We look at homeless groups' efforts to get law enforcement out of homeless encampment cleanups. Plus, more money is being channeled into reducing black infant mortality. And T.C. Boyle tells us about his new LSD novel, "Outside Looking In."
Homeless Sweeps
There is tension in L.A. over the cleanup of homeless encampments. A coalition of homeless groups is asking Mayor Garcetti to "immediately remove all law enforcement personnel from any of the city's street cleaning teams and efforts” and that more money be spent on services to those in need in the area.
Guest:
- Matt Tinoco, KPCC
Black Infant Mortality
A year ago, KPCC reporter Priska Neely brought attention to the issue of black infant mortality. At the time, the L.A. County Department of Public Health was just launching an action plan aimed to close the gap in rates by 30 percent in 5 years. In the year since, the county has formed a steering committee, released a focus group of interviews with black moms, is preparing to launch a website, and was awarded some more funding from the state.
Guest:
- Priska Neely, KPCC Reporter
School Board race
Right now, there's a race on for an open seat on the L.A. Unified School Board. And it's an unusual race for two reasons: one, it's a special election — the last board member to hold the seat, Ref Rodriguez, resigned unexpectedly last year amid a scandal. And two, this election is playing out in the wake of the L.A. Unified teachers union's historic strike. Jackie Goldberg is one of two candidates running for the open Board District 5 seat.
Guest:
- Kyle Stokes, KPCC reporter
Magic Johnson leaves the Lakers
It was supposed to be a relatively quiet night at Staples Center yesterday. The Lakers were getting ready to play Portland it was the last game of a disappointing season to put it nicely. They're missing the playoffs for the 6th year in a row. And then Lakers president of Basketball Operations - Magic Johnson - decided to drop a bomb, he's stepping down as president.
Guest:
- Brian Kamenetzky, one of the hosts of Lakersline
How one NYPD officer's actions may undermine the Harvey Weinstein case
How one New York Police Department detective's eager actions could undermine the entire Harvey Weinstein case, plus Netflix moves to purchase an iconic theater in Hollywood.
Guest:
- Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter
https://twitter.com/ThatRebecca/status/1115621680754225152
T.C. Boyle on LSD
The psychotropic drug - LSD - has been around since the 1940s, but it didn't become popular as a recreational drug until the 1960s, when psychologist Timothy Leary started doing it with his students at Harvard University. That brief history is the basis of a new novel from award-winning author, and USC Professor of English Emeritus, T.C. Boyle. He will be talking about his book at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this weekend and gives Take Two a sneak peek.
Guest:
- T.C. Boyle, author of "Outside Looking In"