Category: Business

Dismantling Homeless Encampments: Newsom’s New Order Receives Pushback

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Last Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an order to state officials instructing them to dismantle homeless encampments, calling on officials across California to “do their part.”

“This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them—and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same. The state has been hard at work in addressing this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.”

Newsom’s order comes shortly after the Supreme Court ruling opened the doorway for cities to clear homeless encampments and ban outdoor sleeping without offering shelter. Despite Newsom’s official instructions, the Supreme Court ruling leaves many of the decisions under the jurisdiction of local cities—which means that the governor cannot force cities to act.

Newsom stated, “California remains committed to respecting the dignity and fundamental human needs of all people, and the state will continue to work with compassion to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to better their lives.” However, after the Supreme Court ruling, state officials had opposing viewpoints regarding the impact of Newsom’s new order.

L.A. County Supervisors’ Chair Lindsey Horvath called the Grants Pass decision “unconscionable” and ineffective, opting to call for continued efforts to add more shelter and affordable housing for the homeless community. At a news conference hours after the ruling, she said the solution “is not arrest. It is not pushing people from community to community.”

“I want to be crystal clear,” she added. “The criminalization of homelessness and poverty is dangerous. It does not work, and it will not stand in Los Angeles County.”

Horvath and Supervisor Hilda Solis have proposed a policy that would not allow L.A. County jails to hold people arrested for violating anti-camping ordinances, especially when many local cities have very small jails and rely largely on county jails.

Yet, Horvath and Solis were not the only voices raising the alarm on Newsom’s new order. At the same news conference where Horvath voiced her opinion, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass called the decision “unfortunate,” believing it “will usher in a new wave of criminalization” elsewhere. Bass slammed the court’s ruling, saying it should “not be used as an excuse for cities across the country to attempt to arrest their way out of this problem or hide the homelessness crisis in neighboring cities or in jail.”

“This is a rehash of the 1990s when we couldn’t figure out how to deal with a social problem, like addiction and gang violence, [and] we just decided we were going to lock everybody up,” Bass said at the news conference.

Despite the heavy opposition to Newsom’s new directive, advocates argue that the new order will encourage cities to “develop housing and shelter solutions in tandem with support services provided by County government. This formula, which is largely based on partnerships, is how we can deliver permanent results. No single entity can achieve that,” as Supervisor Kathryn Barger stated.

For Orange County homeless encampments, officials have stated they will do what is appropriate for their local communities while remaining compassionate to the homeless population.

July 30, 2024
Los Angeles Faces Inflection Point in Battle Against Homelessness

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Los Angeles stands at a pivotal moment in its fight against homelessness, with the coming months set to reveal whether the city will achieve significant progress or face growing frustration with its leadership.

Recently, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority released its annual count, revealing a slight dip in the number of people without housing. Conducted in late January, the count found 75,312 homeless individuals in Los Angeles County, a marginal decrease of less than 1%. In the city of Los Angeles, the count was 45,252, marking a 2.2% drop.

While these numbers aren’t exactly a reason to rejoice, they do represent the first decline since 2018, stirring cautious optimism. Mayor Karen Bass, at a press conference in MacArthur Park, highlighted the complexity of the situation. “It’s too soon to say we’ve reached a turning point,” she said. “I’m very encouraged and excited that the count is down and that shelter is up, but it’s going to take a while before we can say we’ve gone in a completely new direction.”

Mayor Bass has been more proactive in tackling homelessness than any of her predecessors in the last three decades. Since taking office nearly two years ago, she has concentrated on dismantling encampments and boosting shelter availability. This year’s count shows a 10% drop in street homelessness within the city and a 38% reduction in encampments, reflecting her targeted efforts.

However, challenges persist. The lifting of COVID-era eviction protections has put tens of thousands of Angelenos at risk of losing their homes. In response, Bass directed the Mayor’s Fund to launch a program to protect renters. Additionally, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s controversial policy of sending migrants to Los Angeles has added to the city’s housing burden, with volunteers stepping in to provide support and connect new arrivals with resources.

Recent legal developments have also introduced potential complications. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that Grants Pass, Oregon, did not violate constitutional protections against “cruel and unusual” punishment by arresting homeless individuals for camping on public property, even without adequate shelter options, may prompt similar measures in Southern California. Such policies could drive more homeless individuals to Los Angeles, straining the city’s resources further.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has put forward a November ballot measure to double an existing quarter-cent sales tax for housing and homeless services, aiming to rake in $1.2 billion yearly for housing, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. Yet, impatience is growing among some supporters. BizFed, a coalition of businesses and employers, has voiced doubts about the new measure. CEO Tracy Hernandez stated, “We backed Measure H in 2017 to provide 10 years of dedicated resources to take care of our unhoused neighbors. However, Los Angeles County’s homeless population grew 43% between 2018 and 2023. We call on our county’s elected leaders to show improvement before demanding more taxpayer dollars.”

Mayor Bass acknowledges the need for visible progress and has emphasized the strong accountability mechanisms included in the November ballot measure to ensure that funds are effectively utilized. “Success breeds confidence, but success can only be achieved with support, and support requires public confidence,” Bass noted.

As Los Angeles wrestles with the tangled mess of homelessness and public trust, the city’s actions in the next few months will be crucial. The tightrope walk of making real progress while keeping public backing will shape the future for tens of thousands of homeless folks in America’s second-biggest city.

July 18, 2024
LAFC Wins Prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2024 Award

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The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) was chosen by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) as the winner of the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year® 2024 Greater Los Angeles Award. LAFC, which has been recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and impact on the sports industry, was represented by Lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal, Owner Will Ferrell, and Co-President & CBO Larry Freedman.

An independent judging panel, which included previous award winners, leading CEOs, and other influential business leaders, determined that the LAFC deserved this recognition the most. The evaluation criteria included the club’s ability to create long-term value, commitment to its purpose, growth, and substantial impact, among other factors.

“We are honored and extremely grateful to be recognized as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Greater Los Angeles,” said Bennett Rosenthal, LAFC’s Lead Managing Owner. “I want to thank our Co-Managing Owners Larry Berg and Brandon Beck and Executive Chairman Peter Guber for their vision, expertise, and incredible friendship and partnership. I also must thank the rest of our ownership group for coming together to make our crazy dream of bringing a second soccer team to Los Angeles a success beyond what anyone thought was possible.”

The LAFC first launched in the competitive Los Angeles sports market in 2014. It quickly built a brand that has earned global respect. Since their first match in 2018, LAFC has reached the top of Major League Soccer (MLS), receiving praise both on and off the field for its innovation and a commitment to its core values – integrity, extreme ownership, and authenticity. The club also exudes talent, winning the 2022 MLS Cup. Since it began it has accumulated more wins and points than any other team in the league.

“This is a special award for our club,” said Will Ferrell, one of LAFC’s owners. “It has been inspiring to see the way the community and the supporters in the 3252 have embraced this team from the very first day, and we look forward to many more incredible nights with them at BMO Stadium.”

LAFC’s other noteworthy milestones include becoming the first MLS team to be valued at over $1 billion by Forbes, building the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium in the heart of Los Angeles (a stadium that has sold out every MLS regular-season and playoff game in the club’s history), and opening its doors to over 1 million fans for concerts in 2023.

“In just seven years since we first kicked a ball and opened our doors, it is incredible to see how LAFC and BMO Stadium have become industry leaders in the world of sports and entertainment,” said Larry Freedman, LAFC Co-President & CBO. “We are excited to be recognized with this award, and to continue our mission of uniting the World’s City through the World’s game, bringing joy and being a force for good in Los Angeles.”

As a Greater Los Angeles award winner, LAFC qualifies for consideration in the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 National Awards. The National Award winners will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award in June 2025.

June 21, 2024
Los Angeles Harbor Commission Approves $2.6B Port Budget

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The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved a $2.6 billion budget for The City of Los Angeles Harbor Department for the 2024/25 fiscal year. This capital will help support The Port of Los Angeles, one of the world’s busiest seaports and a hub for international trade.

The revenue and spending plan for the 2024/25 fiscal year will be designated to uphold the Port of Los Angeles’ priorities including community investment, decarbonization of port-related operations, workforce development, and cargo infrastructure modernization. “This year’s budget takes a prudent approach that carefully balances revenues and expenses, and sets up the Port well for the future,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard. “Most importantly, the plan will allow us to stay the course and follow through on many strategic priorities and industry-leading initiatives in the coming year.”

This year’s budget is a 2% increase over last year’s. The approved budget forecasts a total of 9.1 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). This boost in cargo is expected to generate a 4.9% increase in operating revenues, which are estimated at $684.7 million. Shipping services comprise approximately 75% of those revenues.

“With a healthy economy, continued consumer spending, and a strong U.S. labor market, we are optimistic about cargo volumes for the next fiscal year,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “We’ve prepared a budget that leaves room for unanticipated changes in the global trade market or other uncertainties that may arise.”

Operating expenses have increased significantly over last year, at $403.7 million. This 8.4% increase will be put toward hiring and filling open positions at the Harbor Department. The budget for the Port’s capital improvement program (CIP) is getting an even higher boost. With a 19% increase over the previous fiscal year’s budget, the CIP budget comes out to $257.7 million for 2024/25. The CIP’s biggest projects include the State Route 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge & Front Street/Harbor Boulevard Interchange Reconfiguration which will be allocated $44.3 million, the Zero-Emission Port Electrification and Operation program which will be allocated $15.3 million, the restoration and improvements of the Pasha Terminal which will be allocated $14.2 million, and Marine Oil Terminals Maintenance Standards (MOTEMS) projects which will be allocated $12.5 million.

$28.5 million in Capital Improvement Project funds will also go toward LA Waterfront public access improvement projects in Wilmington and San Pedro. The San Pedro Waterfront Promenade – Phase II and the Wilmington Waterfront Avalon Pedestrian Bridge & Promenade Gateway are among the major projects the organization will fund in 2024/25. $4 million of the CIP budget will go into planning for the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach Good Movement Workforce Training Facility. The facility will be the first workforce training facility in the country dedicated to the goods movement sector and career training in longshore work, trucking, and warehousing. The $150 million project is currently in the environmental impact review process, which began earlier this year.

June 14, 2024
LA Launches Initiative to Help Small Businesses Owners in Topanga

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Survival for businesses hinges on their customers’ ability to reach them, a challenge that has plagued business owners in Topanga since March. The aftermath of a powerful storm that struck the hillside of Topanga Canyon has left businesses teetering on the edge. The storm’s deluge triggered a massive landslide, closing Route 27 to travelers. To aid these struggling businesses, LA County has unveiled a new program to support small business owners grappling with the prolonged closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Under the auspices of LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and the administration of LA County’s Department of Economic Opportunity, Topanga business owners can now access the Topanga Canyon Business Interruption Fund (BIF). This new initiative, designed to assist qualifying businesses reeling from the landslide’s detrimental impacts, offers a lifeline to those experiencing a loss of customer support and business revenue.

According to Horvath, the county asked Topanga business owners, “What do you actually need? And so this financial assistance is something that they said would make the difference.” Horvath further shared, “I know people are trying to figure out how they keep staff on through this time and how they are able to prepare. A couple months is different than a year.” Helping make a difference, qualifying businesses impacted by the Topanga Canyon road closure can receive grant awards of up to $10,000 from the new initiative.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard is typically used by tens of thousands of daily travelers who commute between the coast and the San Fernando Valley. This road closure has resulted in a significant drop in people passing through the unincorporated town. Enrico Busto, who owns a custom hat shop in Topanga, stated, “I mean, like, we are 50% down since the closure. So, you know, it’s been like a few months, but we roll up our sleeves and start working. So, we funded this nonprofit called Visit Topanga Canyon. So we are bringing all the businesses together and try to, you know, organize something.”

Busto and others have helped organize an event called “Second Saturday,” which invites people from all over to visit and shop in Topanga. Busto commented, “Every second Saturday of each month we organize music all over Topanga. There are like four or five different concerts and activities and a play area for the kids and, you know, card reading and, you know, all the fun stuff that Topanga has to offer with all the artists and the musicians we have in the area.”

While many Topanga business owners are still trying to recover from the aftermath of the March landslide, Second Saturday aims to attract more people to the town, with the new initiative providing a boost for qualifying businesses to get back on their feet.

The governor’s office announced this past Friday that Topanga Canyon Boulevard reopened Sunday, three months ahead of its fall schedule. Governor Gavin Newson stated in a social media post, “I just want to thank the men and women of Caltrans for working overtime to get this done.” Surely, the business owners of Topanga can remain hopeful that state efforts have their back.

June 7, 2024
Frustrated LA Boutique Owner Uses Social Media to Find Shoplifters

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The owner of a Los Angeles boutique says that he used Instagram to expose various people who he claims stole items from his store. In at least one instance, the taken items have been returned.

Tired of burglars and shoplifters, Fraser Ross, the owner of Pacific Palisades-based lifestyle boutique Kitson, has decided to expose thieves and publicly shame them via social media. The decision attempts to catch and discourage people from committing similar crimes.

Ross has reportedly been doing extensive detective work for quite some time by crafting online social media posts and utilizing store surveillance footage to gather information about different criminals. This week, he garnered extra attention after he exposed a social media influencer shoplifting at his boutique.

As can be viewed in the Instagram post, Ross shared a video of influencer Sofia Arevalo and her friend, Patrick Moogan, inside the store. In the video, Moogan hands Arevalo a hat, and the influencer fills her Lululemon bag with Free City items.

Ross wrote in the caption of his post, “We will expose the names of the people tomorrow. The female has 42K followers, and the mail is a ********* around town. They work on shoplifting together.” He added, “We have done extensive research on them with the help of a loyal follower.”

On the incident, Ross said, “I guess it’s public shaming, but I don’t know what to do.” He added, “We just came to a point that this is what we have to do.”

In a follow-up post, Ross exposed Arevalo’s name, place of employment, and frequented locations. The post was a long message that read in part, “Meet Sophia Arevalo a serial shoplifter and all-around piece of ****. Please pass this post around so this person is known throughout LA. Wherever she goes people will whisper that’s the woman that steals from small businesses…”

In the caption, Ross added, “If everyone passes this around, businesses around LA can keep her profile and ban her from their establishment if they want as she is a menace to society.” He continued, “Erewhon, be very aware. She loves Nobu and all the fancy restaurants.”

When Ross posted the initial video, he had not yet realized that Arevalo was a public figure with more than 50K followers on Instagram. Since the incident, Arevalo has seemingly made her account private.

Ross explains, “When you see all these smash-and-grabs, you aren’t seeing your usual suspects… They’re very wealthy people with expensive cars, expensive jewelry, expensive handbags, living the life of luxury.”

Ross noted in the caption on his follow-up post that Arevalo had yet to pay for the goods she had stolen. However, it has now been reported that the influencer eventually returned to Kitson, where she paid for the hat and also returned two shirts.

Another woman who had shoplifted at the exact location, Anisha Tedake, reportedly returned nearly $1,000 in stolen merchandise after being exposed online.

Ross, who contacted law enforcement on both occasions, is convinced that more should be done to prevent shoplifting. He says, “It’s not enough to say it’s gone… You need to arrest anyone that’s stealing and put that message out there.”

May 2, 2024
LA County Looking for Ways to Help 99 Cents Only Stores Employees

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The announcement of the impending shutdown of all 371 99 Cents Only stores has set the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors into urgent action, aiming to support the thousands of employees about to face job losses. At the forefront is Supervisor Janice Hahn, who is deeply concerned about the workers’ plight and is actively working to ensure the county provides them with the necessary aid during this challenging time.

“The abrupt closure of the 99 Cents Only stores is a huge blow to the loyal employees who’ve invested their time and energy into these outlets,” Hahn stated, her voice laden with empathy. “But I want them to know that Los Angeles County won’t leave them high and dry. We’re committed to standing beside them and offering the support they need to get through this tough period.”

The Board of Supervisors is set to vote on a motion put forth by Hahn, which calls for a comprehensive report from the county’s Economic Opportunity and Consumer and Business Affairs departments. This report, to be delivered within 60 days, will outline the various ways the county can offer financial assistance and other forms of support to the impacted employees. It is a testament to the Board’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of the community during times of crisis.

The announcement of the closures, which came from the Commerce-based operators of the stores on Thursday, sent shockwaves through the communities served by the 99 Cents Only stores across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. Interim CEO Mike Simoncic expressed the profound difficulty of the decision, citing the numerous challenges the company has faced in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting consumer demands, and economic pressures.

As liquidation sales began on Friday, marking the end of an era for the company that has been a fixture in the community since 1982, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of Mark J. Miller, a former president of Big Lots and the original Pic ‘N’ Save brand. Miller has expressed his intention to assemble a group of investors, including former 99 Cents Store executives, to explore the possibility of acquiring the 143 Southern California stores. His plan involves temporarily closing the stores after the going-out-of-business sales conclude and then reopening them with a renewed focus on the “treasure hunt” experience that made the stores so beloved by customers.

While the fate of the 99 Cents Only stores remains uncertain, the unwavering support from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors serves as a beacon of hope for the affected employees. The forthcoming report will provide a roadmap for the county to offer tangible assistance, both in the short-term and long-term, enabling these workers to weather the storm and secure new employment opportunities.

The closure of the 99 Cents Only stores is not just a loss for the employees but also for the communities they have served for decades. These stores have been more than a place to find affordable goods; they have been a part of the fabric of the neighborhoods, offering a unique shopping experience and fostering a sense of community.

April 11, 2024
HALA Welcomes New Leadership: Meet the Newly Appointed President and CEO

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The Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA) is stepping into a new chapter as Dr. Jackie Filla reins as President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA), effective March 25, 2024. Dr. Filla will be taking over from Heather Rozman, who is moving on after more than five impactful years to explore new entrepreneurial ventures.

Dr. Filla’s background encompasses influential roles spanning public policy, academia, and strategic consultancy. Her recent achievements include spearheading policy direction for a City Council office within the bustling environment of LA’s City Hall. Here, she led initiatives that cemented her status as a strategic thinker and a formidable advocate for legislative and policy advancements.

Before her tenure at City Hall, Dr. Filla made significant strides as a Research Director in the Office of Los Angeles County’s CEO. Here, she navigated complex intergovernmental relationships and set strategic policy directions. Her leadership prowess was further exemplified during her time as an LA. City Commission President under the mayoral leadership of Eric Garcetti and Karen Bass. Here, she championed Los Angeles’ national and international interests, including engagements with the United Nations.

Dr. Filla’s academic credentials are equally impressive, grounding her strategic and policy-driven approaches in solid research and analysis. As a tenured Associate Professor of Political Science at Mount Saint Mary’s University, she delved into public policy and research methodology, equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to drive change. Her educational journey, which began with a BA from California State University, Fullerton, culminated in earning an MA and a PhD from the University of California, Riverside, highlighting her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership.

Image credit: Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA)

Mark Davis, Chair of the Board of Directors at HALA, expressed his confidence in Dr. Filla’s capability to guide the association into the future. “Serving as CEO of HALA is no small feat. It requires a truly unique set of talents,” he noted. “We’re delighted to have Jackie join the team. Having played so many roles throughout her career—as policymaker, analyst, strategist, public servant, and academic—she brings a rare combination of skills to this critical position.”

HALA stands as a pivotal organization within Los Angeles’ vibrant hospitality sector. Since its inception in 1932, HALA has advocated for the interests of the hotel industry, representing a broad spectrum of members from internationally renowned hotel chains to charming family-owned boutiques. Its mission extends beyond mere advocacy, aiming to enhance the professional and personal lives of all individuals within the industry, from executive management to the dedicated hourly staff.

This leadership comes at a crucial time in the hospitality industry in LA. The sector is grappling with several pivotal challenges, including integrating advanced technologies to meet guests’ evolving demands, adhering to increasingly stringent environmental standards, and navigating the post-pandemic complexities.

Moreover, there’s a growing need to address workforce development and retention, ensuring that the industry remains a desirable and rewarding field for professionals at all levels.

Dr. Filla’s leadership is anticipated to harness these opportunities, guiding HALA and its members toward a future where the Los Angeles hotel industry adapts and thrives. Her diverse background and strategic vision are expected to invigorate HALA’s initiatives, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and advocacy. Under her leadership, HALA is set to navigate the evolving challenges of the hospitality industry, enhancing its contribution to Los Angeles’ economic and cultural landscape.

March 29, 2024
Traffic Around LAX Could Cause Flight Delays

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Traffic congestion outside LAX caused extreme delays for drivers trying to reach the airport on Sunday morning. The delays were so long that they impacted flight times, causing some delays that extended to other flights throughout the US.

Officials issued a warning on Friday that work on the airport’s automated people mover would necessitate the closure of all eastbound lanes of Century Boulevard between Sepulveda and Airport Boulevard and the westbound lanes between Airport Boulevard and Vicksburg Avenue. The closure would last until 7 a.m. on Sunday. They did add that dates and times were subject to change.

However, KTLA5 reported that the closures still appeared to be in place throughout Sunday morning, and the airport announced via X (formerly Twitter) shortly before 1 p.m. that “LA Airport police, LADOT, and flaggers are on site to aid with airport access. There may be impacts to some flight times.” Reportedly, people were seen exiting vehicles and walking down the roads to reach their terminals. Flight delays appeared to be caused when crew members did not arrive at flights on time.

Users on X posted about the disorder in real-time. One user said, “It took more than an hour to go half a mile. People were walking with bags for miles. Flights were missed. Disgraceful.” Another user responded with a video showing a procession of people hurrying toward the airport on foot, taking their bags with them.

Shortly before noon on Sunday, the LAX Daily Traffic Guide, which offers live estimates of travel time to the airport, reported travel times between 40 minutes and an hour to reach Terminal 1 along the most common routes. For instance, the route from Lincoln-Manchester to the Upper Level posted a 61-minute travel time. According to KTLA5, most travel times were around 40 minutes longer than in regular traffic.

The airport did not announce the resumption of regular traffic until after 3 p.m. on Sunday, saying, “Normal traffic and lane configurations near LAX have resumed. Some flight times may be impacted due to previous traffic congestion.”

Now is a hectic time for travel in and out of LAX, thanks to Spring Breakers going to and from beach destinations. LAX expects to move more than 12 million passengers between March and April, making this the busiest spring break season since the pre-COVID era in 2019. According to the airport, this works out to 195 thousand passengers daily in March and 204 thousand in April.

This means heavier traffic at all times and parking garages at capacity. The airport has issued a blanket recommendation for passengers to plan their travel well ahead to avoid delays and interruptions and gave a reminder before the shutdowns on Sunday night. However, this reminder proved insufficient for the severity of the delays and the incredible number of people impacted, including flight crews. While this event may serve as a lesson for LAX passengers not to underestimate the severity of possible delays, it may also serve as a lesson to officials in charge of deciding closures and managing delays.

March 26, 2024
Business Owners Seek Help After Impact of Fire on 10 Freeway

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A major fire on November 11th caused damage when a blazing flame erupted beneath the 10 Freeway, leaving businesses in downtown Los Angeles reeling. Francisco Torres Sr., a two-decade veteran of the local product distribution industry, is among many who have been severely affected. His plans for semi-retirement were unexpectedly thwarted when the fire destroyed his business.

Tragically, disaster happened while Torres Sr., 69, was moving equipment to his son’s company. About $200,000 worth of essential equipment, including a semi-truck, a pickup vehicle, five forklifts, and several other necessary items, were ruthlessly destroyed by the fire. Instead of a planned progressive shift in duties, there was a mad dash to save what little money the family still had.

Torres Jr. describes his experience seeing the destruction done to his family’s business as nothing less than a “living nightmare.” It was difficult to get advice from municipal officials in the chaotic aftermath of the fire, and solutions were hard to come by in the confusion that followed.

Nevertheless, on November 20th, the city of Los Angeles unveiled a temporary Business Assistance Resource Center, offering a ray of light. The facility, supported by discretionary funding from Councilman Kevin de León’s office, provides a vital support system for companies that are struggling due to the effects of the fire and the ensuing shutdown of nearby freeways.

On its first day, the resource center housed inside Young’s Market Company in downtown Los Angeles saw a surge in the number of entrepreneurs looking for help. Over thirty entrepreneurs benefited from the services offered, and officials from several county and local departments, charitable organizations, and business associations were available to provide direction and encouragement.

Apart from providing cash assistance, the resource center also offers mental health counseling and legal advice, acknowledging the complex difficulties entrepreneurs face following a disaster. Business owners such as Daniel Oh, a distributor of women’s clothes whose company, YS Collection, has been close to the fire scene for 13 years, are hopeful that they will be able to obtain financial aid to lessen their losses.

Oh projects a startling 70% reduction in income since the highway shutdown, blaming the sharp decline on the departure of loyal clients amid erratic travel patterns. The freeway’s restoration to traffic is a step toward normalcy, but businesses nearby continue to face difficulties as a result of certain on- and off-ramp restrictions.

Councilman Kevin de León recognized the struggles encountered by business owners, who are the town’s backbone, and emphasized the road closure’s significant impact on the local economy. Beyond the information center, the mayor’s office has launched a micro-enterprise grant program that provides awards of up to $5,000 to ease financial pressures in an effort to help impacted businesses.

Notwithstanding the challenges experienced by companies in downtown Los Angeles following the highway fire, the cooperative efforts of municipal authorities, nonprofit organizations, and other agencies provide a glimmer of hope for recovery. The community’s tenacity emerges as entrepreneurs face the obstacles ahead, highlighting the unwavering energy that characterizes downtown Los Angeles.

March 20, 2024
Kris Jenner Named Los Angeles Magazine’s Woman of the Year

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Los Angeles Magazine has named Kris Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family, the coveted Woman of the Year. The acknowledgment is hardly surprising, given Jenner’s incredible journey from her modest retail origins to her reputation as a cultural icon and business entrepreneur.

Jenner’s impact goes well beyond the walls of her family’s reality show, “The Kardashians,” as seen by her recent appearance in rap songs, where she’s praised as a representation of strength and prosperity. Artists like Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lil Yachty have mentioned her in their music, further cementing her place in pop culture.

Even with Hollywood’s glamour and flash, Jenner never wavers in her dedication to her family and enterprises. Jenner, who began her career working in her grandmother’s store at a young age, had a sharp business sense that she has since used to manage the careers of her six children, making them well-known and creating a multibillion-dollar empire.

With millions of viewers worldwide for her family’s reality program, Jenner’s influence on popular culture is evident. Her capacity to go through various phases of her life and profession with poise and resiliency makes her stand out.

Jenner discussed her path and accomplishments in a recent interview with Los Angeles Magazine, praising her tenacity and excellent work ethic. Jenner’s commitment to her work is clear, as shown by her career progression from wrapping presents at her grandmother’s store to running many companies and sponsorships.

Being one of the most significant personalities in pop culture, Jenner enjoys fame and attention, but she doesn’t let it detract from her commitment to her family and health. Even though Jenner has unquestionably realized the California dream with four homes in Los Angeles County and an estimated net worth of over $200 million, she still maintains her modesty and commitment to her moral principles.

Jenner’s priorities are maintaining her health and pursuing her hobbies as she gets closer to 70 years old next year. Jenner isn’t slowing down, whether running her family’s companies or taking on new projects like her brand of natural cleaning supplies, Safely.

Jenner’s influence on the city and its culture is honored as she won Woman of the Year from Los Angeles Magazine. Beyond the confines of Hollywood, Jenner’s impact is apparent in her charitable work and contributions to the entertainment business.

Kris Jenner is an established trailblazer in pop culture, and her endurance and determination will continue to inspire future generations. Given that rap songs have made Jenner’s name even more famous and that her companies are doing well, her influence will not go away soon.

Furthermore, Jenner’s influence as a businesswoman and mentor has been crucial in molding the careers of other youthful entrepreneurs. Her leadership and mentoring inspired numerous others to follow their passions and thrive in the cutthroat entertainment and business industries.

It’s impossible to overstate Jenner’s dedication to philanthropy. She has actively participated in many charitable endeavors, promoting women’s empowerment, healthcare, and education. Her commitment to giving back to the community further solidifies her standing as a prominent societal figure and is a light of hope and inspiration for many.

March 7, 2024
California Tries to Recoup $14M in Unpaid Taxes From 10 Cannabis Businesses Through Public Auction

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Los Angeles witnesses California’s novel strategy to tackle cannabis businesses’ unpaid taxes, presenting a peculiar chance for cannabis aficionados. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) recently confiscated assets from 10 cannabis establishments owing the state over $14 million in taxes. These assets found their way to a public auction on February 16, as part of efforts to recover a portion of the state’s missing funds, as announced in a CDTFA press release on February 8.

The auction, set against the backdrop of the California Highway Patrol’s parking lot in Los Angeles, featured an eclectic mix of items ranging from glass bongs, which are emblematic of cannabis culture, to snow cone machines and an assortment of office supplies. Despite the diverse selection of items on offer, the auction culminated in the state garnering a mere $2,075, as the North Bay Business Journal reported. This sum pales in comparison to the hefty $14 million in taxes owed, highlighting the state’s challenges in enforcing tax compliance among cannabis businesses.

Further scrutiny by the CDTFA revealed that a significant portion of these businesses were operating without the necessary licenses, a recurring theme in the agency’s ongoing battle against illicit cannabis operations in Southern California. This was not the department’s inaugural auction of seized properties linked to unauthorized cannabis activities. In March 2022, the CDTFA had previously auctioned a commercial property in Whittier utilized for an illegal cannabis operation. The auction was anticipated to recoup approximately $200,000, despite the operators owing the state $850,000 in unpaid taxes from that operation. The figure was mirrored in the sale of another confiscated property in Compton earlier that month.

The CDTFA’s vigilant efforts have resulted in more than 2,200 inspections conducted statewide, with the agency successfully seizing nearly $90 million in products and cash, per the data on the CDTFA’s website. The Director of the CDTFA, Nick Maduros, articulated the negative ramifications of unlicensed cannabis operations. He underscored that such entities undermine legitimate businesses by operating outside the legal framework established by California voters and deprive local communities of crucial revenue streams earmarked for essential programs. Maduros further lamented the proliferation of unregulated products stemming from these unauthorized businesses.

As of the time of publication, SFGATE has not yielded any response to attempts to solicit comments from CDTFA press representatives on the matter.

The sequence of events underscores the persistent challenges and complexities inherent in regulating the burgeoning cannabis industry in California. It sheds light on the state’s multifaceted strategy to enforce compliance and innovate in its attempts to recover lost revenues through unconventional means such as public auctions. This narrative serves as a professional, informative, and narrative storytelling piece, echoing the ongoing dialogue around the legalization, regulation, and taxation of cannabis within the state. It aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and its implications for the state and its constituents.

March 6, 2024