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The Governor’s Digest: What California accomplished in 2023

From mental health care to housing, California enacted ambitious efforts to improve the safety, health, & well-being of all residents in 2023

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom meeting with CalTrans workers engaged in emergency repairs this past November of the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles after a devasting fire damaged and closed the roadway for nearly two weeks. (Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)

SACRAMENTO – In his remarks addressing the significant changes and efforts in the Golden State over this past year, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement: ā€œFrom taking on global problems to finding community-based solutions, this year California delivered on critical action to make peopleā€™s lives better, safer, healthier, and happier. As the country continues to recover and grow under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, California is closing 2023 as a national leader in putting people first, safeguarding freedoms, and creating economic opportunity.ā€

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added: ā€œIn 2023, California led the nation in bolstering the rights and opportunities of women and in ensuring children have the best start in life. From securing new partnerships to support our work to safeguard reproductive freedom and close the pay gap, to increasing studentsā€™ access to free, fresh, and nutritious school meals and behavioral health services, weā€™re creating a state where all women, children, and families can thrive.ā€

MENTAL HEALTH

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)

TRANSFORMING MENTAL HEALTH CARE: Governor Newsom and legislative leaders led a historic transformation of the stateā€™s behavioral health care system ā€” putting it on the ballot for voters in March 2024.

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 INVESTING IN CARE: California invested nearly $1.5 billion to continue to build out the stateā€™s mental health and substance use disorder treatment and housing sites, continued to expand the stateā€™s workforce, and submitted an innovative waiver to leverage federal funding.

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EMPOWERING YOUTH: First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced a $100 million anti-stigma campaign through the California Department of Public Health aimed at all California youth, especially those most at risk like LGBTQ+ and Indigenous youth, building on the Governorā€™s Master Plan for Kidsā€™ Mental Health ā€” which launchedadditionalresourcesthis year.

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ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY: California continued to hold bad actors accountable, including a historic $200 million settlement with Kaiser for unacceptable wait times for access to behavioral health services.

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IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES: The Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being launched the Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind campaign ā€” and through the Outdoors for All initiative, more than 50,000 passes were downloaded by families.

PUBLIC SAFETY

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)

MAKING COMMUNITIES SAFER: Governor Newsom announced a new effort to transform San Quentin State Prison into a nation-leading facility ā€” and a scalable model ā€” focused on improving public safety through rehabilitation. The Governor convened a multidisciplinary group of experts to submit recommendations that can help build and inform the California Model.

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FIGHTING HATE: Addressing the rise of hate across the nation, California launched the CA v Hate initiative and hotline to empower diverse communities and fight discrimination and hate. 

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ADDRESSING THE FENTANYL CRISIS: Cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, Governor Newsom deployed additional resources and a 50% increase in California National Guard personnel at our state’s ports of entry to fight drug trafficking, and launched a new partnership in San Francisco to hold fentanyl traffickers accountable.

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CRACKING DOWN ON ORGANIZED CRIME: California awarded over $267 million to 55 cities and counties to combat and increase prosecutions of organized retail crime in communities across the state.

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STOPPING GUN VIOLENCE: California passed multiple new gun safety laws to keep more Californians safe, became the first state in America to call for a Constitutional Convention on the Right to Safety, and launched GunSafety.CA.Gov ā€” a website for the public to access life-saving resources.

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LEADING EDGE IN WILDFIRE RESPONSE: Investments and innovation in wildfire resilience reduced the wildfire yearā€™s most catastrophic impacts to Californiaā€™s communities, in a year where the state was recognized for its world-leading innovation in wildfire response. 

INFRASTRUCTURE

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)
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FIXING THE 10: After an arsonist ignited a major fire under the I-10 Freeway in Los Angeles, Governor Newsom led an all-hands response that resulted in the major economic artery re-opening to traffic in just 8 days ā€” months ahead of original estimates. 

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 HIGH SPEED RAIL: California was awarded more than $6 billion by the Biden-Harris Administration to build high-speed rail throughout California, investing in the whole system ā€” San Francisco, Los Angeles and the Central Valley, creating connectivity north, south and with our neighbors to the east. This investment was the single largest grant for the program ā€” made possible by President Bidenā€™s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

CONNECTING CALIFORNIANS: Thanks to investments by Governor Newsom and the California legislature, the state continues to make progress in connecting all Californians ā€” leading the nation in affordable internet.

BUILDING CALIFORNIA’S FUTURE

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: With Generative Artificial Intelligenceā€™s (GenAI) wide-ranging potential for Californians and the stateā€™s economy, Governor Newsom earlier this year signed an executive order to study the use cases and risks of GenAI technology throughout the state and to develop a deliberate and responsible process for evaluation and deployment of GenAI within state government. Last month, the Administration released the first report from this Executive Order.

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 CUTTING RED TAPE: California passed critical legislation to streamline projects ā€” cutting red tape to build green infrastructure ā€” helping meet our stateā€™s aggressive climate goals and creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs.

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TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS: California has exceeded 160,000 apprenticeships ā€” on track to reach the goal of 500,000 by 2029 ā€” creating strong ā€œearn and learnā€ career pathways, especially for historically excluded workers, and meeting local economic needs.

CREATING GOOD-PAYING JOBS: California created thousands of new jobs welcomed back Disney investments after the company pulled the plug on $1 billion development in Florida, and continued to invest in Californiaā€™s innovation economy ā€” securing up to $1.2 billion in federal funding to develop a national hub for clean hydrogen production, a project that will create tens of thousands of jobs, and investing in the development of Lithium Valley as a new global hub for battery production.

 CLIMATE ACTION

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)
āœ…

ENERGY OF THE FUTURE:Ā California is set to become aĀ national hydrogen hubĀ thanks to an up to $1.2 billionĀ investmentĀ by the Department of Energy. This crucial funding will help accelerate innovation and lead to the development and deployment of clean, renewable hydrogen ā€” critical to cutting pollution and expanding the clean energy economy statewide.

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NEW PARTNERSHIPS: Governor Newsom built new climate partnerships across the globe, including a trip to China where he laid the foundation for future collaboration and cooperation. At the state level, public-private partnerships were pivotal to building out green infrastructure across California ā€” from battery storage and clean energy production projects to safeguarding waterways and producing good paying blue-collar jobs.

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BOOSTING WATER SUPPLIES: California continued the critical work of preparing for a hotter, drier future by advancing more projects to help boost the stateā€™s water supply system.

SUING BIG OIL AND HOLDING THEM ACCOUNTABLE: Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a historic lawsuit against Big Oil ā€” taking some of the worldā€™s largest oil companies to court for their decades of deception fueling the climate crisis. And with the stateā€™s new anti-gas price gouging law, the Governor called a special session and championed legislation that established the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight to investigate price gouging and hold Big Oil accountable.

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 REACHING GOALS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE: California exceeded zero-emissions vehicle goals ā€” both for cars and heavy-duty trucks ā€” 2 years ahead of schedule.

HEALTH CARE

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)

 IMPROVING AFFORDABILITY: The Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) launched, holding its first meetings. The Board of the OHCA is charged with providing input and recommendations to help make health care more accessible, affordable, equitable and high-quality for all Californians.

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$30 INSULIN: Governor Newsom, during his Tour of the State, announced the CalRx Initiative would be bringing $30 insulin to market for all Californians ā€” regardless of their insurance.

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EXPANDING ACCESS: Thanks to investments made this year, low-income Californians ā€” of all ages and regardless of immigration status ā€” will be able to access Medi-Cal starting in 2024. Older adults and people with disabilities will be able to keep their savings and still qualify for Medi-Cal coverage ā€” another first-in-the-nation expansion. And the reimbursement rate for providers providing Medi-Cal services will be higher, supporting our health care workers like never before.

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MASTER PLAN TO ADDRESS FENTANYL CRISIS: Governor Newsom released his Master Plan for Tackling the Opioid & Fentanyl Crisis, which includes the naloxone distribution project, steps to create our own low-cost naloxone supply, and the comprehensive resource: Opioids.CA.Gov

TACKLING HOMELESSNESS

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)
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LAUNCHING CARE COURT: Governor Newsomā€™s CARE Court program launched in 8 counties across the state, to ensure local governments are held accountable in helping people in need of care for untreated psychosis, including housing. The other counties will launch their CARE Court system by the end of 2024.

CLEAN CALIFORNIA: California is providing $1.2 billion in grants for local governments to clean up blighted areas and create projects that help revive public spaces. Additionally, Governor Newsom continues to find ways to hold local governments accountable like revising their Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention plans to deliver better results.

ENCAMPMENTS TO HOUSING: California has cleared over 5,600 encampments and provided $750 million for encampment resolution grants to move people to housing.

PROVIDING RE-HOUSING: Through Homekey, California has funded the creation of over 14,600 housing units to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

FREEDOM TO SUCCEED

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)

BANNING BOOK BANS: Governor Newsom and state leaders fought back against book bans and censorship, signed a new law banning inappropriate censorship in schools, and highlighted the stateā€™s Family Agenda to promote freedom in education. 

EXPANDING COMMUNITY SCHOOLS: The California State Board of Education, with the support of Governor Newsom, unanimously approved a $750.5 million investment ā€” the largest allocation of funds yet under Californiaā€™s nation-leading initiative ā€” to transform thousands of schools into a community school. These innovative sites provide students and their families the resources and support they need to thrive, including counseling, nutrition programs, tutoring, social services, and health care and mental health care services.

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WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW: Governor Newsom launched a new career education effort to prepare all of Californiaā€™s diverse students and adults, especially those historically disconnected or disadvantaged, for the workforce of tomorrow and directed additional steps to reduce employment barriers for state jobs ā€” including college degree requirements unnecessary to job duties.

REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)

SPREADING FREEDOM: Governor Newsom launched the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, which includes 22 governors fighting to protect and advance reproductive health care across the country. Leveraging the Alliance, Governor Newsom sent a joint letter with 13 other Governors to pharmacies across the country asking them to clarify their plans to dispense mifepristone as well as other actions they would take to safeguard reproductive health care ā€” resulting in several independent pharmacies stepping in to provide the drug. 

SAFEGUARDING ACCESS: In the wake of the legal action against medication abortion brought by extreme politicians, Governor Newsom created a stockpile within California to safeguard access and provided additional state resources to continue to make care affordable and accessible.

STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS: As hostile attacks continue, California invested in protecting health care workers and health care centers ā€” both physical and cyber security ā€” and signed new laws strengthening protections for providers and people traveling from other states, establishing first-in-the-nation protections for electronic reproductive health records,, and expanding the reproductive health care workforce.

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West Hollywood

WeHo’s Rainbow Neon Dog gets public art dedication

Community members gathered at Williams S Hart Park for a public art dedication of the public artworkĀ Rainbow Neon DogĀ on Friday, May 10, 2024

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Dedication of the Rainbow Neon Dog Art Installation. (Photo by Paulo Murillo/WEHO TIMES)

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – Community members gathered at Williams S Hart Park at 8341 De Longpre Avenue for a public art dedication event for the installation of the public artworkĀ Rainbow Neon DogĀ on Friday, May 10, 2024.

The event offered some words by Rebecca Ehemann, WeHo Arts Manager of the City of West Hollywood, who introduced Mayor John Erickson to the podium with Pet Mayor Winnie. ā€œThis is the best part about being in the City of West Hollywood,ā€ said Mayor Erickson. ā€œWe have our amazing Arts Department. Thank you so much for all of the amazing work that you do. We are just so excited to welcome the Rainbow Neon Dog as part of our cityā€™s urban art collection.ā€

Dedication of the Rainbow Neon Dog Art Installation ā€“ WEHO TIMES
Dedication of the Rainbow Neon Dog Art Installation ā€“ WEHO TIMES

The mayor made a joke about his motor being slow every now and then in reference to the neon art that stopped rotating shortly after being installed. ā€œWeā€™re excited to see it start spinning again and have it at this entrance right here at our beautiful historic William S. Hart park at 10 feet high 10 feet wide. And three feet deep as radium barking neon dog is the perfect way to announce a presence here at this park.

Also in attendance were council member Chelsea Byers and council member Lauren Meister.

The Rainbow Neon Dog may not spin, but it still lights up. There was a countdown to its lighting as part of the ceremony. Community members had an opportunity to enjoy the art installation and walk away with a custom pin in the shape of the neon art as a memento.

Dedication of the Rainbow Neon Dog Art Installation ā€“ WEHO TIMES

There were rumors that some local residents were going to use the dedication to protest improvements coming to Hart Park; however, the rumors turned out to be false. The ceremony happened in perfect harmony.

@wehotimes A City of West Hollywood CLASSIC is BACK!!! The Neon Dog is fully restored and installed at its new home on The Sunset Strip. On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Commission unanimously approved the proposed Neon Dog project for installation at William S. Hart Park & Off Leash Dog Park, a property leased by the City of West Hollywood, but owned by the City of Los Angeles. The neon dog was connected to Collar & Leash. On January 21, 2020, the City Council accepted a gift of the neon dog sign from Joseph Chan and Charles Chan Massey. The neon sign was restored and conserved very much like the Rocky & Bullwinkle sculpture that is also on display on Sunset Boulevard. #wehotimes #wehonews #wehocity #weho #westhollywood #neon #neonart #wehoarts #art #streetart #thesunsetstrip @weholove @Paulo Murillo @City of West Hollywood @CityofLosAngeles ā™¬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey

The Rainbow Neon Dog is the most recent addition to the Cityā€™s growing Urban Art Program and consists of a reconditioned, electrically rotating neon sign in the shape of a barking dog set atop a supporting pole that raises it above street level to be enjoyed by pedestrians and vehicles alike traveling along Sunset Boulevard in either direction.

Dedication of the Rainbow Neon Dog Art Installation ā€“ WEHO TIMES

The sign measures 10-feet-high by 10-feet-wide by 3-feet-deep. It was designed in 1990 by Wilson Ong for the Collar & Leash pet store formerly located at 8555 Santa Monica Boulevard. In 2020, after the closure of the store, the owners gifted the sign to the City of West Hollywood for inclusion in the Urban Art Program collection.

At its new location along the iconic Sunset Strip, the sign is guaranteed to become a novel cultural attraction and will serve as a wayfinding device for the entrance to Hart Park while continuing the Cityā€™s efforts to activate Sunset Boulevard with pedestrian-friendly experiences.

The Urban Art Program provides a mechanism to integrate free and accessible art into the urban fabric of the City. In particular, the Urban Art Program is motivated by a desire to ameliorate some of the effects new development has on the community. New development often results in intensified use of land where larger structures seem imposing and inaccessible to the public. Urban art can help soften this effect and provide interaction and connection between the public and private domains.

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist. Murillo began his professional writing career as the author of ā€œLove Ya, Mean It,ā€ an irreverent and sometimes controversial West Hollywood lifestyle column for FAB! newspaper. His work has appeared in numerous print and online publications, which include the ā€œHot Topicā€ column in Frontiers magazine, where he covered breaking news and local events in West Hollywood. He can be reached at [email protected]

The preceding articleĀ was previously publishedĀ at WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

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West Hollywood

OUTLOUD Presents Pride @ Bev Center with Drag TalentsĀ 

Join the legendary drag artists of RuPaulā€™s Drag Race on Saturday, May 18 from 1pm to 4pm in Grand Court at the Beverly Center

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Los Angeles Blade/WeHo Times graphic

By Mike Pingel | WEST HOLLYWOOD – The second annual OUTLOUD PresentsĀ Pride @ BevĀ event is coming to the Beverly Center at 8500 Beverly Boulevard. This yearā€™s drag talents will include Alyssa Edwards, Plane Jane, Laganja Estranja, and Plastique Tiara, who are slated to perform and take part in a panel discussion.

Join the legendary drag artists of RuPaulā€™s Drag Race on Saturday, May 18 from 1pm to 4pm in Grand Court at the Beverly Center and celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride.

Enjoy live drag performances, drag bingo, beauty tutorials and makeovers. This is the final opportunity to WIN FREE VIP PASSES to OUTLOUD Music Festival At WeHo Pride. VIP is completely sold out and this is your last chance to win!

100% of proceeds from OUTLOUD Presents Pride @ Bev will be donated to OUTWORDS, a LA local nonprofit organization that captures, preserves, and shares the stories of LGBTQIA2S+ elders, to build community and catalyze social change.

To register, clickĀ here.

Experiences included with your General Admission ticket:

  • Live drag performances by Alyssa Edwards, Plastique Tiara, Plane Jane and Laganja Estranja
  • Drag Bingo hosted by Athena Kills (21+)Ā *RSVP required
  • Beauty Demo hosted by Make Up Forever (Attendees will receive a deluxe setting spray!)Ā *RSVP required
  • Beverly Center Spin Wheel
  • Glam Station by Sephora
  • Photo Moments
  • VIP Lounge with bar and bites
  • Beats by DJ Asha
  • OUTLOUD Music Festival At WeHo Pride VIP wristband pick up

Event Rules

  • All guests must be 18+ to enter the event space.
  • If consuming alcoholic beverages, all guests must be 21+ and present a valid government ID.
  • Food and beverages are available while supplies last.
  • Children and pets are not allowed in the event area.
  • Parking validations are not available. Parking is $1 per hour up to 4 hours, and $2 per hour thereafter.
  • OUTLOUD Music Festival, created by Jeff Consoletti, launched in 2020 as a ten-episode series on Facebook in lieu of Pride Celebrations happening in cities across the country due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, quickly becoming one of the first major virtual LGBTQ+ showcases.
  • Since its debut, OUTLOUD garnered over nearly two billion media impressions and won several industry-topping awards including multiple SHORTY Awards for Best Use of Facebook and Best Use of Twitch, a MARCOM Award & a Cynopsis Digital Award for BEST LGBTQ Series.
  • Follow @OfficiallyOUTLOUD #WeAreOUTLOUD.Ā http://weareoutloud.com.

Beverly Center is home to more than 90 stores featuring the best in luxury, contemporary and fast fashion. The unique retail collection is curated for trend seekers and taste makers alike. The centerā€™s luxury brands include Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Saint Laurent.

The unique contemporary assortment featuring Sandro and Maje is paired with unparalleled fast fashion brands including Zara, XXI Forever, H&M and Uniqlo. The centerā€™s chef-driven and fast-casual eateries are the perfect pairing with a day of shopping and include Yardbirdā€™s delicious southern fare, ABSteak by Chef Akira Backā€™s premium Korean barbeque, Anglerā€™s live-fired seafood created by a Michelin-starred team and Eggslutā€™s perfect breakfast sandwich.

For more information, visitĀ beverlycenter.com.

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Mike Pingel

Mike Pingel has written six books, Channel Surfing: Charlieā€™s Angels & Angelic Heaven: A Fanā€™s Guide to Charlieā€™s Angels, Channel Surfing: Wonder Woman, The Brady Bunch: Super Groovy after all these years; Works of Pingel and most recently, Betty White: Rules the World. Pingel owns and runs CharliesAngels.com website and was Farrah Fawcett personal assistant. He also works as an actor and as a freelance publicist.

His official website is www.mikepingel.com

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

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Los Angeles

LA’s lost an iconic entertainment reporter, Sam Rubin dies at 64

Rubin was a longtime fixture in the entertainment landscape beloved by celebrities and the public alike & spending his career solely at KTLA

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Sam Rubin (Screenshot/YouTube KTLA)

LOS ANGELES – A beloved and respected member of the entertainment press corps in Southern California, KTLA’s Sam Rubin, died Friday morning at the age of 64 after suffering a fatal cardiac arrest.

A source close to the station confirmed to Variety that Rubin died at his home in Brentwood of a heart attack after doing his regular Hollywood news segments on KTLAā€™s 7-9 a.m. ā€œMorning Newsā€ program on Friday.

Rubin was a longtime fixture in the entertainment landscape beloved by celebrities and the public alike and with the rarity of spending his professional career solely at KTLA.

In a statement to Variety, Perry Sook, chairman and CEO of Nexstar, called the entertainment news anchor ā€œan iconā€ for the region and the industry.

ā€œSam was an icon in Los Angeles and the entertainment industry and he was a beloved member of our Nexstar Nation. My prayers are with his family and the KTLA family as we mourn his passing. He will be missed.ā€

KTLA reported:

Rubin joined KTLA 5 Morning News in Los Angeles in 1991, where he instantly made an impact with his unmatched, encyclopedic knowledge of film and television. Over the years, his reports and interviews informed and entertained millions of television viewers in L.A. and beyond.

ā€œThe Sam that you saw on the air is the Sam that was off the air,ā€ Rubinā€™s longtime colleague and friend Frank Buckley said in announcing his passing on live television. ā€œTo all of us he shared his mornings with on television, and to those he worked with behind the scenes at KTLA, we will not forget him.ā€

According to his KTLA biography:

Since joining the show in 1991, he has established a reputation as someone who goes beyond the entertainment headlines of the day. His insights and exploration of the deeper meaning and impact of the stories within the entertainment industry generate conversation within the business, as well as outside it.

Sam is a multiple-Emmy winner; has received the Golden Mike Award for best entertainment reporter; has received a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association; and has been named best entertainment reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.

Sam was honored by the National Hispanic Media Coalition with its 2013 Impact Award for outstanding integrity in broadcast journalism.

He is the author of two published books, and has seen his work published in both print and online around the world. Sam regularly appears on BBC television and radio in the United Kingdom, and is a regular contributor to Triple M radio and Channel 9 television network in Australia.

Sam is one of the founding members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the largest organization of film and television critics in the United States with more than 200 members. In 1996, the BFCA began the Criticsā€™ Choice Movie Awards, now regarded in the same tier as the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. The 2013 Criticsā€™ Choice Movie Awards, hosted by Sam, was seen in more than 2 million homes, making it the No. 1 rated show in Los Angeles and other major cities. It was also the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter that evening and generated more than 500 million impressions online.

Sam is the owner of SRE, Inc., a television production company that has produced more than 200 hours of broadcast and cable programming, including several ā€œLive Fromā€ red carpet shows and 120 episodes of the talk show ā€œHollywood Uncensored.ā€

Off the air, Sam supports various non-profit organizations including putting together a KTLA team for the annual MS 150 Bay to Bike Tour, the premiere cycling event in Southern California raising funds to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. He also is interested in revitalizing Los Angeles schools, including support for literacy programs and events such as the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

Sam received his Bachelor of Arts degree in American studies and rhetoric at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Sam lived in Brentwood with his wife Leslie and their four children.

Sam’s son, Colby, joined KTLA 5 Morning News on Monday, May 13, 2024 to reflect on his father’s passing and share a message to him.

Celebrating KTLA 5 Morning News’ 30th anniversary with Sam Rubin:

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Orange County

SoCal surf contest warned it must allow trans surfer to compete

“Surf contests in state waters must be carried out in a lawful manner that does not discriminate based on gender”

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Australian trans surfer Sasha Jane Lowerson freestyling in the waters off Perth, Western Australia in 2022. (Facebook photo by Perth based Social Worker, Ecotherapist, Personal Trainer and freediving underwater photographer Sharon Morris)

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – The California Coastal Commission sent a letter warning the American Longboard Association that its ban on Australian trans surfer Sasha Jane Lowerson participating this Saturday in the Huntington Beach Longboard Pro competition, was a violation of state law.

California Coastal Commission spokesman Joshua Smith said: “Surf contests in state waters must be carried out in a lawful manner that does not discriminate based on gender,” as first reported on by the BBC’s Los Angeles bureau.

ā€œProhibiting, or unfairly limiting, transgender athletes from competing in this or any surf competition that takes place in the coastal waters of California does not meet the requirements of the public access policies of the Coastal Act.ā€

In its letter Coastal Commission warned that local sporting events that do not allow transgender women to compete in female divisions could be shut down. The agency stated that a ban on transgender women from competing “is not consistent with the public access, recreation and environmental justice policies of the Coastal Act,” the BBC reported.

Todd Messick, a Huntington Beach resident and owner of Art in Motion Designs, a local surfboard manufacturer, and a spokesperson for the American Longboard Association had announced on April 25 that the two-day Huntington Beach Longboard Pro contest would not allow transgender women to compete in the women’s division, saying he wanted to “offer an equal playing field for all athletes.”

Messick told the BBC’s Emma Vardy he was “surprised by the amount of anger” that the decision generated, but added: “What I found too is that there was a lot of people very appreciative of me speaking up.”

“For me, I was trying to do the right thing. It wasn’t something I ever expected to have to deal with really, not in our little longboard community,” he said.

The BBC also reported:

Lowerson – an Australian who previously won men’s events in her home country – said she had encountered mostly positive attitudes in the world of competitive surfing when she began living as a woman.

“Three years ago I had just started my transition, and I made a phone call to Surfing Australia,” she said. “I was really well-received. They were very forthcoming on being inclusive and being progressive.”

In 2023 the World Surf League (WSL), announced a new policy on trans participation, which allows trans women competitors to compete in women’s events if they maintain a testosterone level below a certain limit for at least 12 based on a policy created by the International Surfing Association, the governing body of professional surfing.

PinkNewsUK reported that earlier this year, Lowerson was featured as part of a Rip Curl campaign, which resulting in a backlash on social media. Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton joined in the criticism alongside former college swimmer Riley Gaines, and Lowersonā€™s photos were removed from the surfing sportswear manufacturerā€™s social media platforms.

In the world of sports there has not been a uniform consensus in dealing with participation by trans athletes.

The international governing body for swimming, World Aquatics, has effectively banned trans women from competing in top female swimming events.

World cycling’s governing body, the UCI, has similarly ruled that trans women athletes will be prevented from competing in international women’s events.

A new ground-breaking study, partly funded by the International Olympic Committee, found that transgender athletes could actually be disadvantaged in some competitive sports, contrary to claims by transphobic pundits, politicians and right-wing media.

Scientists found significant differences between trans women and male athletes who were not transgender, aka cisgender men, and noted how similar they were to cis women. 

ā€œThese differences underscore the inadequacy of using cisgender male athletes as proxies for transgender women athletes,ā€ said the researchers. 

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Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices head down for third straight week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.32, which is six cents lower than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices have dropped for the third straight week, according to the Auto Clubā€™s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.32, which is six cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.64, which is three cents lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.28 per gallon, which is six cents less than last week, six cents less than last month, and 42 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.29, which is five cents lower than last week, five cents lower than last month, and 44 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.27, which is six cents lower than last week, two cents lower than last month, and 41 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.20, which is seven cents lower than last week, five cents lower than last month and 43 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.26 average price is four cents less than last week, five cents more than last month, and 42 cents higher than a year ago today.

ā€œAccording to Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), California and all West Coast refineries are continuing to operate at higher capacities and West Coast gasoline inventories are increasing in anticipation of higher summer demand,ā€ said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe.

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 9, averages are:

050924 gas chart

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San Francisco

Fremont, California man convicted in Grindr robbery & assault

Silveria is currently in custody.Ā  He faces up to twelve years in state prison for his crimes.Ā  Sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2024

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San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins (Screenshot/YouTube KGO-TV ABC Bay Area)

SAN FRANCISCOĀ ā€“Ā San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced this week that her office secured a conviction of Ronald Anthony Silveria (27), of Fremont, after a trial by jury for attacking and stealing from a man he met on the Grindr application.Ā 

Silveria was convicted of first-degree robbery (PC 211), false imprisonment by violence or menace (PC 236/237(a)), identity theft (PC 530.5(a)), and misdemeanor assault (PC 240) and false imprisonment (PC 236).

ā€œThe juryā€™s verdict holds Mr. Silveria accountable for his despicable crimes,ā€ saidĀ District Attorney Jenkins.Ā Ā ā€œMy office will always stand with victims of crime and work to ensure there are consequences for criminal behavior.ā€

According to evidence and other testimony presented at trial on September 15, 2022, Silveria met a man in Fremont through the Grindr app.Ā  They traveled in separate cars to a San Francisco motel where the victim had rented a room.Ā 

After hanging out in the room for a while, Silveria pulled out a gun and tied the victim, who was naked, to the bed. He then proceeded to go through the victimā€™s bags and electronics, hitting the victim and demanding passwords for bank apps. Silveria eventually agreed to release the victim if he withdrew $400 from an ATM and gave it to him.Ā 

The victim agreed and Silveria allowed him to dress, then forced him to wipe down the room, and get into his car to drive to a nearby ATM.Ā  After taking the $400, Silveria refused to return the victimā€™s car keys and belongings. Silveria then drove across the Bay Bridge and abandoned the victim in Emeryville, California at 4:30am.Ā  He drove off with all of victimā€™s belongings including his phone, iPad, and wallet.

The case against Silveria was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Edward Mario, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Mike Beaver, and paralegal Melissa Cruz.Ā  The case was successfully prosecuted based on the thorough investigation of the San Francisco Police Departmentā€™s Robbery Division and the ongoing participation from the victims.

ā€œMr. Silveria preyed on a man who was in a trusting, compromised, and vulnerable position,ā€ saidĀ Assistant District Attorney Edward Mario.Ā Ā ā€œI thank the victim for his bravery in testifying and re-living traumatic life events. This conviction ensures accountability for Mr. Silveriaā€™s actions and provide a measure of justice for the victim.ā€Ā 

Silveria is currently in custody.Ā  He faces up to twelve years in state prison for his crimes.Ā  Sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2024.

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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 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 anytimeĀ here. Catch up on LA County Close-UpĀ 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! VisitĀ lacounty.govĀ 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 byĀ clicking here.Ā 

Out and About

Take ActionĀ During Mental Health Awareness Month

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Healthā€™s Take Action movement promotes wellness and well-being while sharing the vast array of resources and services provided by the nationā€™s largest behavioral health department.
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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 yearā€™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,Ā iPrevailĀ 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, visitĀ dmh.lacounty.gov.

Photo Finish

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

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

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California

Rick Zbur nominates Nancy Sutley for Latino Spirit Awards honoree

Assemblymember Rick Zbur honors LGBTQ+ Latina Nancy Sutley for her outstanding achievement in public service during the Latino Spirit Awards

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Nancy Sutley honored on the California Assembly Floor Monday, May 6, 2024. From Left: Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, Assembly Majority Leader Cecelia Aguilar-Curry, Nancy Sutley, Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur, Asm. Sabrina Cervantes, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. (Photo Credit: Office of Assemblymember Zbur)

SACRAMENTO ā€”Ā Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) nominated Nancy Sutley as a recipient for the Latino Spirit Awards.

In an Assembly Floor ceremony Monday, the California Legislative Latino Caucus honored Sutley, who currently leads Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bassā€™ environmental, energy, and sustainability policy and programs as her Chief Sustainability Officer.

ā€œAs an LGBTQ+ Latina, Nancy Sutley has shattered glass ceilings while implementing some of the most important environmental and sustainability policies and legislation of our century,ā€ said Assemblymember Zbur. ā€œHer expertise has guided mayors, governors, and former President of the United States Barack Obama. It is an honor to recognize her for an outstanding achievement in public service, and as my nominee for the Latino Spirit Awards.ā€

Nancy Helen Sutley, born in New York City in 1962, was raised in Queens by parents who immigrated from Argentina. She holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in government from Cornell University.

Currently, Sutley is the Senior Assistant General Manager of External and Regulatory Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). In this capacity, she supervises departments such as customer service, energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental regulations.

During her tenure at LADWP, she has initiated sustainability projects, led the establishment of the LaKretz Innovation Campus, and advocated for cleaner transportation. Before joining LADWP in 2014, Sutley chaired the White House Council on Environmental Quality, making her the first prominent LGBTQ+ person named to a senior role in the Obama Administration.

There,Ā she played a pivotal role in environmental initiatives, including the 2013 Climate Action Plan. She has also held various positions in public service, including Deputy Mayor for Energy and Environment for Los Angeles and roles in state and federal environmental agencies.

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Los Angeles County

Chappelleā€™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 ChappelleĀ 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 whoĀ 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 ā€œwas a trans man,ā€ a reference to the comicā€™s controversy within the LGBTQ+ communities.

Chappelle, beloved by many for his clever television program Chappelleā€™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. Ā He was sentenced to 270 daysĀ in jail and after serving his time was conditionally released to Lake Hughes Recovery Center in Gorman, California.

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West Hollywood

Kesha headlines as WeHo Pride presents Friday Night OUTLOUD

Performances also by Adam Lambert, MonƩt X Change, Laganja Estranja v. Morphine Love Dion, NiƱa Dioz, Jessica Betts, Owenn, & Venessa Michaels

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Los Angeles Blade/WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD graphic


WEST HOLLYWOOD –Ā KeshaĀ will headlineĀ WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD,a free outdoor concert, courtesy of the City of West Hollywood, taking place May 31, 2024 at West Hollywood Park.

Friday nightā€™s full lineup will feature an electrifying music mix with additional performances byĀ Adam Lambert, MonĆ©t X Change, LaganjaĀ Estranja vs. Morphine Love Dion, NiƱa Dioz, Jessica Betts, Owenn,and Venessa Michaels.Friday eveningā€™s experience adds to a stellar weekend lineup with Saturday and Sunday headlinersĀ Kylie Minogue,Ā Janelle MonĆ”e,andĀ Diplo + Friends.

WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD is free to the public and requires an RSVP to secure complimentary tickets, as event capacity is limited. Sign up for registration details atĀ Ā www.weareoutloud.com.Ā Registration will officially open on Friday,Ā May 3, at 10 a.m. PDT. Each person registering will be limited to one registration per email address.Ā 

ā€œAs we approach the 2024 WeHo Pride season, the City of West Hollywood remains a steadfast beacon of progressive values and unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ rights. Hosting the WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD reaffirms our City’s legacy of championing inclusivity and equality,ā€ said City of West Hollywood Mayor John M. Erickson. ā€œAs we gather to celebrate the kaleidoscope of queer talent, letā€™s also reflect on the profound impact of our ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights, both locally and on the global stage.ā€

WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD activities begin at 6 p.m. PDT. The evening launchesĀ WeHo PrideĀ Weekend programming, all of which is free to attend and guests of all ages are welcome.

TheĀ WeHo Pride Street FairĀ takes place on Saturday, June 1, 2024 and Sunday, June 2, 2024 starting at 12 p.m. PDT and features live entertainment and activities along with sponsor and community organization booths. Saturdayā€™s events include the annualĀ Dyke MarchĀ and theĀ Womenā€™s Freedom Festival, which takes place at the WeHo Pride Community Stage.

The celebration continues with theĀ WeHo Pride ParadeĀ on Sunday, June 2, featuring the Paradeā€™sĀ Lifetime Ally Icon Cyndi Lauper,Ā with more details to come. For information about WeHo Pride events and programming, visit:Ā www.wehopride.com.

The OUTLOUD Music Festival continues on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2, with a two-day concert experience featuring iconic headlinersĀ Kylie Minogue,Ā Janelle MonĆ”e, andĀ Diplo + Friends.

Attendees will need toĀ purchase a ticketĀ to attend, and the full weekend lineup of performances includes: Doechii,Ā Ashnikko,Ā NoahĀ Cyrus,Ā TrixieĀ Mattel,Ā KekeĀ Palmer,Ā ChannelĀ Tres,Ā Yaeji,Ā BigĀ Freedia,Ā SophieĀ Ellis-Bextor,Ā VINCINT, and many more.

“Our festival’s growth has been fueled by the invaluable partnership and support from the City of West Hollywood. WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD is a testament to JJLA and OUTLOUDā€™s commitment to celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and community,ā€ shared OUTLOUD CEO/Producer Jeff Consoletti of JJLA. ā€œWe’re ready to set the stage on fire once again, welcoming everyone to join us for a weekend of electrifying music, fierce performances, and unabashed pride!ā€

To RSVP and to purchase single-day general admission tickets for the OUTLOUD Music Festival, visit: https://www.weareoutloud.com/.

Join the VIPĀ waitlistĀ to be notified when additional VIP Passes become available atĀ arep.co/w/outloudvipwaitlist/finished.

Created and produced by JJLA, OUTLOUD Music Festival first launched in 2020 as a virtual concert series, highlighting and elevating queer artists at a time when many Pride celebrations were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, OUTLOUD Music Festival partnered with Pride Liveā€™s Stonewall Day and Adam Lambert to deliver a three-day, in-person concert series in Los Angeles, marking the return of live events to the city after the pandemic shutdown. Performers included Adam Lambert, Kim Petras, SOFI TUKKER, VINCINT, LP Giobbi, Brooke Eden, Daya, Hayley Kiyoko, and more, plus an in-person appearance from Los Angelesā€™ then-Mayor Eric Garcetti.

The event, which won a 2021 BizBash Event Experience Award for Best Cultural/Multicultural Event (Live Events & Experiences), was simultaneously streamed on Twitch, garnering 4.8 million views and providing the participating artists and queer charities a unique and critical global platform.

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