Today on AirTalk, we discuss the latest on a proposed bill that would triple the rebate that California drivers get for purchasing a full-battery electric vehicle. We also take your questions about earthquake insurance and examine and why so few Californians have it; take a look at consent in modern dating; and more.
Why Two Earthquakes Of A Similar Magnitude Can Feel So Different
On July 4th, Southern California was hit by an earthquake with a 6.4 magnitude, which was quickly followed by a magnitude 7.1 a day later.
These were the biggest earthquakes, when measured by magnitude, in twenty years.
But locals who felt the tremblors report a variety of experiences–to some, the first one felt more intense despite being smaller in magnitude.
And for Southern Californians who remember the 1994 Northridge quake, which had a magnitude of 6.7 , it is difficult to believe that the quakes felt last week were “bigger” in regards to the intensity that was felt.
Larry sits down with a seismologist to help us understand why two earthquakes of a similar magnitude can present different levels of intensity.
We also want to hear from you if you remember the Northridge earthquake or felt the tremors last week. We’re at 866-893-KPCC.
Guest:
Egill Hauksson, research professor of geophysics at Caltech
Earthquake Insurance 101: We Answer Your Questions And Confusions
With the recent Ridgecrest earthquakes, you might be giving earthquake insurance more serious consideration.
Is it worth the cost? If you live in a condo, is it worth getting it for your unit if your building isn’t insured? What about if you’re renting?
Glenn Pomeroy of the California Earthquake Authority joins us to answer your questions and to clear up misconceptions.
Call us at 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Glenn Pomeroy, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority
Netflix To Snuff Out (Some) Smoking In Original Programming Aimed At Younger Viewers
Netflix has decided to nix depictions of smoking from original content rated TV-14 or PG-13 and under.
The announcement comes after the release of a report from an anti-tobacco group that found that imagery of smoking in Netflix content had tripled last year, when compared to the year prior. The top offenders? “Stranger Things,” “Orange Is The New Black,” and “Fuller House.”
Netflix will allow exceptions for factual or historical accuracy, although it’s unclear, for example, if the popularity of cigarettes in the 80s would grant that exception for a show like “Stranger Things.”
As reported by Indiewire, even adult content will need to justify scenes of smoking as necessary to the larger vision of the project.
Do you think this is a responsible move by Netflix that will deter younger viewers from potentially swaying imagery of smoking? Or is this an unnecessary clamp down on artistic agency? If you’re a parent, how do you feel about smoking on the screen, especially in content meant for kids?
Call us at 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Todd Spangler, New York digital editor at Variety; he tweets
Bill To Expand EV Rebates Aims To Jolt Sales And Fight Climate Change, But Will It Make More Californians Go Electric?
California Assemblyman Phil Ting has proposed a bill that he hopes will help the state stay on track with its goals to fight climate change and help more Californians take advantage of the state’s rebate program for electric vehicles.
AB 1046 would triple the rebate that California drivers get for purchasing a full-battery electric vehicle from the current flat $2,500 to up to $7,500 and reduce rebates over time, the idea being that EVs will become more popular as time goes on and that the gradual reduction in the rebate will incentivize consumers to go electric now instead of waiting several years. It also directs the state Air Resources Board to come up with a plan to continuously fund the rebate expansion. Under the current program, funding for EV rebates runs out every fiscal year and new monies have to be appropriated by the legislature, which means if you miss out on your rebate this year, you have to get on a waiting list to take advantage of the following year’s rebate pot.
If you’ve been on the fence about getting an EV, what has been the impediment? Lack of selection? Purchase or maintenance cost? Lack of knowledge? Charging stations? What would get you to buy an EV?
Guests:
Phil Ting, California Assembly member (D-San Francisco) representing the 19th Assembly District, which encompasses western San Francisco and northern San Mateo County and author of AB 1046
James Moore, professor of engineering and public policy at USC
David Rapson, associate professor of economics and co-director of the Davis Energy Economics Program (DEEP) at UC Davis
Drawing The Line: Consent In Modern Dating
Dating in 2019 is arguably quite different from dating in 2016, before the #metoo movement took a global stage.
While the public accusations of prominent figures like Harvey Weinstein started mainstream discussions around consent, the accusation by a woman who goes by the name of “Grace” about Aziz Ansari marked a moment of nuance in #metoo discourse.
For some, especially those from older generations, Grace’s account was one of a mutually consensual, adult encounter, where for others, power dynamics and lack of explicit consent make Grace’s accusation valid.
Yesterday, Ansari released his new special “Right Now” in which he addresses the sexual misconduct accusation.
His return to comedy reopened conversations about where the line is drawn in getting consent and who should be held accountable for communicating consent in a sexual situation.
If you have an opinion or experience you’d like to share about consent, we want to hear from you.
We’re at 866-893-KPCC.
Guest:
Lisa Bonos, writer and editor for the Washington Post’s Relationships column; she also reported on how the #metoo movement has changed modern dating and tweets