Category: News

May 17th Named “Shohei Othani Day” in Los Angeles

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As per a recent announcement, May 17th will now be known as Shohei Othani Day in Los Angeles. The Dodgers superstar has been given this award due to his gravitational pull as baseball’s biggest name and one of the most intriguing talents in MLB history.

Othani, 29, left the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last winter in free agency to sign with the premier Los Angeles team, the Dodgers, forming the final piece of an star-studded roster featuring an essential lineup of all stars with multiple different MVPs on the roster also.

In typical Othani fashion, he brought his A-game after celebrating his day. He crushed a home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Frankie Montas in a 7-3 win for the Dodgers, capping off an excellent day for them, and one Angels fans probably will find it bittersweet.

Othani had a ton of suitors this offseason as the man who most would view as the best player in the MLB due to his two-way style, being both a high-level starting pitcher and having one of the best bats in baseball. Even though Othani will not be pitching this season due to an elbow injury, he is still one of the most valuable assets in the league due to his insane power. Many figured that the most likely scenario would be that one that did happen: he would stay in Los Angeles with the twist of still leaving the Angels for the Dodgers. The city almost lost their second most gravitating star, though, only trailing LeBron James, to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Photo by MLB

It feels as though Othani was always meant to play for Los Angeles. His signing with the MLB sparked immense interest once the news broke, especially considering he began his career in his native Japan. He could be considered the most hyped-up overseas prospect in history. Many teams worked very hard for his services before he chose the Los Angeles Angels over many teams, specifically the New York Yankees, mainly due to his desire to be on the west coast of the USA. It was one of the reasons why expecting him to leave California for Canada always felt peculiar to many insiders.

Othani has done more than just helping his team win through his on-field services, however. He also enticed fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yammamoto to sign with the Dodgers despite his many suitors, once again mainly the New York Yankees.

Othani’s career with the Dodgers has not come without some controversy, though. Before the season even fully began, Othani’s interpreter and best friend Ippei Mizuhara was arrested and put on trial for allegedly stealing millions from Othani to pay off gambling losses by illegally wiring money from Othani’s bank account into his own. This became a major scandal, and people still believe that Mizuhara is taking the hit for Othani, who may have made the bets, though all signs point to this being on Mizuhara.

Othani is locked up with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the next ten years of his career, so he’ll need to sign a new deal to pull his career into his 40s.

May 22, 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
First Grade Student From Long Beach Selected as NASA STEM Semi-Finalist

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Of more than 1,700 entries submitted to NASA’s “Power to Explore Student Challenge,” only 45 were selected for the student semi-final round. One of those students is 6-year-old Kiki Leone of Long Beach. A first grader at Emerson Elementary School, located on Long Beach’s eastside, Kiki submitted an essay that discussed the exploration of a lake located on Titan, one of the more talked-about moons of Saturn.

“I’m super proud of her,” said Kiki’s father, Mario Leone. “It’s the beginning of the future.”

NASA’s “Power to Explore” STEM Contest

“Welcome to my spacecraft Chicken-fly,” wrote Kiki. “My spacecraft is powered by NASA’s radioisotope power systems. It’s a nuclear battery that can last for 14+ years.”

The focus on the Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) is built into the contest. The so-called “Nuclear Battery” has been used in some of NASA’s most significant projects, including space missions. The contest asked participants to write about how the power systems could serve in missions that reach for the most extreme environments in the solar system.

As a semi-finalist, Kiki has already won a prize pack from the NASA RPS project offices, which is funding the contest. Over four thousand participants received invitations to a “Power Up” virtual event, where they learned about NASA’s work from RPS Program Manager Carl Sandifer, Kim Rink of NASA’s JPL Lab, and Nicola Fox of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

The contest is split into multiple age groups, with winners, finalists, and semi-finalists chosen for a grade K-4 division, a grade 5-8 division, and a grade 9-12 division. Fifteen semi-finalists were selected for each category. The previous year’s K-4 winner, Jason Pollack (nine years old at the time), wrote about exploring the seas on Europa, which included drilling a hole through the icy surface and dropping a mini-submarine into the deep ocean. He hoped to find life in the alien ocean.

Taking Inspiration from the Coming Totality

Kristin Jansen of NASA said, “As we’re coming into the totality of the eclipse, we wanted to highlight that when sunlight is not available, there are other options.” Kristin went on to say that Kiki’s essay featured standout creativity. “Entries like Kiki’s give NASA hope for the future if she wants to continue to do this.”

The finalists will be announced on April 8, coinciding with NASA’s broadcast of the total eclipse. The eclipse will reach its totality between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. CDT, with prime viewing spots near major metropolitan areas, including San Antonio, Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.

An Introduction to the Artemis Generation

“It has been so exciting to see how many students across the nation have submitted essays to NASA’s Power to Explore Challenge,” said Carl Sandifer in a statement published on NASA’s RPS website. “We have been thrilled to read their creative RPS-powered mission concepts and have been inspired learning about their many ‘superpowers’ that make them the bright future of NASA—the Artemis Generation.”

Sandifer’s reference to Artemis refers to NASA’s next-generation space exploration goals, which involve constructing moon habitats for long-term exploration and scientific work.

May 3, 2024
Frustrated LA Boutique Owner Uses Social Media to Find Shoplifters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 2, 2024
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
Chris Pratt Faces Backlash Over Demolishing Historic LA Home

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Actor Chris Pratt and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, face backlash after tearing down a historic Los Angeles home to build a new house for their growing family. The couple purchased the landmark Zimmerman House for $12.5 million early last year.

According to the Robb Report, Pratt and Schwarzenegger submitted a proposal to tear down the Zimmerman House and rebuild it shortly after purchasing the property. Their plans included a complete overhaul of the original structure, which caused outrage from architecture enthusiasts and conservationists. The new home will be designed by Ken Ungar, an LA-based architect known for his farmhouse style. It will feature two stories, a backyard swimming pool, and a pool house.

The original Zimmerman House is a one-story mid-century building that spans nearly 3,000 square feet. Emiel Becksy designed it while working in Craig Ellwood’s office, and it was initially constructed in 1950. After learning about Pratt and Schwarzenegger’s plans, the Los Angeles Conservancy called it a “noteworthy example of Modernist design from this era” in an Instagram post. Others also took to social media to express their disappointment with the couple’s decision to demolish the house.

“Unbelievable the notoriously onerous City of LA [that] doesn’t allow anyone to do anything that makes actual sense,” realtor Julie Chang wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “allowed this mid-century modern house to be TORN DOWN.”

Designer David Hill also commented on X, writing, “It’s sad to see icons of modernism needlessly destroyed by insensitive McMansion seekers.”

While this is the first time Pratt and Schwarzenegger have been in hot water for their real estate decisions, it is not the first time the couple has caused controversy. Pratt, best known for his roles in Parks and Recreation and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, went through a highly public and somewhat criticized divorce with ex-wife Anna Faris in 2017 after eight years of marriage. The couple shares an eleven-year-old son, Jack. Pratt and Schwarzenegger’s relationship began in 2018, and the couple announced their engagement in 2019. They share two children, three-year-old Lyla Marie, and one-year-old Eloise Christina. Pratt is known for speaking about his strong religious views.

Katherine Schwarzenegger is the oldest child of famed actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver. She published her first book, Rock What You’ve Got: Secrets to Loving Your Inner and Outer Beauty from Someone Who’s Been There and Back, about body image in 2010. As someone who grew up in the public eye, Schwarzenegger felt that her journey with body image issues could help guide other young women with similar problems. Her second book, I Just Graduated . . . Now What?, a survival guide for recent grads based on Schwarzenegger’s experiences at the University of Southern California, was published in 2014.

Since Schwarzenegger has branched out into children’s literature, Maverick and Me tells how Schwarzenegger adopted her dog, Maverick. Her latest work, The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable, is a compilation of stories from twenty-two people, including Elizabeth Smart and Tanya Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson.

April 18, 2024
High-Speed Construction Begins on Rail Line From Los Angeles to Las Vegas

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Construction is set to begin on Brightline West, a high-speed rail line connecting Southern California and Las Vegas. The $12 billion project will span 218 miles, linking a terminal in Ranch Cucamonga to a station just south of Las Vegas. The future-focused initiative is projected to bring significant benefits to both sides, including creating 35 thousand jobs, reducing over 400 thousand tons of carbon emissions per year, and bolstering tourism.

Genesis of the Project: How to Build a Better Train

The inception of the Brightline West High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail project traces back to January 2024, when it received a significant financial boost with the approval of $2.5 billion in bonds from the US Department of Transportation. Spearheaded by Brightline, this pioneering endeavor garnered widespread support as a beacon of progress in modern transportation infrastructure. Championed by US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the initiative embodies the Biden administration’s commitment to sustainable, efficient transportation solutions.

“President Biden’s historic infrastructure package gives us the opportunity to build safe, green, and accessible rail systems,” said Buttigieg in a January statement, “That will deliver benefits to the American people for generations to come.”

Objectives and Vision: The First Step of Something Greater

The overarching goal of the Brightline West project is to establish an environmentally friendly, rapid transit system that redefines connectivity between major metropolitan hubs. By offering a swift alternative to conventional travel methods, Brightline West aspires to catalyze economic growth, enhance regional accessibility, and set a precedent for future high-speed rail endeavors nationwide.

In a January statement, Wes Edens, the Founder and Chairman of Brightline, emphasized the significance of the Brightline West project, stating that it represents the inaugural accurate high-speed rail system in the United States. He highlighted its potential to set a precedent for future eco-friendly passenger rail connections nationwide. Edens underscored the substantial public benefits expected from connecting Las Vegas and Southern California, including job creation and enhanced regional economic competitiveness. Expressing gratitude for the Department of Transportation’s support, he affirmed Brightline’s readiness to commence work on the project.

Sustainability in Operation and Construction: A Zero-Emission System

Brightline West is designed to operate as a fully electric, zero-emission system, boasting trains capable of achieving up to 186 mph speeds. Incorporating cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly infrastructure underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship and efficiency. The flagship station in Las Vegas and additional stations in strategic locations such as Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Rancho Cucamonga will be vital hubs facilitating seamless connectivity across Southern California and Nevada.

With the bulk of funding secured and regulatory approvals obtained, Brightline West is ready to break ground in early 2024, with construction slated to start in mid-to-late April. The project has set a goal of achieving operation in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, and it’s currently on track to meet this goal. By leveraging a combination of public-private partnerships and strategic investments, Brightline West is set to start work on the first part of a high-speed rail system, transforming the future of transportation infrastructure in the heart of the US.

April 16, 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
Anaheim Residents Concerned About Disneyland’s Proposed Development Plans

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A proposed $1.9 billion investment to expand Disneyland has created some anxiety in the Anaheim community surrounding the park. At a public forum on Wednesday, April 10, area residents were given their final chance to voice concerns before the Anaheim City Council’s upcoming vote on the project.

Even More of “The Happiest Place on Earth”

Disney’s proposed $1.9 billion investment, which has been called DisneylandForward, targets a 50-acre parking lot near Harbor Boulevard for development. The area would be used for new theme park attractions. The deal also includes the purchase of three public streets by Disney, including Magic Way, which city officials have said is used by as many as ten thousand cars per day. The nearby Hotel District would also be replaced as part of an effort to fill the surrounding area with new hotels and restaurants, as well as entertainment, shopping, and further attractions.

As part of the proposal, Disney must also invest $100 million in the city of Anaheim, money slated for streets, parks, and affordable housing.

Low Wages and High Traffic for Anaheim

In addition to the community members who entered the meeting to voice their concerns, many more protested outside the meeting. Among the community’s concerns was traffic, which has already been a problem for many in the area surrounding the park. The plan proposes bringing as many as 15 million new tourists to the area, as well as creating jobs for 14 thousand more workers. Community members also voiced concern for the low wages of the jobs being created.

Community activists have criticized that only $30 million of the money going to Anaheim will be used for affordable housing. They pointed to a similar project planned for construction near Florida’s Walt Disney World, where $350 million has been set aside for affordable housing.

The Project Impact Report drafted for the proposal agreed that it would cause increased noise, as well as greenhouse gas emissions and other factors that would impact air quality in the surrounding area.

Long-Term Economic Impacts

A Disney-backed study presented potential economic benefits that the expansion could bring over a five-year period, including an additional $30 million in affordable housing, as well as $8 million for area parks and $40 for street upgrades.

“We have been working with the City and our neighbors for over three years and have followed the process the City has laid out for this Project,” wrote Suzi Brown, Disneyland Resort’s Vice President of Communications, in a Thursday email. “It has been thorough and transparent, and we are ready to move forward and need to start planning for our future.”

Anaheim City Spokesman Mike Lyster argued in favor of the idea, saying, “Our city will grow. Our residents deserve good quality services; we need funding for that… Tourism is our primary way to do that.”

The plan is a long-term investment by Disney. While Wednesday represented the last chance that the community had to voice their opinions about the project, the decision will lead to a lengthy period of construction. The DisneylandForward project is meant to be completed over the course of four decades. The vote is set to take place on Tuesday, the 16th of April.

April 10, 2024
Los Angeles to Recreate the Infamous Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience

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Actor Zach Galifianakis is taking on a very different type of project—recreating the infamous Willy Wonka Experience that originated in Glasgow, Scotland. The event went viral online, sparking thousands of memes because of its lackluster planning.

The original event in Scotland was advertised as a “chocolate fantasy like never before,” but when families arrived, they were greeted by a near-empty warehouse with a few props, poorly dressed actors, and a bouncy castle. Parents were outraged and many demanded refunds for the £35 tickets. The police were even called after one of the actors in a creepy costume scared the children.

Galifianakis, who is well-known for his work in comedy films like The Hangover and his acclaimed series Baskets, was inspired to recreate the infamous event to raise money for charity in Los Angeles. The “tongue in cheek” one-off event will take place in a “nondescript warehouse” in Downtown LA on April 8th. Tickets are $44 each—the equivalent of £35—and all proceeds will be donated to a mental health charity. Attendees will also receive two free jelly beans per ticket.

“Step into a world of pure imagination at Willy’s Chocolate Experience Los Angeles as chocolate memes come to life,” is the official description of the event. Kristy Patterson, who became famous online after pictures of her dressed as a “sad oompa loompa” at the event in Scotland went viral, will be the star of the Los Angeles show. She will recreate her role and participate in a Q&A session hosted by Galifianakis and fellow comedian Nathan Fielder. Fielder is known for holding outlandish events in the name of comedy, many of which were featured on his show, Nathan For You, and the HBO series, The Rehearsal.

Patterson, an actress and yoga teacher from Glasgow, was surprised and excited by this opportunity, which she described as a modern-day fairytale. “I didn’t really expect to end up in the USA or to go as big as this because the USA is on a different level. I’ve not been to America before. As a trained actor it’s really exciting for me to go over there,” she told the Daily Record. “I’m doing a lot of meetings and a lot of networking out there. As a trained actress, it’s not an impossibility that I’ll be doing movies.” She hopes to become a presenter for children’s television one day.

Aside from the recreation of the original event and the Q&A, attendees will be treated to DJ sets and film screenings, as well as a meet and greet with Patterson. The event description also claims that “Hollywood heartthrob Timothee Chalamet has expressed interest in attending, further heightening the excitement surrounding this extraordinary event.” Whether this is a ruse is unclear, as both Galifianakis and Fielder are known for this type of humor. Chalamet starred in the recently released film Wonka, a prequel to the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which sparked renewed interest in the story and the original event in Glasgow.

Tickets to The Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA are available on Eventbrite.

April 9, 2024
Thieves in LA Get Away With $30 Million in Cash

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Over the Easter weekend, thieves in Los Angeles executed a daring heist, making off with a staggering $30 million in cash from a money storage facility located in the Sylmar area of the San Fernando Valley. This audacious crime has been marked as one of the largest cash burglaries in the city’s history. The incident has taken both authorities and the public by surprise.

The secret operation by the thieves unfolded without immediate detection. The burglars managed to breach a secure safe within the facility without triggering any alarms. According to a city publication, Elaine Morales, a commander with the Los Angeles Police Department has revealed that the break-in went unnoticed until authorities opened the vault the next day. The theft was meticulously planned to remain undetected until the revelation upon inspection.

Authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Los Angeles Police Department, have launched an extensive investigation into the incident. The strategy behind this incident included gaining access to the facility through the roof, bypassing security measures, and accessing the place where a substantial sum of cash was stored. The nature of the burglary has left investigators struggling to decode the complexities of the case.

As per reports by a local publication, unnamed law enforcement officials suspect that few individuals were privy to the existence of such a large reserve of cash within the facility. This emphasizes the meticulous planning involved in orchestrating the heist. The lack of awareness among a selected few contributed to the successful execution of the burglary, making it one of the most significant cash thefts in Los Angeles so far.

Reports indicate that this theft has surpassed any previous armored car heist in the city, reflecting the scale of the operation. The sizable sum pilfered from the money storage facility also reveals the vulnerability of such establishments to sophisticated criminal endeavors. This has prompted heightened security measures and vigilance within the industry.

This brazen act of burglary is reminiscent of a similar high-profile incident that occurred nearly two years back, where jewels and valuables worth nearly $100 million were stolen from a Brink’s armored truck at a Southern California truck stop. The perpetrators of that audacious robbery serve as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in detaining individuals involved in such elaborate crimes.

As the investigation into the $30 million cash heist continues, authorities remain focused on identifying and apprehending those responsible for orchestrating the meticulously planned operation. The enormity of the stolen sum increases the urgency of apprehending the perpetrators and recovering the stolen funds. It also hints at the pressing need to fortify security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Pondering this unprecedented theft, residents and businesses alike are left reeling, grappling with the audacity and sophistication of the criminals involved. The brazen nature of the heist reminds the ever-present threat posed by organized crime groups and the importance of robust security protocols to safeguard against such nefarious activities.

As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with any information regarding the theft or potential suspects to come forward. This emphasizes the collaborative effort required to bring those responsible to justice and prevent incidents of this magnitude in the future.

April 3, 2024