KUCI: Ask A Leader

Applying to Schools in the Post-Dobbs Era; Girls Just Wanna Have Health

Today our guests for the full hour are three young women applying to colleges and universities in what we’re referring to as the post "Dobbs" era, where abortion and reproductive healthcare are highly restricted if not effectively banned in seventeen states. Offering their personal reflections, choices, and experiences as higher education applicants in this moment are: University High School senior Camryn Cummings, applying to undergraduate programs; and UCI alumna Kimberly Martinez and UCI undergraduate Kalisse Ajlouny, both of whom are applying for advanced degrees. Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa - album; Miki Yamanaka, “March,” 29 seconds in, Human Dust Suite – album.

World Affairs Council of OC AND Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet

Today our guests cover the world in two different ways, two different constructs. We start with Richard Downie, President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Orange County, talking about the forums and mentoring that his local chapter offers the community. He surveys some highlights and moves into what they’ve got planned for 2024. In the second segment (approx. minute 30:00) Alonzo King Co-Founder, Artistic Director & Choreographer of LINES Ballet, raises the fundamentals of life and creativity, in advance of his San Francisco company performing Jan 20th, 7:30 p..m., at Segerstrom Hall. Details about the performance are available at: https://www.scfta.org/shows-events. Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa - album; Aaron Lington Quartet performing Robert Nelson's Concerto for Baritone Saxophone and Orchestra, “III allegro,” Secondary Impressions – album; Wayne Shorter Quartet, “Zero Gravity,” Beyond the Sound Barrier – album.

Climate Action Campaign Considers Irvine City Council Biz

For the larger share of the hour is Climate Action policy director, Ayn Craciun. She talks about local public works, public advocacy, and will later cover her public office aspirations this fall. Of interest are: the redirection of Orange County Power Authority; warehouses in the land-use mix; the single use plastics non-ban; and the CA March 5th Primary ballot down ticket item-the Irvine City Charter amendment. NOTE: The California State Auditor's 2-28-23 report pertaining to the OCPA is available here: https://www.auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2022-120.pdf. The CA Energy Commission is an entity under the CA Natural Resources Agency, the director of whom is appointed by the governor of California. Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa - album; a tba jazz track; Teodross Avery, “Teo,” Harlem Stories: The Music of Thelonius Monk - album.

Matt Haimovitz Continued

Matt generously spoke at greater length in this session. This portion completes the whole.

Making Sense and Making Music Amidst Catastrophes

Shahir Masri, an environmental scientist, who identifies as a Lebanese American, uses his science and grass roots sensibilities to address the human public health catastrophe in Gaza. In the second segment (approx. minute 41:05), cellist extraordinaire Matt Haimovitz speaks about the possibilities and power of his musical instrument, especially in times like these. An extension of Matt's interview is available in a separate sound file on this same day. Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa - album; De Hartmann Cello Concerto Op 57 I Andante con brio, performed by Matt Haimovitz with Leipzig Symphony Orchestra; Cello Concerto Op 57 III Allegro ma non troppo, performed by Matt Haimovitz with Leipzig Symphony Orchestra.

As You Sow Raises Shareholder Agency Amidst Challenges From Far Right AND Local Notes

Today for the larger share of the hour is As You Sow's CEO, Andrew Behar. Depending on time remaining, a summary on last Saturday’s World Affairs Council Orange County event showcasing Retired Lt. General HR McMasters - or other special segments, still up the host’s sleeve. Andrew is the headline act, given the long range and deep portfolio that his smart and nimble non-profit accomplishes year in and year out over these last three decades. How climate inflation influences household budgets, Congressional undermining of AYS's mission, and actual roles shareholders can assume to challenge corporate practices - are covered. Connections will be made with Irvine City Council’s recent can-kicking-down-the-road. The host extends apologies for unresolved sound quality issues, despite her efforts to resolve them; Andrew's contributions are worth the effort to listen to his segment. Details, including upcoming forums, are available at: https://www.asyousow.org. Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa - album; Holiday digi: Dex Romweber Duo, “Dark Christmas,” Sounds of the Cities - album; and Sinne Eeg, “My Favorite Things,” We’ve Just Begun - album.

Jasso Extended Interview

This is an extension of the interview with Adriana Jasso. The host sought extra context for what it feels like to be providing aide amidst such a wide range of needs.

At The Border AND In The Theater - La Posada and The Nutcracker

Sometimes we just need to cover a lot of ground, starting with Adriana Jasso, Human Rights Advocate based in San Diego, California. She speaks in her capacity as the Program Coordinator for the U.S./Mexico Border Program of the American Friends Service Committee, at various open-air detention sites in San Diego County. During the annual tradition of La Posada, Adriana takes stock of what the inn actually looks like. https://afsc.org/action/take-action-stop-border-militarization?ms=WEB23TA. The extended portion of this interview can be heard in a separate sound file. Please refer to that post on this same day. In the second segment (approx. minute 34:00), Susan Jaffe, the artistic director and interim executive director of American Ballet Theater, has some special takes as her company performs “The Nutcracker” at the Segerstrom Hall, Dec 8th-17th, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky. Tchaikovsky’s score is performed live by Pacific Symphony. Ticket details are available at: https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/american-ballet-theatre-s-the-nutcracker. Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa - album; Adeste Fideles, “Vayamos Cristianos,” en español, Canto Católico Christmas Carol Album; Hal Leonard Choral, “Three Jazzy Nutcrackers,” SATB Choir, a cappella) – arranged by Paul Langford.