Reporter for the Wall Street Journal, covering the food and beverage industries
David Kesmodel on KCRW
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Free speech v. privacy: Limiting protests near homes in OC
Orange CountyThe cities of Irvine and Santa Ana failed to pass an ordinance that would have required protestors to stand at least 300 feet from private residences.
Will there be AI-generated artists as popular as Taylor Swift?
NewsA new AI company called Suno wants everyone to be able to produce their own pro-level songs. What does that mean for artists?
USC nixes graduation after campus protests against Israel
EducationA day after Gaza protests erupted on campus, USC students are disappointed to learn that May 10’s main stage commencement ceremony is canceled.
Landslide road closure leaves Topanga Canyon in distress
TransportationA landslide on Topanga Canyon Blvd. blocks access to Pacific Coast Highway, leading to three-hour commutes and potential catastrophe in fire season.
LA nonprofit puts banned LGBTQ books in school libraries
NewsThe group Open Books is giving what it calls “LGBTQ+ affirming literature” to public schools, including every elementary campus in the LAUSD.
Will animals cross one of the nation’s busiest freeways?
AnimalsConstruction has begun in Agoura Hills on the world’s largest wildlife road crossing. How do you get animals to cross over the busy 101 freeway?
‘Fellowship of frugality’: 99 Cents Only stores to shut down
NewsAll 371 locations of 99 Cents Only stores will close permanently, which means a big loss for those who rely on a low-income brick-and-mortar retailer in their neighborhood.
LA is known for commercial films, new festival wants to change that
NewsThe LA Festival of Movies debuts this week, featuring brand new films, world premieres, older independent flicks that may deserve a second look, and titles that haven’t played within…
Can CA aquariums restore sea otter populations in the wild?
NewsThe Monterey Bay Aquarium has been fostering abandoned sea otter pups for release into the wild.