George Lavender

Independent Producer

George Lavender is an award-winning independent radio and print journalist. His radio reporting has aired on NPR, KCRW, WBUR, KQED, and Radio France International.

George Lavender on KCRW

Southern California has long been associated with street racing. And law enforcement officials say they’re gearing up for another deadly summer.

What's fueling the rise in illegal street racing?

Southern California has long been associated with street racing. And law enforcement officials say they’re gearing up for another deadly summer.

from KCRW Features

Businesses that grow or sell cannabis still face a challenge when it comes to what to do with the money they make. At the Higher Path dispensary in Sherman Oaks,…

The business of legal weed poses banking challenges

Businesses that grow or sell cannabis still face a challenge when it comes to what to do with the money they make. At the Higher Path dispensary in Sherman Oaks,…

from News Stories

Most banks are unwilling to serve an industry that is illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

Banking and cannabis

Most banks are unwilling to serve an industry that is illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

from KCRW Features

More from KCRW

Measure HLA, which is on the ballot, has attracted passionate support and strong opposition, amid a broad reckoning over the future and priorities of safety in LA transportation.

from KCRW Features

A classic fruit pie is vegan except for that buttery crust, which is the easiest part of the pastry to tweak. Several great plant butters are available.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The world of 1970s Laurel Canyon is on full display in Ginny Winn’s book, “Grievous Angels, Trout Masks, and American Beauties: 1970s Rock & Roll Photography of Ginny Winn.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The race for two open supervisor seats is heating up in Orange County. Two candidates might compete in the November run-off election if no one receives more than 50% of votes.

from KCRW Features

On Thursday, Biden and Trump will both head to the U.S.-Mexico border to address immigration. It’s the top issue in the nation, reports a new Gallup poll .

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

To get financial aid for college, prospective students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The process is now massively delayed.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Katie Porter’s influence turned Orange County competitive, but after her Senate race loss, Democrats now face the challenge of keeping that same momentum going.

from KCRW Features

“High & Low” chronicles John Galliano’s rise with Givenchy and Christian Dior, then his downfall due to alcoholism and anti-Jewish remarks.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Was there a message behind the unanimous SCOTUS ruling on Trump’s eligibility to appear on the ballot? What’s driving a global trend toward authoritarian leaders?

from Left, Right & Center