Today on AirTalk we look at Governor Brown's budget deal and its effect on tuition, discuss the sale of the Forum in Inglewood, debate the merits of regulating internet phone service, ask if it's possible for women to "have it all," and invite artists working on the play "War Horse" to talk about their craft.
Governor wants to put the freeze on state tuitions
The cost of a degree at California’s public universities has more than tripled over the last decade – and more increases are in sight. Earlier this year, California State University prompted statewide student outcry when it announced a 9.1% tuition increase for fall. University of California regents have been contemplating a 6% jump. Now state lawmakers and Governor Jerry Brown have announced a bold crackdown.
Under their proposed plan, if the universities hike their rates, they risk being denied $125 million in state funds. The plan, which is under legislative review, would force them to freeze tuition in hopes of getting the money next year – if voters approve Brown’s proposed budget, which includes tax increases, in November. California’s state universities are already poised to take a $500 million hit if that budget is voted down.
Is the governor going too far in trying to check rising college costs? Is it even feasible to force a tuition freeze? If Brown’s budget isn’t approved, how will California universities survive?
GUESTS
Claudia Keith, assistant vice chancellor for public affairs, California State University
HD Palmer, Deputy Director of External Affairs, California Department of Finance
Jon Coupal, President, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
Matt Haney, Executive Director, University of California Student Association
Madison Square Garden coming to Inglewood's Forum
The long-rumored deal has been sealed. The world famous Madison Square Garden company (MSG) has purchased the world famous Forum for $23.5 million. On top of that, MSG promises to spend $50 million renovating the historic facility.
The deal aims to attract stellar performers and revitalize the surrounding community. Staples Center is the obvious competition, but between hockey games and basketball there isn't always time for musical acts. "We look forward to bringing our passion and expertise in music and entertainment to the West Coast – and to having the privilege to make the Forum a must-play venue once again," said MSG president Melissa Ormond in a statement.
Why did it take more than a year to finalize the deal? What are its prospects? How will it help the city of Inglewood? What's the transportation plan? Will mass transit play a role? Where will people park their cars?
Guest:
David Brooks, Managing Editor, Venues Today – industry trade publication
Should internet phone service be regulated?
By all indications, landlines as we know them are going the way of the rotary dial phone. Over 25 percent of American households are now “cell-phone only.” And over a quarter of California homes have ditched Ma Bell and now use VoIP – Voice Over Internet Protocol – for their residential phone service.
This service is currently unregulated by California’s Public Utilities Commission, which among other things oversees the 911 emergency network, enforces worker safety on telephone poles, monitors consumer complaints and enforces privacy rights. The CPUC has hinted it might want to include VoIP in its purview, but a new bill introduced by State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Los Angeles) would allow VoIP to go permanently unregulated – and untaxed.
Opponents of the bill, who include consumer groups and public utility workers’ unions, point to the danger to consumers if public oversight is lost in these critical areas. Not to mention the devastating tax hit as more households go VoIP – the Utility Users Tax currently contributes over $250 million to L.A.’s general fund alone.
Not surprisingly, the bill is backed by major Silicon Valley players and is supported by tech giants such as AT&T and Microsoft. The tech sector fears that imposing government oversight on VoIP could stifle innovation and stunt economic growth.
Is that true? Which is the better service – for consumers and society – landline or VoIP? What are the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP compared to traditional phone service? Have you gone VoIP at home?
Guests:
Robert Callahan, director, State Government Affairs for TechAmerica
Inez Gonzalez, Executive Vice President of National Hispanic Media Coalition
Can women indeed 'have it all,' and what does that even mean?
The modern woman most likely juggles her time between family, job, and any semblance of a social life she’s able to pull together in her spare time. Successfully keeping all of these plates spinning means to “have it all” -– but is that even possible?
The women’s movement of the 1970s seemed to hold out that promise, as women achieved equality in the workplace. But in a recent op-ed for The Atlantic, Anne-Marie Slaughter, mother of two young sons, wrote that she left her dream job at the State Department after two years because of the strain on her family life. To her own surprise, she says, she now believes women can’t “have it all.”
But what does “have it all” really mean? How can one possibly measure success in all three arenas? Is “having it all” a realistic goal for women – or anyone – to aspire to? If you “have it all” – what’s your secret?
Guests:
Anne-Marie Slaughter, writer of The Atlantic article, “Why Women Still Can’t Have it All”; Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University
Rebecca Traister, writer of the Salon.com article, “Can Modern Women Have it All?”
Lori Gottlieb, writer of The Atlantic article, “Why There’s No Such Thing as ‘Having It All’ –and There Never Will Be;” Author of "Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough" (Dutton Adult)
The inventive puppet creators of 'War Horse'
One of the most celebrated plays in recent years, “War Horse” is now wowing L.A. audiences for the first time at the Ahmanson Theater.
It’s been showered with Tony Awards. The film version by Steven Spielberg was nominated for an Oscar, but it was missing a most captivating aspect of the stage production. The story – based on a children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo – follows young Albert on his quest during the Great War to find and bring home his horse Joey, who was sold to the cavalry.
The life-size horse puppets are visually striking and masterfully controlled by actors on stage. Made of steel, leather, cane and aircraft cables, these “horses” take on a life of their own. The memorable beasts were created by Handspring Puppet Company, which has been lauded for the one-of-a-kind creations.
“War Horse” is currently playing at the Ahmanson Theater through July 29.
What about this story makes it a great novel, play and movie? How do the written word, stage and film versions compare?
Guests:
Adrian Kohler, co-founder of the Handspring Puppet Company and co-creator of the War Horse puppetry
Basil Jones, co-founder of the Handspring Puppet Company and co-creator of the War Horse puppetry
Michael Morpurgo, Author of more than 100 children’s books including War Horse (Scholastic Press), the book that the play War Horse and Steven Spielberg’s film of the same name was based upon; Britain’s Children’s Laureate from 2003-2005