Local Radio Host Reaches International Audience at the Olympics
Aug 2, 2024
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Brad Jay, a local radio host from Santa Barbara, shares his journey to becoming an Olympic commentator. He highlights his experience calling sports like kayak slalom and BMX freestyle. World-renowned basketball star LeBron James and young tennis sensation Coco Gauff join the conversation, discussing their Olympic experiences and what it means to represent their communities on such a grand stage. Brad reflects on the excitement leading up to the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, emphasizing his passion for connecting local stories to the global audience.
Local radio host Brad Jay expands his reach to the international stage through Olympic commentary while maintaining his Santa Barbara roots.
California faces unprecedented firefighting challenges as the Park Fire threatens homes and livelihoods, requiring widespread assistance and heightened vigilance.
Deep dives
Firefighting Efforts and Challenges
The ongoing Park Fire in Northern California has prompted an extensive response from firefighting crews, with over 6,000 personnel involved in combating the blaze. Assistance has also come from out-of-state crews and the California National Guard, who have provided both ground crews and aerial support. Despite their efforts, the fire has already destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and charred nearly 397,000 acres, leaving it currently only 24 percent contained. Adverse weather conditions are expected to pose further challenges in the coming days, with the possibility of dry lightning and thunderstorms threatening to spread the fire.
Fast Food Wage Increase Confusion
Following a recent hike in the state minimum wage for fast food workers in California, confusion remains among some business owners about the applicability of the new rules. During a meeting of the state’s fast food regulatory council, ice cream franchise owners expressed their concerns over whether they are subject to the wage increase, with requests for clearer guidance. Gabriela Campbell, an owner of multiple stores, highlighted her uncertainty regarding compliance and sought clarification to ensure legal safety for her business. This ambiguity also extends to other food service outlets, including Boba Tea franchises, whose owners share similar uncertainties.
If you're watching the Olympics, you may recognize world famous athletes like Lebron James or Coco Gauff. But residents of a California beach town might recognize the voice of an announcer from their local radio station. Brad Jay typically works for a Santa Barbara classic rock station, but right now he's with the Olympic Broadcasting Service doing TV commentary. Lately he's been calling kayak and canoe slalom, and will also do three-on-three basketball and BMX freestyle. This is his eighth time covering the games since Salt Lake City in 2002. He hopes to continue calling at the 2028 Los Angeles Games in his resident Southern California.
Reporter: Lance Orozco, KCLU
In addition to five firefighting crews from Texas and Utah, the California National Guard is also joining in the fight against the Park Fire with aircraft assistance. Crews from the National Guard are expected to join also. The Park fire is on the verge of becoming the fourth largest in California history. Cal Fire announced that wildfires have scorched more than 750,000 acres in California this year. That’s 29 times the area that burned last year.