Which Way, L.A.?
The City of Bell and the California Pension Crisis
The Bell city officials who were paid outrageous salaries are eligible for outrageous pensions, too, paid in large part by other cities where they worked before. Vernon's former city manager, Bruce Malkenhorst, currently earns the state's biggest pension, even though he's under indictment for misappropriating public funds. How did it get that way? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, the oil spill and the Gulf as an industrial dumping ground.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenThe Bell city officials who were paid outrageous salaries are eligible for outrageous pensions, too, paid in large part by other cities where they worked before. Vernon's former city manager, Bruce Malkenhorst, currently earns the state's biggest pension, $509,000 a year, even though he's under indictment for misappropriating public funds. How did it get that way? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, BP may finally "kill" the oil well this week, but there's dispute about its strategy for long-term cleanup. How long has the Gulf been a dumping ground for regional industry?
Banner image: Mario Sanchez, a resident of the City of Bell, holds a protest placard calling for the ouster of city officials before the start of council meeting on July 26, 2010 in Bell, California. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesCongresswoman Maxine Waters Facing Ethics Charges
A House investigative panel filed charges today against Los Angeles Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters . Unless she negotiates a settlement, she'll face trial in the fall, as will New York Democrat Charles Rangel . John Bresnahan reports on Congress for Politico .
Read the story7 minThe City of Bell and the California Pension Crisis
Outrageous salaries paid to former officials have brought attention not just to the City of Bell , but to neighboring cities and to the way public pensions are structured in California. Former city manager Robert Rizzo's salary was $800,000 and he might be eligible for a $600,000 pension.
Read the story19 minThe Gulf Oil Spill and the Long-Term Recovery
The cap on BP's broken oil well in the Gulf of Mexico has been holding, but that's only temporary. After more than three months, preparations are finally underway for finally sealing it once and for all.
Read the story27 min
