The Senate extends the home tax credit and unemployment comp. Then, mandatory flood insurance for LA? The latest Orange County news, a talk with director Grant Heslov about his film "The Men Who Stare at Goats," and should employers cover sick leave due to swine flu? Later, the cultural implications of Starbucks.
To combat unemployment, home-buyer credit renewed and jobless benefits extended
The Senate has extended tax credits for first-time home buyers, due to expire November 30, as part of plan to combat high rates of unemployment. Current homeowners would also be eligible for a $6,500 credit when buying a new residence. The bill also extends jobless benefits, particularly in states where unemployment exceeds 8.5%. The House expects to vote on the measure today.
Guests:
Chris Thornberg, Principal, Beacon Economics
Richard Green, Director, USC Lusk Center for Real Estate
Hung out to dry
In tonight’s SoCal Connected, correspondent Judy Muller investigates why some Los Angeles-area homeowners are suddenly forced to pay expensive, mandatory flood insurance—or lose their homes. Larry talks with Judy Muller about why some residents who live far from any flood source may be required to pay more for insurance than their next store neighbors.
So Call Connected airs tonight on KCET from (8:00 – 8:30 p.m.), with additional broadcasts on Fridays (8:30 – 9:00 p.m.), Saturdays (6:00 – 6:30 p.m.), and Sundays (6:30 – 7:00 p.m.)
View the piece anytime at: www.kcet.org/socal
Guest:
Judy Muller, correspondent for SoCal Connected KCET and host of Town Hall Journal which airs on KPCC, Sundays at 9:00 pm
Orange County journalists' roundtable
Larry talks with Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly staff writer and OC journalist William Lobdell about the latest news events and developments in Orange County.
Guests:
Gustavo Arellano, staff writer for the OC Weekly and author of "Ask A Mexican"
William Lobdell, co-publisher of the Newport-Mesa Daily Voice, an online local paper, and author of "Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America - and Found Unexpected Peace"
George Clooney AND goats- what more could moviegoers want?
“The Men Who Stare at Goats,” is about a reporter in Iraq and a military unit that uses paranormal powers to fight the war. Directed by Grant Heslov, the absurdist, anti-war satire stars George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor and Kevin Spacey. With a lineup like that, who needs goats? Larry talks with director Grant Heslov about the new film, which opens November 6.
Guest:
Grant Heslov, director of "The Men Who Stare at Goats" (Overture Films)
Swine flu spurs paid sick-leave bill and debate
In an effort to limit the spread of H1N1, a senior House Dem introduced a bill that would require employers to pay for up to five days’ sick leave for workers sent home for contracting a contagious virus. This measure, which would expire in two years, is the third effort pending in Congress to mandate employer-paid sick leave. Would this temporary measure help? And is it an employer’s job to cover your sick days?
Guest:
George Miller, Congressman representing the 7th District, in the East Bay of San Francisco
The cultural implications of Starbucks
How’s that four dollar Double Mocha Mint Frappuccino and what does it say about you? These are the types of questions Historian Bryant Simon explores in his new book, “Everything but the Coffee: Learning about America from Starbucks.” Simon talks with Larry about Starbucks’ success and recent downturn and what it all reveals about us consumers.
Guest:
Bryant Simon, author of "Everything But the Coffee: Learning about America from Starbucks" (University of California Press). He is a professor of History and the Director of American studies at Temple University.