We find out how the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted in regards to the developer that was supposed to replace the Men's Central Jail. Plus, we chat with an oyster farmer about how climate change is affecting his business. And we visit the newly renovated Formosa Cafe.
Recycling Centers
Under California law, you're entitled to a nickel or dime for each bottle or aluminum can you bring to a state-certified recycling center. But in many parts of Los Angeles, it's getting harder to find any centers that will take your empties. Since 2015, the number of beverage container recycling centers throughout California has declined by 46%. That number is down by 31% in L.A. County. Areas including Hollywood, Pasadena and basically the entire Westside now don't have any recycling centers.
Guest:
- David Wagner, KPCC's Business and Economy Reporter
START Program
Many local students head back to school this week and next. School safety is always an important issue, but it's especially top of mind one week after the country had two mass shootings in the span of 24 hours—one at an El Paso Wal-Mart, the other outside a bar in Dayton, Ohio. In L.A. County, the Department of Mental Health has taken a preventative approach to violence in schools with the School Threat Assessment Response Team (or START) that works to stop violent incidents before they happen. The team works with schools from elementary to college level, and now the program has recently expanded its efforts.
Guest:
- Doctor Maria Martinez, mental health clinical supervisor with START
SoCal Warming Climate
In the 2015 Paris accord, world leaders agreed that the world should act to keep the Earth’s average temperature increases “well below” 2 degrees Celsius by the year 2100 to avoid catastrophic changes. The temperature in LA County has already raised 2.3 degrees, according to data crunched by Washington Post.
Guest:
- Chris Mooney with the Washington Post, one of the paper's climate and environment reporters who worked on the story
Public Charge & Asian Communities
Some worry that Asian immigrants will be disproportionately affected by the public charge rule because of an emphasis on the use of public programs and more scrutiny about English proficiency. KPCC's Josie Huang reports, the news is unsettling for many in the Asian immigrant community, which is the fastest-growing immigrant group.
Formosa Cafe Renovation
After two years of reconstruction, the legendary Formosa Cafe debuted its $2 million renovation this summer. LAist Food Editor Elina Shatkin got a tour of the new and improved space with Bobby Green, from 1933 Group, who oversaw the revamp.
American Homefront: Water Pollution
The military is spending millions of dollars to clean up water contamination around bases throughout the country. The pollution came from firefighting foam that was widely used in training exercises. But some people living with the effects of the contamination say the money has not gone far enough. Dan Boyce reports for the American Homefront Project.
CA Oyster Farms
The future of shellfish in California could be in jeopardy. A new study from UC-Davis suggests that a warming planet will affect water conditions to a degree where oysters, clams and more will have trouble growing.
Guest:
- Martin Strain, Bodega Bay Oyster Company