Which Way, L.A.?
School Money and Gun Control
Teacher layoffs, library closings and elimination of music and other programs have driven parents into the streets, along with their children, to raise money for education. Will private fund-raising be a band-aid in Santa Monica or business as usual for public schools? Also, the US Supreme Court re-interprets the Second Amendment's "right to bear arms.” What's the impact on gun control in California? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, will Elena Kagan's confirmation hearings be the kind of "ritual dance” she herself has criticized in the past?
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenTeacher layoffs, library closings and elimination of music and other programs have driven parents into the streets, along with their children, to raise money for education. Will private fund-raising be a band-aid in Santa Monica or business as usual for public schools? Also, the US Supreme Court re-interprets the Second Amendment's "right to bear arms.” What's the impact on gun control in California? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, Senate confirmation hearings got underway today for a Supreme Court nominee who once described such proceedings as "a vapid and hollow charade.” Will Elena Kagan talk about what judges actually do? Would it make a difference to Democrats or Republicans?
Banner image: Students and parents at the "Lemon-aide" stand, part of the Save Our Schools campaign in Santa Monica. Artwork and photo: Yolanda Lewis
In this episode
3 storiesSupreme Court Sides with Gun Advocates, Extends Rights Nationwide
By a familiar margin of 5 to 4, the US Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment's right "to keep and bear arms" extends not just to federal jurisdictions, but to all states and municipalities. Chicago's 30-year-old ban on handguns probably will be ruled unconstitutional.
Read the story6 minPrivate Sector Steps in to Save Our Schools
After a school-funding measure barely failed to get the two-thirds required vote last month, the Santa Monica-Malibu School Board cut $7.1 million , eliminated 65 teaching jobs and closed libraries in elementary schools. This weekend, parents and kids set up a lemonade stand on Main Street as part of SOS — the Save Our Schools Campaign .
Read the story20 minKagan's Confirmation Hearings, Day One
As Solicitor General , Elena Kagan represents the Obama Administration before the US Supreme Court. Now, the President has nominated her to succeed John Paul Stevens, whose retirement became effective today.
Read the story26 min
