SoCal Connected Looks at the Struggles of a Working Class Neighborhood Facing the Largest Freeway Expansion Project in the Country: The 710 Corridor

the human impact of the largest infrastructure project in the country, the

expansion of the 710 freeway. Is there a way to accommodate the growth of truck

traffic to and from the port without sacrificing the health and quality of life

for the people who live along this busy corridor? SOCAL CONNECTED reporter

Derrick Shore looks at the issue from both sides: the families who live right next

to the freeway's noise, pollution and traffic hazards, as well as the

perspective of a big-rig trucker who travels the congested roadway several

times a day to support his family. Will their voices be heard as plans for this

massive project take shape? The story airs on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 8 p.m.

This week's SOCAL CONNECTED also features:

·        

"Swept Away"

- Icebergs are melting in the Antarctic and seas are rising. Scientists say

it's just a matter of time before beachfront properties along parts of

California are under water. SOCAL CONNECTED'S Laurel Erickson looks at what's

being done to stem the tides.

·        

 "Pet Cemetery" - It's the final resting place

for 40,000 creatures great and small, from a tiny pet goldfish to performing

animals who made their mark on the silver screen. Jennifer Sabih takes us to

Calabasas to visit one of Southern California's quirkier institutions, The Los

Angeles Pet Memorial Park.

·        

"Extreme

Unicyclist" - Monday through Friday he's a mild-mannered piano-tuner, but on

his own time he's a single-wheeled adventurer who calls himself, the UniGeezer

(because he's over 50). SOCAL CONNECTED anchor Val Zavala follows Terry

Peterson as he performs incredible feats on a unicycle that many mountain

bikers wouldn't try.  

SOCAL CONNECTED is anchored by 15-time

Emmy-Award winner, Val Zavala. Contributors to SOCAL CONNECTED include

science journalist Cara Santa Maria, reporters Derrick Shore and Jennifer

Sabih, documentary filmmaker Nic Cha Kim and writer Nick Hardcastle.

SOCAL CONNECTED airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and

repeats Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Weekly segments are also

available online at socalconnected.org.

The television broadcast executive producer for SOCAL CONNECTED is

Val Zavala; digital executive producer, Zach Behrens; and Linda Burns, senior

producer.  Pictures are available upon

request.

ABOUT SOCAL CONNECTED

SoCal Connected, winner of a Peabody and two duPont

Awards, 20 Emmy® Awards, 24 Golden Mikes, 47 LA Press Club Awards, two Gracie

Awards, and three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, including Best News

Documentary and Los Angeles Magazine's "Best New Local TV Program" of

2009, airs exclusively on KCET. For more information, to view episodes online

or to leave comments, please visit www.socalconnected.org. 

SoCal Connected is made possible through the generous support of The

Ahmanson Foundation, Chapman University and the Maddocks-Brown Foundation. 

ABOUT KCET

On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital

role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central

California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well

as the finest public television programs from around the world. Throughout its

50-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and

regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and

documentary productions, its quality educational family and children's programs,

its outreach and community services and its website, kcet.org. KCET is a

donor-supported community institution. For additional information about KCET

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please visit kcet.org. KCET is a service of KCETLink.