Violence in Mexico May Mean Spring Break in Palm Springs
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A "trigger" provision in last month's state budget deal may increase both cuts in state spending and raises in taxes. We hear what federal stimulus money has to do with it. Plus, violence in Mexico is changing a lot of plans for spring break vacations. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, forget the "axis of evil." Economic recession now threatens political upheaval around the world, with national security consequences here in the US. We look at potential sources of trouble. Is Washington paying attention?
Main Topic
Global Recession and Insecurity ()
The World Bank says the global economy will shrink this year for the first time since the 1940’s. Falling demand in the West has led to the sharpest drop in world trade in 80 years. Millions of jobs are disappearing in developing countries. US intelligence agencies say political instability is becoming a greater threat to national security than international terrorism.
Guests:
- Steven Schrage: Scholl Chair in International Business, Center for Strategic and International Studies
- Jonathan Broder: Senior Defense and Foreign Policy Editor, Congressional Quarterly
- Joel Kibazo: Associate Fellow in the Africa Program, Chatham House
- David Sanger: Washington Correspondent, New York Times, @SangerNYT
Links:
Making News
Stimulus Could Trigger More State Taxes, Spending Cuts ()
In May, Californians will be asked to approve six ballot measures confirming $42 billion in spending cuts and new taxes that made up the compromise that was worked out in Sacramento last month. But taxes could be higher and spending cuts deeper if the state doesn’t get $10 billion in federal stimulus money. John Howard, managing editor of Capitol Weekly, has more.
Guests:
- John Howard: Managing Editor, Capitol Weekly
Main Topic
Violence in Mexico May Mean Spring Break in Palm Springs ()
Last month, the State Department renewed its warning against travel to Mexico, where it says “the greatest increase in violence has occurred near the US border.” The Los Angeles Times has reported that beheadings and bodies “dissolved in barrels of lye” have been found in and near Tijuana. The Orange County Register says the largest West Coast travel firm specializing in student spring breaks has transferred this year’s destination from Baja to Palm Springs.
Guests:
- Gary Warner: Travel Editor, Orange County Register
- David Shirk: Director of the Trans-Border Institute, University of San Diego
Reporter's Notebook
Lobbyists and Lawmakers Sipping Wine at Budget Time ()
December’s legislative spending reports were released last week, revealing that lawmakers of both parties continue to be wined and dined at lobbyists’ expense, 25 years after passage of political reform in California. One day after Governor Schwarzenegger announced a fiscal emergency, a two-day retreat was convened at the Wine and Roses hotel in Lodi. Patrick McGreevy has the evidence.
Guests:
- Patrick McGreevy: Reporter, Los Angeles Times, @mcgreevy99
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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