November 2009 Archives

Ken Jeffries talks with Daily News sportswriter Jill Painter, as news comes in that Woods has cancelled plans to play in a tournament in Thousand Oaks this weekend that he was to have hosted...and has also cancelled plans to appear at a pre-tournament news conference tomorrow.
All this--after his Thanksgiving weekend car accident in Florida that left him with cuts to his face and with worldwide speculation over what happened.

Ken Jeffries talks with Daily News sportswriter Jill Painter, who says despite the Thanksgiving weekend brouhaha at his Florida home...the golf legend SHOULD attend tomorrow's still-scheduled news conference --in advance of this weekend's tournament he's hosting in Lake Sherwood.

Ken Jeffries talks with some folks at a San Fernando Valley mall about recession-era Christmas shopping and the Holidays. Some say they'll spend the same amount as they did last year....but others...who are cutting back...and/or jobless....indicate there's MORE to the season--than exchanging gifts.

Ken Jeffries talks with Daily News sportswriter Jill Painter, who gives her pregame analysis of this Saturday night's showdown at the Coliseum...and she even lets us in on the "secrets" of how her dog "Scoop" picks football winners in the paper.

Ken talks with Daily News Food Editor Natalie Haughton about the the making and keeping of turkey leftovers....and how long they can be safely kept in the refrigerator.

Ken Jeffries talks with Daily News Food Editor Natalie Haughton...who gives him (and you) some handy tips on how to make an outstanding Thanksgiving dinner. Natalie also talks about how to do it on a budget in these tight economic times...and what do if you (or your guests) are on a diet.

Ken Jeffries and veteran Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov examine the medical marijuana clinic debate at LA City Hall--which continues to churn on...and is likely to continue...after Thanksgiving.

Ken Jeffries talks with veteran Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov who says two city council comittees have reschedued discussions about the Jackson memorial service cost amid word of behind-the-scenes talks...the Council is also slated (again) to take up the issue of medicinal marijuana clinics on Tuesday..despite all the changes made to the proposed ordinance last week.

Ken Jeffries talks with veteran Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov who says Paul Krekorian and Christine Essel--have between them spent more than one-point-three MILLION dollars.
That's in advance of their December 8th runoff election for the LA City Council's 2nd District seat.

Also, LA officials are slated to be outside the LA Convention Center starting at 9AM to give out some two thousand pre-Thanksgiving turkey dinners to needy Angelenos.

Ken Jeffries talks with his daughter Sarah...who--as a Pierce College newspaper reporter---interviews other girls (and, yes, also one of the few boys) on line to see 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon'. On this podcast, you'll hear their thoughts--and Sarah's review.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner...Ken Jeffries hits the streets in Woodland Hills to find out if anyone is in the holiday spirit in the wake of the Great Recession--and discovers that sometimes...the streets hit back!

Ken Jeffries takes to the streets in Woodland Hills to get people's reactions in the wake of the Great Recession--and discovers that sometimes...the streets hit back!

Listen to both sides of the debate as the LA City Council postpones its vote on medicinal marijuana clincs until this Tuesday. The panel put off the vote after introducing a host of amendments--including a cap on clinics.

The Council action comes a day after District Attorney Steve Cooley criticized the panel for its various proposals and said he was training deputies to prosecute the operators of clinics where marijuana was sold.

Listen to both sides of the debate as the LA City Council postpones its vote on medicinal marijuana clincs until this Tuesday. The panel put off the vote after introducing a host of amendments--including a cap on clinics.

The Council action comes a day after District Attorney Steve Cooley criticized the panel for its various proposals and said he was training deputies to prosecute the operators of clinics where marijuana was sold.

Ken Jeffries talks with veteran Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov, who says a preliminary report given to the DWP blames CORROSION in the pipes for the spate of water main breaks---and NOT age--nor the city's water conservation programs.

Also, the City Council joins neighboring cities in banning cat declawing...and confirms a new Chief of Police---Charlie Beck--to replace William Bratton, who left the department just over two weeks ago, for a job in the private sector.

The LA City Council unanimously bans the declawing of cats....joining West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills in outlawing the procedure.

Meantime, Charlie Beck is unanimously confirmed by the Council as LA's 55th Police Chief...In this podcast, you'll hear the voice vote....and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa administering the Oath of Office.
A PUBLIC swearing-in is slated for December 3rd.

In this podcast, you'll hear the voice vote that unanimously confirms him as the LAPD's 55th chief...You'll also listen in as Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa administers the Oath of Office.
A PUBLIC swearing-in is slated for December 3rd.

Frustrated by years of wrangling over medicinal marijuana laws...two LA City Council Committees heard testimony yesterday from various people in a four-hour plus session.

Ken Jeffries talks with Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov who says when the dust settled..officials agreed to examine the West Hollywood ordinance to see if it can be expanded in LA. On this podcast, you'll also hear emotional testimony from Councilmen Bill Rosendahl and Dennis Zine.

Frustrated by years of wrangling over medicinal marijuana laws...two LA City Council Committees heard testimony today from various people in a four-hour plus session.

Ken Jeffries talks with Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov who says when the dust settled..officials agreed to examine the West Hollywood ordinance to see if it can be adapted for LA. On this podcast, you'll also hear emotional testimony from Councilmen Bill Rosendahl and Dennis Zine.

Ken Jeffries says the school district officially starts reviewing bids from charters--and other outside operators--to run low-performing schools. Meantime, Daily News reporter Rick Orlov tells Ken that NEIGHBORING districts are considering 'helping' some LAUSD schools.

Ken Jeffries looks back at the huge Sayre wildfire that broke out a year ago---and ravaged almost 500 hillside mobile homes in Sylmar.

He also talks with Daily News reporter Bob Strauss concerning the just-wrapped 30th edition of the American Film Market...and Strauss says the bottom hasn't fallen out of the indie movie business, but the overproduction "bubble" had defintely burst.

LA's Chief Legislative Analyst puts the cost at 3-point-2 million dollars...Daily News reporter Rick Orlov tells Ken Jeffries that officials are justifying the expense because of the crush of fans they thought would attend the July 6th event at Staples Center. Also, the report estimated the service generated four million dollars in revenue from increased tourism to the city. However, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich's fight to recoup the money the city laid out...apparently will continue.

In an exclusive report, Veteran Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov tells Ken Jeffries that the Chief Legislative Analyst has estimated the cost at 3-point-2 million dollars.

Two million of that was for police overtime...but it claims that the expenses were justified since the department had to prepare for the worst..even though actual crowd numbers were lower than the projected estimates for the July 6th event.
City Attorney Carmen Trutanich previously said he would seek reimbursement from either AEG (the owner of Staples Center) or from the Jackson family. His office had no immediate comment over these LATEST numbers.

It's the THIRD Friday the 13th this year..most other years...there is only ONE. Ken Jeffries hits the streets of Woodland Hills to see if people plan to avoid black cats and walking under ladders. The answers may surprise you.

Also, Ken talks with a UCLA researcher about a new study that says aging baby boomers may have more disabilities in their later years than their counterparts from previous generations. That's because boomers--generally speaking--have been overweight over a longer period of time.

Ken talks with a UCLA researcher who says that pre-baby boomers and those in their 60s may suffer from more disabilities in the future than their counterparts from previous generations — especially if they've been overweight longer.

Read the story in the Los Angeles Daily News.

Ken talks with a spokesman for state regulators who says they've found NO evidence of gravesite desecrations at Eden Memorial Park in Mission Hills. That's despite a class-action lawsuit targeting the Jewish cemetery. The report was issued in response to a complaint filed of the eve of Rosh Hashana that bones and skulls had been tossed in dumpsters or reburied in new land since used for graves.

Also, Governor Schwarzenegger's office has announced he's going to Iraq next week to meet with American troops...he also gave a Veteran's Day speech...you can hear it on this podcast.

Many events take note of the recent shootings at Ft. Hood, Texas, with Gov. Schwarzenegger touching on it as well during his speech today at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Westwood. Ken Jeffries' podcast features all of the governor's remarks.

The document--in Spanish..threatens illegal immigrant parents with deportation if they sign a charter school petition. It's been denounced by community groups, LAUSD officials, and by Teachers' Union President A-J-Duffy who talks with Ken. All of this comes before the district's launch of the Schools Choice Plan which could transfer district-run schools to charter and other groups...if there's community support.

Also, prep work begins in a few weeks on the construction of the billion-dollar northbound carpool lane project on the San Diego Freeway--through the Sepulveda pass.

A just-announced settlement reached in a 2007 case means that the FBI will speed up the process for reviewing citizenship applications from immigrants in Southern California.
Groups such as the ACLU say it requires the Feds to process hundreds of backlogged applications within six months. Ken has more details from an ACLU attorney.

Also, LAPD Deputy Chief Charlie Beck breezes through his first hurdle on his way to becoming the next police chief. He was unanimously approved by a key City Council comittee yesterday. The FULL council votes on Beck's nomination by the Mayor November 17th. It's expected Beck will win easy confirmation.

As expected, Deputy Chief Charlie Beck gets a unanimous 'nod' from the City Council's Public Safety Comittee.
During today's hearing, Beck addressed issues like LAPD staffing levels--in the wake of a budget crunch.
If confirmed by the FULL Council--as expected November 17th--Beck--nominated by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, would suceeed William Bratton..and would be the LAPD's 55th Chief.

Daily News reporter Rick Orlov tells Ken Jeffries that the list is compiled by Teamsters Local 399...with 'runaway production' in mind. It shows that the LA Area Chamber of Commerce headquarters building is on the list--as is the LA Zoo.

A Chamber official says she's suprised, saying it's hosted many film shoots..and has changed its policy to make filming easier. Zoo officials, meantime, say the problem is a lack of communication.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has been escorting his choice for LAPD Chief around town...in a series of public appearances before various groups. Deputy Chief Charlie Beck seems to have support from the City Council which will vote on his confirmation. But Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov tells Ken Jeffries that the Mayor is trying to make sure that Beck has PUBLIC support, too.

Ken Jeffries talks with frustrated Pierce College students in Woodland Hills.
Hammered by state budget cuts, LA community colleges are forced to cut up to a third of their classes this year...as campuses swell with those laid off due to the recession.

Also, Governor Schwarzenegger signs a historic water package...in Sun Valley. Now it's up to voters to pass the eleven billion dollar bond measure that goes with it.

Arnold Schwarzenegger takes the action this morning at the Tujunga Wellfield Groundwater Recovery Project in Sun Valley.

The package includes sweeping changes in water policy--and an eleven billion dollar bond that must be approved by voters for it to take effect.
It calls for new rules for water conservation---with most localities being asked to reduce water use by 20 percent over the next ten years...and a new system of governance for the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta

Veteran Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov tells Ken Jeffries that the LAPD says it's cleared two-thirds of its DNA rape kit backlog...however, there remains a difference of opinion between the city and the FBI over which labs can be used for testing.

Also, with reports of swine flu and 'regular' flu vaccine shortages...Ken hits the streets to see if Valley residents are getting THEIR shots...and Daily News sports reporter Ramona Shelburne has an interesting take on the latest Dodger owner divorce proceedings..and how the Frank and Jamie McCourt split--could affect the team.

Ken Jeffries talks with Daily News sportswriter Ramona Shelburne about today's court ruling that DENIES Jamie McCourt's reinstatement as CEO of the team--which is owned by her husband, Frank.

Ken Jeffries talks with people in the San Fernando Valley about these topics...and some of their responses may provide food for thought.

Also, the LA City Council recommends that LAUSD students wear UNIFORMS to school. And state legislators pass a far-reaching water bill that draws praise from Governor Schwarzenegger...and according to Daily News reporter Rick Orlov...kudos from LA officials--as well.

On this podcast, you'll hear Governor Schwarzenegger praising the deal...which includes an eleven billion dollar bond measure designed to overhaul the state's antiquated water system...while preserving a fragile environment.

The plan -- agreed to early this morning by state legislators -- provides funding for new dams, groundwater cleanup, conservation and habitat restoration. It also gives Schwarzenegger the legal tools to begin restoring the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and create a stable water supply for cities in Southern California and farmers in the Central Valley.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's choice of Deputy Chief Charlie Beck...is holding town hall meetings...there's one scheduled at Van Nuys City Hall on Sylvan Street tonight at 6.
If the City Council ratifies Villaragosa's decision (and odds are it will) the LAPD vet--who's been with the department 32 years--will succeed William Bratton, who left the department a few days ago for the private sector.

Beck and Villlaraigosa had lots of praise for each other during yesterday's news conference..and also had kind words for the runners-up...Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell who served as Bratton's chief of staff...and Deputy Chief Michel Moore, the top law enforcement officer in the San Fernando Valley. Veteran Daily News repoter Rick Orlov chats with Ken Jeffries about the kind of man Beck is..and the futures possibly awaiting McDonnell and Moore.

The fifty-six year old Beck is a 32-year LAPD vet, who beat out two other command staff insiders to succeed William Bratton, who left the department a few days ago for the private sector.

In an annoucement at Getty House -- the Mayor's official residence -- Villaraigosa and Beck had plenty of praise for each other...as well as for the two runners-up--Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell who served as Bratton's chief of staff and Deputy Chief Michel Moore, who oversees the San Fernando Valley.
Veteran Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov tells Ken Jeffries that Beck is viewed as a 'cop's cop'...and appears to have more than enough City Council votes for confirmation.

A new poll from the LA County Business Federation points out that 33 percent of respondents say they would layoff workers next year...more than DOUBLE the 14 percent figure of 2008. Ken Jeffries hits the streets to see if Valley residents believe the economy is continuing to 'go south'. Some of their answers may SURPRISE you.

Also, veteran Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov tells Ken that a contract to build MTA rail cars has REALLY gone off track.

Ken talks with veteran Daily News reporter Rick Orlov who previews the three names on the list--all LAPD 'insiders'. The Mayor's choice then goes to the City Council for final approval.

Orlov also points to trouble for the city in filling OTHER department head vacancies...and the fact that some top candidates and officials are being lured away to Washington by the Obama Administration.

Ken talks with veteran Daily News reporter Rick Orlov who previews the three names on the list--all LAPD 'insiders'. The Mayor's choice then goes to the City Council for final approval.

Orlov also points to trouble for the city in filling OTHER department head vacancies...and the fact that some top candidates and officials are being lured away to Washington by the Obama Administration.