Governor Brown’s $15.5 billion water tunnels plan just got the green light from the state’s environmental impact report – we debate the project; Trump’s cabinet has been called the wealthiest in modern U.S. history – we look at the cabinet, as well as the vetting process; plus, Larry and KPCC film critics review this week’s latest releases, including ‘Sings,’ ‘Passengers’ and more. TGI-FilmWeek!
Is the state’s $15.5B WaterFix project the right way to invest in future water reliability for Southern California?
There's good news for Governor Brown's giant water tunnels project. The state just released its environmental impact report for the two massive tunnels that would divert an additional five-percent of Sacramento River water to Southern and Central California.
The report concluded the twin 35-mile long tunnels would be the least environmentally destructive option for increasing diversions from the Sacramento Delta.
But opponents insist the project isn't necessary, and that the nearly $16-billion would be better spent on local water conservation projects. Northern CA farmers and environmentalists also hate the project.
Guests:
Jeff Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
John McManus, executive director of the Golden Gate Salmon Association
John Fleck, Director of University of New Mexico Water Resources Program and author of “Water is for Fighting Over: and other myths about water in the west”
The vetting of Trump’s $14-billion cabinet picks
The cabinet President-Elect Donald Trump has assembled has been called the wealthiest in modern American history.
It includes billionaires like ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson (worth$2.5 billion) for Secretary of State, to Ben Carson (worth $29 million) for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
The combined net worth of Trump’s cabinet picks is about 5 times greater than President Obama’s Cabinet and 34 times greater than the one in place for the second term of George W. Bush’s presidency.
Vetting these individuals, particularly ones with complex business ties, might take some time, though. On Thursday, Senate Democrats said in a statement that they would not move forward with the confirmation process until all the nominees disclose certain financial information.
Guests:
Jennifer Steinhauer, Congressional reporter for the New York Times. Her latest piece looks at the financial vetting of some of Trump’s cabinet picks. She tweets from
David Lauter, Washington bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, who has been covering the transition, including the combined net worth of Trump’s cabinet picks. He tweets from
Timothy Naftali, Clinical Associate Professor of Public Service at NYU
‘Congratulations on your acceptance’: We debate ‘early decision’ college admissions
While most high school seniors are currently finishing up college applications, some have already received early decision admission.
Early decision is a process by which a student applies to one university in November and, should they be accepted, are obligated to attend. This helps universities lock in a portion of their incoming class, and increases yield rate, which boosts rankings and has financial benefits for the school.
Critics of early decision say this poses a disadvantage to lower income students, who may not have the resources needed to navigate the application process, and also need to compare financial aid offers from various school before committing. Additionally, the perks of applying early, namely a much higher chance of acceptance, incentivize students to commit to a school before they’ve had a chance to think through what they want from higher education.
On the flip side, for the student who knows exactly where they want to go, early decision is a boon, and should they be accepted, allows them to experience a stress-reduced senior year. And Ivies have argued that their skewed early decision admittance rates are actually a result of the applicant pool being stronger, not special preference.
Students, parents, educators, counselors – what do you think of early decision? Does it create an unfair playing field or is it a helpful course of action for students who’ve committed to one school?
Guests:
Bruce Poch, dean of admission and executive director of college counseling at Chadwick School and former Dean of Admissions of Pomona College, which offers early decision
Jon Reider, director of college counseling at San Francisco University High School, co-author of Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting into College
FilmWeek’s Christmas 2016 edition: 'Sing,' 'Passengers,' 'Why Him?' and more
It's a big week for new movies. Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig, Wade Major and Charles Solomon will review the big releases and notable indies including: an animated musical opening in wide release, "Sing;" Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt star in "Passengers," a sci-fi action flick; "Why him?" a goofy family comedy with James Franco and Bryan Cranston; plus "Hidden Figures," "Julieta," "A Monster Calls" and more.
TGI-FilmWeek!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wfrDhgUMGI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoi4dbpqZmg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2Xbo-irtBA
Wade's Hits
- "Sing"
- "Julieta"
- "A Monster Calls"
- "I, Daniel Blake"
Claudia's Hits
Charles' Hits
Mixed Reviews
- Wade: "Passengers," "Hidden Figures," "Patriots Day" & "Silence"
- Claudia: "Passengers," "Sing," "Patriots Day" & "Toni Erdmann"
This Week's Misses
Guests:
Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and host for IGN’s DigiGods.com
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and President, Los Angeles Film Critics Association; she tweets
Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC and Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine
FilmWeek ranks best Christmas movies of all time
The chilly holiday season is the perfect time to curl up with old DVDs, classic streaming choices, or movie marathons on actual cable television!
Many movie lovers return to old childhood favorites, be it "A Christmas Story," "It's a Wonderful Life," or "Home Alone." Let FilmWeek help program your holiday. Which Christmas film do you think is a must-see? What films help stretch the genre, such as “Die Hard?” What elements are a must for your holiday favorites?
Vote in our Ranker below and be sure to add any that aren't on our list!
Guests:
Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and host for IGN’s DigiGods.com
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and President, Los Angeles Film Critics Association; she tweets @ClaudiaPuig
Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC and Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine