Today on AirTalk, we get the latest on Hurricane Dorian and its potential impact on coastal communities along the East Coast. We also discuss the pros and cons of a potential return of redevelopment agencies in California; interview Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez; and more.
The Latest On Hurricane Dorian’s Destruction In The Bahamas And What’s To Come For The East Coast
Hurricane Dorian wiped out entire neighborhoods and left scenes of complete destruction in areas of the Bahamas.
According to an article in the Washington Post, authorities say the recovery from the damage will cost billions. The hurricane is weaker now and rolling along the coast of Florida, but there could be more destruction coming soon. South Carolina is apparently already seeing flooding and it’s expected to get worse as the day progresses. The Post & Courier reports that forecasters expect a 10-foot high tide by 2 a.m. (EDT). Emergency officials have urged residents on the cost to evacuate. We get the latest on the hurricane and the potential impact to come.
Guests:
Jonathan Archer, rector of the Christ Episcopal Church in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood, which is known as the “Little Bahamas”; former head of a parish in Long Island, Bahamas
Bobby Allyn, staff reporter at NPR who is in Savannah, Georgia, covering Hurricane Dorian; he tweets
Trump Administration Rolls Back Energy-Efficient Light Bulb Rules
The United States Department of Energy announced plans today to roll back requirements for energy-saving light bulbs.
According to the New York Times, the policy shift could increase greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. The Natural Resources Defense Council plans to challenge the plan in court. Critics of the proposal say energy efficient light bulbs have already been widely adopted, and contributed to a six percent drop in household energy consumption since 2010. Proponents of the new rules, like the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, argue that market forces, not government regulation, should guide consumer’s usage. Are you a fan of energy efficient light bulbs? Would a roll-back impact your shopping choices? Join the conversation at 866-893-5722.
We invited the Department of Energy to join our conversation, but they did not respond to our request in time for air. Following the airing of this segment, we received this statement from Department of Energy Spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes:
Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) released two rules pertaining to light bulbs: a final rule that maintains the statutory definitions of “general service lamp” (GSL) and “general service incandescent lamp” (GSIL), and a proposed rule that determines not to amend the existing energy conservation standards for GSILs. By statute, GSILs are a subset of GSLs. Statute requires DOE to issue standards only when doing so would be economically justified. These standards are not. They would increase the price of GSILS by almost 300%, leaving the cost burden on American consumers and businesses. This action will ensure that the choice of how to light homes and businesses is left to the American people, not the federal government.
Guests:
Clark Silcox, general counsel for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the trade association representing America’s electrical manufacturers
Noah Horowitz, director of the Center for Energy Efficiency Standards at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Rhoda, She Wrote: ‘Mary Tyler Moore’ Writer On Creating Valerie Harper's Alter Ego
Valerie Harper, who scored guffaws, stole hearts and busted TV taboos as the brash, self-deprecating Rhoda Morgenstern on back-to-back hit sitcoms in the 1970s, has died at the age of 80.
Longtime family friend Dan Watt confirmed Harper died Friday, adding the family wasn’t immediately releasing any further details. She had been battling cancer for years, and her husband said recently he had been advised to put her in hospice care.
Harper was a breakout star on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” then the lead of her own series, “Rhoda.”
Many women credit the character of Rhoda has an inspiration to women in the modern workforce. Over the weekend, one of the TV writers of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” wrote about how she drew on personal experience for Rhoda’s character. We talk with Susan Silver, plus if the character of Rhoda was significant to you, give us a call at 866-893-5722.
With files from the Associated Press.
Guest:
Susan Silver, a former TV writer for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "The Bob Newhart Show" and "The Partridge Family," among other series; author of "Hot Pants in Hollywood: Sex, Secrets & Sitcoms" and a piece in the Washington Post this weekend, looking back at her work in creating the character, Rhoda Morgenstern
It’s Backkkkkk?! State Bill Wants To Revive Redevelopment Agencies To Tackle Housing Shortage
In 2011, while California was experiencing budget issues, Governor Jerry Brown killed redevelopment agencies. Now, there’s a newly proposed bill that would bring a version of these agencies back to life.
Redevelopment agencies had been around since the 1940s and their function was to invest into communities deemed “blighted.” The idea was that investment boosted property values and the subsequent tax profit would go back to the redevelopment agency, rather than into the state or county.
SB 5 would bring back redevelopment agencies, albeit with oversight and limitations on certain types of spending and a requirement that half of revenue be spent on affordable housing.
Proponents say reviving redevelopment agencies will help California address its housing crisis by providing cities with much needed funds.
Critics argue that redevelopment agencies disregarded property rights, spent money frivolously and put development decision-making into the hands of government.
We look at the pros and cons, as well as California’s long history of redevelopment agencies.
Guests:
Dan Walters, long-time CA politics observer with CALmatters, a nonprofit public interest publication
Steven Greenhut, western region director for the R Street Institute, a DC-based free market think tank, he’s also on the editorial board for Southern California News Group; he tweets
Matt Schwartz, president and CEO of California Housing Partnership, an affordable housing research and technical assistance non-profit
AirTalk One-On-One: Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, Author Of Independent Contracts Bill
California state lawmakers have just two weeks remaining in their session to sort through hundreds of bills -- and one of the most consequential may be AB-5, which codifies a California Supreme Court decision that would compel companies to classify gig workers as employees.
The bill would require companies to treat independent contractors like employees, guaranteeing them minimum wage, workers compensation and other protections. The proposal would be the nation's strictest on worker classification, potentially setting a precedent for other states. Companies say workers want to be independent because it gives them flexibility.
Larry interviews author of the bill, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez.
Guest:
Lorena Gonzalez, California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) representing the 80th District, which stretches from central San Diego to the Mexican border; author of AB-5, the bill that codifies the Dynamex decision from the California Supreme Court