California's $21 billion deficit; Andre Agassi opens up about his life and tennis career; the district attorney says he'll prosecute medical marijuana dispensaries; a talk with David Cope, whose computer program "Emily Howell" composes its own music; Ruth Seymour retires as general manager of KCRW
California's gaping budget gap
Sacramento is facing a projected $21-billion deficit, according to a report released today by the chief budget analyst. California lawmakers, who barely managed to patch together a budget a few months ago, seem to be at a loss in terms of solutions. But stakeholders are already preparing for battle. Is it possible to cut any closer to the financial bone?
Guests:
John Myers, Sacramento bureau chief for KQED's California Report
H.D. Palmer, Deputy Director of External Affairs, California Department of Finance
David Sanchez, President, California Teachers Association
Andre Agassi opens up
He used to destroy the competition with explosive power followed by a quick flick of his flowing mane. Now Andre Agassi is surprising fans and former opponents alike with his candid autobiography "Open," in which he admits that he hates tennis, the hair was fake, and, yes, he used crystal meth. Tennis star Andre Agassi joins Larry in studio to talk about the charmed life he never wanted.
Guest:
Andre Agassi, author of "Open: An Autobiography" (Knopf). He has won eight Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in singles tennis.
DA to LA: sell medical pot, get busted
District Attorney Steve Cooley says he will prosecute dispensaries that sell medical marijuana even if Los Angeles passes an ordinance allowing for some cash transactions. Cooley’s announcement came one day after two LA City Council committees rejected the City Attorney’s proposed plan, which called for an outright ban of medical pot sales. What impact will Cooley’s warning have on Council deliberations? How many pot shops will Cooley go after? And when?
Guests:
Steve Cooley, District Attorney, Los Angeles County
Joe Elford, Chief Counsel, Americans for Safe Access Now
Virtual composer
Who—or what—is Emily Howell? The composer has a new CD coming out, but "her" work has stirred up confusion. That's because Emily Howell is a computer program, quite literally the brain child of UC Santa Cruz professor emeritus, David Cope. Himself a musician and composer, Cope is also a computer programmer. Larry talks with Cope about the genesis and genius of Emily Howell.
Guest:
David Cope, Professor, UC Santa Cruz
Ruth Seymour retiring from KCRW
Ruth Seymour, the general manager at public radio station KCRW in Santa Monica, has announced that she will retire in February after 32 years at the NPR affiliate. KCRW is known for its mix of public affairs shows and cutting edge music. Under her tenure, Seymour increased KCRW's global influence through its website and online presence.
Guest:
Arthur Cohen, President of the Public Radio Program Directors’ Association