Calls for AI slowdown, cameras in special ed classes, Jose Ugarte on CD-9 race and more

Today's show: AirTalk host Larry Mantle discusses developments in AI and calls for the tech to slowdown, later start times in schools, mixed race identity, cameras in special ed classes, Jose Ugarte on CD-9 race and independence in kids.

This week in AI: calls for slowdown, Chinese competition, state regulation and more

The topic:

Global reaction: The latest warnings from AI researchers in the West have been contested by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after Amodei also warned of the “grave dangers” China’s AI advancements could pose to the United States and the world. President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to discuss AI governance at a meeting taking place next week.

Guests:

• Gerrit De Vynck, tech reporter for the Washington Post covering the artificial intelligence boom and its impact on society
• Eric Goldman, associate dean of research and professor of law at Santa Clara University, where he’s co-director of the High Tech Law Institute

How are California schools faring with later starts?

Students in class at Ascension Catholic School in South Los Angeles.

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Courtesy Archdiocese of Los Angeles

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The topic:

The study: A new working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research examines the effects of Senate Bill 328, California’s statewide mandate for later school start times. The law, which went into effect in 2022, requires most middle schools to start no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

Join the conversation: Do you have children who have benefited from the later school start times? How has it affected your schedule? Give us a call at (866) 893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.

With files from LAist

Guest:

• Osea Giuntella, associate professor of economics at the University of Pittsburgh and one of the authors of the study

Are you mixed race? How do you identify yourself?

How do you refer to yourself?

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Artem Onoprienko

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iStockphoto

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The topic:

Wasians: The term “wasian” has sprung up to describe those who are a mix of white and Asian, and has grown in popularity while supplanting the former term “hapa.”

Mestizo: Pew Research found back in 2015 that a third of Hispanics identified as mixed race, sometimes identifying as a “mulatto” or “mestizo.”

Join the conversation: If you’re a mixed-race person, how do you refer to yourself? Do you find that some terms are offensive, or maybe you’ve decided to reclaim a term that was previously seen as offensive? Give us a call at (866) 893-5722, or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com.

Some parents want cameras in special ed classes

A special education class at Redwood Heights Elementary School in Oakland.

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Alison Yin for EdSource

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Alison Yin Photography

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The topic:

Why now? Central Valley’s push for cameras came in the wake of reports that a teacher was abusing and mistreating students with disabilities. A police investigation followed, but charges were ultimately never brought as the statute of limitations ran out.

How might it work? In states where measures have been passed, cameras are limited to self-contained special education classrooms, not in classrooms where students with disabilities are taught alongside non-disabled students. And access to footage is also limited.

Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! Are you a parent of a child in special ed classes? How do you feel about potential cameras in the classroom? And if you’re a special education teacher, what are some of your concerns about being surveilled at work? Give us a call at (866) 893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.

Guests:

• Carolyn Jones, K-12 education reporter for CalMatters
• Denise Marshall, CEO of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), an organization that advocates to defend the civil rights of children with disabilities and their families

Los Angeles CD-9 candidate Jose Ugarte

Los Angeles City Council District 9 candidate Jose Ugarte at The Experience Christian Ministries (ECM).

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Kayla Bartkowski

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Getty Images

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The topic:

History of the council district: Los Angeles city’s 9th council district has seen a lot of geographical change over the years. The district has had a Black representative since 1963, when Gilbert W. Lindsay took office. As councilmember Curren Price finishes his tenure, the demographics of the council district have become predominantly Latino.

What neighborhoods encompass CD-9? The district is predominantly in South Central, including neighborhoods like Exposition Park, Vermont Square, and Green Meadows. It also includes a portion of Downtown L.A., such as the Los Angeles Convention Center and L.A. Live. 

Guest:

• Jose Ugarte, candidate for Los Angeles City Council District 9, which includes Vermont Square, Exposition Park, and parts of DTLA

At what age should kids be independent?

When do you think kids can be independent?

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Jacob Wackerhausen

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iStockphoto

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The topic:

Factors with child care: According to the Washington Post, parents are paying for child care for children well into their tween years, spending a median cost of $3,000 per year. Of course, things like a lack of public transit and walkable neighborhoods can make it harder for kids to gain independence.

When it comes to the law: Just recently in Virginia, a five-year-old son walked to a neighborhood pond to collect goose feathers after the mother deemed him “capable” enough to be left alone, which led to her being charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She’s appealing. There are no explicit laws in California on when you can leave your child alone, but maturity and medical issues should be taken into account.

Join the conversation: At what age did you start leaving your kids home alone? Do you think you reached independence at a reasonable age? Give us a call at (866) 893-5722 or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com.