Airtalk

As we continue our series "Revival House," How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to the South Bay of LA. We're checking out the Gardena Cinema, which pivoted to revival screenings relatively recently.  The theater has been owned by the Kim family since 1976, and is now a non-profit run by Judy Kim and a team of 40 volunteers. Kim has saved the cinema from closures a handful of times now, and has also built up an incredible community of folks dedicated to keeping the cinema running.  Join us as we explore this theater's past and future.  Guests: Theater owner Judy Kim and volunteers Adela Tobon, Bill DeFrance, Cifen, and Conor Holt.

Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There’s just so much content out there between network TV and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we will try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don’t live up to the hype. This week, listeners will get the latest scoop on what’s worth watching Angie Han, tv critic for The Hollywood Reporter, and Kristen Baldwin, tv critic for Entertainment Weekly. This week’s shows include: X Men 97 (Disney+) The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show (HBO & Max) We Were The Lucky Ones (Hulu) Diarra from Detroit (BET+) Homicide: New York (Netflix) Manhunt (Apple TV+) The Girls on the Bus (Max) Renegade Nell (Disney+)

Today on AirTalk, The Broad museum in DTLA is expanding. Also on the show, Nick Croll and Robbie Praw talk with Larry about Netflix is a Joke Fest; listeners share their favorite US television remake; TV Talk: eight shows to watch this week; and more. The Broad museum is expanding (00:17) Netflix is a Joke Fest (16:38) Double Play: The Dodgers latest news (43:17) Hollywood’s child labor issue (51:31) Listeners dish on American TV remakes (1:10:07) TV Talk: eight shows to watch (1:23:19)

One of the biggest comedy festivals returns to Los Angeles this May, featuring more than 500 shows at more than 35 venues throughout the city. The 2024 Netflix is a Joke Fest will feature some of the biggest and up and coming names in comedy, demonstrating L.A.’s current influence on the comedy scene. Today, we talk about the festival and the state of comedy in the region. Joining to discuss is Robbie Praw, vice president of Stand-up and Comedy Formats at Netflix, and actor and comedian Nick Kroll. Are you in the comedy scene? What are your thoughts about the state of comedy in SoCal? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com. Netflix is a Joke Fest runs from May 1-12 in Los Angeles. Learn more at Netflixisajokefest.com. 

Shohei Ohtani’s life will be fundamentally different in the coming weeks and months without Ippei Mizuhara, his interpreter and constant companion ever since he moved to the majors from Japan. Although the changes caused by Mizuhara’s firing amid allegations of gambling and theft could be jarring to a baseball star who thrives on routine, LA Dodger manager Dave Roberts told reporters the upheaval could have a positive impact on the team, with Ohtani likely to confide with his teammates more as a result of the situation. This all comes just prior to the Dodgers home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals today at 1 PM.   Today on AirTalk, we briefly get into the latest surrounding the Dodgers with Nick Roman, host of LAist’s “All Things Considered.”   With files from the Associated Press

Today on AirTalk, California’s fast food wage increase. Also on the show, everything you need to know about kinks; new LAist report on the lack of affordable family housing; author Becky Nicolaides on LA’s suburban melting pot; and more. California’s fast food wage increase (00:17) Breaking down BDSM and kinks (28:43) LAist report on lack of affordable family housing (51:01) Legal landmines of online dating (1:10:15) New book on LA suburbia (1:25:06)

April 1 will see fast-food workers’ minimum wage reach $20 an hour, following the passing of AB 1228 through the state legislature in September. The wage increase, now slightly under the cost of living in the state, is a shift that fast-food franchisees across the state are now trying to adapt to through changes in hiring and hourly staffing. Some workers may start to see their hours shortened and their shifts more demanding, while franchisees struggle to balance their books to the new normal. With a lot of change coming up–what’s the pulse of the state’s fast food industry now and what are their expectations for the future? Today on AirTalk, we’ll check in with listeners who are part of the industry and talk to a panel of experts. Joining us today is Tia Koonse, legal & policy research manager at the UCLA Labor Center, Michaela Mendelson, Southern California El Pollo Loco franchisee, and Anneisha Williams, Jack in the Box worker & member of the California Fast Food Workers Union.

Today on AirTalk, Inglewood Unified to close schools. Also on the show, Urban Planner Max Podemski on the history and future of urban housing; listeners share how they feel about getting rid of landlines; how to tell if your loved one is depressed; and more. Inglewood Unified closes schools (00:17) 25 years of the Noir City Festival (25:01) The future of urban housing (34:18) Supreme Court hears arguments on abortion pill access (50:54) What does your landline mean to you? (1:00:16) How to support a loved one through depression (1:19:15)

Inglewood Unified School District currently has 16 schools serving approximately 7,000 students, down from 18,000 students in 2002. Long troubled financially, the district has been in state receivership since 2012. In response to declining enrollment and significant debt obligations (the district owes the state $21 million), Inglewood Unified announced last week that it will close three TK-6 grade schools, Crozier Junior High, and Morningside High School. State-appointed County Administrator James Morris outlined these changes in a letter to parents, staff, and students, saying “These are not easy decisions to make. The time has come to make decisions. The data tells the story and the time for action is now.” Joining us to discuss is James Morris, county administrator of Inglewood Unified School District.

Today on AirTalk, the United Nations Security Council approved a cease-fire resolution for Gaza during Ramadan. Also on the show, LAist reporter Jacob Margolis talks to us about how parents can find out if their kid’s school has been retrofitted for earthquakes; Golfers in LA are upset that tee times are being bought and sold by brokers; and more. The U.N. Security council votes on Ramadan cease-fire agreement (00:17) Is your kid’s school retrofitted for earthquakes? (12:17) SoCal History: Retrofitting buildings for quakes (22:09) LA golfers upset at brokers buying and selling tee-times (31:07) New book examines the ‘Exvangelical’ movement (42:41)

Today on AirTalk, city administrative officer Matt Szabo outlines the budgetary challenges facing the city. Also on the show, LAist’s Reporter Caitlin Hernandez stops by to share the history of SoCal’s SigAlert system; The hosts of the ‘Masters Of Taste’ food festival dish out what attendees can expect; and more. LA’s city administrator follows up on the city's budget challenges (00:17) A brief dive into the history of SoCal’s SigAlert system (12:29) Food Friday: ‘Masters of Taste’ hosts dish out on returning food festival (22:08) FilmWeek: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,’ ‘Shirley,’ ‘Late Night with the Devil’ And More (32:15)

Neon! Mullets! Video stores! Relive the 80s with us... As we continue our series "Revival House," How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to Eagle Rock to check out Vidiots. The iconic video store opened in Santa Monica in the 80s, and closed its doors in 2017. But, Vidiots reopened last year in the historic Eagle theater. And yes, all of its 60,000 DVDs made the move too. Vidiots has made renting a movie cool again – and you can check out any DVD in their massive catalog for just $3. And, the renovated theater will be hosting screenings as part of the new Los Angeles Festival of Movies this coming April.  Check out the past and present of Vidiots and the Eagle theater with us. Guests: Executive director Maggie Mckay, founding member and filmmaker Noah Segan, programmer Saila Reyes, and film professor and theater historian Ross Melnick.

Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There’s just so much content out there between network TV and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we will try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don’t live up to the hype. This week, listeners will get the latest scoop on what’s worth watching with freelance TV critic Steve Greene. Today’s shows include: Palm Royale (Apple TV+) Coppola, the Agent (Hulu) Chicken Nugget (Netflix) Extraordinary [Season 2] (Hulu)

Today on AirTalk, the city of Los Angeles considers eliminating 2,000 vacant jobs. Also on the show, the latest on the Ohtani Translator scandal; A deep-dive on entertainment jobs and the creative jobs draught; LAUSD launches “Ed,” a new A.I. chatbot platform for parents and students; and more. Why LA wants to nix 2,000 vacant city jobs (00:17) Double Play: Dodgers & Angels previews, Ohtani translator allegations (11:43) Hollywood's creative jobs drought (21:49) LAUSD launches AI chatbot “Ed” (29:32) Local koto virtuoso June Kuramoto (38:51) TV-Talk: 4 shows to watch (49:31)

Today on AirTalk, a Texas immigration law has been blocked hours after the Supreme Court allowed the strict immigration law to take effect. Also on the show, LAPD interim Chief Dominic Choi talks with Larry; Why people are turning to smaller community banks; A look into a new course on ‘Culinary Medicine” for patient care; and more. Federal Appeals Court blocks Texas immigration law — again (00:17) Larry interviews LAPD Interim Chief Choi (9:28) Should CA public schools offer Personal Finance Education? (33:26) Why people are making the switch to hometown banks (43:19) A new course examines ‘Culinary Medicine’ for patient care (55:33

Today on AirTalk, a check-in on the March 5th Primary Election results. Also on the show, the latest on LAX’s Automated People Mover; an update on Boeing’s safety issues; a preview of the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments; and more. Election Results Updates (00:17) What's The Latest With LAX's Automated People Mover? (12:18) Report: Nail Salon Workers Are Some Of The Worst Paid In California. Now They Want Change. (22:04) Breaking Down LA’s Homelessness Audit (32:28) Boeing’s Safety Issues – What’s The Latest? (44:06) Can You Feel The Madness? Previewing The Men’s And Women’s NCAA Tournaments (57:01)

Today on AirTalk, Pasadena City Council will decide whether or not they will take any official position on the conflict in the Middle East. Also on the show, the shifting influence of Northern California politics; What makes the LA Marathon special; How an asthma medication could treat severe food allergies; and more. Should Local Governments Declare Positions On Global Issues? (00:17) Is Northern California Losing Its Political Dominance? (11:57) How You Can Help Scientists Study SoCal’s Iconic Parrots (22:15) A New Settlement Is About To Change The Real Estate Market (31:47) What’s Makes The LA Marathon Special? (42:38) Could An Asthma Medication Treat Severe Food Allergies? (53:01)

Today on AirTalk, Judge rules on Fulton County DA Fani Willis conflict of interest. Also on the show, your guide to grief dreams; Chef Rashida Holmes of Bridgetown Roti; FilmWeek: ‘American Dreamer,’ ‘Irish Wish,’ ‘The Animal Kingdom’; and more. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis Must Step Aside Or Remove Special Prosecutor In Trump Case, Judge Says (00:17) Grief Dreams: What Dreaming Of The Deceased Can Tell Us About The Bereavement Process (17:24) Beard Award Semifinalist Rashida Holmes On Bringing Flavors From Her Caribbean And West Indian Roots To LA (40:51) FilmWeek: ‘American Dreamer,’ ‘Irish Wish,’ ‘The Animal Kingdom’ And More (51:26) Larry Mantle’s Interview With Christopher Nolan, writer and director of “OPPENHEIMER” (1:22:28)

As we continue our series "Revival House," How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to The New Beverly Cinema over in Fairfax, where movies are always on film. The theater, owned by Quentin Tarantino, has a long history as complex as LA's. Join us as we explore the building's history and discover what makes it a special place to catch a double feature today.  Guests: Theater and operations manager Jules McLean, projectionist Danielle Wakin, and film professor and theater historian Ross Melnick. 

Today on AirTalk, Waymo Robotaxi lands in LA. Also on the show, tips to help you recognize burnout; the death of peak TV; TV Talk: Girls5Eva,’ ‘The Girls On The Bus,’ ‘Quiet On Set’; and more.    Waymo’s Robotaxi Service Expands Into Los Angeles (00:17) It’s Easy To Burn Out. But It Can Be Hard To Recognize The Signs. This Burnout Coach’s New Book Can Help (33:55) As Streaming Services Embrace Ads, Who’s Winning The Revenue Game? (52:30) How Ozempic Is Changing Hollywood And Awards Season (1:01:30) The Slow Death Of Cable Network Television (1:27:06) TV-Talk: ‘Girls5Eva,’ ‘The Girls On The Bus,’ ‘Quiet On Set’ And More (1:42:51)