Sexual assault allegations against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh heat up the battle between U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and her challenger Kevin DeLeon. Plus, LADOT makes its real-time parking data available to the public today. And, suggestions for what to do in L.A. this weekend.
The week in California politics
Now that U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein is being called out for her handling of sexual assault allegations against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Feinstein's challenger in this November's election is making it an issue. Plus, other news in California politics.
Guests:
- Carla Marinucci, reporter for Politico's California Playbook
- Jack Pitney, Roy P. Crocker Professor of American Politics at Claremont McKenna College
Long Beach Police Department investigating the use of Tiger Text app
In Long Beach, the police department is under fire this week following an investigation by the news organization, Al-Jazeera. It found that more than 140 of its employees' phones had an app called Tiger Text that caused messages to disappear after a few days. Activists argued the messages could be important to investigate the department for things like officer-involved shootings and corruption. And the Police Department now says it will suspend use of the app pending further review.
Guest:
- Robert Luna, Long Beach Chief of Police
Los Angeles Department of Transportation will share real-time parking data with the public
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation today will begin making real-time parking data available to the public. The goal is to improve traffic congestion around popular venues and to increase retail business by making it easier for drivers to find parking.
Guest:
- Ken Husting, parking administrator for the L.A. Department of Transportation
We test plastic straw alternatives
California has banned full-service restaurants from handing out plastic straws, effective January 1st. Sure, customers can ask for one, but as the pressure on single-use plastic builds, more people are considering the alternatives. Earlier this summer, we tested a few different kind of straws -- paper, bamboo, glass and metal -- with three adventurous testers: Julia Paskin, Austin Cross and Natalie El-Hai.
Sativa Water District responds to its possible dissolution
South L.A.'s Sativa Water District has come under fire for brown water flowing from its taps. And as a result, now state legislation could fast track the district's dissolution. Now Sativa responds.
Guest:
- Thomas Martin, Interim General Manager at the Sativa Water District
- Assemblyman Mike Gipson, author of AB 1577, a bill that would simplify dissolving Sativa
Union Station will host pop-up retro arcade this weekend
If you're going to be at Union Station this weekend and you hear a bunch of rings, dings and screaming children, chances are you're hearing a pop-up retro arcade. It's happening this Saturday and Sunday, in the ticket concourse, just inside the station's entrance.
Guest:
- Ken Pratt, Deputy Executive Director of Operations and Management for Union Station
Weekend preview
Our picks for what to do this weekend include National Public Lands Day, when SoCal parks like Joshua Tree and Death Valley are free. Plus, TARfest at the LaBrea tar pits. And the Moon Festival and Gourmet Food Fair in Temple City.
Guest:
- Leo Duran, KPCC