State's Political Players Already Gearing Up for 2014
As the days of December tick down and most people focus on the holidays, players in California's world of politics are gearing up for a big election year. Next year will feature a race for governor, with Jerry Brown widely expected to seek another term. Control of Congress will also be in the balance, and there will likely be an array of state ballot measures competing for voters' attention.
Bike Trains Aim to Make Roads Safer for L.A. Cyclists
In the past few years, Los Angeles has made a real effort to get people out of their cars. But getting Angelinos onto The Metro is one thing. Getting them onto a bicycle is another. For starters, you have to overcome fears of getting hit. Now, a grassroots project called Bike Trains is working to counter that concern -- and it's all about safety in numbers.
Chief Justice Ronald George Reflects on Death Penalty, Prop. 8
In his 14 years as chief justice of the California Supreme Court, Ronald George developed a reputation for moderation and pragmatism. George retired in 2011, three years after writing the majority opinion in a historic 4-3 decision striking down California's ban on same-sex marriage. In his new book "Chief: The Quest for Justice in California," George reflects on his life and the law as part of the Court's Oral History Project.
Jazz Review: Lisa Mezzacappa
According to pop music critic Andrew Gilbert, San Francisco bassist Lisa Mezzacappa isn't just an artist, but a bandleader, curator, producer, composer and all-around musical mover and shaker, who happens to perform with over a dozen groups. Gilbert reviews two of her recent releases, one from The Lisa Mezzacappa Trio and the other from her quartet, Bait and Switch.
Diving With Great Whites Off the San Francisco Coast
While most people steer clear of shark-infested waters, some folks in California pay big bucks to take a dip near some of the most-feared sharks in the world: great whites. The Farallon Islands, off the coast of San Francisco, are one of the few places on the planet where the brave can test their mettle.