Annenberg Radio News

Latino media has been a part of American culture for 200 years. Listen to how media experts see it progressing into the future. Also, Los Angeles locals pitch in to help victims of the tsunamis in Samoa. Hear how some of them are personally affected. The California Science Center has a new exhibit on race. See how this one is different from all the rest. 

Los Angeles is mourning the loss of Angeles pitcher Nick Adenhart. We have updates on his tragic car accident. Also across the state more drivers are on the road, but many are driving without car insurance. We take a look at a new state wide plan to make car insurance more affordable. Also as car culture evolves, does that mean that the manual transmission will give way to the automatic? We take a look at the change in car culture and if this means the demise of the stick shift. Producer: Lata Pandya, Host: Kaitlin Funaro, Live Guest: Christian Martinez (ATVN), Guest Advisor: Karen Lowe. Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Jurassic 5, Ratatat, Beck, Asher Roth, and Ryan Amen.

April 7 is World Health Day, this year’s focus was how hospitals can provide treatment during emergency situations.  We talk to an expert and get an inside look into L.A. County’s disaster protocol.  We also take a close look at South L.A.’s health care infrastructure, and find the area lacks both the facilities and workers to meet residents’ needs.  And the recession is making many families reconsider the traditional burial service.  More and more people are looking for less expensive alternatives in their time of grief.  Associate Producer Richie Duchon serves as guest host and students from Crenshaw High School assist with reporting. Producer: Timothy Beck Werth, Host: Richie Duchon, Live Guest: Ned Dannenberg (ATVN), Guest Advisor: Karen Lowe. Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Sublime, Linkin Park, Pink, and Ryan Amen.

We have the update on the tragic hit-and-run that took the life of USC student Adriana Bachan. Also, small businesses are taking a hit during the recession. We take a look at some of the strides taken by the Latino Business association will soften the blow on their businesses. Finally, there is trouble in paradise. We look at the Coachella Valley and a program that is hoping to salvage fresh produce to feed poverty stricken residents. Producer: Lata Pandya, Host: Jonathan Horn, Live Guest: Schuyler Kenney (ATVN), Guest Advisor: Karen Lowe. Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Dick Dale, Asher Roth, Pitbull, Kanye West, Estelle, and Ryan Amen.

Protesters against budget cuts to libraries and schools rallied downtown today, and Chris Foy was there to cover it live. The Los Angeles Unified School District settled a lawsuit with the ACLU, agreeing to consider factors besides seniority in firing teachers. Albert Sabate has more on the compromise they reached. A doctor is suing Kaiser Permanente, which he says neglected the care of special needs patients. Stephanie Guzman and Kyle Tabuena-Frolli have more. Proposition 24 could change the way businesses are taxed - Ariel Edwards-Levy and Julia Gabrick looked at what that means for voters. Four months late, California may finally have a budget. LeTania Kirkland asked an expert whether that will really help the state’s financial health. The Figueroa Corridor connects USC and Exposition Park to Downtown, but it’s often seen as little more than a thoroughfare. That could change soon - Rachael Lee has more.  Plus: Can Los Angeles really exist without cars? Emily Frost and Kaitlin Parker preview an event that aims to find out. Producer: Ariel Edwards-Levy, Host: LeTania Kirkland, Live Guests: Chris Foy, Candice Brain (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks by Beck, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Soulja Boy, Kings of Leon, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Stephanie Guzman, Host: Madeleine Scinto, Live Guests: Stephanie Sherman, Fay Li (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from Estelle, Snoop Dog, The Dream, Kanye West, Muse, Audioslave, and Ryan Amen. 

Gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman is facing allegations that she knowingly hired an illegal immigrant. Kyle Tabuena-Frolli and Laurel Galanter have more on that story. A new immigration reform bill is attracting enthusiastic support - and fierce opposition. Hayley Fox found out why. In other election news, we look at the California Senate race, where GOP candidate Carly Fiorina has some ground to make up. Ben Gottlieb asked an expert how the race looks going forward. And, also on the ballot, Proposition 23 would delay new energy laws, but would it hurt or help businesses? Ben Kapinos and Stephanie Kayser talked to people on both sides. Tension is building in Skid Row; people marched downtown to protest the LAPD’s Safer Cities Initiative. Emily Frost went along. And thousands of people worrying about losing their homes lined up outside the LA Convention Center to try to save their houses from foreclosure. Rachael Lee spoke to a few of them. Plus, a Mexican muralist whose work changed the face of LA is remembered. Producer: Ariel Edwards-Levy, Host: LeTania Kirkland, Live Guests: Laurel Galanter, Candice Brain (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Simon & Garfunkel, Ke$ha, Bob Marley, Pink, and Ryan Amen.

LAUSD proposed ending this school year by a week, our reporters find out what parents think about this move. It’s public health week, we’ll take you to the Health Feat 2010. Hear from USC’s Selden Ring Award winner T. Christian Miller and the big story about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars he uncovered. Plus, you’ll hear from two southern California’s about their hunt for old treasures. Producer: Jessica Flores, Host: Heather Hope, Live Guest: Alex Goldsmith (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by LMFAO, Eminem, Alice Cooper, Sublime, and Ryan Amen.

Pope Benedict the 16th announced the appointment of Mexican-born archbishop Jose Gomez as the next head of the Los Angeles Archdiocese.  Grant Tunkel was at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the announcement. Jason Schwartz got community reaction to the bishop’s appointment. LA Mayor Antonio Villairaigosa warned the city they will have to partially shut down most general fund city services for two days a week to avoid going bankrupt. Shirin Parsavand reported on an LAUSD policy that would allow children to attend schools outside their district.  Ken Van Der Meeren explained a partnership between city and private organizations to create housing for LA’s homeless population. Brandon Marcus reported on a chaotic city council meeting discussing money withheld from the city by the Department of Water and Power. Asim Bharwani spoke with a Crenshaw baseball coach that made it to the MLB and came back to his alma mater to coach. Host Meghan McCarty interviews Professor Richard Flory, a Senior Research Associate with USC’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture. Producer: Karen Marcus, Host: Meghan McCarty, Live Guests: Jason Schwartz, Lacey Ehrlich (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Panda Bear, Kardinal Official, Akon, Jay Sean, LMFAO, and Ryan Amen.

The Department of Water and Power and the city council once again disagree over a DWP rate hike, our own reporter sorts out the situation. It’s Census Day and if you’re a baby born today you’ll be counted in the 2010 census. We’ll share with you what this means for babies born tomorrow and in the next ten years. We’ll also share reaction from environmental groups on Obama’s recent energy initiatives. Plus, we have a special guest that gives ground-breaking ideas on energy conservation and efficiency.  Producer: Jessica Flores, Host: Heather Hope, Live Guest: Derek Staahl. Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Cat Bag Music, Eminem, Muse, and Ryan Amen.

Our broadcast focuses completely on the wave of rallies against public education cuts in California, in what demonstrators are calling “A National Day of Action.” We’ll give you a 360 degree look on the education budget protests across Southern California. We bring you reporters live from Pershing Square, where thousands of students, teachers, and faculty from every level of education are protesting against the billions in state budgets cuts for public education. From UCLA to Cal State L.A., you’ll hear how college students are struggling with increased fees. We’ll also hear thoughts from education policy experts on the prospects for an improved public education system in California, where furloughs, class reductions, and fee hikes, are a thing of the past. Plus, the protests are bubbling up nationwide too. Hear from university students across the country protesting education cuts in their state. Producer: Jessica Flores, Host: Heather Hope, Live Guests: Richie Duchon, Liz Warden, Alex Goldsmith (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Ben Thompkins, Gorillaz, Jay-Z, Rhianna, New Boyz, and Ryan Amen.

Jerry Brown announces his candidacy for governor. The LA Board of Education approves a proposal to lay off thousands of school employees. LA kicks off its census drive with Mayor Villairagosa at the helm. The parents of Jamiel Shaw mark the two-year anniversary of his murder Local school children celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The local Chilean community is doing its part to help after the 8.8 earthquake. Customers are suing Anthem Blue Cross after their insurance rates skyrocketed. Host Meghan McCarty interviews political expert, Michael Herald. Producer: Karen Marcus, Host: Meghan McCarty, Live Guests: Ariel Edwards-Levy, Trevor Thompson (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from live music by Green Day, New Boyz, Drake, Beck, Jay-Z, and Ryan Amen.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck was formally sworn in today. Hear what happened at the ceremony as well as the advice he got from community leaders. The future of Tiger Wood’s reputation is uncertain as rumors of infidelity continue to circulate. We talk with community members about what they think about the golf superstar and hear an L.A. Times reporter’s take. Toy drives are springing up around Los Angeles. But in the economic downturn, nonprofits are finding it difficult to receive donations. Stephanie Guzman visited one store that is helping to collect gifts to see how the effort is going. Producer: Hannah Kim, Host: Brittany Knots, Live Guest: Rachel Thomas (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Akon, Guy Lombardo Trio, Fiery Furnaces, Adam Sandler, and Ryan Amen. 

Producer: Matthew Richmond, Host: Pete Griffin, Live Guest: Carlos Saucedo. Featuring instrumental tracks from Flo Rida, Guy Lombardo Trio, John Williams, Brenda Lee, and Ryan Amen. 

The city council tried to take up medical marijuana clinics today, but they didn’t get very far.  The issues remain: can you sell marijuana over-the-counter?  How many clinics will there be in LA?  How will they be regulated?  Will they be taxed by the city?  Leilani Albano reports from city hall on what seems like a never-ending struggle for access to legal, medical marijuana in Los Angeles.  They’re giving away turkeys all over Los Angeles today, reporter Richie Duchon was at one giveaway to talk with some of the hundreds of people that came out for free turkeys.  And Labor Secretary Hilda Solis came to town to tour a couple of LA’s job training facilities.  Ariel Edwards-Levy was along for the ride. 

Mitrice Richardson has been missing for almost two months. Her family has been desperately searching for her with little results. Listen to how friends and family remember her and the latest on their the efforts to find her. Learn about HomeWalk 2009, a 5K walk that will raise money to help end homelessness in Los Angeles. Host Brittany Knotts talks to Christine Marge, director of health and housing for United Way of greater Los Angeles, about the walk and the city’s homeless situation. Community leaders and Kaiser Permanente officials announced the start of construction for a new medical center in South Los Angeles. Hear what a doctor had to say about the benefits the new center will have to the South L.A. community. Producer: Hannah Kim, Host: Brittany Knots, Live Guest: Rachel Thomas (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Ratatat, Jay-Z/Rhianna, Lady Gaga, and Ryan Amen.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigos announced Deputy Police Chief Charlie Beck as his choice to become the next chief of the LAPD. A routine police stop in South L.A. turned violent as the drive drew a gun and fired shots at officers.  The L.A. County Board of Supervisors offered a $10,000 reward in the shooting death of a 16-year-old Long Beach high school student last Friday. We have a roundup of the big election stories on this election day. Legislators are scrambling to come with a package of bills aimed to reform California’s water infrastructure.  A wildfire ignited near the 60 freeway in Diamond Bar Tuesday afternoon.  A forum at Manual Arts High School discussed the close links between mental health and high school drop-out rates.  Police Chief Charlie Beck gave an emotional speech after Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Beck as his choice to lead the LAPD after Chief Bill Bratton resigned Saturday.  We have reaction to Beck’s selection from some leaders and activists in the South L.A. community.  Dean of South Africa’s Rhodes University journalism school talks about what it means for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa and how journalists should cover the story.  And a new report about stress levels in L.A. says fewer people are as worried about money as they were in 2008, but more people are unhappy with their jobs.  Producer: Matthew Richmond, Host: Pete Griffin, Live Guest: Carlos Saucedo (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi, and Ryan Amen.

In the aftermath of the fatal beating of 16-year-old Darrian Albert in Chicago, guest host Timothy Beck Werth talks to civil rights activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson about how the problem of teen violence is more than just a police issue. Also, see how a new traffic light synchronization program will make Los Angeles a greener city. Finally, hear how local Christian and Muslim leaders are coming together to create a program that will share one another’s faiths, rituals and challenges.

One of the biggest challenges facing the neighborhoods of South Los Angeles is a lack of healthful food choices.  Researchers, businesspeople and politicians all have their say on what should be done.  Also, Fashion Week opened today in Los Angeles.  And Community Coalition organizer Alberto Retana is headed to Washington, D.C. to join the Obama Administration.  We talked with him about his plans for his new post.

We bring you the latest on the synagogue explosion in Santa Monica. People initially thought it was a bomb, but it turned out to be a bursting pipe. Los Angeles city officials again asked anyone with information about the brutal beating at Dodgers Stadium last week to come forward with information. We’ll also bring you good news for Los Angeles. The director of the Department of Public Health says mortality rates from heart disease and stroke have gone down. Listen to a story about fossil fuels. Although the use of fuels has dropped, the city’s controller isn’t exactly happy. We also bring you two feature stories. One is about a former drug addict who travels 800 miles to rescue his ex-wife and son from a dangerous living situation. The other is about an upcoming open-air festival for bikers and walkers. Listen to an interview with assistant professor Eric Rice, who received a $2 million grant to study social networking among homeless youth in Los Angeles. Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Marie Agnello.Featuring instrumental tracks from music by War, The James Gang, The Dirty Projectors, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Caroline Vandergriff (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by LCD Soundsystem, Air, Bruno Mars, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Marcos Saldivar (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Spoon, Fool’s Gold, The Black Keys, Ne-Yo, and Ryan Amen.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa introduced a new dining campaign during a news conference today. Starting Tuesday, the city is toughening its rules with a ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas. This plan even includes food trucks. In other news, the Vision Theater is a historical gem in Leimert Park. But the theater has fallen into disrepair. The combination of grants and city funding will help give the theater a make over. Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Rodney King beating. The violence was caught on video by a man across the street. We asked community members for their memories of the incident. And in just five days, Los Angeles voters will make some big decisions. We interviewed four city council members for today’s show. Andrew Kim, Austin Dragon, Bernard Parks and Forescee Hogan-Rowles spoke to our reporters. Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Candice Brain (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Devendra Banhart, Brian Eno, Rage Against the Machine, Peaches, and Ryan Amen.

A bill that could dissolve the city of Vernon and merge it with Los Angeles County has drawn hundreds of protestors at City Hall today. Recent coverage by the LA Times has raised questions about how the city’s community college district handles construction funds, so we visit the site of one of the projects - only to find a startling waste of mismanaged public money. In preparation for next week’s election, tune in to hear what four hopeful candidates for city council would do to change our communities. Two organizations in South LA received a federal grant as part of the YouthBuild competition, and we announce the winners. We also hear about the newly approved bicycle master plan, speaking with cyclists and riders of a different breed. Our host talks with journalist and technologist Jason DaPonte about the future of news. Ever wish someone else could pay your phone bill? Well, 4,000 employees of the LADWP had cell phones paid by taxpayers - the city controller said today that most city-issued cell phones would be cut off, freeing up nearly $5 million in the budget. Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Caroline Vandergriff. Featuring music from The Beach Boys and instrumental tracks from music by Nomo, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Carolynne Vandergriff (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by LCD Soundsystem, Air, Arcade Fire, and Ryan Amen.

This week on Eye on the Middle East: The ongoing protests in Egypt and President Hosni Mubarak’s future. What the street revolts in Egypt mean for Israel and their most significant regional relationship. The potential spillovers into Egypt’s neighboring countries, including Jordan, Syria and Yemen. Our guest speaker for today’s show is Dr. Roksana Bahramitash, an expert on the Middle East, gender and globalization. Bahramitash has worked with several international development agencies including the Canadian Development Agency, the International Development Research Centre, and the United Nations Development Program. She is the author of Veiled Employment: Islamism and the Political Economy of Women’s Employment in Iran and Gener in Contemporary Iran: Pushing the Boundaries. She earned her Ph.D in sociology from McGill University and is now working on a World Back funded project on female entrepreneurship.

Producer: Ariel Edwards-Levy, Host: LeTania Kirkland, Live Guest: Candice Brain. Featuring music by Adam Sandler and instrumental tracks from music by Sublime, Guy Lombardo Trio, Deerhoof, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Stephanie Guzman, Host: Madeleine Scinto, Live Guests: Ariel Edwards-Levy, Alexis Zotos (ATVN). Featuring music by Nat King Cole and instrumental tracks from music by Lady Gaga, John Williams, Brenda Lee, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Ariel Edwards-Levy, Host: LeTania Kirkland, Live Guest: Candice Brain (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Kanye West, Eminem, Rhianna, Lady Gaga, Linkin Park, and Ryan Amen. 

It’s election day! Today we visit the polls and ask California voters what the biggest proposition on their minds were. Our reporter Rebecca Schoenkopf followed around SEIU workers for the day. They were walking door to door in South Los Angeles asking voters to elect Jerry Brown. We also visit the mayor and other democrat supporters at the Vote Labor Rally who already feel they’ve won the midterm elections. Latino voters are getting robo-phone calls saying voting day is tomorrow. Reporter Marilyne Medawar discovers how the non-partisan “Election Protection” offices in LA are helping. And our host speaks to Robert Suro, USC professor and former director of the Pew Hispanic Research Center, about the Latino vote. Producer: Stephanie Guzman, Host: Madeleine Scinto, Live Guest: Matt Schrader (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks by Ben Thompkins, Led Zeppelin, Bruno Mars, Eminem, Rhianna, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Candice Brain. Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Pachabel, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Ryan Amen.

Criticizing the Department of Water and Power for what he calls faulty business practices, city council member Dennis Zine said its customers might have been over-billed by more than $30,000. Hear the latest as public library officials consider their legal options in dealing with the viewing of pornography on public computers. A bill was approved today that allows local governments in California to opt out a federal program designed to combat illegal immigration. Construction on a skate park began today at the Jackie Tatum Harvard Recreation Center - tune in to find out when it will open. And on campus today, a number of athletes were inducted into the university’s hall of fame. With the anniversary of the L.A. Riots approaching, we talked with a long-time member of the community about what it was like during those tumultuous days. A professor at Stanford University shared with us the history of city of Compton - from a unique perspective. The L.A. Times Festival of Books begins on Saturday here on campus. We talked with the mother of a popular children’s book author about what it means to share it with others every year at the festival. Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Caroline Vandergriff (ATVN). Featuring music by NWA and instrumental tracks from music by Islands, The Beach Boys, and Ryan Amen.

Doctors at the UCLA Medical Center introduced 26 year old Emily Fennell who is the first hand transplant patient on the west coast. Hear how the Lucy Florence Cultural Center, a staple in the Leimert Park community, is working hard to stay in business. Listen in as Cantor Sherri Allen shares her perspective on Passover and what religious life means to her. The Los Angeles Times received two Pulitzer Prizes yesterday, and one was for their reporting on corruption in the city of Bell - we talked with star reporters Jeff Gottlieb and Ruben Vives last month about their work. Hear about a non-profit in South L.A. that lifts women out of homelessness by giving them makeovers. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a massive contract to a company to renovate and add on an in-patient center to the Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Center. And today, only 236 years ago, the famous shot heard around the world was fired in Lexington, Massachusetts - the first shot of the American Revolutionary War. Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live In-Studio Guest: Christine Borrmann (ATVN).

Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Caroline Vandergriff (ATVN)

Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Candice Brain (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Beck, Laura Gibson, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: David McAlpine (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Wu-Tang Clan, Flying Lotus, Broken Bell, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Christine Tang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Caroline Vandergriff (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Violent Femmes, LMFAO, Buena Vista Social Club, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Ryan Amen.

The Los Angeles City Council approved plans for a massive redevelopment of the Wilshire Grand hotel that will cost more than $1.2 billion. Officials expect it to be a source of future revenue for the city. Learn about local responses to the disasters in Japan, and stories from survivors. The foster care system can be a disorienting place, but when an adopted son or daughter reaches eighteen years of age, should the parents’ responsibility end? With the turmoil in Libya and Japan the focus of the mainstream media, we talk with students who recently visited Israel about what is going on near the Gaza strip. Tyson Foods and the LAUSD donated a whopping 29,000 lbs. of boneless chicken to the Los Angeles’ regional food bank in hopes of making a dent in the local battle against hunger; A study released by the Food Research and Action Center found that across California, one in five of the survey’s participants did not have enough money for adequate food for themselves and their families, at least one time in 2010. Listen as we take tour West Adam’s community garden – it’s so competitive there’s a waiting list! Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Caroline Vandergriff (ATVN). Featuring music by The Fifth Dimension and instrumental tracks from music by the Beastie Boys, Belle and Sebastian, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Candice Brain (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Linkin Park, Supersimplesongs.com, and Ryan Amen.

Emily Frost digs into some much disputed family history and discovers no one has a lock on how a key event went down, even when it involves a bee sting - in the eye. Detours is an offbeat podcast with creative, boundary-pushing audio. Led by radio producer and ARN adjunct teacher Karen Lowe, students cruise the sonic landscape in search of fresh ways to tell stories. Alison and Don at their wedding Alison and Don at their wedding party Alison and Don at the Newport Folk Festival Alison and Don in Athens Alison and Don looking back at slides Alison and Don looking at wedding slides

With the United States conducting UN-sanctioned missile strikes to establish a no-fly zone in Libya, we hear some local opinions on the international military actions. The controversial Affordable Health Care Act, dubbed Obama-Care by some, turned one today, and we visit a celebration at the Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. Listen in as we talk with Professor Meshkati of the Vitterbi engineering school about the recent natural disasters in Japan, and ultimately how that led to a nuclear crisis. Also, we hear about a woman who found herself through life’s unpredictable twists and turns - through religious life to laughter. Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Caroline Vandergriff (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Devendra Banhart, The Beatles, Laura Gibson, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Christine Borrmann (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Spoon, Bonobo, The Dirty Projectors, The Black Keys, and Ryan Amen.

Toyota recalled more than 2 million vehicles today. We’ll tell you what motorists should watch out for. At the historic YMCA in South Los Angeles this morning, reconstruction and imagination came together. Reconstruction came in the form of a new housing project, and imagination occurred when builders recaptured the vision of African-American architect Paul Williams. Our host got reaction about President Obama’s announcement yesterday that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. We also attended a protest just outside the Wells Fargo downtown. Find out why homeowners were involved. Listen to an interview with Jabari Jumaane, a Council District 8 candidate running for city council on March 8. We also got local reactions about Libya. And tune in for a story about the lack of minority representation in this year’s Oscar nominees. Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Candice Brain (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Lou Reed, Brian Eno, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Caroline Vandergriff. Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Wu-Tang Clan, Bonobo, Serge Gainsbourg, and Ryan Amen.

February marks Black History Month. We’ll hear how Archbishop Desmond Tutu feels about the importance of black heritage. The Los Angeles County Fire Department swore in its first African American fire chief in the department’s 88-year history. Governor Jerry Brown has called for an end to community redevelopment agencies as part of his effort to close the budget shortfall. Listen to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s opposition to the governor’s plan. The local Felix Chevrolet has joined with Alpine Green Solutions to revitalize the dealership. Their goal is to make it the first “net zero energy” dealership in California. Listen to more pieces about President’s Day, the Turkish ambassador and a newly revealed Jerry West statue just outside the Staples Center. Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Candice Brain (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Calvin Harris, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, The Stooges, and Ryan Amen.

Producer: Chris Foy, Host: Sarah Erickson, Live Guest: Carolyne Vandergriff (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by Far East Movement, Led Zeppelin, Orange Juice, Broken Bell, and Ryan Amen.

President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt addressed the nation today. There was speculation that he would step down, but we’ll tell you what he said and how protesters responded. In other news, Governor Jerry Brown made his first public appearance in Los Angeles since he was sworn in to office. Listen to what he had to say about his budget plan for the state. Part of that plan included less funding for people with disabilities, which brought a number of protestors out to Van Nuys. We’ll update you on the Bell scandal and the Arlon Watson trial. Learn more about teenage violence awareness and how the subject hits close to home for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. We’ll also give you a story about two basketball players who coached students about staying healthy. Hear the latest news about the West Angeles Plaza Development and what’s behind the foreclosure crisis in Los Angeles. Producer: Christine Trang, Host: Megan Dickey, Live Guest: Marie Agnello (ATVN). Featuring instrumental tracks from music by: Lou Reed, Bonobo, Gnarls Barkley, Cee-Lo Green, and Ryan Amen.

This week on Eye On The Middle East: The ongoing demonstrations in Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt and what it means for the greater Middle East. The six-power nuclear talks with Iran and the right to nuclear weapons. Al Jazeera’s recent release of the Palestine Papers. For additional Neon Tommy coverage, check here and here. The featured guest expert on the program is Philip Seib, director of the University of Southern California Center on Public Diplomacy and a professor of journalism, public diplomacy and international relations at USC.

This week on Eye on the Middle East: Ehud Barak’s departure from the Labour Party and the implications for the Israeli government. Tuesday’s suicide attack in Tikrit, Iraq, and what that means for the country’s stability. The collapse of the Lebanese unity government following the international tribunal investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafilk Hariri. Russian President Dmitri Medvedev’s meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his outspoken support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem. Our guest speaker for today’s show is Laurie Brand, a professor of international relations at the University of Southern California. Brand is a four-time Fulbright scholar to the Middle East and North Africa. Her areas of expertise include emigration and diaspora and the role of Arab nationalism and Islam in the construction of post-independence national narratives.