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Podcasts Take Two
Day 5 of the LA teacher walkout, storing renewable energy on the grid, how much rain was captured
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Jan 18, 2019
Listen • 49:42
Day 5 of the LA teacher walkout, storing renewable energy on the grid, how much rain was captured

The state of politics in California in midst of the strike and shutdown, where CA is storing renewable energy, how much rain was captured this week.
West Hollywood Elementary crowd on Sunset Blvd. (Photographed Jan. 18, 2019)
West Hollywood Elementary crowd on Sunset Blvd. (Photographed Jan. 18, 2019)
(
Courtesy of Jack Schugren
)
A view of the power lines as evening settles December 11, 2000 in Pico Rivera.
A view of the power lines as evening settles December 11, 2000 in Pico Rivera.
(
David McNew/Getty Images
)

As we head into week five of the partial government shutdown, and the fifth day of the L.A. teachers' strike, we see how the ripple effects are playing out in California. Plus, we see how the state's power grid is adapting to more renewable energy sources. And, we look at how much of this week's rains were captured for future use.

State of Affairs

( Starts at 1:19 )

This week was not the easiest week for California’s new governor, Gavin Newsom. The state’s largest utility said it would file bankruptcy, and teachers in Los Angeles went on strike while teachers in Oakland consider doing the same. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to lock horns with President Trump. Has the president met his match?

Guests:

  • Marisa Lagos, KQED political reporter
  • Jack Pitney, Claremont McKenna College

Power Grid

( Starts at 16:46 )

California is moving fast towards phasing out fossil fuels and becoming completely reliant on renewable sources like solar and wind. Can we adapt fast enough?

Guest:

  • Julie Cart, CAL Matters

More on the power grid here.

A view of the power lines as evening settles December 11, 2000 in Pico Rivera.
A view of the power lines as evening settles December 11, 2000 in Pico Rivera.
(
David McNew/Getty Images
)

Spreading Grounds

( Starts at 24:35 )

So, we got all this rain this last week, but how much of it is L.A. County able to catch and keep for future use? And how does that work? We check on the spreading grounds along the San Gabriel River to see how the water is siphoned off the river and directed into places where it can sink into the earth.

Guest:

  • Sharon McNary, KPCC infrastructure reporter

Teachers' Strike Update

( Starts at 30:22 )

The Union that represents LAUSD teachers has met again with district officials to negotiate terms. Those talks are expected to go through the weekend.

Guest:

  • Kyle Stokes, KPCC education reporter

The shutdown and the homeless

( Starts at 37:07)

L.A. Family Housing relies on federal funds to provide rental assistance to those who need it, but that hasn't come through lately due to the government shutdown.

Guest:

  • Stephanie Klasky Gamer, L.A. Family Housing CEO

Government Shutdown & Restaurants

( Starts at 44:18 )

Reaching out to federal workers during the government shutdown, Eater L.A. found local restaurants that are stepping up and providing treats and meals to families in need. We speak with a few of these business owners to ask what inspired their support.

https://twitter.com/findyourhilltop/status/1085738415964925952

Weekend Preview

( Starts at 45:50) 

From parades and festivals to service opportunities, there are a bunch of ways to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. this long weekend. Other highlights include a found footage fest, a queer Lakers viewing party, an opera based on an Edgar Allan Poe story, a birthday party for Ben Franklin and a ghost hunt.

Guest:

  • Leo Duran, KPCC producer

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