BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Beverly Hills detectives have arrested a 44-year-old Los Angeles man and charged him in a racially motivated attack and attempted robbery on an elderly Jewish couple Saturday morning in the city.

In a statement released by Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) spokesperson Lieutenant Reginald Evans: On Saturday, December 9, 2023, at approximately 9:03 a.m., BHPD patrol units
responded to the area of North Rexford Drive and North Santa Monica Blvd regarding a reported assault with a deadly weapon.

Officers responded quickly and located an elderly victim who had sustained a laceration
on his head after being struck with a belt. During the commission of the crime, the suspect made anti-Semitic statements to the victim. The victim was accompanied by his spouse during the time of the crime.

According to the BHPD, the male victim was treated by the Beverly Hills Fire Department at the scene and did not require further medical attention and was not transported to hospital.

BHPD personnel searched the immediate area as the suspect had fled the scene prior to police arrival. An individual matching the suspect description was witnessed fleeing by a BHPD Senior Forensic Specialist. Officers used the information provided to quickly find, detain, and identify the suspect.

“Our officers quickly apprehended the suspect and he is in custody,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook. “This despicable act of hate against a member of our community will not be tolerated.”

BHPD arrested Jarris Jay Silagi, a 44 year old male resident of Los Angeles and charged him with four felonies including Assault with a Deadly Weapon; Attempted Robbery; Hate Crime
and Elder Abuse. Silagi is being held on $100,000.00 bail and is currently in-custody at the Los Angeles County Jail.

According to the Beverly Hills Police, he has an initial court date of Dec. 12, at the Los Angeles Airport Criminal Court. There is an ongoing investigation by the Beverly Hills Police Department Detective Bureau.

A man claiming to be the victim’s son posted on X, formerly Twitter, that his parents were on their way to shul — the Yiddish word for synagogue — when the attack was carried out.

Included in the post was a picture of a bloody shirt allegedly belonging to the victim.

Here is #antisemitism vignette you won’t read about in papers. Yesterday, on way to shul, my father (75) and mother (70) were attacked. After being struck from behind on head by belt and called out as Jew, my father recomposed himself and successfully chased down perp with help… pic.twitter.com/p8ibGwpdxp

— Alan Tzvika Nissel (@atnissel) December 10, 2023

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call the Beverly Hills Police Department at 310-285-2125. Anonymous reports can be made by texting TIP BHPDALERT followed by the tip information to 888777.

You can also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. To access Crime Stoppers, download the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP or use the website http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

LOS ANGELES – A disconcerting surge in hate crimes, as revealed by the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission’s 2022 Report on Hate Crime, is posing a severe threat to the safety and well-being of minority communities in greater Los Angeles. Released on Nov. 29, the report disclosed alarming statistics, indicating the highest level of reported hate crimes in 21 years.

According to the report, hate crimes surged by 18% in 2022, reaching 929 reported incidents, the highest since 2001. This uptick reflects an ongoing trend, with hate crimes escalating by 143% since 2013, signaling a deeply concerning trajectory for the city.

The press conference, attended by influential figures such as Supervisor Hilda Solis, District Attorney George Gascón, Sheriff Robert Luna, LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow, Human Relations Commission President Ilan Davidson, and Executive Director Robin Toma, underscored the gravity of the situation.

Black residents experienced a higher rate of hate crimes, witnessing an increase from 219 to 294 incidents, marking the second-largest number of anti-Black crimes ever reported. Meanwhile, Latino residents faced a rise to 121 incidents, accompanied by the highest rate of violence among all racial/ethnic groups.

The report also highlighted a record-breaking number of anti-transgender crimes, a surge in hate crime violence, and an alarming 41% increase in religion-based crimes, with Jews being the primary target.

One of the most disturbing aspects is the continuous underreporting of hate crimes, as acknowledged by county officials. The LA vs Hate initiative has undoubtedly facilitated more robust reporting, resulting in increased numbers. However, the report emphasized that a substantial number of hate crimes likely go unreported, with nearly half of all violent hate crimes remaining undisclosed to law enforcement, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Concerns Deepen Amidst LAPD’s Historic Shortage

Amidst the rising tide of hate crimes, Los Angeles is grappling with a severe shortage in its police force, the most significant shortfall since the 1990s, according to Mayor Karen Bass. In a recent announcement, Mayor Bass expressed her apprehension about the dwindling numbers in the LAPD, meeting with the newest batch of officer recruits.

“Today L.A. Mayor Karen Bass met with the newest batch of officer recruits. Afterwards, she and Chief Michael Moore talked about how to address the department’s officer shortage,” noted the announcement.

The LAPD’s officer workforce has dwindled to its lowest point since the 1990s, adding another layer of concern to an already precarious situation. The shortage is a multi-faceted challenge, impacting both sworn officers and civilian professional staff, affecting the overall efficiency of the department.

Addressing the shortage, Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of not only recruiting new officers but also improving working conditions, enhancing facilities, and upgrading technology. These measures, she believes, are crucial for making a marked difference in the path forward for a safer Los Angeles.

Navigating the Intersection of Hate Crimes and Police Shortages

The convergence of a historic surge in hate crimes and a substantial shortage in the LAPD poses a complex challenge for Los Angeles. The safety and security of minority communities hang in the balance as the city navigates the intricate dynamics of bias-motivated crimes and law enforcement capabilities.

In response to these challenges, the LA vs Hate initiative emerges as a beacon of hope. Recognizing the limitations of traditional reporting methods and the hesitancy within certain communities to engage with law enforcement, the initiative provides an alternative avenue for reporting hate crimes. The initiative’s comprehensive approach involves community engagement, education, and support services to empower individuals to stand against hate.

As Los Angeles grapples with the daunting task of rebuilding its workforce and addressing the heightened concerns over public safety, city officials, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies must collaborate closely to implement comprehensive strategies. These strategies should not only combat hate crimes but also fortify the city’s resilience against a backdrop of increasing challenges.

In this critical juncture, the urgency of addressing both hate crimes and police shortages cannot be overstated. Los Angeles must rise to the occasion, fostering a community that stands united against intolerance and equipped with the resources needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all its residents. The LA vs Hate initiative, with its focus on community-driven solutions, offers a promising path forward in these challenging times.

The statistics at a glance:

Following two years of double-digit increases, reported hate crimes in Los Angeles County grew 18% from 790 to 929, the second largest number in more than 20 years.  For the past 8 years, hate crimes have been trending upward and since 2013 there has been a 143% increase. 

The report’s significant findings include the following:

• 72% of hate crimes were of a violent nature, the second highest percentage in at least 20 years.
• Racial, sexual orientation and religious hate crimes all grew sharply.  But racism was by far the most common motivation, constituting 57% of all hate crimes. Racist crimes jumped 14%, from 476 to 545. 
• Although they only comprise about 9% of the county’s population, African Americans were again disproportionately targeted and comprised 53% of racial hate crime victims.  While anti-Black crimes climbed, all other major racial and ethnic groups experienced slight increases or declined significantly.
• Anti-Latino/a crimes rose 3% and they again were the second largest group of racial victims.  This was the seventh year in a row that Latino/as experienced the highest rate of violence (93%) of any racial/ethnic group.
• Anti-Asian crimes, which had soared to record highs during the pandemic, declined 25%.  However, the 61 crimes reported were the second largest number in this report’s history.
• Sexual orientation crimes comprised the second largest motivation (18%) and grew 20%.  81% of these crimes targeted gay men.
• Religious crimes spiked 41% and comprised 16% of all hate crimes. Eighty-three percent of these crimes were anti-Jewish.
• There were 44 anti-transgender crimes, the largest number ever documented.  Ninety-one percent of these crimes were violent, a rate much higher than racial, sexual orientation, and religious attacks.
• After skyrocketing 48% the previous year, hate crimes in which anti-immigrant slurs were used continued to climb another 12% from 84 to 94.  This was the largest number ever recorded.  Suspects used anti-immigrant language in 55% of anti-Latino/a crimes and in 25% of anti-Asian offenses.
• Hate crimes committed by gang members remained elevated and comprised 6% of all hate crimes.  74% of these were racially-motivated.
• After declining the previous hear, hate crimes that contained evidence of white supremacist ideology (most often the use of swastikas in vandalism) increased 66% from 97 to 140 crimes.  This was the largest number in 13 years. They comprised 15% of all reported hate crime.  There was evidence of white supremacist belief systems in 38% of all religious hate crimes and 9% of racial crimes.
• Similar to the previous year, the largest number of hate crimes (251) reported in 2022 took place in the Metro Service Planning Area (SPA) Region IV (which stretches from West Hollywood to Boyle Heights) followed by San Fernando Valley SPA Region II (141).  This represents large increases in the number of hate crimes in both regions. However, if one compares the populations of the regions to the numbers of reported hate crimes, the Metro SPA had the highest rate followed by West SPA Region V (which includes part of West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and a number of beach communities). These two regions have had the highest rates for several years in a row.

To view the complete report, including hate crime maps, graphs, and tables, please visit hrc.lacounty.gov. Some hate crime data is limited by the current searchability of the database only for the time period of 2003 to 2022. For specific race/ethnicity data and examples, please click here for anti-Black hate crimes, click here for anti-Latino/a hate crimes, and click here for anti-Asian hate crimes.

New on the County Channel

One youth’s journey. The Department of Youth Development offers a new path for justice-involved youth through investment in wellbeing and development and focus on young people who have been impacted by structural racism, poverty, and criminalization. Meet Jaazaniah Augustus, a diversion participant who turned his life around to chart a success story.

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

CARE Court Launches in LA County

As of December 1, 2023, qualified individuals – such as a family member, spouse, roommate, emergency responder, or licensed medical or mental health professional – will be able to petition the Court for an eligible individual with untreated schizophrenia or other associated psychotic disorders to receive treatment and services to stabilize their symptoms and continue on a path of recovery and well-being.

To seek these services, a family member, clinician or other person files what is known as a CARE Act petition for someone who is in need of help. Filing a petition is free. A judge reviews the petition and determines if the person is eligible for the CARE program. Specific eligibility requirements can be found at www.lacourt.org/care. 

At Your Service

The Los Angeles Veterans Orientation provides newly transitioned service members and those new to Los Angeles with what is needed to be successful in their transition to civilian life – from help navigating resources to expanding their social network. This is a starting point for connections to resources in Los Angles – in a more comfortable environment. The LA/VO promotes peer networking and develops support systems among new veterans of all ages. 

Anyone who has served/is serving, and their family members are welcome to join. Click here to register for this event. 

Out and About

Parks After Dark Winter Wonderland

Parks After Dark returns for the winter season with extended hours and free recreational activities at 31 LA County parks. Bring your family and friends to an LA County Parks location for snow days, sports, exercise classes, dancing, healthy cooking classes, movies in the park, concerts, computer courses, health outreach and social service resource fairs.

For more information and to find an event near you, visit parks.lacounty.gov/winterpad.

Photo Finish

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

LOS ANGELES – One year after being sworn in to serve as Supervisor for Los Angeles County’s Third District, Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath became the youngest-ever Chair of the Board of Supervisors as she took the gavel Tuesday.

During the Board’s reorganization meeting, Supervisor Kathryn Barger was selected as Board Chair Pro Tempore. 

In her remarks following her becoming Board Chair, Horvath noted:

“In listening to young people, I am clear that the crisis of the moment is homelessness. From the threat of falling into homelessness because of the rising costs of rent and just living, to the reality of being unhoused while trying to go to school, and never being able to recover from the debt that piles up, the pervasiveness of homelessness in our region is a daily attack on our dream for a better future.”

“While homelessness is the crisis of the moment, climate change remains the crisis of our time. No one makes that clearer than our young people, whose commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future is unwavering.”

“But, the most insidious, sinister crisis we face today is the crisis of despair. The rate of suicide is unprecedented, especially among women and girls who face increasingly complicated mental health challenges. Anxiety, depression, and substance use are pervasive.”

 “This is a moment for urgency. This is a moment for impatience. This is a moment for profound change. We must march forward together and take bold steps to bridge generations and create the change that we so urgently need,” she added.

Horvath since her election as a Supervisor she has made it clear that she is on a mission to end homelessness in Los Angeles County. As Third District Supervisor she represents 10 cities and 26 unincorporated communities from West Hollywood to Malibu, Topanga to Chatsworth, and Pacoima to Santa Monica. Her district spans 446.08 square miles and is plagued by homelessness.

There are approximately 69,144 homeless people within the county, and that number is on the rise. 75% of those unhoused individuals do not have any form of permanent housing and are forced to wander from place to place, finding or making shelter wherever they can.

Six out of ten of these unhoused individuals are newly homeless – a reflection of the inequity between rising home prices and stagnant income levels that have left so many in California unable to make ends meet. 

On a mission; Supervisor Horvath tackles homelessness

This past January, [2023] the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency for the homeless crisis. 

“The declaration has allowed us to do two things,” Horvath told The Blade. “First, we were able to accelerate hiring. We learned that in the Department of Mental Health, for example, it can take longer than a year for mental health professionals to be hired into the department. That is completely unacceptable. We need to hire people faster to do this work. 

“Second, we were also able to expedite contracting. We learned from LAHSA that a contract could be touched up to 140 times before it is finally executed, and funding is able to reach service providers. Obviously, that is unacceptable. We are improving our contracting processes.”

Given the new laws attempting to outlaw the existence of the LGBTQ+ community in many Republican-controlled red states across America, young LGBTQ+ people flock to places like Los Angeles with little to no resources to avoid being persecuted for their identities. 

When asked how the she intends to deal with the influx of homeless LGBTQ youth pouring into LGBTQ+ safe havens like Los Angeles, Horvath told the Blade that she is prepared to welcome them with open arms. 

“We tackled this challenge a lot when I was the Mayor of West Hollywood. We saw a lot of people come to West Hollywood for exactly this reason, and we know that that is not unique to West Hollywood. It’s happening throughout Los Angeles County, so we are already providing those services to those who need them. Anyone who comes to our area will be met with support and care.”

In a statement released by her office, Horvath detailed her accomplishments over the past year:

• Introduced the emergency declaration on homelessness, the foundation for expedited results across the County, and appointed herself to LAHSA where she now sits as Chair.  
• Introduced protections for renters as essential homelessness prevention, including extending a 4% cap on rent increases for unincorporated Los Angeles County, along with other actions to strengthen the Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance.  
• Championed environmental action through motions to create a cleaner Santa Monica Bay and to protect our coast from sea level rise and erosion; opened improvements to the Marvin Braude Bike Trail; and today introduced implementation steps for the first comprehensive water plan for the region. 
• Stood for working Angelenos by authoring motions to strengthen hotel worker protections and created an entertainment business interruption fund. She also supported the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes. 
• Advanced a more inclusive and just LA County by initiating a Jewish Community Safety Plan; rooted out hate and antisemitism in all its forms; and recognized LA County’s unofficial “gay beach”. 
• Focused on care for system impacted young people and families by authoring a motion regarding Mandated Supporters, and co-authored a motion to create a Prevention framework for LA County.

As the new Chair of the Board of Supervisors, our message is clear:

This is a moment for urgency. This is a moment for impatience. This is a moment for profound change. pic.twitter.com/9qvgA8YmAe

— Lindsey P. Horvath (@LindseyPHorvath) December 5, 2023

CULVER CITY, Calif. – The City is envisioning the future for Bill Botts Fields and Veterans Memorial Park, and we want to hear from you!

The comprehensive visioning project will determine how these two parks will accommodate the community’s 21st century needs for indoor and outdoor recreational, community meeting, event and cultural facilities. Community meetings and a community survey will help determine the needs and priorities for Bill Botts Fields and Veterans Memorial Park. 

IN-PERSON COMMUNITY MEETINGS 
Saturday, December 9, 2023, 9-11AM with Childcare
Thursday, February 8, 2024, 6-8PM

Community meetings will be held at Veterans Memorial Auditorium located at 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230.  Free parking is available onsite.  The Culver CityBus lines 3 and 7 have stops in front of Veterans memorial Building.  Plan your trip by visiting Culver CityBus.  Neighbors are encouraged to walk/bike to the community meeting.

CHILDCARE OFFERED 
Recreation leaders from the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Culver City Afterschool Recreation Program (CCARP) will offer childcare services for parents who wish to attend the meeting.  The recreation leaders will offer games, coloring activities, and a creative project allowing children to draw what they wish for in an ideal park.  Childcare hours will be from 8:30 AM-11:30 AM. 

ONLINE COMMUNITY MEETINGS
To attend any of the above community meetings virtually, please visit the Project Website and click on the virtual meeting link.

For more information about the visioning project for Bill Botts Fields and Veterans Memorial Park, please visit the Project Website with past community meeting minutes, past presentations, and meeting board displays.  

Citywide News

Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, Thursday, December 7^th

The Recreation, Parks, and Library Department proudly presents our annual Joy Around the World: Festival of Holidays and Tree Lighting event on Thursday, December 7^th, 2023, from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The event takes place at City Hall Plaza and the 300 block of Main Street. This free, family-friendly outdoor event combines El Segundo’s Christmas Tree Lighting tradition with the celebration of winter holidays from around the world, including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Nochebuena, and Ōmisoka.

Guests attending the event will enjoy live music and cultural dance performances, Christmas tree lighting, a visit with Santa Claus and gift giveaway, kids’ train ride, food trucks offering multicultural cuisines, craft-making stations, handmade jewelry and crafts for purchase, and more! This event is free to the public. For more information, please click here or call 310-524-2700.

Virtual Town Hall with AQMD, Wednesday, December 6^th  at 6:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, December 6^th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. the City of El Segundo is hosting a virtual town hall with representatives from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and elected officials representing El Segundo and L.A. County with the goal of addressing community concerns regarding the air quality and odor issues related to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant.

The meeting will feature:

• Status of Hyperion’s compliance with AQMD’s Orders of Abatement
• Information about AB 1216 requiring testing for pollutants of concern at Hyperion
• Opportunity for the public to ask questions of AQMD and elected officials

For more information about the meeting and the zoom link to attend, please click here

Candy Cane Lane, Saturday, December 9^th – December 23^rd

Candy Cane Lane is back in El Segundo! Celebrated every year since 1949, except for 2020 due to the pandemic, Santa Claus will kick off this highly anticipated event on December 9^th at 7:00 p.m. He will bring his magic down the 1200 block of East Acacia Avenue, lighting up decked-out houses and festive holiday displays as he goes!  Santa will then head back up to the North Pole but the light show continues nightly from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. until December 23^rd. Please note, there will be nightly street closures at Center Street and East Acacia Avenue and at East Walnut Avenue and California Street to allow for safety precautions.

Santa’s Mailbox through December 9^th

Children are invited to write letters to Santa! Santa’s Mailbox is open through Saturday, December 9^th during library hours. Please be sure to include a return address so that Santa can send you his reply! The mailbox is located in the Youth Library downstairs. This program is in partnership with the El Segundo Woman’s Club.

Santa’s Sleigh Ride Starts Monday, December 11^th

Santa is coming to town, and he wants to meet you!  As always, the Police Officers Association is partnering with the Kiwanis Club to bring Santa to the streets of El Segundo. The dates for the sleigh will be December 11^th through December 14^th, and again on the following week, December 18^th. The Head Elf will be tracking Santa at approximately 5:00 p.m. – 8::30 p.m. each day. Be sure to listen for the sirens, when you hear them, come visit Santa Claus and get a candy cane!

Menorah Lighting – Thursday, December 14^th

El Segundo’s annual menorah lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 14^th at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Plaza. All are welcome to celebrate the festival of lights with potato latkes, jelly donuts, gifts for kids, and Hanukkah music and dancing.

Community Christmas Eve Dinner – December 24^th

Enjoy a free and delicious holiday meal at the Recreation, Parks, and Library Department’s annual community Christmas Eve dinner on December 24^th, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Joslyn Center. This event is open to the public and is available by free delivery. Please RSVP before December 20^th in-person or by calling the Joslyn Center at (310) 524-2705.

Toys for Tots Toy Drive through December 10^th

This holiday season the El Segundo Police Department is partnering with the United States Marine Corps to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas.

The Marine Toys for Tots Program was started by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to help bring the joy of Christmas and to send a message of hope through the gift of a new toy. Starting today, November 21st until Sunday, December 10th we will have 3 locations where you can donate in person. For details about the drive and donation locations, click here.

Spark of Love Toy Drive through December 14^th

The Spark of Love toy drive, the largest community toy drive in the nation, returns to El Segundo. This special community campaign collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for under-served children. Donations are being accepted now through Thursday, December 14^th at Fire Station #1 or you can donate online. More details and info available here. 

El Segundo News – December Edition

El Segundo News is a monthly news show that can be watched on the City’s website, Channel 3, and the City’s social media channels. The show focuses on city-related issues and events.

Check out the December episode with all the latest happenings, news, and business spotlights HERE! 

City Council Recap for November 7^th Meeting

The City Council Recap provides highlights and a quick overview of business discussed during the Tuesday, November 7^th City Council meeting. To watch the full City Council meeting, click here.

Winter 2024 Recreation Activity Guide

The Winter Recreation Activity Guide is now available! Click here to view the guide and see all the classes, activities, and events we have coming up in the new year!

Registration for El Segundo residents opens on Monday, December 4^th at 9:00 a.m. and non-resident registration opens on Monday, December 11^th at 9:00 a.m. To register for these classes and activities, visit www.esrec.org and click on the “Winter 2024” tab. In-person registration is also available at the Checkout Building, Clubhouse, Joslyn Center, and Aquatics Center.

Please call 310-524-2362 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Housing Element Implementation Community Meeting
Thursday, December 14^th at 5:30 p.m.

On December 14, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., the City will hold a community meeting regarding the implementation of the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element.  The community meeting will take place during the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting.  During the meeting, staff will provide an update on the 2021-2029 Housing Element implementation, answer questions, and receive input on housing-related topics. 

For more information on the Housing Element and to get the latest updates, please visit the Housing Element webpage at www.elsegundo.org/housing-element.

The public is invited to attend the meeting in person at City Hall Council Chambers – 350 Main Street, El Segundo.

Sign Up for the Community Police Academy

The El Segundo Police Department is now accepting applications for our FREE January 2024 Community Police Academy. Classes start Wednesday, January 10^th!

The course is intended for those interested in learning more about how the El Segundo Police Department functions and operates. The goal of the program is to open the lines of communication and encourage interaction between our officers and the community.

The FREE 10 week course is held on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Dinner is provided and topics include K9, School Resource, Motors, SWAT, Dispatch, Investigations, DUI and more. 

To register click the link: Community Police Academy Application or email Officer Josh Gilberts at [email protected] to secure your seat and we’ll see you in January!

Construction Activity Around Town

Brett Field Restroom Improvements Project construction will begin on Monday, December 4, 2023. GEM Construction will begin an interior renovation of the George Brett Field Restroom Building within Recreation Park to improve building accessibility. These restrooms will be closed during the estimated 1 ½ month duration of the project. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about the project, please click here.

El Segundo Boulevard Improvement Project construction is underway and is expected to continue through early 2024.

The project rehabilitates existing pavement along El Segundo Boulevard (between Illinois Street and Isis Avenue) and Nash Street (between El Segundo Boulevard and Imperial Highway). Additional improvements include installation of curb ramps and bike lanes, traffic signal modifications, drainage modifications, and landscaping.

More information and the project location map can be found here.

Funding provided by Metro, a partner in our community.

Hyperion Update

Below are the most recent updates on the situation with the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, which is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles:On December 6^th, at 6:00 p.m., the City is hosting a virtual town hall with AQMD via Zoom. Click here for full event details and the zoom link.

Hyperion has agreed to host the next Hyperion Citizens forum in person on January 18th at the El Segundo Public Library. Information about the event will be shared on the City’s website once all of the details are finalized.Hyperion continues the replacement of tank covers for Batteries C and B which is expected to be completed in December of 2023.Additional details and documents continue to be shared on elsegundo.org/hyperion and at future City Council meetings. 

Sign up to receive the latest Hyperion news and updates from the City of El Segundo directly to your inbox.

December 2023 City Hall Closure Dates

El Segundo City Hall will be closed in December for:

• Christmas – Monday, December 25^th & Tuesday, December 26^th
• New Year – Monday, January 1^st & Tuesday, January 2^nd

City Hall’s regular operating hours are
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Holiday Parade
Sunday, December 10, 2023

The El Segundo Chamber of Commerce’s 59^th Annual Holiday Parade will take place on Main Street on Sunday, December 10^th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “A Home Run for the Holiday” and will feature our hometown Little League champions, marching bands, performers, floats, antique cars, and a visit from Ol’ Saint Nick himself to delight spectators from all over the South Bay! To learn more about the event go to El Segundo’s Chamber of Commerce website.

Missed a meeting or event? Check out El Segundo Media…

Watch El Segundo Media “on demand” providing original local programming since 2009. Check out replays of a City Council meeting, and original programming including cultural events, community awareness issues, spotlights on local businesses, healthy living, local sports highlights and more!

Watch Here

City of El Segundo 

350 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245

310-524-2300  |  Website

By Kevin Cody | HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. – Beach Cities Toy Drive organizers and Manhattan Beach firefighters gathered Saturday at the Manhattan Beach fire station to launch the local toy drive’s 31st year.

The Beach Cities Toy Drive is held to provide toys to underprivileged children in the County of Los Angeles who would otherwise do without during the holiday season. All toys collected go directly to charities who in turn give those gifts to families in need.

Unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the Hermosa and Manhattan Beach fire departments. Toys will also be collected Saturday evening, November 18 on Pier Plaza prior to the Jeremy Buck Band’s Rock for Tots Concert, which starts at 6 p.m.. Toys may also be brought to Pier Plaza on Sunday, November 19 prior to the holiday tree lighting at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, December 2, and 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. toys may be brought to  the Hermosa Beach City Hall Parking lot. The Toy Wrapping party will be held Saturday, December 16 at the Manhattan Beach Joslyn Community Center from 10 a.m. until the toys are all wrapped. Firefighters and toy drive.

Help spread the joy by donating unwrapped new toys at any of the locations below:

• Hermosa Beach Police Department: 540 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach (open 24 hours)
• Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 100: 540 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach
• Manhattan Beach City Hall: 1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach
• Manhattan Beach Fire Department: 400 15th Street, Manhattan Beach

Drive-thru toy drop-off opportunities:

• Dates: Saturday, December 2 and Saturday, December 9, 2023
• Times: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Hermosa Beach City Hall Parking Lot, 1315 Valley Drive

The annual wrapping party will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 10:00 AM until the toys are wrapped at Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach.

***************************************************************************************

The preceding article was previously published by Easy Reader & Peninsula and is republished with permission.

Kevin Cody is the publisher & owner of Easy Reader, Beach & Peninsula Magazine

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.

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.

New on the County Channel

Know before you go! LA County waterways and river channels are an amazing sight during and after a rainstorm – but behind that beauty is a hidden danger. Swift moving water can be very powerful and even dangerous.

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

Stay Updated on the 10 Freeway Closure

Here are some helpful tips and resources:

Driving:

• Check Quickmap prior to leaving for your destination for road closures.
• Alternate Surface Street Routes to Avoid Closure.

Public Transit:

• Use Metro and public transit to avoid I-10 closure in DTLA.
• Metrolink has added extra cars and service along the San Bernardino Line.
• LADOT Transit is offering free fares on all commuter express routes.

Send Tips:

Please send any tips anonymously to the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408 or [email protected].

At Your Service

#LARain

The rainy season is here. During storms, there is increased potential for flash floods, falling rocks and mud and debris flows. Everyone should be aware of the weather forecasts and associated impacts where they live, work, and play and take steps to be prepared and stay safe. Use the resources below to prepare for and stay safe during rainy weather.

Rain Safety Tips

• Heed all instructions from emergency responders and emergency alert notifications.
• Drive cautiously and slow down – Many roadways will be wet and slippery.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water.
  • As little as 6 inches of water can knock over and carry away an adult and 18-24 inches of water can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks. “Turn around, don’t drown!”

Stay Informed

• Residents living in recent burn areas should monitor the Los Angeles County Public Works Mud and Debris Flow Forecast.
• Visit the County’s Ready LA County Page for emergency preparedness tips.
• The National Weather Service (NWS) issues weather advisories and watches when the weather forecast indicates there is a potential for hazardous conditions. View the latest NWS Hazard Summary for current watches, advisories, and warnings.
• Monitor social media and local news media for relevant and important updates. For useful information, please monitor the Ready Los Angeles County account on X (formerly Twitter). 

Out and About

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance that honors and memorializes transgender individuals who have tragically lost their lives due to violence and discrimination. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and prejudice faced by transgender and gender-diverse people, fostering awareness, empathy and advocacy for their rights. This day also plays a vital role in unifying communities, promoting equality and mobilizing efforts to combat violence and discrimination against transgender individuals.

The City of West Hollywood would like to invite you to attend their Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremony, on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90060.

The ceremony will feature speakers and a reading of names to memorialize people who have been murdered as a result of anti-transgender violence.

The Ceremony will also be available live and for replay at the City’s WeHoTV YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/wehotv

Photo Finish

Descanso’s Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles. For more information, click here.

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