Which Way, L.A.?
Californians Less Concerned about Air Quality, Global Warming
Concern about the environment is declining in California, and Governor Schwarzenegger's popularity has reached an all-time low. Also, a monthly one-day shut down of all state courts. What's the likely impact? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, the President says the arrest of a black Harvard professor by a white Cambridge policeman provided a "teachable moment." Was it "stupid?"
By Warren Olney • • 53m ListenConcern about the environment is declining in California and becoming more of a partisan issue, and Governor Schwarzenegger's popularity has dropped to where Gray Davis' was before the 2003 recall. Also, state courts are shutting down one day a month to save money. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, the President says the arrest of a black Harvard professor by a white Cambridge policeman provided a "teachable moment." Was it "stupid?" We'll hear contrasting views on the "beer summit" at the Obama White House.
Banner image: Giant wind turbines, powered by strong prevailing winds near Palm Springs, California. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images
In this episode
4 storiesThe Cop, the Professor and the President of the United States
In an incident now familiar to most Americans, Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates arrived home from a trip to China to find his door jammed. He and his driver tried to force it open. A neighbor reported a possible break-in, and Cambridge Police Sergeant James Crowley showed up at the home.
Read the story28 minBudget Cuts Close the Courts One Day a Month
Juvenile courts, family courts, trial courts, appellate courts and the State Supreme Court will all be shut down on the third Wednesday of every month, all to save $414 million. That's the unanimous decision of the California Judicial Council, presided over by Chief Justice Ron George.
Read the story6 minCalifornians Less Concerned about Air Quality, Global Warming
California has some of the nation's worst pollution, but residents aren't as concerned as they used to be. They're also less concerned about global warming. And there's a growing divide between Democrats and Republicans as to what measures to take and how soon to take them.
Read the story14 minBig Brother Technology in Squad Cars?
It's not the City of London yet, but Los Angeles is expanding the use of video scanners by the LAPD. Automated recognition systems mounted in patrol cars can process 1500 license plates every minute. A cop with a computer can handle about 100 in a ten-hour shift.
Read the story6 min
