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Podcasts Take Two
State Of Affairs, Cal State Math, Always Running
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Aug 30, 2019
Listen • 48:23
State Of Affairs, Cal State Math, Always Running

California's legislative deadline is approaching, Cal State University considers adding a year of math to its admission application, Luis Rodriguez talks about East LA gang life in "Always Running."
Luis J. Rodriguez, the new poet laureate of Los Angeles, documented his tough upbringing in his book, "Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A."
Luis J. Rodriguez, the new poet laureate of Los Angeles, documented his tough upbringing in his book, "Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A."
(
Dorian Merina / KPCC
)
A Southern California Edison sign outside the San Onofre Nuclear Plant.
A Southern California Edison sign outside the San Onofre Nuclear Plant.
(
Grant Slater/KPCC
)
The lead character, Luis J. Rodriguez is played by Rufino Romero (pictured on the far-left) in a scene of the new play 'Always Running.' The play is based on the life of the playwright as a former gang member.
The lead character, Luis J. Rodriguez is played by Rufino Romero (pictured on the far-left) in a scene of the new play 'Always Running.' The play is based on the life of the playwright as a former gang member.
(
Leo Duran/ KPCC
)

As part of our weekly roundup of California politics, we look at what bills are being considered by the state legislature. Plus, Cal State University is considering adding a year of math to its admission application. And, we speak with the author and director of a new play about East L.A. gang life, "Always Running."

State of Affairs

As the legislative deadline approaches, lobbyists are scrambling to help the state decide who counts as an employee. Meanwhile, former Rep. Darrell Issa considers running again.

Guests:

  • Raphe Sonenshein, Cal State LA
  • Marisa Lagos, KQED

SoCal Edison Rates

 SoCal Edison is looking to increase rates they charge customers to an average of $24 more a month by 2023. The increases step up, $14 more in 2021, $4 more in 2022 and $6 in 2023. The extra money is to harden the electrical grid, make the system more fire-safe and to pay for insurance costs.

Guest:

  • Sharon McNary, KPCC
A Southern California Edison sign outside the San Onofre Nuclear Plant.
A Southern California Edison sign outside the San Onofre Nuclear Plant.
(
Grant Slater/KPCC
)

Cal State Math

Cal State University trustees heard strong opinions from parents, professors, and advocates Thursday about a plan to add a year of math or math skills to the Cal State admission application.

Guest:

  • Adolfo Guzman-Lopez, KPCC

Always Running

When Luis Rodriguez grew up in East Los Angeles, he led a hard life as a gang member. He eventually left the gang life, and wrote about it in his acclaimed 1993 memoir, "Always Running." His life is now depicted in the play, "Always Running," debuting at the Casa 0101 Theatre in East L.A.

Guests:

  • Luis Rodriguez, author
  • Hector Rodriguez, director
The lead character, Luis J. Rodriguez is played by Rufino Romero (pictured on the far-left) in a scene of the new play 'Always Running.' The play is based on the life of the playwright as a former gang member.
The lead character, Luis J. Rodriguez is played by Rufino Romero (pictured on the far-left) in a scene of the new play 'Always Running.' The play is based on the life of the playwright as a former gang member.
(
Leo Duran/ KPCC
)

Foodie Friday: Distilleries

Artisanal cocktails are all the rage in Los Angeles, but its crop of distilleries is a relatively new phenomenon. Blame Prohibition. By California law, distillers couldn't have a tasting room or directly sell their own spirits without a middleman until 2016. Since that's changed, a number of great places making distinct spirits have popped up.

Guest:

  • Lesley Balla, LAist contributor

Weekend Preview

Our picks for the best thing to do this weekend.

Guest:

  • Leo Duran, KPCC

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