For our weekly political recap, we look at the fallout from the Michael Cohen sentencing. Plus, we speak with California Congressman Mark Takano about heading the Committee on Veterans Affairs. And, La Tuna Canyon Road gets a long-overdue safety upgrade.
State of Affairs
Well, it wasn't quite the political definition of the term horse-trading but Nancy Pelosi came to terms, so to speak, that while she can be Speaker of the House for now, later comes with an expiration date, sort of.
Plus:
Twas the month before the next session and all through the House,
Only one says they're running and the Senate? Quiet as a mouse.
Intentions have been hung by the chambers with care,
In hopes that the White House would soon be theirs.
Delaney has done it but who else will jump in?
Will it be Sanders, Harris, or Elizabeth Warren?
Those names and more are considering a run.
But eventually, they'll have to decide if they think they're the one.
Guests:
- Marisa Lagos, KQED political reporter
- Jack Pitney, Claremont McKenna College
Veterans Affairs
When the Democratic Party won control of the House of Representatives last month, we all knew that a lot of stuff on Capitol Hill was going to shift around in terms of committee leadership. Republican Phil Roe, for example, currently chairs the Committee on Veterans Affairs. With the House shifting to Democratic control, ranking member Tim Walz of Minnesota was poised to take the seat. But Walz is now the governor-elect of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so now what? Well, in a flash, the chair seems to be shifting from the Gopher State to the Golden State -- Riverside, California - to be exact - and to the new ranking member on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Guest:
- Mark Takano, U.S. House of Representatives
La Tuna Canyon Road gets safety improvements
On December 9, 2017, Keith Jackson was struck from behind at high speed while riding his bicycle on La Tuna Canyon Road, a favorite cut-through for drivers who commonly speed through the canyon at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. For decades, community members have raised concerns about safety and tried to get the road re-designed to make it safer for residents, schoolchildren, cyclists, runners, and equestrians who favor the rural setting of La Tuna Canyon. And now those improvements are finally a reality.
Guests:
- Damian Kevitt, Streets Are For Everyone
- Scott Forschuar, La Tuna Canyon Association
Spanish holiday music favorites
Same ole Christmas music got you tuning out? Maybe you should try another language. And no, we're not talking about "Feliz Navidad." There are a plethora of great holiday songs in Spanish — way beyond the one. Fear not! We put together a playlist for you.
Guest:
- Jill Replogle, KPCC Orange County reporter
Surfrider Report
The Surfrider Foundation's annual State of the Beach report card is out...and only one state got an A grade — California.
Guest:
- Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, Coastal Preservation Manager with The Surfrider Foundation.
Weekend Preview
Catch a body positive strip show or a Q&A with the cast of If Beale Street Could Talk. Shop J Dilla apparel or peruse the wares at Unique Market. Learn about Little Saigon and laugh along at the Pee Cast Blast. Listen to the Los Angeles Master Chorale in concert or just get blitzed at Blitzen's.
Guests:
- Leo Duran, KPCC producer
- Christine Ziemba, LAist.com