Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf testifies before the Senate about the 2-million accounts opened on behalf of unknowing customers – we debate, is the bank too big to manage? Santa Barbara will vote on an outdoor watering ban today – a first in California – a landscaper describes what that would look like; and should In-N-Out adapt to changing times and add a veggie option to its menu, or would that be a slippery slope of bending to the latest whims of customers?
Wells Fargo's corrupt sales division: too big to manage?
The head of Wells Fargo got an earful at the Capitol as he apologized to Congress for the bank's aggressive sales practices. Facing US Senators this morning, including Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf was forced to answer for the banks' admitted wrongdoing in creating 2-million accounts without customers' authorization - malfeasance that some believe indicate the bank is too big to manage.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren flatly told Stumpf he should resign. "You squeezed your employees to the breaking point so they would cheat customers," she said. "You should resign. You should give back the money you took while the scam was going on."
In a letter to customers last week, Stumpf wrote "You may have seen news recently that some Wells Fargo customers received products and services that they did not want or need. Every day we strive to get things right. In this instance, we did not - and that is simply not acceptable." Earlier this month, California and federal regulators fined the San Francisco-based company a combined $185 million for the allegedly illegal activity - including a $50-million settlement with the City Attorney of Los Angeles. However, no individuals are being held accountable. While falsifying new accounts is illegal, aggressive “cross-selling” of credit cards or savings accounts is a profitable business that helps retain customers and is not illegal.
Is the practice too susceptible to unethical and illegal activity by bank employees? What consequences should the bank face for the wrongdoing in these cases?
With files from the Associated Press.
Guests:
Lisa Gilbert, Director, Congress Watch Division of Public Citizen - a consumer advocacy organization founded in 1971
J.W. Verret, Professor of Law, George Mason University; Member with The Mercatus Center at George Mason University - conducting market-oriented research; From May of 2013 through April of 2015, Verret served as chief economist at House Financial Services Committee
4 alternatives to grass if Santa Barbara bans outdoor watering
Santa Barbara may be known for beautiful gardens and lawns, but it's no exception to California's five-year drought. The area's City Council is considering implementing a complete ban on outdoor watering, leaving the future of green lawns in limbo.
Lili Singer, director of special projects and adult education at the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers & Native Plants, joined "AirTalk" to discuss native alternatives to the conventional suburban lawn.
While some people may be hesitant to forego green grass for succulents, Singer said there are many options beyond cacti.
"I really want to dispel a myth that many people have about drought-tolerant [and] native plant gardens," Singer said. "Most of our plants in California are not succulents. We actually have beautiful leafy, fragrant colorful shrubs and trees and ground covers and wildflowers."
Here are four California-native plants that Singer recommends for a drought-friendly lawn space:
California lilacs
Coyote brush
Manzanitas
Low-growing sages
When transitioning between landscapes, it’s important to note that most plants don't immediately become drought-tolerant.
“Even our most drought tolerant plants and heat tolerant California natives need to get established,” Singer said. “That takes usually a year of regular deep watering.”
Guests:
Joshua Haggmark, water resources manager for the City of Santa Barbara
Stephen Gregory, KPCC environment and science editor
Lili Singer, director of special projects and adult education at the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers & Native Plants
The aftermath of passing California's End-of-Life option
California’s End of Life Option Act has been in effect since June. And doctors are now legally allowed to prescribe end-of-life medication to adults who have diseases resulting in death within six months.
While this may be a triumph for those who have been championing the legislation, doctors who offer end-of-life care can be hard to come by.
As reported in San Jose Mercury News and the Los Angeles Times, the state’s new law doesn’t guarantee that patients seeking end-of-life treatment will find a doctor. This has led some patients to Oregon, which passed its Death With Dignity Act in 1997.
So how is the law working, and what can be done for patients who want end-of-life care, but can’t find the treatment they need?
Guests:
Hilary Fausett M.D., pain management specialist at Foothill Center for Wellness and Pain Management
Linda Van Zandt, entrepreneur and writer; she is the author of the Los Angeles Times op-ed piece, “My aunt’s struggle with assisted suicide: There was death, but not enough dignity”
Christian Burkin, spokesman for California State Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman; Eggman championed AB 15, California’s End-of-Life Act
Sacrosanct? Petition to get In-N-Out to carry veggie burgers grows
A petition started last week on change.org calls for the Irvine-based chain to stop “letting its fans down by failing to serve anything that would satisfy a burger-loving customer who wants a healthy, humane, sustainable option.”
The petition started by The Good Food Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to food sustainability complains “If you want a meat-free meal at In-N-Out, you’re going to be stuck eating multiple orders of French fries or a cheese-slathered bun.” This isn’t the first time people have petitioned In-N-Out to change its menu. In 2012, an LA-area vegan also petitioned the chain to add a veggie burger. At last count this petition has already exceeded the support of that one with 18,338 supporters. In-N-Out hasn't changed its official menu since 1948.
Do you agree, should In-N-Out adapt to changing times and add a veggie option to its menu? Or would that be a slippery slope to bending to the latest whims of customers?