Monthly Archives: April 2021

Hail To The 46th Chief AND More Irvine Watchdog Considerations

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UCI political science professor, Matthew Beckmann weighs in with our ritual examination a new presidency, at the first 100 days of the administration. Tune in for what hasn’t already been said.

In the second segment (minute 37:02) Branda Lin, co-founder of Irvine Watchdog, returns to raise locals’ civic game with more delicate issues. This time it is the recent City Council resolution on anti-Asian hate and the Council’s proposals toward expending $53 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. If you are an Irvine resident, you can still weigh in . . . https://www.cityofirvine.org/city-council or https://irvinewatchdog.org.


Music credits: Greg Foat, “Symphonie Pacifique;” Didier Rachou, “Hail to the Chief,” Uptown Uncle Sam; Sly5thAve, “Pour It Up,” Composite EP.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/BeckmannLinPod4-27-21.mp3

“Twenty Million Angry Men”

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James Binnall – Professor of Law, Criminology, and Criminal Justice at Cal. State University Long Beach, reframes former felons as a legitimate talent pool for jury duty – only it’s not possible in most states. His decade of research, builds on a personal story, culminating in his new book, “Twenty Million Angry Men; The Case for Including Convicted Felons in Our Jury System,” published by the University of CA Press.
Music credits: Greg Foat, “Symphonie Pacifique;” and “America,” (Simon cover) Courtney Marie Andrews with Liz Cooper and Molly Sarlé.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/BinnallPod4-20-21.mp3

CA Democratic Party Chair Race Part 2 AND Irvine Watchdog Part 2

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In the first segment we hear from Rusty Hicks, now running for re-election to a 4 year term of the CA Democratic Party Chair. He reflects compares elections in 2018 and 2020 as he prepares 2022 campaigns, with special consideration to the Orange County Congressional Delegation. Voting continues; delegates will finish voting on all statewide Democratic Party offices by 4/21/21.  

In the second segment (minute 29:30) is Branda Lin, co-founder of Irvine Watchdog resuming our interview on last week’s show, going deeper into the weeds about the Great Park, the American Asphalt Co., and the Irvine City Council.  

Music credits: Greg Foat, “Symphonie Pacifique;” Nick Waterhouse, “Proméne Bleu”, Proméne Bleu – album; Rone, “Room With A View” Room With A View – album. 

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/HicksLinPod4-13-21.mp3

DIGGING OUT: If Ms. Smith Went to Washington …..

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Former Assemblywoman and current Delta Stewardship Council member, Representative Christy Smith, who’s close general election loss last year, really does meet this show’s theme. The connection, listeners – it will be apparent.
Music credits: The Comet is Coming, “New Age,” Channel The Spirits – album; Rone, “Ginko Bilboa: Room With A View – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/1682/SmithPod4-12-21.mp3

CA Democratic Party Chair Race Part 1 And Irvine Watchdog Part 1

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In the first segment we hear from Delaine Eastin – former CA State Superintendent of Education, Assemblywoman, and local government official – now running for the next 4 year term of the CA Democratic Party Chair, challenging current Chair Rusty Hicks. Rusty Hicks will be on next week’s Ask A Leader. Voting is underway; delegates will finish voting by 4/21/21.

In the second segment (minute 31:41), is Branda Lin, co-founder of Irvine Watchdog holding Irvine elected and appointed officials accountable. Branda Lin will appear in next week’s show to go deeper into the weeds about the Great Park, the American Asphalt Co., and the Irvine City Council.


Music credits: Greg Foat, “Symphonie Pacifique;” Orquestra Akokán, “Mambo Rapidito;” Gratien Midonet, “Roulo” (Kay Suzuki Remix) http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/EastinLinPod4-6-21.mp3

DIGGING OUT: Root Causes of Uprooting

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Silvio Carrillo – journalist, activist, and artist offers what keeps getting missed in mainstream coverage: a nuanced perspective of the motivations for Central American refugees to flee dangerous conditions. Silvio speaks as the California director of Berta Cáceres.org; the late activist, his aunt, who championed indigenous claims to resources in Honduras. Listeners can dig out by contacting their federal representatives in support of HR1574 and S388.

Music credits: The Comet is Coming, “New Age,” Channel The Spirits album; Natalia LaFourcade “Hasta la Raíz.”

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/1682/CarrilloPod4-5-21.mp3