Today on AirTalk, he discuss the Hollywood Bowl's historic closure this season due to COVID-19. Also on the show, we review local and national political news; discuss what you most about L.A. from the "Before Time"; and more.
Daily COVID-19 Update: Masks Now A Must In LA City
Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday afternoon that face coverings are now required in the city of Los Angeles when going out in public. L.A. residents must now wear a mask when entering any retail establishment, when exercising in your neighborhood or on a beach or trail, and when using any form of public transportation or passing through Los Angeles International Airport.
L.A. County Beaches also reopened on Wednesday for active use only and provided that beachgoers observe physical distancing. LAist’s Chava Sanchez visited Venice Beach on its first day back open to see how many people showed up and whether folks were following the rules. You can read about what Chava saw at LAist.com
Meanwhile, Nearly 3 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week as the viral outbreak led more companies to slash jobs even though most states have begun to let some businesses reopen under certain restrictions. Roughly 36 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the two months since the coronavirus first forced millions of businesses to close their doors and shrink their workforces, the Labor Department said Thursday. An additional 842,000 people applied for aid last week through a separate federal program set up for the self-employed and gig workers. On Capitol Hill, the U.S. immunologist who says he lost his government job because he warned the Trump administration to prepare for the coronavirus pandemic isn't backing off his bleak forecast. Dr. Rick Bright is telling Congress that America faces the “darkest winter in modern history” unless its leaders act decisively to prevent a rebound of the coronavirus. Bright appeared Thursday before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In prepared testimony, Bright says failing to develop a national coordinated response, based in science, could mean the pandemic will get far worse and cause unprecedented illness and fatalities. President Donald Trump has called Bright “a disgruntled employee."
With files from the Associated Press
Guest:
Dean Blumberg, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital
I Just Want A Bacon-Wrapped Street Dog: What’s The Most LA Thing You Miss About LA?
Earlier this week, the New York Times published a story about what “hardcore” New Yorkers miss about the city.
Well, today we want to hear from our hardcore Angelenos. It could be al pastor tacos from Leo’s taco truck or the crowd of regulars at Precinct DTLA’s drag trivia night or the scent of orange blossoms when you drive through Northridge. It could be anything, as long as it’s uniquely L.A. and you genuinely miss it.
Call us at 866-893-5722.
Here’s what AirTalk’s staff is missing:
“I want to be served really weak Pu’er tea at a dim sum joint, sip it for hours on end with my food. I want to get a great tasting cocktail at an outdoor bar on a hot summer night - and enjoy that special tipsiness. I want to look at all the things I can do on a Friday night... ALL THE THINGS Los Angeles has to offer... and then say, MEH, I'll stay home.” - Fiona Ng
“I miss wandering Daiso aisles and buying things I didn't need! And hikes with people outside my "household".” - Monica Bushman
“I miss Smorgasburg LA -- and just getting a drink at a bar honestly (specifically Local Peasant in Sherman Oaks)” - Lindsey Wright
“I miss Barnsdall Park and KBBQ *crying face*. Oh and late night taco trucks.” - Sabrina Fang
“I miss meeting my friends Sunday mornings at the Rose Bowl to run and then immediately going to Division 3 and getting two hot cheesy egg biscuit sandwiches.” - Julia Murray
“I miss BYOB Cha Cha Chicken runs near the beach and also seeing people outside my ‘household.’” - Natalie Chudnovsky
DC Politics Roundup: GOP Flips CA House Seat And The Next Coronavirus Relief Bill
In the special election race to replace former Rep. Katie Hill, who resigned in October, former Navy pilot Mike Garcia became the first Republican to flip a Democratic House seat in California since 1998. Democratic Assemblymember Christy Smith conceded the race yesterday. Garcia and Smith will again face off in November, when voters will decide who wins a new two-year term.
Then, the latest development in an F.B.I. investigation into corruption at Los Angeles city hall — real estate developer George Chiang will plead guilty in connection with a scheme to bribe public officials.
What's the latest on the next coronavirus relief bill? A $3-trillion proposal introduced by House Democrats, which would direct funds to states, local governments and individuals, has already been rejected by Republicans.
And today, ousted vaccine expert Rick Bright testifies before a House panel. Bright says he was removed as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority because he was uncomfortable with promoting hydroxychloroquine as a coronavirus treatment. The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health called today’s hearing after Bright filed a whistleblower complaint with the Office of Special Counsel over his removal.
Guest:
Ron Elving, senior editor and correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News; he tweets
Hollywood Bowl Cancels 2020 Season For The First Time In Its History
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced today that they are cancelling the 2020 season at the Hollywood Bowl and Ford Theaters.
The decision marks the first time in the beloved venue's history that a season has been cancelled. Concerts and other programs normally start in June and run through September. Like a decision earlier in the year to cancel the remaining concerts scheduled for Disney Hall, L.A. Phil. officials said it was made "in an effort to protect artists, audiences, and staff from the spread of COVID-19." They estimate that the cancellation will cost them about $80 million in revenue loss. In anticipation of that, the association is furloughing approximately 25% of its full-time, non-union staff and laying off all seasonal Hollywood Bowl employees. The orchestra members will also be furloughed. Prior to this decision, the L.A. Phil had already laid-off all part-time staff and cut existing salaries by 35%.
Today on AirTalk, we discuss the impacts of the decision? Do you frequent the Hollywood Bowl? Tell us how you’re feeling about the news by calling 866-893-5722.
Read the full LAist story from Gina Pollack here
Guest:
Chad Smith, chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association