LOS ANGELES – Affordable housing, groceries and consumer goods that have all spiraled upward in cost has lowered the quality of life for Los Angeles County residents this past year according to a survey conducted by UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs.

Interviews were conducted with 1,686 L.A. County residents between Feb. 22 and March 14, both in English and Spanish.

The Quality of Life Index, or QLI, is a project of the Los Angeles Initiative at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs measures county residents’ satisfaction in nine categories. The overall rating fell two points from last year to 53 on a scale from 10 to 100, marking the second time in three years it came in below the survey’s 55 midpoint since the index launched in 2016. That means a majority of respondents are dissatisfied with the overall quality of their lives.

Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the study at UCLA said renters, who make up nearly half of survey respondents, are being disproportionately affected by the economic and inflationary pressures facing the region. More than half, or 59%, cited housing as the most important factor in their rating.

“Housing costs have gone up,” Yaroslavsky said. “And incomes have not gone up anywhere near commensurate with what’s happened to housing.”

While 61% of homeowners feel optimistic about their economic future in Los Angeles County, 51% of renters report being pessimistic. Only 23% of renters think they will be able to buy a home where they would want to live at some point in the future.

KTLA reported that according to data released by the National Association of Realtors earlier this year, parts of L.A. County rank 8th highest in the nation for highest housing prices. Just 23% of the renters that responded to the survey believed that they’d be able to buy a home in an area they find desirable in the future.

Homelessness problems are worsening

This year’s survey also produced striking results on the issue of homelessness.

“We discovered very little optimism about whether the current programs and efforts to eradicate homelessness will work,” Yaroslavsky said.

More than half, or 60%, of respondents said homelessness in their area has gotten worse over the past year, with only 10% saying it has gotten better. Just 20% are more hopeful than they were last year that the homelessness situation in Los Angeles County will improve.

Respondents were also asked whether they worried about becoming homeless themselves, with the highest levels of anxiety expressed by people living in households earning less than $60,000 annually at 44%, renters 37% and African Americans 33%.

“Despite the best efforts of state and local officials, the public is more negative and less hopeful about solving homelessness,” Yaroslavsky said.

In an email to the Blade Wednesday, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Lindsey Horvath said:

“Watching my neighbors struggle with affordability or be on the brink of homelessness is what calls me to be of service to our community. We need to urgently address our overlapping homelessness and affordable housing crises by expediting production of all forms of housing, expanding tenant protections, and ensuring fair wages to address rising income inequality.”

Dissatisfaction with the government

Noting the fact that this is an election year Yaroslavsky, a former member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from December 1, 1994 – December 1, 2014, said: “It feeds an overall sense that things aren’t working well.”

He framed this year’s results in the context of nearly a decade’s worth of research showing positive results for neighborhood quality and racial/ethnic relations, but low marks in categories commonly associated with decisions by public officials.

“A main theme over the last nine years is that Angelenos love the neighborhoods where they live. We appreciate diversity and get along with others better than some people think. And the quality of life for most of us is pretty good,” he said. “But at some fundamental level, people think our governmental institutions are letting them down.”

The last year has seen a modest decline in most ratings for elected officials.

• Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna is viewed favorably by 34% and unfavorably by 26%. Last year was 37% favorable and 21% unfavorable.
• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is viewed favorably by 42% and unfavorably by 32%, a drop from 46% favorable and 23% unfavorable in last year’s QLI.
• Respondents had a slightly favorable view of the city councils in their cities: 37% favorable and 32% unfavorable. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is viewed more negatively: 27% favorable and 35% unfavorable.

The Quality of Life Index in issues regarding the environment found that 25% of respondents said climate change had a major impact on their quality of life in the last year; 38% saw a minor impact.

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang appointed LGBTQ+ community leader and educator as well as noted author H. Eric Schockman, Ph.D., to the first-ever Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission. 

Schockman currently is Professor of Politics and International Relations at Woodbury University, previously serving as Associate Dean and Associate Adjunct Professor at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California. 

He was President and founder of the Global Hunger Foundation, dedicated to helping women in the developing world break the chains of poverty by funding projects designed to provide sustainable development and organic farming.  He served as CEO and President of a prestigious international anti-hunger organization for over a decade pumping some $60 million in grants into the field. 

“This was an easy choice for this ground-breaking commission,” Los Angeles County Assessor Prang said. “I’m just grateful that Eric agreed to serve on this important commission, especially in light of the serious and hateful policies against the LGBTQ+ community across the country. Eric has a long record of leadership and activism, advocating for LGBTQ+ equality and will add a strong voice of experience and accomplishment to this important commission.”

Schockman served as high-level staffer in the State Assembly and was instrumental in passing AB 1 (the first LGBTQ+ civil rights bill in California).  He has also written several books and edited many articles on leadership and politics in California, the nation and international affairs, and presented on scholarly panels on these same topics.

Schockman holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of California.  

“I am pleased and honored to be asked to serve on this historic commission,” Schockman said. “Assessor Prang has shown his leadership in LGBTQ+ issues for years and I do not take this new assignment lightly. I am grateful to be selected.”

The Commission was created last June with a motion authored by Supervisors Hilda L. Solis and Janice Hahn. The 15-member Commission will provide recommendations on policies and budget priorities at a time when LGBTQ+ people face mounting challenges. 

According to the LA County Commission on Human Relations’ 2021 Hate Crime Report, 89% of the hate crimes towards gay men were of a violent nature and 93% of anti-transgender crimes were violent – a rate of violence higher than any other marginalized group recorded by the report. 

The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission will be seated and hold its first meeting in the coming months.  

MALIBU, Calif. – The City of Malibu is supporting efforts by officials in Sacramento to increase and ensure efforts aimed at making the Pacific Coast Highway safer for drivers and pedestrians.

In a statement a spokesperson said that as part of the City’s commitment to addressing PCH safety and ensuring public safety in the community, the City sent a delegation of officials to Sacramento to support two State traffic safety bills, SB 1297 and SB 1509. Both bills were approved by the key State Senate Transportation Committee April 9 and will continue through the legislative process.

SB 1297, introduced by Senator Allen (co-authored by Assemblymember Irwin and Senators Stern and Friedman), would expand the State’s automated speed safety pilot program to allow the City of Malibu to participate. The City has advocated for the installation of the speed camera systems on PCH that can automatically issue citations to speeding motorists as one of the steps to help improve safety on PCH.

AB 1509, the NOT in California Act, was introduced by Senator Stern (co-authored by Senators Allen, Niello, Seyarto and Umberg), and would amend the CA Vehicle Code to make convictions of driving 26 MPH or greater over the posted speed limit, a two-point violation against a person’s driver’s license.

Malibu Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart, City Manager Steve McClary, Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown gave testimony and advocated for the Bills.

They were joined by Barry Stewart, whose daughter Peyton was one of the four Pepperdine students who were tragically killed by a speeding motorist while walking on PCH in October 2023, and Michel Shane, whose 13-year-old daughter Emily was tragically killed by a motorist while walking on PCH in 2010. Shane produced the powerful, moving film “21 Miles” about the dangers of PCH in Malibu. Both gave impassioned testimony about the dangers of PCH and the urgent need to improve safety conditions on the highway.

According to the California Highway Patrol, between March 11 and 17, the Malibu CPH Task Force issued 109 citations (88 for speeding; two for distracted driving; one for a seatbelt violation; and 18 for equipment violations). Four verbal warning were issued. One driver was stopped for speeding, and was arrested for DUI. Year-to-date, the CHP Malibu Taskforce has issued 721 citations. 

The City Council on March 25 approved sending a letter urging Governor Gavin Newsom, State Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin, and Caltrans Director Tony Tavares to work collaboratively to make changes to the State Vehicle Code to help address PCH safety. The changes include: 

• Anybody who exceeds 100 MPH shall lose their driver’s license for three months, and anybody who exceeds 100 MPH more than once in a 12-month period shall lose their driver’s license for six months.
• Anybody who exceeds twice the posted speed limit shall lose their driver’s license for one month, and anybody who exceeds twice the posted speed limit more than once in a 12-month period shall lose their driver’s license for two months. 
• The loss of license in these instances shall be mandatory not discretionary.

New on the County Channel

Culinary classes, big screen movies, games and other delights for the entire family await those ready to venture out after the sun goes down for the beloved “Parks after Dark” Spring season at participating County parks.

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

Second Chance Month Expungement Events

Every person deserves the chance to rewrite their story. As we celebrate “Second Chance Month” in LA County, the Public Defender’s Office will be hosting a series of expungement clinics across the county. 

Join the Public Defender’s Homeless Mobile Unit for Community Outreach Court at the Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot on Thursday, April 18th from 9am-12pm. This collaborative effort aims to assist individuals experiencing homelessness in resolving various legal matters, including record expungement, that can remove obstacles hindering access to housing, employment and social services.

For more information about the Community Outreach Court, visit pubdef.lacounty.gov/COC. For a full list of upcoming expungement events, click here.

At Your Service

Resilience is Taking Root in LA County

The Chief Sustainability Office has just released the discussion draft of Room to Grow, the first-ever Community Forest Management Plan in LA County. The Community Forest Management Plan is an actionable, long-term strategy to manage trees in our communities for today and for future generations to come.

To learn more about the plan and provide your input, visit lacountycfmp.org.

Out and About

Kids Beach Cleanup

In celebration of Earth Day, LA County Beaches and Harbors is partnering with Heal the Bay to host Kids Beach Cleanup event at Dockweiler Beach on Saturday, April 13, 9 AM – 12 PM.

Click here to learn more and/or register for the event.

Photo Finish

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

TORRANCE, Calif. – Two of the more prominent far-right anti-LGBTQ+ extremists are hosting an event Sunday, April 7 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Torrance – South Bay property which has stirred a reaction from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and activists.

Billed as a “War on Children” event, it features far right-wing extremist Chaya Raichik, the creator of the anti-LGBTQ+ social media accounts Libs of TikTok, and Christopher Rufo, who spreads transphobic and homophobic online content along with conspiracy theories.

A spokesperson for Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. provided a statement to the Blade that read in part: “Hilton properties serve as places of public accommodation and do not adopt, share, or endorse the views of any individuals or groups to which we provide accommodations and services. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Torrance – South Bay is independently owned and operated and therefore we are unable to speak on their behalf.”

Calls to the The DoubleTree by the Blade for comment were not responded to by the hotel.

Alejandra Caraballo, a trans clinical instructor at the Harvard Law Cyberlaw Clinic, who teaches Gender & Technology based courses posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Stand up to hate.”

Stand up to hate. https://t.co/7pFRmmMIEW pic.twitter.com/WitnA8tfiq

— Alejandra Caraballo (@Esqueer_) April 3, 2024

Rufo responded also on X posting: “The trans brigade is organizing a campaign to call the Hilton Hotel and demand that it shut down an event featuring me and @libsoftiktok. But the Hotel is telling them it is “proud to not discriminate” and then hanging up on them.”

The trans brigade is organizing a campaign to call the Hilton Hotel and demand that it shut down an event featuring me and @libsoftiktok. But the Hotel is telling them it is "proud to not discriminate" and then hanging up on them. pic.twitter.com/2R5vCuWPgJ

— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) April 3, 2024

Libs of TikTok creator Chaya Raichik added to SPLC hate watch list

The “Stop the War on Children” events are held to protest what far-right and extremists like Raichik and Rufo allege are “the sexualization of children, secret gender transitions of minors and pornographic books at schools.”

Last October, “Stop the War on Children” rallies were held by anti-LGBTQ+ extremists in Temecula and 31 other U.S. cities and about 40 in Canada, all protesting LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum, books, and transgender youth in school settings on sports teams and using bathrooms that match their gender identity.

New on the County Channel

On the latest episode of ‘One on One,’ LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Executive Director, Rafael Carbajal, discusses how the County is stepping up to help those in need.

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

Property Tax Deadline is Approaching!

The deadline to pay property taxes is approaching. Choose the safe, secure and no-cost way to pay. Pay your property taxes online with eCheck to avoid processing costs. To learn more, please visit propertytax.lacounty.gov.

At Your Service

Grants for Older Adult Homeowners

The Los Angeles County Development Authority’s Senior Grant Program assists with mobility and habitability repair to help low-income older adults (62 years or older) remain in their homes. To qualify, applicants must live within unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and own a home in need of modifications and repairs.

The program will finance deferred maintenance repairs such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, or heating that are necessary to improve the structural integrity of the home and prolong the home’s useful age.

Click here to learn more and see if you qualify. 

Out and About

“Second Chance Month” Events

The Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department, in collaboration with County and community partners, will host resource fairs, meet-and-greets and grand opening ceremonies in all five Supervisorial districts during the month of April in honor of Second Chance Month.

The “Second Chance Month” events are an opportunity for justice-involved individuals and their families to learn about available and forthcoming resources from the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department and community-based organizations in their area.

Click here for a list of upcoming events.

Photo Finish

Solar eclipse program at the El Monte Library. Join in on all the solar eclipse fun at a County Library near you!

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

New on the LA County Channel

LA County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department recently launched an innovative and voluntary residential job training program that offers a chance for justice-involved individuals to receive free certifications and hands-on training in fire services plus room and board, career counseling, life skills training and job placement assistance.

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

Dine Out LA County

Los Angeles County currently offers Outdoor Dining for restaurants within unincorporated areas by permit. The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, in collaboration with Public Works, Public Health, and Regional Planning, are currently developing a Permanent Outdoor Dining Program that will continue to benefit both businesses and patrons.

Restaurants in unincorporated Los Angeles County have opportunities to expand dining seating into the following areas:

• Private Walkways
• Private Parking Facilities
• County’s Road Right-of-Way (Sidewalks, Metered or Unmetered Parking Spaces, and Alleys)

To learn more about this program, register for community meetings, or apply for a permit, visit lacounty.pw/dining. 

At Your Service

Compact Mobile Food Operations Subsidy Program

The Department of Economic Opportunity will be supporting new and existing street vendors selling food with obtaining their Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) permits. Through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Department of Economic Opportunity will subsidize up to 75% of the total cost of CMFO fees which may include a permit fee, plan check, site evaluation, and home inspection. The funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on the CMFO program, visit opportunities.lacounty.gov. To register for an upcoming workshop, click here.

Out and About

Women’s History Month: Fun at the Library!

Celebrate the last week of Women’s History Month with LA County Library!  There’s something for everyone – to find an event near you, or to learn more with a good book, visit lacountylibrary.org.

Photo Finish

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

New on the County Channel

During a recent LA County Pathway Home operation in Signal Hill and Long Beach, 60 people were moved off the streets and on to the road to permanent housing. To learn more about Pathway Home, click here. 

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

Veteran Women’s Month

LA County celebrates all the incredible women who have served our country with unwavering courage and dedication. From defending our freedoms to breaking barriers, women veterans have played pivotal roles in shaping history and paving the way for future generations.

CalVet is surveying women veterans to assess their needs, gain their perspective, collect valuable data and link to services. Your experiences matter, and your voice is invaluable. Request a survey link today! 

Thank you for your service!

At Your Service

HOP120: Home Ownership Program

LA County’s Home Ownership Program, HOP120, provides a second mortgage loan for first-time homebuyers with assistance up to $85,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. The loan provides a down payment and/or closing cost assistance–secured with a Deed of Trust and Promissory Note. HOP120 loans are 0% interest loans with a deferred payment.

For more information, and to see if you qualify, click here. 

Out and About

W.A.T.E.R. YOUTH PROGRAM

W.A.T.E.R. Youth Sailing Camp is back for Spring Break! Taught by LA County W.A.T.E.R. Program Lifeguards, LA County Beaches and Harbors is ready to bring exciting outdoor adventures to eager campers in Marina del Rey! Here are the details:

• Dates: March 26 – 29, 2024
• Times: 10 AM – 4 PM
• Cost: $300 for the 4-day session (Financial aid available for qualifying families.)
• Ages: 11 to 17
• Level: Beginning

Click here to learn more and sign-up.

Photo Finish

Spring has sprung at Descanso Gardens! Plan your visit today.

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

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath has appointed two Los Angeles LGBTQ+ trailblazers to the inaugural Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission, created through a Board action last June.  

At the March 19 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Horvath’s two historic appointees: Alejandro Soria and Sydney Rogers, known as Miss Barbie-Q.  

“I am so excited that Sydney Rogers and Alejandro Soria have accepted our invitation to serve Los Angeles County as the Third District’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Commissioners,” said Horvath. “Their expertise, lived experience, and passion for uplifting all of our LGBTQ+ family, especially in this difficult time, are needed now more than ever. I look forward to working together to deliver for our LGBTQ+ communities and to ensure Los Angeles County is a place where everyone is welcomed, supported, and empowered.” 

Alejandro Soria is a licensed marriage and family therapist who spent his professional career working with and advocating for LGBTQ+ families and individuals in the San Fernando Valley. A resident of Sylmar, Alejandro currently is the Senior Director of Outpatient Mental Health at the Village Family Services. He also is a private practitioner in the City of San Fernando, providing therapeutic services to children and adults. He is happily married and lives with his husband in Sylmar and brings deep passion and knowledge of the San Fernando Valley’s LGBTQ+ community to all of his work.

“As a proud San Fernando Valley resident and proud member of our strong and resilient LGBTQ+ community, I am honored for the opportunity to serve my community on the inaugural LA County LGBTQ+ Commission. As a mental health clinician with years of service to San Fernando Valley families, I am eager to offer my services and expertise to deliver for our communities,” said Alejandro Soria.  

Sydney Rogers, also known as Miss Barbie-Q, is an activist, entertainer, and social worker who currently serves as the Equity Manager of Community Programs at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the Program Manager of the Trans Economic Empowerment Project. She identifies as a a long-term sober, formerly unhoused Black Trans Femme sex worker who has fought to bring visibility and understanding to the TGI community throughout Los Angeles County. She is the recipient of the 2023 Williams Institute/Trans Latina Coalition UniTy Community Leadership Award. Sydney has worked in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Hollywood, and throughout the Third Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County.  

“As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and acts of violence increase day over day, I am grateful to Supervisor Horvath for recognizing the importance and necessity of uplifting Black and TGI voices at this critical time,” said Sydney Rogers. “As a drag artist and entertainer, our experiences in Los Angeles County matter. I am ready to bring my lived experience and that of so many others to LA County’s LGBTQ+ Commission, and it will be my priority to speak up for the most forgotten members of our community.”

The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission will be seated and hold its first meeting in the coming months.  

New on the County Channel

With the help of the American Rescue Plan, the LA County Library and the LA County Internal Services Department is working hard to provide access to the internet and technology for people who need it. Click the links below to learn more about these programs:

• Laptop and Hotspot Loans
• Connect & Go
• Park & Connect
• Digital Assistants

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

March is Women’s History Month

This Women’s History Month learn more about LA County’s efforts to improve lives through the Women and Girls Initiative and the Commission for Women. And join LA County in celebration through the LA County Library‘s live virtual programming, booklists, digital resources for all ages, and the Natural History Museum‘s history of women in LA. 

At Your Service

Finding Affordable Housing

Looking for affordable housing in Los Angeles County? The Housing Resource Center is a tool to help people list and find affordable, special needs, accessible, and emergency housing within the County.

To learn more visit housing.lacounty.gov, or call (877) 428-8844 to get assistance.

Out and About

Parks After Dark is Back!

Parks After Dark returns for the spring season with FREE activities at 34 LA County Parks. Bring your family and friends and explore all the art and culture activities we have to offer. Dust off your dancing shoes and join us for a night full of music and dance and a variety of free activities for the whole family!

Click here to find a Parks After Dark location near you.

Photo Finish

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