Work is well underway to create an earthquake warning system. How could an warning system improve California's earthquake preparedness? General Jeffrey Sinclair's plea deal and sentence has caused a wave of controversy surrounding the Military's response to sexual assault charges. What’s the best way to handle military sex crimes?
Should a statewide early earthquake warning system be free and available to the public?
Scientists at both public and private institutions are hard at work on early warning systems that will alert subscribers to an earthquake seconds before the rumbles are felt.
Within a few years the early warning systems should be developed enough to be in homes across the state - allowing people precious time to prepare for a quake. But publicly funded companies and private enterprise are increasingly at odds about how the early warning systems will work and who will have access to them.
Many schools, businesses and state agencies across the state already pay an annual subscription fee for the early alerts but the cost is out of reach for many households. Last year, the California legislature mandated that the development of a statewide early warning system use a combination of public and private funds with no money from the state general fund used to pay for the $80 million price tag.
If private enterprise is putting major money behind the development will the system remain too expensive for most residents? What will a statewide early warning system look like? Should Californians have to pay for access to quake alerts or should the system be free to the public?
Guest:
Tom Heaton, director of the Earthquake Engineering Research Laboratory at Caltech
Controversy erupts over army general's plea deal after sex assault charge
The plea deal and sentencing in the court-martial sex-assault case against General Jeffrey Sinclair has some critics crying foul, calling the reprimand a slap on the wrist, even as supporters praise the decision as a sign that the military justice system is still working.
Sinclair, who pled guilty to charges of adultery after being accused of sexual assault and extortion, will serve no jail time. The General will resign from his post, pay a fine, and continue to receive his military pension.
Another sexual assault case fell apart on the same day as Sinclair’s sentencing -- Midshipman Joshua Tate was found not guilty of sexually assaulting a Naval Academy classmate. The victim had alleged Tate and two other Naval Academy students sexually assaulted her while she was intoxicated.
Both the Naval Academy case and the case against General Sinclair have fueled debate about how the military handles sexual assault investigations and prosecutions. How does the military chain of command affect sexual assault cases? What’s the best way to handle military sex crimes?
Guests:
Greg Jacob, former marine and policy director at the Service Women’s Action Network- an advocacy group focused on eliminating harassment and assault within the military
John A. Convery, Attorney and partner in the San Antonio firm Hasdorff & Convery, P.C.; Convery has defended military personnel as a civilian counsel throughout Europe
Consumer Reports top cars and auto tips for 2014
Consumer Reports tested and tinkered with hundreds of car models in 10 categories for its Top Picks auto report card. This year, the publication surveyed 260 models and rated them on three criteria: reliability, safety and performance.
All cars considered for the list are tested at the publication's 327-acre test track in Connecticut.
Topping the list for 2014 with a best overall rating is the all-electric Tesla Model S, which the publication calls, "a glimpse into a future where cars and computers coexist in seamless harmony."
In the pickup truck category is the Ram 1500, the first time in 16 years that a Chrysler model has made the list.
Holding down its position as best green car is the Toyota Prius, which has claimed ownership of that category for the 10 years (the Honda Civic Hybrid was named best green car in 2003).
Even if you choose a car off the Top 10, what are the must-have car features and which ones can you skip? What are the best cars under $25,000? How do brands stack up in Consumer Report’s “manufacturer’s report cards?”
Guest:
Jennifer Stockburger, Director of Operations, Consumer Reports Auto Test Center
Filmweek: Muppets Most Wanted, Divergent, Nymphomaniac: Volume I and more
Larry and KPCC film critics Alynda Wheat and Henry Sheehan review this week’s releases, including Muppets Most Wanted, Divergent, Nymphomaniac: Volume I and more. TGI-Filmweek!
Muppets Most Wanted
Divergent
Nymphomaniac: Volume I
Guests:
Alynda Wheat, film critic for KPCC and People
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com