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A Union Scandal Landed Hundreds of NYPD Officers on a Secret Watchlist

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A Union Scandal Landed Hundreds of NYPD Officers on a Secret Watchlist

After prosecutors flagged hundreds of cops caught fixing tickets for friends and family a decade ago, the officers’ work was supposed to get an extra level of scrutiny. Some cases fell apart anyway.

By Jake Pearson for ProPublica (Oct. 22)

One judge said she believed the testimony of a Bronx defendant’s 64-year-old mother more than that of the two New York City police officers who arrested him.

Another said she didn’t buy the testimony of an officer and his colleagues, concluding that they had stopped a car not because they’d seen its occupants break any laws but because it was driven by “three young men of color.”

A third jurist toyed with using the word “perjury” to describe the testimony of an officer who repeatedly contradicted himself, claiming, for example, the defendant had both told police and not told police where he lived.

In each of the cases, the officers’ testimony was supposed to help prosecutors secure convictions against people charged with illegal gun possession. Instead, the cases fell apart, done in by the officers’ own dubious statements. Yet prosecutors had pursued trials knowing there was reason not to put these cops on the stand.

Read more at: https://www.propublica.org/article/a-union-scandal-landed-hundreds-of-nypd-officers-on-a-secret-watchlist-that-hasnt-stopped-some-from-jeopardizing-cases?

An Author Talk with Florencia Ramirez: Eat Less Water

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An Author Talk with Florencia Ramirez: Eat Less Water

Florencia Ramirez, trained researcher at the University of Chicago’s School of Public Policy, explains how we can conserve water through our food choices. Learn about “virtual water footprints,” the relationship between our water and our soil, and why the solution to water scarcity is truly in our kitchens.

To join the Zoom presentation, please email DFiedler@TorranceCA.Gov by Nov. 9 for the invitation link.

Time: 6 p.m. Nov. 10

Cost: Free

Details: torrancepubliclibrary@torranceca.gov

Venue: Zoom

CSUDH Receives Largest Single Donation in University History From Snap Inc.

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CSUDH Receives Largest Single Donation in University History From Snap Inc.

Snap Inc., developer of Snapchat Nov. 3, gave a $5 million gift to California State University, Dominguez Hills or CSUDH for the creation and endowment of a new institute focused on addressing equity gaps in computing education. The gift comprises the largest single donation ever given to the CSUDH campus.

Housed in the CSUDH College of Education, the new institute will serve as a leader in computing education research, teacher preparation, and curriculum development centered around equity and access, particularly for students with special needs and for bilingual, multilingual, and dual language learners. Additionally, through partnerships with Los Angeles area school districts, the institute will work to make high-quality computer science education an integral part of the experience of all K-12 students.

Snap Inc.’s gift was made in conjunction with the launch of the Action to Catalyze Tech Report, created by the Catalyze Tech coalition. One of the report’s key recommendations is to transform future pathways into tech for underrepresented talent, and to solve the acute lack of computer science teachers in part by funding endowed centers of excellence for computer science teaching in colleges.

As part of the launch of the report, and ahead of the first-ever virtual DEI Innovation Summit, the Catalyze Tech coalition announced that $20 million in new funding is being pledged to four teaching colleges. In addition to CSUDH, Georgia State University will receive $5 million from Snap Inc. The University of Florida and University of Texas at El Paso will also each receive $5 million from philanthropist Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel Capital, and Hopper Dean Foundation, respectively.

Western States Work Group Finds Pfizer Safe For Children, L.A. Begins Administering to Children 5 to 11.

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Western States Work Group Finds Pfizer Safe For Children, L.A. Begins Administering to Children 5 to 11.

Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Finds Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine is Safe and Effective for 5 to 11-Year-Olds

SACRAMENTO – The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Nov. 2, completed its review of the federal process and has unanimously concluded that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for youth 5 to 11 years of age. The Workgroup provided its confirmation to the Governors of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington Nov. 2.

On Oct. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA authorized the use of the vaccine in 5- to 11-year-olds, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention affirmed that decision on Nov. 2. The Workgroup has reviewed and affirmed the federal decisions. ​​

The Workgroup thoroughly reviewed safety data for the vaccine, including the absence of any severe adverse events among vaccine recipients in the clinical trial. Reactions were mild and similar to those seen in adolescents and adults and with other vaccines routinely recommended for children and were less common at ages 5 to 11 years than at 16 to 25 years.

Washington, Oregon and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup last year. The Workgroup, made up of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. It will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process.

Los Angeles County Begins Administering Pfizer Vaccine to Children 5 to 11

Los Angeles County vaccine providers are now administering Pfizer vaccine to children 5 to 11 years old after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle P. Walensky affirmed the recommendation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to expand the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
In L.A. County, an estimated 900,000 children between the ages of 5 and 11 are newly eligible for vaccinations.
All Public Health sites began offering Pfizer for children 5 to 11 years old as of this morning along with many pharmacies and clinics. Some sites require appointments; walk-ins are welcome at the Public Health sites. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult and have a signed consent form.
Parents are able to make an appointment using the County website at VaccinateLACounty.com and will be able to make an appointment using MyTurn.CA.gov later today or tomorrow. Many pharmacies and clinics countywide are also accepting appointments through their own systems. Parents are encouraged to call the site ahead of time to verify that they are vaccinating children.
A network of nearly 900 providers countywide will offer vaccines to children between the ages of 5 and 11 and this month, vaccines will be offered at 480 school-based events with a focus on schools in high-need areas. County mobile vaccination teams will supplement vaccinations offered by existing providers so that children have easy access to our most powerful protection from COVID-19.
Anyone five years and older living or working in L.A. County can get vaccinated. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites where first, second, and third doses are available.
Details: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Carson Special Election 2021-Retired LAPD Officer Wins 4th District Seat, Former Steve Bradford Aide Becomes City Clerk

Terelle Jerricks
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Carson Special Election 2021-Retired LAPD Officer Wins 4th District Seat, Former Steve Bradford Aide Becomes City Clerk

Myla Rahman has been elected Carson’s fifth city clerk with a little over 29 percent of the vote and former Los Angeles Police Department officer, Arleen Rojas is the new representative for Carson’s fourth district with 34 percent of the vote.

Rojas is a 31 year veteran police officer with the Los Angeles Police officer and lifelong resident of Carson. Rojas was appointed to the Economic Development Commission this past February. In 2019, Rojas was presented with a proclamation recognizing the Equal Pay Act, Observe the national pay act of 1963. Rojas is the first Filipina to join the LAPD. She was one of 84 women to go through the police academy. Rojas was endorsed by Mayor pro tem Jim Dear.

Myla Rahman has been the District Chief of Staff for the California State Legislature for the past eight years. Before that she was the district director for State Senator Steven Bradford. She was a senior account executive at Cerrell Associates, a public relations firm specialized in campaigns and issues management, land use and planning, media relations, and etc. Rahman is a graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills.

CITY OF CARSON SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION City Clerk (Unexpired term ending December 20, 2022)

Candidate(s)VotesPercent
MYLA RAHMAN (N)2,13329.22%
MONETTE “MARIA” GAVINO (N)1,82224.96%
VERA ROBLES DEWITT (N)1,60021.91%
FALEA’ANA ARIETA “ANA” MENI (N)94612.96%
JEFFRY H. CABALLERO (N)80010.96%

CITY OF CARSON SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION Member of the City Council, 4th District (Unexpired term ending December 20, 2022)

Candidate(s)VotesPercent
ARLEEN ROJAS (N)66034.36%
FREDDIE GOMEZ (N)52527.33%
MICHAEL “MIKE” MITOMA (N)26113.59%
SHARMA HENDERSON (N)24112.55%
ISAIAS “ISA” JESUS PULIDO (N)23412.18%

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Public Health Provides Framework for Lifting Masking Requirements

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Public Health Provides Framework for Lifting Masking Requirements

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health Nov. 2, provided the framework for lifting masking requirements at events and indoor establishments.

For outdoor mega events involving more than 10,000 people, Public Health outlined that before masking requirements are lifted, all of the following criteria need to be met: L.A. County case rates must demonstrate three consecutive weeks at or below moderate transmission as defined by the CDC – that is, less than 50 new weekly cases per 100,000 residents; hospitalizations remain low and stable at or below 600 daily COVID hospitalizations for three consecutive weeks; 80% or more of county residents 12 and older are fully vaccinated; and there are no emerging reports of significantly circulating new variants of concern that threaten vaccine effectiveness.

For masking requirements to be lifted at indoor events or establishments involving fewer than 1,000 people, including indoor offices and worksites, sites must have a vaccination verification process in place, and all employees and customers must be fully vaccinated, accommodating with additional requirements those employees with approved exemptions. Additionally, L.A. County metrics must meet all of the same standards as for lifting masking requirements at outdoor mega events.

Indoor masking will remain mandatory due to federal and state requirements on public transit and transportation hubs (federal), and at TK-12 schools, childcare, and youth settings; healthcare settings; correctional facilities; homeless and emergency shelters and cooling centers; and indoor mega events involving more than 1,000 people (state).

Public Health Nov. 2, confirmed 17 new deaths and 896 new cases of COVID-19.

There are 659 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 26% of these people are in the ICU. This is an increase of 30 daily hospitalizations over the past week.

Testing results are available for more than 9,076,000 individuals with 15% of people testing positive. Today’s test positivity rate is 1.0%.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it’s helpful to plan ahead for the safest and healthiest gatherings possible. Getting yourself and your loved ones vaccinated now gives you the best chance at having some protection from COVID over the holidays.

Public Health recommends staying local until everyone in your household is fully vaccinated, and if you travel with unvaccinated family members, including young children, planning enough travel time to complete quarantine before joining the holiday gathering. Gathering outdoors is safest, especially when masks are off for eating and drinking. If outdoors isn’t possible or practical, improve the air flow indoors by opening windows and doors, using fans and portable air cleaners, and running the heating or air conditioner with upgraded or replaced filters.

Los Angeles County is administering boosters for all three FDA-approved vaccines; Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People eligible for boosters include adults of any age who received their first Johnson & Johnson dose at least two months ago, and people who got the second dose of their Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at least six months ago and are 65-plus years old or are over 18 and live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions, or work or live in high-risk settings.

To find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com

Details: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov

 

News Connects From Containers, to Supply Chain, to Clean Air, Plus Space Tech

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News Connects From Containers, to Supply Chain, to Clean Air, Plus Space Tech

Long Beach Temporarily Allows Additional Container Stacking

Given this current national emergency related to the supply and distribution of imported goods arriving in the nation’s ports and the Gov. Newsom’s Executive Order to take necessary steps to alleviate the impacts on the system, the city manager has temporarily waived enforcement of current shipping container stacking and height limits for a period of 90 days starting Oct. 22, 2021.

Details: www.longbeach.gov/-statement-on-temporarily-allowing-additional-container-stacking

California, DOT Partner on Supply Chain Infrastructure Program

Gov. Newsom and the Department of Transportation will partner to facilitate projects and financing opportunities for multi-billion infrastructure improvements in California.

The agreement allows California to expedite work on a network of related projects – rather than using a piecemeal approach – that will help grow the economy, protect the environment, facilitate the movement of imports and exports and bring supply chain processes into the 21st century, including around San Pedro Bay and the Inland Empire.

This partnership can help kick-start construction to deliver benefits to the transportation supply chain and U.S. consumers in the future. Projects that could receive support through this agreement include:

  • Port-specific upgrades;
  • Expanding capacity for freight rail;
  • Developing inland port facilities for increased warehouse storage;
  • Railyard and truck electrification;
  • Highway upgrades to improve truck travel times;
  • Grade-separated crossings to reduce the number of rail-street intersections and improve safety and efficiency;
  • Land ports of entry to expand trade capacity and cross-border commerce;

Other eligible projects of critical importance identified by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).

Port of Long Beach Meets 2023 Clean Air Goals

For the first time, and because of unique factors, the Port of Long Beach has achieved all of the 2023 emission-reduction goals outlined in the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan.

The Port’s annual emissions inventory report, presented to the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners Oct. 28, found diesel soot is down 90%, smog-forming nitrogen oxides have decreased 62%, and sulfur oxides have decreased 97%, all while container throughput has increased 21%. The pollution levels are all compared to the 2005 baseline, the year before the original San Pedro Bay Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) was adopted.

Those unique factors that affected activity, efficiency, and thus emissions in 2020, are largely related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These included the stoppage of cruise ship passenger operations in mid-March and fewer oil tankers calling the port.

The 2017 CAAP Update incorporates numerous strategies to reduce emissions from port-related operations in San Pedro Bay. The Technology Advancement Program nurtures the development of technology to support the development of equipment and reach the CAAP’s emissions targets. Approximately 16% of the cargo-handling fleet at the Port, or about 235 pieces of equipment, is powered by electricity today.

Greenhouse gas emissions increased 7% between 2019 and 2020. Officials connected the increase in emissions to cargo-handling equipment and heavy-duty truck activity related to record activity in 2020. The annual emissions inventory is reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board and South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Details: www.polb.com/environment/air/#emissions-inventory

POLB Attracts New Space Tech Tenant

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners Oct. 28, approved an agreement with ABL Space Systems to build a spacecraft processing facility at the Port of Long Beach and use waterfront area for the delivery and shipping of its cargo.

El Segundo-based ABL Space Systems, founded in 2017, will take over 8.06 acres of land and 1.31 acres of submerged land at the Navy Mole on the Port’s Pier T, which was formerly part of the Long Beach Naval Station.

The agreement comes five months after the POLB leased a site to SpaceX, adjacent to what will now become the ABL Space Systems site. SpaceX uses its site as a marine terminal for its West Coast rocket recovery operations.

Included in the five-year lease is a 25,000-square-foot integration and payload processing facility, 20,000-square-foot warehouse space, and a 13,000-square-foot office space. This location, previously occupied by Sea Launch, will be used by ABL for a wide range of operations, including vehicle processing, payload integration, and maritime operations that support the company’s global network of launch facilities.

Enviros Request EPA to Take Over Leak Investigation, Board of Sup’s Declare Local Emergency for Dominguez Channel

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Enviros Request EPA to Take Over Leak Investigation, Board of Sup’s Declare Local Emergency for Dominguez Channel

LOS ANGELES —The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Nov. 3, has proclaimed a local emergency to enable additional resources under state disaster legislation to respond to the Dominguez Channel Odor Incident. The persistent issue began with reports of foul odors in the area on Oct. 4.

The proclamation, based on a Nov. 2 motion by Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, provides the incident’s multi-agency response team with access to the technical support and financial resources needed to deliver equitable relief to residents and remediate the odor issue.

The proclamation does not change the nature of the incident, which remains a “public nuisance” that must be abated, as directed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The odor is attributed to the low-oxygen decay of organic material in the channel. Microorganisms breaking down the organic matter are producing high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like “rotten eggs,” in a process called anaerobic digestion.

 Meanwhile, the Coalition for a Safe Environment, a Wilmington, Calif based environmental justice non profit organization, conducted its own independent investigation into the odor emanating from the Dominguez Channel and is requesting that the federal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or EPA take over the investigation.

In a released statement, the Coalition expressed incredulity that after four weeks of testing the South Coast AQMD has not been able to find the source of the hydrogen sulfide gas in the Dominguez Channel.

“It is true hydrogen sulfide was found in the Dominguez Channel but it is near impossible for Hydrogen Sulfide to have been created there and in the large quantities still being released every day,” said CFASE director, Jesse Marquez. “It would take tons and tons of decaying organic matter in one location in a confined area, over a period of time, with little to no oxygen to create Hydrogen Sulfide.”

The Coalition, at a Nov. 3, press conference, presented three priority proposals focused on sources in the Dominguez Channel, oil refinery as a source and the underground fault shift caused by the Carson earthquake as a source. Marquez discussed the organization’s research and why the U.S. EPA needs to step-in and provide investigation oversight.

The County of Los Angeles has reported the hydrogen sulfide detected in the air fluctuates but remains at levels that are not expected to pose long-term health problems and does not pose an imminent danger to people who have reported experiencing the odor in areas of Carson, West Carson, and portions of Gardena, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Wilmington, Long Beach and neighboring unincorporated communities.

A multi-agency response team, consisting of Los Angeles County’s departments in Public Works, Public Health, Fire Health HazMat and South the Coast AQMD, regularly reassesses the situation and community mitigation recommendations. That team is working around the clock to monitor and eliminate the odors from the channel and bring much-needed relief to affected communities.

Though the pungent odor event has persisted for nearly four consecutive weeks; however, air quality monitoring by South Coast AQMD and County Fire Health HazMat indicates a downward trend in detectable hydrogen sulfide levels, both within the channel and in surrounding communities. More information on current air monitoring efforts can be found on the South Coast AQMD webpage.

Residents may call the County Helpline at 2-1-1 for more information about the incident, assistance options and reimbursement programs. Online forms are available at: L.A. County Emergency Response (lacounty.gov). There are also community information centers at the Carson Community Center at 801. E. Carson St., in Carson, from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., daily, and at the Wilmington Senior Center, 1371 Eubank Ave., in Wilmington, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily.

Local Artists Featured in Group Exhibition, Ocean

Melina Paris
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Local Artists Featured in Group Exhibition, Ocean

The Long Beach Creative Group presents Ocean, a group show, Nov. 7 to Dec. 5. The exhibition features 56 pieces by 44 artists, selected by a jury of three art professionals, from nearly 200 submissions. Ocean is being presented in the LBCG/Rod Briggs Gallery in Long Beach.

Humans are connected to the ocean, the home to a vast marine life. From exploration, trade and sustenance to power generation and climate regulation – what’s left of it – the sea has shaped almost every aspect of life on the planet. It is an important part of the culture, history, and economy of the local region.

Artists who reside in Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, and San Pedro, as well as individuals who attend, or have graduated from, California State University, Long Beach or Long Beach City College, were invited to submit up to three pieces for this exhibition.

Karena Massengill Melting Steel and Glass, photo courtesy of LBCG/Rod Briggs Gallery
Jurors Andrew Dickson, Professor of Foundation Painting at California State University Fullerton, celebrated fiber artist and sculptor Dellis Frank, and Elana Hagler, Assistant Professor of Art at Alabama State University, reviewed the submissions and selected works for inclusion in Ocean.

LBCG board member Helen Cox who coordinated the open call said, “I am delighted by the quality of work, and the unique perspectives represented in the show. The jurors have done a great job of representing the diversity and creativity that makes Long Beach so special.”

LBCG is also presenting a special talk by Leah Young, community outreach coordinator for the Aquarium of the Pacific, from 3 to 4 p.m. Nov. 14. Young will discuss the Aquarium’s research programs, and their efforts to preserve endangered species, including the white abalone and the giant sea bass.

The exhibition has been made possible, in part, by a grant from Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn. The gallery is also sustained through a combination of art sales, private donations, volunteers, and the generous support of Cameron Briggs. No appointment is required.

Time: 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays

Cost: Free

Details: LongBeachCreativeGroup.com

Venue: LBCG/Rod Briggs Gallery, 2221 E Broadway, in Long Beach

Nine-Year-Old Lomita Girl Named National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for 2021

Melina Paris
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Nine-Year-Old Lomita Girl Named National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for 2021

Lemonade Day, a national nonprofit committed to preparing youth for life through a unique entrepreneurial and experiential program named 9 year-old Brianna Garcia of Harbor City, California its National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for 2021.

Quoting the organization’s founder, Michael Holthouse, Lemonade Day’s national CEO, Nicole Cassier-Mason, said, “Attributes of a successful entrepreneur correlate to those of being a successful, thriving human being.”

Cassier-Mason went on to say that Garcia embodied that mantra, and were delighted to recognize her accomplishments.

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“Brianna set her business goal, made a plan, worked the Lemonade Day curriculum, and achieved her goals. She is an inspiring model of youth entrepreneurship – all in her very first attempt at owning and operating a business,” Cassier-Mason said. The result of Garcia’s efforts was the founding of Bri’s Frozen Lemonades

Through the process, Garcia learned to set goals, develop a business plan to seek a micro loan, create her lemonade products and other stand items, and market it to run a successful business. Brianna paid back her investor and shared $762.30 of her $1000 profit with Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro. She opened a savings account with the remaining profit and hopes to purchase her own phone and Knott’s Berry Farm season passes.

“I had so much fun doing this whole thing from designing and making my aprons with my mom, to designing and making my stand with my dad, and delivering my ‘share some’ donation to the Marine Mammal Care Center. It was all great,” Briana said.

The Lomita chapter of Lemonade Day is also in its inaugural year. More than 100 children set up 37 stands in Lomita. Lemonade Day will celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month in November and National Entrepreneurship Day Nov. 16, 2021.

Lemonade Day is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching youth important business, financial, character-building and life skills that are the key ingredients of entrepreneurship. Playing a vital role in the education and workforce ecosystem, Lemonade Day is in 84 licensed markets in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, six U.S. military bases, and growing. Visit lemonadeday.org.

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