Category: News

California Teachers: Honoring Excellence in Education and the Arts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 26, 2023
Newport Beach Locals Anxious Over Unstable Hillside

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A landslide that began seven months ago is having a substantially negative impact on the local community in Newport Beach. The event already demolished one home and wiped away chunks of several residents’ backyards. Recently, the landslide began moving land around again at an alarming pace. It leaves residents of the Dover Shores neighborhood of Newport Beach living on the edge, and understandably so, as they anxiously await how the event continues.

Bob Holcomb, a superintendent for Holcomb Engineering, recently observed evidence of the landslide’s activity on one resident’s home, and it is not looking good, especially with unpleasant weather on the horizon. Heavy rain could quickly destabilize the environment for the property and another near the landslide.

This natural event can be challenging to predict, control, and resolve, and such issues prime landslides for anxiety in such locations. Locals monitor the event and keep up with the details to plan accordingly. It is unclear at this time when the landslide will subside.

Two residents on Galaxy Drive reported that they had been concerned since the earlier landslides in March. Being close to the event has significantly affected their quality of life, and residents worry about the landslide’s potential consequences.

Unfortunately, developments in landslide activity are not relieving the community’s anxiety. Recent observations by experts like Holcomb indicate possible progression. With increased levels of rain on the way, expectations are not promising.

Now, residents face more concern as tension continues mounting. Multiple homes in the Newport Beach Dover Shores neighborhood are again at risk, and residents are concerned for their security and safety. Although the landslide began in March, the threat continues.

Seven months after the landslide began, two homes on Galaxy Drive still live on the edge. After the evaluation, Holcomb concluded, “The wall is starting to lean right now because the hill is so saturated that the dirt keeps sinking, and this keeps peeling off every day.” The first landslide severely impacted the home in question.

While property owners wait to see if their homes or yards will make it unscathed, analysts track the weather. Local climate conditions and the amount of precipitation will inevitably influence the magnitude of the following activity and resulting damage. Those monitoring the area can only hope for the best, with an event practically impossible to prepare for.

As bluff failure has occurred in the past in surrounding areas, it would not be surprising to see it happen here. It has also contributed to the general rise in concern, stemming from claims from some locals that the city of Newport Beach was partially responsible for the slide. Some locals cite a clogged and overflowing storm drain as the landslide’s perceived cause. Regardless of the reason, there may be more concerning landslide activity soon.

October 25, 2023
Reforming California’s Campsite Reservation System: Insights on Assembly Bill 618
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Securing a campsite reservation in a California state park or beach is akin to snagging a rare golden ticket. Many camping enthusiasts can attest to the frustrating experience of seeing available slots vanish mere moments after being made available.

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

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

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

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

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

AB 618 elaborates on its guidelines:
1. Seasonal Cap: During the peak camping season, which spans Memorial Day and Labor Day, individuals can reserve a spot for a maximum of seven consecutive nights. Annually, any one person is restricted to a 30-day total.
2. Penalties for Consistent No-Shows: Users who consecutively miss three reservations without prior intimation face a year-long ban from the state’s online reservation portal.
3. Financial Consequences: There’s a cost to inaction or late decisions. If someone cancels between two to six days before their slated date, they lose the equivalent of one night’s charge. Worse still, canceling within a day or failing to show up means forfeiting the entire reservation amount.
4. Reminders & Refund Timelines: Reservists receive two email reminders detailing the cancellation windows that qualify for a refund.
5. Quick Turnaround for Canceled Reservations: In the event of cancellations, the bill mandates that the now-available slots be promptly listed online within three days, allowing others a shot at the reservation.
Through Assembly Bill 618, California seeks a fairer and more efficient campsite reservation system. By curtailing opportunistic booking and promoting responsibility, the state hopes to ensure more nature enthusiasts can revel in its scenic parks and beaches.
October 20, 2023
Boost in Homeownership: Understanding California’s ADU-to-Condo Bill, AB 1033
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In a shift from the norm, California homeowners can now transition from renting out Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – commonly known as “granny flats” – to selling them in the style of condominiums, thanks to the newly passed Assembly Bill 1033.

Spanning a range of styles from converted garages to tiny standalone homes in backyards or even unused sections of a primary house, ADUs have been a significant part of California’s housing landscape. This legislative move, introduced by Assemblyman Phil Ting from San Francisco, aims to foster homeownership opportunities.

For this system to come into play, however, local governments must actively choose to adopt the ADU-as-condominium model.

Here’s a breakdown of how it operates in cities that embrace this initiative:
1. Utility Notification: As with any new condo establishment, those constructing ADUs must inform local utility providers, which includes services such as water, gas, electricity, and sewerage.
2. Formation of a Homeowners Association (HOA): A necessary step to assess dues covering communal areas like shared driveways, pools, or rooftops.
3. Separate Property Taxation: The primary residence and the ADU will each have distinct property taxes.
Ting anticipates that, at least initially, these ADUs will predominantly be sold to close acquaintances or family of the property owners. However, as this trend gains traction, the scope of selling ADUs could soon mirror standard real estate practices.

Meredith Stowers, an ADU-focused loan officer at CrossCountry Mortgage in San Diego, perceives this as a win-win situation for existing homeowners and potential new buyers. She notes that many homeowners, especially retirees on limited incomes, can utilize this to bolster their financial status. Not only does it provide retirees an avenue to maximize the equity of their property, but it also presents younger families with a feasible entry point into the housing market.

Highlighting a prevalent dilemma, Stowers explained that many retirees find it economically unsound to relocate to a smaller residence after years of accruing high-rate loan modifications. But this legislation offers them a novel solution: construct an ADU, move into it, and potentially put their primary house up for sale.

Such an approach to ADUs isn’t unprecedented. In 2019, after deregulating ADU construction constraints, Seattle saw a fourfold surge in ADU permits from the previous year. A March report revealed that Seattle granted permits for both attached and detached ADUs, with a noteworthy portion being multi-ADU sites or new single-family property developments.

In Seattle, for example, detached ADUs or “backyard cottages” spanning over 1,000 square feet were reportedly sold for figures ranging from $500,000 to $800,000.

This progression, mirrored in other states like Oregon and Texas, signifies a promising direction for California’s housing landscape, potentially revolutionizing how homeowners and buyers perceive and deal with ADUs.
October 19, 2023
Loss and Fear: LA’s Jewish Community Grapples with Conflict in Israel

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Upon leaving the theater with her daughter on a seemingly ordinary Saturday evening, Sharon Farber was met with an onslaught of frantic messages. The alerts were from her sister in Israel, detailing how their family had taken refuge in bomb shelters amidst a sudden attack.

The distance felt excruciating. Farber, a renowned film composer and the musical head of Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts felt trapped in an abyss of anxiety, constantly refreshing news feeds and calling loved ones.

Many shared her despair in Los Angeles, where the Jewish community stands as one of the most significant outside of Israel. The weekend, which should have been filled with joyous celebrations for the Simchat Torah holiday, became a sad reflection of the violence thousands of miles away.

By Sunday, reports highlighted the grave extent of the assault, with casualties exceeding 1,100 Israelis and Palestinians. The violence wasn’t just a number for Farber; among the deceased was the child of a dear friend. She lamented, “Such vast devastation in such a compact area means everyone knows someone affected.”

The anticipation of the holiday was disrupted. The usually vibrant streets of the Pico-Robertson area, typically closed for festive celebrations, took on a solemn atmosphere. Rebecca Wizman, a resident, expressed her grief, noting that what was supposed to be the year’s happiest day had been overshadowed by tragedy.

The absence of technology due to holiday observance intensified the angst. Many, including Wizman, awaited the sunset on Sunday with trepidation, dreading the updates they would find once they could access their devices.

Rabbi David Baron from the Beverly Hills Temple drew parallels between the unfolding events and the horrors of 9/11. Conversations with relatives and friends in Israel emphasized the unprecedented magnitude of the assault.

Yossie Ziff’s return to LA from Modi’in in Israel took a tragic turn as news of the attacks reached him. While the synagogue service was a testament to resilience and hope, the atmosphere was tinged with pain and sorrow. Ziff, amidst his tears, was determined to find joy in the holiday.

Yet, not all could find that strength. Nathan Pazooky, a young attendee, voiced the internal struggle many faced, torn between their duty to celebrate and the overwhelming heartache of the current events.

Beyond the Jewish community, the aftershocks of the conflict were palpable. In Anaheim’s Little Arabia, Aref Mohammad’s constant check-ins with his family in Gaza echoed the universal fear for loved ones. Nazeeh, a Palestinian diner, commented on the long-standing conflict, emphasizing the tragedy on both sides.

Reflecting outside the Chabad Persian Youth Center, Jay Israel captured the essence of the collective heartbreak. He grieved for the innocent lives lost, underscoring that in war, the civilians always bear the brunt of leadership decisions.

In times of crisis, communities globally, irrespective of distance, feel a profound sense of unity, empathy, and shared sorrow. The events in Israel were a stark reminder of the fragile nature of peace and the universal desire for harmony.

October 18, 2023
Kaiser Healthcare Professionals Commence a Three-Day Strike

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In a historic move, Kaiser Permanente healthcare professionals in Southern California initiated a three-day strike following the failure to produce an agreement amid contract negotiations. Notably the largest in United States history, the strike started at 3 a.m. on the East Coast, with strikers throughout Southern California joining at 6 a.m. The strike is led by the union representing nationwide Kaiser employees.

Before the strike, a Kaiser spokesman provided insight into the ongoing talks, with Kaiser claiming several agreements with the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente unions had been reached regarding specific provisions. After declaring a commitment to around-the-clock attention toward achieving a fair deal, Kaiser’s newer statements about negotiations claim the coalition union representatives and Kaiser Permanente management are still at the bargaining table. According to a report from Kaiser’s Senior Media Relations Specialist Terry Kankari, the two entities have worked tirelessly to reach an agreement that offers robust employee benefits.

Just days before the strike, Kaiser officials expressed that a strike was neither inevitable nor justified. They laid out their goal to reach an agreement that ultimately strengthens Kaiser Permanente as a quality workplace with reliably efficient, affordable, and accessible care for members. Despite these statements, the union remained prepared to take action after failed contract talks and maintained picketing plans, which commenced Wednesday at several Kaiser locations statewide.

Unionized Workforce’s Grievances

Throughout California and several states, 75,000 Kaiser Workers are expected to band together and make their voice heard, expressing that Kaiser Executives are refusing to listen to the needs of employees suffering from Kaiser’s short-staffing crisis. Employees suggest Kaiser Executives are bargaining in bad faith and failing to deliver substantial solutions. Kaiser employees have been disheartened by the burnout of single-handedly taking on the roles of several people. At the same time, their patients suffer and become frustrated when healthcare professionals have to rush them and hurry to the next patient. Desiring to give patients the attention and care they need, Kaiser employees are demanding the short-staffing crisis be adequately addressed.

The picketing locations are set to expand all across California, with the union reporting that additional pickets will be set up at Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and Orange County Kaiser facilities. Within the United States, the union coalition reports additional picketing will occur in Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Kaiser facilities. The strike consists of numerous workers across various practices in the healthcare field, including licensed vocational nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technicians, behavioral health workers, surgical, radiology, pharmacy technicians, medical assistants, emergency department technicians, ultrasound sonographers, teleservice representatives, and many more.

Accusations Against Kaiser Permanente

Along with inefficient efforts to maintain necessary staffing levels, Kaiser Permanente has been accused of cutting employees’ performance bonuses, failing to protect against subcontractors, and not offering wages that reflect inflation. Kaiser denied allegations of slashing performance bonuses and raising members’ premiums while also claiming to provide wage increases across the board. As the historic strike unfolds, it brings to the forefront the challenges in reaching a consensus between healthcare providers and the workforce advocating for better working conditions and patient care.

October 13, 2023
Los Angeles Turns to AI for Early Detection and Aid for Potential Homelessness

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For Dulce Volantin, a single phone call can change lives; that call was a lifeline she didn’t see coming. Dulce and her partner, Valarie Zayas, lived close to Venice Beach in Los Angeles, a small place unlike the fancy LA homes most people think of. Their story is one of romance emerging from turbulent backgrounds. They had a touching story of finding love after facing many challenges, including dealing with gangs. Dulce had mental health problems, and Valarie was trying hard to find a job. They were apprehensive about becoming homeless.

However, a call from the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services offered a glimmer of hope. This was no ordinary check-in. Instead, Los Angeles was planning a groundbreaking strategy to tackle homelessness by forecasting it through the power of artificial intelligence (AI).

Dana Vanderford, spearheading the Homelessness Prevention unit, likens the situation to a “bucket with a hole in it.” While the existing measures help refill the bucket, the underlying problems remain unaddressed, causing it to keep draining.

The introduction of the AI program aims to seal that leak. It’s an ambitious venture. Collating data from numerous county agencies, from emergency room stats to sign-ups for food aid, the program employs machine learning to generate a list of individuals on the brink of losing their homes.

Bridging Technology and Human Touch in Homelessness Prevention

But data is just the starting point. Humanity fills in the gaps. Elizabeth Juarez, one of the 16 dedicated case managers, understands that while AI can hint at potential homelessness, it takes a human touch to convert these leads into tangible help. This task isn’t straightforward; many are skeptical or have already succumbed to despair by the time they’re reached.

When Juarez finally connects, she doesn’t just offer assistance—she paints a future where $4,000 to $6,000 will fend off impending instability. Whether paying off payday loan debts, providing e-bikes, or ensuring food is on the table, the goal is holistic well-being.

Ricky Brown’s journey is a good example. At 65, Ricky’s already unstable financial position was thrown into turmoil when he unexpectedly became the sole guardian of his three grandsons following the sudden death of his ex-wife. The burden of added responsibilities made his modest apartment in LA’s Crenshaw district feel overwhelmingly cramped. Fred Theus, a county case manager, stepped in to weave a support system for Ricky and his family, showing that the direst situations can be averted with the proper assistance. Despite the complexities and the constant race against time, Fred stands as Ricky’s beacon of hope in challenging times.

The Promise and Future of AI-Driven Homelessness Prevention

This AI-driven program, now two years into its implementation, has already helped over 560 individuals. Many have managed to retain their homes, indicating the initiative’s promise. But its real success lies not just in the present but in the longevity of its impact. Plans for a comprehensive randomized control trial Nanaimo objectively assesses the program’s efficacy by comparing participant outcomes against non-participants.

Janey Rountree of the California Policy Lab at UCLA emphasizes the need for discernment. “When millions seem vulnerable, pinpointing the 1% to 2% who might access homelessness is critical,” she explains.

By 2026, we’ll have a clearer picture of the initiative’s long-term efficacy. But even now, LA’s endeavor is setting precedents, with San Diego County gearing up for a similar venture.

Dulce and Valarie’s present circumstances vividly illustrate the transformative potential of this program. They now have a happy home filled with good memories. A special phone call started their journey to a better life. This shows how using technology and caring for people can work together. It’s not just about stopping a bad situation but creating a brighter future for everyone.

October 11, 2023
$15.6 Million Approved to Combat Smash-And-Grab Thefts in Los Angeles County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 6, 2023
San Pedro Soccer Field Scene of Small Plane Crash

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This Monday afternoon was unlike any other at the San Pedro soccer field. Usually filled with the sounds of kids’ laughter and the sight of soccer balls being kicked across the green, the area was filled with the roars of a struggling airplane engine. A small plane crashed into a soccer field.

The people inside the plane, a man roughly in his 40s and a woman in her early 30s, were in serious condition. They were quickly rushed to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. And while the damage was done and the shock lingered heavy in the air, there was a collective sigh of relief, too. No one on the ground was injured, and the crash didn’t become an enormous catastrophe.

Witness J.R. Romero, who was among the crowd, shared the surreal experience, “When I looked up —it was a plane coming down, and it was about a 30-degree angle.”

Minutes before the sudden descent, the pilot’s voice broke through the radio silence, thick with panic. “We have an engine failure. We’re coming into land,” he reported. Another pilot, flying nearby, chimed in on the conversation. He clearly viewed the unexpected landing, confirming the location, “I see them. They’re on the field, right next to the Carson refinery.”

At 12:59 p.m., the scene at 401 W. Westmont Dr. was a flurry of flashing lights and the rush of first responders. Margaret Stewart, Public Information Officer at the Los Angeles Fire Department, detailed the rescue, “The pilot was still inside the plane when we arrived. We had to act quickly to get him out.”

The plane journey began in Torrance. Its intended destination is unknown, but its unexpected and dramatic pause in San Pedro has left an unforgettable mark on the community’s memory. As the news rippled outwards, Supervisor Janice Hahn shared her thoughts and concerns on X (previously known as Twitter). “We have heard that the pilot and a passenger have been transported to the hospital in critical condition. Praying they both survive and grateful that no one on the ground was injured.”

As the shock of the incident begins to fade, life in the communities of San Pedro will gradually return to normal. The familiar and joyous sounds of laughter, cheers, and friendly rivalry will once again fill the air of the soccer field. Children will eagerly run after soccer balls. The everyday hustle will resume, brushing away the remains of the unexpected event that briefly paused the clock of routine activities.

However, the memory of the unexpected plane crash will not quickly fade away. It will silently reside in the back of everyone’s mind. The incident will be a gentle reminder of life’s delicate nature, the unpredictability of each new day, and the invaluable worth of every goal scored on that field. The field will hold stories of games won or lost and a day when life’s unexpectedness was demonstrated, reinforcing the value of cherishing each moment.

October 4, 2023
Lawsuit Targets Los Angeles Over Bass’ Emergency Authority and Homeless Situation

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A lawsuit was filed Monday, September 25th, against the City of Los Angeles over Mayor Karen Bass’ emergency authority over the homelessness crisis. Fix The City, a non-profit organization advocating for responsible urban planning and governance, filed the lawsuit.

Bass declared a state of emergency on homelessness in December 2022, just after being elected. Homelessness has long been a problem in Los Angeles, with rates rising even higher over the past few years. Bass reworked her declaration in July 2023 to authorize her to confiscate property and use it for temporary housing. The statement also allows the suspension of competitive bidding on contracts that last less than a year and issues orders and directives to end the homelessness crisis.

Fix the City’s lawsuit challenges the mayor’s use of emergency powers. The organization claimed the mayor’s declaration allowed her to “overstep her authority by wielding emergency powers that stretch beyond their intended scope.” Their information continued, “The mayor can unilaterally execute contracts, suspect competitive bidding laws, issue new rules, orders, and regulations that take effect immediately, and commandeer property — all without any due process, any requirement of public hearings or public involvement of any kind including the city’s neighborhood councils.”

Fix the City acknowledged that homelessness is a problem in Los Angeles but asserted that it should be addressed through legal and transparent channels. They cited the 2015 declared shelter crisis as an example of using proper channels to address homelessness. Their statement read, “We take no issue with the declaration of a crisis of homelessness provided that such a declaration does not deprive the public of its rights.”

This is not the first time Fix the City has been involved in lawsuits against the City of Los Angeles. The organization has a history of filing suits for laws and developments surrounding creating affordable housing and public transportation. Los Angeles has attempted to solve the lack of affordable housing and limited access to public transportation over the past decade. Fix the City has previously filed lawsuits against L.A. City’s mobility plan, L.A.’s Transit Oriented Communities Affordable Housing Incentives, housing developments in Hollywood and Koreatown, and attempted to block updates to L.A.’s Hollywood Community Plan. These developments aim to solve the homelessness emergency and ease traffic congestion in Los Angeles.

Public transportation and homelessness in Los Angeles go hand-in-hand. The City is currently nearly impossible to navigate without a car, making it almost impossible to keep a job without owning a car. Housing prices have skyrocketed within the past few years, and many Los Angeles residents struggle to pay rent and keep up with car payments and maintenance. Access to better and more reliable public transportation would be transformative for the City and its residents.

Bass’ office has not yet commented on the filing of the lawsuit. According to the Los Angeles Times, Clara Kruger, a mayoral spokesperson, said, “The complaint was just filed, and we will take time to review it.”

October 3, 2023
Progress on the Los Angeles to Coachella Valley Train Route Remains Steady

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Big news for LA’s commuters and Coachella enthusiasts: The long-awaited passenger rail connecting Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley is making notable progress. Initiated as a response to the region’s booming population, this visionary concept was officially unveiled to the public in 2021 to revolutionize how Southern Californians navigate their vast state. The proposed east-west intercity rail service would connect LA’s Union Station to Coachella Valley’s city of Indio faster and more conveniently.

This transformative rail project, known as the Coachella Valley Rail, is spearheaded by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). Per the commission’s official website, the RCTC hopes the rail line will address the growing need for better connectivity in the region due to the significant growth experienced in the Coachella Valley over the past few years. The project aims to provide an efficient transportation solution for Southern California, connecting counties like Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside.

The project recently saw a pivotal achievement, with the RCTC certifying the Tier 1 Program-Level Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report in July 2022. This paves the way for a more in-depth Tier 2 analysis, focusing on specifics like station locations and essential infrastructure improvements.

As of now, funding is the RCTC’s priority. Department officials say the forthcoming phase has a $60 million price tag. RCTC locked in $23 million for the Tier 2 EIS/EIR. An additional $20 million could come from the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program. Additionally, Congressmember Ken Calvert, representing California’s 41st district, spanning Riverside County and cities from Corona to Palm Springs, has championed the cause with a proposed $5 million boost.

The state has also been supportive of the project. So far, $40 million has been acquired from various state channels. While a final tally for the project’s construction costs remains uncertain, early indicators suggest the figure could surpass the $1 billion mark.

Costs aside, the emphasis is on the project’s potential impact on Southern California’s broader goals. “The service would provide game-changing access to jobs and education centers while reducing vehicle miles traveled and combating climate change and air pollution,” officials note. “The rail service would also significantly expand economic opportunities by opening travel to restaurants, resorts, music festivals, sports facilities, and commercial and retail centers.”

Plus, the Coachella Valley Rail is set to be a part of Amtrak’s broader Tucson-Los Angeles corridor, linking passengers nationwide. “The Tucson-Phoenix-Los Angeles corridor would connect passengers to Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, and Texas Eagle routes, broadening travel opportunities nationwide,” the RCTC officials explain. Considering its expansive scope, the proposed project is a matter of state and national interest, a fact the Commission hopes will elicit more support.

As with any long-term infrastructure project, citizens are urged to curb their enthusiasm for now. Even with rapid resource mobilization, it may take ten or more years to complete the project. However, the RCTC and its state and federal partners are tirelessly exploring funding options to expedite the process. For more information, the RCTC website has the latest real-time updates on recent developments and announcements.

September 28, 2023
Los Angeles Opens Applications for Urgent Rent Assistance Scheme
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On Tuesday, the City of Los Angeles is launching a program to provide financial assistance to low-income renters at risk of homelessness. The Emergency Renters Assistance Program is designed to provide relief for those who have been unable to afford rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic or other hardships. The new rental assistance program is funded through the United to House Los Angeles (ULA) measure, which uses sales tax revenue to support qualifying individuals. Eligibility for the new program will be determined by whether a household was obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling and meets all requirements.

Through Measure, ULA funds, often referred to as the “mansion tax,” renters are encouraged to utilize the application period and apply online at housing.lacity.org or call 888-379-3150 anytime M-F between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The program will provide qualified people with up to six months of rent assistance. Residents of Los Angeles will be eligible for assistance under the following requirements as presented by the LA Housing Department:
- All applicants must be residents of Los Angeles, irrespective of immigration status. Visit neighborhoodla.org to verify if you reside within city limits.
- One or more household residents must have been subjected to unemployment, incurred substantial expenses, suffered a reduction in household income, or experienced other financial hardship between March 2020 and the present.
- Applicants must have unpaid rent owed to their current landlord for one or more months from April 2020 to the present.
- The applicants’ household income must be 80% or less of Area Median Income (AMI).
As part of the program’s launch, the general manager of the LA Housing Department, Ann Sewill, will be hosting a virtual news conference to provide further details and answer questions. All services and programs funded through Measure ULA will support qualifying Angelenos requiring help paying back rent.

Measure ULA, or the “mansion tax,” is a sales of 4% on properties over $5 million and a sales tax of 5.5% on properties over $10 million. All revenue from Measure ULA is collected and embarked for building more affordable housing units and renter protections, such as eviction defense and rental assistance programs. As outlined by Measure ULA, A $150 million plan was front-funded by the LA City Council in August to support affordable housing and fund tenant protections.

The LA Housing Department is set to launch the Emergency Renters Assistance Program because many Los Angeles residents currently face eviction because they are working to pay back rent. While there were tenant protections to cover back rent accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to September 2021, those protections ended on August 1. For all rent accrued between October 2021 and January 31, 2023, tenants will have an extended window to February 2024 to pay.

The LA Housing Department will also introduce an online portal to offer financial support for mom-and-pop landlords on October 23. For landlords who own 12 or fewer units, the LA Housing Department requires them to apply with the city.
September 28, 2023