California is late on disaster reports — why that matters

California is late on disaster reports — why that matters

In 1993, California legislators enacted a law to overhaul how the state manages disasters, including how emergency responders coordinated their work and how they disseminated lessons learned. One provision of the law mandates that Cal OES, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, “complete an after-action report within 180 days after each declared disaster.” The goal was to make sure that emergency departments across the state could learn from thorough recountings of past crises, avoid repeating mistakes and save lives in the process. Records show compliance has been a mess. Joining Larry this morning to explain why is LAist science reporter Jacob Margolis.

With files from LAist. We reached out to Cal OES for this conversation, but they could not make someone available. Read their full statement here.

How do you cope with hearing loss?

The value of conversations cannot be overstated. They are a vital part of creating connections between people, groups, and families. Sometimes just talking through a problem with someone can help you see solutions that you wouldn’t have otherwise. And for most of human history, spoken words were how valuable insights and knowledge were passed down from one generation to the next. But as we age, or due to other circumstances, our ability to hear can diminish — severing this connection that, for most of us, has defined how we interact with the world. Today on AirTalk, we want to hear from listeners who have had some level of hearing loss about how it has impacted their lives. Or, if you know someone who has lost their hearing, how has your relationship with that person changed? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com.

A check in on “safe parking” zones as Pasadena weighs implementing one

“Safe parking” zones are conceived of as a way to offer the unhoused a safe place to park their vehicles for the night, with them being monitored and typically featuring social services. In November of last year, the Pasadena City Council voted 4–3 to approve one of these zones, but they were one vote short of the five required under Pasadena’s municipal code, which ultimately closed the public hearing. Similar programs already operate across Southern California. Now, the city council is planning to hear the public on the matter again, but the path forward is anything but simple. Supporters argue it would provide a safe and regulated alternative for people living in their cars that could benefit from nearby case management and social services. The Maryland Homeowners Association, located near City Hall, sent a letter to the Council arguing that the November vote was final and cannot legally be undone under city code or California case law. Today on AirTalk, we’re joined by Jordanna Thigpen, attorney representing one of the homeowners in the Maryland Homeowners Association, and Erica Tamblyn, chair of Safe Haven Bridge to Housing Program, member of the All Saints Episocopal Church Vestry, where the proposed site would be.

Dating ‘Ick’ 101: What minor thing has made someone automatically unattractive to you?

In recent years, the phrase “the ick” has been an expression that younger generations in the dating scene have used to express a visceral response they get over a romantic interest’s minor tick or quality. The Instagram account ‘submityourick’ offers a solid variety of situations that cause icks, ranging from poorly executed jokes to broader personality traits; the account also shares relationship statuses, which range from ex-husbands to first-time dates. Today on AirTalk, we thought we’d have some fun and ask listeners about how they view “the ick,” and whether they’ve experienced situations that completely turned them off from someone. Join the conversation: Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.

Broadway composer Marc Shaiman charts his life in new memoir

At what age does one decide their career? For some of us, that decision happens near the end of high school. For award-winning Broadway composer, lyricist, arranger, and producer Marc Shaiman, that decision seems to have been a given his entire life. He got started in theatre as a kid and continued on that path, receiving two Grammy Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award in the process. But is anything ever enough? Marc let’s his new memoir’s title answer that: Never Mind The Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner. He joins Larry this morning to talk showbiz, his memoir, and what’s next.