Coronavirus in California

Please enjoy the first episode of the latest from L.A. Times Studios, Rebuilding L.A. 

L.A. Times reporter Liam Dillon joins us to talk about where we are in the moment as residents assess the path forward. How are people grappling with the decision to rebuild and, ultimately, what factors are playing into those plans? Also, Altadena resident and lawyer Kelsey Szamet shares her very personal story about her efforts to get back home to the town where she was born and raised, and now lives with her own family.

Introducing a new podcast from LA Times Studios and award-winning L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth, Boiling Point, where Sammy breaks down the many complexities of today's climate challenges and solutions with top experts in the field. In this episode comedian Esteban Gast talks with Sammy about using humor to alleviate climate anxiety, while making clean energy and other environmental solutions more interesting — and even fun. From punchlines to policy, they explore laughter as a powerful tool for change.

When we started making this podcast two months ago, we didn’t know how the pandemic would play out. Forty episodes later, we still don’t know how it will. There’s been good news and bad news, and news no one could have expected. The only constant has been uncertainty. Nevertheless, there is hope that we’ll eventually get to a better place. Our guest is Soumya Karlamangla, who covers healthcare in California for the Los Angeles Times. Karlamangla was the guest on our first episode, and will be the guest on the last episode of Coronavirus for California, our first daily podcast, and our first major foray into news podcasting. We intend to be back soon with more podcasts in this vein. Stay tuned!

More reading: Officials fear protests are ‘super-spreader’ events for coronavirus. Marchers say worth the risk.

[Advertisement] This L.A. Times podcast is presented to you by Blue Shield of California. The fight is tough, but so are you. Thank you, front line.

Coronavirus Boom Busts California, For Now. After years of budget surpluses, California is now looking into a financial abyss due to the coronavirus. The legislature must pass a budget by June 15, as required by the state’s constitution. And it’s looking to be one that will see billions of dollars in cutbacks to programs and institutions that help millions of Californians. Our guest is State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon.

More reading: California’s coronavirus budget crisis leaves Newsom and lawmakers at odds.

[Advertisement] This L.A. Times podcast is presented to you by Blue Shield of California. The fight is tough, but so are you. Thank you, front line.

This weekend, thousands of churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of faith across California will reopen after being closed for two months because of the coronavirus. Gov. Gavin Newsom's decision to close houses of worship was controversial. The state faces lawsuits alleging a violation of the 1st Amendment. The U.S. Department of Justice even sent the governor a warning letter. Our guest is Brenda Wood, lead pastor of the Word of Life Ministries International in Riverside.

More reading: California’s battle over reopening churches isn’t over despite new coronavirus rules.

[Advertisement] This L.A. Times podcast is presented to you by Blue Shield of California. The fight is tough, but so are you. Thank you, front line.

As California slowly reopens, people are hitting the beaches, going to church, maybe meeting up with family members. But one thing Californians look forward to all year is still off the table: the big community festivals, fairs, concerts and art bazaars. Many of them won't take place until next year. Our guests are Sara Diederich and Melissa Kohout, the founders of the Jackalope Arts festival, which has been holding events in Pasadena, Burbank and Denver since 2015.

More reading: Greek Theatre cancels season for first time in 90 years due to coronavirus.

[Advertisement] This L.A. Times podcast is presented to you by Blue Shield of California. The fight is tough, but so are you. Thank you, front line.