One of the most popular paths to the iconic Hollywood sign is about to shut down: the Beachwood path; we take a look at the strife between residents, tourists and City Hall, and why the decision was made. We'll also cover the latest in politics, falling numbers in LA's film and TV production; and more.
Week in politics: Talking tax protests and reforms ahead of tax day, plus what to make of rising tensions between US and North Korea
As millions of Americans wrap up their tax filings with tomorrow being the final day to do so, many are still calling on President Trump to release his own tax returns.
Organized marches in Los Angeles and other major cities around the country drew thousands to the streets to protest the president’s refusal to make his own returns public, something that presidents have traditionally done for the last 40 years. Republicans have vowed to make tax reform a legislative priority for them after they were unable to pass a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and we’ll look at how that’s going ahead of tax day on Tuesday.
As many expected, North Korea continued to escalate tensions with the U.S. by launching a missile over the weekend. While the test launch was ultimately unsuccessful as the missile blew up almost immediately after launch, it’s a sign that the North likely will not be fazed by harsh rhetoric from the U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Seoul, South Korea over the weekend as well, saying in a press conference that “the era of strategic patience is over” when it comes to the North and its nuclear and ballistic missile program. Is the U.S. prepared to back up that rhetoric? What is the path forward with North Korea?
Guests:
Caroline Heldman, associate professor of politics at Occidental College and co-author of ‘Rethinking Madam President: Are We Ready for a Woman in the White House?’ (Lynne Rienner Pub, 2007)
Jack Pitney, professor of politics at Claremont McKenna College
Major hiking path to the Hollywood Sign set to close
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make the trek up to the Hollywood Sign, but one of its most popular access routes is about to be closed to the public.
Previously, the most-traversed path to the Hollywood Sign was up a road in Beachwood — much to the chagrin of many of the neighborhood’s residents. But after years of strife between residents, tourists, and City Hall, the Beachwood path will be closed this month. That decision comes as the result of a court battle between the city and a commercial stable that was leasing land at the Beachwood trailhead.
Now there’s a $100,000 plan in place to evaluate a different trail to the Hollywood sign, one that goes through Griffith Park. So what’s next for the Hollywood Sign and the many people that travel to LA to see it?
Guests:
Sarajane Schwartz, resident of Hollywoodland for nearly 40 years
Linda Othenin-Girard, president of The Oaks Homeowners Association
Sarah Dusseault, chief of staff for Councilman David Ryu
DISCLOSURE: Linda Othenin-Girard is a former senior producer of 'AirTalk with Larry Mantle'
Despite ambitious incentive program, film and TV production in LA falls
Film production in LA dropped more than one-third in the first quarter of 2017 compared to last year - the lowest level since 2012.
Production of TV pilots also dropped -- down 15.5 percent from the first quarter of 2016.
TV production has also slipped, though at under 1 percent.
California expanded its film and TV production tax credit program from $100 million to $330 million in 2014. AirTalk looks at what is behind the drop in production this year -- and whether the generous tax incentive program is accomplishing what it wants to do.
Guests:
Dominic Patten, senior editor and Chief TV Critic at the news and entertainment site, Deadline; he authored the article, “On-Location Film Production In L.A. Falls To 5-Year Low & TV Dramas Dip In Q1”; he tweets
Kevin Klowden, managing economist at the Milken Institute, where he also directs the California Center
Joseph Henchman, vice president, Legal & State Projects, The Tax Foundation
Under pressure: should homework be abolished for elementary school students?
In a recent opinion piece for Time, writer Vicki Abeles argues for doing away with all homework in school.
While the amount given per grade and subject continues to be debated, proponents continue to see a real need for homework. The belief is that with homework, additional practice provides for greater mastery of subjects, frees up limited class time, encourages parents’ active participation in their child's understanding, and promotes accountability and responsibility. Opponents see it a different way. Homework adds stress and anxiety, inhibits the ability to deeply pursue other passions such as sports and the arts, and clearly affects family life.
What has your experience been? How effective is homework in the learning process?
Guests:
Vicki Abeles, author of the book, "Beyond Measure: Rescuing an Overscheduled, Overtested, Underestimated Generation," and director and producer of the documentary, “Race to Nowhere,” which looks at the pressure students face today
Jay Mathews, an education columnist for the Washington Post who has been following the issue