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Fri, Mar 28, 2008
The California Report Magazine
 Listen to episode (RealMedia stream)
Download (MP3)
(Windows: right-click and choose "Save Target As."
Mac: hold Ctrl, click link, and choose "Save As.")
A Bright Spot in the Housing Downturn -- There's at least one bright spot in the housing mess. Contractors specializing in home renovations are reporting that business is doing quite well as more people opt to renovate rather than move during these uncertain times. We hear from one contractor in Southern California who says he's got more clients than ever.
Host: Rachael Myrow
A Look Inside Foreclosed Homes
Listen (RealMedia Stream)
Four California metro areas rank in the top 10 in the nation for foreclosure rates -- Stockton, Riverside, Bakersfield and Sacramento according to RealtyTrac. With thousands of foreclosures in the state come vacant homes, and with vacant homes come a whole host of problems. In Sacramento, code enforcement officers encounter them all.
Reporters:
• Tamara Keith
For more information:
•  Photos from the foreclosure ride-along
No Slump in Home Remodeling
Listen (RealMedia Stream)
The construction numbers out these days aren't good. New home starts were down in February. The state's employers dropped more than 69,000 positions in the construction industry last year and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is looking at re-training programs for those in the construction field. The glass is definitely half empty, unless you talk to folks in the home remodeling sector.
Reporters:
• Caitlan Carroll
Music Bridge 1
"Ricky's Theme" by The Beastie Boys from the CD "The In-Sound from Way Out!" (Capitol)
Olympic Hopefuls
Listen (RealMedia Stream)
This weekend, 400 gymnasts from 14 countries are competing at San Jose State's Event Center in the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships. It's a rare chance for Californians to get a close look at elite athletes from around the world -- as well as the next generation rising.
Music Bridge 2
"Jumpin' Jack Flash" by Ananda Shankar from the box set "What It Is! Funky Soul And Rare Grooves (1967-1977)" (Rhino)
Baja Tourism Dips
Listen (RealMedia Stream)
Tourism officials in Baja, California have been holding their breath as tourist season gets underway. They're banking on this season to resuscitate the state's flagging tourism economy. Reports of violence, a weak U.S. dollar and long border waits have drained out some of the air. The beach town of Rosarito, just south of Tijuana, has been particularly hard hit.
Reporters:
• Amy Isackson
Review -- ROVA Saxaphone Quartet's "The Jukebox Suite"
Listen (RealMedia Stream)
In the years just before and after World War II, California teemed with independent record labels that thrived by producing singles for juke boxes. The latest album by the Bay Area's ROVA Saxophone Quartet was designed with a juke box in mind -- but not the kind you would find in a corner bar.
Reporters:
• Andrew Gilbert
End Music
"Jukebox Detroit" by ROVA Saxophone Quartet From the CD "The Jukebox Suite" (Not Two)
« back to week of March 28, 2008
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