Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Is California Crumbling? And How to Solve Hollywood's Diversity Problem
After the Porter Ranch leak, Can Californians trust state agencies to regulate things like natural gas storage facilities? And a look at how to solve Hollywood’s diversity problem.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenCan California citizens trust the state agencies that regulate things like natural gas storage facilities (like the one behind the Porter Ranch leak)? We examine the state’s byzantine regulatory system. Then, gay black men are still more likely to contract HIV than any other demographic. Why, and what can be done? Next, in our Friday film segment, our critics look at the latest releases, including the thriller Midnight Special. And finally, three people in the film industry talk about how to solve Hollywood’s diversity problem.
Image: Equipment and machinery is seen on a ridge above a natural gas well in Southern California Gas Company's Aliso Canyon facility.
Photo by: By Scott L https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45972744
In this episode
4 storiesIs California’s Infrastructure Safe?
Two years ago, Southern California Gas asked state officials to approve a rate hike . The gas company said it needed to increase rates to conduct safety inspections of existing natural gas wells. Wells in four storage fields were deteriorating -- including its Aliso Canyon facility near Porter Ranch. Of course, we all know what happened there.
Read the story12 minHow to Fight HIV in the Black Community
For years, public health officials fought AIDS with information and education. It seemed like it was working, but not for everyone. In 2001, black gay men were still four times more likely to contract HIV than gay men overall. In recent years, things have gotten worse.
Read the story11 minFriday Film: SXSW and New Releases
A lot of the film-world’s focus is in Austin right now. SXSW ends this weekend. But we also have a slate of films being released in theaters today including Midnight Special and the latest in the Divergent series, Allegiant.
Read the story14 minCan Hollywood’s Diversity Problem Be Solved?
This week the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences appointed three new governors: Reginald Hudlin, Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Gregory Nava. It was their first tangible action in reaction to the furor over the #oscarssowhite campaign. But anger over racism in Hollywood continues to flare up.
Read the story14 min
