February 2010 Archives
Education:
Evans Community Adult School is getting pinched. The down economy is sending more applicants in the door for basic education and skills training at the same time budget cuts have left the school with less resources than ever.
Government:
"You have to be really persistent, even in the downturn, to continue to go after the things that are important." Words to live by for the mayor of the city of Ventura. What's Bill Fulton doing to tackle the economic crisis? Investing in the economy of the future...
Economy:
Food banks in Riverside are dealing with more requests from people trying to feed their families than ever. Many of those seeking assistance have never had to ask for food before, but high unemployment and massive foreclosure rates have led them to local charities for the bag or two of groceries that will help them get by.
Education:
At UCLA, budget cuts are creating challenges for students and administrators. The University's provost - essentially the COO of the school - explains how UCLA plans to maintain academic standards while learning to do more with less.
Mobility:
Lavanderías and spray tanning parlors. Brand new BMW's and aging F-150 pickups. Expensive private schools and street gangs. Despite the City of Santa Ana's best efforts, there's no evidence that the divide between its swelling immigrant population and its upper middle class is narrowing.
Economy:
With food pantries struggling to meet increased demand, and some closing their doors due to lack of funds, one food pantry in Hollywood keeps handing out groceries to anyone and everyone in need.
Economy:
Located in the middle of one of the most devastated regions in the United States, Riverside's Mission Inn Hotel is at the heart of an effort to disassociate the city from the housing market meltdown and bring people back to the downtown area. One step outside the hotel, however, shows that the plan is facing an uphill battle.
Government:
Tough economic times and voters determined to say "no" to any tax increase mean the doors close on a popular Ventura County library.
Housing:
Frank Zappa said it almost forty years ago, "It can't happen here." And indeed, for the first couple of years of the housing downturn, the high end market seemed immune. That's now changed, and even as more modest homes are starting to sell, upscale houses are are lingering unsold.
Economy:
Desolate. Desert. Vacant. All words that would accurately describe the Antelope Valley's miles of unclaimed landscape. Promising up-and-coming area for renewable energy ventures? Also accurate, because the miles of barren land and unrelenting sunshine are making the Antelope Valley the hottest place to be for green energy development.
