George Lavender

Independent Producer

George Lavender is an award-winning independent radio and print journalist. His radio reporting has aired on NPR, KCRW, WBUR, KQED, and Radio France International.

George Lavender on KCRW

Southern California has long been associated with street racing. And law enforcement officials say they’re gearing up for another deadly summer.

What's fueling the rise in illegal street racing?

Southern California has long been associated with street racing. And law enforcement officials say they’re gearing up for another deadly summer.

from KCRW Features

Businesses that grow or sell cannabis still face a challenge when it comes to what to do with the money they make. At the Higher Path dispensary in Sherman Oaks,…

The business of legal weed poses banking challenges

Businesses that grow or sell cannabis still face a challenge when it comes to what to do with the money they make. At the Higher Path dispensary in Sherman Oaks,…

from News Stories

Most banks are unwilling to serve an industry that is illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

Banking and cannabis

Most banks are unwilling to serve an industry that is illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

from KCRW Features

More from KCRW

How much could AI and deepfakes threaten election integrity? Is round two of the border bill dead on arrival?

from Left, Right & Center

Mdocu Moctar’s “Funeral for Justice” is a blend of desert blues and sociopolitical commentary about his West African home country of Niger.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Hundreds of teachers are facing potential layoffs amid low enrollment and financial constraints at the Anaheim Union High School District.

from KCRW Features

A proposed half-cent sales tax would replace Measure H’s quarter-cent tax for homeless services in LA County, approved by voters in 2017.

from KCRW Features

Councilwoman Natalie Rubalcava faces a recall just a year into her term over accusations of corruption in Anaheim.

from KCRW Features

The first laws criminalizing stalking in California stemmed from the 1991 trial of Tucson resident Robert Bardo, who tracked down and killed LA actress Rebecca Schaeffer.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

LA Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel talks about conducting Beethoven's only opera, plus his choice to start leading the New York Philharmonic in 2026.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

As Disney plans to pour $1.9 billion into upgrading its Anaheim resort, workers say the company needs to look out for them too.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Last year’s Hollywood strikes did not result in more reality TV production, as expected. Rather, the green lit unscripted shows are shifting to franchises and sports.

from KCRW Features