New restrictions for fisheries. AirTalk follows up on last week's conversation on biking in Los Angeles, a look at the Stupak-Pitts abortion amendment in the health care bill, and Larry talks with founding Monty Python member John Cleese.
Gone fishing -- but not off the coast of SoCal
A state panel has approved fishing restrictions for Southern California, where catches of some species have declined by as much as 95%. After a contentious meeting where conservationists and fishing interests expressed their concerns, the panel called for closing the waters off Laguna Beach and Point Dume, while allowing for fishing off the Palos Verdes Peninsula and most of Catalina Island. Before the California Fish and Game Commission takes up the issue next month, Larry Mantle looks at the environmental and economic impact of the decision.
Guests:
Molly Peterson, KPCC Environment reporter
Sarah Sikich, Coastal Resources Director, Heal the Bay
Wendy Tochihara, General Manager, Izorline International, a manufacturer of fishing line
Pavement wars: cyclists vs motorists -- part 2
Last week we talked about the assault, battery and mayhem convictions of Dr. Christopher Thompson, who attacked a group of cyclists on Mandeville Canyon Road by swerving his car in front of them and jamming on the brakes, seriously injuring two of them. Response to the segment was overwhelming. However, many KPCC listeners raised questions about the laws that govern cyclists. Are cyclists required to yield for passing cars? Are bikes permitted on sidewalks? What are the rights and responsibilities of California cyclists? And what is being done to improve conditions for bikes?
Guests:
Ted Rogers, freelance advertising copy writer who maintains the cycling blog, BikinginLA
Michelle Mowery, senior bicycle coordinator at LADOT. Read the City's bike plan here.
The Stupak amendment
The Stupak-Pitts Amendment in the House healthcare bill prohibits any coverage of abortion in the public option. This leaves liberals in a bind. While they want the healthcare bill to find its way to Barack Obama's desk, some--including more than 40 lawmakers--have vowed to oppose it if the language of the Amendment remains unchanged.
Guests:
Brietta Clark, Professor of Healthcare Law, at Loyola Law School
Karen Finney, democratic strategist, political commentator; former communications director for the Democratic National Committee
John Cleese: Monty Python's tallest member rises again
Python-alum John Cleese is well-known for comedy classics like Fawlty Towers and A Fish Called Wanda. Now, the acclaimed British actor, writer and producer brings his one-man show A Final Wave at the World (or the Alimony Tour, Year One) to Southern California. Cleese talks with Larry about the anguish of alimony and his life in comedy.
John Cleese will appear in “A Final Wave at the World (or The Alimony Tour, Year One)” at Lincoln Theater Napa Valley tonight and the Alex Theatre in Glendale, this Saturday, November 14.
Guest:
John Cleese, Actor and Comedian, A Final Wave at the World (or the Alimony Tour, Year One), founding member of Monty Python