Greater LA

The world’s only flying deep-space telescope zigzags over the Pacific, taking images from a hole in the side of the plane. The program is set to end this fall. Jerry Stahl delves into despair, depression, and the Holocaust tourism industry in his darkly funny new memoir “Nein, Nein, Nein!”

The Hollywood Bowl celebrates its centennial this July. KCRW looks at its origin story and legacy in LA. Listeners also share their favorite experiences there. Plus, at Craft Contemporary, a new exhibit includes portraits of farm workers that are drawn onto cardboard boxes, and another features quilts that reference a 1960s LGBTQ magazine.

Greater LA’s special series closely looks at changing neighborhoods across Southern California. Episode two of “Born & Razed” focuses on Oxnard. That’s where Cola Boyy, a musician and activist, is from. He released his debut album “Prosthetic Boombox” in 2021, and he filmed much of the music video for the song “Penny Girl” in Oxnard. 

Many gas stations in LA are charging over $6 per gallon for regular unleaded gas. AAA says the national average is $4.86. Why are Southern Californians paying so much more? LA will ban the construction of new gas stations — to try to relieve climate change. That’s if a new proposal from LA City Councilmember Paul Koretz passes. Angel City FC is LA’s first women’s pro team since the LA Sol disbanded 12 years ago. With about 18,000 people attending each game, Angel City says it’s here to stay.

LGBTQ teens can have a good time in a safe space at the annual Santa Monica High School Queer Prom without the fear of experiencing hate or discrimination. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade set a new precedent in the United States. Does that mean other rights are at stake, too? A local hospitality company is restoring Tail o’ the Pup, an iconic hot dog stand in West Hollywood. It’s set to reopen on July 20, also known as National Hot Dog Day.

LA has been preparing for more traveling patients seeking abortions. Meanwhile, anti-abortion advocates plan to now focus on states like California where the procedure remains legal. KCRW asked listeners for personal thoughts on the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Here are some of their responses. Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano describes how his experience in Catholic school made him a pro-choice advocate. 

The Pride Poets hotline writes custom, on-the-spot, free poems for anyone who dials in. This year, its creative team took more than 200 calls. In his debut novel, “Cookies and Milk,” author Shawn Amos – son of the entrepreneur behind Famous Amos cookies – finds joy from a troubled childhood.

New drought restrictions limit millions of Southern Californians to watering their yards once or twice weekly. Cemeteries are looking for ways to avoid turning brown. The state committed $1.5 billion for wildfire prevention and forest health in 2021. The California Newsroom investigated how Cal Fire has been spending that money. It finds the department wanting in key areas. Before the U.S. Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021, John Eastman was a respectable conservative voice in Orange County. What happened?

One LA family morphed their weekly Black Lives Matter protests into a racial equity and wellness movement that’s drawing hundreds to a park for yoga and fellowship every week. California might’ve been a slavery-free state on paper when it joined the Union in 1850. But it turned out that people remained enslaved for years afterward. Juneteenth is a day for honoring Black freedom. Whether you love history, food, music, dance, or dessert – there’s something for everyone to celebrate this weekend.