CA Legislation Would Mandate Phonics-Based Reading Instruction Requirements
Should phonics-based reading instruction be mandated in the state of California? Former elementary teacher and Democratic state Assemblymember Blanca Rubio authored Assembly Bill 2222, which would require the approach for transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. Advocates for the evidence-based practices are rejoicing and say it’s critical in getting learners up to speed with reading. But there are some concerns about a one-sized mandate and whether it can address the complexities around reading. We discuss with California State Assemblymember and author of the legislation Blanca Rubio, and Pedro Noguera, dean of USC’s Rossier School of Education. If you have thoughts or questions, call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
El Salvador Re-Elects Nayib Bukele, We Discuss Its Significance Within Central America & The United States
El Salvador’s sitting president, Nayib Bukele of the Nuevas Ideas/New Ideas party, has won his re-election in a landslide that’s reportedly by a 70% margin as the last leg of ballots get collected. The re-election is quite controversial, considering presidents have been unable to run for consecutive presidential terms until a 2021 Supreme Court decision, judges who Bukele put in office at the start of his term. Although human rights organizations have raised suspicions, much support has been genuine given his authoritative “law and order” approach to imprisoning folks through his “state of exception” policy that bypasses probable cause for those jailed. What’s to come of Bukele’s second term in El Salvador’s highest office, particularly after U.S. politicians have raised concerns over these aforementioned aspects to his record? Joining us to break this down is Lucas Perelló, professor of Political Science at Marist College, and Andrea Oñate-Madrazo, assistant professor of history at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
New Book 'Beverly Hills Spy' Tells The Story Of Double Agent Whose Intelligence Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor
From his mansion on the Bird Streets of Beverly Hills, British WWI hero Frederick Rutland inserted himself into Los Angeles high society, hobnobbing with elites like Charlie Chaplin as well as military brass. Little did everyone know that Rutland's lavish lifestyle was being funded by the Japanese Empire in exchange for intelligence on the U.S. military—intelligence that would lead to Japan's world-changing attack on Pearl Harbor. Author Ronald Drabkin dives into this untold story in his new book, “Beverly Hills Spy: The Double Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor,” detailing Rutland's rags-to-riches background and how he managed to elude both the British and United States intelligence agencies. The book is a result of Drabkin's extensive research in MI5 and Japanese Naval archives. Today on AirTalk, Larry talks to author Ronald Drabkin about his new book.
New Short-Term Rental Regulations For LA County Advance, Would Create New Limits On Length Of Stays And Second Home Rentals
Airbnb hosts and other short term rental owners in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County could soon be barred from renting out properties they don’t live in under proposed rules advanced by the Board of Supervisors. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to craft a new ordinance regulating short-term rentals. The proposed regulations would require hosts to register with the county every year. Hosts would only be allowed to list their primary residence. Renting out investment properties or second homes would be prohibited. Under the original draft of the rules, hosts would also be prevented from renting out accessory dwelling units on their property. On Tuesday, supervisors voted to advance an amendment that would allow hosts to rent out a primary residence to guests while they stay in the secondary unit. The proposed rules would allow hosts to rent their homes for up to 90 nights per year “unhosted,” meaning while they are not physically present in the home. Beyond that limit, they would be required to be on site during their guests’ stays. Proponents of regulating activity on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo say the rules will put homes back on the market for L.A. residents increasingly struggling to find affordable housing. During Tuesday’s lengthy and at times contentious public hearing, many hosts said the proposed rules are too strict. Some homeowners said they would be prevented from earning income by renting out backyard granny flats, even while they’re living in the main house. Others said they pride themselves on providing affordable accommodations to travelers.
Today on AirTalk, LAist Housing Reporter David Wagner joins us to talk about the new ordinance -- he covered yesterday’s hearing at the Board of Supervisors.
With files from David Wagner at LAist.com. Read his full story here.
Love Series: What Is The Relationship Between Love And Sex?
We’re continuing our weeklong love series with a look at the relationship between sex and love. The two are often viewed as separate aspects of the human experience, however, in a relationship the two are very much interconnected. Differences in the importance of sex in addition to differences in sexual desire are reported to be one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy. Joining us to discuss are Emily Nagoski, a Kinsey-educated sex educator and author of "COME TOGETHER: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections,” and John Sovec, a queer therapist and coach who specializes in working with the LGBTQIA+ community to assist people in creating sex positive and affirming relationships for themselves and their partners.
