As of 6:50 a.m., the National Weather Service issued an important advisory concerning ocean safety.
They urged everyone to stay out of the water and away from harbors due to strong currents, which remain a significant concern.
In anticipation of potential danger, coastal areas, beaches, and piers across the region are being closed as a precaution.
The city of Huntington Beach echoed this warning, asking residents and visitors to avoid the coast entirely until further notice.
This advisory follows a major seismic event—a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Russia, marking one of the largest recorded quakes in the last century.
In light of these developments, AirTalk features discussions with Allen Husker, a manager at the Southern California Seismic Network and a research professor of geophysics at Caltech, alongside Chip McCreery, the director of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu.
In other news, communities in Los Angeles are taking street safety into their own hands amid ongoing concerns for pedestrian safety.
Residents of Sawtelle, led by Jonathan Hale, collaborated with friends and the Crosswalk Collective to paint yellow crosswalks around Stoner Park in preparation for summer camp programs.
However, just three days after coverage of this DIY initiative appeared in the local newspaper, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation stepped in and removed the crosswalks.
This decision has drawn criticism from locals who viewed the crosswalks as beneficial to public safety.
To discuss the merits and challenges of community-led street safety initiatives, AirTalk invited Hale, volunteer Bianca Cockrell from the Crosswalk Collective, and Nat Gale, head of product for transportation analytics company INRIX and a former program director for Vision Zero and Great Streets initiatives in Los Angeles.
Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on whether the city should embrace these community-driven projects by calling 866-893-5722 or emailing [email protected].
Turning to technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into various sectors, particularly in tech.
While many industries have been slow to adopt AI tools, technology firms are quickly moving forward with AI research and implementation.
In a recent development, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced plans to allow job applicants to incorporate AI in their applications, citing the desire for future employees to proficiently use AI on the job.
However, this trend raises questions about the implications of AI-generated code becoming more prevalent in our digital lives.
Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media, a worker-owned technology news platform, and Jessica Ji, a senior research analyst at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University, will join AirTalk to delve into these issues.
Additionally, the struggles of legal cannabis businesses within Los Angeles’ Social Equity Program are coming to light as the city grapples with high demand and significant obstacles.
Recent statistics estimate that nearly one million pounds of cannabis are consumed annually in L.A. County.
Despite this growing market, legal cannabis business owners face mounting challenges that threaten their operations.
High taxes and fees, coupled with unregulated illegal operations, have pushed some licensed cannabis ventures to the brink of collapse.
Conversations with city officials often result in disappointment, as many business owners feel they are being ignored in their efforts to seek solutions.
As the situation worsens, public meetings have erupted into confrontations, punctuating the urgent plight of these entrepreneurs.
The Social Equity Program was intended to uplift marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the criminalization of cannabis, yet many owners describe it as a source of stress, debt, and unfulfilled promises.
AirTalk is conducting a closer examination of this vital topic with insights from watchdog correspondent Jordan Rynning at LAist, Madison Shockley, owner of The Cadre dispensary in South Central L.A., and Kika Keith, owner of Gorilla RX Wellness Co. in South L.A.
Listeners involved in the cannabis industry are invited to call 866-893-5722 or email [email protected] to share their experiences and the challenges they face regarding taxation and regulation.
In regulatory news, California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering taking measures to control the construction of duplex projects in neighborhoods affected by devastating fires.
In the aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which destroyed over 16,000 structures, discussions regarding rebuilding have intensified.
Local officials are calling for stringent limits on new housing development in areas severely impacted by the blaze, especially regarding duplexes replacing single-family homes.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently urged state leaders to block a law allowing duplex construction in fire-affected neighborhoods, citing fire safety concerns.
In response, a spokesman for Governor Newsom indicated plans to issue an executive order enabling local authorities to restrict the law’s application in high-severity burn areas, including the Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu and Altadena.
Senate Bill 9, effective since 2022, permits duplexes to be built on single-family home lots, potentially leading to residential lot splits and increased housing density.
For those living in these neighborhoods, AirTalk welcomes your thoughts on the rebuilding process; reach out by calling 866-893-5722 or emailing [email protected].
Lastly, a critical focus has emerged around the issue of illegal dumping in the Antelope Valley.
The assumption is often that waste is responsibly managed through landfills.
However, the reality may be starkly different, as illegal dumping occurs frequently, resulting in huge piles of mixed waste, which pose significant environmental hazards and community health risks.
As these pressing issues unfold across California, the conversation remains vital:’to foster collaboration and address challenges on both community and environmental levels, ensuring a future that safeguards public health, safety, and well-being.
image source from：laist
