Which Way, L.A.?
Which Way, L.A.?
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Award-winning moderator Warren Olney leads lively, thoughtful and provocative discussion on the issues Southern Californians care about. Which Way. L.A.? draws from newsmakers around Los Angeles, the state, North America, and from around the world to present all sides of the issues.
RECENT SHOWS
Cutting Calories for American Kids; Raising Rates for the DWP
Will LA's Department of Water and Power raise rates? Will 25,000 runners finish the Marathon? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, the obesity epidemic may be old news, but it's still a major public health threat in the United States, especially to children. Are the beverage industry's changing practices more than public relations? Is First Lady Michelle Obama having an impact?
Obama and Israel; Californians without Health Insurance
Rising unemployment means a quarter of Californians under 65 don't have health insurance. State cutbacks could make matters worse. Also, Governor Schwarzenegger says he wants to cut the deficit. Why has he vetoed spending reductions? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, the Obama Administration is making nice with Israel today -- at least in public -- but tensions are still high over housing plans in East Jerusalem and American credibility in the Middle East.
Healthcare, TV News and Republican Politics
The lack of real news on TV News programs in LA has "alarmed' one federal regulator. How well is the public being served? Also, was there a winner in last night's debate between Republicans who want to be Governor? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, the US has the world's most expensive system of healthcare. Is it also the best? Would proposed reforms make sure the country gets what it's paying for?
The Politics of Climate Change; Supergraphic Advertising
LA City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is on a crusade against electronic billboards and supergraphics. Also, the 2010 census. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, Americans were increasingly worried about climate change until last year, when there was a surge in skepticism that's still growing. Is it the economy? The news media? What are the consequences for public policy in an election year?
Gun Control in America and Jerry Brown in California
Attorney General Jerry Brown wants to get back the job he held in the 1970’s, Governor of California. He says experience is the best teacher. What are his plans for restoring the California Dream? Also, could driver error be behind Toyota’s acceleration problem? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, support for gun control has been dropping fast, and gun sales have been going up. Some advocates are now focused on carrying unconcealed weapons — even at Starbucks.
Courts and Courthouses, from Washington to California
LA County's presiding judge is threatening to close courtrooms and lay off staff, delaying civil trials due to a shortage of money. He has his eye on a pile of cash meant for construction, but judges in other parts of the state are just saying, "No." Also, a clarification on the Toyota recalls. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, should terrorist suspects be tried in civilian courts or military tribunals? Should the Obama Justice Department have hired lawyers who represented accused terrorists in the past?
The Politics of Healthcare Reform; More Trouble for Toyota
Another claim of sudden acceleration and a $40-billion defense contract with only one bidder. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, President Obama is back on the campaign trail, asking crowds to tell fellow Democrats to vote for healthcare reform.
In Iraq, Voting; In California, Rising Insurance Rates
A California Insurance Company has inadvertently given President Obama something he much needed, an understandable argument for healthcare reform. Also, Kathryn Bigelow makes Hollywood history. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, bombing attacks may have hardened the resolve of some Iraqis to take part in yesterday's voting. But the results won't put an end to widespread corruption.
Federal Finance Reform; California Losing Race to the Top
Fifteen states have won federal Race-to-the-Top money for school reform, but not California. That's $700 million in much-needed funds the state won't get. We ask the Superintendent of Public Instruction and others, what happened? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, the taxpayer bailout of banks that were "too big to fail" was followed up with the promise of finance reform to protect consumers.
Uncertainty in South Asia; Big Trouble at LA City Hall
The certainty of increasing deficits has LA City officials talking. Will they lease public assets, spend down the reserve fund and lay off workers, including cops? What about making a plan based on priorities? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, there might be good news for the US in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but that conclusion is open to different interpretations...
Whales and Aquatic Parks; A Candidate for CA Democrats
Attorney General Jerry Brown wants to be Governor all over again. Today's official announcement emphasizes what he's got plenty of: experience. He was first elected to that same job in 1974. We find out what's new. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, was the orca that killed his trainer at SeaWorld an wild animal out of control or just curious about her ponytail? Should killer whales and dolphins be used for entertainment of human beings?
Is Greece Too Big to Fail? What's Next for the Dodgers?
Frank and Jamie McCourt made $108 million — tax free. Now they plan to raise ticket and parking prices for Dodger games without increasing the payroll. What's in store for the team? Also, the state's new Assembly Speaker. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, Greece is on the brink of financial ruin, and proposed austerity measures have sparked strikes and street demonstrations. What's the roll of Wall Street banks? Will hedge funds reap profits by making things worse?
Politics of Healthcare Reform; Smog Tests that Don't Work
Tailpipe and treadmill testing of old cars for smog may become things of the past in California. New technology could mean more effective inspections, lower costs, fraud control and air that's safer to breath. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, with Barack Obama presiding, Democrats and Republicans hashed out the details of healthcare reform for several hours across the street from the White House.
Can Toyota Recover Its Image? Will LAUSD Get Real Reform?
The LA Unified School Board's accused of cow-towing to organized labor after control of most schools in a high-profile reform plan went to organized administrators and teachers. We hear from Board members and others. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, before Akio Toyoda took the stand, members of Congress asked Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood some of the questions Toyota owners want answered.
Will Democrats Lose the Congress, LA Its Neighborhood Councils?
The City of LA took another hit to its credit rating today. Will Neighborhood Councils be a financial casualty? Unemployment, bank bailouts and government gridlock have created a nightmare scenario for the party in power. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, will the Democrats lose control of either the House or the Senate in this mid-term election year?
Program Details
Host
Considered the dean of Southern California broadcast journalists, Warren tackles the issues Southern Californians care about. Expanding that concept, To the Point deals with issues of national concern and is on air in most major metropolitan markets across the country. On any day, you’ll hear a fast-paced, news-based talk show featuring multiple perspectives on a single major issue, with Newsmaker and Reporters Notebook features, as well.
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Schedule
Live
Tapes & Transcripts
A CD copy of Which Way L.A.? is a available by calling 1.888.600.5279.
Transcripts are not available.
Underwriters
Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, which supports study and research into policy issues of the Los Angeles region.
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