Category: Lifestyle

Joshua Skenes Wants You Just To Have a Good Time at His New LA Restaurant

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Los Angeles is home to many well-established and recognized restaurants, making it a major foodie destination. Also making L.A. home is celebrated chef Joshua Skenes, who is known for founding Saison, a once three-Michelin-star restaurant (now a very honorable two-star Michelin spot). With a rich culinary resume, Skenes is set to further impress with his new, casual L.A. restaurant, Leopardo, which opened May 14.

Skenes’ culinary skills attracted attention when he opened his first restaurant in 2009 in the Mission District of San Francisco. He eventually found a permanent home in the South of Market neighborhood. It didn’t take long for this culinary mastermind to earn a lifetime’s worth of the food world’s highest honors. Skenes is respected for forging a fire-based culinary pathway unique enough to be called Skenesian.

With unquestionable cooking talent, Skenes has led the founder’s Saison restaurant to reach number 27 on the World’s 50 Best restaurants. But that is not the only feather in this chef’s hat. On the ground floor of the Beverly Center in L.A., Skenes opened his Michelin-starred San Francisco restaurant, Angler, before he parted ways with his former restaurant group. Despite this restaurant’s struggles with running during the global pandemic with dining regulations, Angler was still considered one of the top L.A. food destinations.

While Skenes still hopes to open an exclusive ranch restaurant where he will serve wild-caught food, next up on this chef’s list is Leopardo, offering the best ingredients with sheer simplicity. The chef said, “We want to use incredible local products that nobody uses, like the ocean tilefish. It’s so delicious and crave-able — we just treat it really well with good buttery olive oil, lemon, salt, [and] seasoning.” Through specific sources, Leopardo’s menu will reflect the changes of what the daily catch brings in, opening cooking opportunities for Dungeness crab with mafaldine pasta, grilled whitefish, spot prawn crudo, or sea urchin.

Yet, despite the delicious dishes from fresh sources, one menu item at Leopardo that Skenes and his team have worked tirelessly on was pizza, a dish that has already gone through hundreds of variations. Skenes plans to serve this popular dish in different styles that range from puffy-crusted neo-Neapolitan style to something Skenes calls “neo-Minato,” a reference to the pizzas found at the Tokyo district’s famed pizzerias.

Skenes remarked, “The gluten is beautifully gelatinized, and the crust is very light despite being very big. You could put a whole pie away yourself. And it retains sweetness because it doesn’t become a sourdough, despite long fermentation.”

At the heart of Skene’s mission at Leopardo is ensuring people have a good time and raising diners’ awareness that the quality of ingredients used at Leopardo’s is on par with that of his other restaurants. With subtle references to his previous establishments, this culinary master endeavors to make Leopardo and its food stand on their own, and Skenes, with a name that manifests a big draw, wants to shadow himself from the project as much as possible and refer to himself and Leopardo partner on the website as “anonymous pizza lovers.”

May 23, 2024
Reports Show Los Angeles is Much Safer Than Many Think

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Recent studies have shown that Los Angeles is much safer than many believe it to be. Part of the reason why the fear of crime has spiked is the upcoming District Attorney election. Outside of big cities such as LA and New York City always being accused of having worse crime than there is, incumbent DA George Gascón, and Nathan Hochman, the challenger, are in a spirited race to determine how vital crime and safety concerns will be portrayed in one of the most varied and complicated areas in the country.

Gascon’s biggest platform is his focus on public safety and desire to make Los Angeles a notably safe city. He contends that throughout his leadership, there has been an apparent improvement in the safety of the people living in Los Angeles County. On the other hand, Hochman presents a very different image, claiming that a concerning rise in violent and property crime rates has corresponded with Gascón’s leadership. According to Hochman, the next election will be a vote on who can keep locals secure in the face of these difficulties.

There’s more nuance to this election battle than meets the eye. Both candidates rely on assumptions about the complex link between crime rates and prosecution judgments and on biased readings of statistics. While Gascón highlights his approaches to putting community safety first, Hochman draws attention to some of the worrying patterns he observes while Gascón is in charge.

Analyzing the given facts creates a detailed image. Under Gascón’s leadership, homicide rates have decreased, suggesting advancements in some areas. However, an increase in property crimes has raised questions about general security and safety. Despite these variations, experts advise against oversimplifying views, stressing the complexity of crime patterns and the impact of outside variables like the COVID-19 epidemic and law enforcement leadership dynamics.

Furthermore, estimates of public safety frequently deviate from statistical patterns. While some locals voice concerns about crime, others place a higher priority on urgent problems like homelessness, traffic congestion, and the expense of living. This range of viewpoints emphasizes how complicated the issues confronting Los Angeles County are and how careful planning is required to solve them.

The contest for district attorney is a microcosm of the more significant conflicts and concerns in the area as the November election approaches. Voters are dealing with many other urgent concerns, such as social fairness and economic inequality, even if crime continues to be a major issue.

The narrative surrounding the election is shaped by the voices of the people who live in a county known for its great diversity and complexity. Their different experiences and viewpoints highlight the necessity of all-encompassing solutions that promote community well-being and address the underlying causes of crime.

Undoubtedly, as the contenders step up their efforts and compete for votes, the election result will not only dictate the course of criminal justice and law enforcement in Los Angeles County but also provide valuable information about how one of the biggest and most dynamic areas in the country is prioritizing its changes.

May 21, 2024
LA County to Offer $25 Internet Plans to Low-Income Households

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Internet access has become integral to daily life functions, yet many low-income families struggle to afford high-speed broadband services. Acknowledging the pressing issue of internet access, Los Angeles County has initiated a program to offer cost-effective internet plans to residents in underserved neighborhoods.

Tailored to address the needs of low-income households in South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, and Boyle Heights, the county’s new high-speed broadband service aims to overcome the barriers of financial constraints. With plans commencing at a modest $25 per month, the initiative aspires to bridge the digital gap and ensure that all Angelenos are equipped to thrive online and off. Michael Owh, director of the county’s Internal Services Department, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. He states that providing affordable internet plans empowers residents to access vital services, pursue educational opportunities, and build stronger connections within their communities.

Facilitated through collaborative public-private partnerships known as Community Broadband Networks, the initiative will furnish a rapid, fixed wireless connection boasting speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second. Market rate plans span from $65 to $85 per month, offering speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 2 gigs. However, residents from low-income backgrounds may qualify for reduced rates, enabling them to secure basic internet access for as little as $25 per month.

Eligibility for the discounted plans hinges on household income, with applicants mandated to demonstrate an income below 200% of the federal poverty line or be recipients of government benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, or free/reduced lunch. All plans encompass unlimited data and entail no contractual obligations, prioritizing flexibility and affordability for families in need.

The initial deployment of the service will concentrate on two major areas: East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights and South Los Angeles. In East LA/Boyle Heights, the network will extend its reach to approximately 84,000 households across a 25-square-mile expanse, incorporating neighborhoods like Lincoln Heights, Montecito Heights, and El Sereno. Similarly, the South LA project will extend its coverage to roughly 182,000 households within a 44-square-mile precinct, including communities such as Florence, Watts, and Athens.

Construction of the networks will employ a fusion of landlines, radio links, and infrastructure mounted on public edifices and streetlights. This innovative method aims to curtail costs while amplifying coverage, making it so that even the most marginalized neighborhoods gain access to top-tier internet service.

The initiative is particularly timely, given that the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the necessity of internet access and exacerbated the digital divide. With millions of federal relief dollars earmarked to tackle this issue, Los Angeles County is proactively striving to bridge the gap and furnish equitable opportunities to all residents.

Los Angeles County remains focused on maintaining transparency and accountability as the initiative progresses. Partner companies are mandated to offer multilingual customer service, cost-effective plans, and complimentary professional installation and equipment. The county is also actively pursuing grants to expand the service to additional communities and address the diverse needs of its residents. Along with improving internet access for families from lower-income households, these initiatives and programs make significant strides toward crafting a more inclusive, equitable, and flourishing society.

May 14, 2024
Popular Los Angeles Vegan Restaurant to Start Serving Animal Products

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A well-known Los Angeles vegan restaurant announced that it would begin to incorporate animal products into its menu this past April.

Sage Plant Based Bistro, the restaurant in question, has stated that it will add dishes with animal products that have been raised through regenerative farming practices starting on May 29. Regenerative farming is a method that aims to reduce the dependency on chemicals, as well as promote biodiversity in crop and livestock raising. The restaurant will also rebrand its name to Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery.

Sage chef-owner Mollie Engelhart stated in an open letter, “I no longer feel that a vegan lifestyle for all is a viable solution for the planet and its soil which is one of our most precious resources.”

Engelhart has also stated that the restaurant has not been profitable since 2020. The restaurant has already closed one location in Agoura Hills and converted its Culver City location into a take-out-only space.

“People are not going to stop eating meat, so why not offer an option where it is done right,” Englehart said.

Engelhart sold the Sow a Heart farm in Fillmore, California this past December. The farm—which provided up to 25% of the restaurant’s produce—continues to receive orders from Sage.

However, the announcement of the change sparked backlash on Instagram, upon which multiple commenters shared they would no longer support the business.

Amber Canavan, a vegan campaigns project manager for PETA, said that Sage Bistro “is trying to rebrand itself as a champion of the environment while serving meat, and it’s like a firefighter spraying fuel on the flames and saying they’re doing something to help.”

Engelhart defended the changes in an open letter as part of her shift in thinking about how to protect the planet. She pointed toward the changes after the pandemic and the proliferation of vegan-based options as reasons for the change.

“It’s vulnerable to publicly say, ‘I believed one thing, and maybe I was wrong and now I believe something else,’” Engelhart said. “I hope that it inspires people in their own lives to be willing to be open-minded when something else makes more sense to you.”

The restaurant, according to Engelhart, will still offer vegan operations, and she added that regenerative farming could provide a common meeting point for people with different dietary preferences. “All of these people should be able to come together for foods with less chemicals,” Engelhart said.

According to the website of Regenerative Farmers of America, regenerative farming is an approach to agriculture that not only prioritizes soil health and biodiversity but also the natural processes that go along with it.

While traditionally farmed fields tend to rely on chemicals and focus only on single crops at a time, regenerative farmers “use a variety of practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and the integration of livestock to improve soil health, conserve water, and promote biodiversity.”

The association claims that the practices involve creating greater, more nutrient-dense produce, and improve not just the yield of the crops but also create drought-resistant soil.

May 8, 2024
Little Tokyo in Los Angeles Has Been Declared an Endangered Historic Site

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America is certainly not without history. Across the country, citizens and visitors can tour a land filled with a rich past that highlights where the U.S. came from and how it has become the nation it is today. With cultural and historical landmarks throughout the country providing valuable reminders and lessons, protecting these places has become crucial in preserving America’s diverse history. Raising awareness of endangered historical places is the National Trust for Historic Preservation, whose annual list features Los Angeles’ very own Little Tokyo.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is shedding light on historical places that highlight where lives, memories, and stories began. Leading the movement of preserving the connections that guide and anchor the U.S. to its present and future, this nonprofit organization has spent over 70 years dedicated to saving America’s historic places. Every year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation releases a report that directs a powerful gaze on historic places in danger of being lost.

This year’s 37th annual America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places report “shines a long-overdue spotlight on generations of trailblazers by saving the places where they raised their voices, took their stands, and found the courage to change the world,” states the nonprofit’s website, who has built the 2024 list around the theme of communities uniting to protect their cultural landmarks, local businesses, and their customs and traditions. This year, Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, one of only four surviving “Japantowns” in the U.S., is on the list.

Established in 1884, Little Tokyo is a landmark in American history, enduring more than a century of adversities that include the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, large-scale demolition for the construction of municipal building construction, and urban renewal. Yet, despite the challenges Little Tokyo has endured, “The neighborhood has remained central to the Japanese American community… Little Tokyo is now home to over 400 small businesses, including approximately 50 long-time legacy businesses,” states the nonprofit in an annual report.

Unfortunately, despite fighting for just one block to be designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1990s, Los Angeles’ development is encroaching on Little Tokyo’s modest area. Authentic restaurants and shops, including ones that have been in business for decades, are facing gentrification and displacement, with rents rising to the point that Little Tokyo is in danger of losing its unique, historical character.

President and CEO of the historic nonprofit, Carol Quillen, stated that “Little Tokyo and its multigenerational restaurants, businesses, and cultural institutions are a

distinctive part of Los Angeles’s history and character… We hope that by bringing attention to displacement and gentrification occurring in the neighborhood, Los Angeles’s Little Tokyo can get the support and policy protections needed so that the community can thrive long into the future.”

Several organizations like the Little Tokyo Community Council, the Little Tokyo Service Center, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center have been advocating for this landmark’s preservation for decades. These organizations have come together to form the Sustainable Little Tokyo coalition to help protect Little Tokyo residents, businesses, and culture. Yet, Little Tokyo is still marked as an endangered landmark, proving that Americans need to unite to help preserve the history that has helped make this nation what it is today.

May 7, 2024
State Farm to Cancel Coverage for 72,000 Homes Across California

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State Farm, the leading insurer in California, has recently made a significant decision that will profoundly affect homeowners and renters statewide. The company intends to terminate insurance coverage for 72,000 homes and apartments. The move comes amidst mounting concerns over the heightened risks of natural disasters, particularly devastating wildfires. State Farm also aims to address what it perceives as outdated regulatory frameworks, which hinder its ability to adapt to evolving insurance challenges.

Set to take effect in the upcoming summer months, the decision represents a notable departure from State Farm’s previous position, following its earlier announcement to cease issuing new home policies in California. The insurance giant has attributed its latest action to a combination of factors, citing rising costs, increased risks of catastrophic events such as wildfires, and the likely limitations imposed by longstanding insurance regulations that fail to adequately address the current dynamics of the state’s insurance market.

Issuing a recent statement, State Farm emphasized the gravity of its decision, highlighting that it was made only after a thorough examination of the company’s financial health and dedication to maintaining sufficient claims-paying capacity for its customers. The insurer reaffirmed its commitment to complying with applicable financial solvency laws, asserting that discontinuing coverage for the 72,000 properties was deemed necessary to address the ongoing challenges it faces in ensuring the long-term viability of its operations in California.

The announcement coincides with ongoing efforts by California’s elected insurance commissioner to overhaul home insurance regulations in response to the state’s increasingly volatile insurance market. The commissioner’s proposed reforms aim to provide insurers with greater flexibility in adjusting premiums while securing commitments to extend coverage in high-risk fire areas. Employing the reform ultimately intends to strike a balance between consumer protection and market stability.

The California Department of Insurance has indicated its intention to closely scrutinize State Farm’s decision, urging the company to clarify and justify its rationale. Deputy Insurance Commissioner Michael Soller expressed the regulator’s duty to hold insurance firms accountable for their actions, stressing the importance of confidence in State Farm’s future strategy to fulfill its obligations to California customers and ensure the stability and integrity of the state’s insurance market.

While the possibility of a formal investigation remains uncertain, State Farm’s decision sheds light on the profound and unpredictable challenges facing insurers in California. Last June, the company garnered attention by announcing its decision to suspend the acceptance of applications for all business and personal lines of property and casualty insurance. Citing factors such as inflation, a challenging reinsurance market, and escalating exposure to catastrophic events, State Farm stood by the urgency of its actions and the imperative to adapt to the insurance market’s evolving risks and uncertainties.

State Farm has clarified that the affected policies represent slightly over 2% of its total policies in California. However, the company has refrained from divulging specific details regarding the locations or criteria used to determine which policies would not be renewed, citing confidentiality concerns and the need to protect sensitive business information. The insurance market continues to evolve, and State Farm’s decision looks to have ramifications for California coverage.

May 1, 2024
California Court Debates Language of Controversial Transgender Ballot Measure

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In Sacramento, California, a significant legal battle is unfolding as supporters of a proposed ballot measure, which mandates school staff to inform parents if their child requests a gender identification change, confront the state’s Attorney General over the wording used to describe the initiative. The group is suing Attorney General Rob Bonta, claiming that the title and summary he provided are misleading and bias the public against the proposal.

Currently titled the “Restrict Rights of Transgender Youth” initiative by the Attorney General’s office, the backers of the measure are pushing for it to be renamed to the “Protect Kids of California Act.” They argue that the existing title and summary do not accurately reflect the intent and implications of the measure, which they believe is designed to safeguard children.

Dean McGee, a lawyer from the Liberty Justice Center representing the measure’s proponents, accused the Attorney General of abusing his power. “It’s an abuse of the attorney general’s power to oversee these ballot measures where he’s legally obligated to be neutral and draft a title and summary that’s impartial,” McGee stated. The initiative, if passed, would also prohibit transgender girls from participating in girls’ and women’s sports from grades 7 through college and restrict gender-affirming surgeries for minors, except under certain conditions.

This legal challenge is part of a broader national debate over the rights of parents versus the rights of LGBTQ+ students in school settings. Similar legislative efforts are seen across the United States, with various states attempting to enforce bans on gender-affirming care, restrict transgender athletes, and mandate parental notifications of any significant changes in a child’s emotional health or well-being.

The proponents of the California measure have collected a quarter of the 500,000 signatures required by May 28 to secure a spot on the November ballot. However, they claim that the language issued by Bonta’s office is impeding their efforts to gather sufficient support and are seeking an extension of 180 days to meet their goal.

They specifically object to the current summary’s statements that the initiative would prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender youth “even if parents consent or if the treatment is medically recommended,” and that it requires schools to notify parents about a child’s request to be recognized as a different gender “without exception for student safety.”

Bob Stern, former president of the Center for Governmental Studies, highlighted the significant influence of ballot measure summaries on voter behavior. He pointed out that for many voters, the summary might be the only piece of information they see before casting their vote. Stern advocates for the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, rather than the Attorney General, to release these summaries to ensure impartiality, especially since the Attorney General, like Bonta, is an elected official with future political aspirations.

Meanwhile, Kathie Moehlig of the TransFamily Support Services in San Diego warns of the detrimental impact such measures could have on vulnerable children. She emphasized that for some children, disclosure of their gender identity at home could pose serious risks. “The unfortunate truth is that there are some kids who are in homes where sharing about their gender identity or sexual orientation would make them unsafe,” Moehlig explained.

As this legal battle continues, it underscores the complex intersection of parental rights, student safety, and the broader societal challenges facing transgender individuals in today’s political and social landscape.

April 25, 2024
Waymo Is Launching a Paid Robotaxi Service in Los Angeles

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The idea of being able to ride in a vehicle you don’t have to worry about driving may become a reality sooner than you might think. With tech startup Waymo, who stated they began offering robotaxi rides in Los Angeles on April 10, the nation’s experiment with self-driving technology has begun to pick up steam.

A spinoff of Google, Waymo announced details for its service in Los Angeles this past January as it sought regulatory approval from the state and local support from the city. This past year, the company has offered free “tour” rides throughout Los Angeles, and in March, received regulatory approval to expand to a paid service.

Waymo stated that more than 50,000 people were on its waitlist to use its service. The company did not specify how many individuals would be allowed to fully use the app starting this week. However, the company said last month that it was starting with a Los Angeles fleet of less than 50 cars covering the 63-square-mile section between Santa Monica and downtown L.A. Los Angeles County boasts a population of nearly 10 million people.

Waymo’s service works similarly to other ride-hailing smartphone apps such as Flywheel, Lyft, and Uber. Waymo’s primary difference is that the vehicles possess no drivers. Riders follow instructions on the mobile app, and through the vehicle’s sound system, Waymo workers can assist remotely.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that Tesla would reveal a robotaxi product in August, but gave no details about the project. Cruise, a General Motors subsidiary that halted its service after one of its vehicles failed to detect a pedestrian underneath it, said it would reintroduce human-driven vehicles in select cities, including Phoenix. Various China-based startups are also testing self-driving cars on California roads, but for now, Waymo’s only competition is the traditional, human-driven car services.

Waymo’s expansion to Los Angeles will bring autonomous for-profit taxis to the country’s second-largest city—a city long synonymous with car travel. Waymo already features commercial robotaxi services in San Francisco and Phoenix.

Chad Ludwick, Waymo’s product management director, said: “The reception from Angelenos so far has been exceptional, and we look forward to welcoming more riders into our service over time.” He also informed its test riders about the change in an email, which someone posted to Reddit.

However, even with the buzz, robotaxis have faced criticism—not only from the threat they pose to drivers’ jobs, but also to the mistakes they’ve made blocking city buses or emergency vehicles. California law states that driverless cars can’t be given traffic tickets, and could make traffic congestion even worse.

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation said that the Waymo expansion is occurring too soon, without enough local foresight of the autonomous vehicle operations. State officials said in an order last month that those concerns were unfounded, however.

Supporters of robotaxis have countered that human drivers have terrible safety records, with traffic deaths reaching 40,000 a year in the United States. Waymo has not reported any deaths or serious injuries from its technology and appears to be generally more observant of traffic laws than human drivers are, based on testimonies from journalists who have ridden in them.

Opponents of the autonomous taxi expansions have vowed to slow down the growth of companies such as Waymo. A bill that is pending in the California Senate would give both cities and counties authority over these types of services—a power that currently only resides within state government agencies. A hearing on that bill is expected next week.

April 12, 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
LA Strives to Expand Cooling Centers During Hot Days

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On April 3, the Los Angeles City Council took a decisive step in addressing the escalating threat of extreme heat by endorsing a motion aimed at fortifying the city’s cooling infrastructure. Spearheaded by Council President Paul Krekorian and Councilwoman Katy Yarsolavsky, the motion was passed by a unanimous 14-0 vote, reflecting the urgency of the matter at hand.

This motion is a proactive response to the pressing need to expand cooling facilities across Los Angeles, particularly in a period where city dwellers are expected to experience increasingly severe heat waves. The motion mandates city departments to present recommendations on optimizing existing publication buildings, such as libraries, recreation centers, and senior facilities, as official cooling centers. Notably, these recommendations will also define the associated costs while providing a clear roadmap for effective implementation.

The timing of this initiative is strategic, as it comes in the wake of a motion introduced in December 2023 which highlighted the burgeoning health risks posed by extreme heat in Los Angeles. While libraries, recreation centers, and senior facilities are already serving as shelters from the scorching temperatures, they lack the official designation as “cooling centers.”

Acknowledging the critical role these facilities have been playing for the city, the motion emphasized the need to overcome the hurdles that limit their efficacy in safeguarding the public from excessive heat. Los Angeles has devised a unified cooling strategy encompassing various facilities within the city to enhance its resilience against heat-related challenges. With this motion, the city has also positioned itself favorably for state and federal grants aimed at supporting such initiatives.

The City’s Climate Emergency Management previously applied for a state Community Resilience Center Grant which could potentially bring up to $10 million in funding. This financial injection could be utilized to conduct vital research into heat-risk mitigation strategies and to facilitate the transformation of three libraries into “heat resilience” centers, poised to offer a sanctuary during heat waves.

Endorsement by the Council’s Energy and Environment Committee earlier this month reflects the widespread recognition of the situation, making it imperative to act swiftly and decisively. As temperatures continue to soar, the expansion of cooling centers has assumed heightened significance. This is not a measure of convenience but a vital lifeline to vulnerable communities.

Going forward, the motion will seek comprehensive data on areas facing the greatest heat risk and also potential partnerships to fortify the city’s efforts. The motion will also work on planning apt strategies to boost public awareness about the accessibility and utility of these official cooling centers. By harnessing a multifaceted approach, Los Angeles is looking forward to cultivating a culture of resilience that will proactively mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

This motion by the Los Angeles City Council is a pivotal step in fortifying against the mounting threats posed by climate change. By increasing the accessibility and functionality of official cooling centers, the city is not only preparing to shield its residents from the ravages of extreme heat but also setting an example of proactive climate adaptation measures. As the motion continues to implement strategies, it will position Los Angeles as one of the cities in the U.S. that is redefining public health and safety in an era defined by climatic uncertainties.

April 5, 2024
LA Neighborhood Surrounded By Mountains of Trash

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A significant health and safety concern has emerged in the Los Angeles Fairfax neighborhood, where a large, multi-million dollar residence is now nearly buried by a mound of trash. According to reports from ABC affiliate KABC and NBC affiliate KNBC, the property in question is encircled by mountains of waste, causing distress among locals and prompting calls for immediate action.

“The situation is worsening,” Marlon Azurda told KNBC, voicing a concern that resonates with many in the community. Another neighbor expressed their frustration to KABC, stating, “It’s been accumulating slowly. My take on it is it’s kind of disgusting compared to everything else in the area.” These accounts highlight a growing problem that has escalated over time, reflecting poorly on the neighborhood’s otherwise pristine environment.

This is not the first time the property has come under scrutiny for such issues. Records indicate that in 2016, the Department of Building and Safety fined the property owners for failing to maintain their premises, pointing to a chronic issue with waste management on the property.

Concerns extend beyond aesthetics. Reports from KNBC have underscored the risk of fire hazards and the potential for rodent and insect infestations, raising alarms about the broader health implications. Additionally, there is anxiety among residents about how this situation could affect property values, with Quincy Anderson telling KNBC, “The homes here are worth a lot of money [for these people] to convert it into a dumping ground.”

However, it seems the situation may be more complicated than simple neglect. Some residents have expressed a mix of concern and empathy towards the homeowner, pointing out the underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to the problem.

“It smells really bad, and I know who the guy is that owns it, and I feel bad for him because it’s a mental health problem,” one neighbor revealed, highlighting the complexity of the situation beyond the physical accumulation of trash.

The sentiment was echoed by others in the community, who, while choosing to remain anonymous, wished for the attention drawn by the situation to not only focus on the property but also on providing support to the individual involved.

“I feel bad for somebody who is a sweet person, but obviously has mental health issues,” shared another resident, indicating a community’s concern that extends beyond frustration and seeks a compassionate resolution.

In response to the outcry, council member Katy Yaroslavsky’s office issued a statement to KABC, affirming awareness of the issue and a commitment to address it promptly. “I am aware of the situation at the home near Martel and Melrose Ave, and have directed my team to work with the appropriate City and County Departments to resolve the issue with urgency,” Yaroslavsky said in a communication with KABC.

To tackle such issues, Los Angeles city departments are now collaborating closely, taking comprehensive steps to not only remove the existing waste but also prevent similar problems in the future. This cooperative effort spans several city departments, each playing a crucial role in the cleanup and prevention process.

The hope is that with increased attention and a coordinated response, there will be a positive outcome for both the homeowner and the community at large.

April 4, 2024
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Enjoy Quiet Date Night in LA

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The California sun, notorious for its unforgiving glare on blemishes and bad decisions, cast a softer light on a peculiar pairing in Los Angeles. Taylor Swift, the queen of pop anthems and heartbreak chronicles, and Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs star tight end with hands of gold, have been weaving a quiet narrative amidst the relentless hum of their extraordinary lives.

Their latest chapter unfolded at The Bird Streets Club, a discreet Hollywood haven frequented by celebrities seeking refuge from the ever-present flashbulbs. Page Six became the first to crack the code of their rendezvous, revealing a cozy dinner alongside another couple. While the specifics of the evening remain a delicious secret – no incriminating photographs surfaced, and the culinary delights they savored remain a mystery – one thing was crystal clear: Taylor and Travis were carving out precious time for each other.

This stolen date night comes as a well-deserved reward for both. Taylor, having just wrapped the Asian leg of her history-making Eras Tour in Singapore, can finally breathe before conquering European audiences with her electrifying live show, kicking off in Paris on May 9th. On the other hand, Travis is still basking in the afterglow of leading the Kansas City Chiefs to Super Bowl victory, a champion enjoying the spoils of victory during the off-season.

Us Weekly, ever the keen observer of celebrity coupledom, shed some light on how they spend their downtime. Gone are the roars of screaming fans and the blinding spotlights of sold-out stadiums. Instead, picture this: a cozy night at Taylor’s luxurious home theater, a haven from the whirlwind. Imagine them curled up on plush couches, catching up on movies and shows they’ve missed, a testament to the preciousness of stolen moments in their jam-packed schedules.

This newfound downtime isn’t just about unwinding; it’s about reconnecting with loved ones. The insider revealed that Taylor, known for her fiercely loyal circle of friends, enjoys hosting intimate gatherings at her Los Angeles residence. These evenings provide a platform for genuine connection, starkly contrasting the often superficial world they navigate professionally. Laughter spills into the California night, a symphony of shared stories and inside jokes, a reminder of the normalcy they crave.

Looking ahead, whispers of a romantic escape add another layer of intrigue to their blossoming connection. With the highly anticipated release of Taylor’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, looming on April 19th, the couple reportedly contemplates a private getaway before the promotional machine kicks into high gear. Shrouded in mystery, this secret vacation would offer a precious opportunity to disappear before the album drops, a chance to be Taylor and Travis, not the megastar and the champion athlete.

Their recent sightings, from the bustling streets of Singapore to the discreet havens of Los Angeles, paint a picture of a budding romance blossoming amid stolen moments. Whether a quiet dinner at a members-only club or catching up on movies in a private home theater, Taylor and Travis prioritize intimacy and connection. As Taylor embarks on her European tour and Travis prepares for the upcoming NFL season, one can only wonder if these stolen moments in L.A. signify the beginning of a beautiful love story, a melody yet to be entirely composed but potentially a chart-topping hit.

March 28, 2024