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CNN Sunday Morning
Universal Studios Blaze; Puerto Rico Primary; President Bush Draws Protests; Obama Quits Church; DNC Compromise; Hurricane Katrina's Children
Aired June 01, 2008 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN HOST: About 100 city and county firefighters are helping battle this blaze, which is really in effect here, you can see the large flames and black smoke billowing into the air. At least one explosion has occurred according to the Los Angeles fire captain. And they have been able to tell us, though, that at least this fire is contained to the back lot at this time. And there are no injuries reported, but, man, they have quite a fire on their hands, a three- alarm fire at this hour.
Let's take you on the phone now to Captain Frank Reynoso with the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Tell me what you can about the situation as far as this fire goes at this hour.
CPT FRANK REYNOSO, L.A. FIRE DEPARTMENT: At this point, L.A. County resources with assistance from L.A. City and Burbank, we do have as you mentioned, a third alarm fire, which is over 100 firefighters. We've responded to the back lot of Universal Studios at 04:44 Pacific Coast Time. And it was reported to us of an explosion with two props and possibly a chapel in the back area of the New York Street area. We're containing the fire, there. It's going to be a while before we can have it under control.
NGUYEN: Can you back that just a second. You said an explosion with two props and chapel. Can you explain that to me?
REYNOSO: In the back lot area, there's a lot of buildings or fake buildings with facades. They're not true homes or structures or buildings, all it is, is just the front. So those props, we were first notify that had there were two on fire and a chapel, which is again used for filming. I cannot confirm it, but we were told there might have been filming going on and that there was an explosion, so there might have been some type of a gas leak. We don't -- again, we cannot confirm that.
The unfortunate thing is right now it was last reported that the "Cyclone," which is one of the amusement rides there, has had major damage. There's also a brush area in the back lot, so we're concerned with ensuring that we can keep it in had check and prevent it from going into the brush area, because it's pretty much dry out here in the southern California area.
NGUYEN: So for people watching, Captain, and who have been out there especially when they've gone to the Universal Studios theme park, this is in that vicinity.
REYNOSO: That's correct. This is in the back lot area, so if they're taking one of the studio tours, they have probably passed it and probably have seen some of those buildings.
NGUYEN: Yes, I think a lot of us have been on that tour and we just saw a portion of what is on fire. We don't know if it's facade or actual building, there, it just came crushing down. At this point, though, no injuries as far as you know?
REYNOSO: Yes, no injuries to either studio employees or firefighters. And just a little further info, right now we have one of our helicopters and an L.A. city held fire 'copter making water drops to assist with the extinguish end of this fire.
NGUYEN: Has this spread much? I mean, because just looking at what we are from this live picture provided to us from our affiliate, KABC, this is quite a fire, a three-alarm fire. And I wonder, with not only just the different studios nearby, but there are also offices near by. Is this something that could possibly spread and even affect the rest of the theme park?
REYNOSO: We're hoping to get, again, just to be able to contain it. One of our main tactics is extension, so we may use some of our resources to keep those buildings cooled down with water and let the interior or the affected buildings burn. But, again, we're trying to use everything we can in check using those fire helicopter water dropping helicopters, and, again, our ground units are trying to keep everything in check.
NGUYEN: What about evacuations? Have you started any of that?
REYNOSO: At this point, that particular area does not have very many residents. The hotel, we're telling everyone -- I'm sorry, we're not -- I would have to double check with the command post, but the safest place would be just shelter in place, as long as they're in the building and not outside, they won't be exposed to any of the ambient air...
NGUYEN: Yeah, we just saw the water being drops on the fire and let me tell you, as much water as they were able to put on it, it doesn't seem like it's done much at this hour. I mean, this is a fire that is really burning intensely.
REYNOSO: Yes, it is. And, again, we don't know what the cause was. But we do know, because of those type of buildings, they're going to burn a lot faster because obviously they're fake buildings, so all they are is just walls and studs. So that's going to go up much faster and it has all the oxygen it needs.
NGUYEN: Yeah, and you have had to call in additional agencies, is that what I understand?
REYNOSO: Because of the area, the Universal Studios is -- does fall under L.A. County jurisdiction, it's a small island surrounding -- surrounded by Burbank and L.A. city, so we have an automatic aid and we would do the same thing for them in those areas using our resources.
MARCIANO: When we look at these pictures with the fire burning so intently, you talk about these props, these facades. I mean, are they mostly -- what seems to me, like this is just fuel that -- just going up like it's pure fuel for fire, or there are any sort of other sort of infrastructure that you find at a normal house that may retard this?
REYNOSO: No, and it's unfortunate, the way these buildings are burning is very much like structures under construction because there's so much oxygen that it's going to free burn. Unlike, in a common structure or your residence, you have fire stops, you have ceilings, you have -- you know, you could use extinguishers or some homes now have sprinkler systems. All these are all open to the air, so these buildings are just free burning right now, so that's what makes it so intense and the radiating heat just continues on. And, again, we're attempting to surround this whole area in defensive mode.
NGUYEN: Captain, I'm trying to recall the tour there, as you go through Universal Studios. Any of these props or facade historical in nature from movies that we've seen in the past?
REYNOSO: That, I cannot answer. I'm not familiar with the area. Looking at a map, it appears that New York City is right dead center of New England Street and James Stewart Street. So, imagine there are probably some that does have some sentimental value, but I can't really tell you if -- I can't put a monetary price to it.
MARCIANO: Captain, you've mentioned that you're not sure whether there was shooting occurring, whether or not there was any sort of pyrotechnics happening. Do the studios let you know ahead of time when they're going to light explosions if they're filming something? Do they let the fire department in the city aware of that, just in case?
REYNOSO: Yes. As a matter of fact, they have to obtain fireworks or pyrotechnics permits from the fire department. And I'm being told a little update, if you could consider the fire on New York, we try to compartmentalize the fire, so the front side would be the "A" side and then the left side about be "B," the back would be "C" and then on the right would be "D," as you face it. We have area "A" or division "A" and "C," which would be the front and the right, under control. We're having some water problems as far as access and supply, and we do have some heavy fire on the back -- correction, on the east side of the fire.
NGUYEN: What's located there?
REYNOSO: That, I cannot tell. I was just handed a note by one of my dispatch supervisors.
MARCIANO: When we watch these helicopters make water drops, it looks like they drop it right on the fire, yet you tell us that, at least the ground crews, are trying to wet down structures on the outskirts of the fires. Is that chopper trying to douse some of those flames burning now? REYNOSO: Yes, they're trying, again, much like we would do on brush fires is make a direct attack. And, again, it may sound like it's just a small amount of water, but those two helicopters are Bell 412s and they each hold 360 gallons of water. So -- and, again, they're trying to, in their opinion, trying to hit spots where they're able to take advantage or utilize the water component to the best of their ability.
MARCIANO: Where are they going to fill up and how frequent are their drops? They seem to be coming in and our of picture every 30 seconds or so.
REYNOSO: You know, I did not check, but I know L.A. city -- their air operations is in Van Nuys, which is very close by.
NGUYEN: As far as these props and these back lots are concerned, we understand from reports, and maybe you can confirm this, but this start order a soundstage on a book lot? Can you confirm that?
REYNOSO: I cannot confirm a sound stage, no. The only thing I was told is props in that back lot. And I'm not aware of any soundstage in that particular area.
NGUYEN: But there's been at least one explosion. Any idea what you can attribute that to?
REYNOSO: No, I cannot. We could make a lot of assumptions if they were using gas or they were using -- gas as in air, compressed air -- or if they were using some type of pyro-techniques.
NGUYEN: But you're not sure if it had anything to do with them possibly shooting a movie and what they were doing at that particular time that sparked this had fire?
REYNOSO: That's correct. We cannot associate the two before all we know is that one was occurring.
NGUYEN: Have you seen anything like this before at Universal Studios?
REYNOSO: No, not in my 20 years on the department, I have not seen anything to this extent or even a fraction of this, especially in the Universal Studios. They're really good with their fire safety program program. The fire prevention program is excellent out there, they have their own fire brigade, so had is quite rare.
MARCIANO: That speaks volumes then with all your experience and years there, you say this is one of the worst you've ever seen. Just to give our viewers an update, you're looking at a fire that broke out at Universal Studios in California early this morning. The right side of your screen is actually videotape of the most intense time when this fire was burning. Left side of your screen, actually live pictures coming from our affiliate, KABC. We have Captain Frank Reynoso on the phone, he's been describing what they've been doing to attack this fire. Basically two of the four sides of this fire are in control or contained and then the east and west sides, Frank, you can correct me if I'm wrong -- the east and west sides are the two sides that you're having the most problem with.
REYNOSO: I'm trying to get your station just to confirm -- I have another network, unfortunately, but I cannot confirm what you have on your screens.
MARCIANO: Well, I just want to know, I just want to make sure that we're describing the sides of the fire. You said the east and west sides are the two sides that you're having the biggest problem with, right now?
REYNOSO: That would be correct. Stand by, let me get a quick reference of. Yes, I would assume that predominantly the east side is the most involved and that's the one we're having the most struggle with.
NGUYEN: All right Captain Frank Reynoso, 20 years with the department, there, the L.A. County Fire Department, joining us by phone, today. Captain, we do appreciate your time, obviously. We will be in contact with you.
But for our viewers, very quickly, as you can see, this fire is well underway. It's been burning since about 4:44 a.m. West Coast Time, it is a three-alarm fire. A number of agencies are on the scene, in fact, about 100 city and county firefighters are helping battle this huge blaze on the property of Universal Studios. We understand some of the back lots areas have experience the at least one explosion and then all of that, of course, is leading to what we're seeing right here. No word as to exactly what sparked the explosion or what sparked this fire. We will continue to follow it, no doubt, right here at CNN. You are watching CNN SUNDAY MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: All right, breaking news, take another look, live pictures coming to us out of California. This is at Universal Studios there, and we understand this has been upgraded to a three-alarm fire. It is occurring on the back lot of the studio. There has been at least one explosion, but the good news is no injuries reported at this time. A number of units are on the scene trying to battle this blaze which started around 4:44 a.m. West Coast Time. A hundred city and county firefighters are there trying to put this fire out. They are also using helicopters which are doing water drops in assistance as water has become an issue out there as they're battling this fire.
Of course we'll stay on top of it and bring you the latest just as soon as we get information. In the mean time, though, we want to talk about another big story today, and that's the polls. They are open in Puerto Rico.
MARCIANO: Residents are trying to decide what to do with the 55 delegates at stake in today's primary vote. And our Jessica Yellin, part of our best political team on television, is in San Juan with us live, right now.
What are the big issues down there for folks who live in Puerto Rico? JESSICA YELLIN, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rob. The big issues here are sort of surprising for folks who live on the mainland. Folks here in Puerto Rico, they can't get Medicaid or Medicare. They belong to -- they are, sorry, enrolled in the military, enlisted in some of the largest numbers in the U.S., some of the largest troop deployments to Iraq of any state in the country, right here in Puerto Rico, which is a territory, and folks have trouble getting benefits.
And then of course there's that question about statehood. So, all these issues are playing large on the campaign trail. Both Clinton and Obama have been here promising to address these issues and remedy them right away. But Senator Clinton has made the most trips, she is on her third visit here, right now. Her daughter, Chelsea, has been here three times, her husband was here, this is her last best chance of getting some sort of moral argument she can use to persuade the superdelegates to make her the nominee. Let's listen to how she's campaigning, here in Puerto Rico this last weekend.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HILLARY CLINTON (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I am running for president to tackle a lot of the challenges that face the United States. And for me among those challenges is restoring our commitment to fundamental fairness and equality. I have said that I support representative government at all levels of government. And I will, from day one of my presidency, work with all factions in Puerto Rico and the Congress to enable the people of Puerto Rico to choose the status that a majority of your citizens wish to have.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
YELLIN: And she says choose the status you wish to have because there's a big divide, here -- some do want statehood, some don't. Now, let's zoom out and look at the big picture, here. Puerto Rico really matters to Senator Clinton for this reason, there are so many residents here, that if tons of people -- massive turnout happens, tons of people go to the polls, and if she wins by a significant enough margin, she could claim that she's gotten so many individual votes here and around the nation that she is the popular vote winner, that she has more votes than Barack Obama. But that's presented indicate order a lot of ifs, Rob, and turnout has to be exceptionally high and right now indications are it's not going to be high enough. Of course we'll have to wait and see.
MARCIANO: You know, she's been there several times, she's certainly favored to win down there. What makes the Clintons so popular in Puerto Rico?
YELLIN: Right. Well, first of all, Bill Clinton, his presidency, saw economic good times here and so he's remembered fondly. When he was in the streets here, he got a hero's welcome here. Also there, is the bombings that used to happen on an island here, Vieques, was very unpopular and Bill Clinton stopped that during his presidency. So, it's really a nostalgia for the Clinton years and I can also add they had a female governor, their top leader here was a woman, so they're used to having women in power. That's not really an issue for Puerto Ricans the way it might be for some in America -- Rob.
MARCIANO: I see you smiling -- I see a twinge kell in your eye when you talk about women in power. Hey, I don't want to put you on the spot, Jessica, but I'm just curious, you may not know the answer -- why Sunday? Why do they have elections on Sunday down there?
YELLIN: You know, they haven't had a primary here in 20 years, it's usually a caucus and so this all came together very last minute toward the end of this whole process and they picked today. And I'll tell you something, you hit it on the nose, they're a little bit worried about turnout because this is a Sunday, so that might not be playing so well for Senator Clinton, this choice of date.
MARCIANO: All right, well we'll see what happens. Jessica Yellin live for us in Puerto Rico. Thanks, Jessica.
Well, you can join the best political team on television for full coverage of the Puerto Rico primary. Wolf Blitzer runs the show from the CNN Election Center, this afternoon starting at 2:00 Eastern.
NGUYEN: President Bush drew protests while giving a commencement speech at South Carolina's Furman University. Take a look, not from the students, but from the fact faculty. Show you those pictures in just a second. About 15 -- there we go -- faculty members stood silently at the ceremony, wearing t-shirts that read "We object." You see them in the back row, there. They were opposing the president's position on the Iraq war and other issues. The president, well, he ignored them. He called on the students to be responsible and vote in November.
It was a totally different atmosphere after the president addressed the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, last week. Look at that chest bump, right there. Looked like he had a lot of fun hanging out with the grads, posing for pictures. I don't know what that pose means exactly, but definitely a different view of the commander-in-chief.
Well, in other political new, Senator Barack Obama, he's leaving his longtime church.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Michelle and I told Reverend Otis Moss that we were withdrawing as members of Trinity.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: So why now? Well that's coming up.
MARCIANO: Plus, besides politics -- we're following breaking news out of Universal Studio in Burbank, California, a three-alarm blaze breaking out this morning, firefighters still trying to get a hold of it as the sun comes up and the smoke continues to billow in the skies. We'll have an update on the fire and all your political news when CNN's SUNDAY MORNING comes right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MARCIANO: There you are, some pictures out of Universal City, California, Universal Studios ablaze this morning. a three-alarm fire. Live pictures on your left, some tape on your right when it was fully flaming. Firefighters still trying to get a hold on this, and we'll continue to follow this story as the back lot burns in Universal Studios.
Well, back to politics. Senator Barack Obama quits the church he's been attending now for almost 20 years.
NGUYEN: All right, so let's give you the back story, here. Controversial sermons by his former pastor and another minister had become issues on the campaign trail, on so here's Senator Obama's announcement.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: Michelle and I told Reverend Otis Moss that we were withdrawing as members of Trinity. It's a decision that Michelle and I had discussed for quite some time after the National Press Club episode. I had discussed it with Reverend Moss, we had prayed on it, we had consulted with a number of friends and family members who are also connected to the church. And so this is not a decision I come to lightly. And, frankly, it's one that I make with some sadness.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The National Press Club he was referring to, Reverend Wright speaking at the National Press Club. Christian Farr is outside Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ.
And Christian, given all that we've heard from this particular story on the campaign trail, I'm not sure it was much of a surprise.
CHRISTIAN FARR, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT: I think many of the church members didn't think that was a surprise. All morning we've had a lot of foot traffic going into this church for the 7:30 service, which is well underway, at this point. Like you said, this use to be the church home of Senator Barack Obama for about 20 years. Now he is a senator, of course, and a presidential candidate running for the presidency of the United States and that has kind of created some of the controversy that has happened here at this church, some controversial comments made by the former pastor here, Jeremiah Wright, and comments made just last Sunday by Father Michael Pfleger, who was a visiting pastor to this church. We tried to speak to many of the parishioners as they went in for Sunday service. Many of them would not speak to us because, of course, this is a day of worship for them. One of the charter members did stop and tell us how he felt about Obama's decision to leave the church.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MANFORD BYRD, CHURCH'S CHARTER MEMBER: Trinity is great church and I think Senator Obama feels that, as well. It's unfortunate that he had to do that because everything that happens over at our church is just magnified. So, he would have to be defending something every day for the remainder of this campaign. So, I can understand his reaction, but Trinity is a great church and it never comes out of all the things that church has done. And it's been a great church for a long time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FARR: And right now, we should be taking a live look at the church service. Parishioners are taking communion, right now. Earlier there was a meet and greet and the pastor was speaking to the congregation. There was a statement released by the congregation, in part it said: "Though we are saddened by the news, we understand it is a personal decision" and, of course, they went on to say that the Obama family continues to be in their prayers.
Of course we'll be out here for the rest of the morning and try on get more comments from church members -- Betty.
NGUYEN: Christian, any idea if Obama's found another church to join?
FARR: That is still up in the air right now. It's one that he plans not to politically vet. He just wants to find a church where can he sit in a pew quietly and have some very nice reflection, something his family would also like to have, as well.
NGUYEN: No doubt. Christian Farr joining us, live. Thank you, Christian.
MARCIANO: Well, we continue to follow this three-alarm fire in Universal Studios in Burbank, California. It started earlier this morning, three-alarmer with more than 100 L.A. area firefighters on the scene.
NGUYEN: And we're following a helicopter right there, going to be doing some water drops on that fire to help put it out and of course, that is something that well will continue here.
Also coming up, using the Internet to get ahead.
MARCIANO: And one aspiring musician rides the Web wave to television success all the way to the top. That's coming up on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Welcome back, everybody on this Sunday morning, June 1, halfway through the year. I'm Betty Nguyen.
MARCIANO: And I'm Rob Marciano in for T.J. Holmes. Here's a quick look at some of our top stories, today. Happening this morning, California firefighters are battling a massive blaze at Universal Studios, get a load of these pictures, getting them live in here as firefighters go at it. The back lot there on fire. Fire officials say at least three studio sets have burned to the ground. Most of it seen live, here on CNN. There is major damage to the "Cyclone" ride and you can see live pictures on your left and pictures from when it was really going on your right. We can also tell that you there has been at least one powerful explosion there and there may have been filming going on, -- may have been filming going on when it all started.
NGUYEN: Well, in politics, one of the last three Democratic primaries, that is being held today in Puerto Rico. Senator Hillary Clinton is favored to win. Fifty-five delegates are at stake. And the DNC has finally decided what to do with Florida and Michigan, reinstating some of the delegates stripped in January as punishment for breaking party rules with early primaries. So, this is how it shakes out. In Florida, Hillary Clinton gets 105 delegates, Barack Obama gets 67. Now let's take to you Michigan where a compromise netted Obama 59, Clinton got 69.
MARCIANO: Well, some of the Clinton supporters were, well, down right inconsolable after the decision.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (crying) I came from st. Louis, Missouri. And I came here -- it's not relevant with whether I am supporting Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. I believe in democracy. I believe that everyone has a right to vote and to be counted. I don't understand why they did what they did in there.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They're going to take 40 percent of the vote or whatever it was, 40 percent uncommitted vote and give it to Obama? What about Richardson? What about Edwards? How do you know who those votes were for, they're uncommitted.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Well, vocal critic of the compromise are vowing to continue to fight all the way to Denver, site of the Democratic National Convention in August. You know, a little bit earlier, I spoke with one of those DNC committee members and I asked him if he thought it was the right result.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RALPH C DAWSON, DNC RULES CMTE MEMBER: Yes, I do. I think that the number of delegates attained, for example, by Senator Clinton was similar to that which she got in Pennsylvania and Ohio. I think that the result was not only fair, but enhances the proper specifics for unity with that the party because represented a compromise between the supporters of Senator Clinton and Senator Obama where both of the supporters stepped forward and showed leadership to achieving a unifying result.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Well, if you listen to early comments from the Clinton campaign, it doesn't exactly sound like party unity was achieved. MARCIANO: Yeah, and they say the fight could go all the way to the convention and CNN's senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, is going to break it down for us. He joins us live, this morning, from New York.
Bill, it seems like, you know, Barack Obama may have a slight edge with this decision. I know it was a tough one. What do you think the overall -- how does this, overall, affect the candidates?
BILL SCHNEIDER, CNN SR POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, the decision was clearly not welcome by Hillary Clinton supporters in that room, and most of the spectators there appear to have been Clinton supporters, certainly the protesters were. They were angry, they said it was a grave injustice.
And the theme of the Clinton campaign was really sounded by Harold Ickes, whom we just saw, and he's a member of that committee, we saw him on the screen. He gave a very pointed criticism of the committee, said he could not support the Michigan delegate compromise. Referred to the committee as "hijacking" delegates from the Clinton total, hijacking them, stealing them, and, therefore, that just set up an uproar among the Clinton supporters in that room. It means there is a bitter division at least among some members of the party, among some people on the delegation, and that will just make it that much harder to bring the party together. The signal is that Hillary Clinton, right now, has reserved the right to take this to the credentials committee, which means she could appeal this decision and it could drag a for a while.
MARCIANO: You know, Bill, whether you're 00 Clinton supporter or not, when you think about those uncommitted votes, it does seem kind of weird, maybe unfair for them all to go to Barack Obama. What's your feel on that?
SCHNEIDER: Well, the problem is that Barack Obama's name was not on the ballot and his campaign, as well as those of Edwards, Richardson, et cetera, instructed their supporters to vote uncommitted. It is simply impossible to know who those uncommitted voters really intended to vote for. I think the committee did consult the exit polls and made some sort of estimate based on those exit polls. There were also write-in votes that were not counted. All of this had to be based on estimation. In the end, the committee really couldn't really know. It was a very strange primary and hard to reach a firm conclusion because there was no campaign. Many of the Democrats took their names off the ballot. Who they intended to vote for was not clear and the turnout was very unusual because a lot of voters in Michigan and in Florida did not think the results would count, so you did get more than two million voters -- Democrats coming out of those two state, but the indication is a lot of Democrats did not vote because they were told that the results didn't matter.
MARCIANO: You know, it kind of flashback to the 2000 presidential election, Bill, when you think about the popular vote here. After today, her popular lead may very well extend after Puerto Rico. How much does the popular vote mean to the Clinton campaign? SCHNEIDER: Well, it mean a great deal to their campaign because they claim a moral victory. Now that, now her ability to claim the popular vote, she already does claim it. But by our count, she's not quite there yet unless you give Obama zero votes in the state of Michigan. Technically he didn't get any because is name wasn't on the ballot, but if she has a big victory, as some people expect today in Puerto Rico, and if the turnout in Puerto Rico is high enough, she could move ahead by the end of the day, today, in popular votes. It doesn't mean anything to the process. The process is controlled by delegates, not by popular votes. The delegates are like an electoral college. So in the end, those are the rules and Obama claims, hey, I played by the rules.
MARCIANO: Rules are rules, Bill, I know you had a long day yesterday along with the best political team on television. We appreciate you coming in to share your insight. Thanks Bill Schneider.
NGUYEN: Well, once again polls are open in Puerto Rico. And we're going to have results a little bit later today. And then there are just two states left. South Dakota and Montana hold their season's final two primaries. That takes place on Tuesday. And then they have a combined 31 delegates up for grab, so still very important. We do invite to you join the best political team on television for full coverage of today's Puerto Rico primary. Wolf Blitzer runs the show from the CNN Election Center, that's this afternoon at 2:00 Eastern.
MARCIANO: Two choppers on the scene, over 100 firefighters from the L.A. area battling a three-alarm blaze in Universal Studios in California, the studio, the back lot is on fire. Black smoke still billows into the sunrise in the sky there, and we'll continue to follow this story.
NGUYEN: Also coming up, using the Internet to get ahead.
MARCIANO: And one aspiring musician rides the Web waves to television success all the way to the top. That inspiring story coming up when CNN SUNDAY MORNING continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Well, MySpace can be a place for aspiring artists to showcase their talents, and T.J. Holmes takes us "To The Top" to meet a musician whose music went from the Internet to the television.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
T.J. HOLMES, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Ingrid Michaelson once thought she'd be an actress, instead she found fame on the small screen with her music. Her songs have been featured in several TV. Show's including ABC's "Grey's Anatomy."
INGRID MICHAELSON, SINGER/SONGWRITER: I remember when I first found out, I was outside on my fire escape and I was screaming because I was so excited about it. I can check that goal off my list. It's pretty cool.
HOLMES: Two years ago, Michaelson was unknown until she was discover order MySpace, her single "Keep Breathing" aired in the dramatic season finale of "Grey's Anatomy," last year. That same night, her iTunes sales skyrocketed. But Michaelson that tried to make sure her voice wasn't forgotten.
MICHAELSON: It wasn't like I sat back and relaxed, this is it, I got my foot in the door, I'm going to cram my body through the crack in the door.
HOLMES: And the 28-year-old continues to spit out songs.
MICHAELSON: I like the ones that come tumbling out the best, those are usually the best and the truest because there's no effort involved. One song I wrote in five minutes.
HOLMES: That one song was her hit single, "The Way I Am," which was featured in an Old Navy commercial. And as long as Michaelson's success continues, she has no plans to sign with a record label.
MICHAELSON: I think that I can get to a point on my own where I'll be satisfied, I don't need to be Madison Square Garden girl, that's not really my thing.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Well, nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina, it's real cost is still being added up.
MARCIANO: And just ahead, the children of the storm. Many have still struggling to get back to normal.
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MARCIANO: Well, hurricane season officially starts today. And we already have the first named storm of the season to tell about. Tropical Storm Arthur developed yesterday, made its way over the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, right now still kind of hovering there, still a tropical storm as far as the last thing I saw. But Reynolds Wolf is here to give us an update on all that is happening with Tropical Storm Arthur.
REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: That's right, we're talking about Arthur. Arthur at this time, beginning to show some signs of weakening, sitting out here in the western part of the Caribbean, now moving on shore, bringing heavy rainfall to places like Cozumel, even Belize City. As the storm moves inland, it is expected to weaken, but still the rain can be quite dramatic getting over a foot of rainfall in some spots as this thing moves off to the west.
It is expect slow down in its forward progress and weaken to a tropical depression, but keep in mind there's always that chance that it could move into parts of the Gulf of Mexico or maybe into the Bay of Campagy (ph), which is a hotbed of storms of this nature. Let's go there hot to cold, namely in Iceland, we're talking not about tropical systems, but rather, earthquakes. This is near Selfoss, Iceland, on Thursday where the U.S. Geological Survey said a 6.2 magnitude quake hit around 3:46 Local Time. You see all that steam that's rising up? That's from a big crack in the ground caused by this enormous earthquake. Homes were shaken, thankfully there weren't too many problems in terms of injuries, only 30 injured, certainly bad, but there were no deaths. They're still dealing with the after affects. You know see the steam just rising out of ground and certainly a compelling sight. They are still a few rumbles over there, certainly an area that we have to watch. You actually see a little bit of that steam forcing all of that mud up, not lava, but certainly super-heated gases coming in from the earth and just an incredible sight to see in this time of the world.
Something else that maybe incredible we'll see later on today, some powerful storms, maybe some hail, maybe even some damaging winds in parts of the Central Plains. Here's the culprit. You see this line right here? Well, this like represents a frontal boundary and that frontal boundary going from north to south and into the southeast combined with a lot of moisture in the Gulf of Mexico that with the daytime heating, could give us a round of some strong storms.
Tornado in the mix? A slight risk of that happening, but definitely some thunder-boomers. Into parts of the Great Lakes, high pressure will build into a better day for you in Chicago and Detroit. Farther back out to the West could see sporadic activity in Minneapolis, central and northern Rockies could see rain, southern California, you've got dry conditions in the L.A. Basin. And, of course, firefighters thankfully don't have a whole lot of wind to contend with down there at the fire at Universal. They can use all the help they can possibly get. That's the latest we've got for you. We go from the fire to the rain to the snow, got it all for you.
NGUYEN: Yes, do you.
MARCIANO: Kind of geothermal power that is, Iceland. Those are cool pictures.
WOLF: Amazing thing to see, absolutely.
MARCIANO: All right, back to Universal City fire that you were talking there, Reynolds. Weather not too much of an issues, but we continue to cover this.zA three-alarm fire there burning the back lot. These pictures from KABC and we're going to have more this as we come back.
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MARCIANO: Breaking news out of California, a fire at Universal Studios, there, a three alarm blaze. There are over 100 L.A. area firefighters on the screen, two choppers trying to put this thing out that started at 4:45 this morning, Local Time. No reports of injury as this fire continues to burn in the back lot of Universal Studios.
NGUYEN: We'll continue to follow that for you, but in the meantime, as we begin a new hurricane season, we're also looking back at Hurricane Katrina. It's been nearly three years since the storm just devastated the Gulf Coast. Families, well, they're being told that they have to leave their FEMA trailers and the cost of the disaster that is it still being added up.
Our guest this morning has been looking at children who made it through the storm and how they've been affected. Dr. Irwin Redlener is the president and co-founder of the Children's Health Fund, he's also the director of National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, and joins us now from New York.
Thanks for being with us.
DR IRWIN REDLENER, PRES, CHILDREN'S HEALTH FUND: Thank you, Betty.
NGUYEN: All right, first up, let's talk about how many children you've been able to talk to and what kind of symptoms do they have as a result of this storm -- or these storms, in fact.
REDLENER: Well, the Children's Health Fund and National Center disaster team has been down in the Gulf since the storm. We have six mobile medical units providing both pediatric care and mental health care to children and their families and we've taken care of literally tens of thousands of children. But the study looked at a thousand particular children as an example, or an illustration of what's going on and we're finding extraordinarily high rates of mental health problems in children.
NGUYEN: Like what?
REDLENER: And their parents. Sleep disorder, behavioral problems, serious depression, all kinds of all kinds of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. This is one of the most psychologically vulnerable populations in the country, and we're really, really worried about what's happening with them now that they've been moved out of these trailers.
NGUYEN: Yeah, I wanted to ask you that, because they're moving out of the FEMA trailers, they're moving into communities. Do you feel that they're going to get lost in the system and they're not be treated for some of the problems that they indeed still have since the storm?
REDLENER: Yes, I absolutely do. And one of the things -- what's happened really is that the federal government, through FEMA, has been responsible for the families in those FEMA trailers until last night. And all of a sudden today, they've been moved to the responsibility of state government. But the transition process was completely flawed and there's been no transfer of the information that the state needs to take care of these families to find out where they are, to make sure that kids are getting into school and getting the healthcare that they need.
So, this is a major problem down in the Gulf and a really unfortunate flood but the federal government and I'm very disappointed that they didn't figure out a way to transition the care of these children from their responsibility at the federal government to the state officials.
NGUYEN: OK, but at the same time, it's been a little over two years now, going on three years. Hasn't your organization and other organizations help not only treated these children but prepare them for this transitional period as they go into communities and start their lives anew in homes that are not in FEMA trailers?
REDLENER: Oh, absolutely correct. You know, but there were 50,000 children still among the displaced families, as of last December, so about six months ago go. So what we have here now is a situation where we're doing some care for kids, it's not just a question of providing the care, now we don't know where they are, that's the problem. So in order to be able to track them and follow them, so that ourselves, Louisiana state organizations and other agencies can actually continue providing services, we have to know who they are, where they've been sent to and how they're going to access the services that they need. And it is that failure of anybody to get the information from the federal government that has really stymied all of us who really want to take care of these children. You know, that's really what the concern is.
NGUYEN: Doctor, as much as I'd love to talk to you more about this, we do have a breaking news story that we need to get to. Dr. Irwin Redlener with the Children's Health Fund. Thank you so much for your time today.
REDLENER: Thank you, Betty.
And back to that breaking news, of course dealing with the fire out of California, look at this live picture, right here. I understand from our producer there a building has just collapsed. Not sure if that was indeed a fully intact building or part of the props that are on the studio back lot, and those props are essentially facades, but a lot of it up in smoke, today. This at Universal Studios in California.
MARCIANO: Yeah, also getting word that one of the buildings that houses the film vault is on fire, about a third of that building is on fire. And that certainly is worrisome because more than just a prop or a movie set, this would contain some classics, some valuable and cherished films over the years, Universal Studios, one of the oldest and most treasured film companies out there. They like to refer to Universal Studios, Universal City as the entertainment capital of Los Angeles. And it is on fire this morning with a three-alarm blaze, 100 firefighters on the scene, two choppers trying to douse it with flames. And I'll tell you, Betty, just parts of this continue to burn more freely as we speak.
NGUYEN: It's been on fire for many hours starting around 4:45 local time, there in California, and we are following it every step of the way and we'll bring you the latest just as soon as we get it. You're watching CNN SUNDAY MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) NGUYEN: Breaking news out of southern California and the movie industry, here's a picture of this fire underway. In fact, a hundred firefighters trying to put out this massive blaze at Universal Studios. This fire broke out on a back filming lot and we do have more information as to what exactly has gone up in smoke. We understand the "King Kong" exhibit is on fire at this hour, as is the film vault, a vault that obviously houses many important movies as part of a way of keeping track of the history that's been made there at Universal Studios. Not only that, but a number of buildings have been lost since this fire broke out early in the morning, there on the West Coast.
MARCIANO: They've got the theme park in there, that's kind of intertwined amongst the studio, if you've ever been there. Woody Woodpecker, by the way, the mascot of Universal Studios, so not only is it classic films, but some good lighthearted cartoons, as well.
NGUYEN: Look at all those firefighters, there.
MARCIANO: They've got over 100 of them there, but they're trying to get it done and we mentioned before the break that the film vault building also, part of that is on fire. They certainly don't want to lose that stuff.
NGUYEN: Yeah, and this fire has been burning, as we mentioned, for quite some time. It's a three-alarm fire. At this hour, though, we understand that there have been no reports of injuries, but there has been at least one explosion reported on that back lot. It's still unknown exactly what started this fire, but it's believed that a movie was underway, at least they were filming at the time, so I don't know if there's any connection there. Of course we're following it with live pictures with the latest information. We'll have much more right after this break.
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