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Make America Smoggy Again:’ Governor Newsom Responds to Illegal Senate Vote Aiming to Undo State’s Clean Air Policies

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Make America Smoggy Again:’ Governor Newsom Responds to Illegal Senate Vote Aiming to Undo State’s Clean Air Policies

 

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced May 22 the state will file a lawsuit in response to Republicans in the U.S. Senate targeting California’s clean vehicles program – a move that will “Make America Smoggy Again.”

The Republican-controlled Senate is illegally using the Congressional Review Act or CRA to attempt to revoke California’s Clean Air Act waivers, which authorize California’s clean cars and trucks program. This defies decades of precedent of these waivers not being subject to the CRA, and contradicts the non-partisan government accountability office and Senate Parliamentarian, who both ruled that the CRA’s short-circuited process does not apply to the waivers.

The state’s efforts to clean its air ramped up under then-Gov. Ronald Reagan when he established the California Air Resources Board. California’s Clean Air Act waivers date back to the Nixon Administration – allowing the state to set standards necessary for cleaning up some of the worst air pollution in the country.

California’s clean air authority

Since the Clean Air Act was adopted in 1970, the U.S. EPA has granted California more than 100 waivers for its clean air and climate efforts. California has consistently demonstrated that its standards are feasible, and that manufacturers have enough lead time to develop the technology to meet them. It has done so for every waiver it has submitted.

Although California standards have dramatically improved air quality, the state’s conditions, including its unique geography means air quality goals still require continued progress on vehicle emissions. Five of the ten cities with the worst air pollution nationwide are in California. Ten million Californians in the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles air basins live under what is known as “severe nonattainment” conditions for ozone. People in these areas suffer unusually high rates of asthma and cardiopulmonary disease. Zero-emission vehicles are a critical part of the plan to protect Californians.

If upheld, the Republican rollback of these three regulations – against the rulings of the Senate Parliamentarian and GAO – would cost Californian taxpayers an estimated $45 billion in health care costs.

Making driving less affordable

With these efforts by Congressional Republicans, not only are they trying to make clean air a thing of the past, they’re making driving a car more expensive. Zero-emission vehicles are often less expensive than their gas counterparts due to avoiding the need to pay for gasoline at the pump and smaller costs associated with maintenance and repair over the years. The regulations would provide $91 billion in cumulative net relief and economic benefits to Californians between next year and 2040.

FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Update to Investigation of 5/17 Palm Springs Vehicle Explosion

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FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Update to Investigation of 5/17 Palm Springs Vehicle Explosion

On May 17 at 10:49 a.m., a vehicle exploded in the city of Palm Springs in front of the American Reproductive Centers or ARC located on North Indian Canyon Drive. The ARC is a fertility clinic offering fertility services and does not perform abortions. Several buildings in the vicinity of the explosion were damaged.

Immediately following the attack, FBI agents responded, and the FBI’s evidence response team and FBI special agent bomb technicians were deployed to process the evidence and the post-blast scene.

The blast caused one fatality near or in the vehicle and four others nearby were wounded with non-life-threatening injuries. DNA testing of the decedent’s remains found at the scene returned a positive match to Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of Twentynine Palms, California, the individual suspected of causing the explosion.

Due to the speed and professionalism of the Palm Springs Fire Department, the Palm Springs Police Department and FBI Special Agent Bomb Technicians, the power in the ARC building was restored quickly and no embryos were lost as a result of the attack.

Due to the ongoing investigation, specific details regarding the makeup of the explosive have not been disclosed; however, investigation to date has revealed that Bartkus had access to a large quantity of commercially available chemical products which could be combined to create a home-made explosive device.

Evidence indicates the explosion targeting the ARC was premeditated and that the attack was an intentional act of terrorism.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force or JTTF investigation indicates that Bartkus had ideations of attacking clinics in the past and had anti-natalist beliefs; that is, that it is morally wrong or unjustifiable to have children. Anti-natalists base their views on a variety of concerns including human suffering, consent, overpopulation and the environment. The JTTF continues to investigate multiple online posts and audio recordings posted by Bartkus where he had expressed these views.

A weapon and ammunition were found near the wreckage of the vehicle. A tripod and a cell phone equipped with a camera were also found near the scene, suggesting Bartkus attempted to livestream the attack. Investigators are working to determine whether the suspected livestream was successful but, to date, have found no evidence to confirm this.

The vehicle that exploded was a silver 2010 Ford Fusion sedan, license plate number 8HWS848. Evidence shows Bartkus left his place of residence in Twentynine Palms at approximately 6 a.m. and was in the Palm Springs vicinity for several hours prior to the bombing.

The FBI is asking anyone with information about this explosion or the planning of this attack to contact the FBI at 1 800 CALL-FBI or provide information online at tips.fbi.gov.

A digital tipline has been established at fbi.gov/palmspringsvehicleexplosion. Anyone with images or video of Mr. Bartkus or the Ford Fusion he was driving in the hours prior to the bombing, is urged to upload them at this link.

The FBI is continuing to work with the Palm Springs Police Department and the Palm Springs Fire Department, and the JTTF investigation is ongoing. Several agencies have provided assistance since the initial response to the explosion, including the Desert Hot Springs Police Department, the Cathedral City Police Department, the Riverside and San Bernardino Sheriff’s Departments, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the United States Attorney’s Office – Central District CA.

LA Briefs: City Workforce Developments and Port of LA Clean Truck Funding Plan

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LA Briefs: City Workforce Developments and Port of LA Clean Truck Funding Plan

CD15 Policy Update on Los Angeles Workforce

LOS ANGELES — On May 23, Los Angeles city council approved councilman Tim McOsker’s motion to create a standardized process for reassigning city employees at risk of layoff into vacant, funded positions across departments. This effort is part of a broader strategy to protect city workers, avoid service disruptions and maintain operations. The personnel and hiring committee, which McOsker chairs, May 23 held its first hearing on the layoff avoidance plan, or “transfer portal,” with a presentation from the personnel department and city administrative office. The committee will meet weekly to track progress on reassigning among the over 600 employees who are at risk of layoff, and avoiding as many of the formal layoffs as possible. McOsker’s motion directs weekly reports on eligible job classifications, legal considerations and workforce benefits. While the mayor’s budget proposed eliminating 1,647 filled positions, the budget committee restored over 1,000, using swaps, transfers and targeted cuts, stabilizing LAs workforce ahead of the new fiscal year.

Port of Los Angeles Adopts Near-Term Clean Truck Spending Plan

LOS ANGELES — Over the next three years, the Port of Los Angeles will continue its investment in clean trucks and supporting infrastructure to help transition the drayage fleet serving the port to zero-emissions or ZE models by 2035. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the spending plan that will guide how the port allocates its clean truck fund or CTF revenues through June 2028.

Port funding comes from the CTF Rate. The rate was established to help operators afford ZE trucks, which are more expensive than conventional models, and build the charging and fueling depots needed to power them. The revenues come from cargo owners who pay $10 for every loaded twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) hauled through the port by conventional drayage trucks, most of which run on diesel. The rate for larger containers is $20.

Cargo owners who use ZE trucks are permanently exempt from the rate. Owners whose goods are hauled by certain trucks with lower nitrogen oxides emissions have a temporary exemption through Dec. 31, 2027. The Port of Long Beach collects the same rate under its CTF Rate program.

Since April 2022, the Port of Los Angeles has collected about $123 million in CTF revenues to help operators purchase ZE trucks and develop supporting infrastructure. As of March 2025, the port has spent or allocated $93 million for deploying ZE trucks and building charging and fueling depots. The total includes funding for projects subject to final approval by the Harbor Commission and covers:

  • Incentive vouchers for up to 350 ZE drayage trucks, with 103 trucks delivered and up to 247 more on order.
  • An additional 22 ZE trucks through two licensed motor carriers awarded funding in the Port’s first Request for Proposal or RFP, with 10 trucks in service and 12 trucks ready to be deployed this quarter when in-house charging stations are operational.
  • A regional project led by the South Coast Air Quality Management District that put 100 ZE trucks into drayage service at the San Pedro Bay ports.
  • A regional infrastructure project funding eight public charging stations that provide 207 chargers for battery-electric trucks across Southern California.
  • Another proposed public charging station due to be located in Wilmington and currently under environmental review.

Over the next three years, the port expects to collect about $120 million more in CTF revenues. The actual amount will depend on cargo throughput and the growing number of ZE trucks calling at the port.

Through mid-2028, the Port will continue to prioritize spending CTF revenues on vouchers that make ZE trucks more affordable, charging and fueling infrastructure projects, and future RFPs that put more ZE trucks in port service and add more infrastructure. The port said it will also prioritize investing in promising ZE truck technology and helping to support grant applications by others that accelerate the transition to ZE trucks. Likely grant partners include other government agencies, current [ort tenants, and/or licensed motor carriers registered to call at the port.

Barragán Leads Entire California Democratic Delegation in Urging Trump Administration to Protect Head Start Funding

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Barragán Leads Entire California Democratic Delegation in Urging Trump Administration to Protect Head Start Funding

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) May 22 led the entire California Democratic Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging them to safeguard federal funding for the Head Start program. The letter comes in response to alarming reports that the Trump Administration considered eliminating Head Start funding during recent federal budget discussions.

“From Los Angeles County to the Central Valley to rural tribal lands, Head Start provides comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services to children who are disproportionately impacted by poverty and housing instability,” wrote the members. “These essential services support our state’s economy by allowing parents to work and go to school, while giving our future workforce the strong start that they need to be successful later in life.”

California is home to one of the largest populations of Head Start children in the nation. In Fiscal Year 2023 alone, Head Start and Early Head Start programs served more than 94,000 children across the state. These programs offer critical support to children by integrating early education with health, nutrition, and family services—providing targeted support to those experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, and systemic inequities.

“The elimination or reduction of Head Start funding would be catastrophic,” the letter states. “In California, it would shut the doors of 1,835 Head Start and Early Head Start Centers and eliminate access to early education for tens of thousands of children—disproportionately children of color, English learners, children with disabilities, and those living in low-income and rural communities.”

Since its founding in 1965, Head Start has served more than 40 million children and families nationwide. Decades of research confirm that the program improves school readiness, boosts long-term academic and employment outcomes, and helps break the cycle of poverty.

“Head Start is not optional — it is a national commitment that must be honored,” members added. “I will continue fighting to protect this vital investment in our children’s futures.”

Rep. Barragán’s letter was co-signed by each of the 45 Democratic members of the California Congressional Delegation: Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and Representatives Pete Aguilar, Nancy Pelosi, Robert Garcia, Linda Sánchez, John Garamendi, Kevin Mullin, Mark Takano, Ted Lieu, Julia Brownley, Maxine Waters, Laura Friedman, J. Luis Correa, Ro Khanna, Mike Thompson, Norma Torres, Mark DeSaulnier, Juan Vargas, Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr., Judy Chu, Derek Tran, Raul Ruiz, Jared Huffman, Doris Matsui, Salud Carbajal, Brad Sherman, Ami Bera, Jimmy Panetta, Zoe Lofgren, Eric Swalwell, Lateefah Simon, Dave Min, Jimmy Gomez, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Jim Costa, George Whitesides, Luz Rivas, Sara Jacobs, Scott Peters, Josh Harder, Adam Gray, Mike Levin, and Sam Liccardo.

The full letter can be found here and below:

President Trump and Secretary Kennedy:

We write today to express serious concern over reports that your Administration considered proposals to eliminate federal funding for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start program in recent budget discussions. While we are relieved that the White House Office of Management and Budget’s Fiscal Year 2026 proposal did not include this cut, that such an action was even contemplated underscores the vulnerability of this vital program under your Administration. As members of the California Congressional Delegation, we urge you to safeguard this critical program, which plays an irreplaceable role in supporting California’s children and families, especially those facing economic hardship and systemic barriers.

California is home to one of the largest populations of Head Start children in the nation. In Fiscal Year 2023 alone, more than 94,000 children and pregnant women in California were served by Head Start and Early Head Start programs.[1] These services are not just beneficial—they are essential. From Los Angeles County to the Central Valley to rural tribal lands, Head Start provides comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services to children who are disproportionately impacted by poverty and housing instability. These essential services support our state’s economy by allowing parents to work and go to school, while giving our future workforce the strong start that they need to be successful later in life.

Since its founding in 1965, Head Start has supported more than 40 million children and their families nationwide—and millions in California alone.[2] Research continues to confirm what educators and parents have long known: Head Start works. It boosts school readiness, improves long-term academic outcomes, increases high school graduation and employment rates, and helps break cycles of generational poverty.

The elimination or reduction of Head Start funding would be catastrophic. In California, it would shut the doors of 1,835 Head Start and Early Head Start Centers and eliminate access to early education for tens of thousands of children—disproportionately children of color, English learners, children with disabilities, and those living in low-income and rural communities. Thousands of parents would also lose their ability to go to work or school, and otherwise participate in the economy.

Head Start is not optional—it is a national commitment that must be honored. For these reasons, we urge you to reject any future attempts to weaken or eliminate this program and to ensure its continued success for the children and families who rely on it every day.

“Dream Big” Returns on June 18 With Coalition Supporting Small Business During Uncertain Times

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“Dream Big” Returns on June 18 With Coalition Supporting Small Business During Uncertain Times

 

Amid economic uncertainty, shifting policy landscapes, and persistent inflation, one of Southern California’s newest small business events is making its return. The third annual Dream Big: Small Business Empowerment Forum will take place on June 18, bringing together a powerful coalition of leaders, corporations, and changemakers committed to advancing diverse entrepreneurs.

This year’s theme, “Rise in Uncertain Times,” addresses the challenges facing today’s business community. In the face of Trump-era tariffs, anti-immigration policies, and volatile federal oversight, Dream Big equips entrepreneurs with actionable tools, inspiration, and direct access to opportunities—from high-level procurement strategies to AI-driven proposal development.

Event Highlights

Town Hall: “Rise in Uncertain Times”

Moderated by prominent media and policy voices, the town hall will feature:

  • U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
  • Stephen Cheung, CEO, LA County Economic Development Corporation
  • Eleanor Torres, executive managing director, Port of Long Beach
  • Jesus Chavez, president/general manager, TelevisaUnivision Los Angeles
  • Leticia Rhi Buckley, CEO, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes
  • Additional speakers to be announced

Keynote Presentation

Lisa Rehurek, CEO of The RFP Success Company, will deliver a high-impact session on crafting winning proposals and leveraging AI to fuel small business growth.

Culinary Experience

Attendees will enjoy cuisine by Pez Cantina, a Latina-owned, Zagat-rated restaurant known for modern coastal Mexican fare.

Free Virtual Master Class – May 29

In celebration of Small Business Month, Dream Big will host a free virtual pre-event on May 29, led by keynote speaker Lisa Rehurek. This hands-on session on AI-powered proposal writing will give entrepreneurs a valuable head start ahead of the main forum.

Partners and Sponsors

Dream Big 2025 is proudly presented by LAVA and supported by organizations dedicated to inclusive economic development:

  • TelevisaUnivision Los Angeles – Supporting small business owners through itsentrepreneurship programs POSiBLE
  • Port of Long Beach – Awarded over $55 million in small business contracts in FY2023; celebrating 20 years of its Green Port Policy
  • McCarthy Building Companies – Leading community engagement through its partner development program
  • Construction Contractors Alliance – Helping to grow underutilized business enterprises and underserved communities in construction contracting
  • Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation or VSEDC – Empowering South LA through wealth-building, marketing, and financial literacy programs
  • Latino Media Collaborative – Delivering culturally responsive media to drive social impact

Strategic Partners

  • California African American Chamber of Commerce
  • Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation or LAEDC
  • Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council
  • Hispanic Coalition of Small Business

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 18

Details: Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dream-big-small-business-empowerment-forum-tickets-1101189420199?aff=oddtdtcreator

Venue: La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main St, Los Angeles

Let Freedom Ring

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Let Freedom Ring

Beyoncé, Questlove, and Bruce Springsteen load their audio ammunition

By Evelyn McDonnell

If you have any doubts about “the righteous power of art, of music, of rock’n’roll, in dangerous times,” then think about this:

Less than two days after Bruce Springsteen spoke those words (among others) at the May 14 UK launch of his Land of Hope and Dreams tour, the president of the United States was on a plane returning from the Middle East. Instead of, say, issuing a timely and dignified statement about the need to end the war in Gaza, the deflector in chief decided to petulantly mad post about Springsteen and Taylor Swift. His insults were, not surprisingly, childish and churlish but also indicative of the authoritarian threat he presents (as Bruce also pointed out). The aspiring autocrat dared the Boss to exercise his American right to free speech once he came back home: “Then we’ll see how it all goes for him.”

Reading these latest insane inanities from the would-be leader of the free world, I wondered: How long until he turns his sights on Beyoncé?

Not long at all. Just three days later, Trump broadened his tantrum to include the Queen Bey (along with Oprah Winfrey and Bono). He threatened an election fraud investigation, accusing Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris of having bought celebrity endorsements. The attacks were absurd but also dangerous. The one-time TV host wants to silence those who speak to and for the American people. The fact that he’s gunning for the most popular artists of our time indicates his sense of his own power – and desire to shut down theirs.

Having caught Beyoncé’s recent Cowboy Carter show at SoFi Stadium, as well as Springsteen at the neighboring Forum a year earlier, I can testify that the Donald has a right to be afraid. Like Swift, theu are cultural leaders who bring tens of thousands of followers to their feet every night to sing along to, in Bruce’s words, “Chimes of Freedom.”

GET IN FORMATION
I’ve covered Beyoncé Knowles’ career since the first Destiny’s Child album. Seeing the group open for TLC on the Fan Mail tour, I knew that the primary singer was indeed “destined” for greatness. But I did not predict the degree to which the multitalented superstar has repeatedly set new standards for music, fashion, choreography, staging, and activism. Whether performing in front of a giant lighted “feminist” sign or centering the experiences of African Americans in films shown during set breaks, the Queen Bey makes art that situates individual exceptionalism amid complex social relationships and identities. She uses her multi-octave vocal range and rhythmic body language to celebrate Black power, female autonomy, queer family, matriarchy, and American freedom.

On her recent, Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter, Bey claims the quintessential sound of the American heartland – country music – and by extension, the country itself. On the tour, which kicked off at SoFi April 28, this means a truckload of flag-waving, as Beyoncé performs in front of Old Glory while decked out in red, white and blue. The packed stadium of fans followed her lead on May 4, dressed to the hilt in bedazzled cowboy boots, hats, denim jackets, chaps, and bandanas. It was patriotic as fuck, and also subversive: On stage and in the audience, SoFi pulsed like a giant disco celebrating Black and queer pioneers. She didn’t say anything explicit about the current state of the government. She just choreographed and led the resist-dance. Her lyrics from the seminal album Lemonade remain the protest play-on-words of our times: “Get in formation.”

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson chose a parallel strategy when he gave a commencement speech on May 17 at Loyola Marymount University, where I teach journalism. Last year, speaker John Legend (yes, my school has the coolest speakers) addressed the context of nationwide campus protests in support of Palestine and the upcoming presidential election, to student cheers. Questlove focused on a different crucial issue for 2025: self-care. The Roots drummer and Oscar-winning filmmaker offered four practices for overcoming imposter syndrome to navigate a world in crisis: “Wake with gratitude. Breathe through fear. Move what is frozen. Speak kindness to yourself.”

These were surprisingly New Agey tips from the artist who has been a fierce advocate for Black arts and excellence. But Questlove was following in the footsteps of bell hooks, the seminal Black feminist writer whose book Sisters of the Yam focuses on self-recovery (and who famously critiqued Beyoncé). “The stuff that changes your life is usually buried under your biggest fears,” the leader of Jimmy Fallon’s house band said. You can’t save the world if your soul is in jeopardy.

CHIMES OF FREEDOM
Springsteen, on the other hand, went straight to the political point on his opening night. “My home ― the America I love, the America I’ve written about that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years ― is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration. Tonight we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experience to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism, and let freedom ring,” he said. (You can now get the recording of that speech on a five-song EP, Land of Hope and Dreams.)

I’ve been following Bruce’s tales of America since I was a teenager in small-town Wisconsin, before Bey was born. He always sang not just about our country as a beacon, but also about the darkness on the edge of those small towns. Like Beyoncé, Springsteen posed in front of the American flag, but his “Born in the USA” is a protest song, not a patriotic anthem. Not because the New Jersey boy hates his country, but because … well, it’s complicated. His words in “Badlands” ring with prophecy 47 years after they were writtine: “Poor man wants to be rich, Rich man wants to be king, And a king ain’t satisfied, ‘Til he rules everything.”

Since our wannabe king’s villainy is particularly aimed at those with dark skin, at women’s bodies, and at trans people, we need white men like Springsteen to shoulder the burden of confronting him. We need Questlove’s advice for maintaining our mental health and self-esteem. And we need Renaissance artist Beyoncé to take us to the hoedown. Music is “audio ammunition,” as the Clash called it, and we are in a fight for our lives and our country’s soul.

Evelyn McDonnell writes the series Bodies of Water — portraits of lives aquatic — for Random Lengths. She is a journalism professor at Loyola Marymount University. Her book The World According to Joan Didion comes out in paperback July 29.

It’s Year 7 of soundpedro — and you still haven’t been?

Greggory Moore
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It’s Year 7 of soundpedro — and you still haven’t been?

At the apex of San Pedro, Angels Gate Cultural Center is a rejuvenating space on its most ordinary day, an arts campus with commanding ocean and cityscape views. But for one night each summer, something extra special is created on this seven-acre plateau.

If you’re already aware of soundpedro but have never checked it out, why not? Why would you ignore such a miracle of concentrated aesthetic presence, simultaneously family-friendly and cerebral…free of charge? Including parking? Come on.

But whether you’ve knowingly missed the previous six iterations of soundpedro or this is your first time hearing about it, now’s the time to get in the know, because for three hours on June 7 Angels Gate will make its annual transformation into a giant indoor/outdoor gallery of nearly 60 multisensory sound-centric art installations, stationary and roving performances, and the openings of two separate multimedia gallery shows.

Interest in soundpedro has steadily increased over the years, to the point that these days there simply isn’t room for all the artists who would like to participate. According to FLOOD’s Marco Schindelmann, soundpedro’s main producer, “The hard part [of curating the event] is asking those artists who have participated previously to sit out for a couple of years so as to make room for new people.”

One of this year’s newcomers is Stanley J. Zappa, whose “Free your Jazz, Free your Vision” will “explor[e] the liminal space & overlap zone between Free Jazz and Sound Art” by combining his saxophone performance with large-scale video projections by Stephen Linsley that will take up an entire wall of a building that was not activated at soundpedro2024.

Another newbie is Kim Kei, whose contributions to the gallery show ch’SONIC explore “time and sound from a biological perspective” by playing off the idea of “pulsing vascular systems — dendritic forms found in root systems and river tributaries and our lungs, breath and respiration cycles, interconnection [and] interspecies communication, intertidal time and tempo,” forming “a system of surrogate forms I hope speaks to cilia and our evolutionary history. […] For example, I use sculpture to evoke empathy for nature’s resilience and our connection to Earth’s systems, and I am exploring the touch-calling and echoic qualities of texture to invite the public into tactile interactivity.”

Having trouble envisioning exactly what that means? Me, too. But by its very nature soundpedro presents you with phenomena that defy description and are unlike anything you’ve seen/heard before.

For another example, Rychard Cooper — a veteran of all six previous soundpedro events at Angels Gate — returns with the gallery show Artificial Synesthesia, where he employs synthesizer, optical illusions, ultraviolet light, and holographic paper to manipulate sight and sound, creating textures and timbres that do not exist in the real world as a means to exploring the limits of perception.

Say what? Hey, the only way to really know is to go.

Because artists are often influenced by the social climate in which they create, it may be interesting to see whether/how Trump 2.0 and the fascism he’s wrought informs any of the installations in what on the surface is an apolitical happening. soundpedro2025’s theme certainly opens the door for such contributions: Chthonic: relating to the Underworld, a realm ruled by enigmas and psychopomps, a place of forgotten or yet to be remembered potential. Don’t mistake it for mere subterranean; chthonic implies both profound existential dread and hope.

“In keeping with soundpedro being a macro-installation composed of micro-moments and experiences, this structure inherently resists monolithic narratives or overly prescriptive themes — including overt political messaging — by prioritizing multiplicity and individual expression,” Schindelmann says. “However, the event positions itself as a brave place holding multiple and diverse safe spaces, which means it intentionally fosters an environment where artists and audiences can engage with challenging ideas in nuanced ways. This ethos may encourage some artists to address political issues, including reactions to the current administration, but it does not require or predict a unified political response. In keeping with its experimental and open-ended nature, soundpedro provides a platform where a spectrum of political responses can emerge. Artists retain the freedom to respond, with civility and respect, so that audiences can engage with a plurality of voices and from various, and possibly opposing, stances.”

***

As you read these words, a documentary is in the works about SoundWalk, the annual transformation of Long Beach’s East Village Arts District that was soundpedro’s direct ancestor. Considering that SoundWalk lasted 10 years, the fact that this is Year 7 for soundpedro at Angels Gate, one might begin to wonder about soundpedro’s own legacy.

But not in the moment. If soundpedro is anything, it’s an ideal opportunity to be fully immersed in the hear/now. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

WHAT / WHEN:

  • soundpedro, an evening of ear-oriented multisensory presentations: Saturday, June 7, 7pm–10pm.
  • ch’SONIC & Artificial Synesthesia, two separate gallery shows, open June 7 and can be experienced through July 5 Thursday through Saturday 10am–5pm.

WHERE: Angels Gate Cultural Center, 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro 90731; angelsgateart.org

ADMISSION: free! (includes parking)

MORE INFO: soundpedro.art

 

Los Angeles Updates: City Council Targets Idle Oil Wells; Youth Relocated for Juvenile Facility Modernization

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Los Angeles Updates: City Council Targets Idle Oil Wells; Youth Relocated for Juvenile Facility Modernization

CD15 Policy Update Adresses Idle, Abandoned OIl Wells

LOS ANGELES — This week, the city council passed a motion introduced by councilman Tim McOsker with councilmember Hernandez to address the environmental and public health risks tied to idle and abandoned oil wells in Los Angeles. Wilmington, as well as other communities across the city, face threats from methane leaks, toxic air and contaminated soil and water due to thousands of these wells. Although the city is working to address oil issues by phasing out production and exploring pathways to plug orphaned wells, the motion calls on city departments to assess current enforcement, recommend improvements to development standards, and study how to better locate and manage wells during new construction. It also proposes new measures such as methane monitoring in residential developments, public safety advisories in planning databases, and increased community input in the development process. Councilmember McOsker said, “This work is vitally important; capping hazardous orphaned wells will have a profound impact on the health and well-being of our communities.”

LA County Probation Announces Relocation of Youth to Support Juvenile Facility Readiness

LOS ANGELES — As part of its efforts to implement the Los Padrinos depopulation plan and modernize its juvenile facilities, the Los Angeles County Probation Department is relocating youth and staff from Camp Paige to Camps Afflerbaugh and Rockey. These camps are in close proximity to Paige, with Afflerbaugh being in the same complex. This move will enable critical infrastructure improvements at Camp Paige while ensuring continuity of care. Staff will also be temporarily reassigned to the other camps.

There are 15 youth housed at the facility. Visiting schedules will remain unchanged, and all parents and guardians will be individually notified by facility staff. On May 16, Judge Espinoza in LA County’s Superior Court, approved the department’s Los Padrinos depopulation plan, which focuses on rehousing youth to existing youth facilities that better suit their individual needs. The Department remains focused on safety, service continuity, and long-term system reform, and is working with partners to operationalize and implement the plan.

Metro Board Approves Hahn’s Olympic Water Taxi Feasibility Study

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Metro Board Approves Hahn’s Olympic Water Taxi Feasibility Study

Water Taxi would operate between San Pedro and Long Beach

LOS ANGELES — During its meeting May 22, the Metro board of directors approved a motion by its chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn to explore the feasibility of a water taxi between San Pedro and Long Beach during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The City of Long Beach will host 11 sports during the Games — the second most of any city behind Los Angeles.

“Since I floated this idea last month, it has been making waves and people are genuinely excited about it. A water taxi between San Pedro and Long Beach would be a fun way for thousands of people to get to Olympic events and a creative way to get people out of their cars and reduce traffic on our bridges,” said Hahn. “I appreciate the unanimous support from my colleagues on the Metro Board and I am looking forward to getting Metro’s report back and moving full steam ahead.”

Hahn’s water taxi will offer a public transport connection for San Pedro and surrounding communities, as well as for riders along Metro’s J (Silver) Line, which runs along the El Monte Busway and Harbor Transitway from El Monte to San Pedro via Downtown Los Angeles. Olympics attendees could also park at the Harbor Gateway Transit Center in Gardena and take the J Line to San Pedro to catch the water taxi, significantly relieving traffic congestion in and around Long Beach and on the Vincent Thomas Bridge.

There is precedent for Hahn’s proposed water taxi; a water ferry service between San Pedro and Terminal Island existed before the construction of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. The ferry was operated by both private and municipal companies and provided transportation for workers, residents, and commuters.

The water taxi proposal has earned widespread support. Hahn’s motion was co-authored by her colleagues on the Metro Board, Mayor Karen Bass, Metro Vice Chair Fernando Dutra, Inglewood Mayor James Butts, and Director Jacquelin Dupont-Walker. During the meeting, representatives of ILWU Local 13, Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker, Long Beach Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Long Beach Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, the LA Maritime Institute, the Battleship Iowa, and LA Harbor Commissioner Lee Williams voiced their strong support for the proposal.

Details: Read the full motion here: 2025-0418 – FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR WATER TAXI SERVICE BETWEEN SAN PEDRO AND LONG BEACH MOTION – Metro Board

 

As Summer Approaches, Dignity Health Urges Californians to Stay Safe on the Road During the “100 Deadliest Days”

Reporters Desk
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As Summer Approaches, Dignity Health Urges Californians to Stay Safe on the Road During the “100 Deadliest Days”

 

LONG BEACH — Memorial Day and Labor Day are often associated with beach days, road trips, and summer memories. But for traffic safety experts, this stretch of time is known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” a period when teen and adult drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in serious and sometimes fatal car crashes.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 30% of deaths involving teen drivers occur during this period. From 2013 to 2022, there were 6,700 people killed in crashes involving teen drivers nationwide during the “100 Deadliest Days.”

The summer months see an increase in vehicle use, late-night driving, and unfortunately, a higher incidence of impaired driving. As the season officially kicks off on May 26, Dr. Ali Jamehdor, Emergency Room Physician at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC), is reminding the Greater Long Beach community to stay cautious behind the wheel.

“Emergencies happen when you least expect them,” says Dr. Jamehdor. “That’s why we’re committed to educating the public on how to prevent them through safer driving habits, especially during the high-risk summer months. But if a trauma-related incident does occur, know that our skilled and compassionate teams are here, ready to provide expert care for you and your loved ones when it matters most.”

Follow these safety tips to help prevent tragedy on the roads this summer:

  • Stay focused: Distracted driving, including texting, adjusting music, or eating,

takes your eyes and mind off the road. Even a split second of distraction can lead

to disaster.

  • Drive sober, always: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or

impairing prescription drugs. Impairment slows your reaction time and judgment.

  • Buckle up every time: Seat belts are one of the most effective ways to save

lives and reduce injuries in crashes.

  • Slow down: Speeding increases the likelihood of a crash and the severity of

injuries. Follow posted speed limits and drive at speeds appropriate for road

conditions.

  • Avoid drowsy driving: Fatigue can be just as dangerous as impairment. If

you’re tired, pull over and rest.

  • Maintain your vehicle: Before hitting the road, make sure your brakes, tires,

and lights are in proper working condition.

“I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of distracted and impaired driving,” added Dr. Jamehdor. “Most crashes are preventable. If drivers slowed down, stayed focused, and made smart choices, we could save thousands of lives each year.”

Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center, a verified Level II Trauma Center, provides 24/7 care from board-certified trauma physicians, surgeons, sub-specialists, and a full spectrum of support services for critically injured patients.

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