State of Affairs
Just moments ago, Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Eric Garcetti wrapped up a press conference in front of the U.S.N.S Mercy - a hospital ship that has arrived in Los Angeles today. It includes 1,000 beds that will off set the pressure felt by city and county hospitals as the number of COVID-19 patients increase. With that, we turn to State of Affairs, our weekly look at politics in California. We'll talk about how the governor's handled all of this, plus the $2 trillion stimulus package passed today by Congress. With us today is Zach Courser - co-director of the policy lab at Claremont McKenna College and Marisa Lagos - Political correspondent for KQED.
Guest:
- Zach Courser, co-Director of the Policy lab at Claremont McKenna College
- Marisa Lagos, KQED's Political Correspondent
Coronavirus La La Land Masks
Located in the heart of the Arts District in Downtown L-A, La La Land Production and Design normally makes luxury goods for brands like Louis Vuitton. But once the pandemic hit, orders stopped coming in from their clients. So the company decided to repurpose their production facilities to make face masks, protective hospital gowns and gloves with the demand for hospital supplies on the rise. Maryam Zar is the head of public relations at La La Land and is helping with sales. She is also a parent and has joined us in the past to talk about issue of education in LA.
Guest:
- Maryam Zar, La La Land Production and Design
Internet Service Providers and Schools
Another company doing their part during the pandemic is Wander, a local broadband provider in Southern California. Similar to what the bigger ISPs like Verizon and Spectrum are doing for LAUSD, Wander is now offering free high-speed internet to all school-aged children in Santa Monica for the rest of the academic year. David Fields is the co-Founder and CEO of Wander. He joins us on Take Two.
Guest:
- David Fields, co-Founder and CEO of Wander
St. Vincent Meals on Wheels
Now we're also checking in with St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. They serve over 2,000 seniors in Los Angeles and in response to the outbreak they have adapted their meals and delivery schedule to meet social distancing guidelines. They have seen an increase in their requests for meals from seniors. Veronica Dover is the Executive Director of St. Vincent's Meals on Wheels. She joins us on Take Two.
Guest:
- Veronica Dover, Executive Director of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels
Midshow Moment of Zen
Now for another midshow moment of zen. With so much going on these days, it can be hard to find a little peace of mind. So - as often as possible - we're going to bring you encouraging words from members of our community to help you slow down... take a breath... and find peace. Today, we bring you the reflections of Rabbi Noah Farkas from Valley Beth Shalom in Encino.
Coronavirus Social Sharing Fun
People may be home-bound, but many have produced some amazingly creative content online to help entertain others. From an Instagram dance party to a game show where people give away their housewares, CNET's Ashley Esqueda shares some of the best to check out.
Food Friday: Baking to Reduce Stress
Is staying at home stressing you out? Bake! Jamie Elmer is a writer in Southern California who started baking to reduce her anxiety. She joins A Martinez to talk about why measuring out eggs, sugar, flour and salt can help get you through quarantine.
Guest:
- Jamie Elmer, freelance writer and full-time copy editor for Healthline
Weekend Preview: Bicycle Paths
Hiking paths are closed, but there's another outdoor activity to consider: bike riding. It's solitary and, with few cars on the road, there's a more places to pedal around. Take Two's Leo Duran joins A Martinez with a few tips for safe biking.
Guest:
- Leo Duran, Take Two's Reporter and Producer