Today on AirTalk, we hear from listeners about how they feel about police presence on Metro. Also on the show, we discuss two initiative that California voters will find on their ballots this November; answer your questions about COVID-19; and more.
New CA Ballot Initiatives Qualify For November: Parolee Vote And Affirmative Action
Voters will decide on the fate of two California constitutional amendments in November, both of which were a priority for the state's Legislative Black Caucus.
ACA 5 would repeal Prop 209, which bans affirmative action in the state. ACA 6 would give voting rights to parolees.
We check in on the initiatives. If you have thoughts on the measures, call us at 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Katie Orr, politics reporter for KQED; she tweets
COVID-19: Cases Surge In CA And Across The Country, Where Do We Stand With Testing?
In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry speaks with Kimberly Shriner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.
Today’s topics include:
CA sets records for highest daily cases
Old Soviet studies spark hope for virus defense
Is it becoming more difficult to get tested?
COVID-19 cases surge across the country
Some states look to slow reopenings as cases rise
Who would get a COVID-19 vaccine first?
CDC adds more symptoms to the list
Guest:
Kimberly Shriner, M.D., infectious disease specialist at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena
Should LA County Metro Reconsider Public Safety And Policing?
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is considering changes to public safety and policing. The board of directors is meeting Thursday and will consider appointing a Transit Public Safety Advisory committee to rethink what this might look like, according to L.A. Daily News.
L.A. City Councilman Mike Bonin and L.A. County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis propelled the motion forward. The changes could mean armed law enforcement wouldn’t respond in every instance. Alternatives could include the use of mental health professionals, social workers and mediators. Officials say changes in how Metro addresses public safety is necessary because of its history with racial bias. Today on AirTalk, we want to hear your thoughts on this motion. Do you think changes are necessary? Would you feel safe if mental health professionals or social workers responded to certain incidents instead of armed officers? Tell us what you think by calling 866-893-5722.
As State Officials Continue Lifting Restrictions, We Check In On The CA Tourism Industry
California Gov. Gavin Newsom was the nation’s first governor to issue a statewide stay-at-home order on March 19. He gradually started lifting the orders in May, allowing retail stores and restaurants to reopen. He soon added churches and hair salons with restrictions.
With COVID-19 cases in the state still growing, the tourism industry is trying to balance how to implement safety measures to control a pandemic without ruining the fun. Stay-at-home orders are estimated to have cost the state economy $72 billion in revenue from tourism and more than 600,000 hospitality jobs, according to Visit California, the state’s tourism marketing organization. The list of businesses cleared to reopen recently included movie theaters, bars and gyms and is the most expansive yet, though counties have the ultimate say on which stores and services can open their doors. In Southern California, cities relaxed social distancing rules this week to allow sunbathing and other passive activities at Laguna Beach, San Clemente and Seal Beach. Previously, visitors could swim, run and surf but couldn’t stay in one place. Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County’s public health director, urged businesses that choose to reopen to closely follow the social distancing protocols for doing so.
Today on AirTalk, we discuss the latest developments to the state’s tourism industry, how the pandemic has impacted the industry and efforts to bounce back. Do you have questions or thoughts? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Adam Burke, interim CEO of LA Tourism and Convention Board
Lynn S. Mohrfeld, president and CEO of the California Hotel and Lodging Association (CHLA)