Author Archives: Claudia Shambaugh

Climate Action Campaign Considers Irvine City Council Biz

Posted on by

For the larger share of the hour is Climate Action Campaign policy director, Ayn Craciun. She talks about local public works, public advocacy, and public office aspirations. Of interest are: the redirection of Orange County Power Authority (OCPA); warehouses in the land-use mix; the single use plastics non-ban; and the CA March 5th Primary ballot down ticket item-the Irvine City Charter amendment.

NOTE: The California State Auditor’s 2-28-23 report pertaining to the OCPA is available here: https://www.auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2022-120.pdf. The CA Energy Commission is an entity under the CA Natural Resources Agency, the director of whom is appointed by the governor of California.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; a tba jazz track; and Teodross Avery, “Teo,” Harlem Stories: The Music of Thelonius Monk – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/CraciunPOD1-2-24.mp3

Making Sense and Making Music Amidst Catastrophes

Posted on by

Shahir Masri, an environmental scientist, who identifies as a Lebanese American, uses his science and grass roots sensibilities to address the human public health catastrophe in Gaza. In the second segment (approx. minute 41:05), cellist extraordinaire Matt Haimovitz speaks about the possibilities and power of his musical instrument, especially in times like these.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; De Hartmann Cello Concerto Op 57 I Andante con brio, performed by Matt Haimovitz with Leipzig Symphony Orchestra; Cello Concerto Op 57 III Allegro ma non troppo, performed by Matt Haimovitz with Leipzig Symphony Orchestra.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/MasriHaimovitzPod12-26-23.mp3

An extension of Matt’s interview is available in this separate sound file, recorded on the same day; thus making the interview whole.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/HaimExtended12-26-23.mp3

As You Sow Raises Shareholder Agency Amidst Far Right Challenges AND Local Notes

Posted on by

For the larger share of the hour is As You Sow’s CEO, Andrew Behar. Time remaining allows a summary on last Saturday’s World Affairs Council Orange County event showcasing Retired Lt. General HR McMasters – or other special segments, still up the host’s sleeve. Andrew is the headline act, given the long range and deep portfolio that his smart and nimble non-profit accomplishes year in and year out over these last three decades. How climate inflation influences household budgets, Congressional undermining of AYS’s mission, and actual roles shareholders can assume to challenge corporate practices – are covered. Connections will be made with Irvine City Council’s recent can-kicking-down-the-road. The host extends apologies for unresolved sound quality issues, despite her efforts to resolve them; Andrew’s contributions are worth the effort to listen to his segment. Details, including upcoming forums, are available at: https://www.asyousow.org.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Holiday digi: Dex Romweber Duo, “Dark Christmas,” Sounds of the Cities – album; and Sinne Eeg, “My Favorite Things,” We’ve Just Begun – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/BeharPod12-19-23.mp3

At The Border AND In The Theater – La Posada and The Nutcracker

Posted on by

Sometimes we just need to cover a lot of ground, starting with Adriana Jasso, Human Rights Advocate based in San Diego, California. She speaks in her capacity as the Program Coordinator for the U.S./Mexico Border Program of the American Friends Service Committee, at various open-air detention sites in San Diego County. During the annual tradition of La Posada, Adriana takes stock of what the inn actually looks like. https://afsc.org/action/take-action-stop-border-militarization?ms=WEB23TA. The extended portion of this interview can be heard in a separate sound file. Please refer to that post on this same day.

In the second segment (approx. minute 34:00), Susan Jaffe, the artistic director and interim executive director of American Ballet Theater, has some special takes as her company performs “The Nutcracker” at the Segerstrom Hall, Dec 8th-17th, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky. Tchaikovsky’s score is performed live by Pacific Symphony. Ticket details are available at: https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/american-ballet-theatre-s-the-nutcracker.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Adeste Fideles, “Vayamos Cristianos,” en español, Canto Católico Christmas Carol Album; Hal Leonard Choral, “Three Jazzy Nutcrackers,” (SATB Choir, a cappella) – arranged by Paul Langford.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/JassoJaffePod12-12-23.mp3

This is an extension of the interview with Adriana Jasso. The host sought personal context for what it feels like to be providing aide amidst refugees’ wide range of needs. http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/JassoPart2Pod12-12-23.mp3

Irvine City Business

Posted on by

Over the full hour we cover an ambitious City of Irvine update with Branda Lin, Irvine Planning Commissioner; and Adam Cavecche, the supervising Principal Council Executive to Irvine City Council Member Kathleen Treseder. On the municipal menu are: the failed single use plastics ordinance, warehouse creep, Irvine’s lobbying rules, the civil servant exodus, and the level of city commissioners’ training. For future coverage will be how Irvine Watchdog’s sights are set on city business on both the primary and general election ballots. A long table is set for this expansive buffet of topics.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Béla Fleck and The Flecktones, J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio No. 41, BVW 248, “Ich Will,” Jingle All the Way – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/LinCavecche12-5-23.mp3

Collective Trauma Perpetrated on Ukraine

Posted on by

Natasha Frolova, associate professor and crisis psychologist in the Dept. of Psychology and Social Work at Dnipro National University in Ukraine, speaks as a Fulbright scholar in residence at UC Irvine, working with trauma social scientist Roxanne Cohen Silver. She has the full hour to chart the dimensions of trauma experienced in Ukraine as she continues to build onto approaches toward addressing trauma on both the individual and the societal levels.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Andriy Khlyvnyuk x The Kiffness, “Chervona Kalyna.”

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/Frolova11-28-23.mp3

“Almond, Quartz, and Finch” by Lisa Bunker

Posted on by

For the full hour is Lisa Bunker; writer, transgender activist, former New Hampshire state legislator, and fellow community radio aficionado. Based now in Sacramento, they are currently on the book tour circuit with their latest book, “Almond, Quartz, and Finch,” published by New Wind. Available at: https://www.lisabunker.net/ or your favorite independent book dealer. Someday, it would make a wonderful a film in a theater near us. Meanwhile, this conversation is one more serving at this week’s feast.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Sandunes, “Follow Me,” The Ground Beneath Her Feet – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/Bunker11-21-23.mp3

Irvine City Council Changes on March 2024 Ballot AND “Rotterdam”

Posted on by

In his capacity as a member of the Irvine City Council, Larry Agran returns to talk about the special measure before Irvine voters on the March 2024 primary ballot. This special municipal election measure would amend the city’s charter to expand the number of council members to serve on the City Council and create of districts in which they would run. https://www.cityofirvine.org/government/city-clerk/election-information. Top of mind is how the City plans to engage voters down ballot, amidst the much anticipated drama of open legislative races at the top of the ballot.

In the second segment (approx. minute 36:40), Craig Tyrl returns this time with The Wayward Artist’s current production of “Rotterdam” which he’s directing, running through 11/19, at the Santa Ana artist’s Village, in the Grand Central Art Center 125 N Broadway. Details about how they’ll wrap their sixth season: The Wayward Artist presents Pirates vs. Leprechauns, a theatre for young audiences musical comedy by Craig Holland. Performances begin Friday, December 8th and run through Sunday, December 17th, Pirates vs. Leprechauns.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” Scored Suite performed by Nate Heller; and Anis, “Pensées amères,” La Chance – album.

The Sound of Art Inside a Prison

Posted on by

Gabe Rosales, UCI Criminology, Law and Society Ph.D. candidate, professional musician, and advocate – has a whole lot to tell us about bringing music to the carceral setting, particularly at Richard J Donovan State Prison. We hear about the remarkable yields, when a system chooses rehabilitation over punitive measures, a fertile continuation of the reforms discussed with UCI professor Keramet Reiter on AAL 10/3/23. Meet Gabe in his own words “I have toured on a private plane over Europe. I have done drugs in a room by myself for days. I have cleaned toilets and been pepper sprayed in jail during the worse race riots in OC jail history. I have meditated in silence 16 hours a day for weeks in the mountains of California. I have been cornered on the streets of Los Angeles by thousands of riot police with the Occupy LA movement. I have marched with the American Indian Movement to the Jumping Bull house for the first official Leonard Peltier day in South Dakota. I have been lucky enough to see my writing published. I have had the honor of working with the BEST musicians on the planet. The meaning of life is to give life meaning, so use your time wisely. I am just getting started.” Useful places to visit include: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9ixLTcjVOc and https://www.gaberosales.com/.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Kioea, “Lion’s Mane,” Stand Tall – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/Rosales11-7-23.mp3

Deep-breathing Our Way Around the Cybersphere

Posted on by

For the full hour we get more tricks than treats from Bryan Cunningham – UCI Law professor, Executive Director of UCI’s Cybersecurity Policy and Research Institute, practicing attorney, and vigorous Twitter Space contributor. Admittedly only an introduction to the pernicious workings of disinformation, misinformation, and even mal-information, the host hopes to resume this discussion, covering the concerning trends post 10/7. Bryan offers listeners a few topics to investigate, including the Mitrokhin archives and Operation Infektion.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Thomas Koppel, “Overture: Train Ride into the Belly of the Beast,” Messe For Et Tilfælde – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/Cunningham10-31-23.mp3