Category: News

HALA Welcomes New Leadership: Meet the Newly Appointed President and CEO

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

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

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

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

Image credit: Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA)

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

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

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

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

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

March 29, 2024
Traffic Around LAX Could Cause Flight Delays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 26, 2024
Orange County Family Opens Up About How Safe Surrender Changed Their Lives

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A mother’s decision to give up her newborn just hours after she gave birth would change a Tustin, California, family’s life forever.

Just hours after he was born in December 2017, baby Noah was surrendered at Fire Station 21 in Tustin. Firefighter Linda Brown, who was on scene at the time, ensured Noah’s safe surrender when he arrived with his umbilical cord tied with a Christmas ribbon.

The baby’s arrival would be nothing short of miraculous for Javier and Tim Salazar, who both became certified to foster in Orange County two short months before. It was only three days after Noah’s surrender that the Salazars would find themselves presented with the baby boy they would eventually come to call their own.

California’s Safe Surrender Baby Law, which allows parents to legally and safely surrender their baby within 72 hours of birth without questions asked, led to Noah’s arrival with the Salazars. He is one of the 1,341 children who have been surrendered in California since 2001.

Noah’s journey was not an easy one, however. During his first year, he struggled with jaundice, had difficulty eating from a bottle, and experienced other health symptoms. The family states that they had to learn how to do certain things, such as how to hold Noah, and because he couldn’t grasp a bottle well, he needed to be stimulated during feeding time.

However, despite these challenges, the Salazars are grateful to the woman who made Noah’s life possible, who they claim did the “ultimate mother kind of thing” even though she was not ready to be one.

Noah, who is now six, is a big brother to his sister, Kaia, whom the Salazar family adopted in 2018.

The firefighter who facilitated Noah’s arrival has reunited with the child since their first encounter at the fire station. The couple claimed that Brown would forever be ‘Godmother Linda’ and hoped that the mother, wherever she may now be, would feel that she had made the right decision. While they understand that there might not be a day that goes by where she questions if she did or didn’t do the right thing, the Salazar family wants her to know that Noah is okay and that everything she wished for in this situation is coming true.

March 22, 2024
Business Owners Seek Help After Impact of Fire on 10 Freeway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 20, 2024
Debris the Size of a School Bus Washes Ashore in Long Beach

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What lurks beneath the waves? Long Beach got its answer in a big way on Tuesday when a massive chunk of concrete appeared on the sands near Belmont Pier, captivating locals and visitors alike.

Imagine strolling down the beach, the usual suspects of seashells and seaweed at your feet, when suddenly you’re faced with a six-foot-tall, bus-length monstrosity of stone. This was the reality for Long Beach residents and a crowd of perplexed onlookers who could hardly believe their eyes. “I couldn’t distinguish what it was,” one bystander confessed, echoing the widespread astonishment. Another local was more forthcoming: “It’s really big. Probably bigger than a bus. I’ve never seen anything like it in Long Beach.”

The mystery of this concrete leviathan was as dense as the material itself. While this behemoth of the deep didn’t journey from the abyss, it had a more mundane origin, though its arrival is anything but ordinary. The story begins at Hotel Maya, a picturesque resort-style urban beach known for its stunning waterfront views, not its contributions to marine debris. However, nature had other plans during a fierce storm on February 1st. The storm’s fury unleashed the L.A. River’s waters with such force that it snapped the chains binding a massive concrete dock, setting it adrift.

As the dock embarked on its unintended voyage, speculation was rife among Hotel Maya’s staff. Conventional wisdom suggested it would find a watery grave, succumbing to the depths due to its sheer weight and bulk. The dock defied expectations. Buoyed by the turbulent waters, it journeyed through the ocean’s expanse, traversing approximately five miles before making landfall at Junipero Beach.

While beachgoers are no strangers to the oddities that the ocean coughs up, especially in a place as dynamic as Long Beach, the sight of a concrete colossus resting on the sand was unparalleled.

The community’s response was a mix of curiosity and concern. How did such a significant structure float and end up here? Clean-up crews explained that answers lay in the peculiar physics of storm-driven waters and the unexpected buoyancy of the dock. In short, it is just another layer of Long Beach’s complex relationship with the sea and proof that even the mightiest human-made structures are but playthings in the hands of nature’s caprices.

This isn’t Long Beach’s first rodeo with unexpected debris. Past storms have littered the beach with everything from grocery bags to bamboo, necessitating large-scale clean-up efforts. This time, however, the challenge was not just the volume but the sheer size of the debris. “We’re used to trash and debris washing up… But having a floating dock wash up in such a large chunk was quite a surprise,” shared a witness to the spectacle.

As intriguing as it is, this concrete eyesore is not a permanent fixture. Marine crews estimate a two-week timeline to dismantle the giant before it can be hauled off to a local dump, marking the end of its unlikely journey. In the meantime, it serves as a monument to the power of nature and the unpredictability of the sea, drawing crowds eager to catch a glimpse of Long Beach’s newest, albeit temporary, attraction.

March 19, 2024
Fire Erupts at LA’s Natural History Museum

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Bright and early on March 1st, with not a cloud in sight, the Los Angeles Natural History Museum found itself in an unexpected predicament—a fire had sparked, calling for an all-hands-on-deck response from the city’s bravest. Firefighting teams zipped to the scene, squashing the flames with efficiency and speed.

The scoop from the Los Angeles Fire Department has it that the blaze kicked off just past high noon at the museum, right in the heart of Exposition Park Boulevard. About 40 firefighters leaped into action, taming the firestorm in a brisk twenty-something minutes. This hiccup led to a bit of a scare, leaving behind a smoky trace inside the museum. Nonetheless, a swift evacuation maneuver ensured everyone got out unscathed, without a single visitor or employee hurt. Now, the word is that the cause might be tied to some roofing work—a puzzle piece authorities are piecing together.

Nestled within Exposition Park’s embrace, the Los Angeles Natural History Museum isn’t just another stop on the map. It’s part of Los Angeles County’s trio of natural history jewels, along with the La Brea Tar Pits and the William S. Hart Museum. The park itself is a bustling nexus of learning and cultural vibrancy, playing host to the California Science Center, the California African American Museum, and the legendary Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, famed battleground of UCLA’s football warriors. Amidst this cluster of intellectual and historical heavyweights, the Rose Gardens stand out, offering a serene slice of nature’s art amidst the concrete jungle.

The inception of Exposition Park dates back to 1910, spurred by William Miller Bowen’s initiative to create a space that countered the city’s inclinations toward drinking and gambling. His vision paved the way for the park’s transformation into a vibrant cultural center, a role it proudly continues to fulfill. Opening its doors in 1913, the original Natural History Museum building still serves as a core part of the museum today. It once showcased prehistoric finds from the La Brea Tar Pits, drawing significant attention. Over time, these precious skeletons were relocated to the George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries in Hancock Park. Similarly, the museum’s initial art gallery eventually laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1963.

The Natural History Museum recently underwent extensive renovations designed to preserve the original architecture that took over two years to complete and reopened in 2009. Seismic retrofit was added to the building, and the colorful stained glass skylight that hangs above the Rotunda was expertly restored and strengthened. There has not been any major construction reported on the building since, but the roofing operation that caused last week’s fire seems to indicate that more work is being done on the building.

Although the root of the fire is still unknown, it does not appear to be unsafe to visit the museum. Among the main attractions are Dinosaur Hall featuring more than 300 fossils and 20 mounted skeletons, 3.5 acres of nature gardens, and an ongoing exhibition about the life of P-22, the recently deceased mountain lion that resided in Griffith Park. Special exhibitions, like L.A. Underwater, which explores what the city was like when it was covered by water in prehistoric times, and Scanning Electron Microscope Lab, which shows visitors gems and minerals under high-tech microscopes, are always exciting to experience.

March 15, 2024
Fire Department Honors Certified Wellness Canine

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The Glendale Fire Department and Verdugo Fire Communications honored Cooper, a Goldendoodle puppy, for completing his first year on the job last Monday, March 4. Cooper is the first ever certified wellness canine to reach the one-year milestone.

Cooper has been supporting the fire department’s health and wellness program for the past twelve months, working with employees who have experienced trauma during critical incidents. Dogs have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety while improving morale and motivation in trauma patients. The UCLA Health Department reported elevated mood, lower anxiety, mental stimulation, and lower blood pressure as some of the benefits of spending time with a therapy dog.

Korin Peltier, a dispatcher at Glendale Fire Department Headquarters and Cooper’s handler, told Los Angeles Daily News that the fire department chose a Goldendoodle, “because they are bred for this type of work.” Goldendoodles are also allergy-friendly, which allows Cooper to help as many people as possible. Peltier took Cooper to Fire Station 22 in Glendale on Monday to celebrate his achievement. This weekend, the Glendale Fire Foundation is holding its annual Poker Classic fundraiser to benefit the Wellness K9 program.

“Cooper is here to help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety and to help lower blood pressure and your heart rate,” said department officials. “When (Glendale Fire Department) members see Cooper, their faces light up. He brings joy to everyone he meets and boosts morale.”

Cooper, who will be two years old in May, holds three American Kennel Club certifications and a Therapy Dog certification. Peltier is also trained in peer support and critical incident stress and is certified in psychological first aid and pet first aid.

Heartland Fire and Rescue Department in El Cajon, California was the first fire department in the state to launch a canine therapy program. It launched as a pilot program in 2019 after disturbing statistics about firefighter suicides were released by FEMA. In partnership with K-9 Caring Angeles, an organization based in Virginia, the department acquired Yara, a black labrador retriever, who lives at the fire station. She completed her one-year probation period, marking the program as a success, and was an inspiration for cities like Glendale.

Other fire departments across California have followed suit. The Los Angeles Fire Department also has a thriving Canine Therapy program. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, first responders experience high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety from witnessing tragic incidents. To combat these alarming trends, the LAFD Canine Therapy Program was launched in December 2020. Willow, the department’s current therapy dog, assists all 3,500 members of the department, and the LAFD Foundation is attempting to secure funding for a second therapy dog. Like Cooper, Willow has undergone special training and is dispatched to different fire departments throughout the city with her handler, Chief Takeshita.

Orange County runs a similar program with a three-year-old yellow lab named Pax. Claremont’s fire department therapy dog, Jackson, went viral on TikTok thanks to clips filmed by the fire chief’s daughter. Firefighters and first responders across the state are being comforted by these adorable helpers. Next time a firefighter saves the day, do not forget to thank their dog too.

March 14, 2024
Major Marijuana Bust in South El Monte: 12 Arrested in Warehouse Raid

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In a major move against unlawful cannabis activities, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) swooped in on a warehouse in South El Monte with a large-scale raid, uncovering over 5,500 cannabis plants and roughly 455 pounds of processed cannabis. This operation led to the apprehension of twelve people on charges related to drug offenses, marking a strong statement in the LASD’s continued battle against the illegal cannabis market and its related criminal undertakings in the area.

The operation kicked off with a search warrant for the commercial property, unveiling an elaborate cultivation setup. This raid is part of a wider crackdown by the LASD aimed at illegal cannabis ventures, which, beyond breaking drug laws, are seen as nurturing a spectrum of criminal behavior. Such illegal setups are frequently tied to organized crime networks and pose numerous challenges for communities, from the nuisance of bad smells to attracting crime due to the substantial cash flow involved.

Illegal marijuana cultivation and distribution networks pose a substantial challenge to law enforcement agencies. Such operations are highly lucrative and are often operated by organized crime groups that use the proceeds to fund further illegal activities. By conducting raids and shutting down these operations, the LASD aims to disrupt the supply chain of illegal narcotics, thereby curtailing the financial support of organized crime groups. This, in turn, enhances community safety and well-being by removing a source of criminal activity from neighborhoods.

The LASD’s proactive approach to combating illegal marijuana operations includes conducting between 300 and 600 search warrants a year related to marijuana. This high volume of raids highlights the pervasive nature of illegal marijuana cultivation and distribution in Los Angeles County and the LASD’s commitment to addressing this issue head-on. The department’s efforts are not just about enforcing drug laws but also about protecting communities from the broader implications of these illegal operations.

The impact of raids such as the one in South El Monte extends beyond the immediate disruption of illegal marijuana operations. These actions also serve as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar illegal activities. By demonstrating the consequences of such operations, including arrest and the seizure of property, the LASD sends a clear message that illegal drug operations will not be tolerated.

Moreover, the LASD’s focus on dismantling the networks that fuel organized crime through illegal marijuana operations is a critical component of their broader strategy to enhance public safety. By targeting the financial underpinnings of organized crime groups, law enforcement agencies can weaken these groups’ ability to operate and reduce their impact on communities.

The recent raid in South El Monte demonstrates the LASD’s ongoing efforts to combat the illegal marijuana trade and its associated criminal activities. Through diligent enforcement and strategic operations, the LASD is making significant strides in disrupting the supply chain of illegal narcotics, enhancing community safety, and reducing the influence of organized crime. As the department continues to execute search warrants and conduct raids, it remains committed to protecting the well-being of Los Angeles County residents and upholding the rule of law.

March 13, 2024
California Tries to Recoup $14M in Unpaid Taxes From 10 Cannabis Businesses Through Public Auction

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 6, 2024
Small Businesses Are Feeling the Pressure of Rising Rent and Rapid Development in California

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According to a recent report, long-standing small businesses in modern California may struggle to thrive the way they have in the past.

Whether a current resident, visitor, or small business, California has long been known for being one of the country’s most expensive states, and this became especially true following the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, the Los Angeles Times reported a story highlighting small business owner Karen Kropp and the struggles that have led her to close her bookstore, Book Rack.

L.A. Times reporter Marisa Gerber wrote, “After 40 years — the last half under Kropp’s ownership — the beloved used-book store tucked between a hot pot restaurant and a chiropractor’s office in Arcadia is closing this week.” She continued, “Slowed down by the consumer shift to online shopping and further decimated by cratering sales during the pandemic, the shop held on by a thread in the months since Kropp cashed out her life insurance policy to keep it afloat.”

Gerber also recalled when Kropp would say things such as, “When you’re in a bookstore, you have to be a dreamer,” and the “miracle is coming.”

The L.A. Times report spotlighted the damper on the owner’s sentiments, adding, “But the miracle never came, and Kropp, who turns 79 later this year, knew that even if she couldn’t really afford to, it was time to retire.” According to Gerber, “She [Kropp] plans to live off her monthly Social Security check — around $1,200 after insurance premiums are deducted — and can’t afford to stay in Southern California. Instead, she will move in with her younger sister in Albuquerque once she finishes clearing out the shop.”

“Kropp’s situation mirrors those of many aging small-business owners who, unless they have a relative eager to take over,” the report added, “are faced with complex questions about their legacy and finances.”

Utilizing a tool from the University of Massachusetts Boston, one estimate found that “Someone in Kropp’s situation — a single renter living in L.A. County — needs $2,915 a month to cover their basic necessities,” according to the report.

The director of the retirement security program at the UC Berkeley labor center, Nari Rhee, added that the estimated amount is “basically twice the average Social Security benefit in California.” Rhee continued to remark on how numerous elderly Californians have fallen victim to homelessness and poverty.

After years of working at the bookstore, Kropp purchased it in the 2000s, taking over a business that routinely brought in over $10,000. However, the meteoric rise of Amazon alongside the pandemic changed everything.

Gerber’s report stated, “Then, during the shutdowns, sales dropped to almost zero. Bills still came due, as did the shop’s rent and the fee for a storage unit where she kept overflow books, which together cost about $2,000 a month.” The report continues, “Sales eventually crept back up but never fully recovered; now, she said, it sometimes takes two days before sales hit $200.”

A recent sales analysis from GoBankingRates Found that even a $150,000 annual salary is considered “lower middle class” income in many of California’s high-cost cities.

California’s rent and state policies have been scrutinized by the L.A. Times before, such as when a 40-year-old attorney who moved to Florida from California, Krystal Meyer, was “driven out, she said, by financial pressures, homelessness, and a deep frustration with California’s COVID-19 restrictions.”

Meyer reportedly told the Times, “My salary increases were not outpacing my rental increases… I was losing money every year.” Although Meyer had already been driven out of one area of California following a confrontation with a machete-wielding homeless person, it was California’s response to the coronavirus pandemic that finally forced her to relocate to Florida.

March 5, 2024
City of L.A. Takes Initial Steps Towards Acquiring Graffiti Towers Left Vacant by Chinese Real Estate Company

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Finally, addressed in a bold move made by city officials, the notorious “graffiti towers” blighting downtown Los Angeles are headed towards a revival. Crucial measures have been initiated to reclaim the vacant complex left in disarray by a Chinese real estate company’s financial debacle. Initially intended for a luxurious hotel and condominiums, the sprawling towers stand as a stark reminder of a failed project, now adorned with graffiti and marred by dangerous social media antics.

City crews kicked off the first steps last Friday, focusing on removing scaffolding that had inadvertently facilitated trespassing onto the premises. While initially intended for construction, the protective structure inadvertently became an entry point for vandals and daredevils, leading to heightened concerns about safety and public welfare.

Sergeant Gordon Helper of the local police expressed the urgency of the situation, highlighting the potential risks associated with the towers. The unchecked access to the property has fueled rampant graffiti and given rise to dangerous activities like BASE jumping, a disturbing trend spreading on social media platforms. Helper emphasized the city’s commitment to preventing any harm, emphasizing that they cannot have anybody getting hurt, injured, or facing a fatality and are adamant about avoiding such incidents from happening in the area.

The genesis of the problem lies in the financial woes of China Oceanwide Holdings, the Beijing-based developer behind the ill-fated project. Initially announced in 2015 as a part of the company’s expansive ventures in the U.S., the project encountered setbacks in 2019 when Oceanwide faced a financial crisis. The ambitious venture, meant to house a hotel and luxury condominiums, came to a standstill, ushering in the beginning of the towers’ transformation into the infamous “graffiti towers.”

The extent of vandalism and neglect has recently gained widespread attention, tarnishing the reputation of a high-profile area that encompasses prominent landmarks such as Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Convention Center, and the L.A. Live dining and events complex. City Councilmember Kevin de León, representing the affected area, stressed the need for a developer to salvage the situation. In a recent council meeting, he estimated that acquiring and completing the property would demand a considerable investment of $500 million for purchase and an additional $1.5 billion for completion.

De León, determined to rectify the situation, issued a motion characterizing Oceanwide Plaza as a “black eye on an otherwise vibrant part” of downtown LA. His concerns extend beyond graffiti and daredevil stunts, as reports surfaced of thieves pilfering copper wire from the building. The calculated approach to revitalizing the towers involves addressing the aesthetic issues and the structural and safety problems that have grown in the wake of the development’s abandonment.

Los Angeles continues to take decisive steps to reclaim the graffiti-laden towers, illustrating the perils that can occur when ambitious real estate projects and financial challenges collide. The city’s dedication to restoring order to this high-profile area speaks to the implications of such failed endeavors, urging stakeholders to consider the long-term impact on the urban real estate environment and community well-being when making expansion plans.

February 29, 2024
L.A. Woman Detained in Russia Following Donation to Ukraine Charity

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In late December, Ksenia Karelina, a 33-year-old Los Angeles-based spa aesthetician passionate about ballet, packed her bags, excited about the prospect of reuniting with her family in Yekaterinburg, Russia. This journey wasn’t just a routine visit; it symbolized a bridge between her present life in the United States and her roots in a city nestled east of the Ural Mountains, a place she had bid farewell to more than ten years ago to carve out a new existence in America.

Today, Karelina’s life has taken a dramatic and unforeseen detour. Currently, she is detained in Russia, facing charges of treason. This situation has plunged her family and friends into a state of deep anxiety and drawn sharp criticism from U.S. officials about the growing hazards for Americans in Russia.

The charges against her, as announced by Russia’s primary security agency, are linked to her financial support of a New York-based Ukrainian charity dedicated to aiding Ukraine’s military efforts amidst the prolonged and brutal conflict instigated by Russia’s invasion.

Karelina’s former mother-in-law, Eleonora Srebroski, expressed profound despair over the Russian judicial system, fearing the worst for Karelina under a regime that has tightened its grip on dissent and freedom since the war’s onset. “I don’t have hope for Russian justice. It does not exist,” Srebroski lamented, highlighting the severity of Karelina’s predicament and the bleak outlook for her future.

This distressing episode has elicited a stern warning from the White House, urging U.S. citizens to leave Russia immediately. This advisory, articulated by spokesperson John F. Kirby, underscores the palpable risks faced by Americans, including those holding dual citizenship like Karelina, within Russian borders.

The State Department’s ongoing attempts to secure consular access to Karelina underscore the complexity of her case, complicated by Russia’s stance on dual nationals, who are treated primarily as Russian citizens in legal matters. This stance presents a significant barrier to providing diplomatic assistance and support.

Amidst this international and legal quandary, there’s speculation about the potential use of detained Americans as leverage in diplomatic negotiations, reminiscent of past prisoner exchanges that have seen Americans returned home in exchange for notable Russian figures.

Karelina’s story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of international politics and its profound impact on individual lives. Her transition from a hopeful visitor, eager to reconnect with her roots, to a detainee facing grave charges paints a stark picture of the complexities and dangers of navigating dual citizenship in a politically charged environment.

Her life in the United States, characterized by her artistic pursuits and professional role in the upscale environs of Beverly Hills, starkly contrasts her current reality. This narrative serves as a sobering reflection on the fragile nature of freedom and the perilous intersection of personal and political realms.

As Karelina’s story unfolds, it serves as a vivid illustration of the challenges and risks faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance, advocacy, and international dialogue to protect those whose lives have been altered by forces beyond their control.

February 28, 2024