The Debate Over Group Housing in LA Neighborhoods

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The Debate Over Group Housing in LA Neighborhoods ()

After 5 years of wrangling, the LA City Council is scheduled to vote soon on a proposed crack down against overcrowded group homes in single-family neighborhoods. In December, four people were murdered in a Northridge home where almost 20 had been living in squalid conditions. That’s given new life to a much-debated LA City Council proposal to crack down on unsafe, overcrowded group homes in residential neighborhoods. More than 40 homeowner groups and associations are supportive… but opponents say it will throw needy people into the street. Last month’s quadruple murder in Northridge may put it over the top.  But critics call that a smokescreen for NIMBY homeowner groups that will close down legitimate, well-run facilities for the old, sick and disabled as well as parolees and recovering addicts.         

Guests:

• Mitch Englander: Los Angeles City Council, @Mitch_Englander
• Wesley Lowery: Reporting Fellow
• Adam Murray: Inner City Law Center, @InnerCityLaw

Links:

• Wesley Lowrey, Los Angeles Times

Reporter's Notebook

Remembering Nixon on His 100th Birthday ()

One of America’s most controversial presidents—the only one to resign from office—was born 100 years ago today.  All this year, the Nixon Foundation has been running Centennial observances, including a gala this week in Washington and a gathering last weekend at the farmhouse in Whittier where Nixon was born.  Tim Naftali is a former director of the Nixon Library and Museum, who says we should remember his faults as well as his achievements…    

Guests:

• Tim Naftali: Director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library , @TimNaftali

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Will the Newtown Massacre be the “Tipping Point” for Gun Control? ()

The slaughter of children in Newtown, Connecticut has infused new energy into the gun control movement.  Will a new strategy sound like good politics to some Republicans?  Will there be enough money to challenge the power of the NRA? Vice President Joe Biden talked to reporters today before meeting with a group of gun control advocates.  He said the Newtown, Connecticut massacre has created a requirement for “immediate action…” Biden said he’ll meet tomorrow with the NRA and the Gun Owners of America—to hear their views and try to find common ground. 

Guests:

• John Gramlich: Congressional Quarterly, @johngramlich
• Adam Winkler: University of California, Los Angeles, @adamwinkler
• Jim Tomes: Republican Senator in the State of Indiana: NRA member and co-founder of the 2nd Amendment Patriot Group, a grassroots initiative in Indiana.
• Mark McKinnon: No Labels, @mmckinnon
• Charles C.W. Cooke: National Review, @charlescwcooke