With the Trump Administration proposal to freeze federal fuel economy standards and California politicians strategizing how to best deal with the state's perennial fire season, it's been a busy week in politics for California. We've got a recap.
The week in politics
(Starts at 1:28)
California reacts to the Trump administration proposal to freeze federal fuel economy standards at 2020 levels. And we find out why at least one California politician is questioning climate change. Plus: Is California Senator Kamala Harris pondering a presidential run? Cal State L.A.'s Raphe Sonenshein says he's making all the right moves.
Guests:
- Raphe Sonenshein, director of the Pat Brown Institute at Cal State LA
- Christina Bellantoni, assistant managing editor-politics at the Los Angeles Times
3D printed guns
(Starts at 16:00)
Guns are always a hot-button issue. Now, there's a new wrinkle being thrown into the mix: 3D printed firearms. That's guns made using a 3D printer. In July, the State Department settled a case saying that it was legal to release the blueprints for these guns online. Twenty state attorneys general sent a letter asking that blueprints be blocked— California's Xavier Becerra signed on. Now Los Angeles might try to regulate or ban the guns as a city.
Guest:
- L.A. City Council Member, Mitch Englander, who is proposing the regulations
Los Angeles plant grant
(Starts at 22:55)
Los Angles has thousands of trees to take care of in city parks. And as we face more drought conditions and hot weather the job of keeping those trees healthy gets harder. But Los Angeles is getting a $1. 3 million dollar grant from Cal Fire to help study the city's urban forests.
Guest:
- Leon Boroditsky, tree surgeon supervisor with the Recreation and Parks Department
Marijuana Tax
(Starts at 27:30)
It's been a little more than eight months since the sale of recreational marijuana became legal in California. The change has led to all sorts of questions but here in Los Angeles, one question has been answered. Voters won't be asked whether to raise taxes on cannabis.
Guest:
- David Wagner, KPCC business reporter
https://twitter.com/radiowagner/status/1012744217406263297
The weather outside is frightful, but bingeing inside is delightful
(Starts at 29:58)
It's hot outside, so why not stay inside and stream this month's binge-worthy pics? Our picks for this month: "A Very British Scandal," "Nanette" and "No No: a Dockumentary."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggDTJc470Co
Guest:
- Mark Jordan Legan, Take Two contributor
The corpse flower keeps us waiting...
(Starts at 39:18)
It's been about 10 days since the Huntington Gardens in San Marino announced their Amorphophallus titanum or as it's commonly known, the Corpse flower, was set to bloom. It draws its name and fame from its stench, which many liken to rotting flesh. While we waited for the flower to open up, we headed down to the Gardens to understand what makes this little stinker so special.
Guest:
- Brandon Tam, orchid collections technician at the Huntington
https://twitter.com/TheHuntington/status/1025409480828182529
23 awesome events happening in Southern California this weekend
(Starts at 43:58)
Hope you're hungry and thirsty because the weekend begins with a " yappy hour" and Brew at the Zoo then continues with corn, lobster and brunch festivals. Kitsch abounds with Charles Phoenix, the battle of the beards and CatCon.
Guests:
- Leo Duran, KPCC
- Marielle Wakim, Los Angeles Magazine