As the Zimmerman trial prepares to close, is it necessary for Florida to prepare for possible riots? Next, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano resigns to be the next president of the University of California school system. Then, serial rapist Christopher Evans Hubbart may be released back into society. What steps should sexual predators take before being released? Then, Filmweek critics Tim Cogshell and Andy Klein review this week's releases, and a new documentary "Blackfish" explores if killer whales should live in captivity.
Florida community leaders anticipate reaction to Zimmerman verdict
The highly charged murder trial of George Zimmerman concludes today. As jury deliberations begin, supporters of 17-year-old African American victim, Trayvon Martin, are hoping for a conviction. However, if the jury returns an acquittal, local leaders are calling for calm. This week, Jacksonville Pastor John Guns said, "Let's learn lessons from this and not simply repeat the painful history that our country has experienced." Area law enforcement are preparing for protests nonetheless. Time magazine commentator, Marc Polite, says the tone of preparations is racial fear mongering. He wrote, "In some ways, the calls for order recapitulate what this case is all about—the assumption of violence on the part of the black community, and of black men." Others say protesting trial verdicts are a legitimate part of American discourse.
Guests:
Melina Abdullah, Professor and Chair of Pan-African Studies at California State University
Joe Hicks, Vice President, Community Advocates, Inc.
Serial rapist Christopher Evans Hubbart and conditional release: a look at rehabilitation and its effectiveness
Convicted serial rapist Christopher Evans Hubbart's scheduled release from a mental hospital in Los Angeles County has stirred up a lot of emotions. Hubbart admitted to authorities he has raped nearly 40 women throughout California between 1971 and 1983. He was first arrested in 1972 for a series of rapes in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. After his release from a state mental hospital in 1979 Hubbart moved to the Bay Area and reoffended. In 1996, Hubbart was classified as a sexually violent predator and was committed to Coalinga State Hospital, where he is still incarcerated.
In May, a judge in Santa Clara County granted Hubbart conditional release, saying that there's enough evidence to show that Hubbart "would not be a danger to others due to his diagnosed mental disorder while under the supervision and treatment in the community."No release date has been set, and authorities still need to determine where Hubbart would go. But the college town of Claremont, where Hubbart grew up in, is already gearing up to fight his release. Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said her office will also challenge his release decision.If released, Hubbard would be put under strict supervision. He would be the first sexually violent predator to be conditionally released in Los Angeles County. Hubbart’s lawyer says he is unlikely to reoffend.
What’s the process to determine whether a serial sex offender is ready to re-enter society? What are steps and treatments sexually violent predators must go through before they could be released?
Guests:
Vonda Tracey, Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney, the Forensic Mental Issues Team that’s handling Hubbart’s release
Christine Ward, Executive Director of Crime Victims Action Alliance
Filmweek: Pacific Rim, Grown Ups 2, The Hunt and more
Larry and KPCC critics Tim Cogshell and Andy Klein review this week’s releases, including Pacific Rim, Grown Ups 2, The Hunt and more. TGI-Filmweek!
Pacific Rim
Grown Ups 2
The Hunt
Fruitvale Station
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Andy Klein, film critic for KPCC and the L.A. Times Community Papers chain
Part 1: Can killer whales be kept safely in captivity?
In February 2010, a performing killer whale named Tilikum killed Dawn Brancheau, killed a trainer at SeaWorld. People blamed Brancheau’s death on “trainer error,” but Tilikum is notorious for being the only Orca in the world that has taken the lives of several people while in captivity. In Blackfish, director-producer Gabriela Cowperthwaite explores the complexities of the relationships between trainers and killer whales in captivity and looks at the treatment the animals face.
Is it possible for these powerful animals to be tamed? Are all whales in captivity traumatized by that experience? Or is it possible for them to be kept safely?
Guests:
Gabriela Cowperthwaite, director of the documentary “Blackfish”
John Hargrove, former killer whale trainer with nearly two decades training orcas at SeaWorld of California, SeaWorld of Texas, and Marineland in the south of France
Part 2: California lawmaker wants to ban SeaWorld’s killer whale shows (original airdate: 7/12/13)
Last year's documentary "Blackfish" sparked a huge outcry over the use of orcas, known as "killer whales", which have been performing at SeaWorld's theme parks for decades. The film details the tragic death of orca whale trainer Dawn Brancheau who was killed at the SeaWorld theme park in Orlando, Fla. after being pulled into the tank by a killer whale.
In response, Assemblyman Richard Bloom sponsored legislation today to end the practice of using orcas for performances at theme parks. The bill does not call out SeaWorld by name but the San Diego park is the only venue in the state that uses orcas for entertainment.
The bill seeks to permanently end the use of performing orcas in theme shows, ban captive breeding and prohibit the import and export of killer whales. It would also require that all current captive orcas be retired to sea pens, if available, and not used for performances.
Animal rights activists have been calling on SeaWorld to stop using orcas for performance because of concerns over the whale's well being and the safety of trainers.
In a statement, SeaWorld dismissed the legislation and said that it already operates under multiple federal, state and local animal welfare laws. Is banning the ‘killer whale’ shows
Guests:
Naomi Rose, Marine Mammal Scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute. She worked with Assemblyman Richard Bloom on the California Captive Orca Safety and Welfare Act (AB 2140)
Mark A. Simmons, former senior trainer at SeaWorld Orlando who appeared in the film “Blackfish”, Vice President of Ocean Embassy
BREAKING: New rules to remove fire pits in Newport Beach
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) today ruled 7-6 to create new rules for fire pits. The fire pits need to be kept 700 feet away from residential homes, according to the ruling.
The SCAQMD said this will only affect 10 percent of the fire pits, but the ruling could spell the end of fire pits in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, though it wouldn't likely effect those in Huntington Beach.
Before fire pits are removed, however, cities that want them gone will have to apply to the California Coastal Commission for a permit. If the CCC approves the permit, pits violating the rules will be removed, but the CCC aren't likely to simply rubber stamp the legislation.
Guest:
Ben Bergman, KPCC's Orange County reporter