Author: William Mullane

Understanding the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes: Essential Information for You

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The crisis that has stalled the entertainment industry for much of 2023 appears set to end with an amicable agreement. The strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) lasted 148 days before yielding an agreement in September. The 118-day strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has been suspended while negotiators reach what will hopefully be a final contract with Hollywood studios. However, these agreements only represent a consensus on the conditions needed to move forward. The core conflicts and compromises will continue to affect the entertainment industry.

In the short term, many Hollywood productions slated for release at the end of this year and the beginning of next year have not been affected. Many fall programs had been finished before the strikes, and though the strikes did impact the marketing of these shows, a sizable slate of fall programming will be released anyway. However, production did stop on many shows, such as Abott Elementary and Stranger Things, as well as films like Dune: Part 2 and Gladiator 2. These delayed productions are expected to be completed and released next year, but this will cause further ripples in the release schedules of 2024, 2025, and possibly beyond. The extent of this disruption remains difficult to gauge.

Impact of Strikes on Production Schedules

The fact that the strikes came so close after the Covid-19 pandemic in some ways multiplied the effect, but in other ways, softened the blow. Industry experts have pointed out that the 2024 season had been slim on offerings even before the strikes, as Hollywood had not yet rebuilt its momentum. While this leaves elbow room for release schedules going into next year, it also means that the scripted programming hit the hardest need to restart production for a second time.

Had the strikes stretched on even longer, the disruption to the release schedule might have been much more significant. The film award season would have been impacted, with fewer productions eligible and actors and screenwriters leaving ceremony seats empty.

The strikes also came at a time when content consolidation was a growing trend in Hollywood. Following the financial impact of the pandemic and a significant amount of investment in streaming projects during that time, Hollywood had already been poised for a period in which fewer shows and films were being greenlit for production. Industry experts believe this trend will be heightened. As the new contracts increase the cost of production, there will likely be fewer new projects.

Future Trends and Predictions in the Entertainment Industry

Karsten Weide of W Media Research expects this trend to worsen over time. As reported by the Washington Post, Weide expects a near-future decrease in production volume of as much as ten percent, with the potential for as much as half within the next five years.

Weide also gave grim predictions for streaming prices, as media companies are likely to attempt to recoup costs by increasing fees. Weide warned that if this coincides with a much-decreased volume of content, it could result in a “death loop,” in which streaming platforms lose subscribers due to the heightened costs. This could end with smaller streaming platforms folding, a process Weide said has already begun.

One of the main points of contention during the strikes was the use of AI, a technology that could offset expenses but is limited in that the negotiated contracts protect writers and screenwriters from its abuse. However, experts worry that contracts leave room for AI to replace noncreative labor, and the studios will likely invest even more in whatever AI use is permitted. This accelerated movement toward automation may already be setting the stage for the next confrontation between studios and unions.

November 23, 2023
Hollywood Protesters Call for Cease-fire in Gaza

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Hollywood protestors called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 15. Hundreds flooded the major intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, forcing the Los Angeles Police Department to close the area to traffic.

The Hollywood and Highland intersection is a major tourist attraction, as it contains the Dolby Theater and the TLC Chinese Theater, among other famous sites. Many demonstrators sat down in the street, effectively shutting the area down. The LAPD closed Hollywood Boulevard between Orange Drive and Las Palmas and Highland Avenue between Franklin Place and Sunset Boulevard. The disruption in the flow of traffic caused frustration for drivers, who were encouraged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area.

“The LAPD’s objective is to ensure public safety for ALL while facilitating the First Amendment rights of those peacefully demonstrating,” the agency said in a statement. “Equally, the Department will enforce the law when individuals engage in acts of violence.” No arrests were made at the Wednesday protest, and no acts of violence were reported. Roads were cleared by 9 pm that night.

The protest was organized by the groups Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, who released a joint statement ahead of the demonstration. The news release stated that the Hollywood and Highland protest would be “one of the largest-ever acts of civil disobedience in Los Angeles. It will take place in Hollywood, which has long been a site of organizing for labor rights, critiquing of state violence, and storytelling that speaks truth to power—of which Jewish creatives have often been part.”

The same groups have organized similar demonstrations across the country, particularly in Washington, D.C., to catch policymakers’ attention. Also on Wednesday, protestors gathered outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. U.S. Capitol police responded to the demonstration and claimed that the group of 150 was “illegally and violently protesting.” Several members of Congress were evacuated from the building as tensions escalated.

The Capitol police and protestors have put forth conflicting accounts of the protest. Demonstrators have claimed that the police rushed them without warning, already armed in riot gear, and began pushing and pulling people to the ground at random. Democratic Representative Brad Sherman of California took to Twitter to accuse protestors of “pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building.” Those who attended the protest denied that was the case, saying that the objective was to position themselves near entrances and exits so that committee members would witness a peaceful, candlelight vigil. Footage has since been released showing police locked in an intense scuffle with protestors and attempting to control a chaotic scene.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated in violence following the devastating attack on October 7 earlier this year. Hamas’ reprehensible actions toward innocent civilians in Israel shocked the world and invited many differing opinions about fraught relations between Israel and Palestine. The United States’ decision to support Israel continues to cause tension socially and politically across the nation.

November 22, 2023
Short-Term Rentals: The Battle Against Restrictive Measures in Los Angeles

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In Los Angeles, one of the United States’ most expensive cities to live in, a crucial debate is unfolding over the future of short-term rentals. The imminent vote by the city council on a proposed measure has ignited controversy, raising concerns about the potential impact on homeowners engaged in home sharing.

The proposal, the result of a last-minute deal between Council President Paul Krekorian, the hotel industry, and union representatives, adds layers of complexity to the already intricate short-term rental landscape. Should it pass, Angelenos will be obligated to seek permission from the LAPD to participate in home-sharing programs. The process includes daunting elements like mandatory fingerprinting, background checks, public hearings, and additional fees, placing private homeowners in a regulatory category alongside businesses like gun vendors and pawn shop owners.

At its core, the proposal emerged as part of a compromise to remove a measure from the March ballot, originally designed to compel hotels to allocate vacant rooms to homeless individuals. The unintended consequence now places private homeowners on the front lines of regulatory scrutiny.

The Proposed Regulations and Their Impact on Homeowners

Critics of the proposal argue that it lacks a nuanced understanding of the existing short-term rental rules already in place in Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Planning Department, the city boasts a robust registration and compliance system for home-sharing, as evidenced by a 74% decrease in short-term rental listings. While recommending platforms like Airbnb for their contributions to effective enforcement, opponents contend that the proposed measures would introduce unnecessary red tape without significantly enhancing enforcement capabilities.

Additionally, the opponents have raised alarms about the potential strain this proposal could impose on the LAPD, particularly at a time when staffing levels within the department are at historic lows. They argue that law enforcement resources should be prioritized for community protection rather than diverting attention to regulating homeowners seeking additional income in the face of the rising cost of living. Concerns have been voiced that the proposed measures might discourage diverse communities from sharing information with law enforcement, creating a chilling effect on cooperation.

The Broader Implications for Los Angeles Communities

The impact of such restrictive measures reverberates deeply within the community of responsible homeholders in Los Angeles. An actor and director, symbolic of many Angelenos, shares a personal story highlighting the critical role home sharing played during the challenging times of the pandemic and the actors’ strike. For years, the spare room in this individual’s home has provided essential supplementary income, covering mortgage payments and basic necessities.

As the city council stands at the precipice of a decision, the potential consequences of these proposed measures have been scrutinized. Critics argue that rather than addressing genuine public safety concerns, the proposal seems to prioritize the interests of the hotel industry over the livelihoods of homeowners. The rallying cry is clear, with many appealing against obstructing a service that has become a lifeline for countless hosts in Los Angeles, allowing them to navigate the economic challenges and make ends meet. The dialogue surrounding regulatory oversight and individual freedoms is ongoing, and preserving home-sharing remains a paramount consideration for the diverse and resilient communities of Los Angeles.

November 21, 2023
Amazon Warehouse Workers Face Overwhelming Fatigue and Discomfort, Research Reveals

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A recent national study conducted by the University of Illinois Chicago’s Center for Urban Economic Development has revealed alarming statistics concerning the physical and mental well-being of Amazon warehouse workers in the United States. The study, which collected responses from 1,484 warehouse workers across 451 facilities in 42 states, uncovered disconcerting trends among the company s workforce. Researchers conducted a 98-question online survey between April and August to gather this insightful data.

According to the study, a shocking 69% of the Amazon U.S. warehouse workers surveyed reported taking unpaid time off to recover from pain or exhaustion resulting from their jobs. An even more concerning statistic is that 34% of these workers did so three times or more during the study period, indicating chronic issues of discomfort and fatigue among employees. Beth Gutelius, a leading expert on logistics and warehouse work and the research director at the center, remarked that the data suggests far more widespread occurrences of injury and pain at Amazon.

The survey utilized a targeted approach to reach Amazon employees, with advertisements on Meta Platforms Inc. apps, focusing on individuals who listed Amazon as their employer or resided in areas where the company operated. This comprehensive study was supported by funding from the Ford Foundation, Oxfam America, and the pro-labor nonprofit National Employment Law Project.

In response to the study’s findings, Amazon spokesperson Maureen Lynch Vogel disputed its credibility, asserting that it was merely a survey conducted on social media platforms by groups with ulterior motives. Vogel urged the public to examine Amazon’s annual safety reports submitted to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). She highlighted the improvements in safety rates within Amazon’s facilities, noting that the company’s records surpass the industry average in some aspects. However, Vogel did acknowledge the necessity for further improvements in workplace safety and assured that Amazon is continually investing in enhancing safety across its operations.

This report, regarded as the most extensive academic survey of Amazon workers to date, amplifies the growing scrutiny of the e-commerce giant’s vast logistics operation. Amazon is the second-largest private-sector employer in the United States, trailing only Walmart Inc. The company employs approximately 29% of all warehousing workers in the country, giving it substantial influence over the industry’s working conditions and compensation.

Critics of Amazon argue that the company exerts immense pressure on its employees, demanding strenuous work at a rapid pace, ultimately leading to preventable injuries. State workplace safety regulators in Amazon’s home state of Washington allege a direct link between employee monitoring and discipline and musculoskeletal disorders suffered by its workers. In addition, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations to Amazon for exposing workers to ergonomic risks at multiple facilities nationwide. The study also unearthed the prevalence of work-related mental health issues among Amazon workers. Over half of the surveyed employees reported experiencing burnout, and this percentage increased with job tenure.

The study indicates that 41% of workers reported experiencing injuries while working in Amazon’s warehouses, with this percentage rising to 51% for individuals who have been with the company for more than three years. Researchers suggest that more substantial changes are needed to address the underlying issues affecting the well-being of Amazon’s workforce rather than mere minor adjustments.

November 17, 2023
Revitalizing Chinatown: How Residential-to-Restaurant Conversions Are Transforming the Area

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A stunning string of residential-to-restaurant conversions has created a captivating area out of the previously somewhat abandoned Chinatown.

Architect Jingbo Lou has taken his own corner of Victor Heights and developed it into a flourishing restaurant hub. He took 100-year-old bungalows and a sliver of the neighborhood and made an inviting area that enthusiastic food lovers can thoroughly enjoy.

The ‘Forgotten Edge’ of Chinatown, on the first hill north of LA’s downtown core and Dodger Stadium, borders Echo Park. The sector is cut off from the majority of Chinatown by the 110 freeway. Its famous name was coined in the early ‘90s due to a reputation of neglect from local police divisions that were disadvantaged due to district boundary debates.

Now, a cluster of six small residential buildings has become a series of trendy new restaurants at the corner of Alpine and Centennial streets. The culinary hub is being called the ‘Alpine Courtyard,’ inviting those with exceptional tastes to its door. LA chefs and restaurateurs have pulled out all the stops to fashion exquisite dishes that any palate will appreciate.

According to Lou, preserving a piece of the city’s history is the goal. Restoring buildings that have stood tall for a century brings new life to a neighborhood that used to thrive back in the day. He’s rejuvenating the area by adding a beacon of flavorful beauty to the end of a once-forgotten enclave.

The complex was once set to be torn down for luxury apartments but took a purposeful turn. The neighborhood is mostly residential but is currently experiencing an influx of new developments, pointing to a promising commercial future. What was once a working-class neighborhood is now adorned with condos worth over $1M alongside the old Victorian apartment buildings and bungalows.

Lou hails from Beijing, having moved here in 1991 to pursue a master’s degree in architecture and landscape at the University of Southern California. His higher education kick-started his career in LA. Lou spent 2005 to 2012 gaining experience preserving buildings in the area as an architect with Heritage Housing Partners, a non-profit whose mission was to provide affordable homes to low and moderate-income first-time homeowners. In 2014, he handled the preservation of Koreatown’s Hotel Normandie.

Lou purchased the property alongside two partners after previous plans for the space fell through. He was proud of the place and his part in maintaining history, exclaiming, “Preservation is not just about the buildings, but also the settings and the culture.” According to him, preserving the settings and culture of Victor Heights means reinstituting the commercial fabric of the neighborhood. He provides affordable rent for first-time small business owners, allowing them to showcase their exquisite dishes to connoisseurs in the area. He stated that every tenant of Alpine Courtyard “are in their mid-30s, have accumulated a lot of experience in their fields and were looking for a starting point to open their own businesses.”

The deal to develop the plot was finalized in 2019, and Lou has been helping it thrive ever since. The plot was already zoned for commercial business as part of a master plan amendment from 1970 that was set in place due to the plot’s proximity to water management district buildings, major freeway interactions, and Elysian Park. Lou plans to maintain the existing layout rather than embark on new construction projects.

November 15, 2023
Agreement Reached to Withdraw L.A. Homeless Housing Initiative from March Election

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Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian has recently entered a significant deal with the influential hotel workers’ union that impacted the city’s ongoing housing debate. Marking a pivotal move, the deal effectively removes a controversial ballot measure from the upcoming March election. The election was expected to have mandated the participation of hotels in a city program that was designed to provide shelter to homeless residents in vacant hotel rooms.

The terms of this groundbreaking agreement clearly state that the City Council gave a nod to a fresh set of regulations affecting the development of new hotels. These regulations are anticipated to make the approval process more rigorous for the forthcoming hotel projects, thereby enhancing the level of scrutiny on such procedures. Moreover, hotel developers will be held accountable if any residential housing is demolished in the process of construction. This necessitates the replacement of these housing units either through new constructions or through the acquisition and renovation of properties.

The proposal championed by the Unite Here Local 11 is equally significant as it represents the interests of over 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona. As the stipulation of their proposal to house homeless residents in hotel rooms becomes voluntary, it highlights the effective blueprint of Inside Safe, an initiative spearheaded by Mayor Karen Bass to tackle homelessness. Notably, hotel owners have participated in the existing program, reflecting their willingness to constructively address the issue.

The collaborative agreement has been praised by Unite Here Local 11, whose co-president, Kurt Petersen, sheds light on the importance of securing housing for their members within reasonable proximity to their workplaces. He stated, “With this ordinance, we have done more to protect housing than any single contract demand would have done,” This move hints at a significant breakthrough in their ongoing campaign for better working and living conditions.

While the proposal has already secured support from five other council members, including Hugo Soto-Martínez, John Lee, Katy Yaroslavsky, Nithya Raman, and Traci Park, its potential ramifications have prompted intense scrutiny due to certain complications. Council member Park, a member of the council’s trade and tourism committee, expressed concerns over the original measure. The member highlighted the potential pitfalls of housing vulnerable individuals who are devoid of comprehensive on-site support services. Her remarks reflect a dire need for a holistic approach to address homelessness that accounts for the complexities of social services necessary for sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration.

Unite Here’s prolonged efforts to secure improved wages and working conditions for its members have witnessed the arrival of the latest accord. It has manifested a series of localized strikes and successful negotiations with several hotels across Southern California. Their contribution to the election of former Unite Here organizer Hugo Soto-Martínez shows their involvement in the political arena, which eventually made them a formidable force in shaping L.A.’s policy landscape.

Amidst the rush of hotel developments, the ongoing battle to preserve affordable housing has emerged as a focal point for the union. This is where Krekorian’s proposal intends to make the evaluation process more rigorous for potential hotel projects, emphasizing the need to assess the impact on housing demand and other vital community services. This emphasis is a critical step forward to ensure balanced urban development, considering the multifaceted needs of the city’s populace.

Amidst the discourse, the hotel industry has raised concerns about potential safety and operational challenges associated with housing vulnerable populations. Their concerns stem from the unpleasant experiences documented during the implementation of the now-defunct Project Roomkey program, which struggled to overcome various logistical and security challenges due to the influx of homeless residents into hotels during the pandemic.

As the destiny of the proposal unfolds, implementing this multifaceted approach is expected to shape the city’s housing and hospitality landscape. With a keen focus on responsible and community-conscious development, the collaborative efforts between key stakeholders hint at a potential turning point to strike a balance between economic growth and social welfare.

November 10, 2023
Underground Jazz Movement in L.A.: The Hidden Concerts Cultivating a Fervent Fanbase

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For years, a hidden jazz phenomenon has been quietly brewing within the vibrant city of Los Angeles, drawing fervent fans and creating an enviable underground music scene. The man behind this movement is Yousef Hilmy, the founder and creative director of Minaret Records. Hilmy’s journey and his dedication to preserving and advancing jazz culture in L.A. offer a unique perspective into the city’s electric music scene.

Hilmy’s commitment to creating a jazz community that thrives in the face of challenges like government policies, economic uncertainty, and inaccessibility has been the driving force behind Minaret’s success. Minaret Records, founded in 2019, has been on a mission to make jazz accessible to people of all ages and to ensure that musicians are compensated fairly for their performances. Hilmy’s hands-on approach to every show reflects his dedication. He takes care of everything, from adjusting lights to lighting incense and checking microphones. His friends and fellow jazz enthusiasts often join him, wearing Minaret merchandise and helping with various tasks to support the cause.

Hilmy is clear that Minaret is a community effort, and it’s not just about him. It’s about everyone who contributes to defining the sound and spirit of Minaret. The jazz label is more than just a record company; it’s a movement that connects people through music. The inception of Minaret Records was driven by a shared feeling of dissatisfaction within the jazz community. Hilmy and his peers believed that existing labels weren’t doing enough to support independent music and young artists.

The aficionado’s love for jazz developed gradually, with influences ranging from Miles Davis to Charles Mingus, hip-hop samples, and music from his Egyptian heritage. Growing up in Orange County, Hilmy often found himself at the center of a cultural divide, facing prejudice due to his Arab identity. Despite the challenges, he pursued his passions, eventually transferring to Brown University to study English.

The birth of Minaret Records came from a chance meeting with artist Takoda in an abandoned house in Santa Ana, California. They both envisioned creating a jazz label that represented youth culture and expanded the genre’s legacy. Hilmy’s tireless efforts and relentless commitment have made him a crucial figure in the jazz scene.

What sets Minaret apart is its sense of community. Going beyond the average record label, Minaret stands out as a collective of friends and like-minded individuals who come together to support jazz. Hilmy strives for more representation of women and queer individuals within Minaret and aims to participate in charity and education. The future of Minaret is promising, with plans for festivals, collaborations, and a growing backlog of demos. Hilmy’s boundless energy and passion continue to drive the label forward, making it an essential part of the L.A. jazz scene.

Unpredictability is part of the art form in jazz. Similarly, the intertwined fates of Minaret and Yousef Hilmy are part of a larger symphony of passion for the L.A. jazz scene. As the jazz community continues to grow, Hilmy and Minaret Records will remain at the heart of this thriving movement, fostering a culture of inclusion and appreciation for the timeless art of jazz.

November 7, 2023
Office of Food Equity Is Established in LA County

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In a groundbreaking decision, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors gave a nod to the creation of the Office of Food Equity on Tuesday, November 7. It is a strategic move considering the ongoing battle against food insecurity. The decision has marked a crucial step toward a unified front in addressing the alarming issue. The formation of the Office of Food Equity is likely to impact over a million households in the county annually, with Black and Latino residents disproportionately affected. There is double the likelihood for these residents to fall into food insecurity.

Cinny Kennard, the executive director of the Annenberg Foundation and co-chair of the LA County Food Equity Roundtable, shared his view on the new office, describing it as an “air traffic control center” that will connect various stakeholders involved in the day-to-day efforts to alleviate food insecurity. The LA County Food Equity Roundtable was born during the pandemic and has now laid the foundation for this initiative where the county and three foundations came together, namely the Annenberg Foundation, the California Community Foundation, and the Weingart Foundation.

During the pandemic, it was evident that a lack of coordination hindered the collective efforts against food insecurity. Kennard believes the Office of Food Equity would act as a central command post to foster collaboration among community partners such as food banks, growers, and small markets. This is a welcomed move that aims to streamline diverse efforts to battle food insecurity into a coordinated response.

Natalie Flores Blackner, CEO of Nourish LA, a local nonprofit formed during the pandemic, has shed light on the quality of the food discarded during those challenging times. Initiated through grassroots efforts and local collaborations, Nourish LA worked to minimize food waste while providing for struggling families.

Nourish LA is currently conducting food drives at strategic locations such as St. Mark’s Church in Venice, UCLA University Village, and a hub in Santa Monica. Leveraging the Office of Food Equity, Blackner aspires to secure the necessary resources to extend the reach of her food drives. Her goal is not only to address immediate needs but also to create sustainable solutions to alleviate food insecurity. She wants to educate communities about food waste and support businesses that will contribute to meeting the crisis.

Beyond immediate relief from food insecurity, the LA County Food Equity Roundtable has shared a comprehensive strategic plan to combat the issue in the long term. This includes facilitating urban farming through responsible zoning policies, addressing food waste, and enhancing public access to vital nutrition assistance programs. The Office of Food Equity is all set to implement and coordinate these initiatives, providing a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of food insecurity.

As the county braces itself on this new initiative, officials have received a 90-day window to present a staffing plan and budget for the Office of Food Equity. This planning reflects a coordinated and strategic response to the persistent issue of food insecurity. This decision by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors marks a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts and a great boost to their creation of a sustainable and equitable food system.

October 31, 2023
California Teachers: Honoring Excellence in Education and the Arts

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On October 16, three Los Angeles County teachers, Casey Cuny, Andrew Lewis, and Hannah Rodriguez, were recognized as one of the five California Teachers of the Year by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

A news release from the California Department of Education praised each recipient for their impact on their students and pointed to their work as evidence of the excellence of California’s school system.

“Congratulations to these five remarkable educators, who all display deep commitment and innovation in their work—all while supporting their students through a difficult time,” said Thurmond. “They make profound differences in their students’ lives and provide both inspiration and the practical tools students need to succeed. They are all prime examples of the exceptional work in California schools.”

Andrew Lewis, who teaches at Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), has been teaching for 17 years and half years and currently teaches vocal music.

Lewis stated that the award “meant a lot to him” insofar as it drew attention to and recognized students of the arts. Doing so, he noted, was the most rewarding part of his job.

“I think it is important to recognize that a holistic education includes the arts. It is not STEM, but STEAM, which includes the arts as a part of an education for students,” Lewis said. “To me, that’s meaningful.”

LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg also recognized the importance of recognizing instruction in the arts, adding that since music education “enriches students’ lives and fosters creativity, discipline, and expression,” she found it to be a “particular joy” to see Lewis recognized.

Lewis’s principal, Jantré Christian, praised him for demonstrating “an ongoing and consistent commitment to his students and families in our community – both inside the classroom and out” and noted the long hours that he often works to “provide students with opportunities to rehearse and participate” in public performances.

Casey Cuny teaches honors English and senior myth and folklore at William S. Hart High School and Valencia High School in the William S. Hart Unified School District.

He has been teaching for 18 years and, in the last year, has been named Valencia High School Teacher of the Year by his peers, District Teacher of the Year by the Hart Governing Board, and honored as one of 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year.

Thurmond was also nominated by Cuny as the California representative for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year competition, the winner to be announced next spring.

Superintendent Mike Kuhlman described Cuny as “a role model for his students, helping them develop deep, creative, and critical thinking skills,” noting that this was the second California National Teacher of the Year from the Hart District in the last four years.

Recognizing how much he learned from his fellow teachers, Cuny pointed to his district’s excellence, stating, “The teachers of our district are the best in the country.”

October 26, 2023
Reforming California’s Campsite Reservation System: Insights on Assembly Bill 618
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Securing a campsite reservation in a California state park or beach is akin to snagging a rare golden ticket. Many camping enthusiasts can attest to the frustrating experience of seeing available slots vanish mere moments after being made available.

Enter Assembly Bill 618. Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, this legislative piece aims to rectify this issue. The bill’s essence is to deter individuals from monopolizing campsite reservations without genuine intentions of use and to punish late cancellations.

Spearheaded by assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan from Orinda, the bill’s objectives are clear: to streamline the campsite reservation process and eliminate the wastage of such precious resources. Beginning in 2024, the bill mandates specific restrictions and imposes monetary penalties on those disregarding these reservation guidelines.

One standout feature of this bill is the experimental lottery-based reservation system. By 2025, a randomized draw will determine reservations for five highly-coveted camping locales, with this system slated to run until 2028. The exact parks benefiting from this trial remain undisclosed within the bill. However, the California Department of Parks and Recreation will take on deciding.

Bauer-Kahan underscores the necessity of this move. She emphasized the immense value and demand for California’s parks and beaches. The prevalent inefficient reservation system often leads to numerous unutilized campsites. This bill, she believes, will advocate for ethical reservation habits, ensuring wider accessibility to California’s treasured outdoor spaces.

Statistically, California boasts around 280 state parks, which cumulatively offer upwards of 15,000 spots that encompass campsites, cabins, cottages, and yurts. About half of these parks operate on the ‘Reserve California platform – an online portal that enables users to reserve spots half a year in advance.

AB 618 elaborates on its guidelines:
1. Seasonal Cap: During the peak camping season, which spans Memorial Day and Labor Day, individuals can reserve a spot for a maximum of seven consecutive nights. Annually, any one person is restricted to a 30-day total.
2. Penalties for Consistent No-Shows: Users who consecutively miss three reservations without prior intimation face a year-long ban from the state’s online reservation portal.
3. Financial Consequences: There’s a cost to inaction or late decisions. If someone cancels between two to six days before their slated date, they lose the equivalent of one night’s charge. Worse still, canceling within a day or failing to show up means forfeiting the entire reservation amount.
4. Reminders & Refund Timelines: Reservists receive two email reminders detailing the cancellation windows that qualify for a refund.
5. Quick Turnaround for Canceled Reservations: In the event of cancellations, the bill mandates that the now-available slots be promptly listed online within three days, allowing others a shot at the reservation.
Through Assembly Bill 618, California seeks a fairer and more efficient campsite reservation system. By curtailing opportunistic booking and promoting responsibility, the state hopes to ensure more nature enthusiasts can revel in its scenic parks and beaches.
October 20, 2023
Los Angeles Mayor Suggests Opening a New Indian Consulate in Letter to Indian Ambassador

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In a significant move aimed at fostering stronger bilateral ties, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has reached out to Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to the US. In her letter, she underlined the importance of Los Angeles as a potential site for a new Indian consulate, citing the city’s sizeable Indian-American community and the substantial number of Indian visitors each year.

“I ask that you consider the City of Los Angeles for a new Indian Consulate,” Mayor Bass wrote. “It would be my honor to work with you to open and provide continued support for this important platform for engagement and exchange.” The mayor’s letter is not just a solitary request. It comes against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s revelation in June about India’s plans to open two additional consulates in the US. While Seattle is confirmed as one of the locations, the other is still up for grabs.

“Considering our vibrant Indian-American community and a steady flow of Indian visitors, Los Angeles makes a compelling case,” wrote Mayor Bass. She further emphasized that the relationship between India and Los Angeles, especially in tourism, has always been fruitful. “Los Angeles has invested in India with a dedicated Tourism Office that opened in 2019 and remained open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.”

As America’s second-largest city, Los Angeles isn’t just vying for the consulate based on its Indian-American populace. Mayor Bass’s letter highlighted the city’s strategic importance on national and global fronts. She stated, “Beyond our large Indian-American community, Los Angeles holds strategic significance. With the Western Hemisphere’s largest port complex, a bustling startup scene, and gearing up for grand events like the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the opportunities for deeper Indo-US collaboration here are immense.”

Driving the point home, Mayor Bass underscored the cosmopolitan nature of Los Angeles. In her letter, the mayor noted that LA’s success extends beyond the glamour of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. She highlighted the city’s impact on the biotech, aerospace, and green technology industries. This, she emphasized, makes the potential for collaboration with India boundless.

Bass’ letter also deftly pointed out that Los Angeles is no stranger to international diplomacy. “Twelve G20 countries have consulates in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and an additional five G20 countries have consulates solely in Los Angeles,” she elaborated in her letter.

As the letter rounds in diplomatic circles, it’s clear that Mayor Bass is not merely proposing a new consulate. She’s envisioning a bridge of enhanced engagement, cooperation, and mutual growth between two major democracies. With already established Indian consulates in cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta, adding Los Angeles could be a strategic masterstroke in bolstering Indo-US relations.

Ambassador Sandhu, in concert with critical decision-makers in India, now holds the reins to this pivotal decision. Evaluating Mayor Bass’s articulate plea, they’ll weigh the tangible benefits against a broader strategic landscape. If they give the green light to a consulate in Los Angeles, it wouldn’t merely serve as a procedural hub. Instead, it would echo the ever-strengthening ties between Los Angeles and India, reflecting a dynamic and enduring partnership.

October 10, 2023
$15.6 Million Approved to Combat Smash-And-Grab Thefts in Los Angeles County

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In response to a growing trend of organized retail crimes, including aggressive smash-and-grab incidents, Los Angeles County officials have sanctioned a $15.6 million grant. On Tuesday, this decision received a unanimous nod from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The allocation will bolster the efforts of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s new Organized Retail Theft Task Force. Structured with a lieutenant, three sergeants, and thirty detectives, the team’s mandate is to proactively prevent and combat organized retail crimes. This includes smash-and-grabs, theft of catalytic converters, and cargo thefts.

The initiative will also collaborate with other policing agencies, the District Attorney’s Office, and the local business community.

Nationally, a study from the National Retail Federation highlighted a 26% surge in organized retail crime since 2000. Los Angeles County, unfortunately, aligns with this worrying trajectory. The recent instances of smash-and-grab thefts have become more audacious and increasingly violent.

Addressing the issue, L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna commented, “Retail theft sprees are significantly impacting the business community, costing retailers billions yearly.”

The grant aims to dismantle the criminal groups masterminding these thefts and adopt strategies to prevent and mitigate them. Sheriff Luna added, “The Retail Theft Task Force, part of our Major Crimes Bureau, is committed to curbing these crimes by identifying and actively pursuing not just the thieves but all involved in the criminal continuum. The Organized Retail Theft Grant empowers us with the requisite staff and equipment to intensify our fight against these thefts.”

Earlier this month, a broader state initiative was revealed where over $267 million would be disbursed across 55 cities and counties. This fund focuses on arresting and prosecuting those involved in organized retail crimes.

L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn remarked on the severity of the situation, saying, “These aren’t minor thefts. They’re meticulously planned, violent operations that cost businesses vast sums, cause physical harm to establishments, and deeply affect retail staff.”

October 6, 2023