INGLEWOOD— One hundred and fifty community residents, activists and members of UNITE Local 11 on June 7, joined a protest days ahead of the opening World Cup games to demand that no ICE agents be present.
The Boycott Home Depot coalition has been protesting Home Depot’s permission to allow ICE agents on their property to detain suspected undocumented day laborers.
Home Depot has been one of the sites statewide where ICE officials have targeted immigrant workers, arresting hundreds throughout California and violating their liberties and legal rights.
Community Self-Defense Coalition holding a rally to boycott Home Depot, FIFA and say “No ICE at World Cup.” Photo courtesy of Mark Friedman.
The Boycott Home Depot Coalition says it’s standing in solidarity with the 2,000 United Local 11 union members who work as support staff at SoFi Stadium. The union is fighting for higher wages and the right to strike if ICE enters UNITE organized workplaces.
ICE has offered its services to Inglewood police, and the Inglewood City Council just voted to purchase $6 million in drones, cameras and riot equipment.
The action included members of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice or CLUE, Union del Barrio, unionists from the Roofers and Waterproofers local, the International Association of Machinists, high school and college students.
Wednesday June 10, is the court hearing about the Natural Resources Defense Council, Communities for a Better Environment, andClean Air Council, lawsuit against the EPA, so TRAA is rescheduling its meeting until next week. The meeting discussion will be on the NRDC lawsuit hearing and TRAA lawsuits to access the Hierarchy of Hazard Control Analysis or HCA documents.
To attend the virtual meeting if you haven’t gotten the zoom link in the past, RSVP with an e-mail request for a Zoom link to TRAA Board Member Steven Goldsmith at info@TRAA.website. Include your phone number so that you may be updated before the meeting. Look for the Zoom link and agenda on Wednesday morning.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors June 9 approved a motion authored by board chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis recognizing June 3-8 as Zoot Suit Riots Remembrance Days and marking the 83rd anniversary of the 1943 attacks that targeted Mexican American, African American and Filipino American communities across Los Angeles County.
The motion honors the communities that experienced racial violence during the riots and recognizes the resilience of those who confronted discrimination, exclusion and injustice.
“The Zoot Suit Riots targeted people of color in Los Angeles County who were asserting identity, culture and belonging while being pushed to the margins,” said Board Chair Solis. “It reflected racism and discriminatory policing, including how individuals were singled out for their clothing and appearance. As we mark this anniversary, we honor those who lived through it, acknowledge the harm that was done, and reaffirm the importance of preserving this history.”
June 9, 2026 83rd Anniversary of Zoot Suit Riots. Photo’s Credit: Bryan Chan
The Zoot Suit Riots erupted after years of discriminatory policing, segregation, economic inequality and anti-Mexican sentiment. Beginning on June 3, groups of U.S. servicemen moved through neighborhoods across Los Angeles County and attacked people associated with the zoot suit, a style of dress closely identified with Mexican American youth known as pachucos.
For many young people of color, the zoot suit represented identity and belonging during a period of exclusion and discrimination.
The violence followed the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon case, in which Mexican American youths were arrested and prosecuted despite weak evidence linking them to the death of José Gallardo Díaz near what is now the City of Bell. The case deepened distrust of law enforcement and heightened tensions in Mexican American communities.
Mexican American, African American and Filipino American residents were among those targeted during the riots. Many victims were arrested instead of being protected. The violence lasted several days before military authorities restricted servicemen’s access to Los Angeles County, bringing it to an end on June 8, 1943.
The motion also recognizes pachucas, young Mexican American women who challenged social norms through their style and cultural pride. Many faced heightened scrutiny and discrimination not only for their ethnicity but also for defying traditional expectations of how women should look and behave, with their nonconformity at times seen as outside accepted gender norms.
The recognition comes as Los Angeles County prepares to host visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup, highlighting the region’s cultural diversity shaped in part by immigrant communities that were once marginalized and are now central to the county’s identity.
In connection with the commemoration, Board Chair Solis also recognized the Hello Stranger Foundation for its work preserving cultural memory and elevating underrepresented stories through art and storytelling.
In 2023, Board Chair Solis authored a motion marking the 80th anniversary of the Zoot Suit Riots and acknowledging the racism and civil rights violations that contributed to the violence. This year’s recognition continues efforts to preserve the history of the riots and their impact on civil rights and racial justice in Los Angeles County.
LOS ANGELES — Individuals interested in launching a career in government, real estate, or property assessment are encouraged to register now for the next session of the Ownership Services Technician or OST program, a free six-week vocational training course offered by Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education in partnership with the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
The program, also known as the Ownership Clerk Program, prepares students for careers involving property ownership analysis and change-in-ownership determinations, including the position of Ownership Services Technician I with the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
“This program provides a unique opportunity for students and working professionals to gain practical knowledge in one of the most specialized and important areas of property taxation,” said Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang. “For those interested in public service, real estate, or legal professions, this course offers valuable training and a potential pathway to employment with the largest local assessment agency in the nation.”
Summer 2026 Program Details Dates: June 22, 2026 – July 30, 2026 Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays Time: 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Format: Live online classes via Zoom Additional Coursework: Five hours per week outside class Tuition: Free Instructor: Clarence Amameda, Ownership Services Supervisor II, Los Angeles County Assessor
The program introduces students to California change-in-ownership laws and procedures outlined in Section 401 of the California Assessor’s Handbook. Topics will include forms of individual property ownership, life estates, trusts, leases, among other items. The course is ideal for anyone interested in a career in property assessment. The program also is beneficial for real estate agents/brokers, paralegals/legal assistants, property managers, estate professionals, notaries and more.
Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible to apply for the position of Ownership Services Technician I with the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union recognizes Bloody Thursday every July 5, honoring those killed in the 1934 strike, which lasted 83 days, shut down docks along 2,000 miles of coastline and affected all major U.S. West Coast ports.
Join the first blood memorial procession car cruise at 9 a.m., beginning at Roosevelt Park, 1410 W. 154th St., Gardena and concluding at Harry Bridges Memorial, 504 S Harbor Blvd., San Pedro.
Then from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Bloody Thursday celebration, featuring Live music, DJ, food and childrens zone activities, at 231 C St. Wilmington.
The Port of Long Beach has created a Zero-Emission Truck Early Leaders Award to provide one-time payments totaling as much as $4.8 million for companies who were the first to use the vehicles to serve marine terminals.
Port staff used truck activity data for the period between January 2024 and December 2025 to determine eligibility for the program, with up to 43 companies qualifying. Those averaging more than 50 trips up to 200 trips per zero-emission truck can receive up to $8,000 per truck; zero-emission trucks making an average of more than 200 trips can receive up to $10,000 per truck.
Trucking companies will need to ensure their zero-emission trucks remain current in theort drayage truck registry and maintain their fleet average, consistent with their previous level of activity, from July to December 2026. If their fleet average is reduced, the port will determine a prorated award consistent with the reduction in activity.
“Zero-emissions trucks can cost more than twice the equivalent diesel model. They’re also essential to reach our goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-free port,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “This Zero-Emission Truck Early Leaders Award is our way of rewarding the early adopters for their commitment to our vision for tomorrow and for making significant and principled investments in the future.”
The Long Beach Harbor Commission June 8 approved the award program, which will use Clean Truck Fund rate revenue. Qualified trucking companies will receive an acknowledgement letter issued by the Port of Long Beach and provide activity information confirming compliance with the program’s rules. Payments will be made in early 2027, following verification of activity through the end of 2026.
The Zero-Emission Truck Early Leaders program follows another recent announcement by the Port of Long Beach to award supply chain participants who help in the quest to reach zero emissions. Last month, the Port established an unprecedented $1 million award for the first oceangoing vessel to refuel at its harbor with methanol on a commercial scale in an effort to jumpstart the industry’s transition to cleaner, lower-carbon fuels like methanol.
Details: Port CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba and Harbor Trucking Association CEO Robert Loya discussing the Truck Early Leaders Award: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lB5lgFfsa4g
LONG BEACH — The Long Beach City College Faculty Association or LBCCFA June 8 announced its endorsement of the re-election campaigns of Long Beach Community College district board trustee Uduak-Joe Ntuk (Trustee Area 1) and Board Trustee Sunny Zia (Trustee Area 3) in the upcoming November election.
The endorsement reflects the faculty’s confidence in both trustees’ leadership, dedication to student success, and commitment to supporting faculty, staff, and the broader Long Beach community.
“We are proud to endorse the re-election of Trustees Ntuk and Zia,” said Jeffrey Sabol, Chair of the Faculty Association’s Political Action Committee. “Both have provided strong and effective leadership for our College District and have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our students, faculty, employees, and community. Their service has helped move Long Beach City College forward, and our faculty strongly believe they both have earned the opportunity to continue that important work for another four-year term.”
LBCCFA represents the Long Beach Community College District’s 325 plus full-time faculty members at the district’s two Long Beach campuses. The group is a member of the California’s Community College Association or CCA – the higher education affiliate of the California Teachers Association or CTA, as well as the National Education Association or NEA – the largest public employee association in the nation.
Ahead of kick-off for the FIFA World Cup 26 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles County is reminding residents, visitors and game attendees to sign up for emergency alerts and notifications. Throughout the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, eight games will be played at SoFi Stadium, starting with USA vs Paraguay on June 12 at 6 p.m.
To stay informed:
Follow @CountyofLA and @ReadyLACounty on X, Instagram and Facebook.
LONG BEACH — Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center or SMMC announced the distribution of over $235,000 in community health improvement grants to four impactful local organizations. These grants underscore SMMCs commitment to fostering health and well-being within the Long Beach community.
“For over a century now, our mission extends beyond the walls of our hospital, actively investing in organizations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors,” said Carolyn Caldwell, Hospital President. “These partnerships are vital in addressing critical health needs and building a healthier, more vibrant Long Beach foreveryone.”
This year, a total of $235,000 was awarded to four non-profit organizations: Apostle House Long Beach Rescue Mission, Century Villages at Cabrillo, Heart of Ida and Long Beach BLAST. These organizations were selected for their vital work. The grants are awarded through Dignity Health’s Community Health Improvement Grants program, which supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to building healthier communities by improving health and living conditions.
In the middle of May 27’s day-long event to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Queen Mary’s maiden voyage, a crowd gathered on the foredeck.
“Listen, we know that [rechristening] isn’t a thing you do to a ship — we get it,” said Dylan Matteson, director of experiences for the Queen Mary, whileCaptain James Sanders and Managing Director Steve Caloca prepared to smash a bottle of champagne against the hull. “But this is a symbolic rechristening [… to usher in] a new golden era.”
“Ten years from now, we want this beautiful ship to look like it did in 1936,” said Caloca. “That’s the mission.”
Worth the price of admission? As the Queen Mary has passed through various ownership and management teams, they’ve experimented with how best to get people onboard. No fee for Long Beach residents. No fee after 6 p.m. No fee if you spend such-and-such amount in a restaurant.
At present, the general admission fee is around $45 (plus parking) — the amount Caloca says they need to charge to cover the ship’s upkeep. But there are plenty of events that are far cheaper — and even free — with online reservations. Then there’s the Queen Mary Club, where $149 buys you unlimited access for a full year.
She’s a beauty In addition to a host of displays throughout the ship, the Queen Mary is home to 23 museums and exhibits. The most recent addition, opened in December, is the Art Gallery (yeah, they didn’t spend much time on the name), a round-up of pieces that over the years have been moved from place to place within the ship’s confines (as opposed to pieces that have never been moved from their original locations). That’s nice, but especially impressive is something I stumbled across toward the bowels of the ship: a low-ceilinged collection of numerous artifacts from the ship’s seafaring days, all super finely crafted and sort of miniature (space is a premium at sea), giving the uncanny feeling that you’ve been shrunk down to get a close look at dollhouse furniture. Various other exhibits and museums throughout the ship provide that same feeling..
But as Caloca likes to point out, the ship herself is a museum. And even before the recent refurbishments, you had to be pretty jaded not to recognize what wonder it is. The art-deco aesthetics, the deep solidity of the wood and iron, the plushness of the salons — not to mention the irie vibe of looking down on the water (at least if you’re not looking south). Walking the ship is a treat — it’s a great way to get your steps in — and plenty of places to sit and relax. Whatever else you might come for — and the Queen Mary has plenty on offer, from movie nights, live music, and karaoke to fine dining, afternoon tea service, and a 4th of July fireworks spectacular (pretty bitchen) — the ship herself is the main attraction.
Captain James Sanders and Managing Director Steve Caloca prepare to “rechristen” the Queen Mary.
But it’s never gonna be like 1936 — for better or worse Despite Caloca’s comment at the rechristening, the goal isn’t actually to make coming aboard the Queen Mary like going back to 1936. There’s now a pickleball court, for example; and the relatively new “game room” has three TVs despite being only around 400 sq. ft.
“When we reopened the ship in 2023 [after being closed for four years due to the COVID pandemic], we looked at all of the areas, and once we had our strategy — that in 10 years we want the ship to look like she did in 1936 — we went into the Observation Bar, and there were TVs in there,” says Caloca. “[…] It was something like, ‘We need to get rid of these, but we have customers […] who want to watch their sports.’ […] There was a storage room nearby, so we were like, ‘Let’s put the TVs in there, [with] some nice furniture and games in there for the kids and adults.’ […] We’re operating as a 300-room hotel within a museum, so we need some of these amenities to make people want to stay here. Like the sports deck at the very top [of the ship], with a pickleball court […] and a putting green.”
Fortunately, if these (let’s call them) modern conveniences aren’t to your taste, the ship is plenty big enough so that you can easily avoid going anywhere near them.
And then there’s that irresponsible hallmark of the present day There are no drinking fountains on the Queen Mary, so here and there — at least during special events — you come across ad hoc water stations where you can help yourself, in addition to a couple of temporary bars. But if you don’t have your own cup or canteen, your only option is disposable plastic. Bottled water. Stack after stack of plastic cups. It’s an ugly reminder of the worst of the 21st century: that even though everyone is aware that plastic/oil dependence is ruining our environment, many of us (businesses and individuals) will not make even the slightest effort to do our part to mitigate the damage.
As someone who recently wrote an Earth Day piece titled ‘My friends’ plastic “fuck you” to their own children,’ I couldn’t help but ask Caloca about why, with cardboard and compostable cups so readily available, the Queen Mary is choosing to contribute so conspicuously and avoidably to the problem.
“We reopened in 2023, and that is part of our plan: to be as sustainable as possible,” he says. “We’re actually talking right now about putting water stations throughout the ship so people can bring their own and not have to rely on bottled water. […] If we can get rid of plastic in due time, that’s a great thing for everybody. And we all feel pretty strongly about that. That’s something we are planning to address for sure.”
Because he didn’t really answer my question, as diplomatically as possible I asked whether there is any concrete reason that they haven’t already done this — or at least will simply startrightnow — since all it takes is for the decision-makers to choose to buy biodegradable cups in lieu of plastic.
“There’s a lot of really important low-hanging fruit that we can address — like the cups. […] It’s definitely possible, it’s definitely something we could do,” he says. “[…] It’s definitely something we plan to address. It’s not like it’s 10 years down the line; it’s definitely something we plan to address. There’s a lot of low-hanging fruit we’re getting to as fast as we can — and sustainability is definitely one of those things.”
Sigh. “Can you give me a concrete reason this specific thing hasn’t been addressed?”
“Well, it’s probably just something that hasn’t come up on our planning — because everything we do is in five-year plans,” he says. Then, after a quick pause: “To be honest, that’s probably wrong, what I just said, because the planning is for the big things, right? Painting here, putting new flooring down here, [etc.]. So something like [eliminating plastic cups] easily could easily be something…It may be that’s not too far off. But no, I can’t give you a reason. The point you bring up is great. It’s definitely something we will look at.”
Here’s to the Queen Mary’s next 10 years being the golden era they promise — in all possible ways.
