New proposal would update LA County government structure for the first time in 100 years
Two members of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors last week proposed expanding the size of the board from five to nine, a near doubling of the powerful panel that controls the county’s $45.6 billion budget. Right now, each supervisor represents about 2 million people — more than members of Congress and more than some U.S. senators. The county charter that established the five-member board was created in 1912, when the population was about 500,000. Changing the size of the board would require a vote of the people. In addition, two other reform measures are being proposed. One would make the county CEO an elected position. The other would create an ethics commission similar to one in the city of Los Angeles. Joining to discuss are Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn, who introduced the proposal. Questions? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
With files from LAist. Read the full story here
Israel Votes To Make Military Service Compulsory For The Ultra Orthodox. What Are The Implications Of That Decision?
Israel’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously last week that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men for military service — a decision that could lead to the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition as Israel wages war in Gaza. Most Jewish men and women in Israel are required to serve mandatory military service at the age of 18. But the politically powerful ultra-Orthodox traditionally received exemptions if they were studying full-time in religious seminaries. These exemptions infuriated the wider general public, especially as hundreds of soldiers were killed in the war with Hamas. Joining us today on AirTalk to discuss the decision and its implications for the country is Joel Greenberg, Israel and Palestinian Affairs Specialist with BBC Monitoring, based in Jerusalem, and Guy Ziv, Associate Professor Foreign Policy & Global Security at American University and author of the book “Netanyahu vs. The Generals.”
With files from the Associated Press.
A, like, history of, like, the totally iconic Valley Girl accent
California is known for many things. The Hollywood sign, its beach and surf culture, In-N-Out, and of course, the Valley Girl accent. Popularized in the 80s and 90s, the Valley Girl accent, characterized by its vocal fry, over-use of the word 'like', and association with young teen girls, has been used throughout film and TV to parody and satirize L.A. culture. But the origins of the accent are still a little unclear. The most accepted theory is that it was first used to denote those from L.A. 's surrounding valley areas, like the San Fernando Valley, but has spread throughout California and even other parts of the U.S. Although not all "valley girls'' are from the valley, people with this specific vocal uptalk are usually seen to possess the vapid and consumerist ideals still associated with L.A. culture today.
Today on AirTalk, we delve into the history of the Valley Girl accent and how it has evolved over the years. Joining us is Caitlin Hernandez, L.A. explained reporter at LAist, and Norma Mendoza-Denton, professor of anthropology at UCLA.
If not Biden, then who? Listeners weigh in as president stands his ground in campaign
President Joe Biden, in a letter to congressional Democrats, stood firm against calls for him to drop his candidacy and called for an end to the intraparty drama that has torn apart Democrats since his dismal public debate performance. Biden’s efforts to shore up a deeply anxious Democratic Party came Monday as lawmakers returned to Washington confronting a choice: Decide whether to work to revive his campaign or try to edge out the party leader, a make-or-break time for his reelection and their own political futures. Anxiety is running high as top-ranking Democratic lawmakers are joining calls for Biden to step aside despite his defiance. At the same time, some of the president’s most staunch supporters are redoubling the fight for Biden’s presidency, insisting there’s no one better to beat Trump in what many see as among the most important elections of a lifetime. Joining to discuss is Lynn Vavreck, professor of political science at UCLA. Plus, we hear from listeners. What are your thoughts? Who, if anyone, could replace President Biden? Regardless of what party you support, how will the outcome impact your vote? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
With files from the Associated Press
'Passing The Mantle' podcast takes you inside the complex conversations of Larry and his son Desmond
Ever wondered what conversations between Larry Mantle and his son Desmond sound like? Or what kinds of things they talk about? It might not surprise you to know that they've been having complex discussions for many years, going back to when Desmond was just a kid! Today, you can be a fly on the wall as Desmond and Larry dig into some of the topics they’ve discussed over the years, and how their different generational perspectives have informed them in the brand new LAist Studios podcast that they’re co-hosting -- it’s called Passing The Mantle, and it’s available today wherever you get your podcasts. Today on AirTalk, Larry's son Desmond joins Larry to preview the new podcast.
A new biography mines Ben Franklin’s life for nuggets of practical wisdom
Benjamin Franklin is a well-known historical figure. He’s one of two non-presidents to be featured on our currency. While much has been written about him, a new biography by New York Times bestselling author Eric Weiner seeks to get inside his head to understand how he lived and what tidbits of insight we can glean from the scientist, investor, humorist, and statesman. Joining us on AirTalk to discuss his new book “Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder's Formula for a Long and Useful Life,” is writer and author Eric Weiner.
