Which Way, L.A.?
Iraq's Confusing Election; LA's Confusing DWP Rate-Hike Debate
The LA City Council raised electricity rates today, but not as much as Mayor Villaraigosa wanted. What will it mean for business, the environment and residential customers? Also, we speak with a parent about the latest move by LA Unified. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, much-awaited parliamentary elections have divided Iraq between two strong leaders with similar goals but no desire to compromise.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenMayor Villaraigosa took another hit today from the Los Angeles City Council, but Department of Water and Power ratepayers will take a hit, too. We get reaction from downtown business interests and environmentalists. Also, will dropping five days from the school year be a hardship on working parents? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, much-awaited parliamentary elections have divided Iraq between two strong leaders with similar goals but no desire to compromise. Can either one form a government before violence increases again? Will US troops be able to pull out on schedule?
Banner image: LA DWP's Pine Tree Wind Farm, the nation's largest municipally-owned wind farm, delivers 120 MW of clean, renewable energy to Los Angeles, eliminating 200,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. © Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
In this episode
3 storiesCan Democracy Survive in Iraq?
The party of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi won two more seats in this month's parliamentary elections than the party of current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Maliki has called the outcome a "fraud," and demanded a recount. Today, Allawi claimed that Iran is trying to prevent him from forming a government.
Read the story27 minCity Council Approves Modified DWP Rate Hike
LA Mayor Villaraigosa has been accused of stumbling badly in his attempt to raise rates on electricity in the midst of a recession.
Read the story17 minShorter School Calendar Has Parents Breathing Sigh of Relief
Superintendent Ramon Cortines says this weekend's agreement to save jobs by cutting school days demonstrates "a partnership" between the LAUSD and its unions. Some 1800 teachers, 100 administrations and 300 librarians, nurses and counselors will keep their jobs.
Read the story7 min
