We look at the National Rifle Association's influence on California in the wake of back-to-back shootings. Plus, we look back on the Jewish Community Center shooting from 20 years ago. And, how a Utah power plant is using salt to store power.
State of Affairs
Following last weekend's shooting, we look at how California politicians are reacting, and also what role the National Rifle Assn. is playing in the state to shape the gun debate.
Guests:
- Raphe Sonenshein, he directs the Pat Brown Institute at Cal State L.A.
- Marisa Lagos, politics reporter for KQED
Boycott Equinox
Some people who go to SoulCycle and Equinox gyms say they plan to quit their membership after it was revealed the chair of the company that owns both will host a fundraiser for President Trump, this weekend. But does "putting your money where your mouth is" create political change?
Guests:
- David Lazarus, Los Angeles Times columnist
Jewish Community Center Shooting Anniversary
On August 10, 1999, an armed white supremacist walked into the lobby of the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills and fired 70 shots, wounding 5, including 3 children. That event rattled the local Jewish community, launched the Million Mom March against gun violence and led many synagogues and Jewish centers to begin boosting security. Twenty years later, we’ll look at what's changed and what hasn't.
Guest:
- Aaron Schrank, KPCC reporter
Nuclear Testing Certificates
Instead of medals, the Pentagon is offering certificates to vets who were exposed to radiation 84-year-old Tom Botchie of Ormond Beach, Fla. never went to war, but the Air Force veteran still feels like he was part of history. In 1958, Botchie was involved in dozens of atomic tests on the Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific as part of Operation Hardtack I. He serviced planes that checked the weather before each explosion. Sometimes, those same aircraft also flew through mushroom clouds to collect air samples. Botchie, then 23, and his comrades would watch in awe from the island, maybe ten miles away.
Salt and Solar
From seasoning food to de-icing a highway and everything in between, salt has nothing left to prove if someone claims it's the world's most useful mineral. However, now, we may have to add clean energy storage to the list of things salt can do. In fact, the city of Los Angeles is counting on it and is looking at giant mounds of salt in Utah to do it. Guest:
- Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times reporter
Gold Line Update
Last night, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments unanimously approved an extension for the train that would bring it to the city of Pomona. The vote allows $126 million dollars to be used to connect the San Gabriel Valley to the Inland Valley without any further delays.
Weekend Preview
Our selection of the best events happening in SoCal this weekend.
Guest:
- Leo Duran, KPCC producer
Bacon Internship
Farmer Boys, a California burger chain with restaurants in Stockton, Lodi, and Modesto, is looking to hire a “Bacon Intern.” The paid intern, based in SoCal, will be tasked with eating bacon products and judging them for the franchise in exchange for $1,000. Check out the application here.