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Sheriff Luna gives update on killing of deputy in Palmdale

A reward of up to $250,000 offered for the arrest & prosecution of the suspect or suspects in the fatal ambush of Deputy Clinkunbroomer

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Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna gave an update on the investigation into the shooting of a sheriff's deputy who was fatally ambushed in Palmdale Saturday evening. (Screenshot/YouTube KABC 7)

PALMDALE, Calif. – Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna gave an update on the investigation into the shooting of a sheriff’s deputy who was fatally ambushed in Palmdale.

Luna, along with Los Angeles County and Palmdale city leaders announced a reward of up to $250,000 for the identification, arrest and prosecution of the suspect or suspects involved in the fatal shooting ambush of Deputy Ryan “Clink” Clinkunbroomer.

Luna identified what investigators believe to be a vehicle of interest in the ambush killing of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. He says that the car, a dark gray 2006 to 2012 model Toyota Corolla, is seen pulling up behind the deputy’s patrol car via surveillance footage before speeding away.

A candlelight vigil is being held outside the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Anyone with information is asked to call the LASD at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

UPDATE:

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis on Sunday issued the following statement regarding the death of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer: 

“On behalf of all Californians, we mourn the horrific, unconscionable, and shocking loss of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer — a third-generation law enforcement officer whose commitment to service and justice represented the best of the Golden State.

“Selflessly serving his community, Deputy Clinkunbroomer followed in the steps of his father and grandfather — entrenching a lasting legacy that forever stands tall. 

“In this time of mourning, we honor this legacy and send our deepest sympathies to Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s fiancée, his loved ones, and the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s devotion to community and country will never be forgotten.”

Deputy Clinkunbroomer, 30, was fatally shot while in his patrol cruiser outside of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Palmdale Station on September 16, 2023.

He served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for eight years. Deputy Clinkunbroomer is survived by his fiancée, mother, and father. 

In honor of Deputy Clinkunbroomer, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.

 

Sheriff gives update on killing of Palmdale deputy:

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Los Angeles County

Culver City considers ordinance for gender neutral public restrooms

It has 11 design elements for security, privacy, light, ventilation, & signage- key concerns for users of public restroom facilities

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Culver City is a five-square-mile, urban community of 40,779 residents surrounded mostly by the City of Los Angeles but also shares a border with unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. (Photo Credit: Culver City)

CULVER CITY – On Monday, the City Council unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance requiring Gender Neutral Public Restrooms for new construction projects.

Newly constructed buildings will soon be required to include gender neutral public restrooms in Culver City. Existing buildings will not be required to retrofit current layouts but may voluntarily do so. The ordinance needs two readings at City Council meetings prior to going into effect.

The proposed ordinance requires single-user and multi-user public toilet facilities to use signage indicating that the facilities are accessible to all users, and not restricted to persons of a specific sex or gender identity. There are 11 design elements for security, privacy, light, ventilation, and signage, which are key concerns for all users of public restroom facilities. Staff also noted the new ordinance would likely cutdown on square footage needed for restrooms in new buildings.

The City Council began Monday’s meeting with declaring five proclamations which included:

Proclaiming May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month. In the proclamation, it stated Culver City shares an obligation to condemn and combat antisemitism wherever it exists, to include Jewish Americans in all facets of civic life, and to stand with the Jewish American community against hatred or bigotry in our city and country. The City Council calls upon all residents to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the Jewish American community, including those who live, work, and play in Culver City, playing a vital role in contributing to all aspects of life in Culver and honors the generations of residents and immigrants who have enriched our nations’ narrative.

During the month of May, Culver City celebrates Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and pays tribute to the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have enriched our history and been an integral part of our community. The theme for AANHPI Heritage Month in 2024 is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation” which celebrates lasting contributions of persons of AANHPI descent, from technological advancements to social/political changes, while navigating significant cultural and systemic barriers. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders lend their rich heritage to enhance our community, playing a vital role and contributing to all aspects of life in Culver City. The City Council celebrates the diaspora and honors the generations of residents and immigrants who have enriched our nations’ narrative.

May is also Historic Preservation Month. This year Preservation Month focuses on “People Saving Places” which recognizes everyone doing great work of saving places – in ways big and small – and inspiring others to do the same. The Culver City Historical Society, established in 1980, continues its mission of collecting, preserving and exhibiting the history of Culver City and its environs through new partnerships to expand and diversity audiences and incorporate future generations into their work. The City Council encourages all residents and visitors to discover or re-discover, honor, and share the unique history of Culver City.

The City Council also proclaimed May 2024 as National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month in celebration of America’s local governments and the National League of Cities’ historic centennial anniversary. Over the years, it has has successfully championed federal legislative solutions that support municipalities and has worked closely with Congress and the Executive Branch to educate policymakers on the realities of local implementation. The City of Culver City is a proud member of the National League of Cities, and has benefited from the organization’s research, technical expertise, federal advocacy and opportunities to learn from other local governments.

In its final proclamation of the evening, City Council recognized National Bike Month. Culver City has participated in this important effort by implementing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, hosting events like CicLAvia, sponsoring the Culver City Walk & Rollers program, and installing and maintaining a growing network of bike lanes and paths. You can view the map on the Culver CityBus website. Culver City, community organizations, and partners throughout Los Angeles County have worked together to promote greater public awareness of bicycling throughout the month of May. The City Council encourages all community members and students to reap the benefits of bicycling as a form of transportation and exercise.

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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

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles


New on the County Channel

Culture Club South Bay Culture Club, a non-profit organization located at the historic Bruce’s Beach, honors the legacy of Willa and Charles Bruce, who established a beach resort in Manhattan Beach in the 1900s. In collaboration with LA County, Culture Club promotes diversity and inclusion among children through activities like surfing, volleyball, education, and culinary experiences. This program creates lasting memories while paying tribute to an important piece of local history.

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

Commercial Acquisition Fund Grants Available For Nonprofits

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity recently launched the Commercial Acquisition Fund to provide grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations to support the acquisition of vacant or abandoned land and buildings in designated communities that were most negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commercial Acquisition Fundis funded by the County, with $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and will be awarded as recoverable grants, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000. Acquisitions and funding must occur before December 1, 2024.

The deadline to apply is May 20th at 5:00 p.m. To learn more, apply, or sign-up to attend a community webinar, visit lacaf.info.

At Your Service

LA County Rent Relief Program is Reopening!

Following a successful initial launch, the Los Angeles County Rent Relief Program is set to open for a second round of applications. Landlords affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply to receive up to $30,000 per rental unit to cover past-due rent and other eligible expenses incurred since April 1, 2022.

The application window will open Monday, May 20, 2024, at 9 a.m. and will close on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 4:59 p.m. To learn more about the eligibility criteria, and to receive a direct link to the application when it goes live, visit the LA County Rent Relief Program website at lacountyrentrelief.com.

Out and About

Marina Culture Jam on May 26th

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month at the Marina Culture Jam event on Sunday, May 26! Presented by the Department of Beaches and Harbors and The Music Center, Marina Culture Jam is a FREE special 3-part series featuring live performances and more!

Click here to learn more and RSVP for this free event.

Photo Finish

LA County’s Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program. (Photo: Los Angeles County/Mayra Beltran Vasquez)

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

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Los Angeles County

City of Downey bans Pride Flag, Mayor labels it attack on LGBTQ+

The mayor in his remarks prior to the council’s vote framed the agenda item as an attack on the LGBTQ+ community

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City of Downey Mayor Mario Trujillo and city council members during a recent regular meeting. (Photo Credit: City of Downey/Facebook)

DOWNEY, Calif. – After a tense back and forth between city council members during Tuesday night’s regular meeting, notably between the city’s Out LGBTQ+ Mayor and Councilmember Claudia Frometa, the council voted 3-2 to implement a ‘neutral’ flag policy agenda item brought forward for a vote by Mayor Pro Tem Hector Sosa.

During the discussion, Mayor Mario Trujillo noted that the proposed agenda item had been lobbied for by a select few residents at the behest of a California chapter of Boston, Massachusetts-based anti-LGBTQ+ group MassResistance. The mayor in his remarks prior to the council’s vote framed the agenda item as an attack on the LGBTQ+ community.

The group is listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for lies and propaganda and according to the SPLC, one of the most active chapters has been in California, run by perpetual right-wing activist Arthur Schaper, a columnist for TownHall.com and freelance writer based in Torrance, California.

Years long effort to ban the flag

In July of 2021, The LA Wave media outlet reported that Sandi Padilla, the Downey chapter leader of MassResistance said her chapter planned protests on the Pride flag and possibly other LGBTQ+ related issues at future City Council meetings. In June of 2021, the city council had voted to fly the LGBTQ+ Pride flag every June.

“We will definitely continue,” Padilla told LA Wave reporter Arnold Adler. “We won’t stop now. We elected the council members. We are their constituents. They should listen to our voices.”

Padilla said she has lived in Downey for eight years. Members of her chapter say City Council members went against the will of the majority of city residents when they approved flying the Gay Pride flag at the June 22. 2021 City Council meeting. The vote in favor of flying the flag was 4-1 vote, with then-Mayor Claudia Frometa dissenting.

The Downey City Clerk’s office told the LA Wave eight of 14 speakers opposed the Pride flag at the June 22, 2021 meeting and eight emails on the subject were all in opposition to the flag.

The Downey Patriot Newspaper reported on April 11, 2024 Mayor Pro Tempore Sosa asked city staff to “agendize a conversation” on the subject of a neutral flag policy, and what litigation the city could potentially expose itself to in the absence of adopting one. A neutral flag policy would ban the flying of nongovernmental flags on city buildings.

Currently the city of flies four flags – the American, California, city and MIA-POW flags – year-round.

During the public comment, Ari Ruiz, District Director for Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, a former mayor of Downey delivered a message from Assemblymember Pacheco:

Then Councilmembers Blanca Pacheco and Catherine Alvarez, raise the LGBTQ+ Pride flag at Downey City Hall in 2021.
(Photo Credit: Blanca Pacheco/City of Downey Facebook

“Good evening Mayor Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tem Sosa, and Councilmembers Frometa, Pemberton, and Ortiz.

Due to the legislative calendar, I am unable to attend tonight’s Downey City Council meeting, where you will be voting to adopt a new Flag Policy. Therefore, I have asked my District Director to deliver brief remarks on my behalf and communicate my opposition to the proposed Neutral Flag Policy, which does not allow for freedom of expression. 

A pre-existing policy addresses this matter, affirming that if the City Council approves the display of the PRIDE flag or any other flag designated as a ‘commemorative flag,’ the flag  is recognized as an official form of government speech, which is permitted. For instance, if the City Council authorizes the display of the PRIDE flag, the display can be no longer than 30 days.

The U.S. Declaration of Independence states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” However, for some people, equality is not so evident, particularly when concerning who we love. 

During my tenure as a public servant, which has included serving the people of Downey as their Mayor and Councilmember, and now as their Assemblywoman, my goal always has been to ensure that all constituents are treated with respect and dignity. I believe that the current policy champions equality and inclusivity, mirroring the diverse community of Downey and extending a warm welcome to the LGBTQ+ community.

Thank you,  Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco”

On Wednesday in a statement after Tuesday’s vote, Assemblymember Pacheco told the Blade:

“As someone who has always believed in the importance of inclusion and representation, it’s disheartening to see the Downey City Council adopt a neutral flag policy. When I served as mayor pro tem, we took a step forward in recognizing and celebrating the diversity of our community by flying the pride flag. While I respect differing opinions, I believe that embracing diversity strengthens our community and fosters a sense of belonging for all residents. I remain committed to promoting equality and acceptance in Downey and elsewhere.”

The results of Tuesday’s vote. (LA Blade graphic)

In a heated rebuke of the mayor’s remarks saying that the vote to ban the Pride flag was an attack on LGBTQ+ Downey residents, Councilmember Fromenta disagreed strongly saying that this was an issue of not showing favoritism or political endorsement of a group of people versus maintaining a neutral and appropriate acknowledgment of the nation, the state and city’s unity based on the whole of the city’s residents.

The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Elected Officials (LACLEO) association, in response to the City Council of Downey’s vote to ban the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, expressed its “profound disappointment,” in the decision.

LACLEO President and Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang told the Blade in a statement: “This is a flag that symbolizes hope, freedom and unity. As an association representing over 50 LGBTQ+ elected officials, we are deeply disappointed but also incredibly surprised. Downey hosted the first pride celebration of any city in southeast Los Angeles County, flying the Pride flag proudly.”

The council vote was even more surprising given the fact that Mayor Mario Trujillo and Councilmember Horacio Ortiz are out-LGBTQ+ officials and who both voted against the measure LACLEO told the Blade.

“It just doesn’t make any sense for the leaders of a community that has been supportive of their LGBTQ+ constituents in the past to now adopt what appears to be a mean-spirited measure. At a time when we need to come together as a society more than ever, this can only serve to create division and discord where there was none,” Prang added.

LACLEO member, City of Downey Mayor Trujillo reiterating a portion of his remarks from Tuesday’s council meeting prior to the vote noted: “The flag has particular poignance for LGBTQ+ youth – it sends a message that this is a safe space and that you are welcome. Suicide is at epidemic levels and we should be doing all we can to be welcoming.”

 “We must work to discover solutions that expand inclusivity and that acknowledge the diversity that enriches the places we all call home”, said LACLEO Vice President Ed Reece, who also serves as LA County LGBTQ+ Commissioner and Claremont City Councilmember.

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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

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

New on the County Channel

Welcome to Meet the Fleet: the show that takes you inside the cab and under the hood of LA County’s fleet of vehicles. With more than 17,000 vehicles in its garage, LA County is ready to respond to anything by land, sea or air. Meet the Fleet will showcase how these machines serve the people of Los Angeles County and introduce you to operators who make them run.

In this episode, ride into the fire with the LA County Fire Department and learn about the heavy machinery they use when the heat is on.

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

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

This month, we celebrate the vibrant cultures, rich traditions, and invaluable contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Join Los Angeles County in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Visit lacounty.gov to find events, programming and resources that are available for you to access throughout May.

At Your Service

Addressing Teen Mental Health Challenges

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently launched a Mental Health Toolkit for teens and parents/guardians of teens. If you are a teen or parent/guardian of a teen, explore the free guide to the most common mental health challenges facing this generation by clicking here

Out and About

Take Action During Mental Health Awareness Month

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s Take Action movement promotes wellness and well-being while sharing the vast array of resources and services provided by the nation’s largest behavioral health department.

The Department of Mental Health is bringing communities together in wellness by encouraging everyone to pay attention to their own needs and those around them. Drop by one of our Take Action events and learn more about what the Department of Mental Health can do for you!

In addition to this year’s Take Action events, Department of Mental Health encourages County residents to utilize the resources available through the department and its partners, including the 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771, the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, iPrevail digital wellness platform, our walk-in clinics and peer resource centers, and our partnerships with L.A. agencies and organizations. To learn more about these resources, visit dmh.lacounty.gov.

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Pig races at the LA County Fair. Fair season runs through May 27th – get your tickets today!
(Photo Credit: Los Angeles County/Mayra Beltran Vasquez)

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

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Los Angeles County

Chappelle’s bisexual attacker sues Hollywood Bowl & its security

He claims that the security team for the Hollywood Bowl failed to protect him from Chappelle’s entourage intentionally

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The Hollywood Bowl (Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles)

LOS ANGELES – In a lawsuit filed in Superior Court Friday, the 25-year-old who rushed comedian Dave Chappelle on stage at the Hollywood Bowl during Chappelle’s set during the “Netflix is a Joke” festival on May 3, 2022, is suing the venue’s operator’s, The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, along with its security company.

According to the court documents reported on by KABC 7 Eyewitness News, Isaiah Lee, the man who attacked the comedian alleges that the Bowl’s security guards and members of Chappelle’s entourage beat Lee “ruthlessly” when he rushed the stage.

KABC 7 noted that Lee, who identifies as bisexual, “became upset by the discriminatory nature” of Chappelle’s jokes that night and “rushed the stage in protest as the show ended,” the lawsuit read.

Isaiah Lee shown during a court appearance in May 2022. (Screenshot/YouTube KCAL)

Lee also claims that the security team for the Hollywood Bowl failed to protect him from Chappelle’s entourage: “These individuals spat on Lee and dislocated his arm intentionally,” the lawsuit alleges.

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Police Department

Chappelle was attacked by Lee who also had a plastic replica of a gun that shoots forth a knife blade on him, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

After regaining his composure, Chappelle joked that the attacker “was a trans man,” a reference to the comic’s controversy within the LGBTQ+ communities.

Chappelle, beloved by many for his clever television program Chappelle’s Show, has long been a controversial figure to the LGBTQ+ communities. Following the premiere of his Netflix The Closer, which featured insensitive cracks about trans women’s genitalia and TERFs (or trans-exclusionary radical feminists), among other topics, several trans employees of Netflix staged a walkout.

Additionally, trans comedians told CNN they felt that the comments were an example of “punching down” on those with less power and a betrayal of the astute social commentary for which Chappelle is known. Chappelle eventually agreed to meet with members of the community to discuss the tenor of his jokes about trans people.

Los Angeles County prosecutors opted to not charge Lee with a felony instead with misdemeanor charges of battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorized access to the stage area during a performance and commission of an act that delays an event or interferes with a performer.

After Lee’s attorneys cited homelessness and mental illness, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge granted Lee a mental health diversion, thus waiving his speedy trial rights for two years after he entered a not-guilty plea.  He was sentenced to 270 days in jail and after serving his time was conditionally released to Lake Hughes Recovery Center in Gorman, California.

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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

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

New on the County Channel

Patients at LA County’s Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center enjoy some animal therapy as they progress on their rehabilitation journey.

Department of Health Services’ recreation therapists use animal-assisted therapy in both individual and group treatment settings to gain functional outcomes such as increasing social skills, range of motion, group participation, and overall strength and endurance.

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

LA County Day at the Fair is May 4th!

The LA County Fair opens this weekend and to celebrate, we’re offering discounted tickets on LA County Day at the Fair on May 4! Enjoy the LA County Expo showcasing all the great things the county is doing in our neighborhoods and take advantage of this discount offer. Admission is just $8 through May 3 at 11:59 p.m. Admission is $10 the day-of, May 4, 2024.

LA County Fair season runs from May 3rd – May 27th. Get your tickets today and be sure to use the password “LACOUNTY” for your LA County Day tickets for the discount price!

At Your Service

LA County Library: Citizenship in a Bag

Looking for help on your path to US Citizenship? LA County Library offers Citizenship in a Bag, a toolkit with resources for customers seeking to obtain US Citizenship.

This toolkit in a bag contains a variety of educational materials for the naturalization exam, including flash cards, multimedia tools, and a FREE citizenship folder with valuable resources that customers can keep.

Borrow or place a hold on a Citizenship in a Bag toolkit here.

For more details and questions, please call your nearest LA County Library location.

Out and About

Beach Eats Gourmet Food Trucks

Beach Eats is back for another summer in Marina del Rey!

Join us every Thursday, 5–9 p.m., May 9 through October 31, for some of the most unique and popular local food truck fare at “L.A.’s Marina.”

  • ORDERS: Food orders can be made online up to five days before each Thursday event, or directly at the food trucks on-site.
  • PARKING: Available in Lot #11 at a rate of $0.50 for each 15 minutes. There is a $2 minimum for credit card payments.
  • MORE INFO: Visit the Best Food Trucks website to check out the upcoming food truck schedule, order online, or try the Best Food Trucks app (Apple or Android).

See you on Thursdays at Beach Eats in Marina del Rey!

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Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Hall.
(Photo: Los Angeles County / Mayra Beltran Vasquez)

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

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St. John’s Community Health awarded $10 mil for climate resiliency

St. John’s Community Health is a network of 24 community health centers and 4 mobile clinics providing free & low-cost health care

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Jim Mangia, president and CEO of St. John’s Community Health at a speaking engagement. (Photo Credit: St. John’s Community Health)

LOS ANGELES – Today, St. John’s Community Health – a network of community health centers serving South, Central, and East Los Angeles; the Inland Empire; and the Coachella Valley – announced they have been awarded $10 million by the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) to help build a community resilience center in South Los Angeles. 

“To protect communities made most vulnerable to climate change by racist policies and practices, we must be proactive in treating environmental disparities and implementing climate preparedness plans,” said Jim Mangia, president and CEO of St. John’s Community Health“We will build the Avalon Health Access and Resilience Center alongside the community it is meant to serve, offering a diversity of programs and services to treat both the symptoms and the root causes of the climate crisis.” 

The abundance of concrete, heavy traffic corridors, and lack of green space in South Los Angeles causes more extreme heat than in other areas of Los Angeles. Further, rapid gentrification has caused spikes in homelessness, leaving many people forced to live on the street and face dangerously hot weather with no respite. Increasing risk of wildfires also put people experiencing homelessness and low-income children at greater risk for respiratory illnesses.

St. John’s Community Health is one of nine applicants being awarded a community resilience center implementation grant.

Through this grant, St. John’s Community Health plans to build the Avalon Health Access and Resilience Center near their existing community health center and drop-in clinic serving unhoused people. The center will be a community-driven safe haven in South Los Angeles with the infrastructural capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate, public health, and other emergencies. 

The climate and community resilience center will incorporate wide-ranging disaster relief and environmentally sustaining campus amenities and services, including: accessible and adaptable indoor and outdoor spaces for cooling, emergency shelter, climate and community resilience classes and events, and a community garden.

Physical infrastructure elements will be integrated with year-round medical, dental, and behavioral health services, case management, educational programming, peer support, workforce training, basic-needs services, and other programs to address lack of access to resources for low-income people of color from a diverse group of priority populations living and working in South Los Angeles.

This first-of-its-kind center represents a significant step in expediting recovery efforts and building resilience among communities in South Los Angeles.

Moreover, the center will serve as a catalyst for community cohesion, bringing residents together to collaborate, share resources, and support one another. St. John’s anticipates serving at least 15,000 members from the priority populations at the Avalon Health Access and Resilience Center annually. 

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Manhattan Beach PD: Hate crime investigation after Nextdoor post

Anyone with information regarding the incident was urged to contact Manhattan Beach Police at (310) 802-5127

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Photo Credit: Manhattan Beach Police Department/Chris Vlahos

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – A photo of a sign with racial slurs and the hanging of what appeared to be a noose from a tree posted online on the neighborhood centric Nextdoor website Thursday has touched off a hate crime investigation Manhattan Beach Police confirmed.

Detective Seth Hartnell told City News Service uniformed patrol units responded to an isolated section of Sand Dune Park near Bell Avenue around 11:00 a.m. Thursday, but that officers did not find a noose hanging there. Hartnell said city workers removed the sign.

“Officers took a report documenting the incident, and Manhattan Beach Police Department detectives are investigating,” he said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident was urged to contact Manhattan Beach Police at (310) 802-5127.

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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

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

New on the County Channel

Welcome to Budget Quest: the game where billions of dollars and services for millions of people are at stake! Watch this video as Buddy the Budget Wiz navigates the County’s complex budget process to build and fund a new program.

To learn more about the County’s $45.4 billion 2024-25 recommended budget, visit ceo.lacounty.gov/budget.

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

April is “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in Los Angeles County

In L.A. County, there are more sleep-related deaths than all other accidental child deaths. These deaths are completely preventable. Accidental suffocation is the greatest risk for babies under age 1. These deaths are silent and quick. It just takes seconds for a baby to suffocate.

Below are some resources for parents and caregivers to learn more about safe sleeping practices:

At Your Service

DEO Small Business Summits

Get ready, LA County! Join the LA County Department of Economic Opportunities and partners for the ultimate small business boost at the upcoming LA Region Small Business Summit series, kicking off Small Business Month on April 29th at the iconic Los Angeles Coliseum with the City of Los Angeles. Five power-packed FREE Summits throughout May, celebrating all small businesses, entrepreneurs, and County residents in style!

Discover a trove of FREE resources, services, and programs aimed at helping your business grow and thrive. From expert panel discussions to a bustling resource expo and beyond – we’ve got everything you need to elevate your business — all under one roof! Ready to supercharge your small business journey? Don’t miss out! Register now for a Summit near you by visiting here.

Out and About

The LA County Fair is Back May 3!

This year the LA County Fair celebrates the medley of communities that comprise Los Angeles County with its theme Stars, Stripes & Fun. LA County is one of the most diverse counties in the nation, brimming with a mix of cultures and communities, and the LA County Fair celebrates them all! 

Join us at the Fair as we celebrate all things LA County on Saturday, May 4! Enjoy the LA County Expo showcasing all the great things the county is doing in our neighborhoods and take advantage of this discount offer. Admission is just $8 through May 3 at 11:59 p.m. Admission is $10 the day-of, May 4, 2024.

Get your tickets today and be sure to use the password “LACOUNTY” at check out for the discount price! 

Photo Finish

Earth Day trail restoration event at Kenneth Hahn Park.
(Photo: Los Angeles County/Mayra Beltran Vasquez)

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

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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

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

New on the County Channel

L.A. County is investing millions of dollars in American Rescue Plan funds for paid early education apprenticeships. The Early Care and Education Assistant Teacher Apprenticeship Program aims to bolster the education career pipeline and bring relief to those hoping to avoid financial debt.

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

April is “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”

This April marks the 23rd observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a chance for each of us to think about the role we can play in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.

Violence is preventable. Stopping sexual abuse, assault, and harassment before they happen requires us to work together to support healthy, safe, and respectful behaviors and environments. To build truly connected communities, we must start with community accessible services and support and expand the network of service providers. When it comes to sexual violence, everyone has a role to play to help build a community that is safer, inclusive, and equitable. Below are some resources and ways for you to get involved:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673.

Learn more at lacounty.gov/sexual-assault-awareness-month/.

At Your Service

Commercial Acquisition Fund Program

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity recently launched the Commercial Acquisition Fund to provide grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations to support the acquisition of vacant or abandoned land and buildings in designated communities that were most negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commercial Acquisition Fundis funded by the County, with $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and will be awarded as recoverable grants, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000. Acquisitions and funding must occur before December 1, 2024.

To learn more, apply, or sign-up to attend a community webinar, visit lacaf.info.

Out and About

April 21 – April 27th is “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week”

Join District Attorney George Gascón, the LA District Attorney’s Bureau of Victim Services and the LA District Attorney Crime Victims Advisory Board for this special National Crime Victims’ Rights Week panel discussion: “Pathways to Healing: Supporting LA’s Crime Survivors.”

This hybrid event will be on Thursday, April 25 at 6 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Click here to register to attend.

Photo Finish

Photo Credit: Los Angeles County/Mayra Beltran Vasquez

Celebrate the 4th year of SOAR at the South Coast Botanic Garden when butterflies return May 1!


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

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