Which Way, L.A.?
Los Angeles: The City of Fees and Conflicts of Interest
The City of Los Angeles has created a new job one councilman says will require somebody "willing to be gutsy and make enemies in City Hall..."
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenThe City of Los Angeles has created a new job one councilman says will require somebody "willing to be gutsy and make enemies in City Hall." Will the Inspector General of Collections also make enemies of people and companies who owe some $541 million in unpaid taxes, fees and traffic tickets? Also, one of Mayor Villaraigosa's high-level employees is under investigation for conflicts of interest. On our broadcast of today's To the Point, after three years, prosecutors are just beginning to look at the ongoing housing crisis from Wall Street to California.
Banner image: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
In this episode
4 storiesCity Housing Commissioner Faces Scrutiny for Alleged Conflicts
District Attorney Steve Cooley is investigating possible conflicts of interest on the part of the chairwoman of LA Mayor Villaraigosa's housing commission , which grants roughly a billion dollars in federal rent subsidies to needy families.
Read the story7 minLos Angeles: The City of Fees
The City of Los Angeles has furloughed some workers, laid off others and cut services to get rid of a deficit once set at $450 million. At the same time, it's failed to collect some $541 million in unpaid debt.
Read the story12 minDefense Department Eyes SoCal for Big Bomber Contract
Defense contractors used to dominate the economy in Southern California, but in recent years they've moved operations to other states. Now, as Congress and the Obama Administration talk of reducing Pentagon spending, another big project may be in store for the Mojave Desert. W.J. Hennigan reports for the Los Angeles Times .
Read the story7 minThree Years Later, the Housing Crisis Continues
Three years after the housing market began to collapse banks own more than a million homes due to foreclosures, with another million on the verge of repossession this year and millions more in years to come. Economists call it a "glut" that's extending the housing crisis and pushing down prices.
Read the story27 min
