Tag: la county

LA County to Offer $25 Internet Plans to Low-Income Households

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 14, 2024
LA County Looking for Ways to Help 99 Cents Only Stores Employees

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The announcement of the impending shutdown of all 371 99 Cents Only stores has set the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors into urgent action, aiming to support the thousands of employees about to face job losses. At the forefront is Supervisor Janice Hahn, who is deeply concerned about the workers’ plight and is actively working to ensure the county provides them with the necessary aid during this challenging time.

“The abrupt closure of the 99 Cents Only stores is a huge blow to the loyal employees who’ve invested their time and energy into these outlets,” Hahn stated, her voice laden with empathy. “But I want them to know that Los Angeles County won’t leave them high and dry. We’re committed to standing beside them and offering the support they need to get through this tough period.”

The Board of Supervisors is set to vote on a motion put forth by Hahn, which calls for a comprehensive report from the county’s Economic Opportunity and Consumer and Business Affairs departments. This report, to be delivered within 60 days, will outline the various ways the county can offer financial assistance and other forms of support to the impacted employees. It is a testament to the Board’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of the community during times of crisis.

The announcement of the closures, which came from the Commerce-based operators of the stores on Thursday, sent shockwaves through the communities served by the 99 Cents Only stores across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. Interim CEO Mike Simoncic expressed the profound difficulty of the decision, citing the numerous challenges the company has faced in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting consumer demands, and economic pressures.

As liquidation sales began on Friday, marking the end of an era for the company that has been a fixture in the community since 1982, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of Mark J. Miller, a former president of Big Lots and the original Pic ‘N’ Save brand. Miller has expressed his intention to assemble a group of investors, including former 99 Cents Store executives, to explore the possibility of acquiring the 143 Southern California stores. His plan involves temporarily closing the stores after the going-out-of-business sales conclude and then reopening them with a renewed focus on the “treasure hunt” experience that made the stores so beloved by customers.

While the fate of the 99 Cents Only stores remains uncertain, the unwavering support from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors serves as a beacon of hope for the affected employees. The forthcoming report will provide a roadmap for the county to offer tangible assistance, both in the short-term and long-term, enabling these workers to weather the storm and secure new employment opportunities.

The closure of the 99 Cents Only stores is not just a loss for the employees but also for the communities they have served for decades. These stores have been more than a place to find affordable goods; they have been a part of the fabric of the neighborhoods, offering a unique shopping experience and fostering a sense of community.

April 11, 2024
LA County Is Home to Some of the Top Ramen Spots in America

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If there’s one thing Los Angeles does better than almost anywhere else, it’s ramen. This Japanese soul food has taken Southern California by storm, with ramen-yas (ramen shops) firing up their burners from Downtown to the Valley. A recent Yelp survey solidifies LA County’s ramen reign, ranking over a dozen local spots among the top ramen restaurants in the entire state.

LA’s deep Japanese roots and insatiable appetite for culinary innovation set the stage for this ramen renaissance. From traditional tonkotsu broths simmered for days to imaginative fusion spins, the repertoire is vast. The ramen scene reflects the city’s incredible diversity, allowing ramen lovers to enjoy an authentic Tokyo-style bowl one night and a vegan mazemen the next. Ramenists can hopscotch from classic pork-based tonkotsu to unconventional chicken or seafood renditions without leaving their zip code.

Leading the pack at #1 is Susuru Ramen Bar, a “hidden gem” drawing rave reviews for its pork-bone tonkotsu adorned with pork belly chashu, perfectly seasoned wood ears, and a velvety ajitsuke tamago. Over in Highland, the #4 spot belongs to RamenKoko, where the chefs labor over their tonkotsu for over 28 hours to achieve a depth of flavor that can’t be rushed. Customization is king here, with veggie and vegan options alongside premium add-ons like chashu pork belly.

Santa Clarita’s Sen Noodle House (#6) earns kudos not just for its ramen, but also for its exceptional service guiding diners through the dizzying menu. First-timers can explore regional ramen varieties from around Japan with the staff’s friendly expertise. Culver City’s Moto Ramen (#8) is a standout for starters like the crispy chicken karaage and addictive pan-fried gyoza. And in Sherman Oaks, Umigame Japanese Kitchen (#10) is a destination for the unusually lush, deeply savory black tonkotsu ramen made with an intense triple-garlic oil.

Beyond exemplary broths, LA ramen-yas excel at the total ramen experience. At Pisces Poke & Ramen (#11), stylish diners slurp amidst tropical-themed decor and nosh on signature poke bowls. And Iki Ramen (#13) channels a hip, underground izakaya vibe with inventive offerings like its decadent A5 Wagyu mazemen and indulgent uni mazemen starring fresh sea urchins.

From mom-and-pop shops to ramen empires, the county’s top artisans are drawing global accolades—and hungry slurpers willing to endure long waits for their coveted bowls. Ramen hunters flock to Kaiba Japanese Ramen Sushi & Grill (#14) in Pasadena for the spicy miso ramen and fresh sushi made with a deft hand. In West LA, Mogu Mogu (#15) has achieved cult status for its broth-less “mixing” mazemen that diners prepare tableside per the chef’s instructions. And Suban Sushi & Ramen (#16) in Canoga Park garners praise for its creamy signature suban ramen and crispy rice appetizers.

With new ramen concepts constantly emerging alongside longstanding favorites, LA’s love affair with ramen shows no signs of fading. Case in point: the highly anticipated Hokkaido Ramen Festival coming to LA April 19-21, 2024. This three-day celebration will feature ramen makers from the ramen capital of Hokkaido, Japan showcasing their regional styles and specialties. Upcoming ramen festivals and pop-ups like these will undoubtedly continue to stoke the flames. This enduring love affair is a delicious reminder that in the ramen capital of America, there’s always room for one more slurp.

April 2, 2024
CARE Court Opens in LA County to Help Homeless with Mental Illness

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Los Angeles County has recently inaugurated the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court, a pioneering initiative targeting the escalating crisis of homelessness and mental illness. This state-sanctioned program, which is operational as of this Friday, empowers individuals, including family members, first responders, and healthcare professionals, to seek court-mandated treatment and housing for those grappling with severe mental illnesses, notably schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. This move places LA County alongside seven other California counties already implementing the CARE Act program.

CARE Court’s introduction marks a significant stride forward, arriving a year earlier than originally planned. County officials are hailing it as an instrumental mechanism in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with severe mental health conditions, particularly those without shelter. Supervisor Janice Hahn highlighted the plight of families struggling to secure aid for loved ones with severe mental illnesses and underscored the prevalence of schizophrenia among the homeless. She lauded CARE Court as a long-needed solution in LA County, offering support for both those suffering and their families, who have historically had limited options.

Under the CARE Court framework, which received state legislature approval last year, individuals eligible for intervention must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed with schizophrenia or similar disorders, not stabilized in ongoing treatment, and in a state of substantial mental health deterioration. The program is designed to provide comprehensive support, including mental health care and housing, for up to two years, with periodic reviews to monitor progress.

A key aspect of CARE Court is its voluntary nature. Participants are offered legal representation and are free to opt out of services, including medication, without any civil or criminal repercussions. This voluntary approach, however, has drawn some criticism, particularly concerning the potential for involuntary conservatorships for those who either refuse or fail to engage successfully in the program. Proponents, however, argue that CARE Court offers a critical lifeline, preventing individuals from further descending into mental illness and the dangers of street life.

The program’s transparency and accessibility are bolstered by a newly launched website by the Los Angeles Superior Court. This online resource provides comprehensive information about CARE Court, including eligibility criteria and the petition process, aiming to make the system navigable for those seeking help for themselves or others.

Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner praised the collaborative effort that enabled the early launch of CARE Court. She emphasized the court’s role in maximizing judicial expertise to support individuals with mental health disorders and fostering an environment where they can thrive and lead stable lives. Initially, CARE Court proceedings will take place at the Norwalk Courthouse, with plans to move to a more central location in the future, further enhancing the program’s accessibility and impact in addressing mental health and homelessness crises in LA County.

December 13, 2023
Office of Food Equity Is Established in LA County

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In a groundbreaking decision, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors gave a nod to the creation of the Office of Food Equity on Tuesday, November 7. It is a strategic move considering the ongoing battle against food insecurity. The decision has marked a crucial step toward a unified front in addressing the alarming issue. The formation of the Office of Food Equity is likely to impact over a million households in the county annually, with Black and Latino residents disproportionately affected. There is double the likelihood for these residents to fall into food insecurity.

Cinny Kennard, the executive director of the Annenberg Foundation and co-chair of the LA County Food Equity Roundtable, shared his view on the new office, describing it as an “air traffic control center” that will connect various stakeholders involved in the day-to-day efforts to alleviate food insecurity. The LA County Food Equity Roundtable was born during the pandemic and has now laid the foundation for this initiative where the county and three foundations came together, namely the Annenberg Foundation, the California Community Foundation, and the Weingart Foundation.

During the pandemic, it was evident that a lack of coordination hindered the collective efforts against food insecurity. Kennard believes the Office of Food Equity would act as a central command post to foster collaboration among community partners such as food banks, growers, and small markets. This is a welcomed move that aims to streamline diverse efforts to battle food insecurity into a coordinated response.

Natalie Flores Blackner, CEO of Nourish LA, a local nonprofit formed during the pandemic, has shed light on the quality of the food discarded during those challenging times. Initiated through grassroots efforts and local collaborations, Nourish LA worked to minimize food waste while providing for struggling families.

Nourish LA is currently conducting food drives at strategic locations such as St. Mark’s Church in Venice, UCLA University Village, and a hub in Santa Monica. Leveraging the Office of Food Equity, Blackner aspires to secure the necessary resources to extend the reach of her food drives. Her goal is not only to address immediate needs but also to create sustainable solutions to alleviate food insecurity. She wants to educate communities about food waste and support businesses that will contribute to meeting the crisis.

Beyond immediate relief from food insecurity, the LA County Food Equity Roundtable has shared a comprehensive strategic plan to combat the issue in the long term. This includes facilitating urban farming through responsible zoning policies, addressing food waste, and enhancing public access to vital nutrition assistance programs. The Office of Food Equity is all set to implement and coordinate these initiatives, providing a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of food insecurity.

As the county braces itself on this new initiative, officials have received a 90-day window to present a staffing plan and budget for the Office of Food Equity. This planning reflects a coordinated and strategic response to the persistent issue of food insecurity. This decision by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors marks a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts and a great boost to their creation of a sustainable and equitable food system.

October 31, 2023