On this episode of Inside the Issues, Alex Cohen is joined by Christina Bellantoni, Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Annenberg Media Center at USC, Brian Unger, humorist and journalist, and Nihar Patel, producer and writer, to talk about some local issues in Southern California including Tom Steyer, a luxurious surf park and the Tejon Ranch development.

California to Raise Taxes on Cannabis

As of January 1, 2020 taxes on the legal cannabis industry have been raised. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration announced their plans for the new tax structure late last year. The panelists discuss the increase and what they think the effects will be on local cannabis businesses.

Tejon Ranch Development Raises Concerns of Wildfire Risk

A plan to build more than 19,000 homes in the Antelope Valley is raising concerns with some economists, as they say the remote location of the proposed development is at risk of wildfires. The project, which is called Centennial, promises to bring 23,000 jobs and more than $31 millions dollars of revenue to the area. The panelists discuss their thoughts on whether or not the project should continue.

A Surf Club is Proposed for Coachella Valley

Developers have been approved to create a private residential area complete with a surf park about 25 miles southeast of Palm Springs in Thermal, California. The Thermal Beach Club will be located on Kohl Ranch and will include a 21-acre-man-made lagoon, an 8,000-square foot pool and bar, 210 resident lots and a restaurant.

2020 Race: Kamala Drops Out and Democratic Debate Moves to LMU

Fernando Guerra, Professor of Political Science and Chicana/o Latina/o studies at LMU, joins the panel to talk about Kamala Harris dropping out of the presidential race and the Democratic debate being moved to Loyola Marymount University.

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