Los Angeles
Rep. Katie Porter and trans actor Angelica Ross talk COVID-19 money in Equality California fundraiser
Equality California has almost an impossible task: rallying LGBTQ voters to help pro-equality Democrats retain the House, win back the Senate and oust the most incompetent, damaging president in U.S. history – while still keeping the organization afloat amidst a global pandemic and financial meltdown.
Several progressive politicos and celebrities understand the grave difficulty existing in the new COVID world and showed up for EQCA’s online “Evening for Equality,” hosted by WeHo fan favorite Queer Eye Culture guy Jai Rodriguez. Despite the awkward rigors of physical distancing, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Ted Lieu, and activists Chasten Buttigieg, Angelica Ross, Stephanie Miller, Pauley Perette, Margaret Cho, Daniel Franzese, Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval and Billie Lee showed up in solidarity and Jason Mraz and CeCe Peniston lent support through song.
The show, which was produced with the kind of homey familiarity now common during the novel coronavirus physical distancing crisis, Equality California raised nearly $25,000 in donations ranging from $5 to $5,000, with more donations still coming. That’s in addition to the nearly $150,000 raised in the last two weeks.
As a contribution to the community, EQCA is offering to share what they learned about putting on a virtual fundraiser with smaller non-profits facing the same need to raise money in a new way.
Equality California Executive Director Rick Chavez Zbur during EQCA event
“This is new territory for us — as it is for everyone — and I’m so grateful to the community for joining us and to so many of those who tuned in for stepping up and supporting our work,” Equality California Executive Director Rick Chavez Zbur told the Los Angeles Blade. “Like all nonprofits, we’re struggling right now, but we’re working to adapt to this new environment. Our goal was to provide some uplifting entertainment and engaging discussions, as well as an opportunity to come together virtually as a community. It was a success. We don’t necessarily have all the answers about virtual fundraising events, but we are committed to supporting other nonprofits that serve the LGBTQ+ community too, so we look forward to sharing some of the lessons we learned with our colleagues at partner organizations.”
Rodriguez opened as if he was engaged in a one-on-one with hundreds of fans and friends on his We Are Channel Q radio show. He laughed off a screwed up introduction that set the easy earnest tone for “live” from everyone’s comfortable Zoom-room.
Rodriguez set the tone but the leaders of Equality California and the Equality California Institute Board of Directors set the messaging.
Joe Gregorich, Jackie Thomas, Scott Malzahn, Juan Camacho, Leadership for Equality California and the Equality California Institute Board of Directors.
“Our LGBTQ+ Community has been hit hard financially from this crisis and Equality California is a nonprofit organization that services our community is no exception,” said Scott Malzahn. “But tonight we’re choosing hope over fear.”
Trans actor and influencer Angelica Ross took over, not just introducing Rep. Katie Porter but joking about how Porter has become a viral super star through her sharp questions during congressional hearings.
Their instant connection and respect was moving, informative and illustrative of how to have a smart, engaging conversation that is also funny and entertaining.
“I loved your hilarious takedown on [Housing and Urban Development Sec.] Ben Carson not knowing the difference between an REO [‘real estate owned’ property] and an Oreo [cookie]. So, we have a question from one of our audience members, Michael from Laguna Beach, wants to know: were you born fierce or did something or someone make you that way?”
Speaking comfortably from her kitchen, Porter said she didn’t necessarily think of herself as fierce until the opportunity presented itself. However, family photos show that she was a “fairly strong-willed child.”
Porter’s also experienced the adversity “that made me realize that there are real harms going on in this society and that we have to look straight on at them, call them out and be willing to commit to fixing them. And so, I grew up during the farm crisis, I watched people lose their farms and their homes and I listened to Californians during the foreclosure crisis, losing their houses. And I was there to help lift up their voices and help them be successful and make ends meet and hang on to their house.”
Porter determined to run for elective office to “fix America,” she said. “So, I think I’m fierce because I care fiercely about this, about what we’re doing, and I want to actually get things done.”
Ross noted that unfortunately, other people “seem to be in it for other reasons that aren’t for the greater interest” of the people. She shifted not so subtly to Porter’s vanquished 2018 far right Republican opponent, Mimi Walters. The GOP wants that seat back in 2020.
“So, this district is still a Republican majority district, although we’ve made a lot of great progress with the help of Equality California and other groups in reaching out to folks and engaging voters,” said Porter. “But it’s still 2% more Republicans than Democrats. And virtually, all of my local elected and county elected officials are Republicans. So, I do have to really think about how can I connect with and communicate across party lines?”
Porter explained that she uses her previous position as a law professor at University of California, Irvine specializing in the Uniform Commercial Code to respectfully listen to questions, learn about constituents lives and challenges and then “trying to teach other people why we need to make this change in policy,” she said. “I think I love that element. I love that back and forth,” giving a shout out “to all the students who didn’t do their homework for preparing me to know how to take down witnesses who were ‘yahoos.’”
Ross, who exclaimed that she loves the Uniform Commercial Code, pointed out how the COVID-19 crisis has dramatically impacted the LGBTQ community.
“More than one out of five trans adults have at least one or more chronic conditions like HIV, diabetes, arthritis or asthma. I have asthma,” Ross said. “Fear of discrimination keeps many of us from going to the doctor and many of us work in the gig economy or other industries impacted by this economic fallout.”
Porter said she’s trying to address the disparities, having just sent a letter to the FDA “asking them to expedite the approval process that’s needed to implement the new rule that they pass the blood donations for men who have sex with men,” noting that the pandemic is causing a national blood shortage and science doesn’t support the FDA policy.
Porter also noted that May is the 12-month anniversary for the House passage of the Equality Act, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refuses to bring up for a vote.
“It’s not enough to just pass these laws and give people symbolic victories. Equality is an abstract ideal, but it’s also something that manifests in people’s real lives,” Porter said. “And so they need these actual protections from unemployment, in public housing and education. And with this widespread labor market disruption with the pandemic and people losing housing, it is going to be more important than ever to have these protections in place as people have to seek new jobs and find different housing and the economic dislocation of this whole situation.”
Porter confessed that she got choked up and “a little teary” during the hearing on “the administration’s assault on religious liberty and LGBTQ rights” as a number of people talked about barriers to LGBTQ people adopting children or fostering children.
“One of my Republican colleagues — shortly before it was my turn to question — went on a little bit of a rant and rave about nontraditional families, that two-parent households are a family and these other things are not families,” Porter said. “And I don’t have any of their real life experiences that LGBTQ, trans people — I don’t walk in your shoes every day — but he literally erased my existence as a single parent. And what was he suggesting? That my children and I are not a family? I assure you. We are a family. We live together, we love each other. That is a family.
“And so it was important for me to push back at that moment because I’m so frustrated and exhausted with other people trying to impose their definition of family, their definition of love, their definition of wellbeing onto other people,” Porter said. “So, I was grateful for the opportunity to push back on that.”
Porter then turned the tables and asked Ross a question.
“A lot of people know you from your role as Candy on “Pose” or Donna Chambers on “American Horror Story,” but you’re also a very active advocate for trans equality,” Porter said. “And you are — I have this right, I’m so awed by this — you are a self-taught coder,” which resulted in Porter gushing over Ross as the real “bad ass” between them, asking about her firm helping trans people, TransTech Social Enterpries.
Ross first introduced her dog Hammer, a long-haired Chihuahua, confirming that she’s a self-taught coder with the goal of leveling the playing field around access and skills.
“I started with those simple codes of HTML and CSS and I took those skills and then started doing content management systems like WordPress and Drupal and Joomla,” Ross said. “And I started charging clients to build these small websites, content management sites. But the coding was a little bit beyond — there was more to learn. And so, what I did was build a business around building websites and hiring other people to do the more advanced coding.”
Ross went deeper:
“I wanted to make it clear that when I say tech, yes I mean coding, but I also mean being able to be a beauty influencer and run a YouTube channel, being able to be a photographer or do photo retouching. I have a lot of fans and a lot of people from the community who love the show ‘Pose’ and who keep thinking, ‘Well, how can I get started as an actor and how can I get involved?’ And one of the things that I always teach folks is how to make yourself a valuable asset to the industry because you love it.
So, not just wanting to be in front of the camera, but how can you make yourself valuable to the project? Can you run lights? Can you be a grip or a PA, a hairstylist or a makeup artist? So, what we do is we have an online and offline community. We meet in back channels and we help each other prepare for interviews. We share job leads, we help each other find freelance jobs. And then once a year, we have what we call the ‘Transect Summit,’ which happened two years in a row at the Groupon Headquarters in Chicago.
But since Covid-19, we’re taking it all online and we’re expanding it to be global. So we’ll have over 50 workshops worldwide over two days. And it’s going to be all free to … Our sponsors are going to help us make it free, but it’s going to be free for everyone to attend.”
“This Covid-19, if it hasn’t shown us anything else, it showed us all the things that people said were impossible are all of a sudden possible,” said Porter. “Look at that, us being innovative on how to connect.”
Ross asked Porter to use her famous whiteboard to explain the “absurd” confusion with the $1,200 stimulus check, as explained by Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
The whiteboard was unavailable so Porter went old school.
“Okay. So $1,200 divided by the 10 weeks that he’s estimating — and by the way, we’re going to be continuing to suffer for a lot more than 10 weeks, one, because we don’t have the virus under control but two, we don’t know when we’re supposed to get back —
So that works out to $120 additional dollars per week, if you assume this lasts 10 weeks. Then, when you step up California, even with the expansion of an additional $600 a week — which is a lot of extra on top of what California did, somebody in California — the maximum unemployment that you could get is $4,500 a month.
So again, if you go back to doing that a week, that’s the 10 weeks, this is over a month, you’re going to get two and a half, you’re going to come out to about a thousand dollars a week.
All right, so we’re being asked to live on about $1,200 a week — this works out to about $4,800 a month.”
Porter then explains why $4,800 a month is difficult to live on it California:
“The typical rent is going to easily subsume well more than 50% of that money. And rent is not something that people can do without, it’s not an easy expense to change. And so people are going to be spending half that money right off the top in rent.
And then that leaves them with $2,400 a month. And then you start figuring in things like food. And so when I walked [JP Morgan CEO] Jamie Dimon through all of this [in April 2019], I walked him through a budget for one adult and one child. And so the minimum food budget for that, if you ate Ramen Noodles, would take you down to over $400 a month. And then you start thinking about things like childcare. If you have one child and you’d be down even further. So, the bottom line is this is not going to be enough money.”
And the money mangers haven’t really done the math so they don’t understand “the challenges that working families face.”
The entire event was entertaining and informative, including “radio nerd” Stephanie Miller’s interview with House Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff, “congressional rock star who is clearly desperately in need of a drive-by hairdressing from some of the fabulous gay men in the audience tonight. Chairman, I know your daughter gave you your haircut and it does, it looks fine and your neck looks less like a pencil than ever. And I just say, I don’t care what the president says.”
Miller then asks if it’s OK to open with a gay joke for the gay event, to which Schiff responds, “I would welcome that.”
“My quarantine crushes, chairman, are currently the prime minister of New Zealand, the prime minister of Finland, and the prime minister of Iceland. It’s the first time in my life I’ve ever liked women with really flat curves. Said it because they flattened the curve. You see, because they believe in facts and science, and that’s hot. Is this on? Chairman, isn’t that true that we are doing the worst, probably, of any country in the world in flattening this curve?” Miller asked.
“Well, we have the most infections of anywhere in the world and we have, by far, the most deaths of anywhere in the world. And yet somehow the president and Jared Kushner think we’re doing just great and they’re very proud of our death total, as the president said today. I don’t even know what that means, except for those that have lost loved ones, it’s just additional salt in very open and painful wounds,” Schiff said. “But Stephanie, you’re right, the women leaders are doing really well, not a surprise. And we have to follow their example.”
Miller talked to Schiff about how his “brilliant speeches during the impeachment have come true,” how Trump has “brought us literally a Vietnam and a Great Depression in the space of six weeks, he has brought this country to its knees” and how the LGBTQ community, in particular, is hurting disproportionately without the Equality Act. “Everything under Trump is worse; racism, sexism, homophobia, all marginalized groups are having a harder time,” said Miller.
“It’s so true. And even now, during the midst of this pandemic, what is the administration doing? It is trying to roll back protections in the healthcare system to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ individuals,” said Schiff. “Right now, they are promulgating new regulations to repeal Obama era protections. It’s just awful. As it is, about one out of every 12 LGBTQ Americans gets turned away from healthcare because of their orientation or because of their gender identity. And so, the last thing we ought to be doing is going backward.
“But one thing I think this pandemic is revealing,” Schiff continued, “is when we get through it, we need to build back better. We need to build a more just more equitable, less discriminatory society than the one we have going into this pandemic.
“But while it goes on, we particularly need to make sure that we meet the healthcare needs of the most vulnerable. Communities of color are being devastated right now. 80% of the casualties in Georgia are African Americans,” Schiff said, “and when you take those in the African American community who were also LGBTQ, the potential for discrimination and the most severe of health consequences is even that more profound.”
They two reminded viewers about the importance of voting by mail and getting tested for COVID-19. “You know that your patriotism makes me go from gay to questioning every time I interview you, Chairman,” Miller said in closing.
Cecilia Cabello, California Chair for former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign, interviewed the former mayor’s husband, Chasten. He joked how he was home with the dogs and how he was happy the house was split level so he could “get away” from Mayor Pete if he needs to.
But the thrust of Chasten Buttigieg’s interview was about how the coronavirus quarantine is impacting schools, which have been “a safe space for LGBTQ students, something they looked forward to.” Chasten said he is “a little worried” about how schools are adapting and how to give them a safe, warm and welcoming environment both digitally and virtually.
“Right now students are facing a community that is going through a lot of change and sometimes that means that schools aren’t willing to catch up to the change that we’re making as a society, especially with a public schools rolling back a lot of those Obama-era protections,” Chasten Buttigieg said. “Kids have to deal with a lot,” including hostile teachers and unsafe environments in school and home.
“40% of homeless youth in our country identify as LGBTQIA. So, there are a lot of issues facing young queer people in our country, said Chasten Buttigieg. “It’s important in all those spaces we make sure that they are safe and affirming.” Unfortunately, he added, “we have a lot of work to do there.”
Watch the one hour-forty minute Equality California event online.
Los Angeles
Project Angel Food Thanksgiving, a remarkable group of volunteers
Project Angel Food provides daily meals to 2,500 critically ill individuals & 1.5 mil medically tailored meals annually across Los Angeles
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.
(Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Project Angel Food)
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:
Los Angeles
George Michael honored with star dedication on ‘Path of Angels’
David Archuleta, reflecting on Michael’s impact, remarked, “George Michael shattered barriers and defied stereotypes”
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 25th 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
I-10 Freeway will reopen ahead of Monday morning commute
CAL FIRE’s investigation into the suspected arson remains ongoing. Any Anonymous Tips- call CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408
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.”
(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)
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.
Los Angeles
Gov. Newsom announces the 10 Freeway will reopen next week
Newsom credited the tireless and continuous work of repair crews who have been working around the clock to get the 10 freeway reopened
LOS ANGELES – The section of the10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles damaged by a massive arson fire will reopen “five lanes in both directions” no later than Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters in a press briefing Thursday evening.
The major artery that serves 300,000 vehicles daily closed in both directions a week ago after a fire caused significant damage to up to 100 support pillars. Construction crews have erected wooden structures to shore up the overpass while the repair work gets underway.
Last week the governor said the cause of the fire was deemed suspicious by CAL FIRE investigators, and their team continues to investigate the fire as arson. Newsom also shared that the state took legal action months ago to eject the lessee of the site, Apex Development, Inc., for failing to pay rent and violating the lease agreement by subletting the property without state and federal approval. A court date is scheduled for February; however, the state is seeking options to expedite legal proceedings.
During Thursday’s press conference Newsom credited the tireless and continuous work of repair crews who have been working around the clock to get the busy roadway back open to traffic.
“We will be open, five lanes in both directions, Tuesday of next week,” the governor said.
KTLA reported Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were among the speakers. Both elected officials have promised regular and timely updates regarding the closure, which has crippled traffic in and out of downtown for several days and was initially expected to remain in place for several weeks.
“All of the stars have been aligned,” Bass said, paraphrasing a Caltrans official.
“This is what happens when we work with urgency. This is what happens when we come together. I want to make sure that there are no barriers to completely finishing the repair and that when the freeway opens up it will be completely safe,” said Mayor Bass. “City departments will continue to respond with urgency to the impacts of the traffic closure during the ongoing construction. We will not let up. I want to thank Governor Newsom for joining forces with me to make sure the repair is being expedited to get the freeway back up and running as fast as possible.”
The Los Angeles Times reported Newsom has repeatedly mentioned Apex Development Inc., leasing the area below freeway, had subleased some of its space to various businesses calling the company “bad actors,” and adding that the state was involved in ongoing litigation against it.
The company has been identified as Apex Development Inc., which subleased some of its space to various businesses. The legality over those subleases is under a bit of scrutiny.
The Times reported that Caltrans inspectors and local fire officials conducted regular visits to the site. The company’s attorney told the Times that any claims from government officials that it was unaware of the subleasing activity were false.
Instead, the company’s attorney laid the blame on the local homeless population which lived near the site, claiming that operators of the space repeatedly made calls to report homeless fires, which they allege were brushed off.
Today, the Governor also highlighted he has instructed Caltrans and CAL FIRE to conduct a thorough examination and assessment of all Airspace and Telecommunications Licensing Program (Airspace) sites throughout the state. Airspace sites are state-owned properties located within freeway rights-of-way that can be safely leased for secondary uses.
The Governor’s directive instructs Caltrans and CAL FIRE to conduct a comprehensive review of the Airspace program, and produce an inventory of all Airspace sites that identifies property types, locations, potential concerns, proximity to sensitive structures, tenancy status, site use types, and inspection status, among other details.
Additionally, Caltrans and CAL FIRE have been instructed to prioritize inspections of high-risk Airspace sites across California and recommend necessary programmatic, inspection, enforcement, and/or statutory changes to prevent future incidents similar to the I-10 Freeway fire.
The 10 Freeway fire began on an Airspace 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 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].
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 shore up the support pillars damaged in the fire. 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.
Los Angeles
Newsom: 10 Freeway on track to reopen to traffic in 3 to 5 weeks
Californians can visit Fixthe10.ca.gov for real-time project updates, alternate routes and public transit options
LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the 10 Freeway in Los Angeles is on track to at least partially reopen to traffic in three to five weeks. The major artery that serves 300,000 vehicles daily closed in both directions this weekend after a fire caused significant damage to up to 100 support pillars.
After testing samples and assessing damage from the site, state transportation officials currently believe the damage can be repaired without demolishing and rebuilding the 450-foot span of the 10 Freeway, which could have taken upwards of 6 months. Union crews are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to finish removing the extensive debris and shore up the pillars.
These efforts are aimed at making the necessary repairs to safely reopen the freeway to moving traffic as soon as possible. Additionally, on-site environmental monitoring is in place to fortify drains and ensure that every precaution is in place to contain area run-off due to incoming storms. An earlier evaluation of the site identified no highly toxic chemicals in the aftermath of the fire.
Critical materials for the repairs are already on-site and no supply challenges are anticipated at this time.
The Governor also announced that by the end of the week, the state will have a livestream of the construction work so the public can see the progress firsthand.
Californians can visit Fixthe10.ca.gov for real-time project updates, alternate routes and public transit options.
(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)
Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced the cause of the fire was deemed suspicious by CAL FIRE investigators, and their team continues to investigate the fire as arson. The Governor also shared that the state took legal action months ago to eject the lessee of the site, Apex Development, Inc., for failing to pay rent and violating the lease agreement by subletting the property without state and federal approval. A court date is scheduled for February; however, the state is seeking options to expedite legal proceedings.
Over the 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 formally request assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, if appropriate.
LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, whose District includes the section of 10 Freeway damaged by the arson attack also addressed reporters during the press briefing. In a statement released by her office, Solis said:
“Upon learning about the incident, I immediately had my office connect with the LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and the County’s Homeless Initiative to get our County-funded outreach teams to engage with people experiencing homelessness near the site and get them to safety. I also had the County’s Department of Public Health and the South Coast Air Quality Management District investigate the air quality in the surrounding communities to ensure that residents’ health was not jeopardized by both the fire and traffic congestion. Through the County’s Department of Public Works, our engineers coordinated traffic management across jurisdictional boundaries to minimize disruptions to residents and businesses alike.”
“At the County, we want to be proactive about mitigating disruptions and impacts on residents’ lives. To that end, I plan to introduce a motion next Tuesday that will direct our Office of Emergency Management and Department of Public Works, as well as other County agencies, to not only monitor how this closure impacts unincorporated areas but also to prepare adequate responses, including communications targeting residents and how to best support our businesses in unincorporated areas,” she said.
Los Angeles
Governor Newsom & Mayor Bass highlight efforts to repair freeway
Newsom announced the cause of the fire was deemed suspicious by investigators, and their team continues to investigate the fire as arson
UPDATE: California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday says the burned stretch of the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles can be repaired rather than demolished, and that the work will take three to five weeks.
LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom provided an update on the ongoing efforts to fix the 10 Freeway in Los Angeles after a massive fire closed a portion of the freeway over the weekend. Since the incident, work crews have been on-site 24 hours a day.
The state is taking an urgent all-of-government approach to fixing the 10 Freeway, a major artery in Los Angeles, with traffic estimated at upwards of 300,000 vehicles daily.
Californians can visit Fixthe10.ca.gov for updates and alternate routes.
The Governor joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other local and state officials to survey the site where work is already underway to clean the site of hazardous materials, assess damage, and prepare it for necessary repairs. To ensure worker safety, shoring work has begun on damaged pillars, and engineers are on site assessing next steps for repair work. Samples taken from the core of the pillars are being used to determine structural integrity of the bridge. Preliminary results are encouraging, but more testing is required before finalizing repair plans.
“California is leveraging an all-of-government approach — working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to mobilize resources so we can fix the 10 Freeway as quickly as possible. This will be a long process, but we’re setting aggressive deadlines and delivering. We’re leaving no stone unturned as we identify ways to fast-track this work,” said Governor Newsom.
Shailen Blatt, the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), also surveyed the site today and emphasized the federal government is working closely with the state to quickly and safely reopen the 10 Freeway. This work is likely to be eligible for federal reimbursement under the FHWA emergency relief program.
Newsom announced the cause of the fire was deemed suspicious by CAL FIRE investigators, and their team continues to investigate the fire as arson adding the 10 Freeway fire was set with ‘Malice intent.’
The Governor also shared that the state took legal action months ago to eject the lessee of the site, Apex Development, Inc., for failing to pay rent and violating the lease agreement by subletting the property without state and federal approval.
A court date is scheduled for February. Over the 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 formally request assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, if appropriate.
Related:
Los Angeles
Woodland Hills church targeted with vandalism & thefts
The LAPD noted that if you have any information about these criminal acts, you can remain anonymous by submitting a tip to Crime Stoppers
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – The Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division detectives are seeking the person or person’s responsible for the acts of vandalism and thefts against the Woodland Hills Community Church located at 21338 Dumetz Road in Woodland Hills.
The United Church of Christ congregation’s rainbow peace sign artwork was vandalized with black paint graffiti on October 21, after an altercation with a MeetUp group that agreed to gather at the church without the church’s permission, a church spokesperson representative told KTLA.
KTLA reported that when the MeetUp members tried to get into the church, and were questioned by the youth minister, they responded with “aggressive and racial threats,” according to the church.
An entry for that day on the MeetUp Los Angeles website shows a game-night social was planned, and 68 people had indicated that they would attend.
Later that day, the rainbow peace sign artwork was vandalized with black paint, according to the church, and it was struck again five days later with spray paint and “USA” graffiti.
The church told KTLA that on Oct. 27, the day after the second attack on the peace-sign artwork, all exterior copper piping and back-flow regulators that supply water to the meeting hall and nursery were stolen. Then, on Oct. 30 and 31, one person came back to the church and “damaged and stole” outdoor security cameras and flood lights.
“We are replacing the cameras and repairing the sign for it to be rehung. The emergency pipe repair cost the church $3900 which we did not have in the budget,” said the church spokesperson. “We have since heard from many neighbors that our PEACE sign was a joy to them and gave hope to the neighborhood.”
The LAPD noted that if you have any information about these criminal acts, you can remain anonymous by submitting a tip to Crime Stoppers at www.lacrimestoppers.org, or call 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Anyone with information is also asked to call the church at 818-346-0820 or email [email protected].
Additional reporting by KTLA
Los Angeles
LAPD investigate hate crime at Canter’s Deli in Fairfax district
Jews make up just 2.4% of the U.S. population but were targeted by 60% of religious-based hate crimes before the Middle East conflict began
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a hate crime investigation after antisemitic messages were spray-painted onto a wall next to the historic Canter’s Deli in the city’s Fairfax district.
Canter’s Fairfax is a Deli, Bakery, and Bar located at 419 N. Fairfax. It was opened in 1931 and has long been a gathering place for Angelenos because of its 24 hours-a-day 7 day a week service and its outdoor seating area.
According to a LAPD spokesperson, Canter’s workers discovered the racist graffiti scrawled under a mural outside the Jewish-owned restaurant Wednesday morning. LAPD also noted that a nearby synagogue and other business were also targeted.
In a statement released on Twitter and to media outlets, the Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Los Angeles, Jeffrey Abrams said:
Robert Trestan, Vice President of the ADL West told media outlets, “Since the terror attack on Israel in October, we’ve seen almost a 400% increase in antisemitic incidents across the United States. That’s a dramatic increase.”
In the wake of the violence erupting between Israel and Hamas, earlier this week FBI Director Christopher Wray warned Congress warning threats against the Jewish community are reaching historic levels.
“We assess that the actions of Hamas and its allies will serve as an inspiration, the likes of which we haven’t seen since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate several years ago. In just the past few weeks, multiple foreign terrorist organizations have called for attacks against Americans and the West,” Wray told the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee during a hearing on worldwide threats on Tuesday.
“The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole ‘nother level,” the FBI Director warned.
Jewish leaders say it’s more important than ever for everyone to speak out against hate.
“The moral voices of the community are actually much, much stronger and more powerful than the people who want to commit acts of antisemitism. And if we all speak out, we can actually overpower it,” ADL’s Trestan said.
The FBI Director told Senators that threat levels, in some ways, were reaching “historic levels.” Wray said in response to a question by Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen, who has been targeted by antisemitic threats, that the Jewish community has been targeted by terrorists across the spectrum. Jews make up just 2.4% of the U.S. population, Wray noted, but were targeted by 60% of religious-based hate crimes before the Middle East conflict began.
Los Angeles
UCLA Police investigating hate crime using BB Gun, student injured
It is unknown if the suspects are UCLA students. University police detectives are treating this as a hate crime
LOS ANGELES – University of California LA Police are investigating an attack on a student early Sunday. The suspects, in a white four door sedan came up alongside the victim in the 200 block of De Neve Drive, near the Rieber Hall dorms. A rear passenger yelled a homophobic slur and then fired at the victim striking him in the face.
The student victim sustained minor abrasion below his eye. According to the UCLA Police, the suspected shooter and the driver of sedan took off shortly after. The driver was described as a male wearing a black ski mask, while the passenger was described only as a male and the weapon was identified as a BB gun or Pellet gun.
It is unknown if the suspects are UCLA students. University police detectives are treating this as a hate crime.
CRIME ALERT: Early yesterday morning, suspects in a vehicle approached a victim while he was walking on De Neve Dr. near Rieber Hall. A rear passenger yelled a homophobic slur and shot the victim with a BB gun, striking him below the eye.
— UCLA Police Department (@UCPDLA) October 31, 2023
Learn more: https://t.co/5LrtDMnIc4 pic.twitter.com/OYjiWpHW9N
Los Angeles
GLSEN raises over $100,000 at star-studded fundraiser
The glitzy event honored gay country musician Orville Peck with GLSEN’s Champion Award and actress Annette Benning with its Advocate Award
By Rob Salerno | HOLLYWOOD – GLSEN raised more than $100,000 for its work supporting LGBTQIA+ students in K-12 schools at its star-studded Rise Up LA gala at NeueHouse Hollywood Oct 28.
The glitzy event honored gay country musician Orville Peck with GLSEN’s Champion Award and actress Annette Benning with its Advocate Award.
The event was emceed by drag performer Mo Heart who set the tone for the night with a call to continue the fight to ensure schools are safe spaces for queer kids.
“GLSEN has been instrumental in transforming our nation’s schools to make sure that they are a safe and an affirming environment that all youth deserve,” they said. “Tonight, we have come to celebrate all of the fantastic accomplishments of this fantastic organization so far, and to rise up for the continued necessary work, which is to ensure that LGBTQ+ students are safe at schools.”
Orville Peck, whose debut albums Pony and Bronco have earned him critical acclaim around the world, said he wishes his schools had the resources GLSEN provides when he was a growing up in South Africa and Canada.
“Encouraging and fostering safe spaces and encouraging young LGBTQIA+ people is so important. Those are such formative years. They’re the years we build our confidence and gather all our trauma unfortunately,” he said. “I didn’t have that. I had extremely loving and supportive parents. That was my safety. I didn’t have anything like that in school, but I would have loved it.”
Annette Benning, who has earned Oscar buzz for her performance in the biopic Nyad, about the lesbian swimmer Diane Nyad, spoke passionately about how her experience raising her own trans son led her to become an advocate for LGBTQ equality.
“I have felt the responsibility to speak out and speak up as transphobia has invaded our government at the local, state, and federal levels. It is hurtful, and it is shameful. It is being used as a tool of the far right to rally their base and turn out the vote,” she said. “I am so proud of my son. I have learned so much from him. And you do not want to make this momma mad.”
Benning also related the heartache that many trans children and their parents are currently experiencing in Republican-controlled states that are criminalizing trans health care. She told the story of one of her friends, the mother of a trans child in Texas, who was forced to sell her home and move her family to California due to the threat of state harassment.
“They and their children are being used as political pawns and the collateral damage is very real,” she said. “Can you imagine being brought up on criminal charges or being reported to child protective services because you are just trying to do what is best for your child?”
“These people are political refugees in our own country,” Benning added, to audible gasps from the crowd.
The night also featured musical performances by Iniko and Noah Cyrus. Other celebrities on hand for the event included pansexual comedian and actor Wayne Brady, who performed the song “I’ll Cover You” from the musical Rent with GLSEN Board Chair Wilson Cruz, who’s best known for his roles on Star Trek: Discovery and My So-Called Life.
“I’m so glad to be a part of this now, because I want to help those kids… to be who they want to be. That’s all any of us ask for at the end of the day,” Brady said.
Comic actresses Fortune Feimster and Sherri Cola and actor Leo Sheng were also on hand to introduce the night’s honorees.
A moving part of the evening’s program came when GLSEN gave students who’ve gotten to experience their programming spoke to the how the organization has impacted them.
Owen Grossman, leader of his high school’s gender and sexuality alliance spoke about how “Don’t Say Gay” bills being passed in many Republican-controlled states affect all students.
“School isn’t just a place where we learn about math and science. It’s the place where we learn about each other and our world. When queerness is erased from our schools in all capacities, when it is made out to be a threat, students learn that queerness is taboo, something other, something punishable. That view directly contributes to mental health issues in queer students, and prejudice in non-queer students,” he says. “GLSEN has always been important, but this year, it’s taken on added importance.”
Attendees at the gala collectively pledged more than $108,000 toward GLSEN’s work in schools.
GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers says the fundraiser was an opportunity to build up community networks for legal and political battles ahead.
“Tonight is an incredible time to both celebrate and get in formation and galvanize ourselves for the fight ahead,” Willingham-Jaggers said. “GLSEN’s so important right now, because there are politicians who ought to be governing in the interests of all of us, who are picking off the most vulnerable in our community, our kids.”
“Classrooms are the frontline of this battle, and we demand that every single classroom is safe for every single kid,” she says.
******************************************************************************************
Rob Salerno is a writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, California, and Toronto, Canada.
‘Full of Lies’ George Santos balloon on the Mall near U.S. Capitol
Out Assemblymember Evan Low eyes South Bay House seat
South Africa poised to bolster penalties for anti-gay attacks, hate speech
Broward high school students stage walkout over Trans exclusion
‘Wedding is both defiance and pride’
Far-right blog says Satan’s overseeing Target’s holiday offerings
Out in the World: LGBTQ+ news from Europe & Asia
Project Angel Food Thanksgiving, a remarkable group of volunteers
Anti-LGBTQ protestor flips tractor in high-speed chase in Canada
Kane’s Cuisine: Thanksgiving 2023 & cranberry upside down cake
-
Florida4 days agoFar-right blog says Satan’s overseeing Target’s holiday offerings
-
World4 days agoOut in the World: LGBTQ+ news from Europe & Asia
-
Los Angeles5 days agoProject Angel Food Thanksgiving, a remarkable group of volunteers
-
Canada2 days agoAnti-LGBTQ protestor flips tractor in high-speed chase in Canada
-
Food3 days agoKane’s Cuisine: Thanksgiving 2023 & cranberry upside down cake
-
Kansas4 days agoKansas library gets new lease by removing LGBTQ books for kids
-
Books3 days agoQueer allyship figures prominently in Streisand memoir
-
Politics2 days agoSantos says he expects to be expelled from House
-
West Hollywood2 days agoWeHo Arts unveils new holiday banners by artist Joey Deruy
-
Books3 days agoA holiday book for Christmas lovers and haters alike