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Governors Briefs: California to See New Homes for Veterans and State Reduces Cost of Prescription Drugs

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Governors Briefs: California to See New Homes for Veterans and State Reduces Cost of Prescription Drugs

Gov. Newsom Signs SB 41 to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom Oct. 11 announced that he signed SB 41 by Sen. Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco), regulating pharmacy benefit managers or PBMs to prevent inflated prescription drug prices.

This bill enacts a sweeping reform of the allowable business practices for PBMs, which will be licensed by the Department of Managed Health Care or DMHC in accordance with trailer bill legislation enacted this year. The bill reforms the revenue generating abilities of PBMs, including prohibiting the practice of spread pricing, requiring manufacturer rebates to be passed through to health plans, and allowing only administrative fee charges to be assessed to health plan and health insurer clients.

Details: For full text of SB 41, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

 

Hundreds of New Homes for Veterans are Coming to California through Prop 1 Funding

California continues to honor its 1.5 million veterans — creating stronger supports and housing dedicated to serving veterans. Gov. Gavin Newsom Oct. 16 announced new awards to fund the development of 707 permanent supportive homes with services for veterans and other Californians who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and living with behavioral health challenges, along with 13 manager units.

Finding affordable housing can be extremely difficult for veterans, especially if they have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, or live with mental-health issues. Remaining stably housed can be even more difficult, especially without mental health support.

Prop 1, which was championed by Gov. Newsom, approved by voters in 2024, is transforming California’s mental health systems with a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond for housing, services, and treatment for veterans and people experiencing homelessness.

California’s Essential Programs and Benefits Remain Available

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California’s Essential Programs and Benefits Remain Available

 

CALIFORNIA—Across the nation, the federal government shutdown is causing real disruptions, from airports and paychecks, to families who depend on federal programs. This shutdown stems from political gridlock in Washington and unfortunately, its consequences are felt here at home.

While this is a federal issue, California’s state government remains open. Assemblymember Mike Gipson’s district office also remains open. Agencies and departments continue to provide critical programs that support Californians’ health, safety and well-being.

What continues operating:

  • Medi-Cal & Covered California: Health benefits and appointments remain active for October. You may enroll in Covered California through Special Enrollment.
  • CalFresh & WIC: Benefits continue and EBT cards are still active. WIC continues to serve and enroll families and should continue to attend their WIC appointments.
  • Unemployment and Disability Insurance (EDD): State programs remain available and funded.
  • Social Security & SSI/SSP: Recipients will continue to receive their checks, but customer wait times may be higher than usual and individuals may experience limited service.
  • Public schools, community colleges and universities: Classes continue as scheduled.
  • Local transit, DMV and other state offices and mail service: Services will operate as normal.

What may be affected:

  • Federal agencies and programs: Passport services, IRS operations and TSA queues at airports may experience significant delays.
  • Federal employees: Thousands of workers are being furloughed or required to work without pay.
  • Community partners: Some nonprofits and local agencies, depending on federal grants, could face temporary funding disruptions.

September Cargo Volume Boosts Port of Los Angeles to Record Quarter

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September Cargo Volume Boosts Port of Los Angeles to Record Quarter

 

LOS ANGELES — The Port of Los Angeles processed 883,053 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in September. While cargo eased 7.5% compared to last year, it helped propel the Port to its best quarter on record.

“As trade policy unfolds, we can only predict more unpredictability,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “When sweeping changes were first announced, importers abruptly stopped their orders from China. When those policies were softened and deadlines extended, cargo volume picked up again. The supply chain has been on a roller coaster all year and that ride continues.

“Approximately 20% of vessels that call at the Port of Los Angeles are China-made. Some cargo-handling equipment and cranes are also manufactured in China. Tariffs in one area tend to lead to rising prices in other segments. In the end, making goods more expensive.”

Richard DiNucci, a senior international trade advisor and former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations, joined Seroka for the briefing. DiNucci discussed how the federal government shutdown has impacted global trade.

WATCH BRIEFING HERE

September 2025 loaded imports came in at 460,044 TEUs, 7.6% less than last year. Loaded exports landed at 114,693 TEUs, about the same as 2024. The port handled 308,317 empty container units, 10% less than last year.

The port closed out the third quarter moving 2.9 million TEUs, its best three-month quarter ever. Nine months into 2025, the Port of Los Angeles has handled 7,817,057 TEUs, 3% more than the same period in 2024.

“Heathers: The Musical” superficial but spirited

Greggory Moore
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“Heathers: The Musical” superficial but spirited

For intermission of Heathers: The Musical, Long Beach Playhouse put together a playlist ostensibly honoring the 1980s, the decade in which the story takes place. “This is the best song ever!” gushed a guy behind me over the opening riff of “Just What I Needed” [1970s, but never mind]. Then the vocals kicked in. “Oh,” he said disappointedly, “I thought it was ‘Stacy’s Mom’.”

If you don’t know from The Cars but think Fountains of Wayne has got it going on, you may be the ideal candidate to enjoy the music Kevin Murphy & Laurence O’Keefe crafted in their adaptation of the 1988 Winona Ryder / Christian Slater skewering of society’s pop-culture approach to teen suicide. And not knowing the film probably helps. But however lacking Heathers: The Musical may be, there’s no shortage of spirit in the Playhouse’s production.

Veronica (Arystaysha West) wants to be popular in the worst way, and the shortest route to that destination is by teaming up with the school’s triumvirate of Heathers (Harper O’Laughlin, Kacey Oschack, and Journie Ma-Johnson). But when she falls for a mysterious new kid with misfit written all over him (Quinn Vann), things get dangerously complicated.

Why is she singing about her love for him even though they’ve spent literally eight inconsequential seconds together? Why does she refer to someone she hates as her best friend? Why is there a reprise after only three songs? Don’t ask — literally, don’t. Murphy & O’Keefe eschew character development, leave plot holes all over the road, and seem to have played hooky from Musicals 101 one too many times. And while Heathers is no Network in terms of depth, satire, or even yuks, Heathers: The Musical is no Heathers, so you’re best off putting your brain on hold and channeling your inner high-schooler to go with the superficial flow.

This, at least, is where I can find things to like about this show — although here I credit director Sean F. Gray and his cast more than the writers. As the capo de tutti capo Heather, Harper O’Laughlin’s reactions from beyond the grave during “The Me Inside of Me” are precious. In “Blue” (as in balls), Zavier Davis and Mitchell Dambrowski manage to make stupid, obvious zingers kinda funny. And then there’s the slo-mo fight that, thanks to the complete commitment of everyone on stage, is more charming than it has any right to be.

Musically, although the lead vocals aren’t always strong, the harmonies usually are. Davis and Dambrowski are a case in point. The fact that their solo lines in “Blue” meander a bit (not that it really matters in a song like this) makes it that much more of a pleasant surprise the way their voices lock together when they sing in tandem. And although she doesn’t get a lot of opportunities, Amanda Webb (in a dual role as Veronica’s mom and a teacher/counselor) is a secret sauce to any song involving her.

Fortunately, the castmember with the most leads, Arystaysha West, is also one of the strongest. And on “Seventeen”, she and Quinn Vann co-produce the show’s most arresting musical moments.

Another vocal highlight is “Kindergarten”. Ignoring the fact that the song is sorta shoehorned into the storyline, as the discarded Martha Dunnstock, Alana Ruhe’s solo turn soars high enough to overcome Murphy & O’Keefe’s mawkishness.

Technically, opening night was problematic. During the first 10 minutes actors were consistently left in darkness downstage when clearly the opposite was meant to be the case; and for more than half of Act One the mics didn’t work, meaning that lead vocals on early numbers were somewhat drowned out by the solid seven-piece band backstage, even though without mics their sound was muffled by the set. Gradually these problems were redressed, and by Act Two everything was going pretty much according to plan, though sporadic mic noise was an issue throughout.

The people around me had a raucously good time at Heathers: The Musical. Some of that enthusiasm came from many in the opening-night audience being friends of the cast, while no doubt some was simply in response to the spirit of the performances. How much did the material itself contribute? Who am I to say? “Stacy’s Mom” was a Top 40 hit in 2003 and to date has over 500 million plays on Spotify. De gustibus non est disputandum.

Heathers: The Musical at Long Beach Playhouse
Times: Fri–Sat 8:00 p.m., Sun 2:00 p.m.
The show runs through November 16.
Cost: $20 to $30
Details: (562) 494-1014; LBplayhouse.org
Venue: Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach

Kaiser Permanente Faces New Strike Threat as SoCal Pharmacy Workers Authorize ULP Walkout

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Kaiser Permanente Faces New Strike Threat as SoCal Pharmacy Workers Authorize ULP Walkout

 

LOS ANGELES — United Food and Commercial Workers or UFCW local unions representing Kaiser pharmacy employees Oct. 15 announced an overwhelming membership vote in favor of authorizing their bargaining team to call for an Unfair Labor Practice or ULP strike to protest Kaiser’s labor violations throughout negotiations that have prevented frontline pharmacy healthcare workers from getting the fair contract they deserve.

The UFCW Locals 324 and 770 Bargaining Committee said the following:

“This vote sends a strong message to Kaiser: We’ve had enough of their union-busting tactics that undermine workers and silence our voices. And if they thought Kaiser members could be scared away from standing up for our rights, they just found out that they are very wrong.”

“An Unfair Labor Practice strike is always a last resort, and we will continue to push Kaiser to do the right thing and come back to the table to bargain in good faith. We are hopeful that Kaiser will get its act together after witnessing the 46,000 Alliance workers who declared a strike this week and seeing that UFCW is ready to join a potential second wave of a strike. With this strike authorization vote, we’re now prepared to join forces with our Alliance siblings if Kaiser continues to commit unfair labor practices that undermine our rights.”

Kaiser Permanente pharmacy workers are fighting for a fair contract that ensures safe staffing and sustainable workloads to safeguard the highest standards of patient care. They are demanding industry-leading compensation and wage equity that recognizes their expertise, while also upholding dignity and equity for all workers, because quality patient care depends on a supported workforce.

BACKGROUND

On Oct. 3, union locals with the Alliance of Health Care Unions, including HNHP, UNAC/UHCP, UNITE HERE Local 5, OFNHP Local 5017, and USW 7600 issued a 10-day strike notice to Kaiser Permanente.

With no agreement reached by the Oct. 13 deadline, the unions began a five-day strike on Oct.14. This collective action demonstrates the workers’ resolve and sends a powerful message to Kaiser about the necessity of bargaining in good faith and respecting frontline healthcare staff.

From Skeptic to Supporter: Why I’m Backing Tim McOsker

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From Skeptic to Supporter: Why I’m Backing Tim McOsker

By Rick Thomas, Columnist


I didn’t think another San Pedro politician would care about the Harbor Gateway. I was wrong.

A few years back, I decided to run for City Council in LA’s 15th District.

Why?

Simple.

It was on my bucket list.

Back in the day, my dream was to become Philadelphia’s first African American mayor. Then the Honorable Wilson Goode took that title. He proceeded to blow up a square city block, so I took my political career to another level and chose a different goal:

To become the first African American Mayor in the City of Philadelphia who didn’t blow up a square city block.

Search for Wilson Goode.

After moving to LA, I figured why not aim for something slightly less historic but still ambitious: City Council District 15 in Los Angeles.

I filed the papers.

I was in.

Ready to make a difference—or at least get some cool campaign signs made.

And then the phone rang.

It was Tim McOsker.

He asked me to lunch.

Naturally, I said, “You’re buying, right Tim?” Campaign funds don’t grow on trees, bro.

So, we met at the San Pedro Brewing Company on January 18, 2022. Over lunch, I told him flat out:

“CD 15 needs someone not from San Pedro.”

Since 1951, every single Councilmember has been from San Pedro. That’s 75 years of one Councilmember from one neighborhood hogging the mic, while the rest of the district gets crickets.

Literal crickets.

I had reasons to run:

Dirty streets full of illegal dumping with no resolution.

Teen violence. A Boys and Girls Club is named after a 14-year-old who was killed by a street gang for no reason.

An 8th grader. For no reason.

The teen killed on the streets of Harbor Gateway was Cheryl Green, the namesake for the Boys and Girls Club on Del Amo Boulevard and Denker. There’s no reason we should have to dedicate a Boys and Girls Club following the death of a 14-year-old.

“The Latino gang members were looking for a black person, any black person, to shoot, the police said, and they found one. Cheryl Green,” the New York Times wrote.

That’s how huge this story was. National news coverage.

It’s unacceptable.

Back to Cheryl Green shortly.

But toss in sidewalks that looked like obstacle courses, semi-trucks barreling down residential streets with official permission, and the cherry on top: previous Councilmembers ignoring Harbor Gateway like we were invisible.

I was done.

Furious.

Motivated.

So, I ran.

And… didn’t get enough signatures to even make the ballot!

WA WA WA WAA…

I was doing pretty well on the above verbiage, wasn’t I? Then crash and burn.

But hey—silver lining—my name made it to Wikipedia under “Did Not Make the Ballot.”

The last name on the list of “Did Not Make the Ballot.”

THAT’S ME!

It’s not exactly Mount Rushmore. It isn’t even the tagging on the new construction off 205th and Western.

But I’ll take it.

The race came down to Tim McOsker and Danielle Sandoval, and I backed Danielle. Because, again, I didn’t want another person from San Pedro.

Period.

Then something unexpected happened.

Tim McOsker, a San Pedro resident all his life, called me… again.

Lunch?

No.

Damn.

I was gonna pick Raffaello Ristorante, or Compagnon Wine Bistro.

Nope.

He wanted to come to my neighborhood and walk it.

What da helly?

OK, let me get this right…the leading candidate for City Council District 15 wanted to walk the streets of this gentrifying hood?

Okay.

I figured, “Sure, why not?”

He showed up at my door, met Dexter (my Maltese Poodle with the heart and soul of a pit bull), and Tim McOsker didn’t get bitten!

What da helly?

Imma have to have a long conversation with that dog.

Then Tim started going through my vinyl records from the mid-70s and 80s like he was Power 106’s Justin Incredible. And this dog is licking his hands, jumping up on him for tummy rubs.

What da helly?

That alone was suspicious.

But then we walked.

And we talked.

And he listened.

He showed up.

I didn’t believe it at first—politicians love good photo ops. But there was no photographer.

And then he came back.

AGAIN!

I remember one Saturday—me in gym clothes getting ready to head to Planet Fitness in Carson, LA Times in hand, pretending to work out—when Tim called.

“I’m around the corner,” he said. “Just wanted to drop off a lawn sign!”

So now I had a lawn sign for Tim McOsker and Danielle Sandoval in front of my apartment.

I was so confused.

But Tim didn’t disappear after I lost my chance to get on the ballot. He kept showing up. Campaigning, yes—but also listening.

That’s rare.

I had my slogan for my campaign—“Walking For 15.” I thought that was surprisingly good. Tim had his—the “One-Five.”

One District, Five Neighborhoods: Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Watts, and Wilmington.

Oh, I was upset with Tim when I was running, and I told him, “That ‘One-Five’ thing is really good.” I asked my marketing agency before I fired them, “Why didn’t we come up with that?”

But in a district that’s been represented by San Pedro Councilmembers for generations, there was actually someone ‘Walking For 15.’

That was Tim McOsker.

Walking all five neighborhoods in one district.

Imma still have to have a conversation with that dang dog Dexter because apparently that Maltipoo sent back my mail-in ballot and voted for Tim McOsker!

Just kidding, just kidding.

So yes, I started that journey thinking I’d be the guy on the ballot. Instead, now I’m the guy backing the one candidate who came to my door, listened…and kept coming back.

And honestly?

I’m good with that.

I will say it repeatedly—noting that it wasn’t a very high bar—that judging from what I have lived through with McOsker, the prior Councilmember and garnering feedback from stakeholders who have lived in the Harbor Gateway for over 25years, we’ve seen a significant increase in Council support for this community from Tim McOsker.

That’s a fact.

And in future columns, I’m going to go in depth on actions Tim McOsker has taken in the Harbor Gateway that make that “One District, Five Neighborhoods” slogan a reality.

Not the BS this community has had to live with for the past 75 years.

I was wrong.

I admit that now.

Yep, I was wrong.

I thought another Councilmember from San Pedro would never see the Harbor Gateway with the vision I have for this community.

But wait…there’s more.

Campaigning over.

Tim McOsker won.

Time for me to go away, right?

“Not I,” said the dog.

I wanted to make sure that my community in the Harbor Gateway got, well…recognition.

Recognition.

Over here!

Over here!

We are right here in the Harbor Gateway!

Tim went sideways towards me when I supported Danielle Sandoval. I campaigned for her right up to election day. But in politics, “you gotta be able to give a punch…and take a punch.”

So, I called Tim.

“What do you want to do, let bygones be bygones?” he said.

“Yeah,” I said. “We’ve got work to do.”

“OK, let’s do it,” he said.

Next move, I wanted to gather all the other candidates who ran to meet, greet, and discuss a great path forward so we could all do what’s best for our sections of Council District 15.

Only one candidate besides me showed up.

That breakfast at Think Café in San Pedro kinda went sideways. Not from me, because I was in it for the game of working with Tim to get… well, ‘recognition.’

Erika Velasquez, Tim’s District Director, set up the grub after my request. I mentioned to her that I had a conversation with LAPD Gang Intervention officer, Maligi Nua—Junior, as we all call him—about renaming the area around the Cheryl Green Boys and Girls Club “Cheryl Green Square.” In honor of that 14-year-old African American girl whose life was taken away by a gang member who just pointed a gun and fired at several Black children in the Harbor Gateway 19 years ago.

That renaming request started with Junior, and I put it in front of the previous Councilmember’s team. And that request, like most requests for public service from that former Councilmember, went into the round file.

Oh, the round file? That’s a trash can for those in the AI generation.

I mentioned the request for the Cheryl Green dedication to Erika at that breakfast.

She said she’d look into it.

OK…yeah, right.

This ain’t goin’ nowhere.

Then Erika left a voicemail for me on April 1, 2023. Yes, “April Fool’s Day,” so you know I was suspicious.

But Tim McOsker’s staff is top-notch. His staff are at the top of their game.

I kept that message because I knew I’d need it—for this day, when I’d write about my support for Tim McOsker and his second term.

Our Field Deputy, Rudy Martinez? Better than our prior FD Nick Chavez (sorry Nick). But both these FDs and his team…they’re responsive.

Now, full disclosure…some of them don’t like me…OK most of them don’t like me…alright, they all don’t like me, but I don’t care.

Because it’s not about me.

It’s about the people living in the Harbor Gateway.

Back to that voicemail from Erika:

“After our conversation…we went back and checked on that motion for ‘Cheryl Green Square’ in the Harbor Gateway…there was no paper on it…so Councilmember McOsker will have that motion to present and once that motion is ready it will be going to Council to dedicate that square.”

I need to get in line at my primary medical provider for a testosterone shot, because every time I listen to that voicemail…I tear up.

From that motion introduced by Tim McOsker:

“I THEREFORE MOVE that the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Denker Avenue in the Harbor Gateway be designated ‘Cheryl Green Memorial Square,’ and that the Department of Transportation be directed to erect permanent ceremonial sign(s) to this effect at this location.”

Recognition.

Recognition for the Harbor Gateway.

Thanks, Tim.

You’ve clearly earned a second term. I saw that you put in your papers in preparation for another four years as Councilmember Tim McOsker representing…the ‘One-Five.’

One District. Five Neighborhoods.

As it should be.

Tim McOsker for City Council, CD15.

And Dexter, the dog you stole from me, Tim wants a campaign t-shirt!

San Pedro Bay Ports Seek Comment on Technology Study

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San Pedro Bay Ports Seek Comment on Technology Study

 

The public is invited to comment on a draft assessment of new cargo-handling equipment technology that will help the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles reduce air pollution and reach the zero-emissions goals set by the Clean Air Action Plan or CAAP.

The draft 2024 feasibility assessment, posted here, examines the current state of technology, operational characteristics, economic considerations, infrastructure availability and commercial readiness relating to cleaner cargo-handling equipment.

Comments will be accepted through Nov. 21, and can be emailed to caap@cleanairactionplan.org.

The ports develop feasibility assessments every three years for terminal equipment and drayage trucks to determine a path toward meeting CAAP zero-emissions goals.

To help achieve the scale of technology required for its CAAP goals, the ports have made investments and engaged industry manufacturers through the technology advancement program. Since 2007, the ports and their partners have invested more than $431 million to support the commercialization of clean technologies.

Updated in 2017, the CAAP is a comprehensive strategy for accelerating progress toward a zero-emissions future while protecting and strengthening the ports’ competitive position in the global economy. The Clean Air Action Plan was originally approved in 2006.

First Locally Acquired Dengue Case Prompts Public Health Investigation

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First Locally Acquired Dengue Case Prompts Public Health Investigation

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating the first case of locally acquired dengue for the 2025 mosquito season in a resident of the San Gabriel Valley. The person reported no history of travel to areas where dengue is endemic. The individual developed symptoms in late September and is recovering. While the potential risk for widespread dengue virus transmission in Los Angeles County remains low, this case highlights the presence of infected mosquitoes locally and underscores the importance of preventive measures to control the spread of this virus.

Dengue is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can take 5-7 days for a person to develop symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito infected with dengue. Persons infected with dengue may have flu-like symptoms including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Severe dengue can result in shock, severe bleeding and severe organ impairment which require immediate medical attention. Residents who have symptoms of dengue should see their healthcare provider. A blood test is the only way to confirm dengue infection.

About Dengue

Dengue is a disease caused by a virus that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Dengue is common in tropical and subtropical regions such as the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico), Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. Because the types of mosquitoes that spread dengue are common throughout many areas of the United States, local spread of dengue can occur. However, dengue is not commonly spread by mosquitoes in LA County. Most cases in LA County have been identified among those who have traveled to areas where dengue commonly occurs.

Symptoms of dengue typically last two to seven days. Most people will recover after about a week. About one in twenty people with dengue can develop severe disease which can be life threatening.

The most common symptoms of dengue are fever and one or more of the following:

Eye pain; Headache; Muscle, bone or joint pain; Nausea or vomiting and Rash

There are no specific medicines to treat dengue. There are supportive medicines to help with fever and pain. There is a vaccine for dengue, but it is NOT approved for use in U.S. travelers who are visiting but not living in an area where dengue is common.

Details: ph.lacounty.gov/dengue

For questions or to find a nearby clinic or doctor, call the Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473, open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

New Breast Cancer Data Prompt Dignity Health’s Call for Renewed Awareness and Action

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New Breast Cancer Data Prompt Dignity Health’s Call for Renewed Awareness and Action

 

Long Beach, Calif. – October 10, 2025 – Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center or SMMC urges everyone to prioritize their breast health in light of new statistics underscoring the disease’s persistent challenge. Despite significant advancements in early detection and treatment offering renewed hope, breast cancer continues to profoundly impact millions worldwide.

According to the American Cancer Society or ACS, in 2024, almost 375K women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 42K of them were projected to die from the disease. Breast cancer also affects men, with almost 2,800 men being diagnosed and around 530 are expected to lose their battle with the disease.

“These statistics serve as a powerful reminder that breast cancer remains a formidable adversary” said Dr. Jim Keany, MD, Chief Medical Officer at SMMC. “While survival rates have improved significantly over the past decades thanks to research and early detection, the sheer volume of new diagnoses and the number of lives lost underscore the critical need for ongoing awareness, research funding, and equitable access to screening and treatment.”

St. Mary’s provides advanced care in the fight against cancer. Onsite treatment services use TrueBeam radiation technology to offer patients Image Guided Radiation Therapy, Brachytherapy, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, and Volumetric Modulated Radiation Therapy.

Early detection is paramount in the fight against breast cancer, with a 99% five-year survival rate for localized cases. Understanding your personal risk factors, including lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol, can help reduce risk. Dignity Health emphasizes personalized screening discussions with healthcare providers, noting general guidelines suggest annual mammograms for women starting at 40 or 45, while advancements in targeted and immunotherapies continue to offer new hope for patients.

Details: Visit dignityhealth.org/socal/cancer or consult with your primary care physician.

Port of Long Beach Awarded $20 Million for Pier Wind

Terelle Jerricks
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Port of Long Beach Awarded $20 Million for Pier Wind

 

The Port of Long Beach Oct. 8 was awarded $20 million by the California Energy Commission to fund the ongoing development of Pier Wind, a proposed 400-acre terminal to assemble and deploy floating offshore wind turbines.

As the largest recipient of the agency’s offshore wind energy waterfront facility improvement program from state bond funding, the Port of Long Beach will match $11 million to complete engineering, environmental, business planning and community outreach requirements needed to begin construction on Pier Wind. The proposed $4.7 billion facility aims to help California meet a goal of generating 25 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2045 – enough to power 25 million homes statewide.

“Our Pier Wind project will ensure California’s offshore wind energy goals are achieved,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We thank the California Energy Commission for funding the Pier Wind project, which will enhance the nation’s energy independence and strengthen the electric grid to support electrification investments across the supply chain.”

The grant funding came from Proposition 4, the climate bond measure approved in 2024 by California voters which set aside $475 million for port infrastructure projects connected to offshore wind development. The Port of Long Beach will seek additional Proposition 4 proceeds for Pier Wind as the state releases those funds.

Pier Wind would allow for the staging, storage and assembly of some of the world’s largest offshore wind turbines, standing as tall as the Eiffel Tower. The fully assembled turbines would be towed by sea from the Port of Long Beach to wind lease areas 20 to 30 miles off the coast in Central and Northern California.

The proposed project is undergoing extensive environmental review by local, state and federal regulatory agencies as the Port of Long Beach gathers input from the community. Construction could start as soon as 2027, with the first 200 acres completed in 2031, and the final 200 acres coming online in 2035. A recent preliminary economic impact report found that Pier Wind could create more than 6,000 jobs and generate $8 billion in labor income, $14.5 billion in economic output and $1.3 billion in state and local taxes between now and 2045.

Details: click here.

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