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Podcasts Take Two
Phasing out pepper spray, low probability high consequence disasters, the ninth circuit
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Feb 19, 2019
Listen • 47:54
Phasing out pepper spray, low probability high consequence disasters, the ninth circuit

Phasing out pepper spray at juvenile detention facilities, Whittier Narrows dam may not be up to snuff, why do Democrats often choose the 9th?
The Army Corps of Engineers says Whittier Narrows Dam is among the least safe in its system of dams. If the spillway gates, shown in February 2016, open prematurely in a big storm, that could contribute to downstream flooding. Erosion or overtopping of the earthen dam also posed failure and flood risks.
The Army Corps of Engineers says Whittier Narrows Dam is among the least safe in its system of dams. If the spillway gates, shown in February 2016, open prematurely in a big storm, that could contribute to downstream flooding. Erosion or overtopping of the earthen dam also posed failure and flood risks.
(
Sharon McNary/KPCC
)
A crew of men are seen paving the main channel, San Gabriel's water flood control project. It is near Whittier Narrows and is part of the county's multi-million dollar effort to prevent inundations. Photo dated: November 8, 1965.
A crew of men are seen paving the main channel, San Gabriel's water flood control project. It is near Whittier Narrows and is part of the county's multi-million dollar effort to prevent inundations. Photo dated: November 8, 1965.
(
LAPL/ Herald Examiner Collection
)

Phasing out pepper spray

( Starts at 0:48 ) 

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider a motion to “phase out” the use of pepper spray in its juvenile detention facilities, following a recent report that highlighted its excessive use.

Guest:

  • Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, who co-sponsored the motion 

Juvenile Justice system review

( Starts at 6:19 ) 

A new report from the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice provides a comprehensive review of conditions at the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)—California’s state-run youth correctional system— and finds a return to its historically grievous conditions that isolate and traumatize youth. 

Guest:

  • Renee Menart, Communications and Policy Analyst for the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice

https://twitter.com/CJCJmedia/status/1097911362083344384

Ninth Circuit

( Starts at 13:48 ) 

On Twitter Monday, President Trump criticized California's efforts to legally block his administration from accessing emergency dollars to build a wall. In one tweet, he took aim at the 9th Circuit Court, lamenting "of course the 9th circuit." It's not the first time the court has confounded his efforts. So why do Democrats often choose the 9th?

Guest:

  • Andrew Bradt, professor of law at UC Berkeley

NELA Murals

( Starts at 36:07 ) 

Few things capture working-class Latinos' anxiety over gentrification like the images of indigenous peoples fading from existence. Specifically, the murals in Highland Park and other parts of North East L.A. But one classic hundred murals next to the Southwest Museum on Marmion Way is being repainted, after being buffed out - or whitewashes - a few years ago. Reporters Chris Greenspon and Philip Iglauer bring us this story about the significance of restoring — and preserving — murals in Northeast L.A.

Mega Storms and Infrastructure

( Starts at 29:03 ) 

The U.S. Army Corps of engineers found the 60-year-old Whittier Narrows dam could fail in the event of a very large very rare storm. So what does this mean for the 1.5 million residents near the dam? And how can we better our infrastructure for this?

Guest:

  • Sharon McNary, KPCC infrastructure correspondent
A crew of men are seen paving the main channel, San Gabriel's water flood control project. It is near Whittier Narrows and is part of the county's multi-million dollar effort to prevent inundations. Photo dated: November 8, 1965.
A crew of men are seen paving the main channel, San Gabriel's water flood control project. It is near Whittier Narrows and is part of the county's multi-million dollar effort to prevent inundations. Photo dated: November 8, 1965.
(
LAPL/ Herald Examiner Collection
)

How to stay safe out on the trails

( Starts at 41:32 ) 

Over the weekend, a trail runner fell over 150 feet to his death on Mount Wilson when he slipped on a patch of ice. This cold weather is expected to continue through the week, so if you're thinking of doing some hiking, we hope you do so safely. For that reason, we're revisiting a conversation about hiking safety.

Guest:

  • Mike Leum, expert in trail safety and the search and rescue group leader for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.