KPCC: Town Hall Journal

"The Daring Young Men and Women of the US Military"

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:42:45 -0700

One popular motto of the US Military is "To Win Hearts and Minds." Though the phrase make smack of war propaganda, it is practiced by the military. Throughout the history of warfare, the US has a long tradition of taking care of the citizens of occupied or invaded countries. Author Richard Reeves tells one such story in his book "Daring Young Men: The Heroism and Triumph of the Berlin Airlift," which tells the tales of the military men who delivered supplies and lifelines to the people of West Berlin. In a campaign that was supposed to last 30 days and lasted more than a year, these brave service men battled harsh conditions and the remnants of war to help those who were previously trying to kill them. Reeves wrote the book in response to the reports of military behavior during the Abu Ghraib scandal. Tune-in to hear this fascinating and not widely known story of post World War II Berlin.

Town Hall Speaker: Richard Reeves, author of “Daring Young Men: The Heroism and Triumph of The Berlin Airlift”

Town Hall Vault Speakers:
General Henry H. Shelton, Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff (2000)
General Richard Myers, Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff (2001)
General Anthony Zinni (Retired) (2006)
Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (2008)

"Full STEAM Ahead: Creative Solutions to Classroom Crisis"

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 14:12:31 -0700

To prepare this country’s 21st century workforce, our schools need to go full ‘STEAM’ ahead. That means science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Studies show that students need these vital subjects to develop real-world creativity and innovation – the essential skillset of tomorrow. But recent trends in federal legislation have prioritized core subjects over the kind of wholistic learning that educators advocate. And in a down-turned economy, even the most passionate teachers feel stifled by lack of resources. Can big business help? This week, we reprise the second of two programs based around a recent Town Hall Los Angeles conference in which educators and business leaders convened to talk about creative solutions – and how both teachers and businesses can profit from them.

“What Do Teachers Want from Business?”
Town Hall Speakers:
Dean Gilbert, Science Consultant, LA County Office of Education
Tara Chklovski, Founder & CEO, Iridescent Learning
Dr. Kadhir Rajagopal, California Teacher of the Year, Grant Union High School
Dr. Kichoon Yang, Executive Director, National Council of Mathematics Teachers

“What Does Business Want from Teachers?”
Town Hall Speakers:
David Baia, Global Resources Industry Capability Development Lead, Accenture
Nan Bouchard, VP Program Management – Defense, Space & Security, The Boeing Company
Teresa Hoffman, SVP – Manager of Recruitment, City National Bank
Joseph Rivera, Director of Engineering, The Gas Company

Town Hall Vault Speaker:
Chris Whittle, Founder, Edison Schools (1995)

"Recipes for Success: Tales from Great Teachers"

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 12:56:17 -0700

Today’s economy – and our nation’s future – depends on the next generation of minds. Creativity and critical thinking skills will be essential tools for that generation, but are our schools equipped to prepare them? And how best to measure success – with standardized tests, or with the sight of enlivened classrooms, filled with engaged, productive students? Town Hall Los Angeles recently brought together some of the brightest minds in education and business for a two-day summit on the future of education. Tonight’s program presents a compelling conversation between Dr. Bill Smoot, author of Conversations with Great Teachers, and MacArthur Fellow Amir Abo-Shaeer, whose radical approach to teaching physics has high school students designing and building robots. And we’ll hear from the late Jaime Escalante, whose belief in his students was key to his recipe for success.

Town Hall Speakers:
Dr. Bill Smoot, Author, ‘Conversations with Great Teachers’
Amir Abo-Shaeer, Director and Teacher, Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy and, MacArthur Foundation Fellow

Town Hall Vault Speaker:
Jaime Escalante, Educator (1990)

"Innovative Health Care: Doing More with Less"

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:50:27 -0700

Health care – how to improve it, how to deliver it, how to pay for it – has been at the forefront of the nation’s conversation for the past several years. As debate over policy, technology and cost-efficiency rages on, those in the medical profession stay focused on one goal – patient care and how to make it better. Dr. Benjamin Chu, president of Kaiser Permanente Southern California, applauds recent advances in technology and efficiency, but warns they may have come at the cost of the doctor-patient relationship, which he feels is vital to life-long wellness. Long-term, preventive care, he says, will save more lives – and dollars – than piece-meal patch-ups, specialist visits and emergency-room treatment. But with insurance costs skyrocketing and the dream of universal health care becoming more elusive, how can Americans afford the medical care they need?

Town Hall Speaker:
Dr. Benjamin Chu, President, Kaiser Family Foundation, Southern California

Town Hall Vault Speakers:
Dr. Nancy Dickey, President, American Medical Association (1998)
Dr. William Weil, Chairman, Los Angeles County Medical Association (1986)

"Green Gone Wrong?"

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:12:46 -0700

We all want to do the right thing when it comes to the environment. But when does doing right mean doing wrong? As Heather Rogers found when researching her book Green Gone Wrong, many aspects of our growing “green economy” have created an economic vs. environmental dilemma for those whom it’s meant to benefit. One example? The market for bio-fuels, which has led to clear-cutting of the Indonesian rain forest. This week on Town Hall Journal, we reprise a 2010 visit from author Heather Rogers, who asks: can we go green without causing the blues?

Speaker:
Heather Rogers, Author: Green Gone Wrong: How Our Economy is Undermining the Environmental Revolution

Vault:
Andrew Card, President & CEO, American Automobile Manufacturers’ Association

Interview with Ed Begley, Jr., actor and environmental activist

"Whip Inflation Now! Again?"

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:59:37 -0700

In the mid-70’s, with rising prices wreaking havoc on the economy, President Gerald Ford urged us to “Whip Inflation Now.” Prior to that, Richard Nixon instigated Wage and Price Control in an effort to stem the raging tide of inflation. Today, experts tell us we’re headed out of our two-year recession. Unemployment is down, consumer spending is up – but so are prices, and we’re feeling the crunch, at the gas pump and the supermarket. Are we looking at another bout with runaway inflation? Is it time to whip out those old “WIN” buttons? The head of San Francisco’s Federal Reserve Bank has some reassuring projections – but he’ll also give a hint of the Fed’s “exit strategy” should inflation once again hit double digits. Will it be too little, too late? And how will fears about the economy affect Obama’s chances at the polls next year?

Town Hall Speaker:
Dr. John C. Williams, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Town Hall Vault Speaker:
Dr. William Ford, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (1980)

Interview:
Nina Easton, Washington Columnist for Fortune Magazine

"The Invisible Wounds of War"

Sun, 29 May 2011 16:51:45 -0700

Since October 2001, over 1.6 million U.S. troops have been deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many of these veterans suffer from the so-called ‘invisible wounds of war,’ which include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, depression and homelessness. In fact, Los Angeles is home to the nation’s largest population of homeless veterans. Are we as a society doing enough to help our service men and women get back on their feet? This Memorial Day weekend, we share highlights from a 2010 Town Hall Los Angeles panel discussion of the challenges faced by 21st century veterans. Our Vault segment takes us back to World War II, when Americans were urged to help returning soldiers by creating prosperity at home. And we’ll hear from a former commander in Iraq who has found solace by helping others cope.

Town Hall Panelists:
Lt. Colonel Julian Bond, Battalion Commander, 40th Brigade Support Battalion, California National Guard
Rocky J. Chavez, Undersecretary of Veterans Affairs, California Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Jeremiah Michaels, Vocational Development Advisor, New Directions, Inc.
Toni Reinis, Executive Director, New Directions, Inc.
Terry Schell, Behavioral Scientist, Rand Corporation and co-author of Invisible Wounds: Summary and Recommendations for Addressing Psychological and Cognitive Injuries

"Destination Tomorrow" - CBS Radio Series (1944)
Interview: Colonel David Sutherland, former Commander of the American Combat Brigade in Iraq

"The High Cost of Health Care: Who’s to Blame?”

Sun, 22 May 2011 14:38:39 -0700

Who’s to blame for the high cost of health care? Doctors? Insurance companies? Wall Street? Or is it us, and our unhealthy lifestyles? No doubt there is plenty of blame to go around, and everyone is pointing fingers at everyone else. Uninsured patients strain the resources of hospitals and clinics. Doctors overbill insurance companies and order unnecessary procedures to make up the difference. Insurance companies? They just keep raising their premiums, all the while dropping policy holders and cutting back on payouts in an effort to satisfy shareholders. With 51 million Americans uninsured, where do we begin if we want to fix the system? This week on Town Hall Journal, we’ll hear some possible solutions from an insurance company insider. And we’ll talk with a former insider who’s made it his mission to pull back the curtain on corporate insurance practices he says are costing us all money.

Town Hall Speaker:
Pam Kehaly, President and General Manager, Anthem Blue Cross California

Interview:
Wendell Potter, author of ‘Deadly Spin: An Insurance Company Insider Speaks Out on How Corporate PR is Killing Health Care and Deceiving Americans’

Town Hall Vault Speakers:
Samuel Kaplan, President, U.S. Administrators (1984)
Max Fine, Health Benefits Consultant (1986)

"The War on Terror – A Long Look Back"

Sun, 15 May 2011 11:43:15 -0700

The War on Terror – A Long Look Back
The death of Osama Bin Laden has pushed the ‘war on terror’ back into the headlines. But while there are still many unanswered questions about what’s next for the United States in Afghanistan, it could be instructive to remember how we got there in the first place. This week, Town Hall Journal takes a look back through its vast archives at ten years of speakers. Pre-9/11, the advisor to the head of the Taliban in Afghanistan warned that U.S. aggression was turning heroes into terrorists. A post 9/11 panel questioned the wisdom of treating that event as an act of war, rather than an international crime, and responding as such. And a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence shed light on the misinformation that led the U.S. into war with Iraq. Now that Bin Laden has been taken out of the picture, can retracing the long road to his hideout prevent us from repeating the same mistakes? Can we expect retribution from Al Qaeda? Have we finally ended the war on terror – or is there more to come?

Town Hall Vault Speakers:
Sayed Rahmatullah Hashemi, advisor to Taliban leader Mullah Omar (2001)
Tad Daley,visiting scholar, UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations (2001)
Michael Intriligator, Director, UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations (2001)
Steven Spiegal, Associate Director, UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations (2001)
Khaled Abou El Fadl –Professor of Law, expert in Islamic law and terrorism (2001)
Condoleeza Rice, National Security Advisor to President George W. Bush (2003)Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) (2004)

"Dodgers Drama – Past, Present & Future”

Sun, 08 May 2011 10:22:57 -0700

Last year, as co-owners Frank and Jamie McCourt launched into a bitter divorce and legal battle for control of the LA Dodgers, Town Hall Journal took a look back at the couple’s high hopes for what they called a “family adventure.” But the McCourt’s family saga turns out to be more like the Carringtons than the Waltons. Now, after over a year of feuding ownership, financial mismanagement and plummeting attendance, Major League Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig, has called a time-out on the McCourts. Citing “deep concerns” over the operations of the team, Selig appointed former Texas Rangers president Tom Schieffer to restore some law and order until, presumably, a new owner takes the reins. This week, we once again visit the Town Hall Vault for batting tips from Tommy Lasorda, team-building insight from Casey Wasserman, and stories from LA’s long romance with the Dodgers. And we’ll ask the question on everyone’s mind – what’s next for our boys in blue?

Town Hall Vault Speakers:
Al Downing, former pitcher, L.A. Dodgers (1981)
Tommy Lasorda, former manager, L.A. Dodgers (1996, 1997)
Fred Roggin, Sports Director, NBC-4 (2004)
Robert Graziano, President, L.A. Dodgers (2004)
Casey Wasserman, Owner, L.A. Avengers (2004)
Jamie McCourt, Co-owner, L.A. Dodgers (2005)

Interview:
Jeff Fellenzer, USC Professor in Sports, Business & Media

"Stand and Deliver: Jaime Escalante at Town Hall LA"

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 15:28:39 -0700

When Hollywood filmed the amazing story of Jaime Escalante and his students at Los Angeles’ Garfield High School, charismatic actor Edward James Olmos was chosen to portray him. But when Escalante spoke at Town Hall Los Angeles in 1990, listeners found the man himself to be equally charismatic. His talk, delivered with feeling, insight and humor, conveyed the passion for learning and belief in his students that inspired hundreds of them to study after school and weekends to pass the daunting advanced placement calculus test – which nearly all of them did. In this special Town Hall Journal, we present Escalante’s talk nearly in its entirety. These days, as budgets shrink, class sizes grow and teachers struggle against all odds to prepare their students for the future, the teaching philosophies of the man who was called ‘America’s greatest teacher’ continue to resonate – and inspire.

"Calling the Plays at the NCAA"

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 13:45:03 -0700

When Theodore Roosevelt’s son broke his nose playing football in 1906, the president saw a need to make college athletics safer. The result was the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which has been responsible for regulating varsity sports ever since. But lately, some have called foul on the organization for allegedly exploiting student players. While their athletic talent can mean big bucks for their colleges and universities, the students see none of those riches, and in fact are required to sign away their image and likeness – perhaps in perpetuity. In his recent talk at Town Hall Los Angeles, NCAA president Mark Emmert contends that a college education, travel and other perks are ample compensation for amateur athletes. But the business of college sports is, arguably, anything but amateur. Now a pending class-action lawsuit by athletes against the NCAA could change the game as we know it forever.

Town Hall Speaker:
Mark Emmert, President, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Interview:
Jeff Fellenzer, USC Professor in Sports, Business & Media

Town Hall Vault Speaker:
Jerry Buss, Owner, Los Angeles Lakers (1980)

"Full STEAM Ahead: Creative Solutions to Classroom Crisis"

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:59:25 -0700

To prepare this country’s 21st century workforce, our schools need to go full ‘STEAM’ ahead. That means science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Studies show that students need these vital subjects to develop real-world creativity and innovation – the essential skillset of tomorrow. But recent trends in federal legislation have prioritized core subjects over the kind of wholistic learning that educators advocate. And in a down-turned economy, even the most passionate teachers feel stifled by lack of resources. Can big business help? In the second of two programs based around a recent Town Hall Los Angeles conference, educators and business leaders convene to talk about creative solutions – and how both teachers and businesses can profit from them.

"Extraordinary Ordinary People: Condoleezza and Connie Rice"

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 15:12:37 -0700

One’s a former Secretary of State, a Stanford Scholar, an accomplished pianist – and a Republican. The other’s a noted civil rights attorney, named one of California’s top ten most influential lawyers – and a Democrat. But they’re cousins, sharing a family history that dates back to slavery days, as well as a passion for social justice that transcends party lines. This week on Town Hall Journal, Condoleezza Rice discusses her new book, Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family, with her cousin, Constance Rice. In the book, Dr. Rice shares her childhood memories of growing up in the Jim Crow south, as well as the family experiences and values that shaped her journey to the White House. Don’t miss this lively, insightful and intimate conversation between two very extraordinary women.

Speakers:
The Honorable Condoleezza Rice, former United States Secretary of State, author of ‘Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family”
Constance Rice, Co-director of The Advancement Project

Town Hall Vault Speaker:
Senator Bill Bradley (D-New Jersey)(1992)

"Early Education = K-12 Success"

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:03:05 -0700

Any kindergarten teacher can tell you that children who have had the benefit of preschool enter their classrooms ready – and eager – to learn, to interact, and to achieve. And studies show that students with the early education advantage are less likely to drop out, to need special education, to end up on welfare or even in prison. Those critical ‘First Five’ years lay the groundwork for a student’s entire future – and by extension, the future of our society. But in this country, there’s a wide gap between those who can afford preschool and those who can’t. Half of California’s low-income children arrive in kindergarten to find they’re already behind their peers – and unlikely to catch up. Why is it so difficult for us to give our children the head start they need?

"Walking the Beat with Chief Charlie Beck"

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 17:21:56 -0700

Los Angeles has seen a string of colorful characters heading up its police department, with as many different philosophies on how to run the squad. Police brutality and an ‘us vs. them’ mindset of the Bill Parker era paved the way to the Watts Riots. Daryl Gates’ ‘circle the wagons’ attitude following the Rodney King beatings brought down the wrath of the Christopher Commission; that approach then gave way to the kindler, gentler hand of William Bratton and the advent of community policing. Our newest top cop, Charlie Beck, a 35-year veteran of the force, promises to take that tradition further and instill the culture of cooperation all the way down through the ranks. What challenges does he face as he shepherds the LAPD into the next century?

Speaker:
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck

Town Hall Vault Speakers:
Police Chief Daryl Gates (1981)
Police Chief Willie Williams (1992)
Police Chief Bernard Parks (2002)

Interview:
Joe Domanick, author of To Protect and to Serve: The LAPD’s Century of War in the City of Dreams

"The Financial Crisis: Will We Ever Learn?"

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 10:27:33 -0700

The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, created in 2009, is a 10-member, bipartisan panel charged with the task of examining “the causes, domestic and global, of the current financial and economic crisis in the United States.” The commission conducted over 700 interviews and sifted through millions of documents in their search for the truth. What they found reads like a John Grisham novel – back room Wall Street dealings, bank executives treating mortgages like poker chips, financial products sliced and diced, bought and sold without regard to risk and all the while, government regulators turning a blind eye to the obvious red flags. Their report was delivered to congress and the American people in January. In a Town Hall Los Angeles preview last fall, the commission’s Chair, Phil Angelides, offered a peek into the economic shenanigans that led to what he calls “one of the greatest financial cataclysms of our times.” And warned that, if we don't learn from our economic history, we're doomed to bail out again.

Town Hall Speaker:
The Honorable Phil Angelides, Chairman, Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission

Town Hall Vault Speaker:
James D. Robinson III, CEO, American Express (1991)

Interview:
Jason Yancey, Director, Operation Hope

"Recipes for Success: Tales from Great Teachers"

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 10:11:55 -0800

Hide and Seek: Art, Challenge, and Controversy

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 17:01:25 -0800

When Wayne Clough, secretary of The Smithsonian Institution, came to Town Hall Los Angeles recently, he was greeted by crowds of protesters. The reason for the uproar? The Smithsonian had recently made the decision to remove a controversial work from its exhibit “Hide and Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture,” in response to pressure from religious groups. Artists and free speech advocates across the nation decried the move, branding it as censorship. Before launching into his planned talk on The Smithsonian’s newest outreach developments, Clough addressed the controversy and its outcome. But art, by its nature, has always inspired vigorous debate. The argument over so-called obscene imagery goes back to the 16th century – as our Town Hall Vault segment recalls. Where to draw the line in publicly funded art?

"Aerospace and California: The Dream and the Reality”

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:42:15 -0800

Founded in Hawthorne, California in 1939, Northrop Grumman has long been a part of the California dream. Besides building B-2 bombers and other defense-related aircraft, the company is a major innovator in space exploration, satellite technology and, in the 21st century, the long-cherished dream of personal space travel. Gary Ervin, president of Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems, recently came to Town Hall Los Angeles to talk about California’s $7.4 billion aerospace industry – a major pipeline for jobs, revenue and exciting ideas. But with congress taking aim at the defense budget, who’ll foot the bill for all that innovation? And with the cost of education going sky-high, where will the scientists and engineers of tomorrow come from?

Town Hall Speaker:
Gary Ervin, Corporate Vice President and President of Aerospace Systems, Northrop Grumman

Town Hall Vault Speaker:
Thomas Paine, NASA Administrator 1969-1970 (1979)