Getting a Handel; Homeless Get Robbed; Follow-Up with Union Rescue Mission; Skid Row Serial Killer; Sing Along; Join the Chorus; Songs of Freedom; Cocktail Rules; Do Nothing Writers; Epic Waves Hit California; City Officials Kick Up Heels for Hanukkah; Light Thieves; ValleyWood; KPCC's News Zocalo
Getting a Handel
After getting a few complaints, we're trying to class up Off-Ramp, so here's a new official portrait of host John Rabe. This week, John and Queena explore the power of song, the depths of depravity on Skid Row, and the pounding surf.
Homeless Get Robbed
The Union Rescue Mission on LA's Skid Row was hit this week by robbery and arson. The thief stole tens of thousands of dollars from homeless men.
Follow-Up with Union Rescue Mission
John calls-in to get an update
Skid Row Serial Killer
The Hotel Cecil was once the temporary home of Jack Unterweger, who murdered prostitutes in Los Angeles and Austria in the early 1990s. Queena Kim talks to author John Leake, who wrote Entering Hades: The Double Life of a Serial Killer.
Sing Along
Music director Grant Gershon tells John Rabe about the LA Master Chorale's annual Messiah Sing-a-Long. It's just like the Sound of Music sing-along, only not as campy.
Join the Chorus
John talks to sometime Messiah singer Jean Severson.
Songs of Freedom
The small Baltic country of Estonia has a long history of subjugation and song. John talks to James and Maureen Castle Tusty, who produced a new documentary called The Singing Revolution.
Cocktail Rules
LA Times writer Betty Hallock says a few cocktail bars are trying to impose order on chaos by enforcing a few rules... Like no cell phones, no shouting, and no big parties.
Do Nothing Writers
Michael Sigman has found a work-around to the writer's strike. A writer-free reality show called "Nothing Doing!"
Epic Waves Hit California
John talks to surfer Billy O'Connor, who rode the large waves at Sunset Beach in Pacific Palisades on Wednesday.
City Officials Kick Up Heels for Hanukkah
Los Angeles City Hall made a place for a special menorah this week in celebration of Hanukkah. The menorah survived the Holocaust in Poland.
Light Thieves
KPCC's Brian Watt reports that thieves are stealing the copper wiring in the street lights, walking away with tens-of-thousands of dollars.
ValleyWood
John visits the site of the Duke's home in the valley with Kevin Roderick.
KPCC's News Zocalo
KPCC's Adolfo Guzman-Lopez talks about his trip to Mexico City.