South Orange County's Foothill Toll Road Extension Debate; King/Drew Takeover Plan Approved By County; Skin
South Orange County's Foothill Toll Road Extension Debate
The proposed toll road extension has touched off a debate among Orange County residents because it would cut through part of San Onofre State Beach. Environmentalists contend the project would threaten wildlife habitat and damage Trestles, a storied surf spot among locals. Business interests argue that the road would alleviate traffic congestion and boost the local economy. Larry hosts an AirTalk town hall discussion to learn about the pros and cons of the Foothill toll road extension.
King/Drew Takeover Plan Approved By County
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors yesterday unanimously approved a plan to preserve federal funding and prevent King/Drew Medical Center from closing. The MetroCare plan will be submitted now to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It will include a request for $200 million for a one-year full funding extension and one-time transitional funding not to exceed $50 million. Because King/Drew failed a recent CMS inspection, it stands to lose all of its federal funding, about $200 million, when the CMS contract expires November 30. If CMS rejects the plan, King/Drew will be forced to shut down. Larry Mantle talks about the plan and its proposed changes to the hospital with Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Director Bruce Chernof, LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and others.
Skin
We expose it, cover it, paint it, tattoo it, scar it, and pierce it. Our skin protects us while advertising our health, our identity, and our individuality. Larry talks with anthropologist Nina Jablonski about her new book Skin: A Natural History, which explores the evolution, biology, and social significance of the human skin.