California is considering a law that would require motorists to keep a three-foot buffer between their cars and cyclists. Will it help to make cyclists safer or just inconvenience drivers? Then, Anthony Weiner is back in the news--this time in a video of a confrontation with a man who insults his wife. Was Weiner's response justified? And the IOC is meeting this weekend to, among other things, plan for the 2020 Olympic Games. Where will they be held? And what sports will stay or go? Then, Larry and our critics discuss this weekend's releases and we'll talk to an author to get a retrospective view of Roman Polanski and his iconic films. TGI-FilmWeek!
California considering a three-feet buffer law for drivers wanting to pass cyclists
The Three Feet for Safety Act recently passed in the Senate by 31-7 and is awaiting a final vote in the Assembly. AB 1371, sponsored by Assemblyman Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), requires drivers to give cyclists a three-foot buffer zone when travelling in the same direction.
California law currently states that drivers can pass cyclists at a safe distance, but it’s never been defined what that distance is. Many states have established three feet as a standard distance, and Pennsylvania’s law mandates a four-feet buffer to pass.
AB 1371 is not California’s first attempt at establishing bike safety laws. Governor Jerry Brown has vetoed two previous attempts, but those bills called for drivers to slow down and gave drivers permission to cross the center line to pass cyclists. That language doesn’t exist this time around, but drivers who do not give cyclists the three-feet buffer would be fined a minimum of $35, $220 if there’s a collision.
Lawmakers such as Senator Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) say that it’s difficult to gauge a three-feet distance and cyclists sometimes need to swerve. If AB 1371 passes, it will go into effect in September 2014.
Should California implement the Three Feet for Safety Act? Is three feet not enough or too much space to pass cyclists? As a motorist, what’s your experience passing cyclists? Are you a cyclist with some close calls? What’s the best way to improve road safety for cyclists and motorists?
Guest:
Assemblyman Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), represents the 62nd district of California; he sponsored AB1371.
Was NY mayoral candidate justified in confronting an insulting voter?
Anthony Weiner is the only New York mayoral hopeful with a tendency to make news across the country. This week, while on the campaign trail at a little Brooklyn bakery shop, a man called Weiner a "scumbag," said "married to an Arab," and "you're disgusting."
Never one to shy from a confrontation, Weiner shouted "Who are you to judge me?" and told the man, later identified as Saul Kessler, to go speak with his rabbi. It was a two-minute, heated exchange captured on video, and led to more unfavorable headlines for the former Congressman taken down after lying about "sexting" with numerous women.
Do you think the exchange was blown out of proportion? What's the most skillful way for a political candidate to handle such vocal insults?
Guest:
Ross Barkan, Reporter, The New York Observer
A new city, a new president and a new sport: A big weekend ahead in Olympic news
The most important International Olympic Committee meeting in decades kicks off today in Buenos Aires. The IOC has a lot on its plate from picking a host city for the 2020 Games to choosing a new president and deciding which sport will make the cut to stay in the Olympic Games. The three competing host cities - Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul - all have challenges to overcome and there's no clear front runner. In addition to picking the host city - the IOC will also have to choose which lucky sport will become the 28th official addition to the Olympic Games.
Wrestling has its fingers crossed that it won't be booted off the roster after the commission voted earlier this year to remove it from the Games. Baseball and softball are also in contention to stay Olympic sports. After all that, the IOC still has to choose a new president to replace outgoing Jacques Rogge. The former Olympian has headed up the IOC for 12 years and is about to retire. The new president will have a whole host of challenges to take over from concerns over Russia's anti-gay stance in the upcoming Sochi winter Games to concerns about construction underway for 2016 in Rio de Janiero. A lot of lingering questions will be answered by the end of the weekend.
Which city will win the 2020 bid? Will Tokyo overcome concerns over radiation from the Fukushina nuclear disaster? Will economic problems and political instability overshadow the bids for Madrid and Istanbul? Will the IOC chose a non-European candidate for president? And which sport would you like to see added back to the Olympic Games?
Guest:
Tariq Panja, Bloomberg News reporter joining us from Buenos Aires
Phil Wallace, board member with the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games
Filmweek: Riddick, Adore, Salinger and more
Larry is joined by KPCC film critics Henry Sheehan and Lael Loewenstein to review this week’s releases, including Riddick, Salinger, Adore and more.
Then, KPCC critic Peter Rainer joins Larry to talk about Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy, screening at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. TGI-Filmweek!
Riddick
Adore
Salinger
Guests:
Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com
Lael Loewenstein, film critic for KPCC and Variety
Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor; author of "Rainer on Film: Thirty Years of Film Writing in a Turbulent and Transformative Era"
Roman Polanski: A filmmaker's retrospective
James Greenberg’s picture packed book covers Roman Polanski’s career as a filmmaker and actor. Polanski has been making films since the 60's beginning with his thriller, “Knife in the Water.” He has directed dramas and dark comedies such as “Rosemary's Baby,” 1974's “Chinatown” and the Oscar winning “The Pianist.” Greenberg's book on Polanski showcases ample photographs and stills from Polanski’s numerous films.
Greenberg interviewed Polanski extensively for this coffee table book. He first met Polanski over 20 years ago on a cruise ship when the director was filming a scene for “Bitter Moon.” Greenberg’s access to the filmmaker provides an insight into the extensive career and a behind the scenes look at some of Polanski's most iconic films.
Guest:
James Greenberg, Editor in Chief of the DGA Quarterly and author of “Roman Polanski: A Retrospective.”
Greenberg will be signing copies of the book on Sunday, September 8 at 3pm at Diesel Bookstore in Brentwood.