Which Way, L.A.?
Looming Budget Troubles in Los Angeles
Some Los Angeles city unions may cut their hours and make other concessions to save jobs. Will that mean a reduction in services? Will the Police Protective League go along? Plus, another look at two of the nation's most endangered rivers. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, with the Summit of the Americas coming up, how far is the President willing to go on changing US policy toward “Communist Cuba?”
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenFacing a massive deficit, Mayor Villaraigosa has called on his base of support, organized labor, to “share sacrifices.” We hear what he means and ask union leaders if they'll go along. Will there be cuts in services? Plus, another look at two of the nation's most endangered rivers, the Sacramento and San Joaquin. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, in Latin America and Washington there's pressure to change US policy toward “Communist Cuba.” How far is President Obama willing to go? Will he insist that Cuba change its repressive ways?
In this episode
3 storiesBarack Obama and Fidel Castro's Cuba
For the first time since 2006, American officials met yesterday with Fidel Castro in Cuba. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus visited what they described as Castro’s “modest” house and reported that he was healthy and talkative as ever. Democrat Barbara Lee of California said it’s time for a change.
Read the story26 minLooming Budget Troubles in Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles faces a record shortfall of $530 million. Mayor Villaraigosa won't produce his new budget for two weeks, but he's telling city workers that, if they don't make some concessions, it'll cost them 2800 jobs. He's prepared a videotaped message to members of municipal unions that proposes three cost-saving options.
Read the story18 minSan Joaquin, Sacramento Top the List of Endangered Rivers
The environmental group American Rivers has named the Sacramento and San Joaquin as the most endangered rivers in the United States. It's a PR stunt to focus attention on what Californians already know and have known for decades.
Read the story7 min
