Today on AirTalk, we look at an independent audit that found various shortcomings in L.A. County's voting system. Also on the show, we continue our daily coronavirus AMA with a medical expert and discuss how shutting down and reopening has affected how we think and act.
COVID-19: Younger People Accounting For More Cases, Texas Implements Further Restrictions
In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry speaks with Dean Blumberg, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of pediatric infectious disease at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
Today’s topics include:
Younger people accounting for more cases
Texas orders further restrictions
U.S. COVID-19 cases hits new one-day high
U.S. task force considers new testing strategy
What we know about dexamethasone
Are Americans open to returning to lock down and shelter in place?
Guest:
Dean Blumberg, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital
The Psychology Of Shutdown And Reopening: How You’re Grappling With Restrictions
Even though coronavirus cases have risen in California in recent days, the state is still tentatively on track towards (restricted) reopening.
As reported by the LA Times, this is partly due to economic factors. But it also has to do with the level of restriction that people can accept in their lives, psychologically speaking. As it seems we’re settling into this way of life for the long haul, we sit down with a psychologist to discuss people’s reactions and the attrition of fear, as it must be balanced with sustained careful response to the pandemic.
Plus, we want to hear about how you’re doing. Have you been able to maintain constant vigilance? If restrictions are tightened again, do you think Californians will abide? Call us at 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Diana Concannon, PsyD, dean of the California School of Forensic Studies at Alliant International University in California; she is a forensic psychologist who’s worked in crisis response for over a decade; her research interests include disaster mental health and risk assessment
Dean Blumberg, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital
Audit Finds Major Flaws With Tech And Lack Of Training In LA County’s Voting System
The findings from an independent audit released last week show numerous problems with L.A. County’s $300 million voting system. The audit, conducted by Seattle-based Slalom Consulting LLC, shows design and testing issues with the voter check-in technology, a shortage of electronic poll books and a shortage of call center staff to help with technical assistance.
The March 3 primary shed light on these issues when voters at some sites found themselves in long lines and breakdowns in the new technology. According to the Pasadena Star-News, this recent audit follows an internal audit conducted by the L.A. County Registrar’s office.Slalom recommends several efforts including starting staff recruitment earlier, enhancing training and call center support, improving transportation between sites and more. The challenges with the new voter system have some concerned as we look toward the November election. Gov. Newsom and other state and local leaders are requiring vote-by-mail ballots to be sent to every registered voters in L.A. county.
Today on AirTalk, we discuss the voter system challenges and what’s being done to address them. Do you have thoughts? Call 866-8993-5722.
Guests:
Michael Alvarez, professor of political science at Caltech and co-director of the Caltech/MIT Voting Technology Project, which conducts research and does outreach with public officials; he tweets
Fernando Guerra, professor of political science and Chicano/Latino studies and director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University; member of the KPCC Board of Trustees
FilmWeek: ‘Irresistible,’ ‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga,’ ‘My Spy’ And More
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Angie Han and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases.
"Irresistible" at Mission Tiki Drive-In & VOD (Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW & Alamo On Demand)
"Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" on Netflix
"My Spy" at Mission Tiki Drive-In, Van Buren Drive-In, Vineland Drive-In & Amazon Prime Video
"The Ghost Of Peter Sellers" on VOD (YouTube, Google Play & Amazon Prime)
"Welcome To Chechnya" on HBO
"No Small Matter" on VOD (Google Play, iTunes & Amazon Prime)
"House Of Hummingbird" on The Frida Virtual Cinema & Google Play
"The Last Tree" on Virtual cinemas, including Laemmle's & The Frida
"Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things" on Laemmle's Virtual Cinema
Our FilmWeek critics have been curating personal lists of their favorite TV shows and movies to binge-watch during self-quarantine. You can see recommendations from each of the critics and where you can watch them here.
Guests:
Angie Han, KPCC film critic and deputy entertainment editor at Mashable; she tweets
Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and CineGods.com
How Movie Theaters Large And Small Are Navigating Reopening Amid Coronavirus
As many parts of society have begun to reopen slowly, movie theaters have been cautious to follow suit, not only due to the fact that (at least here in L.A. County) there has yet to be guidance issued from the county level on how movie theaters should reopen, but also because of the uncertainty of what moviegoing will look like now in an industry that was struggling before the pandemic and now faces an additional set of challenges thanks to the threat of COVID-19.
Even the country’s largest chain, AMC, has expressed concern about its ability to continue operations if theaters remain closed for much longer, though they have announced plans to reopen on July 15. And that’s to say nothing of the smaller arthouse and indie theaters, abundant here in L.A. Some of them, like Laemmle’s and The Frida Cinema in Santa Ana have partnered with studios and distributors to create virtual cinemas and bring in some revenue, but they face a completely different set of challenges than the large theater chains do. Many own the buildings where their theater is, unlike the major exhibitors, and audiences for the indie and arthouse theaters are often older, putting them in a higher-risk group for catching coronavirus.
Today on FilmWeek, we’ll hear takes from voices representing large theater chains and smaller, family-owned theaters about what they’re considering as theaters get set to reopen and what they envision moviegoing might look like when they do.
Guests:
John Horn, host of KPCC’s “The Frame” and the new podcast “Hollywood, The Sequel” from KPCC and LAist Studios; he tweets
Patrick Corcoran, vice president and chief communications officer of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO)
Greg Laemmle, president and CEO of Laemmle Theatres; he tweets