State Of Affairs

On this week's State of Affairs, we look at California's new COVID relief bill, the confirmation hearings of Xavier Becerra, and more.

Guests:

USC's Christina Bellantoni and Claremont McKenna's Zach Courser.

After Texas, How is California Prepping Our Grid for Extreme Weather

You've seen how extreme winter weather in Texas caused a near failure of the state's electrical grid. Now, while California regulates its utilities differently, we also experience extreme weather that places stress on our grid. One recent example were the rolling blackouts from last August, as temperatures reached triple digits. All this makes us wonder if our utilities are prepared to deal with the inevitable next scorching stretch of high temperatures? Well, the California Public Utilities Commission just voted to require the state's utilities to expand their supply capabilities for next Summer, in case of another heat wave. 

Guest:

Clifford Rechtshaffen, a commissioner on the California Public Utilities Commission. 

The Fight for Hero Pay for LA's Essential Workers

The LA County Board of Supervisors voted this week to pass a "hero pay" requirement for many grocery store workers, but the grocery industry plans to fight the pay bump.

Guest:

 KPCC business reporter David Wagner

Diversity at Netflix: There's Still a Long Way to Go

Netflix today released its first report assessing the diversity of who appears in its shows and movies - AND who makes them. In short: there's been some improvement, and the streaming service does better than some big studios, but the company still has a long way to go--especially when it comes to women.

Guest:

• KPCC's John Horn 

Weekend Preview

KPCC's Leo Duran shares some of the best events to be a part of this weekend in Southern California.