Los Angeles County
Actors join writers on strike, shutting down Hollywood
The strike has already led to delays or dozens of projects killed, upending the Fall TV schedule & next few years of planned film releases
By Rob Salerno | HOLLYWOOD – The Screen Actors Guild called a strike effective Thursday, July 13, joining the Writers Guild on the picket lines and bringing most of Hollywood to a halt.
SAG represents 160,000 performers who appear in Hollywood film and television productions, including actors, musicians, puppeteers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, and dancers. They’re saying the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers – an organization representing the largest producers in Hollywood – has refused to be reasonable as working conditions for actors have deteriorated.
The SAG’s demands are similar to the WGA’s demands – increased pay, better working conditions, and restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence to replace workers.
In particular, SAG is looking for substantially increased minimum rates for the lowest-paid workers in the union, other minimum rates to keep up with inflation, increased streaming residual payments, and increased limits to contributions to health and pension funds by producers.
SAG actors have said that the pay scales negotiated before streaming services fundamentally altered the industry are no longer sustainable. Streamers like Netflix are currently able to pay substantially less to union writers and actors in both fees and residuals.
Actors also want regulations on self-tape auditions, which have become the industry standard since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. They’re looking for minimum turnaround times and limits to the number of pages that need to be prepared.
Both the writers and actors unions want hard limits on the use of AI to replace workers. SAG is particularly concerned that studios may not use an actor’s likeness or performance in AI-generated content without the actor’s consent and compensation for each use.
SAG President Fran Drescher – yes, the star of The Nanny – who had been criticized early in the contract negotiations for appearing out of touch with the majority of working-class actors, delivered a blistering speech Thursday, in which she laid the blame for the strike squarely at the AMPTP.
(Photo credit: SAG-AFTRA/Facebook)
“We had no choice. We are the victims here,” Drescher said. “I cannot believe it, how far apart we are on so many things. How they plead poverty when they are giving hundreds of millions of dollars to their CEOs. The jig is up, AMPTP. We stand tall. You have to wake up and smell the coffee.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger drew headlines over the weekend for telling CNBC that the unions’ demands are “just not realistic.” The studios also drew strong rebukes after an unnamed executive was quoted in Deadline saying that their strategy was to allow the strike “to drag on until union members start losing their apartments and losing their houses.”
Financial analysis company Moody’s released a report Monday that said the annual cost of the WGA and SAG demands, coupled with additional concessions won by the Directors Guild of America in its recent negotiations could cost the studios between $450-600 million annually.
To put that number in perspective, Warner Bros-Discovery CEO David Zaslav was compensated $498 million for the five-year period from 2018-22, according to a report from The Los Angeles Times. Variety has reported that the networks spent approximately $54 billion on creating streaming and linear television content excluding sports in 2022, and that number doesn’t include spending on feature films. That means the workers’ demands would represent less than a 1 percent increase in spending.
Drescher said she appreciated that the strike is going to be hard on people who are out of work, but cautioned that if SAG didn’t fight now, employers were only going to demand more and more concessions.
“Our heart bleeds that we had to make this decision, but we can’t not get what these members deserve because it’s only going to get worse. This is where we drew the line in the sand,” she said.
The vast majority of SAG members are not wealthy or particularly well-known. They are background performers and featured or guest performers who used to be able to count on a decent working-class income from regular performance work but have noticed a marked decline in pay since the industry’s move to streaming.
Actors have pointed out that 87% of its membership does not earn the $26,000 minimum that would qualify them for the union’s health insurance plan. And, that $26,000 minimum represents income before agent and manager fees and taxes.
Openly gay character actor and dancer Anthony Marciona, who’s worked in Hollywood since the 1960s and is known for appearing in shows like Gaslit, B-Positive and Welcome to Chippendales, was picketing in front of Netflix Friday.
“We are striking because we haven’t been able to make a sustainable living for many moons. I made more money in my teens and 20s than I do as a senior,” Marciona says. “The producers used to be making millions of dollars and we’d be making thousands, but now they’re making billions and our wages aren’t even keeping up with the cost of living.”
Studios have offered some wage increases for performers in high-budget streaming that appear to be huge – like bumps of 76% for foreign residuals, or 58% for guest stars. But Marciona says these bumps are miniscule given how little actors receive from streaming now.
“Wages need to go up immensely. We’re just being gaslit,” he says.
Out actor Stephen Guarino, known for memorable turns on broadcast and cable shows like ABC’s Happy Endings and HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls, worries that residuals could disappear as the industry moves increasingly toward streaming.
“I still have a pretty good passive income from residuals, so I’ve never really worried about that, but we’re moving toward streaming so that could be going away,” he says.
Guarino is also known for playing Quincy on the queer Netflix series EastSiders, a role for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy.
“I get no Netflix residuals, so ironically the thing I have my Emmy nomination for I get no residuals,” Guarino says.
Genderqueer actor Nicky Endres, who has appeared on shows such as Netflix’ One Day at a Time and CBS’ NCIS: Los Angeles, says these concerns are compounded by a lack of job security.
“Being a gig worker is hard enough, but all we sacrifice to be an actor, and what, we get covid and lose a job? AI being programmed to steal our voices and faces? It’s all too much,” they say.
Many Hollywood productions had already been shut down by the ongoing writers’ strike, which has been in effect since May 2, but the SAG strike brings to a halt any productions that were still ongoing featuring SAG members. That includes productions overseas where WGA was not picketing, voiceover recordings, and anything being produced from scripts that studios had banked in preparation for the writers strike.
(Photo by Rob Salerno)
The writers have welcomed the actors joining their job action, which is now in its twelfth week.
“It’s going to be great to have more actors officially on strike on the picket lines,” says Rob Forman, co-chair of the WGA LGBTQ+ Committee. “The biggest part of SAG going on strike is it is an immediate damage to the bottom line of the companies of the AMPTP. It really impacts what they thought were their strike-proof plans.”
“Hopefully it means a faster resolution or a better resolution for the writers and actors and all the unions who negotiate next.”
SAG has also advised members that they are not to participate in any promotion of work produced for the studios, including attending red carpets, appearing on talk shows, participating in award campaigns, or even posting about shows on social media. Disney held a red carpet event for its upcoming Haunted Mansion film on Saturday night, using costumed performers from Disneyland in lieu of the film’s stars.
Out performer Oscar Montoya, who plays Richie in the cult hit television series Minx, which premieres its second season July 21, skirted the rules with an Instagram post just before the strike began.
“We’re officially on strike which ABSOLUTELY HELL YES but being on strike means not posting anything about upcoming projects. So I’m taking the last hour of the day to gush about season 2 of @minxstarz! Every single person worked so hard and it’s such a labor of love,” he wrote.
The strikes are not only affecting the actors and writers who’ve walked off the job. The shut down on Hollywood productions has also cut back work for union crews, including the 168,000 members of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. IATSE represents a variety of trades on sets, including camera and sound operators, electricians, carpenters, prop and costume designers, and hair and makeup artists. IATSE has a contract with the AMPTP in place until May 2024.
The shutdown also affects film workers not represented by IATSE, such as producers and managers, who typically work on a freelance basis and are not members of a union. The Producers Guild of America issued a statement in support of the striking workers Thursday.
“We believe that fair compensation and essential benefits, including access to health care—are a critical concern and the inherent right of every individual working in this industry. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues,” the statement says.
Christopher Terrell has been working as an associate producer in both scripted and unscripted television production since he moved to Los Angeles, but he says he hasn’t been able to find work in television all year as studios preemptively postponed television shows out of fear they’d be disrupted by the strikes.
While he supports the strikes and adds that workers in less glamorous jobs like production assistants also deserve to be paid more, he says he’s had to get work outside the industry to make ends meet.
“Right now, I’m working the front desk at a doggy daycare, and it’s cute, looks good on a resume, but you lose heart,” Terrell says. “To have to question the livelihood of being in entertainment, it blows. I’ve been out of the game and so disheartened in this period.”
The Directors Guild reached an agreement with AMPTP in June, so while directors are not on strike, they’re also not working.
“We are proud to stand with actors and writers in their fight to win agreements that address their unique and important concerns, just as they supported us in our negotiations. The Directors Guild is extremely disappointed that the AMPTP did not fairly and reasonably address the important issues raised by SAG-AFTRA in negotiations. Together, we are all in a shared fight for a vibrant, sustainable industry that fairly values all of our unique contributions,” DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter said in a statement.
The lack of Hollywood productions also has ripple effects throughout the economy. Many ancillary businesses that service productions, including prop and costume warehouses, caterers, cleaners, camera and truck rental companies, and recording studios have already reported a drop in business. The WGA has estimated that their strike was costing the Southern California economy up to $30 million each day. But with the actors now striking, the slowdown in production will have ripple effects in other regions that have seen growth in film and television production.
Mayor of Burbank Konstantine Anthony, who is also a SAG member joined the picket lines Friday in a show of solidarity with striking workers.
“At the end of the day, I have to remember that studios don’t vote. The workers who live here, who are residents of the city of Burbank, they’re the constituents,” he says. “If the studios aren’t showing up to the bargaining table and paying the workers the wages they deserve, that money is not going to stay here in Burbank. It goes to CEO pay, it goes to corporate pay, which leaves the local economy. But if they pay the workers fair wages, you have local mom and pops, dry cleaners, restaurants, the school district, all of these local institutions that thrive off the money in the pockets of the workers.”
The strike has already led Hollywood to delay or kill dozens of projects, upending the fall television schedule and the next few years of carefully planned film releases. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that if it’s not resolved by October, there may not be any new scripted shows until next year.
That’s already put a freeze on season two of the Nickelodeon series The Really Loud House, in which Guarino plays one half of the network’s first live-action gay couple.
“They might come back. They’re waiting to see what happens with the actors’ strike. I’m hoping it happens not only for the representation, but also for my livelihood,” Guarino says. “I haven’t auditioned since March or April, and my agents don’t think I’ll have any auditions until September.”
Some production can still go ahead with SAG performers, because these are governed by different agreements than the one SAG has with AMPTP. SAG performers can still work in commercials, video games, reality television, variety shows, talk shows, game shows, soap operas, animation, and audio books. Of course, none of these productions can go ahead if they employ WGA writers.
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Rob Salerno is a writer, journalist and actor based in Los Angeles, California, and Toronto, Canada.
Los Angeles County
New on the LA County Channel
You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here
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 County
Lindsey Horvath is the youngest Chair of the Board of Supervisors
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
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.
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:
— Lindsey P. Horvath (@LindseyPHorvath) December 5, 2023
This is a moment for urgency. This is a moment for impatience. This is a moment for profound change. pic.twitter.com/9qvgA8YmAe
Los Angeles County
December 9th community meeting on Veterans Memorial Park
Parks, Rec & Community Services’ Afterschool Recreation Program will offer childcare services for parents who wish to attend the meeting
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.
Los Angeles County
El Segundo News – December Edition
Watch El Segundo Media “on demand” providing replays of a City Council meeting, and original programming including cultural events
Citywide News
Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, Thursday, December 7th
The Recreation, Parks, and Library Department proudly presents our annual Joy Around the World: Festival of Holidays and Tree Lighting event on Thursday, December 7th, 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 6th at 6:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, December 6th, 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 9th – December 23rd
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 9th 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 23rd. 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 9th
Children are invited to write letters to Santa! Santa’s Mailbox is open through Saturday, December 9th 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 11th
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 11th through December 14th, and again on the following week, December 18th. 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 14th
El Segundo’s annual menorah lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 14th 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 24th
Enjoy a free and delicious holiday meal at the Recreation, Parks, and Library Department’s annual community Christmas Eve dinner on December 24th, 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 20th in-person or by calling the Joslyn Center at (310) 524-2705.
Toys for Tots Toy Drive through December 10th
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 14th
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 14th 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 7th Meeting
The City Council Recap provides highlights and a quick overview of business discussed during the Tuesday, November 7th 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 4th at 9:00 a.m. and non-resident registration opens on Monday, December 11th 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 14th 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 10th!
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 6th, 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 25th & Tuesday, December 26th
- New Year – Monday, January 1st & Tuesday, January 2nd
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 59th Annual Holiday Parade will take place on Main Street on Sunday, December 10th 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!
City of El Segundo
350 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
310-524-2300 | Website
Los Angeles County
Beach Cities Toy Drive begins 31st year
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
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
Los Angeles County
New on the LA County Channel
You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here
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
(Los Angeles County / Mayra Vasquez)
Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.
Los Angeles County
New on the LA County Channel
You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here
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.
Los Angeles County
New on the LA County Channel
You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here
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.
Los Angeles County
Parental notification proposal riles Hart Unified School District
A spokesperson for the District told the Blade that no vote on the proposed policy was set to take place at Wednesday night’s session
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The regular meeting of the William S. Hart Union School District, located in the northern part of Los Angeles County on Wednesday, Nov. 15, was packed as LGBTQ+ allies and supporters and anti-LGBTQ+ battled during the public comment sessions over a proposed “Parental Notification” policy.
Earlier in the day students at Hart High School in Newhall walked out of class to protest the policy. Speaking to KTLA 5, Hart High School senior, Heather Decosier, said that not all students have a safe place at home.
“Some of us have personal experiences with already being kicked out and I’m concerned that if the policy goes into place, the suicide rates will go up, the abuse rates will go up and, personally, the homeless rates will also go up,” she said.
Prior to the board meeting, a spokesperson for the District told the Blade that no vote on the proposed policy was set to take place at Wednesday night’s session.
Mason Cortina, another senior at the school, echoed Decosier’s opinion, telling KTLA the policy is potentially dangerous.
“We need to do something because if we’re just going to sit and let it go, a lot of kids are going to get hurt or do something worse, like kill themselves,” Cortina said.
Prior to the public comments, Irvine-based attorney Wendy Wiles, delivered a presentation to the board, which included an overview of the legal landscape regarding those California school districts that considered or implemented “Parent Notification” policies.
Her presentation included the preliminary injunction on two parts of the parental notification policy in the Chino Valley Unified School District by a San Bernardino County Superior Court judge.
During the course of the public comments, a majority of speakers in alliance with the LGBTQ+ students warned the school board that adoption of the policy had two certain outcomes- the District will be sued by the state and that there would be suicides, increased homelessness by LGBTQ+ students forced out of their homes as a result of the Outing policy, and probable incidents of violence against LGBTQ+ students.
The meeting was heavily attended by students from District high schools who spoke testifying about the damage the policy will inflict on queer kids. Those students included non-LGBTQ+ students speaking in alliance with their LGBTQ+ peers.
The proposed policy was introduced and being pushed by board member Joe Messina, a nationally known hard-right anti-LGBTQ radio host of nationally syndicated talk show The Real Side (TheRealSide.com).
On social media LGBTQ+ allies took aim at Messina as did numerous speakers during the public comments session.
Related:
WSHUHSD – Regular Governing Board Meeting – Public Session – November 15, 2023:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNt52gazdD8
Students at Hart High School protest LGBTQ+ notification policy:
Los Angeles County
New anti-hate mural honoring LA’s Black community unveiled
Coalition unveils mural promoting solidarity and calls for peace and unity in response to rising rates of hate incidents across LA County
LOS ANGELES – LA vs Hate, Los Angeles County’s robust anti-hate program, partnered with County Supervisor Holly Mitchell to kick off United Against Hate Week, unveiling a powerful new mural celebrating LA County’s Black community.
The Saturday, Nov. 11 event took place at the Willowbrook Senior Center and marked the fifth and final mural of LA vs Hate’s Summer of Solidarity, a public art series celebrating the diverse communities of Los Angeles.
The mural, titled “It’s All For You,” created by artist Brittney Price, is a testament to the program’s commitment to combating hate and discrimination. Launched in 2019 by the LA County Commission on Human Relations, LA vs Hate is a community-centered initiative designed to encourage all residents of Los Angeles County to unite against and report hate while providing support to victims of hate-motivated acts.
The “It’s All For You” mural, created in partnership with Willowbrook Inclusion Network, Brotherhood Crusade, LA Commons, and the office of LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, serves as the culmination of LA vs Hate’s Summer of Solidarity. This public art series celebrates the diverse communities of Los Angeles, conveying messages of inclusion, pride, and historical significance for groups experiencing high levels of hate and discrimination.
Muralist Brittney Price described “It’s All for You” as a welcoming piece connecting the history and future of Willowbrook’s ecology and community. Historical figures from Willowbrook and LA County’s Black community are depicted within a tableau of natural, musical, spiritual, and architectural elements paying homage to the neighborhood’s rich culture from the past to the present.
The unveiling event featured LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who expressed her gratitude for the community coming together to honor the history of their neighborhoods and working towards a brighter future. She emphasized the importance of recommitting to ending all forms of hate, stating that the mural serves as a beautiful reminder of the possibilities when communities unite.
President of the LA County Commission on Human Relations Ilan Davidson, commended the Commission’s efforts in bringing LA vs Hate to communities through the mural series and United Against Hate Week events.
Executive Director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations Robin Toma highlighted the strength gained when community art uplifts and unifies, making communities more resistant to division. Poet Shandela Contreras spoke as did a hate-incident victim who also shared their story.
The mural unveiling event marked the beginning of LA County’s fourth annual United Against Hate Week, which will continue through November 18. Various events are planned, including webinars, social media events, screenings, art projects, community dialogues, and meditation gatherings.
Returning for its fourth annual campaign, LA vs Hate’s United Against Hate Week (UAHW) is part of a California statewide effort for local civic action against hate and discrimination, which continues to threaten school campuses, neighborhoods, towns, and cities.
LA vs Hate will participate in several United Against Hate Week actions, including the statewide campaign press conference in Berkeley on November 13, partnering with the California Civil Rights Department, City of Berkeley, and Not In Our Town.
On November 13, the City of Santa Monica will collaborate with Right To Be to offer a virtual bystander intervention training for the community. On November 14, at the Museum of Tolerance, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and Brotherhood Crusade.
The United Against Hate Week will take place from November 12th to November 18th. Communities across LA County are planning a range of activities, including webinars, social media events, screenings, art projects, community dialogues, and meditation gatherings. These initiatives aim to increase engagement across neighborhoods and support efforts to stand up against hate in communities.
Charisse Bremond Weaver, President and CEO of Brotherhood Crusade, expressed the organization’s honor in standing alongside LA vs Hate, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and partners in unveiling the mural. She emphasized the mural’s illustration of the beauty emerging from diverse voices coming together to spread a message of peace and understanding.
Karen Mack, CEO of LA Commons, emphasized the power of experiencing art and culture together, transcending differences and finding common ground. She referred to the murals as powerful touchstones providing beauty, inspiration, and meaning, energizing communities for United Against Hate Week.
Reginald Johnson, founder of Willowbrook Inclusion Network, highlighted the added value of arts and culture, specifically visual art in the form of murals, to the community. He called for the replication and scaling of the coalition that worked on the project to enhance historic preservation projects that help communities understand their past, present, and future.
As the final mural unveiling of the Summer of Solidarity program, LA vs Hate welcomed back the artists of the other four community murals to discuss their work created for the Jewish, LGBTQ+, Latiné, and Indigenous communities of LA County. The series aims to remind residents of the County’s hate reporting system, where anyone can report an act of hate and receive free and confidential support by calling 2-1-1 or filing a report online at www.LAvsHate.org.
LA vs Hate, led by the LA County Commission on Human Relations, operates as a community-centered system supporting all residents and communities targeted for hate acts in Los Angeles County. The program partners with community organizations across all five County districts, forming a diverse coalition committed to preventing and responding to hate.
The goals of the LA vs Hate System include addressing the normalization of hate, building understanding about hate acts and reporting mechanisms, and supporting individuals and communities in their healing from the trauma of hate. By tracking and reporting hate incidents, the program ensures appropriate resource allocation and fosters the creation of respectful and resilient communities. Victims of hate are encouraged to report incidents by calling 2-1-1.
LA vs Hate employs various strategies in its prevention and response efforts, including art, healing interventions, bystander training, outreach and training for law enforcement, public school resourcing, and a pilot program for small businesses impacted by hate.
Related:
Contacting 211 LA is free, confidential, and accessible in 140 languages. As a public non-profit organization, 211 LA contracts with the County of Los Angeles to provide county-wide information and referral services, delivering case management resources to victims of hate. Victims who fear reporting to law enforcement are encouraged to report to 211 LA, ensuring their report can be anonymous.
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