Press Play with Madeleine Brand
'Fast and Furious' House, South L.A. Violence and the American Dream
The Fast and the Furious came out 14 years ago—and it’s made a star out of one ordinary house in Echo Park. And, if you’re planning a beach day this weekend, don’t plan on El Sol County Beach in Malibu. L.A. County bought it in 1974 with taxpayer money, but it has never been open to the public.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenA recent poll shows that blacks and Latinos are far more optimistic about the “American Dream” than their white counterparts. Which might seem counterintuitive, given the heightened racial tensions in America.
Then, 2015 is turning out to be a violent year in many U.S. cities, and Los Angeles is no exception. More than 185 people have been killed so far this year. 39 people were killed just last month, making it the deadliest August in eight years. South L.A. is seeing more than its share of that violence.
If you’re planning a beach day this long weekend, one place you won’t be going is El Sol County Beach in Malibu. L.A. County bought it in 1974 with taxpayer money and a promise to preserve it for public recreation. However, El Sol has never been open to the public. That’s partly because of lawsuits by wealthy beachfront homeowners who want to keep it closed.
Finally, The Fast and the Furious came out 14 years ago, and it’s now one of the most successful film franchises ever. The franchise made big action stars out of Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and the late Paul Walker. And they’ve made a star out of one ordinary house in Echo Park.
In this episode
5 storiesMinority Optimism and the American Dream
The August jobs report is out. Unemployment is down to 5.1 percent, but far fewer jobs were created than expected—and the stock market is reacting. But some Americans are bullish on our country’s future: minorities. A recent poll shows that blacks and Latinos are far more optimistic about the “American Dream” than their white counterparts.
Read the story8 minWhy is Violence On the Rise in South L.A.?
2015 is turning out to be a violent year in many U.S. cities, and Los Angeles is no exception. More than 185 people have been killed so far this year. 39 people were killed just last month, making it the deadliest August in eight years. South LA is seeing more than its share of that violence.
Read the story9 minMalibu's El Sol Beach Closed to the Public
If you’re planning a beach day this long weekend, one place you won’t be going is El Sol County Beach in Malibu. L.A. County bought it in 1974 with taxpayer money and a promise to preserve it for public recreation. In the 41 years since then, however, El Sol has never been open to the public.
Read the story7 minFilm Roundup: 'The Transporter Refueled,' 'A Walk in the Woods'
We look at this weekend’s releases. There’s an action thriller reboot, and a story of two older friends who get together to hike the Appalachian Trail and more.
Read the story14 minToretto's House from 'The Fast and the Furious'
The Fast and the Furious came out 14 years ago, and it’s now one of the most successful film franchises ever. If you haven’t seen the movie or its six sequels, here’s what you need to know: fast cars, crazy stunts, and a great-looking cast. Fast and Furious movies have grossed almost $4 billion worldwide.
Read the story8 min
