SoCal Update

Why Are Firefighters Refusing the Vaccine?; How Little Tokyo Businesses Are Surviving Pandemic

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 22:18:21 +0000

Today: Even though firefighters in California were some of the first to be offered the COVID-19 vaccine, many have refused to take it. KPCC Science Reporter Jacob Margolis explores how big of an issue vaccine hesitancy is for firefighters.

Then, we look at some of Little Tokyo’s long-standing restaurants and shops that make the neighborhood so special. KPCC reporter Josie Huang checked in with a few of those businesses to see how they have been surviving the pandemic.

On Campus With LAUSD Teachers and Kids; Amazon Hits New Streaming Milestone

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 01:04:00 +0000

Today, a look at how LAUSD teachers and kids are faring as schools begin to reopen. Plus, Amazon hits a new streaming milestone.

Vaccines Open Up for Everyone Age 16 and Older; LAPD Protest Response; Girl & Dug’s Rare Produce

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:48:51 +0000

Today, what people should know about vaccine eligibility expanding tomorrow. Plus, reports review LAPD’s summer protest response, and rare, high-end produce.

Pandemic Claims Popular Theater Chain; Update on Nursing Home Investigation

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 02:35:00 +0000

Today, why a popular movie theater chain is closing and how some are trying to save it. Plus, we learn why ReNew Health Group’s Nursing Homes are operating with denied licenses.

How to Talk to Kids About Going Back to School; Spotlight on Troubled Chain of Nursing Homes

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 03:12:00 +0000

Today, preparing little ones to go back to school as LAUSD begins to reopen tomorrow. Plus, a new investigation looks at a nursing home chain's failures to serve residents.

Parents Sue LAUSD for Reopening Too Cautiously; How Race Shapes Our Lives; Desert Day Trips

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 00:53:00 +0000

Today, a group of parents wants LAUSD to bring more students back, sooner. Plus, anti-Asian hate’s impact on an artist’s life, plus six Anza Borrego excursions.

Why Next Six Weeks Are Critical in L.A.’s Fight Against COVID; L.A. City Considers More Mental Health Units, Less Police

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 00:43:11 +0000

Today: Why the next six weeks will be critical for L.A.'s fight against COVID. Plus, L.A. City Council to explore expansion of LAPD’s mental health crisis teams.

Orange Tier: What it Means for L.A. Bars and Restaurants; How Leimert Park Businesses Have Weathered the Pandemic

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:38:00 +0000

Today, Los Angeles is officially in the orange COVID-19 reopening tier. Plus, checking in with small businesses in Leimert Park after a year-long pandemic.

Deputy Shoots Deaf Man With Autism; Harvey Weinstein Appeals His Verdict

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:12:05 +0000

Today, the family of a deaf man with autism shot and wounded by a deputy to sue county. Plus, Harvey Weinstein appeals his verdict.

Schools Reopening: What You Need to Know; Actors of Color Represented at SAG Awards

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 02:17:29 +0000

Today, teachers and administrators prepare for students to return to class. Plus, streaming services and actors of color win big at SAG Awards.

Will the Academy Awards go Virtual? Groove to Griffith Park’s New Soundtrack

Sat, 03 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Today, the latest on the location of this year’s Oscars. Plus, composer Ellen Reid paired public art with L.A.’s natural environment.

A Dry End to L.A.’s Rainy Season; How to Make Your Own Vaccine Game Plan

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 01:11:00 +0000

Today, April 1 marks the end of California’s rainy season and it’s looking pretty dry. Plus, as L.A. County expands vaccine eligibility, here is what you need to know.

An Update on Newsom’s Approval Ratings ; USC Settles Gynecologist Abuse Lawsuit

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 01:14:00 +0000

Today, a snapshot of how voters feel about Gov. Gavin Newsom. Plus, USC settles a lawsuit against its former campus gynecologist.

L.A. County Sued for Homelessness Crisis; Seven LAPD Shootings in 14 Days

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 20:36:03 +0000

Today, L.A. County is asking to be dismissed from a lawsuit over homelessness crisis. Plus, details about the LAPD shooting and killing a man early Monday morning.

Big Victory for Bail Reform Advocates; Reducing Public Transit Police Presence

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 16:10:04 +0000

Today, judges banned from keeping people behind bars only because they can’t afford bail. Plus, Metro announces initiatives to reduce public enforcement on public transit.

Latest on Echo Park Homeless Clearing; LAUSD Opening Guide; Cumbia Dance Party

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 15:32:00 +0000

Today, how and why the city cleared a longstanding homeless encampment in Echo Park. Plus, a comprehensive guide to LAUSD’s reopening and a virtual cumbia dance party.

High-Demand Pandemic Job's Pros and Cons; How to Interpret Lower COVID-19 Numbers

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 01:15:02 +0000

Today, the pros and cons of training for a high-demand job: Certified Nursing Assistant. Plus, we explain how lower COVID case numbers are determined despite lower testing rates.

New Research Shows Fast San Andreas Fault Movement Creates Earthquake Potential; How SGV Asian American Communities Are Processing Atlanta Shootings

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 01:33:00 +0000

Today, new research shows how quickly the San Andreas Fault is moving and what that means. Plus, how Asian Americans in the SGV process the Atlanta shootings.

More L.A. Deputies Accused of Being Part of "Banditos" Gang; What CSUs Are Doing to Improve Cybersecurity After Series of Hacks

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 01:11:00 +0000

Today, why 47 officials are accused of misconduct in connection with the "Banditos" gang. Plus, how the CSU system is ramping up cybersecurity at its 23 campuses.

Getting Trial Vaccine to Keep Weak Safe; Parent Worry as LAUSD Plans April Return

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:51:00 +0000

Today, why one family enrolled in vaccination trials to keep an immunocompromised loved one safe. Plus, the reopening’s status and why many LAUSD parents are reluctant to send kids back.

Verifying Vaccine Eligibility; $1.6B in Transit Aid: In-Person Oscars

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:42:04 +0000

Today, vaccination sites face challenges in ensuring people are truly eligible. Plus, federal money to keep public transit moving, and Oscars nominees required to show up.

How L.A. City College Keeps Its Students Enrolled; The Pandemic's Effect on Movie Theaters

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 16:35:59 +0000

Today, how a community college is still enrolling despite high pandemic dropout rates. Plus, a new study shows exactly how the pandemic has impacted movie theaters.

A Step Closer to Recall Gov. Newsom; Disney Fans Rejoice; A Year in Pandemia

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:49:27 +0000

Today, the latest on efforts to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. Plus, Disney’s plans to reopen theme parks, and a timeline reflecting on the past year.

OC Gets Progressive DA Candidate; Mental Crisis Calls; Speed Cameras

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 15:38:27 +0000

Today, how an Orange County district attorney candidate compares to L.A.’s George Gascón. Plus, a mental health crisis fatality, and speed cameras making a comeback in California.

Criminal Justice Reform ‘Poster Child’; A Year of Firsts for Oscar Nominations

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 16:48:01 +0000

Today, how the DA’s plan to review criminal cases could impact a man from South L.A. Plus, how the Academy Awards nominations broke a few records this year.

The Push to Vaccinate Our Farmworkers; A Preview of Oscars Nominations

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:04:21 +0000

Today, health officials and organizations synergize to get more CA farmworkers vaccinated. Plus, this year’s Oscars nominations — and winners — could look a lot different.

State Economy to Bounce Back Post-COVID; Creative Economy; Hollywood Inequality

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 15:18:11 +0000

Today, why are economists expecting the bounce back from the pandemic to be quick? Plus, an update on the creative economy, and the cost of Hollywood’s lack of diversity.

Rain Triggers Mudslides in Wildfire Zones; Indoor Dining Update; Rise in FAFSA Apps

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 02:31:46 +0000

Today, rainfall triggers an unpleasant surprise in areas hit by wildfires last year. Plus, what a red tier means for indoor dining, and some promising college aid numbers.

Tips to Prep Kids for School Reopenings; Few Women in Music; L.A.’s Salsa Scene

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 02:56:11 +0000

Today, how can parents prepare their children for the big return to in-person classrooms? Plus, a new study finds a lack of diversity in the music industry, and salsa dancing during COVID-19.

A Trail Connecting Crenshaw to the Sea; Potential LAUSD/teachers deal; How to talk to kids about returning to school

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 02:34:01 +0000

Today, meet the man behind the 13-mile trail from the Crenshaw District to Playa del Rey. Plus, potential LAUSD/teachers deal, and how to talk to kids about returning to school.

L.A. DA Declines Sheriff’s Proposal; Defiant Bar Sued; New Show Animates L.A.

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 02:09:02 +0000

Today, the L.A. County sheriff proposes a joint task force to investigate corruption. Plus, a saloon defies pandemic rules and “City of Ghosts” explores complex L.A. history.

Vaccine for Food Workers; Dry February; Why South L.A.’s Vaccine Rates Remain Low

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:33:58 +0000

Today, food workers gain access to the vaccine and our dry rainy season comes to a close. Plus, how do we ensure fairness in deciding who gets the vaccine next?

Free Rides for L.A. Metro Commuters; Help for College Sexual Assault Survivors

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 03:47:52 +0000

Today, Metro considers plan to start free bus and train rides as early as January 2022. Plus, colleges are hiring confidential survivor advocates to help reduce sexual violence.

Rethinking Police Response to Non-Violent Calls; Freelancers Falling Through the Cracks

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 02:40:00 +0000

Today, an update on L.A.’s efforts to move away from armed police response. Plus, creative workers feel left out of COVID-related economic relief.

L.A. County Approves $5 COVID Pay Bump; A Fruit That Can Slow Wildfires

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 15:29:42 +0000

Today, L.A. County approved a COVID-related pay boost for some essential workers. Plus, a theory to slow down wildfires using a buffer of fruit plants.

Utility Bills Based on Household Income; A Drop in Financial Aid Applications

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:54:08 +0000

Today, a proposed change could bring more equity to the way utility bills are calculated. Plus, why college aid applications are falling and which communities are impacted most.

Why SoCal’s Vaccine Rollout is on Hold; $2B School Reopening Plan; WeHo Opens Street Space

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Today, the reason why vaccine sites are shutting down in Southern California. Then, a $2-billion proposal to reopen schools, plus, West Hollywood rethinks open space.

Impact of New Immigration Plan on Californians; Financial Challenges Continue Closing Child Care Providers

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 16:49:41 +0000

Today, what the new immigration proposal would mean for undocumented Californians. Plus: the plight of California child care providers during COVID-19.

Cal State L.A. Vaccine Site Now Open; L.A. Rent Crisis Fuels COVID; North Korean Men Charged for Cyberattacks

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:50:56 +0000

Today, the mega vaccination site at Cal State L.A. is now open. Plus, a survey links high rents to COVID-19, and North Korean men charged for a cyberattack

Are L.A. Schools Ready to Reopen?; Protecting College Students From Sexual Violence

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 01:27:37 +0000

Today, COVID-19 cases are low enough for elementary schools to reopen. But are they ready? Plus, how public universities are protecting (or failing) students from sexual violence.

Caregivers of People With Disabilities Turned Away From Vaccines; Sheriff’s New Helipad; New Park to Playa Trail

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 01:15:01 +0000

Today, an approved group of health workers is having trouble accessing the vaccine. Plus, the L.A. County Sheriff gets heat for his personal helipad and a nature walk idea.

Teachers Push Back on Reopening Schools; Labor Deal for Child Care Workers; Congestion Pricing

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 02:10:17 +0000

Today, teachers share their thoughts on reopening schools without being vaccinated. Plus, financial relief for child care workers and Metro seeks to ease traffic in L.A.

Can California Avoid a Drought This Year?; Kobe Crash Cause Found; ACLU Sues LASD

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 17:48:29 +0000

Today, the latest on the California drought and the impact of recent storms. Plus, NTSB finds cause of Kobe helicopter crash, and a suit against Lancaster and LASD.

Long Beach Ahead of the Curve in Vaccines; LAUSD Reopening Plan; Second Dose Update

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 03:04:00 +0000

Today, the latest on Long Beach’s vaccine rollout and how the city got ahead of the curb. Plus, the latest on the reopening of LAUSD schools and second vaccine doses.