Category: Lifestyle

Blue Shield Data Breach Potentially Exposes Sensitive Customer Information

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Blue Shield of California is currently navigating a significant data breach that may expose confidential information belonging to its vision benefits customers. In the aftermath of this breach, Blue Shield released a statement indicating that the sensitive information of individuals with Blue Shield of California vision benefits might be compromised. The incident occurred when hackers successfully breached a software program employed by one of Blue Shield’s vendors.

The compromised information encompasses a range of sensitive details, including customer names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and specifics related to treatment and diagnosis. Blue Shield, a prominent health insurer based in Oakland with approximately 4.8 million members, primarily in California, has yet to disclose the exact number of customers impacted or whether all affected customers have been notified.

The breach occurred on May 28 and May 31 when hackers gained unauthorized access to MOVEit, a file-transferring software tool used by a third-party provider managing Blue Shield’s vision benefits. While Blue Shield has refrained from disclosing the identity of this third-party vendor, it’s noteworthy that this incident was part of a more extensive global data security breach impacting numerous organizations relying on MOVEit.

The vendor responsible for managing Blue Shield’s vision benefits detected the breach in August. The vendor took immediate action by shutting down the server and initiating an internal investigation into the incident. They then promptly reported the matter to the FBI. Blue Shield was subsequently alerted in September, marking the initiation of their response to this security incident.

In response to the breach, Blue Shield has established a dedicated call center to address customer inquiries related to the incident. The call center operates from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, excluding major U.S. holidays. Additionally, in a proactive measure to assist affected individuals, Blue Shield has offered free credit monitoring coupled with identity restoration services.

Healthcare providers and Blue Shield recommend that individuals affected by the breach take specific precautions. These include a close review of credit reports and account statements, and prompt notification of any fraudulent activities or suspected identity theft to relevant authorities, such as law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Attorney General’s Office in their home state.

Blue Shield recommends placing a fraud alert on credit files, with an initial free alert that remains active for at least 90 days. An extended alert, lasting seven years, may be placed on the credit files of those who have been victims of identity theft through the breach. Another precautionary step suggested by Blue Shield is considering a security freeze on credit files, preventing new credit from being opened without needing a personal identification number.

Recognizing the potential indicators of identity theft, Blue Shield emphasizes vigilance, urging affected individuals to remain attentive to any unexplained withdrawals from their bank accounts, missing bills or mail, refused checks by merchants, debt collection calls for unrecognized debts, unfamiliar accounts or charges on credit reports, and unexpected notices related to compromised information in data breaches.

As the investigation unfolds, Blue Shield of California and the FBI have been contacted for comment, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the collaborative effort to address the breach and its implications for those affected.

December 6, 2023
Danny McBride Lists His Modern Los Angeles Condo for $1.8 Million

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Danny McBride, the actor and comedian known for his roles in “The Righteous Gemstones” and “Pineapple Express,” has just put his LA condo up for sale. Priced at a cool $1.8 million, this top-floor unit is nestled in the iconic Broadway Hollywood building and covers a generous 2,159 square feet. The space includes a single bedroom and two bathrooms. McBride has cherished this place since 2008, making it a special part of his journey in both TV hits like “Eastbound & Down” and films such as “Tropic Thunder.”

Back in 2008, McBride snagged this gem for $1,435,000. Since 2013, it’s been on the rental market, now going for about $9,000 a month. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the condo boasts stunning views. You can gaze out at the Hollywood sign, picturesque hills, and even the famous Capitol Records building. It’s a true loft-style haven, featuring expansive windows and a spacious living area that seamlessly blends into an open kitchen setup.

Step inside, and you’ll notice the recent updates that give it a fresh, modern edge. The kitchen is a dream, decked out with top-notch Viking appliances and sleek stainless steel cabinets. It’s not just about looks; the exposed ductwork and pipes add an urban, contemporary flair. Upstairs, the bedroom is a retreat in itself, complete with a walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom featuring marble details, dual vanities, and a deep soaking tub. Plus, there’s a terrace with a cozy fireplace, perfect for those chill LA evenings.

Residents of the building can enjoy amenities such as a rooftop pool, cabanas, a hot tub, and a gym. The property offers full-service assistance, including a 24-hour staff and valet service. The monthly HOA fee of $2,461 covers these perks and two parking spaces.

Danny McBride, a multi-talented individual involved in acting, comedy, writing, and producing, is seeking to part ways with this duplex penthouse as he has relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, where he currently resides with his family and runs his production company. The property is eligible for California’s Mills Act, which allows tax breaks to preserve historic properties and is priced attractively due to this benefit.

The 2,200-square-foot duplex penthouse, part of a 1939-built annex added to the original Broadway Hollywood Building, features banded windows providing ample natural light and unobstructed views of classic sites, structures, and scenery. The refurbished loft boasts one bedroom, two bathrooms, soaring double-height ceilings, and an expansive living area facing the picturesque views.

The condo features a contemporary open kitchen adorned with stainless steel appliances and cabinetry, accentuated by exposed ductwork and pipes on the ceiling. Additionally, a staircase leads to the loft bedroom. Features such as a walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom adorned in black, white, and gray marble, and a private outdoor terrace, complete with a fireplace, all add to the charm of this property.

The listing for this property is handled by Deedee Howard from The Agency. If you’re considering buying, you’ll find yourself in good company as there are quite a few celebrities living nearby. This beautiful building offers top notch amenities. Has been the residence of stars such as Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Dave Navarro, and more. Adding to its allure as a celebrity hotspot is the renowned sushi restaurant called Katsuya located on the ground floor. As of now the McBride property remains a luxurious choice on the market.

December 5, 2023
Billie Eilish and Finneas Teaming Up to Open New Vegan Restaurant in Los Angeles

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Acclaimed siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas have joined forces with vegan restaurateur Nic Adler to introduce Argento, an upcoming vegan Italian restaurant. Located in Los Angeles, Argento marks a noteworthy culinary development for the two music stars.

The talented duo, widely recognized for their collaborative work in producing and composing most of Eilish’s songs, is stepping into the restaurant business with a vision to offer a unique vegan dining experience. Nic Adler, co-founder of the well-regarded Monty’s Good Burger, a vegan fast-food chain with multiple locations across California, and the creative mind behind the popular plant-based eatery Nic’s On Beverley, joins the siblings in this exciting venture.

Set to open soon in the former space of Little Pine, a vegan restaurant in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood, Argento is poised to influence the city’s culinary scene. The restaurant’s menu will showcase a vibrant celebration of fresh, plant-based Italian cuisine. Distinguishing itself from Monty’s Good Burger, which offers vegan meat options, Argento will focus on a vegetable-forward approach, steering clear of processed plant-based meat alternatives. Nic Adler emphasizes the importance of highlighting the versatility of vegetables and allowing them to take center stage in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary space.

For Billie Eilish, the allure of Argento lies in its accessibility to everyone, irrespective of their dietary preferences. Eilish envisions Argento transcending the typical “vegan” branding. She advocates that vegan food is for everyone, emphasizing the positive shift in the culinary arena over the past decade.

The surge in the popularity of vegan food is not limited to dedicated vegans but extends to flexitarians, a significant driving force behind the increased accessibility of vegan options. Billie Eilish invites individuals to consider the environmental impact of their dietary decisions, highlighting the water-intensive process of meat production. Research indicates that over half of young people aged between 24 and 39 in the US identify as flexitarians. This shift is not only a testament to changing dietary preferences but also emphasizes the expanding accessibility of vegan alternatives.

Eilish’s commitment to environmental causes goes beyond her dietary choices. In 2022, she founded Overheated, a London-based plant-based event to raise awareness of environmental issues. Her recognition on the TIME100 Climate list further solidifies her influence in advocating for climate-conscious choices. During an interview, Eilish emphasized the significant role of animal agriculture in climate change and the urgent need for individuals to adopt a plant-based diet for the well-being of the planet.

Eilish’s mother, Maggie Baird, plays a pivotal role in the family’s advocacy for plant-based living. Co-founding the nonprofit Support And Feed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Baird aims to address both the climate crisis and food insecurity. Inspired by her family’s dedication to veganism, Eilish fully embraced the lifestyle, along with Finneas and her father, actor Patrick O’Connell.

Anticipation surrounds the opening of Argento, scheduled for December after ongoing renovations. Adler, Finneas, and Eilish envision the restaurant as a welcoming space, fostering a relaxed ambiance for patrons to enjoy Italian cuisine. Adler expresses his enthusiasm for extended Sunday dinners and hopes Argento will become an inviting gathering place that adds to the city’s diverse culinary offerings.

November 30, 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
L.A.’s Trending Gen Z Spot: Barney’s Beanery?!

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Barney’s Beanery is back in style, bringing ‘90s flavor back in a big way. Nostalgia enthusiasts—namely, a slew of twenty-somethings—are waiting in lines down the sidewalk of up to 50 people just to get in. At 10 p.m. on a Saturday night, Barney’s Beanery is the place to be.

The century-old bar offers patrons food and fun that more typical entertainment venues simply can’t offer. The dive bar and diner serve social groups circling packed pool tables, shuffleboard games, and retro arcade games. It’s giving ‘90s and 2000s vibes with all the purely energetic fun that encompassed the decades. From birthday celebrations to your average (and otherwise dull) evening, Barney’s Beanery is re-re-defining fun.

Barney’s Beanery was founded by L.A. native and World War I veteran John “Barney” Anthony in Berkeley in 1920 but moved to West Hollywood by 1927. Rising celebrities and up-and-comers have been hitting the establishment for the last hundred years. One wall displays a framed canceled check from Marilyn Monroe herself for an order of their famous chili. Tales of celebrities encapsulate the building. When you visit, if you ask for some anecdotes about the diner, you could be there for hours on end. You might even end up sitting in Quentin Tarantino’s favorite booth.

Bar Rescue’s John Taffer used to manage the place, serving regulars like Sylvester Stallone and Francis Ford Coppola beer in the 1980s. While it remained a community staple, the young crowd hadn’t fully taken to it until now—and now, their enthusiasm can’t be stopped. The general consensus is that there’s just a feeling, energy, or vibe that’s too attractive to miss. Once people give in to the FOMO and go for themselves, they can’t help but want to go back. And they’re willing to wait in line to do it.

“I think the long-term success of Barney’s is because we have this sort of magic to us,” stated manager AJ Sacher. “Barney’s feels like a place from where you’re from, wherever that is. It’s hard to put your finger on why, and it’s kind of uncanny.”

Whether you want to eat waffles and play basketball or be where the TikTok ‘it’ girls are at, Barney’s has you covered. If you want to casually bump into Selena Gomez, you might be able to do that, too. She showed up in April and August of this year, sparking national attention and sending the local hype into overdrive.

Celebrities and new community members alike love the joint. Take Turner Anderson, 23, who moved to LA from Texas about six weeks ago. She spent the evening there with her friends, excited about the vintage pinball machines. “This bar has more of a Texas vibe than anywhere I’ve been in L.A.,” says Anderson, who learned about the bar from her new friends. “You can come here and be able to talk to your friends and not have to scream at them.”

According to Avery Morgan and Nathalie Eid, two 21-year-old students who hang out at Barney’s, “It’s a lot different from what I expected. The crowd [at Barney’s] is really diverse. A lot of places in L.A. are very niche. The crowd here isn’t your typical stuck-up L.A. club people.”

While fresh blood is determined to spice things up, the regulars aren’t far to be found. Barney’s ‘VIP’ Marco DelVecchio, about to appear in Season 3 of Fboy Island, is a self-appointed promoter of the place. The 28-year-old stand-up comedian records his podcast on the patio, enjoying every minute of it. He talks with influencers and personalities like Justin Bieber on the podcast in a comfortable environment where people don’t ask for photos and autographs—they’re just there to chill.

The excitement isn’t expected to die down any time soon. So, if you’re headed out Saturday night, you might want to leave a bit earlier to beat the queue.

November 14, 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
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