Today on AirTalk, we check in on local leaders' handling of homelessness in Venice. Also on the show, we discuss the latest COVID-19 headlines; break down the rules of copyright infringement and fair use on the YouTube platform; and more.
DOC AMA: Millions Of Johnson & Johnson Shots Set To Expire, Should Newborns Have Visitors And More
In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Kimberly Shriner, infectious disease specialist at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.
Today’s topics include:
Should newborns have visitors? What are the considerations?
Millions of J&J vaccines are set to expire soon
Scientists discover how COVID-19 wreaks havoc on human lungs
Napa County records first COVID death in fully vaccinated person
Fauci says U.S. must vaccinate more Americans as Delta variant looms
Guest:
Kimberly Shriner, M.D., infectious disease specialist at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena
A Preliminary Report Finds At Least 10% Of The World’s Giant Sequoias Lost In The Castle Wildfire
At least a tenth of the world’s mature giant sequoia trees were destroyed by a single California wildfire that tore through the southern Sierra Nevada last year, according to a draft report prepared by scientists with the National Park Service.
The Visalia Times-Delta newspaper obtained a copy of the report that describes catastrophic destruction from the Castle Fire, which charred 273 square miles (707 square km) of timber in Sequoia National Park.
Researchers used satellite imagery and modeling from previous fires to determine that between 7,500 and 10,000 of the towering species perished in the fire. That equates to 10% to 14% of the world’s mature giant sequoia population, the newspaper said.
“I cannot overemphasize how mind-blowing this is for all of us. These trees have lived for thousands of years. They’ve survived dozens of wildfires already,” said Christy Brigham, chief of resources management and science at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
The consequences of losing large numbers of giant sequoias could be felt for decades, forest managers said. Redwood and sequoia forests are among the world’s most efficient at removing and storing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The groves also provide critical habitat for native wildlife and help protect the watershed that supplies farms and communities on the San Joaquin Valley floor.
Brigham, the study’s lead author, cautioned that the numbers are preliminary and the research paper has yet to be peer reviewed. Beginning next week, teams of scientists will hike to the groves that experienced the most fire damage for the first time since the ashes settled.
“I have a vain hope that once we get out on the ground the situation won’t be as bad, but that’s hope — that’s not science,” she said.
Today on AirTalk, we’re learning more about the report and what it could mean for the future of California’s iconic forests. Give us a call at 866-893-5722.
With files from the Associated Press
Guest:
Christy Brigham, chief of resources management and science at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and lead author of the new report
Checking In On Venice Following Several Incidents And Outcry Over Local Leaders’ Handling Of Homelessness
An unhoused woman pulled a knife out during a public event for City Councilmember Joe Buscaino, who has launched his bid for mayor. The incident happened on the Venice boardwalk and it’s not the only event like this to happen in the community.
Community members say they’re fed up with how local government is handling homelessness and that the problem continues to escalate. Councilmember Mike Bonin, whose district includes Venice, has proposed temporary campsites at local parks, but the move has resulted in swift backlash. Many argue not enough is being done to shelter those living unhoused. Today on AirTalk, we check in on what’s happening in Venice and how it’s impacting community members. We also want to hear from you. Are you an unhoused Angeleno or resident living in Venice? What’s your experience? What are your thoughts? Call 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times columnist who’s been writing about homelessness in Venice; he tweets
Is Playing A Led Zeppelin Chord Progression On YouTube Copyright Infringement?
As of this week, music producer and YouTube star Rick Beato has 2.34 million subscribers who watch his deep dives into musical theory, often using examples from pop music.
His videos are meant to be educational and analytical, but they are from time to time demonetized for copyright infringement. Most recently, Beato had a dispute with music publisher Warner Chappell Music, over a live streamed video called “Why Today's Music Is So BORING. The Regression of Musical Innovation,” in which he played a chord progression on his guitar of Led Zeppelin’s “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” as an example of a complex chord progression. According to a follow-up YouTube video, Beato said that Warner Chappell Music made a copyright infringement claim, he appealed citing fair use and was rejected.
Then this morning, Beato got word that the
Great news! The claim for “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” has been released. Thanks for your support🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. pic.twitter.com/dIGB9uvb7F
— Rick Beato (@rickbeato) June 8, 2021
was released.
We hold up a legal lens to the situation. What are the rules when it comes to copyright infringement and fair use in the world of music and educational YouTube videos?
Guests:
Kelly Shapiro, founder and managing partner at the Law Offices of Kelly D. Shapiro, based in Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Don Franzen, adjunct professor of business and music law at UCLA and visiting professor at Berklee School of Music; music and entertainment attorney based in Beverly Hills; he tweets
Celebrating KPCC’s Backbone: Traffic And Production
While most of you probably know KPCC by the voices you hear on air every day, our station requires the contributions of so many talented, unique individuals whose names aren’t said at the end of a news story or even in the production credits at the end of the week. These are the people who truly make KPCC -- who keep our broadcast equipment running, who put on our pledge drives and help secure sponsorships and major donations, who put together the pre-recorded spots you hear between shows, who make sure that our facilities at the Mohn Broadcast Center are operating smoothly.
This week on AirTalk, we’re highlighting some of these amazing people who work at KPCC who might not be as familiar with but whose tireless efforts are critical to what you hear on the air every day. Today, we’re featuring traffic manager Jen Baughman (and no, it’s not the kind of traffic on the freeways) and production specialist Gordon Henderson, whose voice you’ll probably recognize.
Guests:
Jenn Baughman, KPCC traffic manager
Gordon Henderson, KPCC announcer and production specialist