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Podcasts Take Two
Backup power for medical nonprofit, solar requirement for new homes in CA
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Dec 7, 2018
Listen • 47:51
Backup power for medical nonprofit, solar requirement for new homes in CA

Direct Relief in Santa Barbara has a new sustainable backup power system in case of emergencies, California will require solar on new homes in 2020.
SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Employees of Solar Forward install solar electric panels on a residential rooftop on February 27, 2009 in Santa Monica, California. President Obama signed into law an economic-recovery package containing more than $20 billion investing in a greener economy, including $500 million for green job training. According to the Council of Economic Advisers, 'green' jobs pay 10 to 20 percent more than other jobs and are more likely to be union jobs. Consumers also benefit from lower electric and heating bills through solar electric, solar water heating, and building weatherization upgrades. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Employees of Solar Forward install solar electric panels on a residential rooftop on February 27, 2009 in Santa Monica, California. President Obama signed into law an economic-recovery package containing more than $20 billion investing in a greener economy, including $500 million for green job training. According to the Council of Economic Advisers, 'green' jobs pay 10 to 20 percent more than other jobs and are more likely to be union jobs. Consumers also benefit from lower electric and heating bills through solar electric, solar water heating, and building weatherization upgrades. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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David McNew/Getty Images
)
Aerial of Direct Relief Solar Energy system.
Aerial of Direct Relief Solar Energy system.
(
Donald L Hedden
)

One year after the Thomas Fire burned through parts of Santa Barbara, a nonprofit medical relief organization has installed a new sustainable backup power system so it can keep operating in case of an emergency. Plus, California will require solar panels on new homes, starting in 2020. And, what the investigation into City Councilman Jose Huizar means for downtown L.A.

State of Affairs

For our weekly look at politics in the Golden State, we look at California's Democratic agenda now that the new legislative session has begun. And we consider the candidates to lead the California GOP.

Guests:

  • Marisa Lagos, KQED political reporter
  • Raphe Sonenshein, Executive Director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at California State University-Los Angeles

Kevin Hart steps down as Oscar host

Comedian Kevin Hart has said he will no longer host the Oscars in February. The reason, he explained Thursday, was because he was asked to apologize for old tweets deemed homophobic something he says he's already done. So, how will the Academy find a new host with only two and a half months until the big ceremony?

Guest:

  • Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrEjHFCFe83/

Direct Relief partners with Tesla on sustainable backup power system

Power outages are, at the very least, an annoyance. But during emergency situations, like the recent Camp and Woolsey fires, the loss of electricity can also be life-threatening, especially for people with medical conditions. With that in focus, one organization that provides medicines to people during catastrophes has taken an unusual step to keep the power on. It's installed a solar energy system with on-site battery storage to keep its facility running just in case of a worst-case scenario with a blackout that lasts for months. Take Two’s Sue Carpenter has the story.

Aerial of Direct Relief Solar Energy system.
Aerial of Direct Relief Solar Energy system.
(
Donald L Hedden
)

Solar requirement for new homes in CA

The California Building Standards Commission upheld a May 9 decision to require solar power on new homes built in the state. California will be the first state in the country with such a requirement. It's scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2020. KPCC’s Sharon McNary has more.

LA Priest Abuse

L.A. Archbishop Jose Gomez presents an update of the diocese's report on priests accused of sexual abuse of minors. Also, attorneys hold another presser on their lawsuit already filed and reported on, this time focusing on OC.

Guest:

  •  Aaron Shrank, KPCC reporter

Weekend preview

Whatever holidays you honor, you can celebrate the season with holiday music, a new tamale festival, a play about the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Smorgasburg holiday popup, a beer fest, craft fairs, community festivals and even an occult-related arts fair. We've also got secular events like the opening of a Disgusting Food Museum, a restored silent film and plenty of music.

Guests:

  • Leo Duran, KPCC producer

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