Saturday, October 11, 2025
spot_img
spot_img
Home Blog Page 62

California Sues Trump Administration to Protect Funding for Critical Library Services

Reporters Desk
-
0
California Sues Trump Administration to Protect Funding for Critical Library Services

 

SACRAMENTO – As National Library Week begins, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration after millions of dollars in grants to state libraries were terminated abruptly through the Trump administration’s efforts to illegally shutter the agency that administers them. This threatens federal funding to California libraries that support library staff and critical library programs, including literacy and language tutoring and summer reading and activity programs.

“In California, we know libraries hold more than books. Libraries, and librarians, stand at the crossroads of opportunity and information, offering countless programs and supports for everyone in the community, from career help to free meals for children. An attack on libraries is an attack on communities – and California is fighting back,” said Gov. Newsom

Executive Order No. 14238 continues the Trump administration’s unlawful attack on several Congressionally-established agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services or IMLS, which supports educational and cultural institutions and programs across the country. Through IMLS’s grants to states program, the California State Library received $15.7 million in federal funding to support statewide library programs and staffing – less than 40 cents per Californian. Over 21 percent of that funding has yet to be sent to California.

IMLS funds support numerous programs that serve all Californians – especially lower-income families, seniors, and veterans. These funds also help expand access to the career online high school program that enables adults to earn their high school diplomas through local libraries, and the Braille and Talking Book Library that ensures that visually impaired Californians have free access to books in accessible formats. If the Order stands, all functions and staff positions paid for with IMLS funding will be at risk.

Attorney General Bonta joined the lawsuit alongside the attorneys general of New York, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

This is California’s 12th lawsuit against the Trump administration.

Details: A copy of the lawsuit is available here.

Hahn Secures $3 Million to Keep Catalina Island Hospital Open

Reporters Desk
-
0
Hahn Secures $3 Million to Keep Catalina Island Hospital Open

 

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn April 8 secured $3 million of available Measure B funding to prevent the imminent closure of Catalina Island Health — the only hospital on Catalina Island. Although the hospital is vitally important as the only source of emergency medical care on the island for Catalina’s residents, workers, and over one million annual visitors, it faces serious financial challenges with insolvency predicted as early as July of this year.

“If Catalina Island Health were to close, it would not only be disastrous to the health and well-being of Avalon residents and visitors, but it would also have a dangerous ripple effect across our county’s emergency medical response system,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This Measure B funding, approved by taxpayers to preserve trauma centers and emergency rooms, will keep Catalina Island Health’s doors open to patients while we work on a long-term solution to keep this hospital operating and saving lives long into the future.”

Catalina Island Health’s emergency room currently treats an average of 770 trauma patients each year with just 50 trauma patients requiring aerial transport to the mainland. The hospital’s closure would force more helicopter evacuations of trauma patients and cost the county an estimated $14 million each year. There would also be massive delays in treatment and could risk additional injury, harm, and even death to patients.

In addition to being the only emergency room for the island, Catalina Island Health is also the only source for primary, long-term care, and mental health services for the island’s residents, the majority of whom are low-income. It is also the island’s only pharmacy.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0, with Supervisor Holly Mitchell absent, to approve Supervisor Hahn’s motion to allocate $3 million in one-time Measure B funding to Catalina Island Health. Measure B is a special tax that voters approved in 2002 for the sole purpose of funding the countywide system of trauma centers, emergency medical services, and bioterrorism response.

The motion also incorporated an amendment by Supervisor Kathryn Barger directing the LA County Department of Health Services or DHS to engage with the administration of Catalina Island Health and report back in writing within 90 days with an analysis of the hospital’s emergency room operations with a detailed breakdown of expenditures, staffing, services and equipment.

 

Supervisors Awarded $4.1 Million to LA Sheriff’s Department Victims Amid Surge in In-Custody Deaths

Reporters Desk
-
0
Supervisors Awarded $4.1 Million to LA Sheriff’s Department Victims Amid Surge in In-Custody Deaths

 

LOS ANGELES —The county spent 99 million dollars in litigation costs for LASD in 2024 and over $150 million dollars the year before. 2025 officially has the highest rate of in-custody deaths in the last 20 years, averaging one death every six days. Three people died on March 30 alone, the four year anniversary of the county’s close Men’s Central Jail report which outlined how to close the jail in 18-24 months. Another person died five days ago. The JusticeLA Coalition held a community protest and press conference April 8 outside of the LA County Board of Supervisors meeting.

JusticeLA Coalition noted, while the April 8 Board of Supervisors meeting is timely and important, this crisis coincides with two events happening at the April 8 board meeting.

  1. The Supervisors will be paying out $4.1 million dollars in settlements against LASD. The board will also be approving the settlement for the Vargas family litigation (Item 29). Anthony Vargas was killed by LASD deputy gang members in 2019, and his aunt Stephanie Luna spoke at the rally before the meeting. Further, LASD settlements cost taxpayers billions with no accountability for deputies.
  2. The jail closure implementation team or JCIT received staff and are set to present April 15 at the board (Item 22). Despite unanimous alignment from voters around jail closure, Measure J, and other care-based initiatives in the county for years, LA County has consistently faltered in the implementation stages. Having the jail closure implementation team present at the board is a huge milestone and could set the stage for actual progress—or regression.
  3. The board has still not added the in-custody death crisis to their agenda, or called Sheriff Luna to address these deaths. 16 have died this year so far.

Men’s Central Jail was due to be closed by March 30, 2023 and the JusticeLA coalition has been fighting for implementation of the community-based care services needed not only to close the jail, but to care for LA’s most vulnerable communities.

Assemblymember Calls for Audit to Safeguard Art and Music Education Funding Under Prop 28

Reporters Desk
-
0
Assemblymember Calls for Audit to Safeguard Art and Music Education Funding Under Prop 28

 

California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) has requested that the joint legislative audit committee approve a state audit of school districts’ use of Proposition 28 funds to expand arts education in every school.

In his letter, Asm. Bryan states: “I respectfully request that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee approve the request to examine the use of Prop 28 funds in five (5) of the largest school districts in the state, including LAUSD and Long Beach Unified School District, as well as five (5) small school districts in the state.”

Download Bryan’s letter here: https://tinyurl.com/BryanProp28letter

The request for an audit follows a lawsuit filed against LAUSD for violating Proposition 28’s requirements to hire an additional arts teacher for every school.

Recently, attorney Jeff Chemerinsky representing the plaintiffs, sent the following letter to LAUSD in response to Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s statements at a recent Board of Education meeting about the community’s concerns that the district’s misuse of Prop 28 funds has deprived hundreds of thousands of students of arts and music education.

Download Chemerinksy’s letter here: https://tinyurl.com/JeffClettertoLAUSD

Details: Learn about the lawsuit here: LAUSD Sued for Violating Proposition 28, Depriving Hundreds of Thousands of Students of Art and Music Education

City Selects Oporator to Bring New Long Beach Amphitheater to Life

Reporters Desk
-
0
City Selects Oporator to Bring New Long Beach Amphitheater to Life

 

LONG BEACH — On April 1, the Long Beach city council approved the selection of Legends / ASM Global for the operation and management of the city’s first-ever amphitheater that will also be the second-largest outdoor amphitheater in Los Angeles County, strategically situated on the Long Beach waterfront. Additionally, the council approved $14 million in funding for the design and development of the open-air venue, which will further propel the city as a premier national and international destination for music, entertainment and special events of all scales.

“Today marks another significant milestone in bringing the new Long Beach Amphitheater to life. This is a pivotal step forward in the transformation of our city into a renowned destination for residents and visitors worldwide,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Downtown waterfront, the new amphitheater will be an investment in our community, fostering shared experiences, elevating culture and arts and solidifying Long Beach as a hub for live entertainment.”

To be located adjacent to the iconic Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park, the transformative venue is expected to host up to 40 concert-scale events annually, along with other community and private events. The amphitheater will feature seating for up to 12,000 attendees, including grandstands, floor and box seats, a pit configuration and VIP sections, in addition to food and beverage concessions. Plans for a shuttle service and dedicated rideshare amenities will be implemented to enhance transportation options for attendees.

Details: Read Full Press Release Here

Senate Parliamentarian Confirms California’s Clean Car Rules Don’t Need Congressional Approval

Reporters Desk
-
0
Senate Parliamentarian Confirms California’s Clean Car Rules Don’t Need Congressional Approval

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Senate parliamentarian April 4 reaffirmed that Clean Air Act waivers allowing California to implement protective clean vehicle standards are not subject to the Congressional Review Act. California’s clean vehicle standards will help protect millions of people from dangerous vehicle pollution. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin ignored decades of clear precedent and practice, including by administrators of both parties, by asserting that the agency’s waiver of preemption that allows California to protect people from air pollution is a “rule” that falls under the Congressional Review Act.

“California has long established standards for cars and trucks that protect people’s health from harmful pollution, offer more choices for consumers, and support jobs,” said Joanna Slaney, AVP for Political Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund. “The state is implementing these standards, which are providing enormous benefits for Californians, exactly as members of Congress intended when they passed the Clean Air Act. Administrator Zeldin says he wants cleaner air, but this power grab would have exposed millions of people to more dirty, unhealthy air pollution.”

California’s clean car and clean truck standards will provide cleaner, healthier air for millions of people who suffer from severe smog and soot as well as the deadly fires, storms and soaring insurance costs fueled by climate-destabilizing pollution. Thousands of lives will be saved by these vital clean air protections.

Details: edf.org

LAUSD Fails to Address Critical Needs in Fifth Bargaining Session

Reporters Desk
-
0
LAUSD Fails to Address Critical Needs in Fifth Bargaining Session

The 140-member UTLA Bargaining Team met with LAUSD on April 1, over Zoom for the fifth bargaining session.

LAUSD presented five counterproposals, including reiterating bad proposals that would undermine chapter chairs’ ability to represent members. For a significant portion of the session, UTLA asked why LAUSD’s counterproposals rejected many of UTLA’s reasonable proposals that are important to educators, such as district procedures for responding to school-based traumatic events.

UTLA presented its full package of demands in Sessions 1 and 2; now, five sessions in, LAUSD still has not presented any substantive proposals on urgent issues deeply felt by educators and parents.

UTLA said its contract demands are about stability and sustainability:

  • Fixing the broken salary schedule and achieving significant pay increases for all UTLA members
  • Targeted class size reduction and increases in student support staff — additional psychologists, PSWs, PSAs, school counselors, and more
  • Coverage for prep time in Elementary and Secondary Schools
  • Increased supports for immigrant students and staff as thousands face the possibility of deportation
  • Further steps in the fight to convert unused LAUSD property into housing as LA’s housing crisis continues to get worse
  • Dozens of other specific demands to make the workday more manageable and the career of an educator sustainable

Now, with Trump-Musk trying to dismantle the Department of Education and their most recent threat to cut federal funding to schools that do not eliminate all programs they deem as “unlawful” for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, UTLA said it’s even more clear that its contract demands directly resist their agenda.

“We know that nothing LAUSD is doing is “unlawful,” and we will not back down from teaching accurate history and supporting marginalized communities in our schools. UTLA said in a press release. “We also know that what happens at the bargaining table is shaped by the power we build beyond it. While billionaires are trying to dismantle public education and corporate interests are pushing a message of austerity, this is the moment to stand together with the community.

“Tomorrow’s ‘Hands Off!’ Day of Action, next Saturday’s ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ rally with Bernie Sanders and AOC, and UTLA’s May 17 rally to ‘Stop the Trump-Musk Attack on the DoEd’ are part of our broader fight to defend public education and demand that billionaires back off public services that our communities depend on.”

Public Health Responds to Workforce Needs with New Office for Worker Safety & Wellness”

Reporters Desk
-
0
Public Health Responds to Workforce Needs with New Office for Worker Safety & Wellness”

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health April 7 launched the office of worker health & safety, one of the nation’s only public health units focused on worker well-being, health and safety embedded within a local health department. A public event to stress the importance of worker protections was held the same day to kick off the local celebration of National Public Health Week.

The Office of Worker Health & Safety was created to promote the health and safety of low-wage workers in high-hazard industries. Currently, the office is prioritizing education, training, and resource distribution for those involved in wildfire debris removal and those at risk of silicosis due to workplace exposure to harmful dust.

In partnership with community-based organizations and academic experts in occupational health, the office is conducting targeted outreach to workers in burn areas, delivering education on safety requirements and essential safety practices to those engaging in clean-up activities. Efforts are also focused on providing stone fabrication workers with information on preventing silicosis—a debilitating and often deadly lung disease caused by exposure to silica dust. Information about safety and compliance with Cal-OSHA regulations is provided to workers and businesses, along with education to consumers about purchasing alternatives. As of March 2025, 58% of California’s silicosis cases are in Los Angeles County, with 99% of cases occurring among Latino male workers, primarily in the San Fernando Valley.

Los Angeles County is a home to a dynamic and diverse workforce that contributes significantly to the nation’s economy. However, despite their essential contributions, many workers face considerable challenges in the workplace. Los Angeles County experiences some of the highest rates of occupational injuries and illnesses, wage theft, and retaliation in the state. In 2023, Los Angeles County accounted for approximately 25% of all reported occupational injuries in California, the highest rate in the state.

“The Office of Worker Health & Safety aims to address issues impacting low-wage workers who disproportionately face workplace hazards that can be exacerbated by existing and emerging public health threats,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “This new office builds on the success of the Public Health Councils, which launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, to assist workers work together to identify and address workplace hazards through training and education.”

Based on the established successful model of public health councils, the office of worker health & safety will further strengthen collaborations with trusted community partners to deliver culturally appropriate health information and connect low-wage workers, disproportionately impacted by workplace hazards, labor violations, and natural disasters, to vital public health resources.

Gov. Newsom Appeals Sudden USDA Cuts to Farm Subsidies Supporting Food Banks

Reporters Desk
-
0
Gov. Newsom Appeals Sudden USDA Cuts to Farm Subsidies Supporting Food Banks

 

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom sent an appeal to the United States Department of Agriculture April 5 appealing the abrupt and inexplicable termination of funding for California’s Local Food Purchase Assistance or LFPA program. Since 2022, California has utilized more than $88.5 million in LFPA funding to support local farmers, strengthen the state’s food supply system, and distribute high quality nutritious food to food insecure communities and families. Despite the inevitable harm that will fall upon farmers and communities, California’s $47 million from USDA for LFPA, plus millions more under the local food for schools program, that had been awarded for next year have been completely terminated.

Photo credit: Gratis Graphics

“California’s agriculture sector – which produces nearly half the country’s fruits and vegetables – relies on the support of the Department of Agriculture to ensure that they can get fresh, healthy foods onto families’ tables. The irrational and malicious slashing of funds will not only hurt our farmers, but also the families who need food banks and school meals to stay healthy and thrive. I implore the USDA to immediately reverse this decision,” — Gov. Gavin Newsom

Read the full letter with testimonials HERE.

Impact on California

California is the nation’s agricultural leader, producing nearly half of the country’s fruits and vegetables. The local food production sector faces mounting pressures, including climate change, labor shortages, and market fluctuations, all impacting food availability and affordability. In 2024 alone, California’s LFPA program allocated the California Association of Food Banks, CDSS’s largest LFPA partner, over $22.3 million to provide local healthy food and 18,647,546 meals to food-insecure Californians.

The sole basis for the termination of LFPA25 was that “AMS [USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service] has determined that this agreement no longer effectuates agency priorities, and that termination of the award is appropriate,” even though USDA’s mission includes “promot[ing] agriculture production that better nourishes Americans.” This decision will cause irreparable harm to the farmers and communities that have participated in and benefitted from California’s LFPA Program.

Carson Celebrates Olympic & Paralympic Milestone with Venue Updates, Finalized Labor Agreements”

Reporters Desk
-
0
Carson Celebrates Olympic & Paralympic Milestone with Venue Updates, Finalized Labor Agreements”

City of Carson Celebrates Hosting the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games With Historic Venue Updates and Major Sports Relocation

CARSON — The City of Carson has announced its involvement in the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as the Los Angeles City Council has approved updates to the games plan that will bring new Olympic sports to the region and optimize the use of existing world-class venues. This includes the relocation of several exciting new Olympic sports and disciplines to Carson, marking a historic milestone for the city and its legacy in the global sports arena.

At the March 26 ad hoc committee on the 2028 games, updates were approved that include the relocation of several Olympic and Paralympic events to Carson, ensuring that the region plays a key role in showcasing some of the most dynamic and innovative sports in Olympic history.

Carson’s Sportspark, home to the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park, will play a central role in the 2028 games. The city will host several Olympic events, including Rugby Sevens, Hockey, Tennis, and the newly relocated Olympic Archery competition. By maximizing the use of Carson’s existing infrastructure, these relocations will ensure significant cost savings and elevate the city’s role in the global sports community.

In addition, Carson will also host a variety of disciplines, including Track Cycling and the Paralympic Rugby Sevens competition. This expansion of events to Carson represents a strategic decision to engage every part of Los Angeles and maximize the utilization of top-tier venues.

“We are thrilled to announce that Dignity Health Sports Park will be home to archery competitions for the 2028 Olympic Games. This is a momentous development that underscores the City of Carson’s continued commitment to fostering world-class athletic events and providing our community with access to the global stage,” said Mayor of Carson Lula Davis-Holmes.

The LA28 Games will be Los Angeles’ third time hosting the Olympic Games, previously held in 1932 and 1984, and the first time hosting the Paralympic Games. These Games will bring together the world’s elite athletes to compete on the grandest stage, with events taking place across Los Angeles, the Valley, and the surrounding regions, including Carson. The Games are set to inspire the world and create a lasting impact for Los Angeles and beyond.

Details: For more information on the 2028 Games and venue assignments, visit LA28.org.

 

City of Carson Finalizes Agreements with AFSCME Local 809, Local 1017, and Executive Unit

CARSON — The City of Carson April 2 announced the successful completion of labor negotiations with its largest employee group, AFSCME Local 809, along with AFSCME Local 1017, representing confidential staff, and the executive unit that represents 69% of the city’s full-time workforce. These three-year agreements mark a significant milestone in recognizing the valuable contributions of City employees while maintaining the city’s commitment to fiscal sustainability.

Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes acknowledged the importance of these agreements, noting that while many surrounding cities have implemented more modest cost-of-living adjustments or COLAs, Carson’s leadership saw a unique opportunity to make a meaningful investment in its workforce.

“We are deeply committed to supporting our employees, who are the backbone of this City. While other cities have taken a more cautious approach, we believe investing in our people is essential to ensuring the continued success and growth of Carson. These agreements demonstrate our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our team,” Mayor Davis-Holmes said.

The finalized agreements include a 6% COLA in the first year, followed by 4% increases in both the second and third years. These terms represent a generous and well-planned investment in the city’s employees, following months of constructive negotiations aimed at balancing employee needs with the city’s long-term financial goals.

During the city council meeting on April 1, 2025, the President of AFSCME Local 809 addressed the council during public comment, expressing sincere appreciation for the contract and the city’s recognition of employee contributions. The president emphasized the strong partnership between labor and leadership, commending the city for its fairness, transparency, and respect throughout the negotiation process.

“The agreement represents the city’s commitment to honoring its workforce. It reflects a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, which has always been at the heart of our negotiations,” said the President of AFSCME Local 809 Tony Rodriguez.

This round of labor agreements represents a major achievement for the City of Carson, demonstrating the power of thoughtful planning and collaboration. Through open dialogue and a shared commitment to progress, the city and its employees worked together to create agreements that reflect mutual respect, fairness and a vision for a stronger future.

Details: For more information, contact the City of Carson Public Information Office at 310- 952-1740 or e-mail PIO@carsonca.gov.

Creator: Kiichiro Sato

1...616263...941Page 62 of 941

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Real people. Real news. Random Lengths is the Los Angeles harbor area's remaining independently owned progressive news magazine. We cover news in Carson, Wilmington, Long Beach, Lomita, Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes and San Pedro.

Contact us: letters@randomlengthsnews.com

FOLLOW US

© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv