In Depth : City Council President Wesson, Holiday Scams, and Volunteers
LOS ANGELES - SEGMENT A : Herb Wesson’s Search for His Son
City Council President Herb Wesson is opening up about his son’s struggle with drug abuse, mental illness and homelessness. The council president is putting out campaign ads featuring his search for his homeless son. The ads feature his wife narrating as the councilman searches Skid Row.
Wesson discusses why he decided to publicize such a private struggle, and the fact that he believes this will open up the conversation about homelessness and mental illness. He hopes that others will realize that these problems can happen to anyone and shouldn’t carry shame. Wesson addresses critics who believe this matter shouldn’t be used as campaign fodder.
SEGMENT B: Warning About Holiday Shopping Scams and Ripoffs
City Attorney Mike Feuer discusses the risks surrounding holiday shopping. His office issued a warning to watch out for counterfeit goods that could be dangerous or defective. Feuer also warns about other scams targeting consumers that thrive around the holiday season. He talks about making sure that purchased gift cards don’t have a second barcode added by scammers which will send money straight to the thieves, and also to make sure that the silver barrier over the code isn’t scratched off.
SEGMENT C: Volunteers
We have a conversation with the Red Cross CEO and two volunteers about the honor volunteers received earlier this month for their work on the Woolsey fire. Volunteers discuss why they do what they do and what satisfactions they get from it. The Red Cross CEO answers questions about where the donations actually go.
SEGMENT D: Wrap Up
Hal explains latest “What the Hal” Podcast. The volunteers give their suggestions on how to have a happy and safe holiday season.