Which Way, L.A.?
Santa Monica, Plastic Bags and the Garbage Patch
The first poll since Governor Jerry Brown proposed a special election on taxes and fees shows that two-thirds of Californians think it's a good idea. A majority actually feels as if he and the legislature might get something done. Also, Santa Monica becomes the latest city to bans plastic bags. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, is the Tea Party undoing party unity in the GOP?
The first poll since Governor Jerry Brown proposed a special election on taxes and fees shows that two-thirds of Californians think it's a good idea. A majority actually feels as if he and the legislature might get something done. Also, Santa Monica becomes the latest city to bans plastic bags. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, when Republicans won control of the Congress, they appeared to be on a role. Now it's unclear whether established leaders or Tea Party conservatives are in control.
Banner image: David McNew/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesCity of Santa Monica Bans Plastic Bags
First, what does Santa Monica have in common with Brownsville, Texas? They've both banned plastic bags. Santa Monica did it two days ago. So has Los Angeles County in unincorporated areas, and several cities are. What's becoming a national movement is based in part on reports of an enormous garbage patch full of plastic in the Pacific Ocean.
Read the story9 minPPIC on Governor Brown's Budget Ideas
In the first few days of his latest term as Governor of California, Jerry Brown has proposed an enormous gamble. To help cover the $25 billion budget gap, he wants $12 billion in cuts and $12 billion in extensions of taxes and fees that former Governor Schwarzenegger said would be "temporary."
Read the story6 minCan Republicans Keep Their Party Together?
House Speaker John Boehner has said that taking control of Congress was "the first big adult moment" in years for the Republican Party. Now the very same Tea Partiers and other movement conservatives that helped Republicans win control of the Congress are challenging the GOP establishment, starting with Michele Bachmann .
Read the story15 min