Tax Reform for California?

An obscure state panel is putting the final touches on a report some are already calling revolutionary. The Commission of the 21st Century Economy's plan for overhauling California's tax system will include eliminating the state sales and corporation taxes, reducing the personal income tax and creating a new "value added" tax on all businesses -- including services from people like lawyers and consultants. Guest: David Gamage, state and local tax policy expert at UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law.

• More: Commission on the 21st Century Economy : California's bipartisan commission examining California's revenue laws. (ca.gov)

Photo: Customs and Border Protection

Teen Drug Runners

Drug smugglers along the U.S.-Mexico border are using a new tactic to sneak their contraband into the U.S. The gangs are recruiting junior and senior high school students, some as young as 13. Reporter: Amy Isackson

• More: Border Battle: Bringing Home the Drug War (at KPBS.org)

Eco-wines

In California's wine country, the outbreak of a tiny insect is reigniting the controversy over pesticides. Although wine grapes are one of the most sprayed crops in California, a growing number of farmers are choosing not to use them. In fact, growers are making a lot of environmentally friendly choices -- but it can be a little baffling for the eco-conscious wine drinker.Reporter: Andrea Kissack

• More: Reporter's Notes and Photos

Photo: Nick Kusnetz

Chabot Space Center Goes Public

For amateur astronomers in the Bay Area, coastal fog and big city lights can make it nearly impossible to see stars in the night sky. But if they head up to the Oakland hills, the Chabot Space Center offers a clearer view. On Friday and Saturday nights, the center's telescopes are open to the public. Nicholas Kusnetz paid a visit.

CD Review: Mark Levine and The Latin Tinge

Hollywood is known as 'the Dream Factory,' but for the great Brazilian composer Moacir Santos, writing music for films was a dead end. His music has found new life through Bay Area pianist Mark Levine, who offers an Afro-Cuban spin on Santos' music with his band the Latin Tinge. Andrew Gilbert has a review.

• More: MarkLevine.com