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Podcasts Take Two
Wildfires Force Closure of All CA's National Forests, On the Lot, Servant of Pod
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Sep 9, 2020
Listen • 52:15
Wildfires Force Closure of All CA's National Forests, On the Lot, Servant of Pod

All of CA's national forests will be closed to the public, new criteria from the Academy on films vying for best picture and Servant of Pod host Nick Quah joins us.

SIMI VALLEY, CA - OCTOBER 30: An inmate firefighter from Oak Glen Conservation Camp near Yucaipa, California sets a backfire during the Easy Fire on October 30, 2019 near Simi Valley, California. The National Weather Service issued a rare extreme red flag warning for Southern California for gusts that could be the strongest in more than a decade, exceeding 80 mph, as the fast-moving brush fire threatens the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and nearby residential neighborhoods. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
SIMI VALLEY, CA - OCTOBER 30: An inmate firefighter from Oak Glen Conservation Camp near Yucaipa, California sets a backfire during the Easy Fire on October 30, 2019 near Simi Valley, California. The National Weather Service issued a rare extreme red flag warning for Southern California for gusts that could be the strongest in more than a decade, exceeding 80 mph, as the fast-moving brush fire threatens the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and nearby residential neighborhoods. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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David McNew/Getty Images
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CA Wildfires Update

Due to these current conditions, the Forest Service announced earlier today that all 18 National Forests will be closed to the public. It’s unclear when they might reopen, but in making the announcement, regional forester Randy Moore cited, the “historic” nature of the fires burning right now. Currently, there are some 900 fires burning in the state, and the acreage that has burned so far this year is nearly 20 times the amount that burned last year.

Guest: 

  • Sharon McNary, KPCC's Infrastructure Correspondent 

Hiker Survival

The fires that exploded over the weekend took campers and hikers by surprise. Many were out to enjoy California’s natural beauty over the the labor day weekend, but the holiday was cut short ...and more than 100 people were rescued by Blackhawk helicopters from the Sierra National Forest where the Creek Fire is in full force. It’s all been a bit of a wake up call for the backpacker. 

Guest:

  • Emily Guerin, KPCC's Environment Reporter and avid hiker

Formerly Incarcerated Firefighters

We’ve been hearing a lot about prison fire crews battling California’s wildfires, risking their lives for a few dollars a day. Once they get out, it can be a challenge finding a job fighting fires as a professional. But this week, the California legislature passed a bill that would allow incarcerated people who sign up for prison fire crews to have some crimes expunged from their records, making it easier for them to get a job on the outside. Ariella Markowitz has a story about two friends who met at a prison fire camp, whose dream was to reinvent themselves –– and figure out a way to help other former inmates get firefighting jobs too.

Committee For Greater L.A.

Earlier this summer, we spoke about a group of academic and community leaders coming together to highlight the disparities that have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and recommend possible solutions. That group… known as the Committee for Greater L-A… on Wednesday released their new report…. called “No Going Back”... which outlines the virus’ impact and suggests next steps toward addressing systemic inequities brought to light by COVID-19.

Guest:

  • Miguel Santana, Chair of the Committee for Greater LA 

On The Lot

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces new criteria films vying for the Best Picture Oscar ...it’s all an attempt to get Hollywood to hire a greater array of people-- both on and behind the screen… But will it work? For this and more entertainment industry news we go On The Lot.

Guest:

  • Rebecca Keegan, Senior Film Editor for The Hollywood Reporter

Servant of Pod

Before working at KPCC, A Martinez was a sports radio guy. And the voice he used in one format didn't exactly work in the other. This week he talks with Nick Quah, host of Servant of Pod, the LAist Studios podcast about podcasts about... voices. Radio and podcast voices. What has been considered "professional" and the messages about race, ethnicity, power and authority that are embedded in those ideas.