State Farm will present evidence for a 22% rate hike at a public hearing today
State Farm, the state’s largest home insurer, has requested a 22% rate hike for homeowners. That emergency request comes as the company tries to avoid a dire financial situation. Commissioner Ricardo Lara approved a public rate hearing that will take place today at 10 am at the California Department of Insurance in Oakland. State Farm will present evidence to support a rate increase following the Los Angeles fires, which devastated the Palisades and Altadena communities, destroying over 16,000 structures, many of which were homes. Joining us this morning on AirTalk to discuss the hearing and update us on where insurance stands in the wake of these fires is San Francisco Chronicle reporter Megan Fan Munce, who covers California’s home insurance crisis.
What a new deal may mean for the future of Angel Stadium and city of Anaheim
Baseball season just started, and with it comes possible negotiations between the city of Anaheim and Angels team owner Arte Moreno about the future of Angel Stadium. The main point of contention revolves more around the 45-acre land surrounding the stadium than the stadium itself. Previous deals allowed the Angels freedom to renovate and build on the surrounding property, and for the city to then collect the taxes from it. As of right now, no renovations or plans have been made, thus the city of Anaheim isn't making any money. The city could put the property up for sale, but the Angels have veto power over development on the land surrounding the stadium until 2038. Today on AirTalk, we'll discuss the future of Angel Stadium and the possible deal between the Angels and the city of Anaheim. Joining us is Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times reporter covering baseball and sports business and Ashleigh Aitken, mayor of the city of Anaheim.
New report finds LA sound stage vacancies have reached historic highs
Since 2016, FilmLA has been tracking the occupancy rates of sound stages in greater Los Angeles in an effort to understand the yearly health of physical film productions here in Hollywood. Last week, the non-profit released their annual Sound Stage Production Report which found that the average stage occupancy in 2024 declined to 63 percent, down from 69 percent in 2023, and a drastic drop from its 2016 peak of 96 percent occupancy. The report, which aggregates data from 17 participating studios, or roughly 82 percent of the city’s certified stage market, comes as California scrambles to encourage more productions to film in the state through tax incentives and proposed bills, and as many in the film industry continue to experience a drought in local job opportunities. Joining us to discuss the report is Philip Sokoloski, VP of integrated communications for FilmLA.
Want to vote in Huntington Beach? Better take a trip to the DMV
Last year, voters in Huntington Beach approved a measure that allowed the city to require potential voters to show their ID cards in order to cast a ballot. State officials said the measure violated state law and sued the city. Yesterday a judge, for the second time, sided with the city, saying that the city is allowed to set its own rules for municipal elections because it’s a charter city. The case is expected to be appealed which could delay or halt the measure, but as of now the city can choose whether or not to enforce the rule starting in 2026. At the same time, President Donald Trump has released an executive order seeking to require proof of citizenship to vote across all states. Joining Larry on AirTalk today to look at how voter ID laws work, and how Huntington Beach will — or won’t — implement them is LAist Orange County correspondent Jill Replogle, and Emily Zhang, assistant professor of law at UC Berkeley.
San Francisco looks to modify harm reduction policies – what will it mean for public health in the area?
Last week, San Francisco mayor Mayor Daniel Lurie announced that the city would be limiting its funding of harm reduction supplies— no longer distributing drug supplies without receiving addiction treatment and care, such as counseling. Harm reduction, in San Francisco and other parts of the Pacific Northwest, has been in use to help treat With San Francisco, similar to Los Angeles, having a local government that many across the country view through a proverbial microscope, we thought it’d be worth checking in on this major policy change. Joining us for this conversation is Keith Humphreys, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, and Maggie Angst, San Francisco Chronicle reporter covering homelessness, addiction, and mental health.
Eyes on the fries: where are your favorite fries in SoCal?
The potato is one of the most versatile vegetables, with the French fry among the most beloved adaptations. It’s not just a favorite on the kid’s menu (although that’s true). People of all ages have hot takes on what makes the best fries. Do you like ‘em crispy? Salty? Crinkle? Curly? No matter where you are in the world, you'll likely find all kinds of variations. We want to hear where your allegiances lie in a world overwhelmed with french fry choices. What’s your favorite place to get fries in SoCal? What makes ‘em a top notch side dish (or let’s be honest, the main course). Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
