October 7, 2011
When it comes to green space, Los Angeles County is one of the poorest major cities in the nation. In one of a pair of investigations, correspondent Angie Crouch delves into new research that shows a direct correlation between income, race, health and the availability of community park space. Activists have taken the lead as the city and county lag, but they often face a multitude of political road blocks. Watch to find out which L.A. County cities are living fit and which are living large. Next up, a big box invasion. For years, Walmart has weathered protests, ballot measures, and resolutions designed specifically to keep big box chains out of the county. With only a handful of stores spread throughout the densely populated area, the megastore may have found a way to open new stores in the wake of the recession and the glut of commercial real estate on the market. Walmart's new strategy is centered on purchasing space left vacant by defunct retailers like Mervyns without the public hearings, zoning permits, and environmental impact studies that have prevented the retailer from opening shop in the past. While protesters are making noise, other city officials are happy to have Walmart as their neighbor, welcoming the new jobs and low cost products and groceries. Finally, Brian Unger gives us his take on Bank of America's recent debit card usage fees and what may be to come.