A Place Called Home: South Los Angeles enrichment program
A Place Called Home is a gang prevention center in South Los Angeles. ARN host Laura Weber spoke with executive director Thyonne Gordon about the importance of programs like APCH, especially in a times of fear and uncertainly regarding safety in the community. She said APCH began as a small community outreach founded by Deborah Constance in the basement of a church. (posted 4/15/08)
By Laura Weber

Education Solutions in Los Angeles
Educators are always looking for new ways to keep kids engaged in their studies. But as drop-out rates go up in inner cities like Los Angeles, the question of what will keep kids around for their diplomas is raised. I spoke with Professor David Marsh of the USC School of Education about the issues cities like Los Angeles face with high school education. (posted 4/01/08)
By Laura Weber

Obama’s speech “A work of genius”
The Reverend Cecil Murray led the well-known Los Angeles First A.M.E. Church for 27 years. He was credited with helping calm the city during the 1992 L.A. riots. Now Reverend Murray is a professor with the USC School of Religion. I had a chance to speak with him about Senator Obama’s recent speech regarding race, religion and America. Reverend Murray called the speech "work of genius." (posted 3/25/08)
By Laura Weber

Defending the defenseless
Willie Green was convicted of murder in 1983 in Los Angeles, and sentenced to life in prison. Since then he has always protested he is innocent. Now, the key witness in his trial is recanting his testimony. A judge has thrown out Willie Green's conviction, but prosecutors are unsure what to do next. I spoke with USC law professor and co-director of Post-Conviction Justice Project, Michael Brennan. He says cases like Green's are hard to defend. (posted 3/11/08)
By Laura Weber

Bernard Parks speaks about area violence
Bernard Parks is councilman for the 9th district in South L.A. ARN's Laura Weber spoke with him about the recent rash of fatal shootings in the area. He said this is a spike in a cyclical problem with violence. (posted 3/04/08)
By Laura Weber

Interview:  Safety of Public Parks
A recent shootout between gang members and police in L.A. left residents of Glassel Park stranded indoors. The fight raised the question of safety in public spaces. ARN host Laura Weber spoke with the chairperson of the Southwest Neighborhood Council. He says spaces like public parks are actually much safer than some might think. (posted 2/26/08)
By Laura Weber

Michael Whitman Interview - Third Planet Energy
Los Angeles roads are filled with fuel-efficient vehicles. Michael Whitman founded Third Planet Energy in order to provide alternative fuel options, such as vegetable oil, for L.A. drivers. When ARN host Laura Weber spoke with him, he stressed the importance of choosing sustainable energy when inundated with green options. (posted 2/19/08)
By Laura Weber

Interview with Professor Raphael Bostic on the National Foreclosure Crisis
The Bush Administration approved a new program called Project Lifeline, which will give homeowners facing foreclosure a little relief. According to U.S. Representative Maxine Water said last December that eight out of the top 20 cities for foreclosure rates in the country are in California. Annenberg News Radio host Laura Weber spoke with USC Professor Raphael Bostic, director of the Real Estate Development program. She asked him how the national foreclosure crisis is affecting California. (posted 2/12/08)
By Laura Weber

Interview with Dan Rather
HDNet news anchor Dan Rather covered the presidential primary live from USC campus on Super Tuesday. Rather has reported on every presidential election since 1952. ARN's Laura Weber sat down with him and asked what makes this primary special... (posted 2/05/08)
By Laura Weber