A family was involved in a biker clash that left one man severely injured. When does our right to flee trump the safety of others? Then, the Solar Decathlon kicks off. This futuristic architecture competition gives a glimpse of solar -powered homes of the future. Are these homes even practical? Lastly, TGIF it's FilmWeek with our critics talking about Gravity, Runner, Runner and More! What movie are you going to see this weekend?
When does our right to flee danger trump the safety of others?
Police are still trying to identify some of the 30 bikers believed to have been involved in a road rage incident in New York on Sunday. A viral video filmed from one of the biker’s helmet camera shows much of the event.
The 30 motorcyclists were said to have been taking part in an unauthorized rally known as "Hollywood Stuntz" on a New York highway when the confrontation began. Alexian Lein was driving his SUV with his wife and 2-year-old daughter when one biker, later identified as 28-year-old Christopher Cruz, slowed down after merging in front of Lein’s car.
Lein clipped Cruz’s motorcycle, leading the entire biker crew to stop, many of them surrounding his vehicle. In an attempt to escape the scene, Lein drove away, subsequently running over one of the bikers, identified as 32-year-old Edwin Mieses Jr., who suffered injuries that may leave him paralyzed.
The motorcyclists continued to follow Lein, eventually catching up with him, pulling him out of his car and beating him. Lein suffered minor injuries.
Were Lein’s actions justified under the circumstances or did he have other options? Should he be punished for running over the biker? What should the consequences be for the bikers involved?
KPCC's online polls are not scientific surveys of local or national opinion. Rather, they are designed as a way for our audience members to engage with each other and share their views. Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, facebook.com/kpcc, or in the comments below.
Guests:
Adam Winker, Professor at UCLA School of Law
Jonathan Kelman, criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles
Solar Decathlon: Futuristic architecture competition kicks off in OC Great Park
If your electricity or gas bill is getting you down, then take a trip to Irvine this week for a glimpse at solar-powered "net zero" homes of the future. The biennial Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build and operate affordable, attractive and energy-efficient homes.
Teams from around the world include the Czech Republic and Canada all the way back to USC and a combined team from Caltech and the Southern California Institute of Architecture.
The federal Energy Department sponsors the competition in hopes that home builders can gain from the advances.
Are the homes practical? Why aren't there more solar-powered homes on the grid? All the homes have the similar streamlined looks - is there such a thing as a solar-powered craftsman or Victorian?
The free public event will be open to the public 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 3 to 6 and 10 to 13 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine. Details here.
Guests:
Gary Paige, Architect & Faculty Advisor for the USC team (University of Southern California)
Ella Seal, Mechanical Engineer (Caltech Class of 2013); Team member of the SCI-Arc/Caltech DALE Home entry in the Solar Decathlon
Filmweek: Gravity, Runner Runner, A.C.O.D. and more
Larry is joined by KPCC critics Henry Sheehan and Claudia Puig to review this week’s releases including Gravity, Runner Runner, A.C.O.D. and more! TGI-Filmweek!
Gravity
Runner Runner
A.C.O.D.
Guests:
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and USA Today