Which Way, L.A.?
County Fights Plan to Drill for Oil on Whittier Parkland
The City of Whittier wants oil drilling on land LA County bought to preserve as open space. Supervisor Gloria Molina calls it a "dangerous precedent."
By Warren Olney • • 25m ListenThe City of Whittier wants oil drilling on land Los Angeles County bought to preserve as open space. County officials claim, if the deal goes through, it would open the door to oil drilling on parkland all over the state. Supervisor Gloria Molina calls it a "dangerous precedent," but the County may have stepped in too late for an effective challenge. We hear from Molina and others. Also, Amazon wants to build a "fulfillment center" in Moreno Valley. We find out what that is and what it could mean for the Inland Empire.
On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, since 9/11, America's National Security Agency has built a massive, online intelligence apparatus in the name of protecting the nation. Is it too successful for America's own good? Revelations about spying on foreign leaders are spreading outrage around the world—although former leaders of many countries admit they do it, too. We look at the continuing fallout of leaks by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
Banner image courtesy of Whittier Hills Oil Watch
In this episode
2 storiesPublic Lands and Private Oil Wells
In 1992, Los Angeles County voters approved Proposition A, providing money to preserve open space. Two years later, the County used Prop A funds to buy seven acres for parkland in the Whittier Hills. But in 2008, the City of Whittier leased it to the Matrix Oil Company, which says oil drilling will provide thousands of jobs and big money.
Read the story17 minAmazon Warehouse Coming to Moreno Valley
To provide same-day service for Internet customers, Amazon doesn't just build warehouses, it builds "fulfillment centers." It's already got one in San Bernardino. Now it plans another in Moreno Valley. KCRW's Saul Gonzalez took a look.
Read the story8 min
