 6, 2009 4:00 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Transportation

• Assembly speaker lobbies federal government for loan guarantees

  A few weeks ago, California’s state treasurer visited Washington, asking for federal guarantees on short-term loans. Now, state Assembly Speaker Karen Bass is there to follow up with the White House Budget Office and leaders on Capitol Hill. Bass says California always seems to experience a cash crunch in July, so it has to float short-term bonds to get by.

  Karen Bass: “Because of the credit market and the economic crisis, this particular year, we actually need the federal government to co-sign on a loan for us, if you will, to guarantee our borrowing, so that the banks will be willing to lend.”

  Bass compares this to asking a better-off relative to co-sign a car loan so the bank will know it’ll get its money back. She points that out California has never defaulted on its loans. The Assembly speaker says she’s hopeful, but so far, she doesn’t have that federal signature on the dotted line.

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  • May 6, 2009 2:55 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Cal Fire emergency expenditures increased in recent years

  Wildfire season seems to arrive earlier every year. Officials with California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection say it’s also getting more expensive. Cal Fire spokeswoman Janet Upton told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that in recent years, the agency’s spent double the amount it usually budgets for emergencies.

  Janet Upton: “Our state has seen more and more significant, large, complex, damaging firestorms, if you will, that almost reach the point of a natural disaster, and they are very, very difficult to control and to fight and, and thereby very expensive.”

  Most of Cal Fire’s budget comes from the state’s general fund. The agency’s set aside $200 million for emergencies, but Upton said that’s not enough to keep up with the cost of fighting multiple, prolonged wildfires.

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  • May 6, 2009 2:53 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Cal Fire expresses concerns about potential budget-related cuts

  Just as fire season is upon us, the statewide fire management agency faces the possibility of staff cuts. Cal Fire’s budget is up for review at the end of this month. The agency’s Janet Upton told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that officials are hoping for the best.

  Janet Upton: “But in the interest of prudence do have to be prepared if cuts do come down the pike. That could be anywhere from 600 to 1,700 firefighters, 20 fire stations, 11 camps, maybe a Helitack base depending on the amount we are asked to cut.”

  Governor Schwarzenegger has threatened to cut many state program budgets if voters don’t pass several revenue-related ballot measures this month.

  Cal Fire has declared this Wildfire Awareness Week – and the fire that began last night in Santa Barbara County has heightened awareness of just how vulnerable the Southland is to the threat of fires.

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  • May 6, 2009 2:44 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Inspector general visits DC to learn rules of stimulus money

  Governor Schwarzenegger’s watchdog for federal stimulus money has been on the job for just a week. Inspector General Laura Chick is visiting Washington, D.C. to learn the “dos and don’ts” of spending that money. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: Inspector General Laura Chick doesn’t wear a uniform, but she’s learned that like the military, the federal government is big on rules and regulations, or “guidelines” as they’re called – 125 pages of guidelines so far. Chick says it’s her job to make sure California spends its $50 billion in stimulus money well.

  Laura Chick: It’s a given that there’s going to be problems. It’s a given that there’s going to be a certain amount of bad folks committing fraud and actual criminal wrongdoing. And then there’s going to be sloppiness and mistakes. My goal is, on behalf of the governor and for the state of California, to try to find these problems as quickly as possible.

  Felde: So far, Chick is the first state inspector general in the country who’s watching stimulus dollars. She says she’s already met with U.S. attorneys eager to prosecute any wrongdoing her office uncovers.

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  • May 6, 2009 2:32 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• California's new inspector general Laura Chick visits Washington

  California’s new inspector general is in Washington this week to review federal guidelines on how the state can spend its share of economic stimulus dollars. Inspector General Laura Chick says it’s a given that there will be problems. But she says it’s her job to find where money is misspent, tell California taxpayers, and deter future mistakes.

  Laura Chick: “I look at this money as a huge opportunity. Not just first and foremost to rev up this economy of ours, but to restore some of the public’s trust and confidence in its government. And it will be the opposite if we mess up.”

  Chick has also been meeting with inspectors general from various federal agencies to help establish ground rules about which watchdog keeps an eye on which project. California’s counting on at least $50 billion from the federal economic recovery act.

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  • May 6, 2009 2:29 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• City of LA moves to lay off 400 workers

  The Los Angeles City Council today took the first step toward laying off hundreds of city employees. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports that the council took the action despite pleas from the city’s labor unions.

  Frank Stoltze: For two decades, Eva Mitnick’s worked as an L.A. city librarian.

  Eva Mitnick: I want to implore and urge the City Council to not go forward with plans for layoffs until all other options have been fully explored.

  Stoltze: Labor unions prefer early retirement packages to layoffs. The council’s chief legislative analyst Gerry Miller said the city’s $530 million budget gap is too big to avert job cuts.

  Gerry Miller: I see no scenario in which this wouldn’t have to happen.

  Stoltze: Councilman Bill Rosendahl joined all but two of his colleagues in voting to eliminate 1,600 city positions and begin the process of laying off as many as 400 city workers.

  Bill Rosendahl: The rubber has hit the road, folks. We are now in a very serious situation.

  Stoltze: Unless the mayor can squeeze concessions like unpaid furloughs from city unions, the council may be forced to lay off thousands of city employees.

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  • May 5, 2009 7:09 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA City Council votes to extend billboard moratorium

  The L.A. City Council voted today to extend a temporary moratorium on certain types of billboards. KPCC’s Brian Watt says the vote is a sign a permanent ban is in the works.

  Brian Watt: The billboards in question are the ones that change images and flash bright lights and what’s known as supergraphics – giant signs that wrap around several floors of buildings. Westside Councilman Bill Rosendahl says they create visual blight, and, in some cases, raise safety concerns.

  Bill Rosendahl: Can you imagine if you were in one of those buildings and all of a sudden there’s a piece of canvas in front of your window, and you can’t even look out? Can you imagine if you’re driving your car on the freeway and you’re blasted by one of them? We have some real problems with this.

  Watt:So, Rosendahl says, the Council is crafting a permanent ban on such billboards in most parts of the city. Billboard companies have filed suit against Los Angeles. The council’s vote came a day after a federal judge barred the city from taking action against 18 “supergraphics” while the lawsuit moves through court.

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  • May 5, 2009 7:06 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA City Council votes to begin laying off up to 400 city workers

  The Los Angeles City Council today voted to begin the process of laying off as many as 400 city workers. Chief legislative analyst Gerry Miller said the layoffs are necessary to address a growing budget deficit. Councilman Dennis Zine’s argued that the city should trim administrative fat first.

  Councilman Dennis Zine: “We do a lot of fluff in the city! We don’t need to do all the fluff!”
  Gerry Miller: “Mr. Zine, that’s exactly what the budget and finance committee is doing. But let me remind you, we have a $530 million gap for next year. What is before you today is $80 million of that. You are going to have an incredible problem in front of you in a couple of weeks.”

  That’s when the council’s scheduled to consider hundreds of millions more dollars in budget cuts. The mayor’s warned that L.A. will have to lay off thousands of city workers if labor unions don’t agree to forgo pay raises and take unpaid furloughs. Labor leaders are pushing for early retirements to reduce the number of layoffs.

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  • May 5, 2009 4:51 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• City Council votes to extend digital billboard/supergraphic moratorium

  The Los Angeles City Council voted today to extend a citywide moratorium on new digital billboards and giant signs that wrap around several floors of buildings. The temporary moratorium’s now set to expire on June 24. Westside councilman Bill Rosendahl says the council is giving itself time to craft a permanent ban.

  Bill Rosendahl: “I’m very uncomfortable rushing this kind of legislation. We’ve been assaulted dramatically by billboards. You know, in my district, 563 have popped up in the last few years. Twenty of them have flipped to digital and 30 of them were illegal.”

  The council’s vote followed a day after a federal judge issued a temporary injunction barring the city from taking action against giant billboards on 18 buildings in the city. The advertising company that installed those billboards said it did so before the moratorium took effect last December.

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  • May 5, 2009 4:11 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• City Council votes to approve Laurel Canyon Commercial Corridor project

  The Los Angeles City Council and Community Redevelopment Agency gave a big push today to a plan to redevelop the North Hollywood area around the intersection of Laurel Canyon and Victory boulevards. They voted jointly to approve the Laurel Canyon Commercial Corridor Project. Councilwoman Wendy Greuel says the area has suffered too long from blight.

  Wendy Greuel: “You drive down the street and you think, ‘What’s happening? Is anything ever going to occur on this site?’ And what we did today is say ‘Yes, we are moving forward to improve the neighborhood and create commerce there in our neighborhood and Valley Plaza.’”

  The 1994 Northridge earthquake destroyed several buildings along the corridor. The redevelopment plan would restore the Valley Plaza shopping center with a Macy’s department store, a Target, a 16-screen movie theater, and other shops and eateries.

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  • May 5, 2009 2:51 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Republican state assemblyman from Hesperia facing recall

  An effort to recall state assemblyman Anthony Adams is underway. The Republican lawmaker from Hesperia is under fire for his vote in favor of the recent state budget deal. KPCC’s Steven Cuevas says the backlash is coming from fellow Republicans.

  Steven Cuevas: That’s because the $41 billion state budget compromise included tax increases that Republicans vehemently opposed. Adams says he knew that a vote for the budget package would put his political career on the line. He was right.

  In March San Bernardino County Republican Party forced him out as its chief. State GOP officials also voted to withhold campaign cash from Adams and five other Republican lawmakers who’d supported the budget deal.

  Adams’ opponents have five months to place the recall effort on the ballot by collecting more than 35,000 signatures from registered voters. One of the organizers is former state assemblyman Richard Mountjoy. He may run for the 59th Assembly District seat if there is a recall election. That district stretches from San Bernardino County’s high desert to the L.A. city limits.

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  • May 5, 2009 2:28 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Top LA County officials lobbying on Capitol Hill this week

  Los Angeles County officials are making their annual lobbying visit to Washington this week. Don Knabe, chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, says they’re fighting for the county’s share of federal economic stimulus money.

  Don Knabe: “Well, we have all five supervisors are in town and we also have a majority of our department heads. Sheriff Baca’s gonna be here. I think District Attorney Steve Cooley’s gonna be here because obviously that’s another big issue, reimbursement for the undocumented in our jails. It’s a very, very important trip. So we don’t take it lightly.”

  Knabe also paid a call on a Washington state congressman to rally support for Boeing’s C-17 cargo plane. Parts for the aircraft are built in Seattle and also in Knabe’s Long Beach district. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the military already has enough of the workhorse planes.

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  • May 5, 2009 2:21 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• California political leaders go to DC to meet with federal government

  The Washington Nationals are in Los Angeles this week to play the Dodgers. Turns out that quite a few Angelenos are visiting Washington this week to try and score some federal dollars. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: This is the annual visit for the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. County officials will make the obligatory calls on Capitol Hill and meet with Obama administration officials. On the agenda: the reopening of Martin Luther King Hospital, federal response to the swine flu, and preserving funding for Boeing’s C-17, built in Long Beach.

  Also in town this week: California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and the state’s new inspector general Laura Chick. Bass is looking for more federal investment in California. Chick is seeking guidance on ways to track the federal stimulus money already sent to the state. The Californians had better bring their umbrellas. The forecast is for rain and thunderstorms through the weekend.

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  • May 4, 2009 7:07 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Hire LA's Youth campaign helps thousands of youth find jobs

  A pot of federal stimulus dollars will help the city of Los Angeles place thousands more young people in jobs over the next year. KPCC’s Brian Watt explains.

  Brian Watt: The Hire L.A.’s Youth campaign helps people from 14 to 24 find summer and full-time jobs. The program’s placed more than 28,000 young Angelenos since it started three years ago.

  This year, the city’s receiving $20 million from the federal economic stimulus package. That’ll support more than 7,000 additional youth positions. To thank the Obama Administration, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, city officials, and hundreds of young people on the steps of City Hall.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “You will never forget that first job. You know, struggling with ‘How do I do it?’ then realizing that you can do it. Then, the light bulb coming on and saying ‘Maybe I got to go to school to improve my skills.”

  The city’s general fund already supports 2,000 youth jobs. The private sector, the L.A. Unified School District, and the Los Angeles Community College District have pledged to hire another 7,000 young people.

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  • May 4, 2009 2:34 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Heritage Foundation reacts to Obama tax plan

  The Obama administration’s proposal to close certain tax loopholes is raising the hackles of business allies. Curtis Dubay of the Heritage Foundation told KPCC’s “AirTalk” that the plan would make it more difficult for companies to compete in the global marketplace.

  Curtis Dubay: “We should keep in mind that the United States is the only country in the world that taxes businesses on their worldwide income. Every other country taxes businesses on the income that they earn only within their borders. And that’s the way it should be – we should only tax income where it’s earned.”

  At present, multinational companies based in the United States are taxed only on the international profits they return to this country. The president’s economists figure that the change in policy would deliver more than $200 billion in tax revenue to the federal government during the next decade – if Congress approves it.

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  • May 4, 2009 2:09 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Former congressman and cabinet secretary Jack Kemp dies

  The late congressman and cabinet secretary Jack Kemp developed many of his guiding philosophies in his native Los Angeles. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall has more on the life of Kemp, who died late Saturday at age 73.

  Cheryl Devall: On his way to quarterbacking for the Occidental College team and, later, for the L.A. Chargers, Jack Kemp learned how to play fair across racial lines. With the Buffalo Bills and as a leader of the American Football League Players Association, he supported his black teammates’ successful effort to move the 1965 all-star game to Houston as a protest against segregation in the original host city, New Orleans.

  Kemp continued to promote racial inclusion during nine terms in Congress, as Housing and Urban Development secretary and as running mate to Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole in 1996. Jack Kemp embraced another philosophy – supply-side economics – based on the teaching of USC economist Arthur Laffer.

  Thirty years ago in Los Angeles, Kemp organized a seminar to share what he’d learned with then-presidential hopeful Ronald Reagan. Republicans credit Kemp as one of the greatest influences on conservative economic policy.

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  • May 4, 2009 10:38 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Southern California judge possible candidate for Supreme Court

  Legal observers say a federal judge from Pasadena is one of the possible replacements for Supreme Court Justice David Souter. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze has more.

  Frank Stoltze: Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Kim Wardlaw’s been on the federal bench for almost 15 years. President Clinton nominated her as a district judge in 1995 and to the appeals court three years later.

  In each case, Wardlaw won bipartisan support during her Senate confirmation. That bodes well for her should President Obama nominate her to the U.S. Supreme Court.

  Legal observers consider Wardlaw a candidate for the high court because Mr. Obama’s expressed interest in appointing a woman. She’s also 54 years old – experienced, yet young enough to serve for several decades. Wardlaw’s also a Latina, and the president’s said he wants diversity on the court.

  Wardlaw, a UCLA Law graduate, was a partner at O’Melveny and Meyers. She’s been a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Her husband is attorney Bill Wardlaw – a veteran political player who’s advised former L.A. mayors Richard Riordan and Jim Hahn.

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  • May 1, 2009 4:32 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• 5 of 6 statewide ballot initiatives unpopular with voters

  A new Field Poll indicates that five of the six statewide ballot initiatives aren’t going over well with voters. Center for Governmental Studies president Bob Stern suggested that voter confusion about the budget-related measures may be one reason.

  Bob Stern: “On ballot measures voters say, well how does my favorite organization feel about this and I’ll vote that way, or if I don’t like that organization, I’ll vote the other way. But here… it’s all mixed up.”

  Stern told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that on some of the propositions, groups across the ideological spectrum – Republicans, anti-tax activists, teachers’ unions, and the League of Women Voters – are lined up on the same side of an issue. He said that makes the May 19th election pretty unusual.

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  • April 29, 2009 2:28 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Pension board member resigns over alleged ethics violation

  A member of the board that oversees pension funds for Los Angeles City employees has resigned after his involvement with a political fundraiser for city attorney candidate Jack Weiss. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: Pension board member Kelly Candaele said it was a mistake for him to act as one of six hosts of a Monday night fundraiser for Weiss. City ethics rules prohibit members of the pension board from engaging in campaign fundraising activities.

  A Weiss spokesman said the campaign would return about $20,000 the event raised. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who appointed Candaele to the board, called him an upstanding leader who “made an honest mistake.”

  The Los Angeles Times has reported that two other people the mayor appointed to another pension board have received letters from the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

  That agency reportedly seeks information on any income they received from companies that did business with the L.A. Fire and Police Pension Board. The paper reports that the SEC has also asked the two about any communication they’ve had with companies linked to a criminal probe of a New York pension fund.

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  • April 29, 2009 2:10 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• State of emergency declared in California due to swine flu

  Governor Schwarzenegger says the state is taking “strong and swift action” to limit the spread of swine flu. This morning, the governor declared a state of emergency in California in response to the outbreak. He says the action will strengthen the state’s response.

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: “What this basically does is it gives us some extra tools for our health authorities, in order to respond very quickly. And it also cuts through the red tape so that all state agencies will have to go and assist the Department of Public Health in everyway possible. We’re also joining the federal Centers for Disease Control in recommending that schools that have a student that has the virus – we will close the classrooms for one week.”

  The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 13 cases in California – 10 in San Diego and Imperial counties and three in Sacramento County. Schwarzenegger says all the cases have been relatively mild to moderate.

  The governor says the state is also working with affected communities to assess their need for antiviral drugs and supplies. Supplies are already on the way to San Diego, Imperial, Merced, and Ventura counties.

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  • April 28, 2009 11:57 AM
  • Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Labor Secretary holds town hall meeting on veterans issues

  United States Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis visited Southern California today for a town hall meeting on how military veterans are having a hard time finding jobs.

  Labor Secretary Hilda Solis: “We will make every effort to see that our veterans who are coming home, those young men and women returning home from Afghanistan and from Iraq, find full support here in the United States. That’s a commitment that President Barack Obama has. That’s a commitment that Hilda Solis has as secretary of labor.” [applause]

  The meeting took place at Union Station in downtown L.A. Solis represented East Los Angeles in Congress before the president appointed her labor secretary.

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  • April 24, 2009 3:32 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• California Democrats meet, decide whether to endorse ballot measures

  California Democrats will decide this weekend whether to endorse six budget-related measures on next month’s special election ballot. Democrats are holding their annual convention in Sacramento. John Myers of the California Report says the measures have become a “complicated mess” for the state Democratic Party.

  John Myers: “Grassroots members of the Democratic Party over the last few weeks, very unhappy with this package of budget measures. In particular, the Prop 1A spending limit which they think could hurt a lot of state services that Democrats support.

  “That has put them at conflict with the leaders. I think that’s going to play out this weekend. We’ll see whether the party takes an official position.”

  The measures were part of the budget package lawmakers approved earlier this year. In order for the party to endorse the measures, they will need to get 60 percent of the vote during a floor session on Sunday. California Republican Party leaders voted last weekend to oppose all six measures.

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  • April 24, 2009 2:14 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• California Democrats meet in Sacramento for annual convention

  California Democrats are meeting in the state capital this weekend for their annual convention. Along with the thousands of delegates, some of the possible candidates for governor will be there.

  John Myers of the California Report says San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and California attorney general Jerry Brown will show up. Newsom officially announced his candidacy this week.

  John Myers: “Brown and Newsom are going to be quite an interesting match there to see how they work the crowd. They really do represent very different parts of the party. You know, old school, well known, and a young upstart in Newsom, and it’ll be fascinating to watch how it plays out.”

  Another possible gubernatorial candidate, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, does not plan to be in Sacramento. His office says he’ll be holding weekend meetings with L.A.’s public employee unions on the city’s budget crisis.

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  • April 24, 2009 11:57 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• City attorney candidates trade negative attacks at latest debate

  The campaign for Los Angeles city attorney took another nasty turn last night during a debate at the Westside Jewish Community Center. City Councilman Jack Weiss and attorney Carmen Trutanich are engaging in increasingly negative attacks. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: The Los Angeles League of Conservative Voters sponsored the debate. It focused on environmental issues. Weiss noted Trutanich has spent much of his legal career representing companies accused of violating pollution laws.

  Jack Weiss: Putting Mr. Trutanich in charge of enforcing our environmental laws is like putting a lawyer for Phillip Morris in charge of enforcing our health laws. It makes no sense. (cheering)
  Adrienne Alpert: Ladies and gentlemen, we’d like to ask you to hold it down please.
  Carmen Trutanich: I’ve put environmental polluters in jail. He’s put them on his contribution list.

  Stoltze: Trutanich once worked in the district attorney’s environmental crimes unit. The exchange typified the evening, and mirrored attack ads on radio and TV by the two city attorney candidates and their surrogates. KABC-TV plans to show the debate at a later date. Trutanich and Weiss face off in a May 19th election.

  Link: Read KPCC’s Molly Peterson’s thoughts on the debate on Twitter

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  • April 23, 2009 11:24 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Speaker Bass cancels Assembly staff pay raises

  State legislative leaders under fire for approving half-a-billion dollars in pay raises for staff swiftly changed direction today. KPCC’s Julie Small reports they’ve canceled the raises.

  Julie Small: The 5 percent raises for more than 100 Assembly staffers didn’t go over well. Not when other government agencies have furloughed workers and cut thousands of jobs – and not when lawmakers are asking voters to approve ballot measures to hike taxes and cap spending to help balance the state budget. Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said she didn’t want the raises to distract voters from the May 19th ballot measures – so the L.A. Democrat canceled the pay hikes.

  Karen Bass: I’m ruling out giving out raises to staff right now. And we are going to actually have a meeting over the next couple of days, and there might be additional measure that we make. We might decide the raises are frozen all year. We might decide there are additional measures to do to cut back.

  Small: Speaker Bass said she’d approved the raises at first to compensate for cuts to staff. The Assembly employs 20 fewer people than it did a couple years ago. Bass says staffers are doing a lot more – and some have quit because of heavy workload. Assembly minority leader Mike Villines of Clovis also canceled pay raises for Republican staffers. Villines took it one step further – and gave himself a 5 percent pay cut.

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  • April 22, 2009 10:37 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• EPA decision to regulate greenhouse gases sparks action

  Earth Day in Washington got an extra jolt of energy when the EPA last week decided it has the power to regulate “greenhouse gasses.” KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports the EPA decision is sparking action on Capitol Hill.

  Kitty Felde: For Earth Day, Senator Barbara Boxer’s Environment and Public Works Committee discussed how to make federal buildings more energy efficient. But the real action was over on the House side with the Energy and Commerce Committee.

  L.A. Democrat Henry Waxman is the chairman. He’s holding a week of hearings on a sweeping bill on climate change. Last Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a declaration that “greenhouse gases” are harmful.

  The finding lets the EPA regulate carbon emissions – and gives it significant authority over climate change policy. Congressman Waxman says that’s not the right way to control “greenhouse gases.”

  Congressman Henry Waxman: I think that most people recognize that it’s preferable to have Congress deal with this issue than to have the Clean Air Act and the Environmental Protection Agency have to regulate it under that Clean Air Act.

  Felde: The energy and the transportation secretaries testified that the House bill would reduce American dependence on foreign oil – and create green jobs. On Friday, Waxman’s committee hears from former vice president Al Gore – the Nobel Prize and Oscar-winning climate activist.

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  • April 22, 2009 4:47 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• New group forms to oppose Prop 1A

  Supporters of Proposition 1A launched a statewide television ad campaign today. KPCC’s Brian Watt says a new group also fired up its campaign against the ballot measure.

  Brian Watt: Californians Against New Taxes is a largely Republican group that calls Proposition 1A the most extensive tax increase in state history. The group counts former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan among its supporters:

  Richard Riordan: Proposition 1A was written off the backs of the poor in this state.

  Watt: Prop 1A would extend increases in vehicle license fees, sales, and personal income taxes. Riordan says that’s regressive. Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy said the state’s budget grows every year – but this year, the budget deficit has ballooned to its largest size ever.

  Peter Foy: You have to find ways to live within your means and balance all aspects of city government, county government, and we’re asking the state to do the same thing.

  Watt: Prop 1A’s supporters – including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger – say it will fix a broken state budgeting process by placing a cap on spending – and by directing more money into a “rainy day” fund.

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  • April 22, 2009 4:36 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Feinstein responds to conservative newspaper's charges

  Dianne Feinstein has labeled a Washington Times report “inaccurate and unfair.” The newspaper suggests California’s senior senator introduced legislation that rewarded her husband financially. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: In early January, Senator Feinstein introduced a bill to send $25 billion to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – the government agency that insures bank deposits. The money was to help slow the flood of foreclosures.

  The Washington Times says two months earlier, the FDIC awarded a contract to the global real estate firm CB Richard Ellis. It’s chaired by Richard Blum – Feinstein’s husband. The FDIC wanted the firm to help it sell foreclosed properties it had acquired in bank takeovers.

  The suggestion in the Washington Times article is that the money in Feinstein’s bill would enrich her husband. A Feinstein statement says she knew nothing about the FDIC’s contract with CB Richard Ellis until the newspaper made an inquiry.

  She says the contract was awarded by competitive bid and without her knowledge. As it turned out – Feinstein’s bill to pump money into the FDIC was superseded by action taken by President Obama.

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  • April 22, 2009 4:14 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• New organization launches campaign to defeat Proposition 1A

  A new group launched a campaign today against Proposition 1A. Californians Against New Taxes calls the measure on next month’s ballot the most extensive tax increase in state history. One of the group’s leaders, Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy, talked with reporters in downtown Los Angeles.

  Peter Foy: “Continuing to tax and tax the people and put a higher burden on this state, driving jobs out of this state, is not the solution. So what our goal is, is to defeat this, and ask our legislature, ask our governor to come together and have real reforms, real reforms, real reforms that controls spending.”

  Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan also spoke against Prop 1A. The measure would extend increases in sales and personal income taxes and the vehicle license fee. Supporters say it will fix a broken state budgeting process.

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  • April 22, 2009 3:55 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• State senator introduces bill against language discrimination

  In recent weeks dozens of nursing home and assisted living workers won a settlement from a company they claim disciplined or fired them for speaking Spanish on the job. A Texas woman who lives in the Los Angeles area sued her employer for discriminating against her because she speaks English, not Spanish.

  State senator Leland Yee has introduced a bill that would prohibit businesses from singling out customers or employees based on the language they speak. The northern California Democrat told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” he’s responding to behavior he witnessed as a child.

  Leland Yee: “I think all of us, as individuals, have gone through that horrific experience, embarrassing situation, distasteful experience of being told unless you speak English, don’t come in here, we’re not going to serve you, and these are memories I think all of us live with.”

  Yee said he also acted after the Ladies’ Professional Golf Association tried to impose – then backed away from – a requirement that foreign-born players on the tour speak English. He said Republicans have expressed concern that his bill will lead to lawsuits based on an honest inability to communicate across language barriers.

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  • April 21, 2009 3:57 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• San Francisco Mayor Newsom announces run for governor

  San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom formally announced his candidacy for governor today. He did it the high-tech way with messages on the social networking sites Facebook and Twitter, and in a YouTube video.

  Mayor Gavin Newsom (in YouTube video): “The state of California is nearly bankrupt and our state bond rating is now the worst in the nation. But in San Francisco our bond rating just went up because of our rainy day reserve and our sound fiscal policies.

  “What’s the difference? Well, we figured out that sound fiscal policy isn’t conservative or progressive, it’s just plain smart for everyone.”

  Newsom, who’s 41 years old, said he’d bring the same politics to Sacramento. He could face an array of seasoned candidates in next year’s Democratic Party primary, including State Attorney General Jerry Brown, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

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  • April 21, 2009 3:06 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Congresswoman Harman responds to allegations of influence trading

  South Bay Congresswoman Jane Harman is fighting back after allegations surfaced that she was caught on a wiretap agreeing to trade influence for a choice committee chairmanship. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: Three years ago, federal agents reportedly recorded a call from someone who wanted Harman to intervene in a federal espionage case against two former members of a pro-Israeli lobby group. The New York Times says in exchange, the caller promised the South Bay Democrat that a wealthy donor would threaten to withhold campaign money from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi if she didn’t name Harman chair of the House Intelligence Committee. The Congressional Quarterly says Harman agreed to “waddle into” the case.

  In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Harman says she’s “outraged” about the wiretaps. She urged the Justice Department to release unedited transcripts – and says she did not intervene in national security cases on which she was briefed. A political watchdog group wants Harman investigated. The Justice Department hasn’t responded. The House Office of Congressional Ethics won’t meet until the end of the month.

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  • April 21, 2009 2:39 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• First ladies of African nations in LA for health summit

  First ladies from 15 African nations are in Los Angeles for a two-day health summit to promote their work on some of the continent’s biggest challenges. KPCC’s Debra Baer says they’ll be joined at the Skirball Center by the first ladies of California and the United Kingdom.

  Debra Baer: The women from Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, and 10 other countries are part of a group called Africa Synergy Against AIDS and Suffering.

  Their goal is to improve health and education of people throughout the continent. The group works in partnership with U.S. Doctors for Africa, based in the San Fernando Valley. Its founder is Ted Alemayhu.

  Ted Alemayhu: The first ladies will speaking about what they’ve been doing under this new group called African Synergies for the past 7-and-a-half years, some of the progress and failures of their initiatives, to create awareness and to ask for help.

  Baer: That help, he says, would include resources, expertise, and partnerships with U.S. companies and non-profits scheduled to attend the summit, including RAND and Merck.

  Organizers chose Los Angeles in part because of its star power. Sharon Stone, Danny Glover, and Billy Zane – each of whom has done a lot of charity work on Africa’s behalf – are also meeting with the first ladies.

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  • April 20, 2009 5:00 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA County says no layoffs, but budget includes cuts

  Los Angeles County’s first budget draft for the next fiscal year weighs in at nearly $23 billion. That’s more than $400 million less than what the county is spending this year – and it might get smaller still. KPCC’s Nick Roman has the basics.

  Nick Roman: L.A. County will cut nearly 1,700 jobs from the payroll during the next fiscal year. But cutting those jobs won’t require layoffs – and the county will still employ more than 100,000 people when those cuts are done.

  That’s not to say L.A. County isn’t facing a budget squeeze. County chief executive officer William Fujioka says the budget has a $300 million hole – most of which comes from the chronically deficit-ridden Department of Health Services.

  He plans to fill in the budget hole with federal stimulus dollars, some grant money and – of course – budget cuts. But Fujioka says he might be wrong about his estimate that L.A. County property tax assessments will drop only by 1 percent.

  If it’s closer to 3-percent – and it might be – he’ll have to cut the budget some more. Hearings on Fujioka’s proposed $22.8 billion budget begin in three weeks. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors will adopt the final budget a month after that.

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  • April 20, 2009 4:55 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA mayor unveils budget, calls for cuts, privatization

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today said the city faces its worst budget crisis since the Great Depression. He made the comment as he unveiled his proposed $7 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: The mayor says that the city faces a $530 million deficit, and that he’ll be forced to lay off 2,800 city workers if labor unions refuse to forgo pay raises, take unpaid furloughs, and contribute more to pension funds.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: Massive layoffs and draconian service cuts are not inevitable. But everyone including our police and firefighters must work together in the spirit of shared responsibility and shared sacrifice.

  Stoltze: The mayor’s promised to take a 12 percent cut in his own $223,000 annual salary. Union leaders say they’d prefer early retirements to layoffs. Villaraigosa’s said that wouldn’t save enough money. In his proposed budget, he also eliminates 1,300 vacant city jobs and privatizes city parking structures.

  Villaraigosa: We must also be willing to follow the same course for our zoo, our convention center, and our parking meters.

  Stoltze: Unions – and some city council members – have said they don’t like the idea of privatization, and they’ve pledged to fight it.

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  • April 20, 2009 4:52 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Space industry lobbies Congress

  California’s congressional delegation is getting a visit from outer space this week. A trade group that represents California’s space technology businesses is launching an effort to get more government support. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: More than $30 billion a year is spent in California on satellites, launch vehicles, and software. Janice Dunn with the California Space Authority says that’s about half of the U.S. space market.

  Dunn says her trade group is lobbying the state’s congressional members this week to keep NASA’s budget intact. Dunn says they’ll also ask the State Department to streamline exports of satellites. To keep sensitive technology out of the hands of adversaries, Congress moved licensing from the Commerce Department to State. But, says Dunn…

  Janice Dunn: In addition to not helping national security, in fact it’s proving to be a real hindrance to industry.

  Felde: Dunn says her group can cite a list of generals who say the State Department export licensing process isn’t working. Dunn says the California Space Authority is also concerned about environmental costs and red tape in the Golden State. And she says the trade group worries that California schools and universities won’t be able to supply the next generation of space engineers and scientists.

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  • April 20, 2009 4:50 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• LA City Council approves DWP water rate plan

  After prolonged debate, the Los Angeles City Council has approved a rate proposal from the Department of Water and Power. KPCC’s Molly Peterson says that could mean higher bills.

  Molly Peterson: The rate plan encourages conservation. Each house in L.A. has an allotment of water. As of June 1, it’ll be 15 percent smaller. Customers who stay within that amount will pay the same rate.

  If they use more, the rate for extra water jumps 44 percent. Soledad Garcia leads a group of neighborhood councils who oppose the rates. She said the decision merited more discussion.

  Soledad Garcia: Telling everyone about it after it is passed is a travesty. It’s a disrespect of the community and of the neighborhood councils to just bypass everyone to get their own agenda over and finished, that is wrong, wrong, wrong.

  Peterson: DWP Chief David Nahai said most people’s rates won’t go up if they don’t hog water. But he added that the rate plan is crucial. Earlier this week, Nahai noted that one of the city’s suppliers, the Metropolitan Water District, voted to sell less water to L.A.

  David Nahai: We anticipated that that would happen, but it’s not the only thing. We also have to consider the substantial reductions in our own exclusive water supply, from the L.A. Aqueduct and other factors, it hasn’t changed, it hasn’t improved any.

  Peterson: Nahai promised to blanket DWP customers with information right away about how the new rates will work. Those rates take effect June 1st.

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  • April 17, 2009 7:46 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA mayor appoints new environment deputy mayor

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa lost a deputy mayor to the Obama Administration this year. KPCC’s Molly Peterson says the mayor’s placed a new cowboy in the city’s top environment post.

  Molly Peterson: Until President Obama took office, the city of L.A.’s top environmental official was Nancy Sutley. Now she’s at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. So the mayor’s named David Freeman to saddle up for the job of deputy mayor for energy and the environment.

  That means Freeman will direct L.A.’s green policies at the Department of Water and Power, the Port of Los Angeles, Public Works, and other departments. Freeman is already a port commissioner. He’s got a 30 year record managing public utilities. In the late 1960s, he was the first person with responsibility for energy in the federal government.

  He’s won support from industry and environmentalists. Freeman has cultivated his Green Cowboy nickname by wearing a plastic cowboy hat – most recently, while he campaigned for the city’s solar power and green jobs initiative, Measure B. Freeman plans to resign from the harbor commission and start his new job next month.

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  • April 17, 2009 4:28 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• 90-year-old West Hollywood councilman dies

  One of the oldest elected officials in the country – 90-year-old Sal Guariello – was a member of the West Hollywood City Council. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall says his colleagues are mourning his unexpected death today.

  Cheryl Devall: For more than 14 years, Sal Guariello reveled in his work as a city councilman. That elected job capped a long career as an insurance agent and many years on a range of civic boards and commissions.

  Fellow council members say Guariello also was a strong supporter of West Hollywood’s sizable Russian-speaking and gay and lesbian communities. Sal Guariello served in the U.S. Army as a medic during World War II, and he led the effort to establish a veterans’ memorial in the city he’d called home for 45 years.

  West Hollywood spokeswoman Helen Goss said he was very passionate about helping people. Voters elected Guariello to his fourth council term two years ago, and Goss said he was active on the job until a few days ago.

  During his 90th birthday party last month, she asked him how he’d lived with such gusto for so long. Guariello replied, “never stop working.”

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  • April 16, 2009 4:51 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Labor think tank makes suggestions for immigration reform

  Most federal lawmakers are in their districts this week, but policy discussions continued today on Capitol Hill. Labor leaders – including the head of the AFL-CIO and a former Cabinet member – outlined their visions for immigration reform. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: Labor’s version of immigration reform includes the trio of issues Democratic lawmakers refer to most often: border security, a worker ID system, and legal status for the estimated 11 million undocumented workers in this country.

  But Ray Marshall, who was labor secretary in the Carter administration, says immigration reform must also tackle abuses in legal immigration – specifically, the guest worker program Marshall described as the “indentured worker” program.

  Ray Marshall: It’s never in the interest of a democracy to have a large number of people who are outside the protection of your laws and with second-class status and who can be easily exploited because of their indentured status – the fact that they are attached to a particular employer.

  Felde: The Economic Policy Institute, a labor think tank, recommends creating an independent federal commission to more accurately measure labor shortages and adjust the number of guest worker visas to reflect the actual need.

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  • April 16, 2009 3:44 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• People gather at Dockweiler State Beach to protest taxes

  Yesterday’s tax filing deadline compelled people across the country to protest the taxes they’re paying. KPCC’s Brian Watt reports on a rally at Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey.

  Brian Watt: A few hundred people braved high winds that blew the sand and fluttered the American flags many of them carried. Talk radio personality Tammy Bruce let the elements underscore her point.

  Tammy Bruce: As that ocean is as turbulent and rough, let Congress look at that water and know that we are in exactly the same mood. (cheers)

  Watt: The slogans on the handmade signs reflected the mood: “Politicians Gone Wild” and “Obamanomics: All you have LEFT is CHANGE.” Fifty-five-year-old engineer Gary Aven told the crowd this was his first protest. He said he wants the government – no matter who’s running it – to be smarter with his tax dollars.

  Gary Aven: I did not like the way Bush spent. I like how Obama’s planning to spend even less.

  Watt: Aven urged everyone present to let their representatives know they don’t support the budget bill before Congress.

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  • April 16, 2009 11:54 AM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA mayor to deliver State of the City address

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa delivers his annual “State of the City” address today. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: Villaraigosa will speak at Balqon Corporation’s manufacturing plant in Harbor City. Balqon makes all-electric, heavy-duty trucks capable of hauling 30-ton shipping containers in and around the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The venues give the mayor a chance to highlight his green initiatives, including one that requires cleaner trucks at the port.

  Much of the mayor’s speech likely will focus on the bad economy, and the city’s projected $530 million deficit. It’s one of the worst in the city’s history. Villaraigosa’s said city workers will have to forgo pay raises, contribute more to their pension funds, and work one hour a week for free if they hope to avoid layoffs.

  The mayor’s not likely to say whether he plans to run for governor next year – as many political observers expect. He won’t take the oath of office for his second term as mayor until July.

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  • April 14, 2009 11:18 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• DWP board sends water rates plan back to LA City Council

  Some Los Angeles utility customers may pay more for water this summer. The board of the Department of Water and Power is sending a plan for new usage rates back to the L.A. City Council for approval.

  Last week the council said it needed more time to understand which customers might face higher rates. DWP General Manager David Nahai said that to prevent everyone’s water bills from rising, the city needs to act quickly.

  David Nahai: “The idea here isn’t for us to enhance revenue. The idea is to enhance conversation which is really critical at this point and it’s critical that this happen before the high-use summer months.”

  Under the plan, L.A. customers would have to use 15 percent less water to stay within a given rate. Those who exceed that amount would pay 44 percent more for extra water than they do now.

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  • April 14, 2009 11:12 AM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Homeland Security Secretary to meet with South Bay congresswoman

  Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is in the Southland today, viewing first-hand the security measures in place at Los Angeles International Airport and the Port of L.A.

  Napolitano also plans to meet with South Bay Congresswoman Jane Harman and with law enforcement and other elected officials. Harman told KPCC that she’ll talk with Napolitano about additional measures that can be taken to make L.A.’s sea and airports safer.

  Jane Harman: “The rescue yesterday by the U.S. navy of Captain Richard Phillips off the coast of Somalia tells us how agile pirates-slash-terrorists are in finding new ways to harm U.S. interests and U.S. people. And so I continue to worry about threats coming our way from Afghanistan and Pakistan, which I just visited last week, and from other parts of the world.”

  Harman said she doesn’t worry as much about piracy near the Port of Los Angeles as she does the threat of a small boat attack – such as the one against the USS Cole more than eight years ago in Yemen.

  Harman, who sits on the House Committee on Homeland Security, said she thinks the port and L.A. International Airport have become increasingly safer in recent years. She added there’s still more to do.

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  • April 13, 2009 3:19 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA city labor unions present ideas to save money, jobs

  Hoping to avert layoffs, labor unions that represent Los Angeles city employees plan to present money-saving ideas for the city tomorrow. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze says union leaders are calling it an “efficiency summit.”

  Frank Stoltze: Labor leaders say city workers will present dozens of ideas. Simboa Wright is a sewer and storm drain maintenance worker. He suggests that L.A. use Astroturf instead of grass at soccer fields to save on maintenance, and that more city employees would be willing to work three 12 hour days a week.

  Simboa Wright: The detention officers at LAPD right now have a three-twelve, and it saves LAPD $2.5 million a year. So imagine what that could do if it was citywide.

  Stoltze: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says that the city faces a projected $530 million budget deficit – and that city workers will have to give up pay raises, contribute more to their pension fund, and even work for free one hour a week to prevent layoffs. Wright says, not so fast.

  Wright: We’re just not there yet. That’s exactly why we’re having this efficiency summit, so we can all work together.

  Stoltze: The mayor formally presents his budget plan on April 20th.

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  • April 10, 2009 4:33 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Governor Schwarzenegger asks for federal stimulus money for education

  Governor Schwarzenegger today asked the federal government for $5 billion in stimulus money for education. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports that the governor hopes to reduce the number of teacher layoffs in California.

  Frank Stoltze: Public schools across the state have sent out preliminary layoff notices to 26,000 teachers to address $8 billion in state budget cuts. Governor Schwarzenegger hopes that federal stimulus money will keep some teachers working.

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: Education took a major hit. And I think because of that, teachers had to be laid off. So I think that this money will help us to not have to lay off as many teachers. It will also go into the classroom.

  Stoltze: The governor says public schools could get about $3 billion within weeks – if the federal government approves the state’s application. He estimates another $2 billion would come later. Most of the money would go to Kindergarten through 12th grade schools. One-fifth would go to higher education.

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  • April 9, 2009 11:49 PM
  • Categories: Education, Politics/Public Affairs

• California applies for $5 billion in stimulus money for education

  Governor Schwarzenegger today asked the federal government to provide $5 billion in stimulus money for education programs in California.

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: “When President Obama signed his stimulus package, I made it very clear that California would do everything we can in our power to get as much money from the federal government as possible. And we are today – right along with South Dakota – the first state that is applying for that money.”

  The governor said he hopes the money will reduce a projected 26,000 potential teacher layoffs in the state. Public school districts have sent preliminary dismissal notices to teachers to address $8 billion in state budget cuts.

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  • April 9, 2009 4:45 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Tainted money helps to sink the LA Children's Museum

  The dormant Los Angeles Children’s Museum may turn over its new location near Hansen Dam to the city of L.A. The museum hasn’t been open since it vacated its old space downtown almost a decade ago.

  Its problems worsened last month when the federal Securities and Exchange Commission accused the project’s biggest donor, Bruce Friedman, of running a Ponzi scheme. L.A. City Councilman Richard Alarcon told KPCC’s “AirTalk” that he doesn’t expect the Children’s Museum to open – ever.

  Richard Alarcon: “The future of the Children’s Museum as crafted under the current organization is very dismal at best. I don’t anticipate that there will be a Children’s Museum because I believe that the fundraising has been squelched by the scandal surrounding the Friedman Family Foundation.”

  Bruce Friedman pledged $10 million, and he’s already given $3 million. Now he’s asking the museum to return that money. Unless a new donor steps up, Alarcon said, the city of L.A. will take control of the facility and use it for another purpose.

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  • April 9, 2009 3:41 PM
  • Categories: Arts, Politics/Public Affairs

• White House insider says immigration reform on the table

  Congress is out of town for a two-week recess. But a White House source says the president hopes to place immigration reform legislation on the table by the end of the year. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: President Obama’s point person on immigration told The New York Times the president will deliver a major speech next month to outline his plan for immigration reform.

  The president reportedly wants to meet with lawmakers this summer so they can hammer out the details and have a bill ready to go this fall. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already has an idea of what she wants in that bill.

  Nancy Pelosi: It would of course secure our borders, it would protect our workers, prohibit the exploitation of workers coming into our country, it would unite our families. And it would have a path to legalization.

  Felde: Critics say “it makes no sense” in these times of high unemployment to make it easier for American jobs to go to undocumented workers.

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  • April 9, 2009 2:36 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Diamond Bar cuts deal with City of Industry, won't sue to stop stadium

  The goal line’s in sight for the football stadium project in the City of Industry. KPCC’s Nick Roman says one of Industry’s municipal neighbors won’t sue to stop the 75,000 seat stadium project.

  Nick Roman: In exchange, Industry will pay Diamond Bar – its southern neighbor – $20 million to ease the annoyances that come with a big football stadium, like traffic jams and bright lights. Twenty-million dollars is just about equal to Diamond Bar’s annual budget.

  Industry will also pay for a sports field at a Diamond Bar school – and it’ll toss money into a “community facilities fund” for parks and other amenities. The Diamond Bar City Council signed off on the deal – in part because there aren’t many options.

  Councilwoman Carole Herrera told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that “there’s no way to stop” the stadium. That’s OK with a number of cities in the San Gabriel Valley eager for the jobs a stadium will bring.

  It’s not OK with Walnut – Industry’s northern neighbor. It’ll still take a shot at blocking the stadium project in court. But it could be tougher without Diamond Bar as an ally.

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  • April 8, 2009 4:36 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Sports/Recreation

• Black Caucus members meet with Castro

  A Southland lawmaker joined other members of the Congressional Black Caucus during a meeting this week with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Havana. Long Beach Congresswoman Laura Richardson told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that Castro knew her name and details about her district.

  Laura Richardson: “The best part to me, of the whole conversation, was when he started talking about politics. And he said how he had watched the Presidential election – he had listened to all of President Obama’s speeches. And then he leaned forward and said, how can Cuba, how can we work together to normalize relations and help President Obama’s agenda?”

  To the distress of anti-communist Cuban-Americans, the Obama administration has indicated that it may ease travel restrictions on Americans who wish to visit Cuba. Richardson said that Castro, who last year handed over active leadership to his younger brother because of illness, looked well and was very engaged for an 82-year-old.

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  • April 8, 2009 4:14 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development talks about mortgage scam artists

  California continues to lead the nation in home foreclosures. Last year, lenders repossessed 12,000 properties in the City of Los Angeles.

  L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan toured bank-owned homes in South L.A. today. Donovan told reporters that scam artists are trying to take advantage of people seeking help with their mortgages.

  Shaun Donovan: “No one, anywhere in the country, needs to pay anything to be eligible for our assistance. Not one dime. And if somebody is asking you to pay up front, you should say no and you should get assistance that’s available.”

  Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters accompanied Donovan and the mayor on the tour.

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  • April 8, 2009 3:14 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA mayor and federal HUD secretary visit South LA

  During the last two years, banks have foreclosed on more than 21,000 homes in the City of Los Angeles.

  L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, federal Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, and Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters toured some bank-owned properties in South L.A. today. Waters says Washington lawmakers are working with local leaders to help restore neighborhoods.

  Maxine Waters: “In the absence of bold interventions and successful partnerships, over 8 million homes could enter foreclosure over the next four years. California has had more foreclosures than anywhere else.”

  The Obama administration’s stimulus package included billions of dollars to help local governments address the foreclosure crisis.

  With that money, the City of L.A. plans to start a new non-profit called Restore Neighborhoods L.A. It will buy foreclosed homes below cost, make them more energy-efficient, and sell them, below market value, to families who qualify.

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  • April 8, 2009 3:05 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA city councilman Rosendahl discusses proposed water rate changes

  The Los Angeles City Council has returned to the Department of Water and Power a plan that could raise some customers’ water rates. Westside councilman Bill Rosendahl said the DWP proposed a new rate structure because of statewide water shortages.

  Bill Rosendahl: “What they basically presented to us today is that as we get into the summer months we have to use less water. And they’re going to have a two-tiered system. The bulk of us, if we live within a certain percentage of water usage, there’s no difference in your rate.”

  Rosendahl said that users who don’t cut back would pay a higher rate if they used more than their share. He added that the council needs more information to evaluate those new rates. Now, commissioners for the publicly-owned utility must send a modified plan back to the city council in order to change rates.

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  • April 8, 2009 3:00 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congressional Black Caucus members meet with Fidel and Raul Castro

  During visits to the United States in 1960 and 1995, Cuban leader Fidel Castro made it a point to spend time in Harlem, the symbolic capital of Black America. This week, members of the Congressional Black Caucus reciprocated with a visit to the former head of Cuba and his brother and successor in Havana. Congresswoman Laura Richardson of Long Beach attended that meeting.

  Laura Richardson: “So when we walked in, he knew my name, he knew my district. So, I was quite impressed that in less than 12 hours to prepare, he knew who we were; he knew pertinent issues to our district.

  “He knew trade was critical to my district. He knew I was on the Homeland Security Committee, so talk about migration issues on the border. And he was very, very, you know, healthy, and a keen insight.”

  Richardson told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that Fidel Castro also asked what Cuba could do to assist President Obama. The president wants to loosen previous administrations’ restrictions on American travel and remittances to Cuba. Cuban-Americans in Congress say any step toward normalizing relations with the Communist nation will hamper pro-democracy activists there.

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  • April 8, 2009 2:49 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA city council delays vote to raise water rates

  The L.A. City Council has delayed voting on a plan that could raise water rates for homes and businesses this summer. KPCC’s Molly Peterson has more.

  Molly Peterson: The council is considering a new rate structure for the Department of Water and Power. Right now, DWP customers can pay one rate to use water up to a certain amount – above that amount, the rate goes up.

  DWP commissioners approved a plan aimed to encourage conservation – essentially, it would impose the higher rate sooner. Customers who use 15 percent less water wouldn’t pay more. Those who don’t turn the taps off would pay a financial penalty.

  The DWP calls this shortage year pricing. Some council members called it a rate increase. They said information about the rates arrived too slowly to fully consider them.

  The DWP had hoped to put the new rates in place by June 1, but the utility needs to give customers a month’s notice. Its commissioners must now send a modified plan back to the city council before any rates change.

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  • April 8, 2009 2:47 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA county supervisors request federal government relax welfare rules

  The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has asked the federal government to relax eligibility requirements for welfare recipients. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze has more.

  Frank Stoltze: Supervisor Gloria Molina says L.A. County denied 7,000 families CalWORKs welfare assistance last month because of federal eligibility rules. The county turned down another 19,000 households seeking food stamps.

  Gloria Molina: We’ve always had people who’ve been disqualified but we’re seeing a huge escalation.

  Stoltze: Federal rules disqualify families with more than $2,000 in accessible cash resources – like a savings account – or a car worth more than $4,600. In some cases, Molina said, people who receive unemployment insurance don’t qualify for welfare.

  Molina: Right now, many of those families are watching insurance companies get bailed out, automakers getting bailed out, and they’re sitting there saying “Why can’t I get a helping hand at a time like this?”

  Stoltze: Molina said the county and federal governments likely would share the cost of increased welfare payments, if Congress and the Obama administration agree to loosen eligibility requirements.

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  • April 7, 2009 10:54 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• County supervisors approve designs for 16 acre downtown park

  The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today approved the schematic design of a 16 acre park in downtown L.A. Supervisor Gloria Molina says the park will stretch four blocks from the Music Center east to City Hall. A concrete walkway occupies most of that space now.

  Gloria Molina: “We’re going to restructure that entire area and green it – plant more trees, create pedestrian walkways, add water features, and create a very green oasis inviting to the downtown area, which is all glass and cement and steel. And create a more pedestrian orientation near not only our civic center but many of our cultural institutions as well.”

  The estimated cost of the park: $56 million. Fifty million of that will come from the Grand Avenue Project fund. That $3 billion high-rise project is stalled as developers figure out how to finance it in the bad economy. The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency still needs to sign off on the park before its construction can begin.

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  • April 7, 2009 10:41 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• OC sheriff gives update on county jails

  The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is making “substantial progress” on implementing recommendations to improve the county’s jails. That’s the word from Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her staff. KPCC’s Susan Valot says they got county supervisors up to speed in Santa Ana today.

  Susan Valot: In November, a report from an auditing firm that examined the jails said Orange County should hire hundreds of additional jailers. Budget constraints make that impossible – but the Sheriff’s Department says it’s moving forward with other suggestions in the report.

  Assistant Sheriff Mike James told the Board of Supervisors that his department is re-negotiating contracts with food vendors to decrease the number of hot meals in the jails to one a day. That means another brown bag meal for inmates.

  James says they’re working with UC Irvine to rotate medical students through the jails. The assistant sheriff also says they’re looking into whether the county should bring in more civilian employees to work in the jails.

  James says that could save $10 million a year. Supervisor Bill Campbell questioned whether those savings would vanish quickly as those new civilian employees moved up the pay scale.

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  • April 7, 2009 4:05 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Mayor Villaraigosa proposes cutbacks for city employees to avoid layoffs

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today said the city will have to lay off nearly 3,000 employees, unless those workers agree to forgo pay raises. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze says that’s not all the mayor wants from L.A.’s 40,000 city workers.

  Frank Stoltze: The mayor also wants them to contribute 2 percent more of their paychecks to their retirement benefits. Right now most pay 6 percent. He’s also proposing that city workers – including police officers and firefighters – work for free one hour a week to help address a $530 million deficit.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: I’m reaching out to union leaders and asking them to come to the table and work together in the spirit of shared responsibility and shared sacrifice.

  Bob Schoonover: I think we still have a long ways to go.

  Stoltze: Bob Schoonover of the Service Employees International Union represents city mechanics, gardeners, and garbage collectors.

  Schoonover: I think we’d like to concentrate a little more on efficiency improvements.

  Stoltze: At the same time, Schoonover concedes that the city faces one of its worst-ever budget crises – and he says he remains open to the mayor’s proposals.

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  • April 6, 2009 4:46 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Mayor Villaraigosa says he would take pay cut along with city employees

  Because the city of Los Angeles is facing a $530 million budget gap, its mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, is urging city employees to take unpaid days off and salary cuts. He told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that he wouldn’t be immune.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “The mayor is prepared to ensure that I’m leading by example. That everything I am asking employees to do that’ll I’ll do as well. So if, as an example, we ask employees to cut roughly 10 percent of their salary or benefits, I will take the same cut.”

  About 40,000 people work for the city. The mayor says he’ll have to lay off 3,000 of them unless they agree to the pay cuts. Employee unions would have to agree to that.

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  • April 6, 2009 4:42 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Census officials try to assuage fears of responding to the survey

  The first phase of the next year’s census is underway. Los Angeles officials hope that this time around, more Angelenos will show up in the final tally. Census office manager Esther Cepeda says fear of immigration, tax, and other authorities keeps a lot of people from filling out the once-in-a-decade survey.

  Esther Cepeda: “People fear law enforcement. But all those fears need not be there, because the census is confidential. It is completely secure. It is protected by law under Title 13. We don’t share information with the INS, with the IRS, with law enforcement, or any other agency at all!”

  Cepeda says census workers take an oath of confidentiality and penalties are stiff for leaking information – up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000.

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  • April 6, 2009 4:29 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Retired judge supports marijuana legalization

  A bill in the California legislature would regulate marijuana the same way the state and federal governments do the sale of alcohol – not as an illegal substance but as a restricted one. Jim Gray, a retired Orange County Superior Court judge, told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” he believes that approach makes sense.

  Jim Gray: “We’re facing two rather substantial problems in society. One is drug problems, and that certainly includes alcohol, cigarettes – it kills 400,000 people a year.

  “Those are substantial problems. The second problem we’re facing is money drug problems. And those are far worse than the drug problems themselves, and that’s what we can get away from.”

  Gray is a spokesman for an organization called Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. California allows legal sales of marijuana when doctors prescribe it, but federal law prohibits marijuana sales for any purpose.

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  • April 6, 2009 4:07 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Census begins with pep rally for canvassers at LA City Hall

  The first wave of next year’s federal census started today. In the next few months, 140,000 temporary government workers are canvassing every street and road in the country to verify addresses. KPCC’s Brian Watt says the effort launched with a rally at Los Angeles City Hall.

  Brian Watt: Hundreds of people eager to count other people showed up for a pep talk from census office manager Esther Cepeda. She also had words for the people who’ll be counted.

  Esther Cepeda: It is important that you the community embrace the census, that you continue to spread the word. The census is here! (crowd applauds)

  Watt: Cepeda reminded everyone that the federal government determines where a lot of money goes based on the census. City Councilman Jose Huizar estimated that L.A. lost more than $200 million since the last census because many Angelenos didn’t show up in the final tally.

  Jose Huizar: When you see who were the groups that were most undercounted, it is those that need the help the most. The homeless, immigrants, people of color.

  Watt: Like a lot of cities with budget woes, Los Angeles could also use some help. Its officials hope this census will count more people so the city can count more cash.

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  • April 6, 2009 3:21 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• President appoints Southland minister to faith-based advisory council

  President Obama has appointed a prominent Southland minister to his advisory council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall says Bishop Charles Blake leads one of Los Angeles’ largest African-American congregations.

  Cheryl Devall: About 24,000 people call West Angeles Church of God in Christ their spiritual home. In the 40 years that Charles Blake has headed the congregation, he’s expanded its ministries that include a day school, prison outreach, and a bookstore.

  Blake also supervised the construction of the West Angeles Cathedral on Crenshaw Boulevard in South L.A. In addition, he’s the presiding bishop of the 6 million member Church of God in Christ, a Memphis-based Pentecostal denomination.

  For a one-year term, Blake will join 24 other religious and nonprofit leaders to advise President Barack Obama’s faith-based initiatives. President George W. Bush established the office to lower the legal and institutional barriers that prevented government and faith-based groups from working as partners. Through the office, the Obama administration plans to emphasize neighborhood and religious leaders’ advancement of federal anti-poverty efforts.

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  • April 6, 2009 3:19 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality

• LA mayor proposes pay cuts, unpaid workdays for city workers

  Facing a $530 million budget deficit, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today proposed that city employees forgo pay raises and increase their pension contributions by 30 percent. The mayor said that otherwise, he’ll be forced to propose laying off nearly 3,000 employees.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “The magnitude of these cuts would mean a dramatic drop in services, and I don’t believe that should be our course. This is a better course. This saves jobs, it saves services, it makes our city government more sustainable.”

  The mayor also wants city employees – including police officers and firefighters – to work one unpaid hour a week. Labor unions that represent city workers would have to sign off on any deal.

  The mayor also said he plans to propose privatizing some city service and selling advertising space on city-owned property to deal with plummeting tax revenues. The mayor formally releases his budget in two weeks.

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  • April 6, 2009 3:17 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Senator Feinstein reacts to Binghamton shooting

  In response to fatal gun violence incidents throughout the country, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein is seeking to reinstate an assault weapons ban she’d sponsored in the early 1990s. That legislation was in effect for 10 years; it expired five years ago. Feinstein told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that she wants to strengthen the law this time around.

  Dianne Feinstein: “I’ve had this commitment for a long, long time and I would like to get it done in a way that it is permanent, it make sense, it’s prudent. It does not remove guns from people who are law abiding but it does prevent the felon, it does prevent the nut, and it does prevent the grievance killer from obtaining these weapons.”

  Opponents to a renewed assault weapons ban say the earlier version cost the Democrats seats in Congress and deepened divisions between Americans who supported and opposed gun control. Feinstein says her bill is in the preliminary stages.

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  • April 6, 2009 3:15 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Senator Feinstein renews call for assault weapons ban

  A recent spate of violent attacks – against police officers in Oakland, immigrants in Binghamton, New York, and a family in Seattle – has prompted California’s senior U.S. senator to renew her call for a ban on the sale of assault weapons. Senator Dianne Feinstein told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that she knows Second Amendment activists in and beyond Congress will challenge her.

  Senator Dianne Feinstein: “There is huge opposition and so the killing goes on, and the clips are big so that you can fire 30 bullets in a matter of a very few seconds and kill a lot of people. I think it’s a tragic overlay of our country. It makes no sense. And we aren’t talking about taking anyone’s gun away from them; what we are talking are prudent regulations.”

  Feinstein said she hasn’t set a timeline to introduce her legislation. The first assault weapons ban she sponsored passed 15 years ago and expired after 10 years.

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  • April 6, 2009 3:12 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• White House holds fifth regional talk on health care reform

  About 600 advocates of single payer medical insurance waved signs and cheered outside the White House regional forum on health care reform in downtown Los Angeles this morning.

  Fourth-year medical student Parker Duncan spoke at the rally. At the University of California Irvine where he goes to school, Duncan said, most of his classmates want a Medi-Cal-type plan for all Americans.

  Parker Duncan: “Because that’s the world we want to work in, because it allows us to treat patients, each patient, based upon their clinical presentation, not the card or cash they carry in their wallet.”

  Inside California Endowment’s headquarters, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger hosted the health care policy forum. It was not open to the public. Groups from San Diego, Oakland, and Clovis participated via satellite. During his welcome, the governor emphasized several points of his health care reform plan.

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: “The key thing is part of our reforms that we had is that 85 percent of the revenues that come in have to be spent on health care – on patients, and I think that’s very important.”

  Schwarzenegger said his plan would also require everyone to carry medical insurance for the sake of universal access to medical care.

  Single payer advocates say a bill in Congress would accomplish that – and would remove the profit margin from health care. The Obama administration has been advocating a public/private collaboration to promote medical care for everyone.

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  • April 6, 2009 3:07 PM
  • Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Census begins first wave of 2010 population count

  Hundreds of people, ready to count people, rallied at L.A. City Hall this morning to launch the first wave of the 2010 census. Esther Cepeda runs the census’ downtown Los Angeles office.

  Esther Cepeda: “The count is so important because funding is based on where the people are. So, if we have an undercount, we’re gonna miss, we’re gonna lose that funding. And it’s so important because right now with the city in its current budget deficit, we need all the help we can get.”

  In the first phase of the count, 140,000 temporary workers plan to verify all possible addresses by canvassing every known street and road in the country. This time around, they’ll use handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

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  • April 6, 2009 2:49 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Gay rights activists hope Iowa gay marriage decision affects California decision

  The California Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision in the next two months on lawsuits to overturn Proposition 8. California voters approved that measure last November. It overturned last year’s state supreme court ruling that legalized same sex marriage.

  On Friday, Iowa’s supreme court ruled that a law in that state banning gay marriage was unconstitutional. Gay rights activists say they hope the Iowa ruling will affect California’s case. Jenny Pizer heads the National Marriage Project at Lambda Legal.

  Jenny Pizer: “One of the things that we’re hoping for here is that the clarity of the Iowa decision will reinforce to the California justices that they did something very important last year and that they should really think through – and I’m sure they will – the arguments that we presented to them in the Prop 8 litigation.”

  Pizer spoke with KPCC’s Larry Mantle.

  The general counsel for the pro-Proposition 8 campaign says he doesn’t think the Iowa decision is relevant to California. He says he finds it ironic that Iowa’s supreme court would rely on a decision that voters essentially reversed.

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  • April 6, 2009 2:44 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congressmen take a break from Washington

  It’s time for “spring break” on Capitol Hill. But KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde says it’s a working break for many in Congress.

  Kitty Felde: It’s quiet on Capitol Hill. There are no votes, no hearings for two weeks as Congress moves through its “spring district work period.” For Republican Congressman Dan Lungren, that means talking to voters back home in Sacramento.

  Dan Lungren: We are representatives so part of our representation is trying to find out what the major concerns are in our district and how people feel about it.

  So as an example, I’m going to go home and spend the next week at home with meetings, a town hall. I will go in public forums, or public opportunities to give speeches.

  Felde: The two-week break also often means international travel. Lungren is on his way to India with other House members to discuss immigration and homeland security. Congress returns to work April 20th.

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  • April 6, 2009 10:31 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Republican congressmen oppose newly passed national budget

  Both the House and the Senate passed versions of the federal budget before leaving town for their spring recess. But not everyone’s happy with the 3-and-a-half-trillion dollar budget. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: It’s the budget President Obama wanted and only a handful of Democrats voted against it in either the House or the Senate. Republicans voted together – against the measure. California Congressman Dan Lungren of Sacramento says it spends too much, it borrows too much, and it taxes too much.

  Dan Lungren: As the vote was counting down in the last two minutes, an infant was heard to cry out. And I’m not sure whether the infant was in the gallery or someone brought it to the floor. And one of the initial comments was “that child has seen that tax bill he or she will have to pay.”

  Felde: The budget measures predict a deficit next year of $1.2 trillion. The budget now moves to a conference committee to work out differences between the House and Senate versions.

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  • April 3, 2009 10:11 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Schwarzenegger appoints LA City Controller Chick to audit federal stimulus money

  Governor Schwarzenegger today appointed Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick to the newly created position of state inspector general. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports her job will be to watchdog California’s share of federal stimulus dollars.

  Frank Stoltze: The governor said California’s expected to receive $50 billion in federal stimulus, and somebody needs to monitor it.

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: We found somebody that is perfect for the job!

  Stoltze: As L.A. city controller, Laura Chick’s conducted dozens of audits that uncovered waste, fraud, and misuse of tax dollars.

  Laura Chick: It’s in my bloodstream to watch and count the dollars.

  Stoltze: It’s unclear how big the new state inspector general’s staff will be. Chick said she’ll rely a lot on state auditors. She and the governor promised that California would spend its stimulus the right way.

  Schwarzenegger: We will make sure that this money is not being used for maybe swimming pools or golf parks or other frivolous pork projects.

  Stoltze: Chick starts on April 27th. She was to leave her city job July 1st because she’s termed out of office. Last month, voters elected City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel to replace her.

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  • April 3, 2009 10:07 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Police union endorses Trutanich for city attorney

  The union that represents Los Angeles police officers today announced its endorsement of Carmen Trutanich for City Attorney. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports that it’s important backing for any candidate running to serve as the city’s chief prosecutor.

  Frank stoltze: Police union president Paul Weber said Trutanich has worked with LAPD officers as a former gang prosecutor and “knows what it takes to win criminal cases.” He also said L.A. needs a city attorney “who knows how to work well with others” – a veiled criticism of Trutanich’s opponent City Councilman Jack Weiss, who some officers have accused of being abrasive.

  Trutanich has spent much of his legal career as an environmental attorney who represented companies accused of violating pollution laws. Weiss is a two-term city councilman and a former federal prosecutor. He also has important law enforcement backing – from the city’s popular police chief Bill Bratton. Weiss failed to win a majority of votes in the primary despite a nearly two-to-one fundraising advantage over Trutanich. The run-off is May 19th.

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  • April 3, 2009 10:04 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Southland congresswoman weighs in on North Korean saber-rattling

  North Korea’s plans to launch what it calls a communications satellite is sounding alarms in Washington. Some military and strategic observers are concerned that the space shot actually contains an intercontinental ballistic missile.

  Congresswoman Jane Harman, chair of a subcommittee on homeland security, told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that the United Nations needs to exert pressure against the launch.

  Jane Harman: “The Chinese are saying they will not support increased sanctions over North Korea, they’ll veto them. I’m disappointed to hear that, but they may support increased efforts to enforce existing sanctions. May sound like a technical point, but we need China playing in this matter. Nothing will happen without the neighborhood weighing in.”

  Harman, who represents Venice and the Harbor area in the U.S. House, said she’s not sure whether China maintains under-the-radar diplomatic communication with North Korea that might help avert the launch. It could happen as early as Saturday.

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  • April 2, 2009 4:57 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• State sales tax goes up, starting today

  No fooling – California’s sales tax rises a penny on the dollar starting today. It’s a temporary increase – in effect until at least two years from July. Nancy Sidhu with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation says the change could add to the cost of big-ticket items.

  Nancy Sidhu: “If you’re looking at a $10,000 vehicle that you might be purchasing and you take 1 percent of that, that’s an increase of $100. Just on the one 10,000 and many people spend more than that on light trucks or cars.”

  Sidhu spoke with KPCC’s “AirTalk.” Sacramento lawmakers say they needed to impose the sales tax increase so they could close the state’s $42 billion budget hole. Next month, California voters will decide whether to extend the sales tax hike another year.

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  • April 1, 2009 2:44 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Environmental conference coincides with climate change bill

  L.A. Congressman Henry Waxman today jumped ahead of scientists working on climate change plan. He introduced legislation to cut greenhouse gases just as a panel of scientists began meeting in Washington, D.C. on the same idea. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: Congress had asked the National Academy of Sciences to help it craft climate change legislation. But Democrat Congressman Henry Waxman of Los Angeles didn’t want to wait.

  As scientists and academics gathered for this first climate change summit, the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee posted a draft of his proposed legislation on the committee Web site. UCLA Chancellor Emeritus Albert Carnasale – who chairs the National Academy of Sciences project – called the Waxman proposal “progress” that was “pleasing rather than otherwise.”

  Albert Carnasale: One of the concerns I do not have is that the challenge of global climate change will be met before our report is completed.

  Felde: The Waxman proposal would – among other things – mandate electric utilities get at least a quarter of their energy from solar, wind, and other renewables in 15 years. Waxman also wants to create a cap-and-trade system to regulate carbon emissions.

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  • March 31, 2009 2:35 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• Gas station owners push back against new gas nozzles

  Gas station owners have been lobbying to push back a Wednesday deadline the state’s imposed for new pollution-controlling gas nozzles. KPCC’s Molly Peterson reports they’ve found a new ally in the governor.

  Molly Peterson: Gas station owners are supposed to install new equipment that will prevent pumps from releasing smog-forming vapors. Independent gas station owners have been lobbying hard for more time.

  Now Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has asked the state’s Air Resources Board to put off enforcing new vapor recovery rules for nozzles for a year. Gas station owners say the economy’s made it tougher to get financing for big upgrades, and they say the right equipment only recently became available to meet the new standard.

  Most Southland gas stations have sought permits to upgrade nozzles; about half haven’t done it yet. Still, quality regulators have talked tough about enforcement.

  Just last week local officials sent gas stations notice of fines for lagging behind schedule – scaled, so businesses that have taken some steps to comply would pay less. A spokesman for the Air Resources Board says the agency will respond to the governor’s request soon.

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  • March 30, 2009 4:45 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Obama administration rejects GM, Chrysler turnaround plans

  President Obama is rejecting the turnaround plans from General Motors and Chrysler. The Obama administration is giving GM 60 days to come up with a new plan in order to receive more federal assistance.

  Chrysler officials say that company is close to a merger with Fiat. President Obama is giving Chrysler 30 days to make it happen.

  Robert Scott of the Economic Policy Institute talked with KPCC’s Larry Mantle about one of the reasons American automakers have struggled.

  Robert Scott: “They tried to be everything to everybody with a proliferation of brands and models and, as I think we were hearing earlier on in the program, that has been very costly and hasn’t been a very effective way to see the best new models that they have. So I think the administration is right in saying they do need to streamline even further, reduce the number of brands that they have.”

  In a dramatic step during the weekend, the Obama administration forced the resignation of General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner.

  Mr. Obama this morning also announced steps to encourage domestic auto sales. The administration says it will begin backing new car buyers’ warranties. The president also noted that the economic stimulus plan he signed will allow buyers of new domestic cars to deduct the cost of any sales and excise taxes.

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  • March 30, 2009 3:25 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Measure on May 19 ballot could help with California budget hole

  California’s recognition that federal stimulus money won’t be enough to close its budget gap is placing more pressure on lawmakers to promote revenue boosters on the May 19 ballot. State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said voters’ response to those propositions could determine whether California will face an $8 billion budget hole or a $15 billion one.

  Karen Bass: “I just do not believe that there is a way for us to cut ourselves out of this. I mean we can’t cut any more in this extreme fashion. The cuts are already beginning to trickle down and impacting people’s daily lives.”

  Bass told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that state lawmakers already have had to trim from just about every state-funded program and department.

  Measures on the May ballot seek to allow California to borrow from state lottery revenues, apply restricted money for early childhood and mental health programs to the general fund, and enact other budget-balancing provisions.

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  • March 27, 2009 3:40 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Afghanistan DC embassy reacts to Obama's new Afghanistan/Pakistan plan

  President Obama introduced a new strategy today to “disrupt, dismantle, and defeat” al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The president called the escalating violence and corruption in the region perilous, and vowed to help unify and stabilize the neighboring countries.

  M. Ashraf Haidari, counselor for political security at development affairs at Afghanistan’s embassy in Washington, D.C., welcomed the president’s message.

  M. Ashraf Haidari: “We have rife corruption in Afghanistan that we hope to address with this renewed commitment to Afghanistan and with increased resources that the president demanded this morning.”

  Haidari spoke with KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.” President Obama said he wants 4,000 more American troops to take on a training role in the region. He called on Congress to authorize 1-and-a-half billion dollars in aid to Pakistan for each of the next five years.

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  • March 27, 2009 3:37 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• California doesn't receive enough stimulus money to avoid further cuts

  California finance officials say the state won’t get enough federal stimulus money to avert further program cuts and tax increases. The state budget specified that California needed to receive at least $10 billion in federal money to offset its budget deficit.

  But state finance officials announced this morning that California will fall almost $2 billion short. Assembly speaker Karen Bass told KPCC she’s disappointed.

  Karen Bass: “I’m very concerned about the cuts that have already been done, let alone the idea of making more devastating cuts, in particular to education and health and human services.”

  The legislature pre-approved those cuts in case California didn’t get enough federal money. The result also means state income tax rates will go up by a quarter of a percent. It would have risen half that amount had California met the threshold.

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  • March 27, 2009 1:00 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congress reintroduces Dream Act

  Congress could take up a comprehensive immigration reform bill this year. Two L.A.-area House members have already introduced a measure that would grant permanent residency status to some undocumented soldiers and students. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: Democrats Howard Berman and Lucille Roybal-Allard are co-sponsoring what they call the “American Dream Act.” It would cover about 65,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children.

  The bill provides a pathway to permanent residency for those who serve in the military or attend college. And for those who go to college, the bill guarantees less expensive in-state tuition rates.

  California already offers in-state tuition for undocumented college students, but the state Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to that policy later this year. Congress has been considering various versions of the “American Dream Act” for eight years. Democrats say they hope its provisions will be folded into a comprehensive immigration measure.

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  • March 27, 2009 11:18 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Schwarzenegger says he won't run against Boxer for US Senate

  The political career of California’s celebrity governor may be close to termination. Arnold Schwarzenegger has put the kibosh on rumors that he’ll challenge U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer a year from November.

  He added that he doesn’t plan to seek political office after he terms out of the governor’s mansion. Carla Marinucci, senior political writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, says the governor’s partisan fans are not happy about either announcement.

  Carla Marinucci: “A lot of, at least, some Republicans are suggesting maybe the only shot at taking Boxer down would be to have someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger. He’s a proven fundraiser, he’s a guy who could at least give her a run for her money, and the Republicans desperately need to add to their ranks in the U.S. Senate.”

  Marinucci told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that California’s first lady Maria Shriver – a Democrat and a member of the Kennedy clan – may be considering whether to launch her own political career.

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  • March 26, 2009 4:42 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Councilman Wesson proposes allowing third term for police chief

  A Los Angeles city councilman wants to relax term limits placed on the chief of police in the wake of the Rodney King beating almost 20 years ago. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: To many police officers, former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates was a cop’s cop who they could always count on to back them. To many civil libertarians and political leaders, he embodied a recalcitrant LAPD that refused to move beyond a sometimes racially biased and abusive police culture.

  Gates, who headed the department for 14 years, was a big reason the Christopher Commission recommended that the LAPD limit the tenure of any one chief to two five-year terms. The popular Bill Bratton now leads the LAPD, and City Councilman Herb Wesson wants chiefs to be allowed to serve a third term.

  He says that would achieve the goal of “meaningful accountability” while allowing “extraordinary” chiefs to stick around. The civilian police commission, appointed by the mayor, would still decide how many terms a chief gets.

  The head of the union that represents police officers is arguing that voters should elect police chiefs as they do the L.A. County Sheriff.

  Note: Wesson plans to raise the issue at tomorrow’s City Council meeting.

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  • March 26, 2009 2:44 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA City Council approves incentives for film/TV productions

  The Los Angeles City Council approved a package of incentives today for film and TV productions to stay in the city. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall has the story.

  Cheryl Devall: Even before the economic downturn, feature film and scripted television shows fled the Southland for places that offered tax breaks, lower labor costs, and other goodies to production companies.

  The departure of ABC’s popular “Ugly Betty” for New York last year was the final straw for some L.A. City Council members. A report from the council’s legislative analyst says a one-hour show like that one creates more than 180 jobs and supports another 540. It also generates upward of $3 million a year in state income and sales taxes.

  To try and keep all that in L.A., the city council has ordered city staffers to start researching local tax breaks, ways to ease parking restrictions for crews, and other incentives to lure more production. California’s also offering the entertainment industry a tax credit program that starts in July. Last year, feature film location shooting in L.A. dropped to a 15 year low.

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  • March 26, 2009 2:41 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Poll says budget-related measures have failed to gain support

  It’s likely to be a tough road ahead for the six budget-related measures on the May special election ballot. In a poll by the Public Policy Institute of California, all but one of the measures failed to gain majority support.

  Julie Soderlund is a spokeswoman for “Budget Reform Now,” the group that’s pushing Propositions 1A through 1F. She cautions that it’s still early in the campaign.

  Julie Soderlund: “Mark Baldassare of PPIC was quoted this morning in the Sacramento Bee as saying this is the first time voters have really even heard about these measures. And I think that’s a lot of what you’re seeing in the polling as well, which is that people just don’t know that much about these at this point. And our job over the course of the next couple of months is to make sure that they do.”

  The one measure that appears to be passing at this point is Proposition 1F. It would ban lawmakers from receiving pay raises when the state budget’s in the red. Eighty-one percent of likely voters in the poll said they support it.

  Proposition 1A, the spending cap measure, only received 39 percent support in the survey. Opponents criticize it because it would extend tax increases. The measures will appear on the May 19th ballot.

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  • March 26, 2009 2:31 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• California state treasurer asks for federal debt guarantee

  Banks, car companies, insurance groups – they’ve all come to Washington, D.C. looking for a bailout. Today, California’s treasurer came to town to ask for a little help with the bond market. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: It’s not that the state wants a direct bailout from the federal government – just a guarantee to back some of the state’s debt. A spokesman for Treasurer Bill Lockyer says so far, all that California’s heard is “thunderous silence” from Washington.

  Lockyer met with Treasury officials to make his case for federal loan guarantees. He also talked to California’s Congressional delegation. Democratic Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren of Silicon Valley heads the state delegation.

  Zoe Lofgren: You know, he was talking about the state budget. He told us about the general obligation bonds that the state was able to sell, and what the cash flow needs of the state are going to be in the next year, and how he is looking to cover that.

  Felde: This week, California completed the largest sale of long term general obligation bonds in the history of the U.S. – six-and-a-half-billion dollars of debt sold on the open market. State taxpayers will pay bondholders interest rates that range up to 6 percent.

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  • March 25, 2009 4:19 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Secretary of State Clinton offers cooperation in fighting Mexican drug violence

  Shortly after she arrived in Mexico, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged that this country’s insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the narcotics trade – and the deadly violence along the border between the two countries during the last year and a half.

  Roberta Jacobson, the State Department’s deputy assistant secretary for North America, told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that Clinton hopes to offer cooperation as well as alarm.

  Roberta Jacobson: “The secretary is well aware that Mexico is not a failed state and not in danger of becoming one any time soon. And she is going to talk with Mexican government officials about what more we can do together to join in and help in this fight.”

  This week the United States committed more federal agents to work in the border region against drug trafficking. The secretary of State plans to ask Mexican President Felipe Calderon to try and end corruption within his country’s armed forces and police. Gun battles between law enforcement and drug cartels have killed more than 7,000 people, including innocent bystanders.

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  • March 25, 2009 3:03 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• State deputy assistant secretary talks about Secretary Clinton Mexico visit

  As Hillary Clinton makes her first visit to Mexico as secretary of State, the United States is focused on increasing drug-related violence at the border between the two countries. Roberta Jacobson, the State Department’s deputy assistant secretary for North America, says finger-pointing is not the focus of Clinton’s trip.

  Roberta Jacobson: “There is no doubt that we are in this together, linked together because of the demand for drugs in the United States and because by geography Mexico has become the place both through which drugs move and where some drugs are produced.

  “The secretary wanted to make sure that her message was, ‘We get it.’ We understand our role in this, and our responsibility, and we are going to talk about that openly.”

  Jacobson spoke with KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.” Several U.S. envoys plan to visit Mexico in the next few weeks, and President Obama’s scheduled an official trip there next month.

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  • March 25, 2009 2:57 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Chino opposes new prison hospital in Chino

  The city of Chino might join the legal fight over prison medical care in California. The state wants to stop an $8 billion overhaul of prison medical care. The plan comes from Clark Kelso, the federally-appointed receiver in charge of prison medical care. It calls for a new prison hospital at the California Institution for Men in Chino.

  The hospital would treat mentally-ill inmates – and Chino mayor Dennis Yates says he doesn’t want that in his city.

  Dennis Yates: “I’m not really against the convalescent, medical part of the proposal. It was the mental patients. And I even had several face to face meetings with Mr. Kelso.

  “Our safety resources are being strained and he wants to bring in another 2,100 prisoners to further tax our safety resources when they haven’t addressed the mess the CIM is in. Now they wanna exacerbate the problem!”

  Chino might sue to keep the hospital out. The city of Camarillo has already filed lawsuit to block the receiver from building a prison hospital there.

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  • March 25, 2009 2:31 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA Animal Services reinstates spay/neuter voucher program

  Los Angeles’ Animal Services department announced plans today to reinstate its discount spay/neuter voucher program for low-income pet owners. KPCC’s Patricia Nazario has more on the department’s policy change.

  Patricia Nazario: General Manager Ed Boks says the city’s budget gap prompted his decision two weeks ago to suspend both the department’s voucher programs – the $30 coupon anybody could get and the $70 voucher for low-income families.

  The animal services department is running a deficit of close to $420,000. Ending the program would save about $150,000. But members of the L.A. City Council and animal rights activists strongly criticized the decision. A five-month old citywide ordinance requires most pet owners to spay and neuter cats and dogs.

  In a statement, Animal Services officials said the department will reinstitute only the low-income voucher program and will do so in a fiscally prudent and sustainable way.

  The $70 spay/neuter coupons are available to households with an annual income of $30,000 or less, and to senior and disabled Angelenos. Most veterinarians charge at least $100 to sterilize a pet.

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  • March 25, 2009 2:29 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Senator Feinstein wants to protect desert lands from energy projects

  California Senator Dianne Feinstein is planning legislation that would designate a large area of desert land as off limits to solar and wind energy projects. That area could include hundreds of thousands of acres between the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, off old Route 66.

  Jim Conkle heads the Route 66 Alliance. He told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that the federal government should protect much of the area.

  Jim Conkle: “What our major contention is that that is a pristine area. Looks just like it did in the ’20s and ’30s when the Okies and Arkies were coming out to the land of milk and honey.

  “We know that 100 percent of that viewscape is not going to stay the same. There’s going to have to be wind and solar out there. What we don’t want is to have every viewscape and all of the Route 66 totally destroyed.”

  Feinstein’s bill would turn the desert land into a new national monument, and would close it off to the renewable energy projects. But the top Republican on the House Natural Resources Committee suggests that the proposed bill is Feinstein’s way of saying “Not in my backyard.”

  Feinstein disputes that. She says she’s a strong supporter of the energy projects. Feinstein told the Los Angeles Times that she and her staff plan to visit the area to figure out which areas should be off limits to the projects.

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  • March 25, 2009 2:11 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Feinstein wants desert lands off-limits to solar, wind energy

  Senator Dianne Feinstein is planning legislation that would create a new national monument in the Southern California desert. That means the land would be off limits to solar and wind energy projects.

  Myron Ebell is director of energy policy at Competitive Enterprise Institute. He says huge areas of California desert are already protected. Ebell told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that he thinks the legislation is a bad idea.

  Myron Ebell: “I think you’re going to have to… everybody who has interests and views in California will have to be consulted. But I don’t think the answer is to try to short circuit that process by Congress passing a bill and saying ‘Oh no no no. The federal government has decided that you’re not going to build it in on federal land, you’re going to have to go somewhere else.’ Well almost 50 percent of California is federal land.”

  Feinstein’s proposed legislation would protect hundreds of thousands of acres between the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, off old Route 66. Feinstein says that she’s a strong supporter of renewable energy, but that she thinks the projects need to be built on suitable lands.

  Feinstein says she and her staff plan to visit the desert to determine which areas would work best for the projects.

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  • March 25, 2009 2:08 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congressman Sherman says government shouldn't have bailed out AIG

  Throughout the economic meltdown, Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman has maintained that the federal government should not bail out financial institutions like insurance company AIG, no matter how big they are. He reiterated his position to KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” after today’s meeting of the House Financial Services Committee.

  Brad Sherman: “Receivership would have been and is the way to treat AIG, and it’s the way we deal in a capitalist society with insolvent institutions. We should be protecting capitalism from Wall Street, and instead, we’re protecting Wall Street from capitalism.”

  Sherman, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, represents part of the San Fernando Valley in Congress.

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  • March 24, 2009 3:41 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congressman Sherman reacts to Geithner/Bernanke testimony

  Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s told Congress that he needs new powers to regulate companies like AIG, the insurance giant that paid its executives millions of dollars in bonuses with federal bailout money.

  San Fernando Valley congressman Brad Sherman, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, heard Geithner’s testimony before that panel today. Sherman maintains that the Treasury secretary’s words won’t change many taxpayers’ perceptions of their place in the economic pecking order.

  Brad Sherman: “They’re getting screwed on the $100 million deals, they’re getting screwed on the $10 billion deals; they understand the bonuses and that opens the door to explaining to them how this latest deal is going to screw the taxpayer.”

  Sherman spoke with KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.” During this morning’s hearing, Federal Reserve chair Ben Bernanke told lawmakers that he’d considered suing to keep AIG from paying the bonuses, but that his legal advisors counseled against that action.

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  • March 24, 2009 3:39 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• California first lady announces edible garden at state capitol

  Chew on this – California’s capitol in Sacramento is getting its own edible garden. KPCC’s Molly Peterson serves up this story.

  Molly Peterson: A week after Michelle Obama and others began to plant 1,100 square feet of fruits and vegetables on the South Lawn of the White House, California’s first lady says Sacramento’s getting in on the action. Maria Shriver’s edible garden is meant to showcase locally-grown food and how it gets to the table.

  In addition, it will emphasize California’s hot-button water issue – through efforts at conservation. Shriver will work with chef Alice Waters – herself a longtime advocate of edible gardens at public schools and in urban areas.

  All these women are borrowing from the playbook of Eleanor Roosevelt – whose victory garden during World War II helped remind Americans that they could grow their own food in lean times.

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  • March 24, 2009 3:34 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Former Mexican foreign minister talks about drug violence near border

  The Obama administration is trying to address the Mexican drug trade and its violent fallout. In the last 15 months, that violence near the United States-Mexico border has killed 8,000 people, including innocent bystanders. Mexico’s former foreign minister, Jorge Casteñeda, suggested that the casualty count has heightened the U.S.’ attention to the problem.

  Jorge Casteñeda: “There’s a new urgency in ending the violence, that does not necessarily mean that there’s a new urgency in ending drug trafficking. One can seriously ask if whether there is any possibility of ending drug trafficking, but there is a possibility of ending the violence.”

  Castañeda, who’s teaching politics and Latin American studies at New York University, spoke with KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.”

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  • March 24, 2009 2:55 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Obama administration unveils new toxic assets plan

  The Obama Administration has unveiled another plan aimed at ridding banks of “toxic assets.” The Public-Private Investment Program is designed to entice private investors to share in the risk associated with buying those troubled assets. U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s plan cost taxpayers close to $1 trillion.

  Peter Morici teaches business at the University of Maryland. He weighed in on the plan during KPCC’s “AirTalk.”

  Peter Morici: “Once again Secretary Geithner is giving the bankers what they want, but it’s a very high stakes gamble this time. He’s gambling your children’s future – a trillion dollars is a lot of money to borrow and owe.”

  Federal agencies will secure up to 95 percent of the total value of the investment in matching funds or loans. That’s supposed to minimize the risk and maximize the return for private investors.

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  • March 23, 2009 2:26 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Primary election Tuesday to fill 26th State Senate District vacancy

  When Mark Ridley-Thomas won a seat on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, he left a vacant seat in the California Senate. KPCC’s Brian Watt says the election to fill that vacancy is tomorrow.

  Brian Watt: In this special primary election, eight people are competing for the 26th State Senate District seat. They include six Democrats – state assembly members Mike Davis and Curren Price Jr., financial analyst Jonathan Friedman, management consultant Mervin Leon Evans, Culver City school board member Saundra Davis, and Robert Cole, who coordinated African-American outreach for the Obama presidential campaign in California.

  One Republican – Nachum Shifrin – and a member of the Peace and Freedom Party – Cindy Varela Henderson – round out the ballot. If none of these candidates wins at least half the votes plus one, the two top contenders will complete in a runoff on May 19th.

  Whoever wins will barely settle into office before it’s time to run again – the term ends a year from November. About 850,000 people live in the 26th State Senate district. It includes Culver City, View Park, Ladera Heights, and portions of the city of Los Angeles.

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  • March 23, 2009 2:23 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• OC supervisors consider appealing sheriff pensions case

  Orange County supervisors will talk tomorrow about whether they’ll appeal a judge’s ruling in the county’s lawsuit to overturn certain sheriffs’ pensions. KPCC’s Susan Valot says the supervisors plan to hold that discussion behind closed doors.

  Susan Valot: The Orange County Board of Supervisors last year filed a lawsuit to try to ditch a pension increase that it approved a few years ago. The pension plan allows sheriff’s deputies to retire at age 50 with 3 percent of their salary for every year they’ve worked.

  But now, county supervisors say the retroactive pension increase – up from 2 percent – amounts to an illegal gift of public money. Last month, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Helen Bendix threw out the lawsuit. She ruled that the pension increase is not a gift, and that case law backs her opinion.

  But county supervisors still think their case makes a valid point. They’ll decide whether to appeal the judge’s ruling. Cities and counties all over California are watching this case. If it were to succeed, it would give them a chance to roll back their own unfunded pension liabilities.

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  • March 23, 2009 10:23 AM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA City Council meetings viewable via video conference in San Pedro

  Los Angeles elected officials are inaugurating a new way this week to connect harbor-area constituents with far-off City Hall. KPCC’s Adolfo Guzman-Lopez has the story.

  Adolfo Guzman-Lopez: Incorporation into L.A. 99 years ago moved San Pedro’s city hall 25 miles north to downtown. Ever since, that’s kept many people from attending city council meetings, regardless of the urgency of the topic or the passion of their opinions.

  Harbor area councilwoman Janice Hahn wants meetings to include more voices from her constituents. So she’s helped set up videoconferences from San Pedro to city council meetings three times a week. The council will try this for the next six months.

  L.A. inaugurated similar technology in Van Nuys four years ago. Hahn’s launching the service Wednesday morning at San Pedro City Hall.

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  • March 20, 2009 4:48 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• White House starts organic vegetable garden

  Now that spring has arrived, many folks’ thoughts turn to their gardens. That includes the occupants of the White House – president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama are installing an organic garden on the south lawn.

  Alice Waters, owner of Chez Panisse in Berkeley, has promoted the idea of a vegetable garden there for more than 15 years. She told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” she’s pleased Mrs. Obama took up the suggestion.

  Alice Waters: “She cares so much about children, what her family is eating, she cares about education, and it seems to have all come together in that vegetable garden, that victory garden in the White House lawn.”

  During the first and second world wars, people on the home front cultivated backyard “victory gardens” to help stretch the domestic food supply. Eleanor Roosevelt helped establish one at the White House more than 60 years ago. Mrs. Obama is scheduled to start tilling the soil of the new White House garden today.

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  • March 20, 2009 4:39 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• San Bernardino County Republican Party chief resigns

  State Assemblyman Anthony Adams of Hesperia is stepping down as chief of the San Bernardino County Republican Party. KPCC’s Steven Cuevas says Adams resigned after fellow Republicans scolded him for supporting a state budget compromise that included tax increases.

  Steven Cuevas: Adams’ vote helped to end a protracted state budget stalemate. It also alienated him from fellow Republicans. He says local GOP leaders worry that his vote would distract “from the county moving forward on its agenda.” The backlash doesn’t stop there.

  Last month, state GOP officials voted to withhold 2010 campaign cash from Adams and five other Republican lawmakers. Some voters have threatened Adams with recall. He’s also a frequent target of conservative radio talk show hosts “John and Ken.”

  The Hesperia assemblyman said he knew his vote could jeopardize his political career. But not all Republicans have turned on him. Governor Schwarzenegger will co-host a $500 a plate fundraising dinner for Adams in Glendora next month.

  Meanwhile, Councilman Ken Willis from Upland will take the reins of the San Bernardino County GOP.

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  • March 20, 2009 4:36 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Brookings Institution scholar praises Obama withdrawal plan

  As the United States marks the sixth anniversary of the war in Iraq, military analysts and policymakers are debating the future course of the conflict. Michael O’Hanlon, a senior foreign policy fellow at the Brookings Institution, praises the new president’s timeline to remove most American troops from the Iraq within the next two years.

  Michael O’Handlon: “President Obama’s plan is pretty good. I think it’s quite responsible; it’s careful. He essentially approved the middle option of the three that commanders had drawn up for him.

  “All of which, crucially, kept a residual force after the drawdown that would still provide the United States quite a bit of capability, and I don’t just mean advising and training capability, I mean actually latent combat capability if needed.”

  O’Hanlon spoke with KPCC’s “AirTalk.” He’s the author of “Hard Power: The New Politics of National Security.”

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  • March 20, 2009 2:55 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Attorney General Brown accuses medical labs of fraud

  State Attorney General Jerry Brown sounded like a potential candidate for governor when he spoke with reporters this morning.

  The primary reason for the news conference was to accuse medical laboratories of running a fraud and kickback scheme that’s cheated hundreds of millions of dollars out of California’s Medi-Cal program. But the former Democratic governor broadened his criticism beyond that alleged malfeasance.

  Jerry Brown: “And to me, it’s an example of the kind of waste that’s in state government. It’s not just in the Medi-Cal system. It’s in the prison system and a lot of other areas.”

  Brown went on to say that as California faces successive budget deficits, it’s important to trim government waste. The attorney general’s suing seven medical labs connected to the scheme, including Laboratory Corporation of America and Quest Diagnostics. He claims that they and others have been defrauding the state for at least a decade.

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  • March 20, 2009 2:46 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Protestors demonstrate outside AIG's Century City offices

  AIG continued to take it on the chin yesterday – from the halls of Congress to the corner outside its offices in Century City. KPCC’s Brian Watt says two dozen people marched there to protest corporate excess.

  [Sound of drummer/singer]

  Brian Watt: The Service Employees International Union coordinated the peaceful protest, which grew to the drumbeat and tones of union rep Viron Moret.

  Viron Moret (singing): A-I-G: You can’t hide. I can see your greedy side.

  Watt: The marchers called the $163 million in bonuses paid out to AIG executives an example of the greed that has crippled the U.S. economy. Organizer Jono Schaffer said he was gratified that the U.S. House voted to impose a heavy tax on such bonuses. But to Schaffer, that vote only addresses part of a larger problem.

  Jono Schaffer: It’s not just one company. It’s not just one year. The average CEO in America earns 344 times what the average worker makes. It’s so far out of step with anyplace else in the world, it’s incomparable.

  Watt: The protest was one of many that unions and non-profits staged yesterday across the country outside banks and investment firms.

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  • March 20, 2009 11:43 AM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Army phases out stop-loss

  It’s been six years since the Iraq War began. During the U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army ordered thousands of soldiers to prolong their deployments. Now the Department of Defense says it will phase out that policy, known as stop-loss, over the next two years.

  About 10 percent of California’s National Guard troops are serving overseas. California National Guard spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jon Siepmann says the Guard hasn’t had to rely heavily on stop-loss orders.

  He says that’s because there’s has a large pool of volunteer troops to draw from – and recruitment’s steady. Still, Siepmann says, he and other military personnel welcome the Pentagon’s decision.

  Jon Siepmann: Nobody likes surprises – and so I think that ending this policy is going to enhance stability and peace of mind for our service members and their families, and that’s definitely a good thing.”

  While the Army phases out its stop-loss policy, it will pay soldiers who extend their tours of duty an extra $500 a month. The Army will maintain the right to order longer enlistments – if officials decide that circumstances warrant it.

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  • March 19, 2009 4:53 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Young protester talks about deported father during Obama visit

  A largely Latino crowd chanted and waved signs outside President Barack Obama’s appearance at the Miguel Contreas Learning Center today. KPCC’s Patricia Nazario spoke to one young protester whose father had been deported.

  Patricia Nazario: Twelve-year old Kevin Prada told the crowd that immigration officials deported his father a year-and-a-half ago after he’d tried to secure political asylum.

  Kevin Prada: Right now I don’t feel like an American citizen. I am an American citizen, but I don’t feel like one. I feel like I’m an alien from a different world. I feel like my family is from a different world.

  Nazario: Prada said his father had lived in this country for 17 years, and had operated his own gardening business in Pasadena. The seventh-grader said his big brother has assumed the responsibility for the business as he tries to complete his studies at UCLA. Prada wrote to explain his family’s dilemma in a letter to the president.

  Prada: Please, I write to you wishing for what you have promised, change. I’d like to have my dad back with me in America.

  Nazario: The young man with short black hair wore an Obama t-shirt. Prada said his dad drives a taxi in Peru to support himself, while he and his brother continue to live with their mother in Pasadena.

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  • March 19, 2009 4:23 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Immigrant rights advocates hold demonstrations during Obama LA visit

  Dozens of immigrant rights activists blocked traffic outside the Miguel Contreas Learning Center today, hoping to get President Barack Obama’s attention. Twelve-year-old Kevin Prada told the crowd how he felt when the United States deported his father back to Peru a year and a half ago.

  Kevin Prada: “I couldn’t stop crying for days. Just missing him more and more every day. I couldn’t go to school, because I couldn’t concentrate on my work, only my dad. My grades dropped so much. I couldn’t tell my friends, because they wouldn’t understand.”

  Prada said his father was deported after he’d tried for years to gain political asylum. Immigration advocates are calling on President Obama to stop separating families, halt federal agents’ raids on workplaces, and foster a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

  The president began his second day in the Southland touring an electric vehicle test site in Pomona. He’s convening a Los Angeles town hall meeting at the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex, and he’s scheduled to record “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” before he returns to the nation’s capital tonight.

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  • March 19, 2009 1:35 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Congressman Becerra hopeful immigration reform will pass this year

  Immigrant rights groups rallied outside a downtown Los Angeles school today to urge President Obama to end workplace raids and legalize undocumented workers. Before he arrived in L.A., the president talked with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus about immigration reform. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports that one caucus member is optimistic.

  Kitty Felde: When members of Congress get a one-on-one meeting with the president, they all have their own agenda. But for the 24 members of the Hispanic Caucus, there’s only one topic on the table – immigration reform. L.A. Democratic Congressman Xavier Becerra says he left the meeting confident the president is committed to reform.

  Congressman Xavier Becerra: I believe we’re going to see something this calendar year. And depending on how well we orchestrate it and are able to get bipartisan leadership on this, it wouldn’t surprise me – especially having the president’s word – if we’re able to pass an immigration reform this year.

  Felde: Becerra says a comprehensive immigration bill would include tough enforcement, vigorous verification, and what Becerra called a “just way” to regulate those who are here without documents.

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  • March 19, 2009 1:28 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• President Obama visits Pomona electric vehicle center

  President Obama is on the final day of his two-day visit to Southern California. This morning he toured Southern California Edison’s Electric Vehicle Center in Pomona. The President said his administration would focus on putting 1 million plug-in hybrid cars on America’s roads in the next six years.

  President Barack Obama: “Because these cars of tomorrow require batteries of tomorrow, I’m announcing that the Department of Energy is launching a $2 billion competitive grant program under the Recovery Act that will spark the manufacturing of the batteries and parts that run these cars… (clapping) that will allow for the upgrading of factories that will produce them, and in the process create thousands of jobs in facilities like this one.”

  President Obama also announced a tax credit of up to $7,500 for Americans who buy the next generation of plug-in hybrids.

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  • March 19, 2009 1:26 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• California congresswoman nominated to State Department position

  The Obama administration’s already tapped Californians as labor secretary, energy secretary, and chief of the Central Intelligence Agency. Now, the president’s nominated a congresswoman from the Bay Area for a critical job in the State Department. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: Democratic Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher of Walnut Creek has been nominated as undersecretary of state for arms control and international security. The seven-term lawmaker serves on the House Armed Services Committee.

  When she announced her nomination to constituents, Tauscher said, “Keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists, making sure other countries do not obtain them and, one day, I hope, ridding the world of these terrible weapons, has become my passion and, I hope, my life’s work.”

  Tauscher’s congressional colleagues still must vote to confirm her. If they do, her first task will be preparing for upcoming talks with Russia. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty – or START 2 – expires later this year. Russia wants the U.S. to ratify a global treaty that bans underground nuclear testing and ends the missile shield system known as “Star Wars.”

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  • March 18, 2009 4:23 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Confusion over Redlands city council meeting in Washington DC

  Where’s the Redlands city council? It said it would convene its regular Tuesday meeting in Washington, D.C., capped with an appearance by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. But the council didn’t show up. KPCC’s Steven Cuevas unravels the mystery.

  Steven Cuevas: The council meeting would coincide with a trip to Washington that included a California Association of Cities meeting hosted by Senator Boxer. Redlands officials had a few “legislative and regulatory” issues to chew over with the senator.

  Because a quorum of members would be there, and because it was a public event, the council thought it’d be wise to comply with the Brown Act. That’s the law that says politicians can’t decide important stuff without inviting their constituents.

  But city councils need Senate approval before they hold public meetings in a Capitol Hill Senate hearing room. So, the Redlands council abandoned its plan. Redlands mayor Jon Harrison and a pair of councilmen instead arranged a meeting today in Boxer’s office.

  The city’s Web site announced that this would be the public meeting. Until Senator Boxer’s office got wise. A representative for the senator told the Riverside Press Enterprise that the meeting would be private.

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  • March 18, 2009 11:23 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA city workers still spending on bottled water

  Los Angeles’ city controller asserts that some city employees have a drinking problem. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall says it’s not the kind you may imagine.

  Cheryl Devall: Seems many L.A. city workers just can’t quit their bottles – of water. More than four years after Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told them not to spend city money on the stuff, an audit indicated that various departments spent close to $185,000 on bottled water last year.

  Public works was far and away the biggest user, with a bill that neared $70,000. Controller Laura Chick echoed the mayor’s reasoning – that L.A.’s Department of Water and Power provides H2O that’s plenty good, so there’s no reason for the city to keep buying bottled water.

  She encouraged employees to drink from the tap, from coolers, or to buy bottled water themselves if they just can’t do without it. Chick’s audit showed, by the way, that the DWP reduced its bottled water consumption by a factor of 10 over four years – and that the library, the fire department, and five other agencies completely dropped the habit.

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  • March 17, 2009 5:18 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• San Francisco mayor Newsom campaigns for governor in the Southland

  The campaign road show that’s taken San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom throughout California lands in Santa Monica tonight. The gubernatorial hopeful told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” he’s trying to spread the word about what he’s done in his first five years as mayor.

  Gavin Newsom: “We’re the only city in the United States of America that’s put together a real health care strategy. A universal health care plan that has already enrolled 65 percent of those that were previously uninsured in our city. We’re doing universal pre-school, we’re not talking about the importance of early childhood education, we’ve advanced it.”

  Newsom’s scheduled to speak at 7 tonight in Santa Monica High School’s south gymnasium – close to the turf of another possible Democratic candidate for governor, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

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  • March 17, 2009 3:24 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Riverside mayor lobbies for federal stimulus money

  It seems that everybody wants a piece of the federal economic stimulus package pie. Lobbying hard for a sizeable chunk is the mayor of one Southland city hit hard by the recession. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde caught up with Riverside’s mayor, who’s on a trip to Capitol Hill.

  Kitty Felde: Riverside Mayor Ronald Loveridge says in the old days, city officials did everything they could to keep Washington out of local government. These days, with nearly $800 billion in federal stimulus money available, it’s different. That’s why he and thousands of other mayors are in Washington for the National League of Cities annual convention.

  Ronald Loveridge: Cities are trying to figure out where the lineup is and what the rules are. Some are by formula, but there’s a number of kind of competitive grants that you need to know what they are and how to compete.

  Felde: Loveridge becomes president of the National League of Cities this fall. He has three projects he’d like Washington to consider – the purchase and rehab of foreclosed properties in his city, energy grants to pay for insulation in Riverside homes, and money for regional planning. Loveridge has met with some members of Congress – and he says they’re listening.

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  • March 17, 2009 3:10 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Realtors association economist says tax break reduction could hurt housing

  As a real estate data firm announced last month’s 39 percent drop in Southland housing prices, experts in the field are weighing the potential effects of a provision in the Obama Administration’s budget plan.

  It would reduce the tax break for households that earn more than $250,000 a year. Leslie Appleton-Young, chief economist for the California Association of Realtors, says that change could further delay the recovery of the state’s housing market.

  Leslie Appleton-Young: “Now that we’re starting to see some leveling off and stabilization at the low end, we’re going to see some, you know, there’s financing issues at the high end and other factors, we certainly don’t need to have one more negative hurdle for a buyer or seller to be concerned about.”

  Appleton-Young spoke with KPCC’s Larry Mantle. She noted that while the proposed shift in the income tax bracket would affect only the top 2 percent of Americans, one-sixth of those taxpayers live in California.

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  • March 17, 2009 2:15 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• San Francisco mayor visits Santa Monica for town hall meeting

  San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is in Southern California today drumming up support for his run for governor. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze says he’s convening a town hall meeting with voters tonight in Santa Monica.

  Frank Stoltze: Newsom bills it as “a conversation about California’s future.” His campaign says he’ll talk about solutions to the state’s problems and field questions from the audience during the hour-long event.

  It’ll be at Santa Monica High School’s gymnasium. Newsom’s campaign expects more than 600 people. He’ll hold similar events later this week in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs, meeting with Democratic Party donors along the way.

  The primary election isn’t until June of next year. But candidates already are scrambling for media attention and money. State Attorney General Jerry Brown and Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi are likely candidates.

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is mulling a run. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is flirting with the idea. Among Republicans, State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, and former Congressman Tom Campbell are laying the groundwork for gubernatorial campaigns.

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  • March 17, 2009 1:08 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Salvadorans in Southland react to leftist presidential win in El Salvador

  During a visit to a Salvadoran American section of Los Angeles today, KPCCs Adolfo Guzman-Lopez found emotions still running high after the dramatic results of the presidential elections Sunday in El Salvador.

  Adolfo Guzman-Lopez: At a Pico Union strip mall, Samuel Martinez sported a smile and a bright red t-shirt relatives had sent him with a portrait of president-elect Mauricio Funes of the leftist FMLN.

  Samuel Martinez: La gente, creo yo que esta cansada de lo mismo y tiene esperanza en Mauricio Funes.

  Guzman-Lopez: The right-leaning party, he said, hadn’t delivered on its promise to improve the lives of all Salvadorans. The FMLN’s founders took up arms in El Salvador’s bloody civil war 30 years ago. The election reminds 39-year-old Martinez of the times as a kid he’d hidden under the bed as death squads roamed his small Salvadoran hometown. He said those squads killed two of his brothers.

  Jorge Palacios also sought refuge in L.A. from that violence 24 years ago.

  Jorge Palacios: Mi preocupacion es que en realidad no vaya a pasar igual que en Venezuela, me entiendes, si va a haber un cambio.

  Guzman-Lopez: Palacios echoed the right leaning government’s main attack on Funes; that, like Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, the FMLN’s candidate will steer the country to the extreme left. Palacios said his home country’s president-elect should push for the legalization of Salvadorans in the United States, because stable, affluent expatriates here, he said, create a steadier flow of remittances to El Salvador.

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  • March 16, 2009 6:45 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA County Supervisors approve money for jail overcrowding study

  The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved money to back a study of overcrowding in the jail system. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze has more.

  Frank Stoltze: For years, inmates and civil rights activists have complained about overcrowding in L.A. County’s sprawling jail system, where inmates sometimes slept on the floor. The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California filed a federal lawsuit. ACLU attorneys say that while conditions have improved, the jails remain “dangerously overcrowded” and that living conditions in some cases are “intolerable.”

  The Vera Institute is a nationally recognized group that helped New York City develop strategies to reduce its jail population by one third. ACLU Attorney Melinda Bird says she hopes to see similar change in L.A., including diversion programs to keep people with mental and physical disabilities out of jail.

  LINK: L.A. Country Board of Supervisors

  LINK: ACLU of Southern California

  LINK: The Vera Institute of Justice

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  • March 16, 2009 6:37 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Southland Salvadorans react to leftist presidential win in El Salvador

  Much of the Southland’s large Salvadoran population tuned in for the results of yesterday’s presidential election in El Salvador. KPCC’s Adolfo Guzman-Lopez found mixed opinions about the election in a Central American neighborhood in Los Angeles.

  Adolfo Guzman-Lopez: At a Pico Union strip mall some Salvadorans worried that the victory of the FMLN, the party founded by communist guerrilla fighters, will steer El Salvador toward the radical left.

  Others, like Juan Jose Zepeda of South L.A., said the FMLN will create more jobs than the current right-leaning party in power. He added that would benefit Los Angeles.

  Juan Jose Zepeda: If they can work over there, they’re going to try to stay over there. And that’s to keep the families together, not apart like right now.

  Guzman-Lopez: Zepeda left El Salvador 28 years ago. So did millions of other refugees from the bloody violence between the FMLN and the U.S.-backed government. At the time he was just out of medical school. Now he makes a living working for a catering company.

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  • March 16, 2009 3:56 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• OC supervisors to get report on vote-by-mail

  Is a vote-by-mail system in Orange County’s future? KPCC’s Susan Valot says the county board of supervisors tomorrow plans to get a report on other vote-by-mail systems.

  Susan Valot: Earlier this year, Supervisor John Moorlach asked the county registrar-recorder to check into “vote by mail” systems in states where they’re well established. The registrar looked at Oregon, where voting by mail is mandatory – and Washington, where each county decides whether to use the system.

  The registrar’s report says Oregon and Washington chose the vote by mail system because it gives voters the chance to make more-informed decisions – and because it saves money. The registrar estimates Orange County could save money, too – about $200,000 per election.

  The report also says vote by mail makes it easier for the disabled to cast ballots. But Orange County’s registrar says voting by mail probably wouldn’t increase voter turnout. And critics say it could open the door to voter fraud. So far, county supervisors have no plans to give vote by mail a try.

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  • March 16, 2009 1:57 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Ron Silver, 62, dies

  Actor Ron Silver has died. Silver was known not only for his acting prowess, but also for changing his staunch political views. KPCC’s Steve Julian reports.

  Steve Julian: Silver came to California from New York as a good fit in liberal Hollywood. But the attacks of September 11, 2001 changed his thinking. Silver became what he called a “9/11 Republican,” supporting then-president Bush and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

  That support, he said, cost him work. But in 1988, Silver won a Tony Award for playing a take-no-prisoners Hollywood producer in David Mamet’s “Speed the Plow.” He also earned an Emmy nomination for playing a strategist for President Jed Bartlet on “The West Wing.”

  Silver’s movie credits include Ali, Reversal of Fortune, and Silkwood. He and his ex-wife Lynne had two children – his family was at his side in New York when he died at age 62 of esophageal cancer.

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  • March 16, 2009 9:32 AM
  • Categories: Arts, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• South Bay teachers, parents, staff protest school layoffs and cuts

  Proposed cuts in California’s education budget haven’t caught up with the Lawndale School District. None of its almost 500 educators have received the kind of layoff notices the Los Angeles Unified School District sent out to thousands of its teachers earlier this week.

  To demonstrate solidarity with others at risk of losing their jobs, about 100 Lawndale teachers, administrators, and parents marched in pink t-shirts. Kindergarten teacher Rosa Maria Garcia waved a sign over her head during the rally.

  Rosa Maria Garcia: “We want to put students first. We have to have teachers and custodians and secretaries and administrators to make that happen. This is why we’re marching through our community.”

  About 1,000 educators in the Inland Empire met at the Pomona School District headquarters for a similar protest. Public education activists planned similar actions throughout the state.

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  • March 13, 2009 6:20 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Education, Politics/Public Affairs

• California assembly speaker Bass concerned about deepening budget deficit

  The recession has torn a big hole in the state’s carefully crafted budget plan. The California Legislative Analyst reported today that the state has a new $8 billion deficit, thanks to rising unemployment and declining tax revenues.

  Assembly Speaker Karen Bass is one of the state leaders who, just last month, worked out a hard-fought compromise to close a $42 billion deficit.

  Assemblywoman Karen Bass: “There wasn’t any indication that revenues were going to go up, certainly, and of course we were praying that they would be stable. We did suspect that revenues would be down, but of course, we did not expect down to this extent.”

  Bass spoke with KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.” She says lawmakers will begin tackling the new deficit Monday. Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor said in his report that unless the governor and legislature address it soon, the deficit will grow to more than $12 billion in the next 16 months.

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  • March 13, 2009 6:15 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congresswoman Waters defends actions on behalf of bank

  Is it a case of political influence for financial gain? Or is it just a lawmaker fighting for minority-owned banks? KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde says L.A. Congresswoman Maxine Waters has come out swinging.

  Kitty Felde: Recent stories in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal say Congresswoman Waters pulled strings to set up a meeting last September between Treasury officials and black-owned banks.

  Waters has sent out an e-mail that says she did exactly that. She says she’s been “an outspoken advocate” for minority business, and wanted to make sure minority-owned banks could participate in the multi-billion-dollar Troubled Assets Relief Program.

  At that Treasury meeting, Boston-based OneUnited asked for $50 million in bailout money. Waters and her husband have owned at least a quarter of a million dollars in stock in OneUnited. Her husband served on its board. Treasury officials say the congresswoman did not disclose her financial link to the bank.

  But in her e-mail, Waters says her ties to OneUnited are “fully disclosed” in “official filings.” And she notes she did not attend the meeting between the banks and the Treasury officials.

  Note: Congresswoman Waters will be in her South L.A. district tomorrow (Saturday 3/14) to talk about the economic stimulus package. She’ll speak at the Inglewood Public Library at 10:00 a.m., and at Southwest College at 1:00 p.m.

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  • March 13, 2009 6:03 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Assembly Speaker Bass discusses California's latest budget shortfall

  Barely a month after California lawmakers wrangled a budget into place, another shortfall looms. The state Legislative Analyst’s Office projects an $8 billion gap in the coming fiscal year unless California closes tax loopholes and cuts more spending.

  Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said the only relief may arrive in a couple of months. That’s when California voters will weigh in on ballot questions on borrowing against the state lottery, and transferring restricted money for pre-school and mental health services to the general fund.

  Assemblywoman Karen Bass: “I’m really focusing on May 19th, because we have got to get these propositions passed. If we don’t, then that $8 billion figure can easily become 15. Because you know, the lottery is $5 billion, and then Proposition 10 and Proposition 63, that could be another one, one-and-a-half billion dollars. So we could be looking at a $15 billion hole if voters don’t turn out.”

  Bass told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that the scenario reminds her of the movie “Groundhog Day,” in which the same events play out in a seemingly endless loop.

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  • March 13, 2009 5:58 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Only Measure B from March 3 LA election still unsettled

  The Los Angeles City Clerk’s office says it will soon finalize the results of the recent city election. KPCC’s Molly Peterson says only one race is still in doubt.

  Molly Peterson: Since the March 3 election, the clerk’s office has been tallying the last 46,000 provisional, absentee, and write-in ballots. Regardless of the outcome, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will still be the mayor. But the count could determine the fate of Measure B, the so-called Green Power and Green Jobs Initiative.

  Election-day vote counts show the initiative losing by only 1300 votes. Measure B would authorize the Department of Water and Power to put 400 megawatts of solar on property within city limits.

  The DWP’s chief, David Nahai, says the utility is already moving forward with solar energy plans. So while the outcome of Measure B might change, L.A.’s push for power from the sun will not.

  L.A.’s city clerk says she expects final certification of the vote on Thursday, several days ahead of schedule.

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  • March 13, 2009 5:52 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Republican blogger predicts Steele will stay as RNC chairman

  The new chairman of the Republican National Committee is experiencing a bumpy takeoff. Some prominent party members have blasted Michael Steele for his recent comment that abortion is “an individual choice.”

  Steele came in for criticism earlier over his verbal sparring with conservative radio talk host Rush Limbaugh. Even after all that, Republican blogger John Feehery predicts that Steele will stay in the job.

  John Feehery: “I think it’s going to be pretty hard to get out of there. I think that he’s gone through a process of, of making some early mistakes. Given that he hasn’t been on this national stage before that’s not that surprising.

  “I think he’s tried to look at the RNC itself and see how it can be made more effective as an organization. And ultimately if he’s going to be successful, that’s where the success is going to come from – the organization itself, not from him shooting his mouth off.”

  Feehery – a onetime communications director for former congressional leaders Tom DeLay and Dennis Hastert – spoke with KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.”

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  • March 13, 2009 2:18 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Federal receiver for California prison medical care fires top aides

  The man a federal judge appointed to oversee prison medical care reform in California fired three of his top aides today. KPCC’s Nick Roman says this happened days before a court hearing in which state officials plan to ask the judge to get rid of the receiver’s office.

  Nick Roman: Receiver Clark Kelso was appointed a year ago to supervise prison medical care fixes, in part because the former receiver went nose-to-nose with state officials too often. Some observers expected Kelso, who’d worked in state government, would be easier to work with.

  Then he told the state about his $8 billion plan to upgrade prison medical care. Ever since, the governor’s office has tried to scuttle the receiver’s office. A court hearing on that comes up next week.

  Kelso says there’s no link between its timing and his decision to fire three top aides. But he does say he made that decision to help his office work more “collaboratively with the state.” The three aides sent out their own statement. They blamed their departure on “irreconcilable differences” with Kelso. They say the receiver is going in a “new direction.”

  An attorney for inmates says he hopes the dismissals don’t mean the push for better medical care in prisons is about to stall.

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  • March 12, 2009 7:55 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA County proposes timeline for restoring King-Harbor as full-service hospital

  University officials at South Los Angeles’ Charles Drew School of Medicine, across the street from the Martin Luther King/Harbor Urgent Care Center, are looking forward to its restoration as a full-service hospital. L.A. County officials proposed a timeline for that this week.

  University president Susan Kelly says it’ll take several years before the new facility can begin to train medical residents again.

  Susan Kelly: “But it could still take medical students rotating through there and nurses and physician assistants. We certainly hope that from the moment it’s opened, that it can be a rotating site for medical students.”

  Before L.A. County closed the hospital a year and a half ago, it doubled as a teaching facility for the Charles Drew medical school.

  The L.A. County Board of Supervisors is proposing a partnership with the University of California and the state. If all the parties can work out the details, King Hospital could reopen in three years with 120 licensed beds.

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  • March 12, 2009 4:45 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Education, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congresswoman Maxine Waters in controversy over possible conflict of interest

  A report in The New York Times today has put new focus on an old story. It details how Congresswoman Maxine Waters helped set up a meeting last September between Treasury Departments officials and bank executives who serve low-income communities. An executive with Boston-based OneUnited pressed Treasury officials at the meeting for $50 million in federal bailout money. The Congresswoman’s husband used to serve on OneUnited’s board of directors… and owned a large amount of the bank’s stock.

  Reporter Eric Lipton wrote the New York Times story on the Treasury meeting with bank executives. He told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that the fact Congresswoman Waters may have had a financial connection with OneUnited was no secret.

  Eric Lipton: “As of the 2008 financial disclosure form, her husband had owned stock in the institution. But I guess some of the folks at Treasury felt that they would rather had known that the meeting that she requested was going to include executives from a bank that her family had financial ties to.”

  Lipton’s report says OneUnited’s president pressed Treasury officials for bailout money during the meeting. He asked for $50 million – but got only $12 million.

  LINK: Congresswoman, Tied to Bank, Helped Seek Funds (New York Times)

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  • March 12, 2009 4:36 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Health care advocate supports proposal to re-expand King Hospital

  South Los Angeles health care advocates firmly back plans to reopen Martin Luther King Hospital as a full-service medical facility. Right now, it operates as an urgent care clinic.

  The Community Health Council’s Lark Galloway-Gilliam says the revived hospital would reduce emergency room wait times throughout L.A. County.

  Lark Galloway-Gilliam: “One of the misnomers about Martin Luther King Hospital is that it was a problem for South Los Angeles and it was far from that. The closure of that hospital has had a ripple affect across hospitals throughout the L.A. basin.”

  Since the county closed the hospital a year and a half ago, public health experts say seriously ill or injured patients have waited 12 hours or more on average to see doctors at surrounding hospitals.

  The L.A. County Board of Supervisors is proposing a partnership with the University of California and the state. If it works out, King Hospital could reopen in three years with 120 licensed beds.

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  • March 12, 2009 4:31 PM
  • Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Reports raise questions about Congresswoman Waters helping Southland bank

  Published reports are raising questions about Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ efforts to secure $50 million in federal bailout money for a black-owned bank with branches in the Southland. In September, the Democratic congresswoman set up a meeting between OneUnited Bank – in which her husband has invested and had served on the board of directors – and the Treasury Department.

  The bank eventually landed $12 million from the federal government. Eric Lipton, who reported the story for the New York Times, said the bank and federal agencies deny any link between Waters’ intervention and the money.

  Eric Lipton: “There hasn’t been any House ethics review or request for review, it’s sort of just coming forward. And, you know, I guess it’s an open question as to whether or not in fact she did something wrong.

  “She insists and is very comfortable with the fact, well it’s my understanding that she believes there is nothing inappropriate here. But at least there was some at Treasury who were surprised to learn of her interest in this bank after the meeting occurred.”

  Lipton told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that the bank also raised about $20 million from private investors. The balance sheet for OneUnited has improved since last September, he said, and now regulators consider the bank to be reasonably well capitalized.

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  • March 12, 2009 4:19 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Assemblyman Lieu lobbies for more federal mortgage relief

  California’s foreclosure rate is more than twice the national average. One state lawmaker from Torrance is in Washington, D.C. this week to tell top mortgage officials that homeowners here deserve a break. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

  Kitty Felde: The Obama Administration plan to stave off foreclosures offers re-financing to homeowners who owe more than their house is worth. But State Assemblyman Ted Lieu says it’s available only to those who are no more than 5 percent underwater on their loans – and that knocks out too many Californians.

  Lieu says houses cost more here, so many homeowners owe much more than 5 percent of what their home is worth. Lieu’s spent the week in Washington, D.C. to meet with housing officials. The Torrance Democrat says he understands why homeowners who are current with their mortgages have little sympathy for those in over their heads.

  Ted Lieu: None of this is fair. And from my view, I’m not doing this out of sympathy. We’re doing this as a purely economic response to economic crisis.

  Felde: Lieu says he was encouraged by comments from Lawrence Summers – who heads the president’s economic council. Summers says the White House was “looking at” upping the 5 percent refinancing limit.

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  • March 12, 2009 4:11 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Orange County cancels Planned Parenthood education contract

  The Orange County counsel is studying the legal implications now that county supervisors have terminated a contract with Planned Parenthood. Earlier this week supervisors voted to cancel the organization’s contract to offer health and sex education.

  Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach says he opposed it, in part, because he didn’t want to spend county money with an organization that offers abortions. Moorlach also told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that he sees better uses for the money.

  Supervisor John Moorlach: “Larry, at this time in our economy as it is, I would find that the funding should go to the community clinics that are helping those in dire need with their medical issues because they have been laid off and don’t have medical insurance. I see that as a much higher priority at this time.”

  Supervisors approved the contract last year. It directed money toward a coalition of clinics. Moorlach says he didn’t realize at the time that Planned Parenthood was part of the coalition.

  None of the money directly paid for abortions. The president of Planned Parenthood’s Orange County chapter says the money in question went toward programs that he believes help to prevent abortions.

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  • March 12, 2009 2:36 PM
  • Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA designates Griffith Park a historical-cultural monument

  Neighbors of Griffith Park in Los Angeles are noting the park’s designation as a cultural monument today. L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge said the park’s new status gives it more protection against development and change.

  Tom LaBonge: “There’s a review now by the Cultural Heritage Commission of anything that’s proposed. There’s certainly infrastructure that will go in here.

  “But you won’t see crazy ideas that maybe were thought of before. ‘Cause Griffith Park was so big. They just said go put it in Griffith Park. And that doesn’t belong.”

  Park rangers and dozens of activists spoke at a ceremony about Griffith Park’s value for recreation and solace. LaBonge and other Griffith Park lovers unveiled a sign at one of the park’s seven entrances that describes its status as a monument. LaBonge and other city council members unanimously approved the park’s historic-cultural monument status in January.

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  • March 12, 2009 2:24 PM
  • Categories: Environment, History, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA County supervisor announces deal to reopen MLK Hospital

  Los Angeles County officials hope to reopen Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in three years. L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas announced yesterday that the county had reached a tentative agreement with the University of California that paves the way for the reopening of the hospital.

  Ridley-Thomas told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that he hopes the tentative deal will attract a contractor that would manage the hospital’s day-to-day operations. He said the county’s had trouble with that.

  Mark Ridley-Thomas: “There was no real structure in place – now we have a well-articulated plan with the county, with the University of California, so it’s a very, very – that is to say, an entirely different proposition. And I think you will find the highest and best out there seeking to be partners with us in this effort.”

  The proposal calls for the county and the University of California to run the hospital in a public-private partnership. The county would pay all the costs for the new facility.

  The board of supervisors and the UC board of regents would still have to approve the deal.

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  • March 12, 2009 12:38 PM
  • Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Obama signs 6-month extension for E-Verify immigration verification

  The $410 billion spending bill signed today by President Obama contains a six-month extension of “E-Verify.” The database program lets employers check the immigration status of someone who’s applying for a job.

  E-Verify is voluntary. Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” the program should be mandatory.

  Gabrielle Giffords: “Two years ago, almost 400,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended in Arizona. That’s around a thousand a day. And even though the numbers are less, certainly the numbers are still the greatest in the nation. With the comprehensive immigration that we need, this is a reliable, accurate employee verification system.”

  E-Verify is one of three employee eligibility verification programs created more than 10 years ago – but so far, few employers have enrolled voluntarily. Arizona is the only state that requires employers to use E-Verify.

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  • March 11, 2009 3:58 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• California foster care may be extended from 18 to 21

  California is considering whether to keep foster youth in its care past the age of 18. A bill that Assembly Speaker Karen Bass co-authored would give foster youth the option to draw on state support until they’re 21. John Wagner directs the California Department of Social Services. He spoke with KPCC’s “AirTalk.”

  John Wagner: “What we’re trying to do and I think what this bill provides, an additional kind of tool for us, is to say for those who aren’t going into the military or into full-time employment and self-sufficiency that we have a number of additional tools we can help these youths succeed in life.”

  The bill would rely on newly-available federal money. Before he left office, President Bush signed legislation that provides matching federal funds to states that extend foster care until young people turn 21.

  Illinois already does that. A study released this week found that foster youth in that state were three times more likely to enroll in college – and 65 percent less likely to be arrested – than foster youth in Wisconsin and Iowa, where support ends at 18. Researchers at the universities of Washington and Chicago conducted the study.

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  • March 11, 2009 2:11 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• State lawmakers consider extending foster care to age 21

  State lawmakers are considering a bill that would extend foster care to age 21 in California. Most foster youth in California “age out” of the system when they’re 18.

  A recent study by researchers at the universities of Washington and Chicago found that California would get back more than $2 for every dollar it spent on extending foster care.

  Assembly Speaker Karen Bass explains where those savings would come from.

  Karen Bass: “The savings are accrued from number one, these children not falling into the criminal justice system, not becoming victims of violence or becoming involved in gangs because gangs are a surrogate family, or getting involved in criminal activity.”

  Bass co-authored the bill that would extend foster care. She spoke with KPCC’s Larry Mantle.

  The bill would use newly-available federal money to help provide transitional housing and other services for foster youth past their 18th birthday. Bass says she’s confident that the bill will win bipartisan support and that Governor Schwarzenegger will sign it.

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  • March 11, 2009 12:38 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA County municipalities sell, swap or trade stimulus monies for transportation

  For Sale: half-a-million federal stimulus dollars… at a discount. Municialities from Torrance to Temple City are transacting that kind of deal. KPCC’s Brian Watt explains how they work.

  Brian Watt: In Los Angeles County, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is doling out at least $500,000 in federal stimulus money to every one of the county’s 88 cities. But each city has to spend that money on transportation-related projects. Some have turned this into an opportunity to make a deal.

  A city like Irwindale that needs the money for something other than transportation can “sell” its stimulus dollars to… Westlake Village, where city manager Ray Taylor really needs the cash to upgrade an overpass and an on-ramp along the 101 Freeway at Lindero Canyon Road.

  Ray Taylor: “We’re several million dollars short in terms of being able to pay for that, so these economic stimulus funds are a significant addition to our revenues and will help us.”

  Watt: So Westlake Village has offered to buy Irwindale’s half-million for $325,000. It’s working on a similar deal with LaHabra Heights. The cities on the selling end can deposit the money in their general funds.

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  • March 10, 2009 5:36 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Transportation

• Supporters gather signatures for new gay marriage proposal

  California voters may face another ballot measure about same-sex marriage soon. Secretary of State Debra Bowen said today that supporters may start collecting signatures for an initiative that would strike the word “marriage” from state law. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze has more.

  Frank Stoltze: Two college students are behind the referendum. Twenty-one-year-old Kaelan Housewright from California Institute of the Arts and 32-year-old Ali Shams from UC San Diego say they are heterosexual friends who want to “provide equality among all couples.”

  Their constitutional amendment would replace the term “marriage” with “domestic partnership” throughout California law. The amendment would repeal Proposition 8 – the voter-approved November measure that banned same-sex marriage.

  The two need to collect nearly 700,000 signatures by August to qualify the measure for the November ballot. They have little money, but they say they’ll use the Internet to recruit and organize signature gatherers.

  Traditional gay rights leaders have yet to back the initiative. Many of them question whether it’s too soon to present voters with another ballot question on same-sex marriage.

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  • March 10, 2009 4:48 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA County cities able to buy, sell transportation stimulus funds

  When it comes to federal economic stimulus money, Southland cities are getting downright creative. L.A. County’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is allocating at least half a million dollars of the windfall to every one of the county’s 88 cities.

  Each has to spend that money on transit-related projects. Cities without transportation projects looking for dough can “sell” the stimulus bucks to others that need cash for roads, bridges, buses, and trains.

  Ray Taylor, city manager of Westlake Village, says his municipality is working on two deals to direct extra cash toward overpass and on-ramp improvements along the 101 Freeway at Lindero Canyon Road.

  Ray Taylor: “So essentially, we would be buying La Habra Heights $500,000 allocation for $310,000 and Irwindale’s allocation for $325,000, or 65 cents on the dollar.”

  The Pasadena Star-News reports that other cities are making similar deals. The cities on the “selling” end can deposit the money in their general funds.

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  • March 10, 2009 3:34 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• LAPD chief lobbies for money, information in DC

  More than 200 business and political leaders from Southern California stormed Capitol Hill today to lobby for their fair share of federal stimulus dollars. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde says one member of the group was looking for more than just money.

  Kitty Felde: It’s become an annual rite of spring – mayors, city councilmen, and the chambers of commerce from L.A. to Palm Springs head to Washington, D.C. for meetings with California’s Congressional delegation.

  This year, more than 200 people made the trek to lobby for federal dollars – including L.A. Police Chief Bill Bratton. He wants money to hire more police officers – and he wants to tap federal information about terrorism. Bratton says a healthy economy is directly related to more cops and a safe city.

  Bill Bratton: In New York City in the 1990s, we grew our police department and what happened? The economy that was in the tank in New York began to turn around. You cannot afford to have a terrorist act or see crime increase because both of those can be very damaging to a recovering economy.

  Felde: Bratton is meeting with FBI chief Robert Mueller, as well as with lawmakers with intelligence ties – South Bay Congresswoman Jane Harman and Senator Dianne Feinstein.

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  • March 10, 2009 12:45 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Business, elected leaders lobby DC for stimulus money

  Southern California business and elected leaders are in Washington D.C. this week to lobby for a slice of the federal economic stimulus package. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports that more than 200 people are part of a delegation organized by the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce.

  Frank Stoltze: It’s the largest lobbying effort the Chamber’s ever organized. Southland business leaders and elected officials will meet with Obama Administration officials and members of Congress to promote the region’s ports, airports, and green technology companies. Chamber president Gary Toebben says they’re delivering a unified message.

  Gary Toebben: The overriding point is that we have the resources and the capacity in Southern California to be a leader in the economic recovery.

  Gil Ivey: Southern California is America’s recovery engine.

  Stoltze: Gil Ivey is chief administrative officer of the Metropolitan Water District. He says there’s intense competition for stimulus and other federal money.

  Ivey: Lots of people are back here – all 50 states, all governors, all cities – they’re all back here.

  Stoltze: States automatically get portions of the $787 billion federal stimulus pie based on their population. But cities, counties, and states have to compete for the rest of the money through competitive grants.

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  • March 9, 2009 6:18 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Business leaders, officials lobby in DC for Southern California

  More than 200 business leaders and elected officials from Southern California are visiting Washington D.C. this week to lobby for stimulus and other money. Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce president Gary Toebben says it’s the Chamber’s biggest delegation yet.

  Gary Toebben: “Certainly there’s never been a stimulus package like is currently being implemented. We have a heightened interest from our members and from elected officials in the five counties that are here from Southern California.”

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, and Riverside County Supervisor John Tavaglione are among the elected officials on the trip. The delegation plans to meet with members of Congress from California and with Obama Administration officials, including the president’s chief economic adviser, Larry Summers.

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  • March 9, 2009 5:25 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• California poised to tap into federal stimulus money for education

  California’s likely to get about $2 billion for public schools, state education superintendent Jack O’Connell told reporters after he met with federal education secretary Arne Duncan. During a teleconference, O’Connell said he’s encouraged that Duncan seems to share his concern about improving the quality of teaching and learning.

  Superintendent Jack O’Connell: “I have two primary objectives here. One: make sure we qualify as a state for as much money as we’re entitled to. And two: get the money out the door to school districts as quickly as possible.”

  O’Connell assured reporters that the federal department would not delay the money. He added, though, that the one-time cash infusion would last no more than two years.

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  • March 9, 2009 3:47 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Education, Politics/Public Affairs

• California schools superintendent excited about relationship with new Administration

  California’s education superintendent Jack O’Connell is accustomed to delivering bad news about the state of public education. But after he met with federal education secretary Arne Duncan, O’Connell struck an optimistic tone in a teleconference with reporters.

  Superintendent Jack O’Connell: It’s clearly a new day. It’s a new day in our relationship with the federal government, and it’s very, very exciting. The conversation was focused on collaboration and focused on helping kids. I can sum this meeting up with one word: Bold.

  Not only could the state pick up a couple of billion dollars in federal education money, O’Connell said; he added that so far, he’s had three more conference calls with the new federal education secretary than he did with the previous one.

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  • March 9, 2009 3:28 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Education, Politics/Public Affairs

• UC Irvine researcher says eased restrictions on stem cell research will help his work progress

  A stem cell researcher at UC Irvine says President Obama’s executive order easing restrictions on federal money for embryonic stem cell research will help. Hans Keirstead of UCI’s Reeve-Irvine Research Center says the order helps take the politics out of stem cell research.

  Keirstead’s research led to the first federally-approved study of a stem cell therapy in humans. His study helped paralyzed rats walk again. Keirstead says that now, he’s trying to determine how stem cells can help other kinds of spinal cord injuries.

  Hans Keirstead: “It’s a different spinal cord cell type; a cell type that is lost in spinal muscular atrophy. It’s also lost in Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS. And it’s also lost in chronic spinal cord injury. So we’re working in the pre-clinical phases now to make sure the product works and is safe.”

  Since word spread Friday that the president was going to lift the funding restrictions imposed during the Bush administration, Keirstead says his phone’s been ringing off the hook. He says he’s getting more calls from people with spinal cord injuries who inquire about possible future treatments.

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  • March 9, 2009 1:59 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• Budget expert: California can use federal stimulus to avoid further cuts and higher taxes

  Budget experts are estimating that California will receive more than $50 billion from the federal stimulus package. The California Budget Project says there will be money for Medi-Cal, schools, tax credits, highway construction, and more.

  Some of the money could help California avoid further budget cuts and higher tax increases. But under state law, for that to happen, at least $10 billion of those federal stimulus dollars must be used to offset state spending.

  The state thinks it may fall short of that figure. But Jean Ross of the California Budget Project says the state can get above that threshold, and thus avoid triggering more cuts and higher taxes.

  Jean Ross: “We do believe that there is plenty of room, within the framework established by state law, to creatively use those federal funds to offset general fund expenditures and to avoid having to pull that trigger.”

  The state treasurer and finance director will hold a public hearing next week to determine whether the state can meet the $10 billion threshold.

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  • March 9, 2009 1:55 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Orange County researcher praises lifting of stem cell research restrictions

  UC Irvine’s stem cell center may benefit, now that President Obama’s eased restrictions on federal money for stem cell research. Hans Keirstead is co-director of UCI’s Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. He says the eight-year ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research stunted development of the field. Keirstead ran down some of the results.

  Hans Keirstead: “…a dearth of laboratories around the nation; mature researchers not getting into the stem cell field; young researchers fearing for their job stability and not getting into the stem cell field. And it’s also resulted in a lack of confidence in the investment community, where a lot of research is actually done, in small biotechs.”

  Keirstead says the Obama administration’s executive order reopens the door to develop the stem cell field.

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  • March 9, 2009 1:44 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• Orange County Supervisors to review audit on jail medical care

  The Orange County supervisors this week will take up an audit of a $36 million program that provides medical care in jails. KPCC’s Susan Valot says the audit makes a bunch of recommendations.

  Susan Valot: The audit suggests the Health Care Agency’s Correctional Medical Services office has mismanaged medical care in Orange County jails. To fill jobs, managers sometimes hired relatives. They also hired workers who were already on staff to second jobs as contractors. Record keeping was poor, and that problem persisted for years.

  The audit also found the jail medical staff had lots of nursing supervisors, but not enough nurses working under them. And it says the way medications are dispensed to inmates is inefficient and lacks oversight. The audit says the Health Care Agency should set up a leadership team to make changes quickly, and it should work with a local medical school to create a physician residency program in the jails.

  Auditors say the two dozen changes they’ve recommended could save several million dollars every year, although the Health Care Agency says they wouldn’t save that much.

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  • March 9, 2009 1:25 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Scientist: State in a good position to move forward with stem cell research

  California scientists say the state is well-positioned to take advantage of any new federal dollars for human embryonic stem-cell research. President Obama announced today he’s lifting restrictions on federal backing for that research. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: Bob Klein of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine says lifting restrictions on human embryonic stem-cell research will help clear the way for collaboration with British scientists. He says those scientists are using embryonic stem cells to cure blindness in large animals.

  Bob Klein: They are successfully curing blindness in these animals, so we would hope to collaborate with them and California institutions, and bring that research to U.S. human clinical trials at a much earlier date, perhaps as early as 2011.

  Stoltze: Some conservative Christian groups remain opposed to the use of human embryonic stem cells for research. Carrie Gordon Earll of Focus on the Family compares such cells to human beings.

  Carrie Gordon Earll: We have prisoners that are going to die anyway. They might make excellent research subjects. But we are not going to conduct experiments on them because they are members of the human family.

  Stoltze: California is a leader in stem cell research. The state’s Institute for Regenerative Medicine has provided close to $700 million for stem cell research since voters approved its launch three years ago.

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  • March 9, 2009 1:13 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality, Science/Technology

• California researchers cheer Obama stem cell announcement

  California scientists applauded President Obama’s announcement today that he’s lifting restrictions on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research. Arnold Kriegstein heads stem cell research at UC San Francisco. He says California already leads the field in this country.

  Arnold Kriegstein: “We’ve had training programs in place for over three years now. We have students and fellows and post-docs and junior faculty who’ve been trained specifically in embryonic stem cell research. There are training facilities.  We have, in fact, laboratories especially equipped for human embryonic stem cell work. And so we are just perfectly positioned to take advantage of both federal and state dollars now to really move these projects forward.”

  Five years ago, California voters approved Proposition 71. It created the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The institute so far has provided nearly $700 million for stem cell research. It’s the largest project of its kind in the nation.

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  • March 9, 2009 12:56 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• Assemblyman Lieu will ask feds to change eligibility for mortgage assistance

  A California lawmaker says the Obama Administration’s new mortgage assistance plan excludes too many troubled homeowners to address the state’s foreclosure crisis. Assemblyman Ted Lieu says he’ll meet with officials in Washington this week to ask that the eligibility for the federal program be expanded.

  Assemblyman Ted Lieu: “California actually needs to stop, or at least mitigate, the number of home foreclosures that are happening right now. In January we had over 76,000 foreclosure filings, which amounts to one every 38 seconds. Until we slow that down, we’re never going to start our economic recovery.”

  California accounts for about one third of the nation’s foreclosures. The federal mortgage assistance program requires that a person owe less than 105 percent of the value of their home. That excludes almost half the homeowners in Riverside, and about a third of those in Los Angeles who owe more than their property is worth.

  The democrat from Torrance says he’ll meeting with Fed Chair Ben Bernanke and F.D.I.C. Chair Sheila Bair, among others.

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  • March 9, 2009 12:44 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Feds start issuing coupons for digital TV converters again

  Remember those digital TV converter box coupons that the federal government was handing out? Thanks to some new funding, the program is back in business and the coupons are “in the mail.” More from KPCC’s Debra Baer.

  Debra Baer: The NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) says everybody on the waiting list should get their $40 coupons within three weeks. It estimated the backlog at more than two million households.

  The program ran out of coupons and money in January. Congress then delayed the TV conversion to digital broadcast from February to June 12.

  The recent economic stimulus bill included funding to continue the coupon program. People whose coupons have expired will be able to re-apply, but not just yet. The NTIA is expected to announce soon when it’ll start taking those replacement requests.

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  • March 9, 2009 12:38 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• City of LA continues to count ballots; Measure B still up in the air

  Election workers in Los Angeles continue to count votes this weekend. KPCC’s Molly Peterson has more.

  Molly Peterson: The city clerk’s office will first finish verifying 25,000 ballots cast by mail. Then some 12,000 provisionals and 10,000 other ballots, including write-ins, get counted in the next two weeks. That number includes one precinct in the city council’s ninth district where a poll inspector failed to show up. All told, around 46,000 votes stand between the city clerk and a final tally.

  That’s enough to change the outcome of Measure B, the Green Energy and Good Jobs initiative, which would require L.A. to own and operate 400 megawatts of solar power in city limits. It’s losing in the preliminary count by a slim margin.

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  • March 6, 2009 9:38 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• California biologists excited about federal stem cell research funding

  President Obama plans, on Monday, to lift federal funding restrictions on stem cell research. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports Southern California biologists are anxiously awaiting the move.

  Frank Stoltze: Doctor Jerome Zack is with UCLA’s Broad Stem Cell Research Center. He applauded President Obama’s expected announcement lifting funding restrictions on stem cell research, and told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that UCLA could really use the money.

  Jerome Zack: For brain type research, spinal cord injury. Others, including myself, are looking into how these cells can turn into blood cells where we could treat diseases like HIV or hemophilia, or some other diseases of the blood system. Others are looking at how these stem cells might be used to repair defects to the heart. So, there’s many diseases that can be looked at and much work being done here at UCLA.

  Stoltze: For the last seven years, the Bush Administration refused to fund human embryo stem cell research, agreeing with conservative religious groups who believe using human embryos is immoral.

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  • March 6, 2009 9:34 PM
  • Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• California stem cell scientists cheer Obama plan to roll back restrictions

  Biologists in Southern California say they’re looking forward to Monday’s announcement by President Obama that he’ll lift funding restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research. Jerome Zack is with the Broad Stem Cell Research Center at UCLA.

  Jerome Zack: “Well, it’s actually very exciting because the availability of federal funding is what can move research forward much, much quicker. So the fact that this money would now be available for research on additional stem cell lines would really help galvanize things.”

  Zack spoke to KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.” Scientists believe stem cells obtained from early human embryos are capable of becoming any type of tissue in the body, and researching them could lead to insights into many diseases. Many conservative religious groups oppose federal funding of research involving human embryo cells.They believe destroying human embryos is immoral.

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  • March 6, 2009 5:53 PM
  • Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• Controller issues tax refunds, other payments, after budget delay

  California Controller John Chiang today said he’ll release $3 billion in tax refunds, student aid, and other payments delayed by the state budget crisis. The state will send checks over the next two weeks. But as KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports, California continues to face serious financial problems.

  Frank Stoltze: Chiang says California can probably borrow enough money to cover a $630 million cash shortfall next month; but beyond that?

  Controller John Chiang: We have a huge question in the month of July.

  Stoltze: That’s the beginning of the new fiscal year, when the state always faces a shortage of cash. Chiang notes California still has the lowest credit rating of all the states. That’s in part a reflection of concerns about the new state budget.

  Chiang: Wall Street hasn’t said it’s sound. That’s a big question.

  Stoltze: Lenders will be watching closely when voters in May decide on a package of measures that would allow California to borrow against state lottery funds and shift mental health dollars into the general fund. But Chiang worries about lenders themselves.

  Chiang: When you have Citygroup falling below a dollar and people talking about issues involving Bank of America, what institutions have the wherewithal to provide the external borrowing required by the state of California?

  Stoltze: Chiang also predicts that state lawmakers soon will have to consider more spending cuts or tax hikes or both to address falling tax revenues triggered by rising unemployment and home foreclosures.

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  • March 6, 2009 5:00 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• California Air Resources Board chair says she can work with automakers

  California policymakers and Detroit automakers are waiting for the federal Environmental Protection Agency to decide whether the state can limit greenhouse gasses from tailpipes.

  Mary Nichols, who chairs the state’s Air Resources Board, testified yesterday at an EPA hearing on whether California should get the okay to regulate. She told a conference at UCLA today that the state can work with Detroit.

  Mary Nichols: “We also recognize that the auto industry desperately wants to find a way to move towards a more unified set of standards that deal with energy efficiency, fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions, at the state and federal level. And we are working with our counterparts in D.C. to move in that direction.”

  Nichols says California also wants to see unified national standards based on the state’s own tougher rules.

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  • March 6, 2009 11:35 AM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Environment, Politics/Public Affairs, Transportation

• LA supervisor says stimulus fund could create 10,000 temp jobs

  There’s money in the federal stimulus package to create subsidized jobs. L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe wants to use that money to put thousands of people back to work… soon. KPCC’s Brian Watt explains.

  Brian Watt: LA County could get $100 million from the Emergency Temporary Aid for Needy Families Contingency Fund. Don Knabe, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, has asked the County’s CEO to figure out how that money can help employ people as soon as possible in public agencies, non-profits, or private companies.

  Supervisor Don Knabe: It’s a pot of money with certain restrictions on it, and we need to be active in pursuing those dollars and putting people back to work.

  Watt: The restrictions mean that the county will have to kick in 20 percent of the subsidy… and that the jobs will only last from May of this year until next March.

  Knabe: Yeah, it is a temporary job, but at least it’s a job, and it puts people back working. It’s an opportunity to learn, opportunity to train. Who knows what it may lead to?

  Watt: Knabe hopes it’ll at least lead to a break for L.A. County welfare offices. They’ve taken on a dramatic rise in caseloads.

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  • March 5, 2009 7:09 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Health care nonprofit director eager for federal reform plans

  During a day-long summit today, President Barack Obama urged comprehensive health care reform by the end of this year.

  Anthony Wright, executive director of the nonprofit Health Access California, says he’s eager to see that happen. Wright told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that most of the 46 million uninsured people in the United States aren’t happy with the present medical system.

  Anthony Wright: “I think most people want coverage, most people want to be able to go to get the care that they need, and most people don’t want to be at risk of financial ruin when they do so. The issue is, is it available, is it affordable, is it administratively simple? Whether it’s getting it at work, or getting it through a public program, or buying it as an individual, there are reforms we can make to make coverage more available, more affordable, more automatic.”

  In remarks to the White House meeting, the president told policymakers, consumer advocates, physicians, and business representatives that he hopes a transparent and inclusive process will produce a bipartisan consensus on how to insure everyone.

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  • March 5, 2009 6:00 PM
  • Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• LA Supervisor works to get 10,000 temporary jobs from federal stimulus package

  Across the country, companies are laying off thousands of workers by the week. In Los Angeles County, Supervisor Don Knabe is trying to put as many as 10,000 people back to work.

  Knabe says that more than $100 million is available from the federal stimulus package in a fund to create subsidized employment. He’s introduced a motion that asks L.A. County’s CEO to figure out how that money can help employ people as soon as possible in public agencies, non-profits, or private companies. There is one catch, Knabe says: those jobs would last only from May of this year until next March.

  Supervisor Don Knabe: “Obviously this is not a replacement job like many of the jobs we’re losing here in California. But on the other hand, it’s at least an opportunity to put people back to work, putting a paycheck in their pocket, spending money to go get groceries. In many cases, it relieves them of having to be on the county welfare rolls.”

  Knabe says L.A. County welfare offices have seen a dramatic increase in case loads, particularly involving people who’ve never had to use the welfare system before.

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  • March 5, 2009 5:52 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• White House hosts conference on health care reform

  A day-long White House conference on health care reform today involved more than 150 members of Congress, doctors, and representatives from organized labor, business, insurance companies, and consumer organizations.

  Richard Scott, a former hospital executive who heads Conservatives for Patients Rights, said he hopes the Obama Administration will steer clear of the single-payer national health care model found in Canada and Britain.

  Richard Scott: “They do a very good job, probably, for basic care and for emergency care. Where they really struggle, every country that has a nationalized program really struggles, is on expensive treatments, because what happens is as you give more and more free care, it gets used up, the dollars get used up, and in a way to control cost, they ultimately have to ration.”

  Scott told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that the free market will drive down costs; that’s one reason does not believe in government-run health care.

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  • March 5, 2009 5:14 PM
  • Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• IRS tracking down alleged tax evaders with Swiss bank accounts

  Here’s something to ponder during tax season. The federal Internal Revenue Service is trying to obtain the names of as many as 52,000 Americans who may be evading taxes by parking their assets in the Swiss bank UBS.

  Officials of that bank say their country’s secrecy laws protect its account information, so giving it up could land its executives behind bars. Carrick Mollenkamp is covering the story for the Wall Street Journal. He described to KPCC’s Larry Mantle how the Swiss bank courted customers in the United States.

  Carrick Mollenkamp: “From Zurich, the bankers would be dispatched into kind of high net worth areas such as Miami, and the pitch was that those accounts would be ‘domiciled offshore,’ as they call it in private banking, in Zurich or in the Caymans or easily through offshore structures that ultimately hid the income from the IRS.”

  During a Capitol Hill hearing yesterday, federal financial officials and lawmakers raked UBS executives over the coals for allegedly helping wealthy Americans avoid paying billions of dollars in taxes.

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  • March 5, 2009 4:10 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Nevada Senator Reid proposes federal power lines for renewable energy

  Nevada Senator Harry Reid is proposing that the federal government designate special power lines to carry renewable energy from remote places. KPCC’s Molly Peterson has the story.

  Molly Peterson: Solar, wind, and geothermal power are plentiful in the West’s vast open spaces. But transmission lines don’t always reach the mountains and deserts.

  Senator Reid’s proposal would boost development of renewable energy sources by easing the process of connecting them to the grid. That means the federal government would claim authority over where these lines go and who will pay for them.

  For a dozen or more years, federal authorities have been strengthening their claim over power lines. Then an energy bill four years ago sped up that trend with designated national interest electric transmission corridors.

  Biodiversity activists, and conservationists for deserts and mountains, have challenged those corridors in court. But Reid’s case is bolstered by the president’s interest in a national smart grid.

  Green transmission corridors would benefit the developers of large solar arrays planned in Reid’s state of Nevada. In California, they could help spin wind projects along in the Tehachapi mountains and heat up geothermal and solar in inland deserts.

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  • March 5, 2009 3:26 PM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• Prop 8 opponents face skepticism from California Supreme Court

  State Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism today at arguments that they should overturn Proposition 8, the November ballot measure that bans same-sex marriage. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze has more on the much-anticipated oral arguments in the case.

  Frank Stoltze: Gay rights lawyers argued that Proposition 8 needed two-thirds support from the legislature before the state placed it on the ballot. Justice Joyce Kennard, who’s a potential swing vote, wondered about that.

  Justice Joyce Kennard: The people are those that have created the constitution, and I think what you’re overlooking is the broad powers of the people.

  Stoltze: Chief Justice Ronald George also indicated that he didn’t think Prop 8 needed legislative approval, and that he was reluctant to overturn a voter-approved ballot measure… even if it was unfair. He noted that gays and lesbians still enjoy constitutionally protected minority status.

  Justices also considered what to do with the 18,000 gay marriages performed last summer, if the court upholds Proposition 8. Even conservative justices signaled that they believe Prop 8 failed to specify that the state should invalidate those marriages.

  They’ll issue a decision in the case within 90 days.

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  • March 5, 2009 3:18 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• Attorney Starr to CA Supreme Court: Equal protection was considered by Prop 8 voters

  During arguments before the California Supreme Court for and against Proposition 8, Associate Justice Ming Chin asked Kenneth Starr, an attorney who argued in favor of the ban on same-sex marriage, how a majority of voters could impose what the court had defined as a form of discrimination.

  Starr, dean of Pepperdine Law School, responded that supporters of the ballot measure had considered the equal protection clause of the state constitution.

  Kenneth Starr: “There’s no question that the equal protection value is a very important value that the Chief Justice has noted that, in various and sundry ways, the people have looked at equal protection and they have carved out exceptions. And what I want to come to is, ‘What does Proposition 8 do?’ Proposition 8 does not in fact erode any of the considerable bundle of rights that this state has very generously provided.”

  Opponents of Prop 8 contend that civil unions for same-sex couples are a separate and unequal form counterpart to marriage.

  In November, a majority of California voters supported the ballot measure that defines marriage in this state as the union of one man and one woman. The court has 90 days to issue a ruling on legal challenges to that vote.

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  • March 5, 2009 2:47 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• National safety board concludes hearings on 2008 Metrolink crash

  The National Transportation Safety Board yesterday concluded two days of hearings on last September’s deadly Metrolink Train crash in Chatsworth. KPCC’s Brian Watt has more on the testimony in Washington DC.

  Brian Watt: On day one of the hearings, federal investigators detailed safety violations the crash brought to light. Metrolink train engineer Robert Sanchez texted on the job, missed signals, and allowed teenagers ride in the cab of the locomotive.

  Day two of the hearings focused on what rail systems can do to prevent collisions like the one in Chatsworth. Representatives of transportation unions recommended making sure that two employees ride in the locomotive cab of all passenger and freight trains.

  But safety board member Kitty Higgins recalled another Metrolink train accident that happened weeks after the Chatsworth crash, when a second worker rode in the cab. She said she’s not yet convinced that’s the solution.

  The Federal Railroad Administration said “human factors” caused more than 80 percent of the 189 train accidents throughout the country last year. Metrolink officials announced they plan to install inward-facing video cameras in all locomotives and passenger cars.

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  • March 5, 2009 11:09 AM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs, Transportation

• California Supreme Court hears arguments on Proposition 8

  Many eyes and ears will concentrate on the California Supreme Court today, as it considers arguments in three lawsuits seeking to overturn Proposition 8. That’s the November measure that overturned the court’s May ruling legalizing same sex marriages. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: Opponents of Prop 8 argue that it stripped gays and lesbians of a fundamental right, and therefore it revised the state constitution. Revisions require legislative approval before voters can decide on them. Gay rights lawyer Jennifer Pizer:

  Jennifer Pizer: One of the important things about this litigation is that there’s not a lot of relevant law. There’s not a lot of precedents.

  Stoltze: Supporters of Prop 8 say the measure was a proper use of California’s initiative process.

  Inside the court’s San Francisco chambers, Pepperdine Law School Dean Kenneth Starr will lead arguments in favor of Prop 8. The legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Shannon Minter, will lead arguments against it. Legal analysts call it the most closely watched California Supreme Court hearing in a generation.

  The court will issue a decision in the case within 90 days.

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  • March 5, 2009 11:05 AM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• Two contributors to 2004 Villaraigosa campaign charged with money laundering

  The Los Angeles mayoral campaign is barely over. Now criminal charges have surfaced over contributions to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s run for office four years ago. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall has details.

  Cheryl Devall: The L.A. district attorney’s office has charged two Florida businessmen with money laundering in connection with the mayor’s first winning campaign for City Hall.

  The men own a company that runs gift shops in hotels and airports. They had dinner with Villaraigsa about a year before the 2005 election and offered to contribute to his campaign. Prosecutors claim the donors laundered more than $25,000 in contributions by having their company’s treasurer reimburse employees who fronted $1,000 each.

  Villaraigosa’s campaign reported suspicions about the money to the district attorney, and the office says the mayor has cooperated with the investigation. The businessmen, Sean Anderson and Richard Manhire, face six months behind bars and up to $100,000 in fines if a jury convicts them on charges of conspiracy and improperly identifying a campaign contributor.

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  • March 4, 2009 4:42 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• EPA will hold public hearings on California tailpipe emissions rules

  For years, California and more than a dozen other states have battled the federal government over the ability to regulate auto emissions. Tomorrow in Washington DC, the federal Environmental Protection Agency will convene a public hearing on the matter. KPCC’s Julia Mitric offers this preview.

  Julia Mitric: California, the country’s largest vehicle market, has changed its laws to tighten standards for tailpipe emissions. But the EPA blocked that move during the Bush Administration.

  At President Obama’s request, the environmental agency will reconsider its earlier decision. Auto industry officials don’t want California to adopt stricter emissions rules that would force expensive design changes.

  California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols challenges the industry’s argument.

  Mary Nichols: This is not calling for them to use any new exotic technologies that aren’t out there today. In fact, based on the information they’ve filed, they’ve demonstrated that they are meeting these standards right now – for 2008, 2009, 2010.

  Mitric: Nichols says now that 13 other states also want to adopt California’s tailpipe standards, a change in the rules could affect up to half the potential car buyers in the nation. She expects the EPA to make a final decision by June.

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  • March 4, 2009 3:59 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Environment, Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Transportation

• Banker not sold on allowing bankruptcy judges to modify mortgages

  Housing policy experts and consumer advocates are applauding the Obama administration’s proposed changes to bankruptcy law. Pending legislation would allow bankruptcy judges to order modifications in mortgage loans well before homeowners face foreclosure.

  Robert Satnick, president of the California Mortgage Bankers Association, sees a downside to that approach.

  Robert Satnick: “Strong, solid portfolio lenders, they are going to look at this situation and say, ‘You know what? It’s just, it’s too dangerous, it’s too risky. I don’t know that I want to participate in this.” And we are going to see further drawing up of capital, making it even more difficult for homeowners to find financing or refinance capital.”

  Satnick spoke with KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.” His company, Prime Financial Services, is based in Van Nuys.

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  • March 4, 2009 2:58 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Congressman explains support for mortgage loan modification bill

  The White House has issued new details about its plan to help homeowners stay put when their payments climb too high.

  Congressman Brad Miller, a North Carolina Democrat, backed a bill that would allow bankruptcy judges to order loan modifications, and would offer incentives for mortgage lenders to make those changes before property owners risk foreclosure.

  Miller told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that many of the modifications the mortgage companies have made so far led to higher monthly payments, and forced people into default.

  Congressman Brad Miller: “If they start modifying in a way that helps people stay in their house, I’m for it. And knowing that if they don’t, a court can do it whether they want it or not; whether they like it or not. Everything we’ve done for a year and a half has been to beg the industry, or to bribe the industry, to do the right thing and modify mortgages. This would make them do the right thing.”

  Miller’s bill is called the “Helping Families Save Their Homes Act.”

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  • March 4, 2009 2:52 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Attorney: Prop 8 opponents say California should not recognize existing same sex marriages

  Supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage are awaiting tomorrow’s review of the voter-approved ban known as Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court.

  Attorney Emma Ruby-Sachs, who writes for the Huffington Post, described Prop 8 opponents’ arguments on the status of the same-sex marriages that were briefly legal in the state before voters passed the measure in November.

  Emma Ruby-Sachs: “Californians who were married before Prop 8 passed would have their marriages treated the same way as if you were married in Massachusetts and moved to Arkansas. So, it’s not that we are voiding your marriage; the state of California just isn’t going to recognize it.”

  Ruby-Sachs spoke with KPCC’s Larry Mantle. Opponents of Prop 8 maintain that same-sex marriages performed between last June and the November election should remain valid.

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  • March 4, 2009 1:12 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Weiss taking nothing for granted as he prepares for runoff election

  There will be a runoff election to replace L.A. city attorney Rocky Delgadillo. City Councilman Jack Weiss and attorney Carmen Trutanich will run against each other in the May 19 election.

  Weiss raised far more money than Trutanich leading up to yesterday’s election. But both men will have to start from scratch with fund raising for the runoff. Weiss told KPCC’s Larry Mantle that he’ll be asking his donors to support him once again.

  Councilman Jack Weiss: “I don’t take anything for granted, though. I don’t take their support for granted. I don’t take the voters for granted. It’s very important to get out there. And communicate and contact people, and that’s what I’ll be doing.”

  Trutanich is a former L.A. county deputy district attorney. He received about 27 percent of the vote in yesterday’s election, compared to Weiss’ 36 percent.

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  • March 4, 2009 1:07 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Solar power initiative failing

  With most of the votes counted in Los Angeles, a massive solar initiative aimed at putting 400 megawatts of solar under the city’s control within its borders is failing. KPCC’s Molly Peterson reports on the fate of Measure B.

  Molly Peterson: The nos are leading the ayes on Measure B now, but on election night supporters were claiming victory. The so-called Green Energy and Green Jobs Initiative went to an early lead under the support of most city council members and the mayor, who appeared in a televised Yes on B spot aired just before the election.

  The measure’s backed by the union at the Department of Water and Power – whose numbers would swell if voters approved it. Ethics commission filings show the proponents’ committee far outspent opponents to the initiative.

  Campaign reports say the yes committee raised nearly a million dollars by the middle of February, much of that from local and state union groups and solar companies. Then union groups and the mayor’s own political committee kicked in 660,000 more in the final 10 days.

  The city clerk’s office says L.A.’s official election results will wait until thousands of late vote-by-mail ballots, provisional ballots, and disputed ballots are counted.

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  • March 4, 2009 12:45 PM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Weiss and Trutanich will face each other May 19 in city attorney runoff

  Los Angeles City Councilman Jack Weiss and San Pedro attorney Carmen Trutanich will face each other in a May 19th runoff for city attorney. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports neither won a majority of votes in yesterday’s election.

  Frank Stoltze: Weiss is a former federal prosecutor and two-term city councilman from West Los Angeles who is closely allied with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Trutanich is a former prosecutor with the L.A. district attorney’s office and environmental attorney who is backed by District Attorney Steve Cooley.

  One key to the result of the runoff between them may be which one Deputy City Attorney Michael Amerian backs. He finished third in the race. There’ll also be a runoff in the contest to replace Weiss in his Fifth District City Council seat.

  Former State Assemblyman Paul Koretz and attorney David Vahedi were the two top vote getters among six candidates. In the race for city controller, City Councilwoman Wendy Gruel beat Nick Patsouras. She’ll replace Laura Chick, who is termed out of office.

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  • March 4, 2009 11:44 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• LA Mayor Villaraigosa re-elected

  Voters in the city of Los Angeles re-elected Mayor Antoino Villaraigosa yesterday. He captured 56 percent of the vote against nine challengers. Villaraigosa thanked supporters at an election night party at the downtown Westin Bonaventure Hotel.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “Angelenos, I promise you this – we are going to pick up where we began. I will work as hard as you do every single day. And as a city, we will never ever stop reaching for the stars. I want to thank you Los Angeles, I want to thank you one and all.”

  The 56-year-old mayor may soon be in another race. He hasn’t ruled out running for governor next year.

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  • March 4, 2009 11:42 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Voters re-elect LA Mayor Villaraigosa

  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa won re-election yesterday. He garnered 56 percent of the votes against nine relatively unknown and under-funded challengers. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

  Frank Stoltze: Former basketball star turned entrepreneur Magic Johnson introduced Villaraigosa at an election night party at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

  Magic Johnson: The greatest mayor we’ve had in the City of Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. [cheering]

  Stoltze: The mayor thanked supporters for his re-election. Then he turned serious.

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: I know these are tough times for many of our families. Ya see, I’ve traveled around the city over the last few months and I’ve witnessed the anxiety rising.

  Stoltze: Villaraigosa sought to provide encouragement, as the city grapples with a massive budget deficit and likely layoffs.

  Villaraigosa: We’re going to rebound from this economic crisis and we will emerge stronger than ever.

  Stoltze: Where the mayor will be when the city emerges is unclear. Villaraigosa’s refused to rule out a run for governor next year.

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  • March 4, 2009 11:40 AM
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• Villaraigosa reelected, Measure B too close to call

  A solar power plan in Los Angeles is undecided after voting yesterday. Measure B would require the city’s Department of Water and Power to generate 400 megawatts of solar power, but the results are too close to call.

  Voters, however, reelected Antonio Villaraigosa to a second term as mayor. KPCC’s Steve Julian says the question is whether the mayor will serve all of his second term.

  Steve Julian: Villaraigosa has not ruled out running as a Democrat for California governor next year. Should he run, he would face two well known state politicians in the primary election – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, and state attorney general and former governor Jerry Brown. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom will run as well.

  Meanwhile, the 56-year-old Villaraigosa captured 56 percent of the vote yesterday to avoid a runoff – something voters will see in May when they decide the fate of the L.A. city attorney’s race and one city council seat. In his victory speech last night, Villaraigosa promised voters that he would work as hard every day as they do.

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  • March 4, 2009 11:25 AM
  • Categories: Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• OC supervisors approve fee to fight real estate fraud

  Orange County is beefing up its arsenal against real estate fraud. KPCC’s Susan Valot says county supervisors today added a $3 document fee to many real estate transactions to fight real estate fraud.

  Susan Valot: Last year, real estate fraud accounted for 10 percent of fraud cases brought to the Orange County district attorney’s office. So far this year, that number’s jumped to 30 percent. It might be a sub-prime loan the homebuyer can’t ever hope to repay, or maybe an offer to help a homebuyer avoid foreclosure – for a hefty fee.

  The district attorney’s office says it doesn’t have the manpower to investigate and prosecute all of those real estate fraud cases. So it asked for – and got – the document fee. It’s expected to bring in more than one-and-a-half-million dollars next fiscal year.

  That’ll go into the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution trust fund. That will pay for establishing investigators dedicated to real estate fraud in Orange County, along with a new hotline and Web site to report such fraud. The new fee kicks in next month.

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  • March 3, 2009 4:30 PM
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• OC supervisors consider replacing deputies in Hall of Administration

  Orange supervisors are moving forward with a plan to replace sheriff’s deputies who provide security in the Hall of Administration. The board today got a bid from the Santa Ana Police and asked staff to return with a proposal. But KPCC’s Susan Valot says it’s not a done deal yet.

  Susan Valot: The supervisors asked the Santa Ana PD to bid on the security job. It comes a few weeks after deputies used the surveillance cameras in the Hall of Administration to zoom in on supervisors’ notes during a hearing over concealed weapons permits.

  Supervisor Chris Norby sent a clear message, saying “whoever provides security should realize they’re our servant, not our master.” The Santa Ana Police Department says for less than $600,000 a year, it can take over security at the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Records and Finance in Santa Ana.

  But the sheriff’s department does the same job now for only about $470,000 a year. And it donates another $200,000 worth of manpower. An official with the union for county workers also points out the supervisors need to meet over labor agreements and double-check local laws before they make any changes in security duties.

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  • March 3, 2009 4:26 PM
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Proposition 8 goes before state Supreme Court this week

  California’s Supreme Court is preparing to hear legal arguments for and against the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage this week. A coalition of civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, is arguing for the court to overturn the amendment to the state constitution. Mark Rosenbaum, legal director for the ACLU of Southern California, helped to write the court challenge to Proposition 8.

  Mark Rosenbaum: “It is not about the constitutionality or legality of same-sex marriage. Many respect it as a far more profound question that goes to the nature of our democracy.

  “Proposition 8