New on the County Channel

Thanks to a gift to the L.A. County Parks Foundation by the L.A. Clippers, LA County Parks will have 117 renovated basketball courts at 60 locations by the spring of 2025. L.A. County parks courts host 57 Jr. Clippers youth basketball league locations, as well as everything from volleyball and dance to community events and other programming. LA Clippers Guard and hometown hero Russell Westbrook was in attendance at the opening of one of many new basketball courts at Jesse Owens Park where he learned to play as a youth.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Adopt A Family in Need for the Holidays

Join the heartwarming campaign by sponsoring a family in need this holiday season. Today, Los Angeles County residents who want to join the charitable movement, are encouraged to sponsor a family receiving benefits from the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) as part of the department’s holiday Adopt-A-Family Program.

For over 30 years, the department has partnered with the community to match sponsors with low-income families for the annual campaign. In 2022, Adopt-A-Family sponsored approximately 1,300 families.

Sponsors are matched with a family and given a wish list. The wish list may include clothing, gift certificates, or toys. Adopt-A-Family is a great project for families, co-workers, organizations, clubs, and schools. It is a rewarding way to lift communities and a reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season.

Those interested in sponsoring a family may apply online today at http://bit.ly/DPSSAAF. Sponsors may adopt one or multiple families. Information on the size of the family and location will be provided. For additional information, email: [email protected].

Thanks for the continued support of this worthwhile program!

At Your Service

Preparing for CARE Court

On December 1, 2023, Los Angeles County will implement the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act. Beginning December 1, 2023, qualifying individuals or entities can petition the Superior Court of Los Angeles County to help connect eligible individuals to a broad array of services, including mental health and housing services, via a voluntary CARE Agreement or CARE Plan established and overseen by a judicial officer. For additional information on Care Court visit dmh.lacounty.gov/court-programs/care-court/.

Residents and family members can access other LACDMH programs, services, and resources today through their website, calling the 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771, or calling/texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Out and About

Holiday Boat Parade

Visit Burton Chace Park in Marina Del Rey on December 9th for the annual Holiday Boat Parade! From 4pm-8pm you can take part in various activities including a fireworks show, strolling carolers, photo opportunities, food trucks and kids crafts. 

This event is free to the public. For more information, visit beaches.lacounty.gov.

Photo Finish

Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – The City of West Hollywood turns 39 years old today. The City was officially incorporated as an independent City on November 29, 1984. A coalition of LGBT activists, seniors, and renters proposed a Cityhood with progressive policies and strong tenant’s rights protections.

The City is hosting the annual State of the Community Reception & Mixer starting at 6 PM at the West Hollywood Aquatic and Recreation Center (8750 El Tovar Place, West Hollywood, CA 90069). The mixer will allow West Hollywood community members to mingle with residents, elected and appointed officials, and City staff. Appetizers and beverages will be served and there will be live music by the Harrison Jazz Ensemble.

At 7:00 p.m., the City’s annual State of the Community Program will celebrate West Hollywood’s accomplishments this past year and preview next year’s major projects and new initiatives.

The State of the Community presentation will be followed by the NextGen Mixer at 8:00 p.m. The evening will end at the Respite Deck where community members can connect with fellow attendees and enjoy some beats by DJ Asha and a special performance by the City’s Inaugural Drag Laureate, Pickle.

To RSVP click on the link here and here CelebrateWeHo23.eventbrite.com.

And here are some highlights of the past 30+ years in West Hollywood:

• The first West Hollywood City Council established West Hollywood as the first City in the nation to have a majority openly gay governing body.  This was a landmark development in LGBT rights in the United States as well as globally.
• The ordinances adopted by the West Hollywood City Council within the first year of Cityhood included landmark legislation such as the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (which, upon its adoption was one of the strictest rent control laws in the country); Ordinance prohibiting discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS; Domestic Partnership Ordinance; and Ordinance prohibiting discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation. Today, many of the City’s landmark ordinances have been duplicated and have become mainstream policies nationally and globally.
• In 1985, the City Council established its Social Services program to provide much-needed services to residents. Over its history, the City has provided millions of dollars in grants to fund programs for people in need.  These services have included services for seniors; people with HIV and AIDS; members of the LGBT community; people with disabilities; alcohol and drug use recovery programs; support programs for Russian-speaking immigrants; services for people who are homeless; food programs; and health care services for people who are uninsured. Today, the City’s Social Services Division budgets approximately
  $5 million per year in funding critical support to programs that impact thousands of people in West Hollywood; City residents live longer and have lower rates of chronic diseases than residents of L.A. County as a whole.
• The onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic had a significant impact on the City of West Hollywood due to the disease’s elevated infection rate among gay men which caused a devastatingly high number of deaths in the City. The City of West Hollywood was one of the first government entities to provide social services grants to local AIDS and HIV organizations. The City sponsored one of the first AIDS awareness campaigns in the country in October 1985 and the City’s response to the AIDS crisis has been recognized as a model for other cities, nationally and globally. Today, 12 percent of households in the City have a person living with HIV/AIDS.
• The City has been one of the most outspoken advocates for the legal rights of LGBT people. In 1985, the City of West Hollywood was one of the first cities in the country to adopt a Domestic Partnership Ordinance. In October 2014, the City marked an exciting milestone as the City Clerk’s office at West Hollywood City Hall filed its 10,000^th couple as registered Domestic Partners. The City also created the nation’s first municipal Transgender Task Force in 2001; in 2009 this became the City’s Transgender Advisory Board.
• West Hollywood was one of the first cities in the country to pass a resolution in support of marriage equality, paving the way for same-sex marriage initiatives all over the county. In a monumental moment in U.S. history, the City, in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Register-Recorder Clerk, began to issue marriage licenses and perform civil ceremonies for same-sex couples in June 2008, following the Supreme Court of California ruling on Proposition 8. After a legal stay, in June 2013 the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed an appeal in Hollingsworth v. Perry and the City of West Hollywood launched a marriage celebration. West Hollywood City Councilmembers and City Officials performed hundreds of civil ceremonies. On June 25, 2015, West Hollywood hosted a community rally at West Hollywood Park attended by thousands of jubilant revelers celebrating the Supreme Court declaring marriage between same sex couples legal.
• Following the election of President Trump in 2016, the West Hollywood City Council affirmed the City of West Hollywood’s commitment as a Sanctuary City and reaffirmed the City’s commitment to its core values, which includes Respect and Support for People.
• In 2017, the West Hollywood City Council approved a Resolution that calls on the U.S. House of Representatives to initiate proceedings for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. This came as a response to numerous violations of the Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, multiple violations of federal law as it relates to the employment of relatives, serious national security concerns resulting from potential interference with federal elections in 2016, and amid investigations of obstruction of justice.
• The City of West Hollywood is one of the first municipalities to form a Transgender Advisory Board, which addresses matters of advocacy on behalf of transgender people in the areas of education, community awareness, and empowerment, and makes recommendations to the West Hollywood City Council. Through its Transgender Advisory Board, the City of West Hollywood regularly co-sponsors programming and recognizes Transgender Awareness Month and Transgender Day of Remembrance each November. For more information about the City of West Hollywood’s Transgender Awareness Month events.
• The city was a soap box for the Black Lives Matter movement with several marches and demonstrations calling for racial justice taking place on Santa Monica Boulevard in 2020.
• In 2021, The city begins recovery from a long COVID-19 Shutdown.
• in 2022, the City hosted its inaugural WeHo Pride event, completed the Aquatic and Recreation Center at West Hollywood Park, installed inclusive Pride Crosswalks, responded to the monkeypox outbreak with vaccine clinics and a town hall, urged COVID-19 vaccination boosters leading to more than 87% vaccinations rate amongst residents, provide more than 1.7 million dollars in COVID-19 rental assistance, expanded the City’s Block by Block program with 30 new security ambassadors and more than 100 businesses opened since 2021.

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist.

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – The City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division unveiled new holiday banners by artist Joey Deruy. Each year, the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division commissions an artist to create an image to celebrate the holidays, West Hollywood style. These images are printed onto street banners which decorate major streets in the city.

Artist Joey Deruy was selected through an open call. He created a series of 8 paintings highlighting iconic West Hollywood buildings and landmarks.

His artwork features the following familiar WeHo spaces:

Lloyd Wright House and Studio
Pacific Design Center
Plummer Park Community Center
Sal Guarriello Veterans Memorial
Schindler House/MAK Center
Sunset Tower
West Hollywood City Hall and Automated Garage
West Hollywood Gateway
West Hollywood Library
West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC)

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The new banners can be found on street pole banners along Santa Monica Boulevard, Melrose Avenue, La Brea Avenue, Fairfax Avenue, and San Vicente Boulevard. The city is also displaying banners from previous years. Previous artists include Shag (Josh Agle), Steven Rahbany, Mona Tanksley, and Sophie Morro.

About artist Joey Deruy:

Artist Joey Deruy was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico; was raised in Kenya and Montana; and is currently based in Palm Springs, California. A self-taught painter, Deruy has forged a specific, line-driven, figurative style all his own. Deruy’s artwork combines the playfulness of late 20th-century Street Art with the geometric, African-inspired abstraction of Cubism, often with witty references to pop culture and geographic places. More information on the artist can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/joeyderuy.

The City of West Hollywood is also celebrating the holidays through poetry. Newly appointed West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Jen Cheng has written a holiday poem called ‘Joyous’ and is organizing a Holiday Poetry Hotline and holding a series of poetry workshops:

‘Joyous’

by West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Jen Cheng

Joyous tunes sing brightly

Orbits of lights string the streets

Yellow candles stir meditations with tea

Olive branches ask for peace

Upward arches forge iconic memories

Sweet glances swing love into the new year

To learn more about the City’s Holiday Artwork, click on the link: (Here)

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist.

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

LOS ANGELES — Project Angel Food saw a remarkable gathering of celebrities and 200 dedicated volunteers coming together to prepare and deliver 2,000 traditional turkey meals to critically ill clients on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. The initiative culminated in a total of more than 5,000 meals prepared and delivered throughout Thanksgiving week.

Thanksgiving Day at Project Angel Food was not just about distributing meals but also about the spirit of giving back while cherishing moments with family and friends.

Melissa Rivers, who recently got engaged to lawyer Steve Mitchel on Oct. 13, made a notable appearance — showcasing her stunning 5.6 carat, emerald-cut engagement ring as she volunteered alongside adult son Cooper Endicott. She shared, “Sometime maybe in 2025. It would be my second marriage and his second marriage so if anything, we’ll have a party, and a ceremony might break out. But nobody’s in any rush.”

Amanda Kloots, host of “The Talk”, expressed her deep affection for Project Angel Food, stating that she fell in love with the cause while filming a segment for the hit CBS talk show. She returned with Zach Braff and her four-year-old son Elvis, emphasizing, “I think it is so important to show our kids how blessed we are and how we can help one another.”

Joining the ranks, Lisa Rinna and her husband Harry Hamlin continued their annual tradition of giving back at Project Angel Food on Thanksgiving. Harry offered, “It goes without saying the people of L.A. need to be fed, and we’re here to do it, especially on Thanksgiving.” Lisa added, “It makes you feel good to give back, always, and we need to do it more.”

Actor and model Sam Asghari, marking his first Thanksgiving after his divorce from Britney Spears, refrained from discussing the split but reflected “I think it is important when you have a platform and a voice, and you have the ability to help others it is important to do.”

Unlikely friends Charo and Kat Von D were among the initial celebrity arrivals. Von D explained their unique bond, stating, “We’re Yin and Yang and complement each other. Since she had heard of Project Angel Food through Charo, she wanted to join.” Charo expressed her enthusiasm for volunteering, exclaiming, “I love people. This is my passion!”

The event saw the participation of other notable celebrity volunteers, including Amy Yasbeck, singer Em Beihold, Eve Mauro, Jai Rodriguez, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Laura Pierson, Lauren Tom, Lawrence Zarian, Lisa Foxx, Loni Love, Mary-Margaret Humes, Michael Hitchcock, Peter Porte, Rachel Lindsay, Sandra Lee, Tamara Brown, and Tim Bagley.

Project Angel Food CEO Richard Ayoub expressed heartfelt gratitude stating, “Every day is like Thanksgiving at Project Angel Food. But on this day, we are especially grateful to our celebrity friends and hundreds of volunteers committed to bringing a little light to the thousands of critically ill men, women and children we serve.”

The meals were provided through “drive-by” pick-up for volunteers who then delivered them to Project Angel Food clients. The traditional Thanksgiving dinners included roasted turkey, root vegetables, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a slice of pumpkin cheesecake. Additionally, vegetarian meals were also provided. The Thanksgiving Day meals were sponsored by The Stanley & Joyce Black Family Foundation, with additional support from Joybird, which furnished the Joybird VIP Love Lounge, allowing volunteers to take a break during the morning of service.

Beyond serving meals to 2,000 critically ill individuals, Project Angel Food extended its support by providing Thanksgiving Day meals for 500 people at PATH. PATH works tirelessly to end homelessness by building affordable housing and offering supportive services. Furthermore, actress and director Joely Fisher sponsored Project Angel Food meals, hosting a SAG/AFTRA “Friendsgiving” at Hollywood United Methodist Church for 200+ union members affected by the 118-day SAG/AFTRA strike on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.

Project Angel Food remains dedicated to providing daily meals to 2,500 critically ill individuals and delivering more than 1.5 million medically tailored meals annually across Los Angeles. Their clients often grapple with serious illnesses compounded by challenges such as poverty, aging, and isolation. Established in 1989 by Marianne Williamson, the organization has prepared and delivered more than 17 million meals in its 34-year history.

Related:

Project Angel Food serves up Thanksgiving meals for Angelenos:

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – The City of West Hollywood is recognizing World AIDS Day with a series of events and programming on November 30 and December 1, in support of the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS.

Each year, the City of West Hollywood recognizes World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 United Nations World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention and recognition takes place each year on December 1.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have passed away due to HIV/AIDS. Annually, UNAIDS agencies, governments, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and others across the globe join to campaign around specific themes related to AIDS. The theme of this year’s #WorldAIDSDay is “Let Communities Lead” to shine light on how community-led interventions are central to the end of AIDS.

“The City’s annual recognition of World AIDS Day is an opportunity for us to remember loved ones lost over the last four decades to AIDS, to support those living with HIV, and to chart a course to end AIDS,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne. “Far too many people have died far too soon because of HIV and AIDS. In West Hollywood, for many years, we have declared that this is unacceptable. Our Human Services team works to support organizations that facilitate access to medical and emotional care, prevention and treatment, and resources. Our HIV Zero efforts help bring us toward the day we can all celebrate the end of suffering and loss from AIDS.”

This year’s World AIDS Day events and programming are as follows:

The 23^rd Annual Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards will take place on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the City of West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The Warrior Awards event is free and open to the public and no RSVP is required. Limited validated parking will be available at the adjacent West Hollywood Park 5-Story structure.

Warrior Awards are given to outstanding employees or volunteers of local agencies that offer HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse prevention and care services. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Cathy Reback, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of Friends Community Center, who will also receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year’s Warrior Awards honorees, in addition, will be:

• Michael Buitron – APLA Health;
• Ramon Cervantes-Tadeo – C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group;
• Paul Chavez – Los Angeles LGBT Center;
• Kimberly Curtin, Pharm.D., APh – Men’s Health Foundation
• Susan Holt, Psy.D., LMFT – Being Alive;
• Ilene Kasser – The Tweakers Project;
• Prudence Mendiola – Friends Community Center; and
• John Sovec, LMFT – The Life Group LA.

AIDSWatch, the electronic memorial to people lost to HIV and AIDS, will be viewable on www.AIDSWatch.org and on the City of West Hollywood’s WeHoTV broadcast and streaming channels, including Spectrum Channel 10 within West Hollywood, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2023 for 24 hours.

The City of West Hollywood will join STORIES: The AIDS Monument and APLA Health in a World AIDS Day event on Friday, December 1, 2023. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC) Respite Deck, located at 8750 El Tovar Place. After a short program with refreshments, attendees will descend the grand staircase of the ARC at 6:30 p.m. in a candlelight procession through West Hollywood Park and along N. Robertson, Santa Monica, and N. San Vicente Boulevards to the City’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. There, the evening will continue with a screening of the award-winning 2023 documentary Commitment to Life. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the screening will begin promptly at 7:15 p.m. Events are free to attend and open to the public. Limited validated parking will be available at the West Hollywood Park 5-Story structure. Advance RSVP is requested by reserving a spot on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-aids-day-in-west-hollywood-tickets-750017812467.

The onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic had a significant impact in West Hollywood. The disease’s elevated infection rate among gay men caused a devastatingly high number of deaths in the City. The City of West Hollywood was one of the first government entities to provide social services grants to local HIV/AIDS organizations. The City of West Hollywood sponsored one of the first AIDS awareness campaigns in the country in October 1985 and the City’s response to the AIDS crisis has been recognized as a model for other cities, nationally and globally.

The City of West Hollywood actively participates in the development of programs that can bring awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. In January 2015, the City announced its vision to become an ‘HIV Zero’ city. The City is currently implementing its HIV Zero Strategic Initiative.

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist.

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

Editors Note: The Weekend Gas Watch is being published one day early due to the holiday.

LOS ANGELES – Continued price drops at the gas pump are bringing Southern California drivers some relief as they head to and from their Thanksgiving holiday destinations in record numbers, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.94, which is 11 cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.28, which is seven cents lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.04 per gallon, which is 11 cents lower than last week, 54 cents lower than last month, and 21 cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.07, which is 12 cents lower than last week, 54 cents lower than last month, and 17 cents lower than last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.07, which is seven cents lower than last week, 50 cents lower than last month, and 13 cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.86, which is 12 cents lower than last week, 58 cents lower than last month and 28 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.13 average price is eight cents lower than last week, 40 cents lower than last month, and 33 cents lower than a year ago today.

“More Southern California areas saw gas price averages drop below $5 a gallon this week and if current trends hold, average gas prices in Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Barbara should be below $5 a gallon in the next week as well,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “The Auto Club reminds drivers this holiday to be patient on busy freeways, use seatbelts, obey speed limits, and focus their full attention on the road ahead.” 

The Auto Club reminds drivers of the following tips to save money on gas:

• If you use premium unleaded fuel, make sure it is required for your vehicle, not just recommended. The Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center found that vehicles with recommended premium fuel performed safely with regular unleaded gasoline.
• Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
• Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
• Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
• Slow down and drive the speed limit. Fuel economy peaks around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speed increases. Reducing freeway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.
• Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because you could lose control of the vehicle.
• Minimize your use of air conditioning.
• Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
• Remove unnecessary and heavy items from your car.
• Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
• Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you. 

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Nov. 22, averages are:

New on the County Channel

Twenty newly housed Pathway Home participants celebrate Thanksgiving together at their new homes.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Community Navigator Program – Apply Today!

The Center for Nonprofit Management launched the Community Navigator Program which aims to make direct investments in community organizations to provide community navigator services to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This programming was made possible through the County of Los Angeles’ allocation of American Rescue Plan funds. The primary objective is to engage and support organizations, small business owners, individuals, and their families in accessing American Rescue Plan-funded resources and other County services necessary for their recovery.

Awardees will receive $200,000 – $268,000 over two years, plus skill-building, training, and capacity-strengthening assistance. To learn more and apply, visit cnmsocal.org/community-navigator-program/.

At Your Service

LA County Rent Relief for Landlords

The LA County Rent Relief Program will provide over $46 million in direct financial assistance to qualified landlords to help mitigate the negative economic impacts of the pandemic that have left many tenants behind on rent.

The Rent Relief Program will offer grants of up to $30,000 per unit to eligible landlords for expenses dating from April 1, 2022, to the present. The program is specifically designed with a focus on helping small, mom-and-pop landlords who own up to four rental units. Its goal is to reduce tenant evictions due to rent arrears, maintain the viability of small-scale rental businesses, and ensure availability of affordable housing in LA County.

Landlords can apply for the LA County Rent Relief Program beginning in mid-December. The application process will be easy and straightforward, and applicants will receive free multilingual technical support from community partners to guide them through the process and assist with gathering the necessary documentation.

To receive program updates and be notified when the online application opens, register today at lacountyrentrelief.com.

Out and About

Shop Local – Celebrating Small Business Saturday!

As we head into the holiday season, we are excited to partner with you to support local mom and pop shops across LA County! Join us on November 25th for Small Business Saturday – a day filled with local charm, unique finds, and a chance to support the heartbeat of our community – small businesses.

Shop Local LA Sweepstakes: Your Chance to Win Big!

To make your Small Business Saturday even more exciting, we’re launching the Shop Local LA Sweepstakes! This is your golden ticket to a $500 gift card to your favorite local spot and a slew of other fun prizes.

Here’s how it works:

• Visit the ShopLocal.LA website, take the Shop Local Pledge, and enter to win.
• Share the campaign with friends and family! Post on social media to encourage others to take the Shop Local Pledge.
• Take photos and leave reviews at your favorite local shops and restaurants. The more we amplify these neighborhood gems, the more our community prospers.

Lucky winners of our grand prize will receive a gift card to a local business of their choice. Many more will win shop local swag bags, and everyone benefits from supporting the local economy. [Some restrictions apply, please visit our website for full sweepstakes rules]

Save the date for Small Business Saturday on November 25th and get ready for a day of discovery, community, and the joy of supporting the unique businesses that make LA County shine.

Photo Finish

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

CHINO, Calif. – In response to the alarming rise in the implementation of forced outing policies in various California school districts, Rainbow Youth Project USA and Our Schools USA partnered to create a dedicated crisis hotline, offering a lifeline of support for affected students.

This groundbreaking partnership provides essential resources and assistance to those grappling with the emotional and psychological consequences of these policies.

The crisis hotline, launched on August 5, 2023, quickly become a beacon of hope for queer students, their parents, and staff members who find themselves facing the distressing impact of the so-called “Parental Notification” policies in some school districts in the state. Introduced by several California school districts, these policies mandate school administrators to inform parents if their child identifies as transgender or gender nonconforming.

Since its inception, the hotline has received a staggering total of 648 crisis contacts from affected students, parents, and staff members, evidencing the urgent need for support in combatting the distress caused by these policies. Out of these requests for help, 67 individuals were referred to mental health counseling services, which Rainbow Youth Project provides at no cost. Three students were identified as high-risk due to self-harming behaviors. Most of the contacts self-reported feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation, and hopelessness.

“We are proud to collaborate with Our Schools USA to establish this crucial crisis hotline,” said Lance Preston, Executive Director of Rainbow Youth Project USA. “The hotline reaffirms our commitment to providing safe, supportive spaces for young individuals to access the resources they need during challenging times.”

In a remarkable milestone, Rainbow Youth Project and Our Schools USA have actively supported California Attorney General Rob Bonta in securing a preliminary injunction against the Chino Valley Unified School District, effectively halting its forced outing policy pending trial in 2024. This development is one step forward in the battle to protect the rights and emotional well-being of young individuals affected by these policies.

“The very people entrusted to support our students are actively attacking them while ignoring the real harm their ideological crusades are causing,” said Christina Gagnier, a former school board president and co-founder and CEO of Our Schools USA. “The Rainbow Youth Project’s hotline has been a lifeline for so many and we’re proud to be partners to keep this vital resource available.”

“Our collective efforts to challenge these discriminatory policies and provide vital support to those affected have been amplified through our collaboration,” added Christopher Cooper, Director of Legal Affairs & Legislative Initiatives at Rainbow Youth Project. “We remain steadfast in our resolve to ensure the well-being and safety of every student.”

In a joint statement, the two groups noted: “Rainbow Youth Project USA and Our Schools USA are committed to their ongoing partnership, determined to expand their impact and bring about positive change nationwide. By establishing this innovative crisis hotline, they aspire to create a future where every student is accepted, affirmed, and supported in their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.”

If you or someone you know has been negatively impacted by these policies, please call or text the hotline at 866-975-8870.

Related

A Nation in Transition | CBS Reports:

LOS ANGELES — Project Angel Food proudly dedicated a star on its esteemed Path of Angels to the late George Michael on Monday, Nov. 20. This dedication ceremony, hosted at Project Angel Food on 922 Vine Street, marked the 25^th anniversary of Michael’s impactful volunteer work and the memorable press conference he held in the organization’s kitchen the Monday before Thanksgiving in 1998.

Recording artist David Archuleta, K-EARTH 101’s Lisa Stanley and CEO Richard Ayoub, unveiled the star which was seen internationally on Instagram Live. Attendees bore witness to this commemorative occasion, followed by a reception commencing at 12 p.m.

On Nov. 23, 1998, the Monday before Thanksgiving, George Michael was actively engaged in preparing 34 white cakes as a volunteer at Project Angel Food. Media attention escalated swiftly as helicopters, television crews and paparazzi swarmed the location to catch a glimpse of the Grammy winner who had recently come out as gay.

Despite not seeking the media spotlight, George chose to redirect attention towards Project Angel Food’s work. His presence drew focus to the organization’s mission of providing sustenance to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The ongoing support from George Michael’s estate continues to significantly contribute to this cause, upholding his legacy of support.

Reflecting on George Michael’s altruism, Ayoub remarked, “In 1993, during the height of the AIDS crisis, George made his initial donation to Project Angel Food. His consistent support included a substantial annual financial contribution of $25,000 and numerous acts of kindness, such as volunteering in the kitchen and donating a Mercedes for auction to raise additional funds.”

The star dedication pays homage to George Michael’s enduring dedication to philanthropy and acknowledges the contributions made by the George Michael fan group Lovelies.help, among others, who have generously donated more than $35,000 to Project Angel Food in his honor.

Archuleta, reflecting on George Michael’s impact, remarked, “George Michael shattered barriers and defied stereotypes. His honesty became a beacon of hope for countless members of our community yearning for acceptance in a society that often dictated our identities for us.”

The singer-songwriter recalled performing “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” at the seventh season finale of “American Idol” as a duet with Sir Elton John, with George surprising the audience with a performance. He became emotional as he said, “After I came out, I went back and listened to that song and had it on repeat. Because the meaning took on so much more than  when I first heard it as a closeted 17-year-old on Idol. It holds the combination of feeling the pain life can bring, yet a hope for the future and empowerment that I needed — to feel seen, understood and keep going today. I am grateful for the genuine expression that was always felt in George’s voice as he sang.”

Lisa Stanley fondly remembered George Michael as “an icon, a musical giant, an inspiration, and a star whose bright light outshines all others,” highlighting his permanent place both in the organization’s Path of Angels and in the hearts of many.

Project Angel Food’s mission is monumental. Founded in 1989 by Marianne Williamson in the height of the AIDS crisis, the organization now provides daily meals to 2,500 critically ill individuals facing various medical conditions and delivers more than 1.5 million meals annually across Los Angeles. Our clients confront serious health challenges, often compounded by the difficulties of poverty, aging, and isolation.

LOS ANGELES – This morning Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Alex Padilla, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and other local, state, and federal officials, announced the I-10 Freeway would reopen ahead of the Monday morning commute, beating the expected timeline by days thanks to around-the-clock work by union crews.

“What began as months has turned into days — before Angelenos hit the road on Monday, we’re opening the 10 back up. Thanks to the tireless work of Caltrans and union construction crews and with help from our partners — from the Mayor’s office to the White House — the 10’s expedited repair is proof and a point of pride that here in California, we deliver,” Newsom told reporters in the early Sunday morning press conference.

“The work that happened here is extraordinary,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “It was possible with the will and ambition of the workers on the ground, and their commitment as public servants and as union members to get this done and deliver for the people of Los Angeles. This is the kind of work that is happening around the country – where hard-working men and women, carpenters, laborers, and government workers, are rebuilding America’s infrastructure. Thank you to those workers for your commitment to the country.”
 
“The 10 will be safe to drive on weeks ahead of schedule because of urgent action and collaboration at all levels of government,” said LA Mayor Karen Bass. “When we work together, nothing can stop Los Angeles. Right when this happened, I heard from our state and federal partners that they would let nothing stand in our way. The White House and the Governor’s Office not only lived up to that promise, they helped us exceed all expectations. Today is proof of locking arms delivering real results for the people of this city.”

Today’s announcement, eight days since the fire, comes far ahead of the original project schedule and was made possible because of the around-the-clock efforts of crews and engineers on and off-site, better-than-expected structural testing results, rapid debris removal, and close coordination between state, local, and federal government officials to safely expedite repairs of a major freeway that is a critical backbone to the American and global economy.
 
As repairs continue over the coming months, the public should expect some temporary closures on occasional weekends and overnight, along with intermittent lane closures.

The 10 Freeway fire began on a site rented by Apex Development, Inc. (Apex). Two months prior to the fire, Caltrans sued Apex, seeking to remove the company from the leased property for failing to pay its rent and subletting the property without authorization. A hearing is set for early 2024 in that lawsuit.

Apex was responsible for maintaining the fenced-off site while they continued to assert rights under the lease. CAL FIRE’s investigation into the fire — suspected to be arson — remains ongoing. A person of interest has been identified and members of the public are encouraged to provide any leads or tips, which can be sent anonymously to the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408 or [email protected].
 
Last weekend, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles County to support the state’s response. The proclamation facilitates clean-up and repair work and directs Caltrans to request assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, which the state secured.
 
The 10 Freeway is a major artery that serves hundreds of thousands of Angelenos daily. After testing samples and assessing damage from the site, state transportation officials determined the damage could be repaired without demolishing and rebuilding the 450-foot span of the freeway, which could have taken upwards of 6 months.

Union crews continue to work around the clock to get the freeway open by tomorrow morning. While I-10 is closed to all vehicles, Caltrans workers are seizing this traffic-free opportunity to carry out a wide-ranging “swarm” maintenance operation – sweeping, repairing bridge railings and broken concrete, painting over graffiti, cleaning drains and culverts, removing litter, weeds, and overgrown vegetation, and sealing broken access doors.