Producer, To the Point/Which Way LA?
Producer for To the Point and Which Way LA?; former producer at Jefferson Public Radio and KPCW in Salt Lake City
PROFILE
Charlotte Duren
Producer/Kcrw Staff
FROM Charlotte Duren
To the Point
The Abortion Wars, Clinic by Clinic The Right to Life movement has changed its focus from overturning Roe v. Wade to regulating abortion clinics. Abortion supporters say the real goal is to deprive women of their Constitutional right to choose. We hear what the rules mean — especially for poor women — as the US Supreme Court considers a case with profound implications in blue states as well as red ones.
Which Way, L.A.?
The Long Commute In the latest installment of KCRW's Below the Ten series, the story of two families that migrated to the Antelope Valley — where housing costs less, but commuting back to the old neighborhood means a long trip home.
To the Point
Paris Attacks Reignite Surveillance Debate One major concern after the deadly attacks on Paris is that Western governments are losing the war against ISIS online. There's renewed debate about surveillance of electronic messaging as opposed to privacy rights—and calls for Silicon Valley to curb terrorist propaganda on social media.
Which Way, L.A.?
Occidental Protests and Calls for Diversity on College Campuses Students who've been occupying the administration building at Occidental College moved to the office of President Jonathan Vietch today. He has refused to step down like his counterpart at the University of Missouri. That action a week ago has helped spread protests over racism and the lack of diversity to campuses around the country, including USC and Claremont-McKenna as well as to Oxy. We hear from both sides.
To the Point
Paris Attacks Spur Harsh Anti-Refugee Rhetoric The deadly violence in Paris has re-ignited America's ongoing debate over immigration. Traditional values, policies and procedures are up against fears about national security. Is a ban on Muslim refugees fleeing Syria's civil war and terrorism by ISIS needed to keep America safe?
Which Way, L.A.?
One Small Step toward Housing the Homeless The LA City Council finally came through today on a promise made eight weeks ago to the homeless — declaring a "shelter crisis." But property owners in Venice are among those angry because of provisions that "decriminalize" homelessness to protect federal funding, and the council still doesn't know where to find $100 million to provide shelters and build new housing.
To the Point
Fighting ISIS It was Frenchmen and Belgians that committed attacks in Paris, but intelligence agencies are convinced they were organized by ISIS in Syria. What does ISIS want? How should the West respond? Can it prevent attacks in the future?
Which Way, L.A.?
Paris Attacks Felt in LA When deadly violence shattered a happy Friday evening in Paris, the pain and sadness struck deep here in Southern California. We talk to a French actress about friends and family in her old neighborhood and to a Muslim-American leader, who feels outrage against the extremists and vulnerability because of his religion.
To the Point
ISIS Attacks Paris CIA Director John Brennan says Friday's attacks in Paris were planned in advance and that others are sure to be "in the pipeline." How should the US and its allies retaliate against ISIS — and strategize for the future?
Which Way, L.A.?
Mystery Missile Launches; California's Changing Coastline Of the coast of California seems serene and stable, remember tsunamis, landslides and earthquakes. We hear what the geologic past can teach us about the future.
Which Way, L.A.?
California Lawmakers' Free Trip to Hawaii Starting this weekend, 20 members of California's Assembly and Senate are getting five days at a five-star resort in Hawaii — paid for by special interests with legislative business. It's an annual junket. As always, the agenda is secret, but Democrats as well as Republicans are invited, so it's called "bipartisan." public disclosure's required until March of next year. What's going on?
To the Point
Red Tape Slows Help for Kids in Danger in Central America It's been a year since President Obama promised a safe path to the United States for thousands of children in Central America—as long as they have parents who are legally in this country. But not a single child has found a way passed bureaucratic obstacles, and thousands are still facing mortal danger at home. Is the US breaking a promise to children at risk?
To the Point
Legalization and the Rise of Big Pot The movement to legalize marijuana appears to be on a roll, despite a defeat this week in Ohio. It's already America's fastest growing commodity, which has the original legalization movement worried that Big Pot could turn out to be just like Big Alcohol or Big Tobacco. In an economy based on the profit motive, will legalization have unintended consequences?
Which Way, L.A.?
LAUSD and the Search for a New Superintendent The Superintendent of LA Schools is a powerful figure in a goldfish bowl. Remember John Deasy and the iPad scandal? The new, computerized scheduling system that failed? Child abuse at Miramonte Elementary? The elected school board wants public input on who should be next for the job — but it won't make public who the candidates are.
To the Point
Open Enrollment, or Open Season on Obamacare? Republicans have promised to kill Obamacare since it went into effect two years ago. The third enrollment period has just begun, and sign-ups are only half what supporters predicted. But millions of people now have health coverage that didn't have it before… and it's a rule of politics that people don't like to give up their benefits. We get a progress report on Obamacare's political future.
Which Way, L.A.?
Will the Car Capital of the World Make Way for Bikes and Buses? There's going to be more congestion during the evening rush hour — especially on the Westside — but that didn't stop the LA City Council from endorsing what's called "Mobility Plan 2035." That's the year when hundreds of miles of new bike and bus lanes are scheduled to be completed — in the interests of the environment, public transit and pedestrian safety.
Recommended
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
To the Point
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.