L.A. City Council Votes To Ban Fracking

The Los Angeles City Council moved closer today to make Los Angeles the largest city in the nation to approve a moratorium on a controversial oil and gas drilling technique. KPFK Reporter John Matthews has the story.

Glendale Group Sues City Over Utility Funds

A Glendale grassroots organization announced today it has filed a lawsuit accusing the city of misappropriating millions of dollars of Glendale Water & Power funds. KPFK Reporter John Matthews has the story.

Environmental Group Seeks Ban on Dumping Fracking Fluid into Ocean

An environmental group filed a legal petition Wednesday calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to stop oil companies from dumping fracking waste water into the Pacific Ocean. The Center for Biological Diversity says the industry has annually discharged over nine billion gallons of water laced with chemicals from offshore oil platforms operating in the Santa Barbara channel. The group wants the federal agency to modify a recently-issued permit that allows hydraulic fracturing operations in federal waters. The boundry for Federal jurisdiction lies three miles offshore. Using oil company data, a recent analysis by the Center of 12 frack jobs in state waters found that at least one-third of chemicals used in fracking operations are suspected to cause ecological harm and impacts on human health. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Fast for Families: A Call for Immigration Reform

A rally gathered outside the Federal Building in San Francisco today beside a large brown tour bus. The bus is carrying members of a diverse coalition of immigrant advocates who have taken up fasting in order to underscore the moral implications of the deadlock over federal immigration law. It is one of two buses that will travel to Washington, D.C. between now and early April as part of the "Fast for Families" campaign. Laura Garzon Chica files this report.

Kaiser Nurses in Oakland Rally Against Understaffing

NURSES AT KAISER MEDICAL CENTER IN OAKLAND HELD A RALLY TODAY TO DENOUNCE WHAT THEY CALL A DOWNGRADING OF CARE AT THE HOSPITAL. THE NURSES SAY UNDER STAFFING AT THE HOSPITAL IS DUE TO INCREASE AS NURSES TRANSITION TO A NEW FACILITY. NICK ST CHARLES HAS MORE.

Anti-Poverty Advocates Urge Welfare Restorations

Anti-poverty activists are calling on California to restore recession-era cuts to health and welfare programs, as a way of helping struggling families and reducing income inequality. They made their case at a budget committee hearing at the state capitol. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

New Bill Introduced in CA to Label Genetically Engineered Foods

THE BATTLE OVER GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS RETURNS TO CALIFORNIA. SENATOR NOREEN EVANS INTRODUCED A BILL LAST WEEK IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE LABELING OF FOOD PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN GENETICALLY ENGINEERED INGREDIENTS. PACIFICA’S NICK ST CHARLES HAS THIS REPORT.

Wyvernwood Redevelopment Project Proposal Under L.A. City Review

The Wyvernwood Garden Apartments Project appears to be moving ahead despite vocal protests from community members who say they’re fighting gentrification and the displacement of longtime residents.

The community renovation plan has been in flux for nearly a decade but today the Los Angeles City Council’s Housing Committee approved a $50,000 fund to assess a proposal by the project’s developer, the Fifteen Group.

The proposed project would substantially transform the 75-year-old Wyvernwood apartment complex into a mixed-use community by adding additional units as well as commercial and community park space.

KPFK Reporter Shawn Raymundo has more on the housing committee’s meeting and the ongoing redevelopment story.

TENANT GROUPS PUSH TO CLOSE RENT CONTROL LOOPHOLES IN OAKLAND

THE OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD A HEARING TODAY TO CONSIDER CLOSING LOOPHOLES THAT ALLOW LANDLORDS TO PASS THEIR FINANCIAL COSTS ON TO TENANTS IN RENT CONTROLLED UNITS. NICK ST CHARLES FILED THIS REPORT FROM OAKLAND CITY HALL.

Activists Push for Undocumented Health Coverage

The Federal “Affordable Care Act” is making health insurance available to millions of people who were previously uninsured, but the law leaves out several million uninsured, including undocumented immigrants. California has chosen to include coverage for low-income undocumented youths, but some activists are calling on the state to go further and let all Californians get access to health care regardless of their immigration status. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Santa Monica Landmark Awaits Crucial Restoration Vote

A committee set up to preserve an endangered yet popular landmark in Santa Monica, called “Chain Reaction.” The local group recently announced that it has raised more than $100,000 for the restoration of the 23-year-old sculpture.

Santa Monica City Council initially promised to match up to $50,000 in restoration funds but a final vote tomorrow night on these funds will determine the sculpture’s fate.

KPFK Reporter Shawn Raymundo has more on the landmark’s restoration and upcoming vote.

San Francisco May Restrict Plastic Water Bottles

San Francisco is considering the strictest bottled water ban in the nation. A proposed ordinance would ban the sale of drinking water in plastic bottles of 21 ounces or less at parks, plazas and events on public property. The authors of the measure say it will help combat pollution and global warming, and help encourage people to use the city’s clean drinking water. Christopher Martinez reports from San Francisco.

Former Levitt Pavilions Manager Blasts Organization

A former production and marketing manager for a nonprofit concert organizer claims he was wrongfully terminated due to allegations that employees were improperly classified.

Carlos Rodriguez told the LA Weekly that there were creative difference among staff at the Los Angeles offices of the Levitt Pavilion. One of those allegations is that the free summer concert promoter called for less Latino acts.

KPFK Reporter Shawn Raymundo has more.

Port Truckers Suing Employer To Recover Wages

Superior Court judge declined to issue a ruling yesterday as to whether or not a group of Los Angeles-area port truckers can sue their employer. KPFK reporter John Matthews has the story.

Gapbusters Call on CA Lawmakers to Fund Early Childhood Education

ACTIVISTS RALLIED AT THE STATE CAPITAL TODAY TO CALL ON LAWMAKERS TO FUND UNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARDEN PROGRAMS AND ALLOW CHILDCARE WORKERS TO UNIONIZE. NICK ST CHARLES HAS MORE FROM THE STATE CAPITAL.

Professor Stephan Cohen on US Interference in Ukraine

Much of the media is depicting the crisis in Ukraine as if it was a 1950s or 1960s face-off between a Soviet dictator and an oppressed population fighting for freedom, like Hungary in 1958 for instance or Czechoslovakia in 1968, but the Ukrainian President was democratically elected and the forces seeking to topple him have been encouraged by Western powers. Pacifica's Laura Garzon Chica reports on some of what the media is not reporting about the situation.

Los Angeles Police Commission Changes Deadly Force Policy

The Los Angeles Police Commission has voted to revise its use-of-force evaluation policies. Previously, the commission used a multi-step process, evaluating actions before and during a use-of-force incident separately. But now the board has clarified that it can take an officer's actions into account leading up to an incident, in the evaluation of a shooting or other violent incident. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports from Los Angeles.

State And Local Education Officials Make Unconventional Moves

State and local education officials are making some unconventional moves in Southern California and forming new alliances in support of quality education. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson has embarked on a bus tour to call on Governor Jerry Brown to restore education funding. The superintendent of the nation's second-largest school district, LAUSD's John Deasy, is reaching out to LA City Hall to mend what has historically been a rocky relationship. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports from Los Angeles.

State Senator Links Climate Change and Income Inequality

The head of the State Senate is proposing a tax on carbon in vehicle fuels, and he wants the money from the tax to go to poor and middle income Californians. It’s an ambitious goal for Democratic Senator Darrel Steinberg as he faces his last nine months in office. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Report Finds High Income Inequality In Los Angeles And San Francisco

A new report from a Washington think tank finds that Los Angeles and San Francisco rank highly among the U.S. cities with the widest gulf between the rich and poor. KPFK's Larry Buhl reports on the impact of that inequality gap on Angelinos.

Climate Change Activists Gather in LA for Coast to Coast March

A coalition of environmental groups and volunteers will march from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. to raise awareness about what they say is a growing climate crisis. The Great March for Climate Action consists of hundreds of environmental groups from across the U.S. They hope to inspire both the American public and elected officials to move quickly to address the threat of Climate Change.
KPFK’s Agnes Radomski has the story.

Marijuana Legalization May Not Come To California Until 2016

Marijuana legalization may not come to California until 2016. Supporters of a ballot initiative to legalize recreational cannabis called the "Control, Regulate and Tax Marijuana Act" have announced that they will not put the measure on the ballot this year. Pacifica's Nick St. Charles has more.

Transit Authority Proposes Metro Fare Hikes

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is proposing a fare increase to be spread out over the next eight years.

A public hearing is set for March 29 in downtown LA to discuss the hike. Groups such as the Bus Riders Union oppose the fare increase arguing it's an unfair burden on half a million bus-dependent riders in the city.

KPFK Reporter Shawn Raymundo has more details on the pending fare increases.

Activists Respond to California Prisoner Reduction Extension

Prison reform advocates across the state delivered letters today responding to the two-year extension Gov. Jerry Brown received on prison overcrowding. They are demanding that state officials immediately reduce the prison population and cancel all prison expansion plans.

KPFK’s Jasmine Broderick has the story.

Oil Tax Measure Draws Student Support

State Senator Noreen Evans wants to tax oil drilling in order to support public higher education, parks and health and human services programs. It’s her latest attempt to create an oil severance tax similar to those in other oil-producing states. She unveiled her bill alongside students who are organizing to support the measure. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Community Activist Target El Super Market for Expired Food

Community activists in East Los Angeles, together with union allies and other supporters, protested outside El Super Market this morning to urge county health department officials to shut it down. Over a dozen El Super Markets are open throughout L.A. County. Community activists say the stores routinely sell expired foods dangerous for consumption.

Tenants Rally at State Capitol

Tenants rights activists from around the state gathered at the State Capital in a statewide “Renters Day of Action”. They’re calling for legislation to halt evictions by real estate speculators as they push for legislation to create more affordable housing. Christopher Martinez files this report from Sacramento.

Protesters Stand in Solidarity with Venezuelan Government

Dozens of protesters gathered Monday afternoon in San Francisco's Mission District to demand that the United States not interfere in Venezuela's domestic political unrest. Pacifica's Geoffrey Upton reports.

Senator Unveils Bill To Provide Healthcare To Undocumented Immigrants

A California lawmaker introduced a bill today that would allow all Californians to access affordable health coverage, regardless of immigration status. KPFK Reporter John Matthews has the story.

President Obama Brings Aid for Central Valley Drought

President Obama toured farms in the drought-stricken Central Valley today and announced a broad package of immediate measures to aid farmers, ranchers, farm workers and water stressed towns. The action is intended to provide relief for a state and region suffering a third straight year of low rainfall. Reservoirs throughout California are at historic low storage levels, and San Joaquin Valley farmers have been told to expect no allocations of water from the state and federal water projects. The President’s visit comes amid controversy over Governor Jerry Brown’s plan to build two large tunnels designed to divert water from the Sacramento River under the Bay Delta and into the state’s water infrastructure that delivers water to farms and cities to the south. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Housing Rights Activists Seek Gov. Brown's Help

Housing rights advocates are asking for Gov. Jerry Brown's help to stop the redevelopment of the Jordan Downs housing community in Watts.

Residents of the community became concerned after the Los Angeles Housing Authority moved forward with its plans to renovate the 70-year-old low-income housing project despite an alarming report by the Department of Toxic Substances Control.

KPFK's Shawn Raymundo has the story.




Follow the reporter on Twitter @ShawnFVRaymundo

Performance Artist Protests Celebrity Performance Art

A Hollywood celebrity has set up shop in a local gallery after accusations of plagiarism. Shia Labeouf’s performance art piece has been met with both long lines and protests.

KPFK's Jasmine Broderick has more.



Listen to the full interview with Scotch Wichmann below.



Follow Jasmine Broderick on twitter @jazzybroderick

Delta Advocates State Position on Drought

Positioning over the politics of the drought is intensifying in front of President Obama’s visit to Fresno on Friday. Two bills intending to craft a federal response to the drought have been introduced in Congress. Last week the house passed far-reaching legislation introduced by San Joaquin Valley Republican David Valadao passed the House on a mostly party-line vote. The bill was ignored by the Senate, Governor Jerry Brown opposed the bill, and the President threatened to veto it. That bill sought to repeal the San Joaquin River restoration project, set aside environmental protections for the Bay Delta, lengthen irrigation contracts, raise Shasta Dam and build two new dams. A more moderate approach emphasizing drought relief has been introduced in a Senate bill, sponsored by California Democrats Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer along with Oregon Democrats, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. A companion House bill is being sponsored by Democrat Jim Costa of Fresno. Federal agencies have already responded to the crisis by temporarily curtailing water flows to restore the San Joaquin River ecosystem. Earlier this week environmental groups weighed in with their position on the drought. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

L.A. City Council Advances 'Urban Beekeeping' Agenda

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to explore legalizing backyard beekeeping and other policies to protect bees. Advocates for "urban beekeeping" warn that a third of the food we eat is threatened by declining honey bee populations. Pacifica's Dan Fritz files this report from Los Angeles.

L.A.-Area Consumer Advocates Sound Alarm Over Proposed Comcast, Time Warner Merger

Consumer advocates are sounding the alarm over cable giant Comcast's announcement that it has agreed to buy Time Warner Cable for 45 billion dollars. The combined group would be the country's dominant provider of television channels and Internet connections. But it’s not a done deal. The cable giants face regulatory hurdles and widespread opposition. KPFK’s Larry Buhl files this report.

Death Penalty Initiative Gets Signatures of Past Governors

A coalition of death penalty supporters is gathering signatures for a proposed ballot initiative aimed at speeding up executions, and they have support from three former California governors. California has not had an execution since 2006. Supporters of the proposed initiative say it would will save the state money and promote justice for murder victims and their families. Opponents say backers of the initiative are on the wrong side of history. Christopher Martinez reports.

Delta Advocates State Position on Drought

Positioning over the politics of the drought is intensifying in front of President Obama’s visit to Fresno on Friday. Two bills intending to craft a federal response to the drought have been introduced in Congress. Last week the house passed far-reaching legislation introduced by San Joaquin Valley Republican David Valadao passed the House on a mostly party-line vote. The bill was ignored by the Senate, Governor Jerry Brown opposed the bill, and the President threatened to veto it. That bill sought to repeal the San Joaquin River restoration project, set aside environmental protections for the Bay Delta, lengthen irrigation contracts, raise Shasta Dam and build two new dams. A more moderate approach emphasizing drought relief has been introduced in a Senate bill, sponsored by California Democrats Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer along with Oregon Democrats, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. A companion House bill is being sponsored by Democrat Jim Costa of Fresno. Federal agencies have already responded to the crisis by temporarily curtailing water flows to restore the San Joaquin River ecosystem. Earlier this week environmental groups weighed in with their position on the drought. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Nichalos Graves' reach for redemption: an AB 109 story

Passage of AB 109 by the California Assembly two years ago has focused new attention on the problem of re-integrating formerly incarcerated people back into society. The legislation was brought about by Federal court rulings that forced California to address its overcrowded prisons. AB 109’s solution is to transfer thousands of non-violent, non-sexual, non-serious offenders to county correction systems. The bill also provided billions of dollars to the counties to handle the influx. But the new law provides little guidance to counties on how to use the money. A few counties have pushed most of the money into building new jails and hiring law enforcement. Others, like Alameda, are focused more on providing services that will help the formerly incarcerated re-enter the community as peaceful productive citizens. In the north bay area, Solano County is using AB109 funds to help people like 24-year old Nichalos Graves, who was released from Deuel (pronounced like dual)Vocational Institution in Tracy in 2013. Tom Herriman reports from Vallejo.

How is AB 109 Working?

- Passage of AB 109 by the California Assemby two years ago has focused new attention on the problem of re-integrating formerly incarcerated people back into society. The legislation was brought about by Federal court rulings that force California to address its overcrowded prisons. AB 109’s solution is to transfer thousands of non-violent, non-sexual, non-serious offenders to county correction systems. The bill also provided billions of dollars to the counties to handle the influx. . But the new law provides little guidance to counties on how to use the money, or standards on how transitioning prisoners should be treated.
To look at some of the challenges and opportunities under AB 109, reporter Tom Herriman talked to two men, Michael Santos and Gary Scott, who have recently been navigating the re-entry process.

DUI Crash Leaves 6 Dead, Raises Questions About Alcohol Industry

A 21-year-old Fontana woman is facing felony drunk driving and felony manslaughter charges after a freeway crash that took the lives of six people. Olivia Culbreath was allegedly driving at speeds of about 100 mph when she was involved in a head-on collision with cars in the opposite direction on the 60 freeway.
A vigil is being held tonight in Diamond Bar by MAAD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, to pay respect to the victims of the crash.
KPFK’s Agnes Radomski has more.

Lawmakers Debate Bay Delta Tunnels

State lawmakers took a skeptical look at Governor Jerry Brown’s expensive and controversial plan to ship water around the Bay Delta through a pair of giant tunnels. The Brown Administration sees the tunnels as a key part of a plan to ensure water security for California and improve the troubled delta ecosystem, but critics blast the plan as an expensive threat to the delta environment and the state economy. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Westlake Teen Fights with District to Regain Reputation

A Ventura County teenager says he was punished by school officials for confronting his sister’s harasser who is also on the high school’s popular football team.The family says it’s a case of the sports program trumping the rights of a student victim.
https://soundcloud.com/kpfa-fm-94-1-berkeley/westlake-teen-fights-with

San Francisco Workers, Residents Protest Twitter Tax Break

Hundreds of San Francisco workers and residents took to the streets today to protest corporate deals and tax breaks, focusing their demonstration on Twitter. Outside the social media giant's Mid-Market headquarters, demonstrators called on the company to stop accepting a huge tax exemption and to contribute its fair share to the city coffers. Alex Kekauoha reports from San Francisco.

Rwandan President Addresses 20-Year Effort To Restore Country

Rwandan President Paul Kagame is speaking at a dinner in Los Angeles tonight about his country’s strides in overcoming the horrific events that divided the central African nation 20 years ago.



The UCLA Center for World Health and the Los Angeles World Affairs Council is hosting Rwandan President Paul Kagame as he speaks about his 20-year effort to restore stability in his once war-torn nation.

This April marks the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan civil war that pitted two ethnic groups against each other. Human rights groups say this resulted in the genocide of more than 800,000 men, women and children.

During the war, Kagame was the leader of the Rwandan Patriot Front, which was essential in overthrowing Hutu groups and bringing an end to the conflict. Some news sources accused these groups of leading the genocide of Tutsis.

UCLA Center for World Health Director Thomas Coates says the university wanted Kagame to speak in the U.S. because of his actions in increasing Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product and literacy rates while also decreasing poverty and AIDS.

According to USAID, the U.S. government gave Rwanda $93 million in 2011, which went toward economic development, education, health, and the environment.

Coates says financial aid to developing countries is advantageous for the U.S. because it can increase trade efforts for minerals and resources in many African countries including Rwanda.

The New York Times reported that the U.S. cut military funding to Rwanda in 2012 because of allegations that the country was financially supporting rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Telegraph in Britain reports that Kagame’s government is facing allegations of assassinating its former Spy Chief Patrick Karegeya.

But Keith Harmon Snow, an independent war-crime investigator and former United Nations genocide investigator, compares Kagame’s presidency to Adolf Hitler’s regime in Nazi Germany. He says the Kagame led RPF is responsible for initiating the civil war and was financially backed by the U.S. government.

Follow the reporter @ShawnFVRaymundo

LA DA Announces Sex Trafficking Diversion Program

Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced a diversion program aimed at getting young victims of sex trafficking off the streets and out of harm’s way.

KPFK’s Jasmine Broderick has more.

Special Election May Seat San Diego's First Hispanic Mayor

A special election is underway today to elect San Diego’s next mayor. Democratic candidate and first-term councilman David Alvarez is in a neck-and-neck race against Republican Kevin Faulconer. The candidates are replacing former Mayor Bob Filner, after he resigned last August amid sexual harassment allegations.
KPFK’s Agnes Radomski files this report.

UC Workers Start Strike Authorization Vote

Members of AFSCME who work for the University of California have begun voting on a strike authorization after negotiating through the weekend. They've been working for a year without a contract. KPFK's Natalie Johnson has more.

Prison Solitary Confinement Scrutinized at State Capitol

A state lawmaker has introduced a bill aimed at reining in the use of indefinite detention in solitary confinement in California prisons. San Francisco Assemblymember Tom Ammiano introduced his measure shortly after a hearing on prison solitary confinement. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Guatemalan War Crimes Suspect Is Convicted At Riverside Immigration Court

City Officials Announce Anti-Trafficking Initiative

A new Los Angeles initiative to combat human trafficking was announced this morning by Mayor Eric Garcetti with the support of several city and county officials.

The Mayor announced a new poster campaign as part of state Senate Bill 1193, which requires businesses to post information with phone numbers and locations to help human trafficking victims.

The Human Trafficking Poster Outreach Project aims to get businesses not already complying with the state law to do so.



The fight against human trafficking continued this morning as Los Angeles city and county officials and supportive organizations joined together to launch the Human Trafficking Poster Outreach Project.

Senate Bill 1193, the Anti-Human Trafficking Implementation proposal, which went into effect in April, was a state law that requires 12 types of businesses to place posters with information about human trafficking in a conspicuous space near the front of the building.

The poster project seeks to raise public awareness regarding human trafficking by sending out volunteers to hand out leaflets and information to businesses that have not been complying with SB 1193.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas attended the press conference. His communications deputy, Lorenza Munoz, says the new initiative is a response to the lack of cooperation from businesses.

Munoz says California is one of the top four states in numbers of trafficked people, while Los Angeles is considered a central hub for the multi-million dollar industry.

Los Angeles City Council member Nury Martinez is part of the coalition to combat human trafficking because she says her district is heavily affected by it.

Martinez says many victims of trafficking have joined various organizations to become advocates against the industry. Some of those organizations, which also united with the city’s outreach project, include the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles and CAST, the Coalition to Abolish Slavery.

According to SB 1193, violations of the law would result in a $500 fine followed subsequently by $1,000 fines if the business continues to disregard the law. The types of locations required to comply include emergency rooms, urgent care centers, massage parlors, farm labor contractors, bus stations, roadside rest stops and adult oriented businesses.

EPA Regulates Emission and Survey Shows Support

A new study shows black and brown communities overwhelmingly support clean energy alternatives over traditional sources.
According to the report, African-Americans and Latinos are more likely than other voters to support energy efficiency just as the EPA clamps down on fuel plants following President Obama’s executive order last November to better prepare the nation for the effects of climate change.




The Environmental Protective Agency made its first ever ruling to limit carbon emissions in fuel plants. It states that all future plants will be mandated to limit 1,100 lbs of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour and just 1,700 lbs of CO2 per megawatt hour of energy produced.

This comes as a new study shows voters – especially African-American and Latino - strongly support a limitation of carbon emissions and are in favor of cleaner energy as an alternative to coal and other traditional fuels.

According to a UCLA study, Boyle Heights, a predominately Latino community just east of downtown LA, was found to be the second most polluted city in the region.

Jasmin Vargas, an organizer with the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, says support for clean energy could influence congress to take a more aggressive stance against pollution.

Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research surveyed over 1,000 voters, revealing a 2-1 margin supporting cleaner energy technology.

The study reveals that 61% of voters support clean energy versus 33% who support traditional energy sources. Most revealing is the 77% of African-American voters and the 71% of Latino who want cleaner energy.

The same UCLA study found that neighborhoods with large percentages of working-class, people of color faced more environmental issues and pollution risks.

Vargas says potential changes developing in Congress and the Coal industry.


The Sierra Club among many others, has set out to protect public health and further develop a strategy to counter climate change.

Last November, President Obama signed an executive order to push for stricter EPA regulations over industrial facilities.

Court Grants Extensions for California Prison Population Reductions

Federal judges ruled today to give the state of California an additional two years to meet a court-ordered prison population cap. Scott Baba reports.

Juvenile Solitary Confinement Would Be Limited Under Proposed Bill

A Democratic lawmaker from San Francisco is introducing a bill to limit solitary confinement for juvenile offenders. State Senator Leland Yee wants to restrict the use of solitary confinement at state and county juvenile correctional facilities. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

State Funding Pulled From Torrance Vocational Center

State officials are threatening a South Bay job training program with closure as a result of a funding policy changes for these vocational centers. Supporters of the programs gathered on the campus of the Southern California Regional Occupational Center in Torrance. KPFK Reporter John Matthews has the story.

San Jose State Confronts Hate Crime with Task Force

A Special Task Force on Racial Discrimination convened yesterday at San Jose State University before a standing-room-only crowd. The meeting was the first in a series of proceedings scheduled over the next few months to prepare the University's response to hate crime that occurred on campus last fall. The 18-member task force consists of students, staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni of San Jose State, as well as other representatives of the California State University system and an official from the NAACP. Laura Garzon Chica reports.

Crenshaw HIgh School Choir Director Held In 'Teacher Jail'

The Crenshaw High School community has come to the defense of a popular teacher who was recently removed from the classroom.

Iris Stevenson is a 30 year choir teacher at the school who was removed for reasons unknown by Los Angeles Unified School District officials.

About 100 people gathered outside of Crenshaw High School this morning to call for her reinstatement.

KPFK Reporter Shawn Raymundo has more on this morning’s rally.



The Los Angeles Unified School District released a vague statement to quell community concerns as to why it reassigned Crenshaw High School’s Elite Choir Director Iris Stevenson.

The district said the case is a personnel matter and it is prohibited from releasing specific details about why it temporarily removed the 30-year choir instructor from her classroom in mid-December.

The LAUSD says its investigation of Stevenson could take months because it was a complex issue.

Vanity Brown is an organizer with Team Iris Stevenson, a group of community supporters formed to defend the teacher. She says Stevenson has yet to be told why she was reassigned despite district assertions that they made the reasons clear to her.

Stevenson is still considered a full-time employee of the school district and will receive her regular pay, including benefits, while a substitute instructor is put in charge of the classroom during the investigation.

Members of the Crenshaw community including teachers, students and parents have publically supported Stevenson by holding protests and demonstrations outside of Crenshaw High School demanding she be reinstated.

Stevenson is required to report to a LAUSD office that Brown refers to as a “teacher jail.” Brown says Stevenson sits at a cubicle all day and keeps herself busy by reading books.

Brown says teacher reassignment is supposed to last a minimum of 120 days but the majority of teachers who find themselves in so-called teacher jails or district offices often end up staying there for years or retire before they are reinstated and their investigation concluded.

Congress of Racial Equality of California Co-founder and Vice Chairman Celes King IV, led a protest with about 100 others outside of the high school. He says the LAUSD press release is misleading and that Stevenson is unlikely to actually return as a teacher.

Brown took part in a trip to France and Washington DC with Stevenson, three students, and Crenshaw High alumni from Nov. 29 to Dec. 12. During the trip, the group performed in front of President Barack Obama and the First Lady.

Upon her return to the school on Dec. 13 Stevenson was notified by the district that she would be temporarily reassigned upon further notice.

Brown says she suspects the LAUSD has been trying to push Stevenson out of her teaching position since last summer. She says a sign marking the Iris Stevenson Music Wing, an area of the music department dedicated to the popular teacher in 2001, was removed.

According to the press release, the district has worked to restore Stevenson’s name back on the building.

Cell Phone "Kill Switch" Measure Aimed at Cutting Smart Phone Robberies

Cell phone theft is a rising problem, with almost a third of robberies nation-wide involving smart phones and tablets. Some Bay Area lawmakers and area officials are backing a measure to require a “kill switch” that would render stolen mobile devices useless. Christopher Martinez reports from San Francisco.

Hayward Nurses Rally for a Contract

Union busting is disgusting. That was the message nurses at St. Rose Hospital in Hayward sent to management today. The nurses rallied in front of the hospital this afternoon because they say management is stalling to negotiate their first contract. Nick St.Charles has more from Hayward.

L.A. City Council Supports Federal Paid Family Leave

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously today to support a proposed federal law that is modeled after an existing California law. It would mandate that employers provide paid family leave for up to 12 weeks. KPFK Reporter John Matthews has more on the story.

Activists Push for Reform After Pomona Police Chief Retires

An interim police chief has been appointed in the Inland Empire city of Pomona. Assistant Police Chief Paul Capraro will replace current Chief Dave Keetle -- who is scheduled to retire February 20. The decision was made during a closed session City Council Meeting Monday evening. Residents hope this will present an opportunity for reform within the police department. KPFK’s Agnes Radomski has more.

LAPD Begins Training to Fight Child Sex Trafficking

The Los Angeles County Attorney’s Office is co-hosting a five-day seminar to combat Child Sex Trafficking with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The organization plans to spend one week training law enforcement to recognize the different facets of child exploitation. KPFK’s Agnes Radomski has the story.

Nevada Airline Seeks New Representation in Rivera Plane Crash Lawsuit

A court hearing in the lawsuit filed by the family of popular Mexican regional singer Jenni Rivera took an interesting turn today.

A Los Angeles judge dismissed Starwood Management’s defense lawyer from the case after he claimed a dispute over fees and a breakdown in communication.

Rivera’s family filed suit against the Las Vegas-based company for its role in the plane crash that killed Rivera and four members of her entourage.

KPFK Reporter Shawn Raymundo has more on the case.



Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Holly Kendig approved attorney Mark Velasquez’s request to be removed from a lawsuit against Starwood Management, an airline company he represented.

He was defending Starwood in a lawsuit filed last January by the families of four victims in a December, 2012 plane crash that took the lives of seven people. Famed Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera was among those who died in the Monterey, Mexico crash.

Valasquez says he wanted to be removed from the case because of a dispute over fees and breakdown in communication.

Attorney Paul Kiesel, who represents the victims’ families, says the Nevada based airline has until the trial setting conference on March 10 to find new representation otherwise the judge will hand down a default verdict against the company.

Starwood was chartered to fly the singer, along with her lawyer, publicist, makeup artist and hair stylist to Mexico City for a television appearance. The plane was piloted by 78-year-old Miguel Pérez Soto and 21-year-old Alejandro Torres.

Kiesel says a preliminary report by Mexico’s General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, released in December, revealed that the two pilots were not authorized to operate a plane with passengers.

Although the victims’ relatives also filed a lawsuit against Rivera’s entertainment company, Jenni Rivera Enterprises, Kiesel says it is still unclear who hired the airline to fly Rivera and her entourage.

Starwood Management was unavailable for comment.

The 43-year-old singer was well known in the Latino community as La Diva de la Banda. She was in the middle of taping a reality show which she hoped would help her crossover into mainstream American audiences.

Environmentalists Defend Solar Customers, Protest San Diego Power Plant

The California Public Utilities Commission has its hands full with energy issues that have many Californians worried about energy efficiency and pollution. Environmentalists are concerned that a bill passed last year by the state legislature could threaten fair credit for solar customers. Activists also protested a proposal for a new gas-operated electric power plant in southern California they say is costly and impractical. Alex Kekauoha reports from San Francisco.

Bay Area Advocates, Officials Plan Rally Against Domestic Violence

Bay Area advocates are gearing up for a major Valentine's Day rally against domestic violence next Friday afternoon on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. The rally is part of One Billion Rising, a campaign in 179 countries to end violence against women and girls. From San Francisco, Pacifica's Geoffrey Upton reports.

Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Two public colleges in Long Beach are part of a group of a dozen schools nationwide that will participate in a new program to give scholarships to undocumented students. Called TheDream.US, the scholarships are being privately funded, and will provide up to $25,000 per student for 2,000 students. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports from Los Angeles.

8 LAPD Officers Face Discipline For Wrongful Shooting During Dorner Manhunt

The Los Angeles Police Commission has decided that eight LAPD officers violated policies when they opened fire on two women delivering newspapers in Torrance during the manhunt for former LAPD Officer Christopher Dorner last year. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports from Los Angeles.

Activists Target Google in Venice for Online Spying & Gentrification

Activists rallied outside of Google offices in Venice today to demand accountability for what they say is the tech giant’s contribution to gentrification in Venice Beach. They also demanded full transparency from Google and the immediate stoppage of data sharing.
KPFK’s Agnes Radomski has the story.

Farm Bill Slashes Food Stamps for 700 Thousand Californians

California’s State Board of Agriculture got an update on the new Federal farm bill, including updates on how cuts to the Federal “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program”, or food stamps, will affect California residents who rely on the food program. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

E.P.A. Says California Discharging Fewer Toxics

The EPA has released the 2012 toxic release inventory data for the Pacific southwest region. It shows that compared to 2011, California has decreased its releases of toxic chemicals.
Kellia Ramares-Watson has more.

San Francisco Gears Up for Battle Over Soda Tax

The beverage industry and health advocates are gearing up for a fight over a soda tax in San Francisco. The city's board of supervisors unveiled a ballot measure today that would tax distributors of sugary beverages. Nick St. Charles has more.

San Bruno Accuses P.U.C of Cozy Relationship with PG&E

Two years after a gas pipeline rupture in the city of San Bruno that killed eight residents and destroyed a suburban neighborhood, the city has filed a lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission for failing to disclose documents and communications between the Commission and Pacific Gas and Electric, the company responsible for the explosion, which the city believes show improper business activities between the two parties. The city held a press conference today attended by the mayor of San Bruno and a representative from the office of state senator Jerry Hill who represents the 13th district.
Pacifica’s Saadia Malik reports:

Water Rates for Seniors, Poor Scrutinized by Lawmakers

California’s drought is stressing the state’s water system, with implications for cities, farmers, and fragile ecosystems. Among those most vulnerable are water users in poor and elderly communities, an issue that state lawmakers faced in a joint hearing of the Utilities Committee and the Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care. Christopher Martinez reports from the State Capitol.

16 activists with PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, attended their first court hearing this morning after being arrested during a Rose Parade protest. The group attempted to block the Sea World float from the procession.

Activists of the animal rights organization came out to support their fellow members by protesting outside the Pasadena City courthouse.

KPFK Reporter Shawn Raymundo has more on the development.



Members of the animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, were charged in a Pasadena court with interfering with an official city event.

15 adults and one juvenile, 12 year-old Rose McCoy, were arrested Jan. 1 during the New Years Day Rose Parade for attempting to sit in front of the SeaWorld float, which illustrated a group of orcas swimming in the sea.

PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange says a bit of confusion ensued after the hearing as the defendants were unsure why no Pasadena city attorney was in attendance.

PETA tweeted that there would be no charges filed against the defendants, but Pasadena City Attorney and Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris says that is not the case.

Bagneris says today’s court appearance was just the instruction of the police citation and the group will be notified of their arraignment date from the city prosecutor’s office after it reviews the cases.

Bagneris says 12-year-old McCoy will go through due process separate from the remaining defendants, who could face a six month jail sentence and $1,000 fine.

Other PETA members came out to support the 16 defendants by continuing to protest against SeaWorld. They’re calling for a public boycott of the amusement parks. PETA alleges that SeaWorld abuses its orcas and does more to harm than aid them.

In an emailed statement, SeaWorld spokesperson David Koontz said PETA’s claims and accusations are without merit. He said Sea World is passionately committed to the physical, mental and social care and well-being of animals in its theme parks.

Lange was one of those arrested and she says the group didn’t know they would be violating any city ordinance but believed they were exercising their right to free speech.

In Los Angeles, I’m Shawn Raymundo, Pacifica Radio, KPFK.

San Francisco Midtown Tenants Petition Rent Board

A small crowd of low-income residents of San Francisco gathered at the city's rent board to fight for their homes. Scott Baba reports.