Zócalo's Connecting California

Zócalo's Connecting California

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6 min

Every week, Zócalo columnist and fourth-generation Southern Californian Joe Mathews talks to Morning Edition host Chery Glaser about 21st-century California's people, politics, trends and idiosyncrasies.

All Episodes

Leila Mottley was 19 and fresh out of high school when she wrote “Nightcrawling,” which captures the heartbreak and yearning of California’s inner cities.

Commentator Joe Mathews says the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley is the best of its kind in the country, even if that has little to do with the 40th president…

Commentator Joe Mathews says the federal government’s sale of off-shore wind leases is raising questions about the future of climate and community.

When California’s economy falters, the reverberations are felt across the globe. Commentator Joe Mathews says state banks are often the root of the problem.

San Diego’s public universities are thriving. Joe Mathews says forward thinking and smart development are making the southwest corner of the state a higher education mecca.

As California schools are routinely shutting down, commentator Joe Mathews says it’s crucial to harden schools for this new reality and keep them running.

Political power is fleeting, but ballot initiatives in California can last forever if their champions continue to fight for them.

California’s tech giants have helped build one of the world's largest economies, but commentator Joe Mathews says Americans have paid a heavy price for that success.

More from KCRW

Have media outlets gone overboard in their coverage of campus protests? What’s at stake in (another) legal battle between states and the White House?

from Left, Right & Center

Police arrested more than 130 people at UCLA after law enforcement dispersed protesters and dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Critics review the latest film releases: “The Fall Guy,” “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Evil Does Not Exist,” and “Mars Express.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Latest

Arizona's Republican-led legislature repealed the state's Civil War-era abortion ban, reverting to a 15-week limit. Meanwhile, Florida enforces a six-week ban.

Arizona repeals historic abortion ban amid battle for reproductive rights

Arizona's Republican-led legislature repealed the state's Civil War-era abortion ban, reverting to a 15-week limit. Meanwhile, Florida enforces a six-week ban.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

After violence between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian sides broke out at UCLA overnight, two Dartmouth lecturers with differing views on the war offer a model for cooperation.

Amid US campus protests, can Dartmouth offer a different path?

After violence between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian sides broke out at UCLA overnight, two Dartmouth lecturers with differing views on the war offer a model for cooperation.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Department of Justice proposed making cannabis a Schedule 3 drug, acknowledging after decades of illicit use that it has medical value and a lower risk for abuse.

Justice Department recommends loosening marijuana restrictions

The Department of Justice proposed making cannabis a Schedule 3 drug, acknowledging after decades of illicit use that it has medical value and a lower risk for abuse.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Strawberries are easy to transform into a dish that’s like a gift. To kick them up a notch, marinate them with a drizzle of flavorful balsamic vinegar.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with marinated strawberries (and ice cream)

Strawberries are easy to transform into a dish that’s like a gift. To kick them up a notch, marinate them with a drizzle of flavorful balsamic vinegar.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The NLRB has accused Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, Amazon, and SpaceX of harassing and intimidating workers. The companies are challenging the power of the board to protect workers’ jobs.

Supreme Court weighs power clash between workers and corporate giants

The NLRB has accused Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, Amazon, and SpaceX of harassing and intimidating workers. The companies are challenging the power of the board to protect workers’ jobs.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Campus protestors nationwide are demanding universities divest and cut financial ties to Israel. Is that possible in today's complex, global economy?

Protesters want universities to divest from Israel, schools aren’t bending

Campus protestors nationwide are demanding universities divest and cut financial ties to Israel. Is that possible in today's complex, global economy?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Trader Joe’s works with global suppliers to make eclectic products, but some small food producers say the company rips them off, reports Adam Reiner, founder of Restaurant Manifesto.

Is Trader Joe’s stealing food ideas from small producers?

Trader Joe’s works with global suppliers to make eclectic products, but some small food producers say the company rips them off, reports Adam Reiner, founder of Restaurant Manifesto.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Trader Joe’s works with global suppliers to make eclectic products, but some small food producers say the company rips them off, reports Adam Reiner, founder of Restaurant Manifesto .

Trader Joe’s: Fun romp through global cuisine comes at a price

Trader Joe’s works with global suppliers to make eclectic products, but some small food producers say the company rips them off, reports Adam Reiner, founder of Restaurant Manifesto .

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand