Cutting Calories for American Kids; Raising Rates for the DWP
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LA's Department of Water and Power considered another rate increase proposed by Mayor Villaraigosa today to create jobs and shift to "clean energy." Is it the same plan turned down by voters last year? Sunday's Los Angeles Marathon now has 25,000 entrants, a new route and a new name. Will all that make a difference? On our rebroadcast of today's 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?
Main Topic
Is Obesity a Problem that's Too Big to Solve? ()
The First Lady and the Surgeon General have joined the Centers for Disease Control in the campaign against obesity, especially among children. One-third of young people are so overweight they’re at risk of Type-2 Diabetes. Ten percent of infants and toddlers are dangerously heavy. The food industry is under pressure to cut back on fat and calories. What about the soft-drink business?
Guests:
- Barry Popkin: Nutrition Epidemiologist, University of North Carolina's Interdisciplinary Obesity Center
- Kevin Keane: Senior VP of Public Affairs, American Beverage Association
- Claudia Kalb: Senior Writer, Newsweek
- Nia-Malika Henderson: White House Reporter, Politico.com
- Sean Kershaw: Executive Director, Citizens' League
Links:
- Popkin's 'The World Is Fat: The Fads, Trends, Policies, and Products that are Fattening the Human Race'
- Kalb's 'Culture of Corpulence' cover story
- Henderson's article on Michelle Obama's admonition to grocers
- Michelle Obama's Q&A on the 'Let's Move' initiative
- Citizens' League's 'Idea Open'
- Mississippi's 'Let's Go Walkin'
- Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative
Main Topic
DWP Looks to Raise Rates to Pay for Green Energy ()
Last year, Los Angeles voters turned down Measure B, Mayor Villaraigosa's plan to raise rates charged by the Department of Water and Power to create jobs and increase the use of solar energy. Today, the DWP Board took up the Mayor's latest proposal, which sounds much the same. The DWP has been taking heat because its workers are getting increases in pay while other city employees suffer pay cuts and lay-offs. It also makes so much money it contributes a surplus to the City's General Fund.
Guests:
- Rick Orlov: City Hall Bureau Chief, Los Angeles Daily News, @Rickorlov
- Matt Szabo: Deputy Chief of Staff, Mayor Villaraigosa
- Jack Humphreville: Chairman, DWP Advocacy Committee
Links:
Reporter's Notebook
25th LA Marathon Hits the Streets on Sunday ()
The LA Marathon is now sponsored by Honda, and the date has been moved back from May to this coming Sunday. The race, from Dodger Stadium to the Sea, is sold out with 25,000 entrants (including KCRW's own Steve Herbert). Peter Abraham is called the “creative director” of the Honda Los Angeles Marathon.
Guests:
- Peter Abraham: Creative Director, Honda Los Angeles Marathon
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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