
Freakonomics Radio 380. Notes From an Imperfect Paradise
Jun 6, 2019
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti discusses the city's transportation challenges and emphasizes the importance of data-driven governance. Seismologist Lucy Jones, often called the 'Earthquake Lady,' shares fascinating insights on earthquake prediction and management, highlighting California’s unique seismic landscape. They explore the risks of complacency during 'earthquake droughts' and the need for resilient infrastructure. Together, they address urban complexities and innovative solutions for maintaining public trust and safety in a shaking world.
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LA Water Conservation
- Los Angeles' land holdings in Owens Valley are larger than the city itself.
- Garcetti discovered that LA was flushing treated wastewater into the ocean, an amount triple the aqueduct's flow, and now plans to recycle it.
Toxicity of Political Parties
- Partisan politics hinders progress by prioritizing repeal-and-replace over compromise.
- Eliminating political parties could foster more collaboration and address important issues.
California Earthquake Drought
- California is experiencing an earthquake drought, having fewer earthquakes than geologically expected.
- This quiet period can lead to complacency and underestimation of future earthquake risks.




