iPhone Test Show - "Community Matters" host Bill Murray found himself in an odd situation when he decided to run a test. Using only his iPhone, Bill both ran the show and participated as "host" through the hand held technology. Adding to the complication was the fact that Bill was located in the inner waiting room of a major metropolitan hospital where he'd gone to keep a doctor's appointment. Amazingly enough, he proved the talk show can be hosted from almost anywhere, using just the iPhone !!

"Community Matters" current events show - Sandy Nazemi and Bill Murray discussed Terrorism, Homeland Security the Summer Night Lights Anti-gang program and the need for Prison Reform. Los Angeles Community Policing's web site .. LACP.org .. was long ago recognized as the world's largest grassroots non-profit effort devoted to community based policing, and the new national "Community Matters" radio talk show is a part of that effort.

LAPD's Captain William Murphy, commanding officer of Northeast Division, and a fan of our work at LACP, joined Sandy and Bill for the hour. Among other things, Captain Murphy discussed how he sees the importance of community based policing. In addition we got some inside info on a very successful raid on a gang ridden neighborhood in Northeast Division.

Bill Murray welcomed well known community activist Ron Kaye, whose web sites carry daily stories of local issues, and frequent opinion pieces. Ron's articles are occasionally a welcome addition to the LACP web site, too, and we were delighted to have him on "Community Matters." Check out Ron Kaye's web sites: www.OurLA.org and www.RonKayeLA.com

"Community Matters" co-host, Sandy Nazemi, joins Bill Murray as he reports on today's LAPD Police Commission meeting. These shows are the earliest public discussion of the Police Commission's reports and deliberations. As always, the Commission Agenda is available at least 3 days before the meeting at LACP: http://www.LACP.org/CommAgenda.html

Our "Community Matters" special guest was Mark Legassie, Chair of the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council ad hoc Public Safety Committee. The committee has a unique event planned, a drill for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members. CERT programs exist across the country, and are run under the Fire Departments. We'll also ask Mark to talk about his acquisition of public safety Neighborhood Watch signs. Please see: http://www.HermonLA.org/CERT_Drill.html

The "Community Matters" show today was centered around a discussion of immigration, illegal immigration and the need for immigration reform. Sandy and Bill talk about how many citizens are concerned that the sheer number of undocumented residents in the United States has had severe impact on the quality of life here, especially relevant under today's financial conditions. Others argue that the ability to attract a low cost labor force, primarily taking jobs that Americans will not do, increases the value of our lifestyle.

Sandy and Bill cover a variety of current event topics, including the cost to Los Angeles for the Jackson-related events, upcoming topics and special guests, the concepts behind LA Community Policing and "Community Matters" and more. There was participation in the chat room as well as on the phone. No matter where one lives there are many things, large and small, that can be done to improve the quality of life, a basic precept of community-based policing.

Special guest Dr. Daniel Wiseman is featured, as "Community Matters" takes a look at the Neighborhood Council system in Los Angeles, and how LA City Hall works (or DOESN'T work). These NC's, meant to give residents a larger voice in City government, came into existence at about the same time as LACP, our non-profit organization, and we've consistently covered their growth. Sandy and Bill welcome community activists and volunteers to participate and learn what to try, or avoid trying, in their home towns.

Today's "Community Matters" was streaming over the Internet and on the air during the Michael Jackson Memorial Service, which was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Sandy and Bill discussed the event, including the plans and arrangements, and how LAPD and the City Of Los Angeles could use help in paying for it. Donations to the fund can be made through the City of Los Angeles web site at: www.LACity.org