Which Way, L.A.?

Release of Slave Records Boosts Reparations Debate

Although slavery was never legal in California, the state is playing a pivotal role in the middle of a red-hot national debate that could force California insurance companies to pay billions of dollars in damages to the descendents of black slaves. The issue is reparations for slavery: Who was damaged and who made a profit? Last week, Governor Davis came out in favor of doing justice to the victims of slavery. Today, as required by law, the Insurance Commissioner released the lists of slaves and slaveholders, drawn from historic records of insurance companies licensed by the State. We hear a lively debate between the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who supports reparations, and Joe Hicks, LA's former Human Relations Director, who is opposed. Reporter's Notebook: Moratorium Campaign on Death Penalty Despite safeguards, 98 death-row inmates across the US have been released after being found innocent of the crimes for which they were imprisoned. Now, celebrities and community activists are preparing to descend on state and local governments to demand a moratorium on the death penalty in California. One politician who's part of the effort is Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti.