Which Way, L.A.?
Which Way, L.A.?
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African American Named Interim Fire Chief

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Mayor Villaraigosa has named African American Douglas Barry as LA's interim Fire Chief after new controversy about racist hazing of officers by their colleagues. Is it part of the culture or just local fire houses? Will a minority veteran succeed where Caucasian predecessors have failed? Plus, new leadership at the Getty.

Main Topic

Putting out Fires at the Fire Department ()

The former president of LA's Fire Commission has told the Los Angeles Times, "The public just doesn't understand what goes on" in the fire department. Chief William Bamattre was hired 11 years ago to get racism, sexism and homophobia under control, but the accusations continued. Bamattre was replaced today—temporarily--by Mayor Villaraigosa. Assistant Chief Douglas Barry is an African American with 31 years of service.  The job change comes just days after the Mayor vetoed a $2.7 million settlement the City Council made with black firefighter Tenny Pierce, who claimed racist colleagues caused him to eat dog food.  City Controller Laura Chick had called for Bamattre to leave after her office audited the Fire Department.  Will a minority veteran succeed where Caucasian predecessors have failed?

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Reporter's Notebook

Former Head of the Art Institute of Chicago to Lead Getty ()

The Getty Trust, the world's richest art organization with $5 billion, has a new leader. Barry Munitz was forced to resign due to excessive spending and other issues.  A former Getty official is on trial in Italy on criminal charges. Munitz's replacement is 65 year-old James Wood, former president of the Art Institute of Chicago.

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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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