Prank or Racism?; Neighborhood Council Audit; Climate Change Impacts On California
Prank or Racism?
The Los Angeles City Council will again consider today whether to override Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's veto of a $2.7 million settlement with Tennie Pierce, a black Los Angeles firefighter who alleges that he was the target of racial discrimination when fellow firefighters at his Westchester fire station fed him dog food. It would take 10 votes to override the mayor's veto...something City Hall-watchers say is unlikely. It was back on November 8th that the council approved the settlement with Pierce. But since then, photos have surfaced that show Pierce participating in a hazing ritual of other firefighters, something he originally denied. Larry asks KPCC's listeners--is this racism or hazing? And whatever it was...is the settlement proper or excessive?
Neighborhood Council Audit
According to the City Controller, the Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment lacks the authority it needs to monitor and train members of the city's nearly 90 Neighborhood Councils. The 42-page audit, released yesterday by City Controller Laura Chick, includes 25 recommendations for improving the department, which was created to coordinate the citywide network of councils. Larry Mantle talks about the audit and its recommendations with the Controller and with former Neighborhood Empowerment general manager Greg Nelson.
Climate Change Impacts On California
What impact will global warming have on California's ecosystems, resources and human health? Larry Mantle and guests discuss the projected effects of climate change on California's environment and population. He also examines policy initiatives that California government agencies and lawmakers are considering. For more information, go to Climatechange.gov.