A report found that LAUSD’s iPad program has issues with planning, transparency, and bidding problems. Also, a draft Environmental Impact Report from the city of Glendale on a proposal to expand the Scholl Canyon landfill has angered residents of Eagle Rock. Then, it's Filmweek on AirTalk! Actor and activist George Takei joins us to talk about his latest documentary, "To Be Takei."
Report finds flaws in LAUSD iPad program
The LAUSD's iPad program has some fundamental problems. That's one of the conclusions of a report by a committee chaired by LAUSD Board of Education member Monica Ratliff.
The program has been widely criticized as a misuse of funding, and the report found that a flawed bidding process catered directly to providers Apple and Pearson. The committee, made up of parents, employees, district officials, and community members, found that LAUSD needlessly limited its options on price and product, creating tailored restrictions to involve Apple and Pearson in the project.
The iPad program has had issues from the start, with some schools having to modify internet filters and change rules about when and where the technology should be used. Proponents of the program say that students and teachers are excited about the opportunity to use iPads in the classroom and that LAUSD’s incorporation of technology breaks down access barriers.
What issues does the iPad program face? How should the district address these problems?
Guests:
Annie Gilbertson, KPCC education reporter covering LAUSD
Steve Zimmer, member of the LAUSD Board of Education representing District 4, including Brentwood, Hollywood, Encino, and Marina Del Rey
Alex Caputo-Pearl, president, UTLA
James Foley’s death reignites debate: Should the US ever pay ransom to terrorists?
Since news of journalist James Foley’s death began circulating Tuesday, some, like journalist David Rohde, have argued that the U.S. needs to change its policy of not paying ransoms to terrorists.
Foley’s family and colleagues were working to raise $123 million that his captors had demanded as a ransom for his release — something that the FBI had discouraged them from doing, arguing that paying ransom only fuels the kidnapping industry. We’ve since learned that special forces did make an attempt at rescuing Foley.
It’s reignited the debate over the U.S. position on negotiating with terrorists — one that’s significantly different from many European countries, which have had success with paying for the release of kidnapped journalists.
Are there some instances in which the U.S. should consider negotiating with terrorists or paying ransom for hostages? Or is that a slippery slope and something that, if handled at all, should be done so by private intermediaries?
Guest:
Josh Keating, staff writer at Slate focusing on international affairs and writes the World blog.
Brian Michael Jenkins, Senior Advisor to the president, RAND
Preliminary proposal to expand Glendale landfill riles Eagle Rock residents
A draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) from the city on Glendale on a proposal to expand the Scholl Canyon landfill has angered residents of neighboring Eagle Rock. The 535-acre dump is located in Glendale and serves that city, along with Pasadena, San Marino and other communities. It doesn’t, however, take trash from Eagle Rock, even though trash trucks must go through that community in order to reach the landfill.
"We have had a raw deal for the city of Los Angeles for many, many years." Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar told NBC Los Angeles. "We live with the air pollution, we live with the noise, we live with the impact to our streets, yet we are not allowed to use the landfill."
The Glendale proposal would increase the amount of trash disposed at the Scholl Canyon facility by up to 8 million tons. The Glendale City Council must approve the plan before it could move forward. The public comment period for the draft Environmental Impact Report ends August 29.
Guests:
Scott Ochoa, City Manager, City of Glendale
Rick Coca, Communications Director and Senior Advisor to Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar, who represents the 14th District - encompassing Eagle Rock
Filmweek: “Sin City: A Dame To Kill For” “When The Game Stands Tall” “To Be Takei” and more
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Henry Sheehan review this week’s releases, including “Sin City: A Dame To Kill For,” “When The Game Stands Tall,” “To Be Takei” and more. TGI-Filmweek!
Sin City: A Dame To Kill For:
When The Game Stands Tall:
To Be Takei:
Guests:
Amy Nicholson, film critic for KPCC and LA Weekly
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com
'To Be Takei' gives insider look at iconic actor’s daily life
He is known as the iconic Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek, the victim of discrimination during his stay at a Japanese Internment Camp, and one of the most influential activists in the current gay-rights movement.
George Takei joins us to talk about his new documentary “To Be Takei,” which chronicles Takei and his husband Brad in their journey to raise awareness against homophobia. According to director Jennifer Kroot, the film documents Takei’s linear history, from his beginnings in Japanese internment camps and his struggle to obtain non-stereotypical roles as an actor. The documentary follows the legendary actor on his guest appearances on numerous television shows, but also portrays the less glamorous day-to-day activities, which is also a part of what it means “To Be Takei.”
What do you feel is George Takei’s biggest contribution to popular culture? Do you see Takei as a leader against homophobia and racial stereotypes?
"To Be Takei" Trailer:
Guest:
George Takei, actor and activist; he’s the star of the documentary “To Be Takei”