Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The Cost of Homelessness in LA, a Cambodian Refugee's Story, Friday Film
Today is the 40th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge takeover of Cambodia. We hear from a Cambodian refugee who came to Southern California as a child and lives in Long Beach. Then, an interview with a filmmaker who has a new documentary that revives the lost history of Cambodian pop music.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenWe start today with a look at a new report from the city’s administrative officer, which says that L.A. spends $100 million a year on its homeless population. Where does the money go, and why is homelessness on the rise? Next, on the 40th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge takeover of Cambodia, we hear from a Cambodian refugee who came to Southern California as a child and lives in Long Beach. Then, an interview with a filmmaker who has a new documentary that revives the lost history of Cambodian pop music. And finally, in our Friday film segment, Star Wars, Paul Blart, and more.
Banner Image: Buddhist monk visiting the holy sites around Angkor Wat, Cambodia; Credit: Eric Weinke
In this episode
4 storiesLA Puts a Price Tag on Homelessness: $100 Million a Year
This week, for the first time ever, Los Angeles put a dollar amount on its homeless problem: $100 million. That’s what the city spends every year on the city’s 23,000 homeless people, according to a new report from City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana. He also found that the money doesn’t go where you might think.
Read the story11 minThe Story of a Cambodian Refugee in Southern California
Forty years ago today, Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia. They quickly turned the country into what was essentially one large prison camp. Cities were emptied, anyone suspected of being educated was killed, and nearly every Cambodian was forced into grueling manual labor. Two million Cambodians died in four years.
Read the story11 minCambodia's Lost Rock and Roll
Among the 2 million Cambodians who died in the genocide of the 1970s were many intellectuals and artists, including musicians. The pop and rock music scene in the capital, Phnom Penh, had been flourishing until then. The music was inspired by Western rock and soul, but had a distinctly Eastern sound.
Read the story14 minFriday Film: 'Star Wars' and a Forgettable Family Comedy
The trailer for the new Star Wars movie dropped yesterday. Though our film reviewers in this week’s Friday film segment could easily talk exclusively about that, we’re also going to take a look at movies that are actually coming out this weekend.
Read the story13 min
