Gains in Test Scores; Tax Cut For L.A. Businesses; Surveillance Cameras in Hollywood; FilmWeek
Gains in Test Scores
On Thursday, State education officials released the Academic Performance Index, which grade campuses on a scale from 200 to 1,000 based on students’ scores in math, English and other subjects. The results were disappointing, revealing that fewer than half of California’s students met the state’s targets for academic performance this year, a marked decline from last year’s performance. Jack O'Connell, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, joins Host Larry Mantle to discuss the test scores.
Tax Cut For L.A. Businesses
A City Council Committee on Thursday recommended a tax reform plan that would eliminate the business tax for businesses with gross receipts of $100,000 or less. It would reduce the tax by 15% for all other businesses. Since 61% of the businesses in Los Angeles earn less than $100,000 a year, this could act as an incentive for small businesses to stay in the City, and may even attract. Councilwoman Wendy Grueuel, a member of the City Council’s Ad Hoc Business Tax Reform Committee, joins Larry to discuss the issue.
Surveillance Cameras in Hollywood
As soon as January, the LAPD will install surveillance cameras in Los Angeles, starting with Hollywood Boulevard. This move is intended to cut down on crime, but civil libertarians are not so sure that the installation of the cameras is the best way to fight crime. Ramona Ripston, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, and Jan Perry, City Councilwoman for District 9, join Larry to discuss the issue.
FilmWeek
Larry Mantle and critics Henry Sheehan of HenrySheehan.com and Scott Foundas of Variety and the L.A. Weekly discuss this week's new film releases, including Ray, Saw, Birth, Enduring Love, Incantato, It's All About Love, and The Manson Family.