Highway 1 in Big Sur Collapses -- Here’s What To Know About The Closure
A scenic stretch of California’s iconic Highway 1 collapsed on Monday into the ocean following heavy weekend rains, stranding as many as 1,600 people in the coastal community of Big Sur. The collapse occurred Saturday near Rocky Creek Bridge about 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Monterey, and traffic backed up for miles in both directions. Caltrans said crews will start installing concrete barriers to provide a safe lane for vehicles and to protect construction workers. Engineers will focus on stabilizing the edge of the roadway, but it’s not immediately clear when the road will be ready to reopen. Joining us on AirTalk to discuss the collapse and the timeline of its repairs is Grace Toohey, breaking news reporter for the Los Angeles Times and its Fast Break Desk.
With files from the Associated Press
When Average Is Great: A Look At April’s Snowpack Survey
California has entered spring with an above-average mountain snowpack and major reservoirs in good shape for a second consecutive year, staving off immediate water supply concerns but not allaying drought worries in a warming world. The California Department of Water Resources measured the water content of the Sierra Nevada snowpack Tuesday at 110% of the April 1 average, a benchmark date because that is when it has historically been at its peak and helps inform runoff forecasts. While reaching just above average was good news, the current snowpack pales in comparison to April 2023, when the Sierra snow water content stood at 237% of average after a barrage of atmospheric river storms ended three years of drought. This past winter coincided with a strong El Nino, a natural and occasional warming of part of the Pacific Ocean that can lead to more precipitation than usual in California but doesn’t always come through. Just getting to the average range for peak snowpack this year was not a given after a significantly dry fall and early winter. Early storms had warm precipitation that did not build snowpack. That “snow drought” finally ended in February and March. Joining us to discuss is Jeffrey Mount, senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California.
With files from the Associated Press.
Science Chic Is In. What To Know About Protecting Your Eyes With Solar Eclipse Glasses
The moon will move in front of the sun on April 8, and many throughout the country could have a front row seat to a total solar eclipse. In Southern California, the April 8 eclipse will max out at about 50% of totality. That will take place at 11:11 a.m. Protecting your eyes is critical and we have a local who’s churning out eclipse glasses. Joining to discuss how they’re made is Mark Margolis, president and owner of Rainbow Symphony, which manufactures eclipse glasses and other optical products. He also happens to be LAist science reporter Jacob Margolis’ dad. Questions? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
Proud Of The Neighborhood You Live In? Spread The Love And Tell Us What Makes Your Part Of Town So Special
Sometimes passing by your favorite local park or picking up the aroma of your favorite café can make you feel like you’re living in the happiest little corner of the world. Just seeing a familiar landmark reminding you why it feels so good to live where you do can make all the stress of a terrible day melt away. Often there’s no other place like your neighborhood because you’ve taken the time to explore the great sights, sounds, people and cuisine that make your investment as a resident really count. But why keep it all to yourself? Today on AirTalk, we’re bringing back our monthly segment, Neighborhood Love, to take some time to share treasured places and memories of wherever it is you live. And we want to hear from you -- whether it’s a favorite local hangout, a picturesque street you love to walk or a landmark that makes your area unique, tell us what you love about your neighborhood! Join our live conversation by calling us at 866-893-5722 or by emailing atcomments@laist.com.
Oakland Will Deploy 500 Cameras To Track Vehicles – Is The Technology Effective?
Hundreds of high-tech surveillance cameras are being installed in the city of Oakland and surrounding freeways to battle crime, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week. Newsom said in a news release that the California Highway Patrol has contracted with Flock Safety to install 480 cameras that can identify and track vehicles by license plate, type, color and even decals and bumper stickers. The cameras will provide authorities with real-time alerts of suspect vehicles. Opponents say the technology infringes on privacy and will lead to further police abuse of already marginalized communities. But Newsom, who has deployed state attorneys and CHP officers to assist Oakland in its crackdown on crime, said the surveillance network will give law enforcement tools “to effectively combat criminal activity and hold perpetrators accountable — building safer, stronger communities for all Californians.” Public safety remains a concern statewide, especially retail theft, forcing even liberal leaders of Democratic cities to embrace increased policing. But while crime has dropped in other big California cities, it has surged in Oakland, a city of roughly 400,000 people. Joining us to discuss this technology is Alex Piquero, professor of criminology at the University of Miami and Brian Hofer, chair and executive director of Secure Justice, an organization that advocates against government overreach, and chair of the City of Oakland Privacy Advisory Commission.
On Marlon Brando’s 100th Birthday, We Find Out From A Close Friend What Became Of His Private Island ‘Eco-Resort’ Tetiaroa
Los Angeles Times Columnist Patt Morrison is many things, like a chronicler of Los Angeles history and a guide to making sense of the L.A. we live in today. But what some may not know is that in the final years of renowned actor Marlon Brando’s life, he and Patt were good friends and talked regularly. As Patt writes in a recent column, during one such conversation in 1997, Brando asked her to take notes on their conversation -- something he’d never done before. “He’d tell me about his private atoll Tetiaroa,” she continues in her column, “and one far-off day, he wanted me to explain to all of you what the place meant to him, and what he wanted it to become after he died. His hope, his plan, was for Tetiaroa to become an ecologically responsible tropical resort, but more vitally, a nature preserve, an open-air experimental science laboratory, a ‘university of the sea,’ all to serve the place and the planet.” In the years after his death, Patt would visit Tetiaroa twice, once in 2005 and again in the fall of last year, to see what had become of Brando’s island paradise.
Marlon Brando would have been 100 years old today, April 3, so in celebration of the legendary actor, Patt joins Larry Mantle on AirTalk today to recount her experiences visiting Tetiaroa, explain what changed in the 18 years between her visits and talk about her relationship with Brando in the final years of his life.
Breaking The Bank & Bangs? Here’s What To Know About Price Increases To Haircuts and Hairdressing
Everyone wants to have the perfect version of their hair, making sure the style looks clean and shines through in photos we look back at, but that typically does come at a price. For some, you’re either maintaining it consistently through consistent hair appointments, or your getting it shorter than you’d like just to save funds. For hairdressing, quality products and labor at your local salon may run up the price more than used it to be; and for some hairdressers, you might notice some are ditching flat rates and taking hourly as the way to go. This can lead to a tab that many were expecting— so how does one make sense of this?
Today on AirTalk, we offer up some hair talk related to pricing with Tricia Romano, freelance journalist and author of the recent Washington Post piece “Your hair looks gorgeous. It cost ... what?!”. We also hear from listeners who’ve noticed these changes at their local salons. Are you a hairdresser or stylist who’s had to change pricing for one reason or another? Are you a frequent customer who’s noticed changes at your local spot? Tell us about it: call us at 866-893-5722, email atcomments@laist.com, or fill out our comment form.
