El Monte Examiner_4/20/2026

Eaton Fire recovery: Barger touts $300K from small biz program; advocates call for insurance reforms

By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com

LosAngelesCounty SupervisorKathryn

Barger on Wednesday announced the Shop Local LA County Gift Card Program has generated $300,000 for small businesses that suffered losses as a result of the Eaton Fire, while advocates for fireaffected residents renewed calls for major reforms to the state’s insurance industry.

The Shop Local Program by the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity includes a new $225,000 investment by the Altadena Chamber of Commerce to provide $500 gift cards to 450 fire-impacted residents who lost homes, sustained property damage or were displaced, according to Barger’s office.

The gift-card spending is designed to immediately move money back into local businesses that continue facing economic hardship more than a year after the devastating blaze.

“From day one, I’ve remained committed to standing with Eaton Fire survivors to help rebuild a better future,” Barger said in a statement. “This new investment supports a program that offers continued, steady support for residents and small businesses alike. I remain focused on driving the economic revitalization of Altadena and ensuring this community comes back stronger.”

The gift cards are a component of the county’s “Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local.” campaign, launched in July through a motion authored by Barger. The initiative intends to help stabilize brick-and-mortar businesses in Altadena and surrounding fire-affected communities that have experienced reduced

foot

traffic, revenue loss and continuous economic challenges.

Residents and supporters can purchase gift cards in $20, $50 and $100 increments, each paired with bonus cards — $10, $25, and $50 respectively — funded by a donation by LA Cares.

Participating small businesses, which enroll through the Recover Local Business Registry, benefit from increased visibility, direct spending and access to additional county resources, according to Barger’s office.

More than 110 fireimpacted businesses are in the Recover Local Business Directory, with 68 participating in the gift card program in Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and other areas.

Every dollar spent through the program stays within local communities supporting restaurants, retailer stores

and service providers that are key to long-term recovery and the region’s economic resilience.

Residents can support fire-impacted businesses by purchasing and redeeming gift cards at ShopLocal.LA.

Meanwhile, local advocates for residents attempting to recover and rebuild have renewed their calls for reform of the insurance industry, which they say is slowing the pace of recovery.

The Eaton Fire scorched more than 14,000 acres as the wind-fueled wildfire swept through Eaton Canyon and surrounding communities in January 2025. The fire killed 19 people and destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 structures, while another major blaze on the other side of the county simultaneously

devastated Pacific Palisades, Malibu and other coastal areas.

FormerCalifornia Assemblyman Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, who authored 2019 wildfire accountability law, wrote an opinion article calling on the state Public Utilities Commission to be fundamentally reformed.

“AB 1054 was designed to tie profit to safety,” Holden wrote. “Instead the CPUC handed Edison guaranteed hefty profits with no accountability for safety attached.”

In his Pasadena Now article, Holden argued that the CPUC had every tool it needed to prevent the Eaton Fire and chose not to use them. According to Holden, the Commission rubberstamped Southern California Edison’s safety certification

IBy

n mid-December 2020, federal officials responsible for protecting American elections from fraud converged in a windowless, dim, fortified room at the Justice Department’s downtown Washington, D.C., headquarters. They had been summoned by Attorney General William Barr.

Over the preceding weeks, Donald Trump’s claims that the presidential election had been stolen from him had reached a crescendo. He’d become obsessed with a conspiracy theory that voting machines in Antrim County, Michigan, had switched votes from him to Joe Biden.

With each day, Trump ratcheted up the pressure to unleash the might of the federal government to undo his defeat.

Barr interrogated experts from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, crammed in beside top FBI officials around a cheap table. He needed the group of around 10 to answer a crucial question: Was it really possible the 2020 presidential vote had been hacked?

ProPublica’s description of the previously unreported meeting comes from several people who were in the room or were briefed on the gathering. Everyone understood that the meeting represented an important moment for the nation, they said. Barr, who did not respond to requests for comment, had walked a delicate line with Trump, instructing the FBI to investigate allegations of election irregularities while declaring publicly there had been no

evidence “to date” of widespread fraud.

The nonpartisan specialists from CISA, backed by their FBI counterparts, explained they’d unravelled what had happened in Antrim County. A clerk had made a mistake when updating ballot styles on machines, leading to a software problem that initially transferred votes from Republicans to Democrats, they said. There was no fraud, just human error — which would soon be publicly confirmed through a hand count of the county’s ballots.

Listening intently, Barr seemed to understand both the truth and that telling it to the president would almost certainly cost him his job. At the end of the meeting, Barr turned to his top deputy, made hand motions as if he was tying on a bandana and said he was going to “kamikaze” into the White House.

What happened next is well known. When Barr met with Trump in the Oval Office on Dec. 14, the president launched into a monologue about how the events in Antrim County were “absolute proof” that the election had been stolen. Barr waited to get a word in edgewise before telling his boss what the experts from CISA had told him.

Then Barr offered his resignation letter, which Trump accepted. Barr left believing he’d done his part to preserve democratic norms.

“I was saddened,” Barr wrote of Trump in his memoir. “If he actually believed this stuff he had become

ALosAngelesCity Councilcommittee

Tuesday raised alarm and questioned LA28 over its procurement plans, which they worry will dish out billions of dollars -- but not for city businesses.

The 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to generate billions of dollars for the economy through sales, sponsorship, and other business opportunities. City officials want to make sure a significant portion of that revenue benefits local businesses.

April 8, LA28 Olympic organizers unveiled a plan to ensure 75% of contracts go to businesses located in Southern California, including the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura. Another 2% of contracts would be dedicated to “small businesses.”

But city officials argue the plan is too broad and makes no true commitment to benefiting businesses in Los Angeles.

During Tuesday’s Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, tensions rose as a panel of five City Council members criticized LA28’s plan and called for more commitments for local businesses.

“You could have a scenario where no L.A. business does any business with LA28,” Council President Marqueece HarrisDawson said.

Inspector of Public

LA committee raises alarm over LA28 procurement plans

By Jose Herrera, City News Service

Works John Reamer, who oversees the city’s contracting, noted the city did not provide input into the procurement plan despite making several requests to do so. Reamer added LA28’s plan emphasized partnerships, but in reality that element was lacking.

He recommended changes to the plan, and said LA28 should prioritize small businesses in Los Angeles.

“The plan does mention small businesses, but the plan does not necessarily mean a small business is going to be a local small businesses,” Reamer said. “The small business can come from anywhere in the country, anywhere in the world.”

Strategies should be aimed at maximizing partici-

pation of hyper-local businesses in the city and “micro” businesses with 10 or fewer employees, Reamer added.

City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez thanked Reamer for his analysis. She further criticized LA28 for not being clear on its commitments.

“This is a whole new Olympiad around trying to end run our own procedures in the city of Los Angeles,” Rodriguez said. “Doesn’t feel like much of a partnership, and it’s disappointing.”

LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover told the committee the organization would give LA businesses preferential treatment. However, he warned that LA28 could not support a plan that limits their ability to get the best contract for their dollars.

Council President Harris-Dawson challenged Hoover’s comments, adding, “We’d rather you pay nominally more to a business in the city, than to save $25.”

Councilman Hugo SotoMartinez noted that doing business in Los Angeles is more expensive, pointing to the high cost of living and minimum wage.

“The city of L.A. is the financial back-stop to everything that you are doing,” Soto-Martinez said.

“We have to go to our constituents and say that we are fighting for them to make sure that they’re doing to get as much business as they can out of this event,” Soto-Martinez added.

During the meeting, Hoover took a moment to tout the “success” of this

month’s opening of ticket sales.

While LA28 said the first ticket sale drop showed high interest in the Games, local residents criticized the fees.

There were some tickets on sale as low as $28, but those went quickly, and those that were left cost up to $5,500. Additionally, each ticket had a 24% service fee.

Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky asked Hoover how much of the fee would be going to LA28. Hoover said he was uncertain.

City officials contemplated imposing a tax on Games tickets, but Yaroslavsky said it was decided against after talks with LA28.

“The tickets are not affordable,” Yaroslavsky said. “A dollar, which would have actually helped us do

some of the things that we know we need to do to get ourselves ready as a city for the Olympics, feels like a drop in the bucket compared to a 24% surcharge.”

She noted the city has time to approve a tax on tickets for the next drop.

Meanwhile, the city and LA28 have yet to finalize an agreement that would codify which services would be provided and how the costs would be reimbursed. The agreement is more than six months late.

On Tuesday, Rodriguez introduced a motion to protect Los Angeles taxpayers by establishing a so-called “Zero-Cost Principle” for the Games. She said it’s necessary to ensure LA is fully reimbursed for all costs of hosting the mega event.

“With major financial questions still unresolved, we must put enforceable safeguards in place to ensure the city is fully reimbursed for every enhanced resource cost before any surplus funds are declared and used elsewhere, including the establishment of a Legacy Fund. By codifying a Zero- Cost Principle into the City Charter, we are making clear that protecting taxpayers and preserving core City services must come first,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

Rodriguez wrote a public letter Monday, warning Hoover that the Games could leave the city owing millions even if LA28 makes a profit.

less than a month before the Eaton Fire, despite the utility’s own records showing 94 open work orders near the ignition point. Holden claimed that Assembly Bill 1054, which requires tying utility profits to safety performance, “was effectively dismantled by a commission that approved rate increase after rate increase while looking the other way on enforcement,” according to a statement from LA Fire Justice.

Holden currently is the CEO of LA Fire Justice, a nonprofit coalition of wildfire lawyers, fire origin and causation experts, insurance specialists and community organizers that seeks justice for victims of wildfires.

His article also “calls out Edison’s $4.5 billion profit in 2025, a 200% year-overyear increase, and its CEO’s

$16.6 million compensation package in the same year the company’s 102-year-old equipment burned Altadena to the ground,” the statement said.

Joy Chen, executive director of Every Fire Survivor’s Network, noted a recent report indicating the LA-area recovery is moving slower than in Santa Rosa after the 2017 Tubbs Fire or Paradise after the Camp Fire in 2018.

“Residents want to come back. Nine in 10 wildfire survivors intend to rebuild, according to a January survey by Department of Angels, a nonprofit formed to support Los Angeles fire victims,” Politico reported. “Yet those surveyed said soaring construction costs — estimates vary widely from $450 to $1,500 per square foot — and delayed or insuf-

ficient insurance payouts were preventing them from doing so.”

“In other words, the same obstacle we have been talking about since the

first months after the fire,” Chen wrote in a mass email Tuesday and observed a “gap” between the actual cost to rebuild and delayed or inadequate insurance payouts.

Barger’s spokesperson Helen Chavez Garcia said the District 5 supervisor in office since 2016 shares that view.

“Supervisor Barger has consistently contended that Eaton Fire survivors’ ability to rebuild is hamstrung by lack of capital, with delayed insurance payouts as being one of those related factors,” Chavez Garcia told HeySoCal. com. “Her perspective is validated by Ms. Chen’s assertions that a slow recovery pace is impacted by ‘delayed or insufficient insurance payouts.’”

According to Chen, “The new reporting is telling us ...

the LA recovery is currently moving even slower than those Northern California fires. Those fires were only 38% of families ever rebuilt, even after eight years. If the pace we’re seeing today continues, LA could end up with even fewer families making it home. ...

“This is not a problem that can be solved by helping a few families here or there,” Chen wrote. “The only way to move thousands of families home is to unlock the tens of billions of dollars in insurance funds that are supposed to power recovery but are stalled inside the insurance system.”

Electric utility Southern California Edison is facing numerous lawsuits that contend its equipment ignited the Eaton Fire during the Santa Ana windstorm the night of Jan. 7, 2025.

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ACSUN research finds genetic decline may have doomed Neanderthals

By City News Service

Cal State Northridge anthropologistand an international team of researchers have found that a lack of genetic diversity among the last Neanderthals in Europe may have contributed to their extinction, according to a study announced Tuesday.

The research, led by CSUN’s Helene Rougier, found that late Neanderthals descended from a single genetic lineage following a sharp population decline linked to a major ice age.

Using DNA analysis and archaeological evidence from bone fragments, some no larger than a finger, researchers determined that Neanderthal populations contracted significantly after a period of climate deterioration beginning roughly 75,000 years ago.

“Combining the genetic data with the archaeological data, we were able to see a contraction in the distribution of Neanderthal sites that corresponded to a dramatic change in the climate, an ice age,” Rougier said. “The data shows that some of the Neanderthals found refuge in southwestern Europe, taking shelter in the valleys of southwestern France, while dying out in the rest of the continent.”

However, by that time, they shared a much more limited gene pool, Rougier added.

Researchers said the population later experienced a rapid collapse between roughly 45,000 and 42,000 years ago.

“It was like they went off a cliff,” Rougier said. “The population just collapsed. In about 2,000 years they were gone.”

Rougier said the decline coincided with the arrival of early Homo sapiens in Europe, raising the possibility that competition for resourc-

es may have played a role. She added that reduced genetic diversity may have made Neanderthals more vulnerable to environmental pressures and other threats. The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Advocates promote end-of-life options for marginalized groups

By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service

Organizations wanting greater awareness of end-of-lifeoptions wereamplifyingtheir message in California, especially as National Healthcare Decisions Day approached on Thursday.

April is also Minority Health Month, and experts say messaging around advanced planning options is vital in the Black community, which is underserved when it comes to hospice and palliative care.

The Rev. Madison Shockley, pastor at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad and a board member of the nonprofit Compassion & Choices, noted that planning ahead can prevent conflict.

“When the person writes their health-care directive and shares it with their family,” Shockley said, “the benefits are tremendous because then they can focus on loving one another and

not debating what the care should be.”

Data show that compared with white peers, Hispanic, Asian American and North American Native patients are also less likely to use hospice. And AAPI, Black, and Hispanic and Latino adults are less likely to have an advance directive.

Shockley advised people

to write down their wishes, designating someone to make medical decisions on their behalf. He adds it should be made clear whether they want doctors to take artificial life-sustaining measures if they’re terminally ill and incapacitated.

“I have always thought of death as on the other side. But death is actually on this

side. It’s part of life,” Shockley said. “And so in that sense, we live our deaths with the same autonomy, purpose, and clarity with which we lived our lives.”

The Compassion & Choices website offers a number of tools to help people explore their values and address end-of-life concerns.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame names inductees to be honored at Los Angeles ceremony

By City News Service

Phil Collins, Billy Idol and Iron Maiden are among the artists who will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at a November ceremony in downtown Los Angeles.

Other artists who will be inducted into the hallowed hall at the Nov. 14 ceremony at the Peacock Theater are Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan in the performer category. Early Influence Award honorees will be Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons. Receiving the Musical Excellence Award

will be Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller and Rick Rubin. Legendary TV host Ed Sullivan will be inducted and receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The inductees were announced last week by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 inductee Lionel Richie during a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of “American Idol.”

“Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony. It’s going to be an unforgettable night,” John Sykes, chairman

of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, said in a statement.

To be eligible for induction, an individual artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Collins, Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan are first-time nominees, while Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis and Sade have been nominated previously. Collins was previously inducted into the hall as a member of Genesis.

This year’s ceremony will be recorded and shown later on ABC and Disney+ in December.

UCLA, Nature Conservancy use genetics to protect California oak trees

UCLA researchers are partnering with The Nature Conservancy to use advanced genetic analysis to help preserve California’s oak trees, which are increasingly threatened by climate change and habitat loss, university officials announced Wednesday.

The effort uses wholegenome sequencing to identify which oak populations are best suited to survive future climate conditions, with the goal of guiding conservation and restoration efforts across the state, according to project scientists.

In three recent studies, UCLA scientists and The NatureConservancy analyzed the full genetic code of hundreds of oak trees -- some of which can live more than 500 years -- to determine which are best adapted to a changing climate.

“We’re now putting this science into practice across California,” Scott Butterfield, land program lead scientist for The Nature Conservancy, said in a statement. “By using genomic data to guide restoration ... we can test whether trees predicted to be more climate-resilient actually perform better on the ground.”

Scientists said the research is already being applied in restoration efforts, including relocating acorns from trees adapted to warmer climates into areas expected to face similar conditions in the future.

“Genomics is the missing link between laboratory science and effective land management,” said Victoria Sork, a UCLA distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. “By mapping the patterns of

By City News Service

genetic variation underlying how different populations respond to heat and drought, my research team provides the scientific framework for the strategic movement of climate-resilient seeds to new areas.”

Oak trees play a critical role in California ecosystems, supporting thousands of plant and animal species while also helping remove carbon from the atmosphere, officials said.

The research is intended to guide large-scale conservation strategies by identifying which tree populations are most resilient to future climate conditions and where they are most likely to thrive.

Scientists said the approach could help improve restoration efforts, particu-

larly in areas damaged by wildfires, by ensuring seeds are planted in environments suited to their long-term survival.

The work also supports California’s goal of conserving 30% of its lands and coastal waters by 2030, with oak woodlands representing a significant portion of the state’s unprotected ecosystems.

“Thisgroundbreaking effort by UCLA and the Nature Conservancy has tremendous potential for the future of reforestation efforts,” said Jimi Scheid, deputy chief of reforestation services for Cal Fire. “This research can assist forest landowners ... by helping to identify suitable seed sources that are forecasted to be adapted to a changing climate.”

significantly detached from reality.”

Barr was one of many federal officials — most of them Trump appointees — who refused to bend to the president’s demands, which only intensified after Barr was gone. Although rioters inspired by Trump managed to delay the certification of his defeat by storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, ultimately the institutional guardrails of American democracy held — barely.

But if faced with the same tests today, the guardrails and people that held the line would largely be missing, an examination by ProPublica found.

ProPublica scrutinized what happened the last time Trump lost a national election. Some of that happened in plain sight: After a cascade of defeats in court, Trump began pressuring state and local officials to overturn the results. But more happened behind the scenes, like the meeting that helped persuade Barr to hold the line.

Our reporting uncovered previously undisclosed aspects of a federal effort to safeguard the results of the 2020 vote, which involved at least 75 people across several agencies. Today, nearly all of those people are gone, having resigned, been fired or been reassigned, particularly in the departments of Justice and Homeland Security. That included the cybersecurity specialists who had established that the Antrim County allegations were false and reported their findings to Barr.

The people we identified as resisting attempts to overturn the 2020 results have been replaced by roughly two dozen people Trump has installed in positions that could affect elections. Ten of them actively worked to reverse the 2020 vote, and the rest are associates of

such people. In some cases, ProPublica found, officials have been hired from activist groups that are pillars of the election denial movement. Experts warn that shows the movement has merged with the federal government.

These new officials could influence how Trump reacts to the upcoming midterms as polling shows Republicans are approaching what could be a significant electoral loss, with the president’s approval rating nearing record lows, and public concern growing about the weak economy, the administration’s mass deportation effort and the war on Iran.

Seemingly in preparation to head off such a blow, Trump has stepped up his efforts to “nationalize” the 2026 elections, saying that Republicans need “to take over” the midterms. Democrats who monitored Trump’s attempts to block his 2020 loss have begun to question whether he will allow a “blue wave,” particularly if it flips control of a House of Representatives that impeached him twice in his first term.

ProPublica’s examination reveals new details on how the president has unleashed his loyalists to transform elections. This includes the background of this year’s FBI raid in Georgia to seize 2020 election materials and how they are using federal resources to search for noncitizens voting. Ultimately, ProPublica’s reporting shows how thoroughly and expansively the Trump administration has overhauled the federal government into what some fear is a vehicle for making sure elections go his way.

ProPublica’s reporting is based on interviews with roughly 30 current or former executive branch officials familiar with the work of Trump loyalists installed in election roles. Most spoke on condition of anonymity

because they fear retribution, including those knowledgeable about the December 2020 Barr meeting.

The Trump administration maintains its actions will make U.S. elections fairer and more secure — and keep those prohibited from voting, such as noncitizens, from doing so.

“Election integrity has always been a top priority for President Trump,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement. “The President will do everything in his power to defend the safety and security of American elections and to ensure that only American citizens are voting in them.”

Spokespeople for the DOJ and DHS emphasized that their departments are focused on ensuring elections are free and fair, and that they are working closely with the states to achieve those goals. Contentions to the contrary, they say, are false.

A few guardrails have endured, preventing Trump from fully realizing his agenda for elections. Judges have blocked key parts of a March 2025 executive order in which Trump attempted to exert greater federal control over aspects of voting, and some Republican state officials have fought back against Justice Department lawsuits demanding state voter rolls.

Late last month, Trump issued another executive order on elections that attempts to exert unparalleled federal control over mail-in voting and voter eligibility, which Democrats and voting rights groups are challenging in court.

Experts say 2026 will serve as an unprecedented stress test of the integrity of American elections.

“Our election system withstood” Trump’s “attacks following the 2020 election,” said Sen. Alex Padilla, a

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California Democrat who has led the pushback to the administration’s actions on elections, “but this will be an even tougher test, with more election deniers having access to federal power than ever before.”

The Dismantling Barr has said that in the high-stakes days following the 2020 election, he felt like he was playing Whac-A-Mole with Trump’s “avalanche” of false election claims.

The investigators at DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency supplied intelligence that disproved many of them, not just those involving Antrim County.

CISA was created by Trump in his first term to counter cyber threats in the aftermath of Russia’s efforts to influence the 2016 vote. It soon came to provide crucial expertise and support to thousands of local election officials grappling with increasingly sophisticated attacks.

After the 2020 election, it also played a crucial part in puncturing fallacies spread by Trump supporters, producing a “Rumor Control” website to rebut them. And it partnered with state officials and technology vendors to release a statement calling the election “the most secure in American history.” Trump swiftly fired Chris Krebs, whom he had appointed to lead CISA, but Krebs’ defense of the election’s soundness reverberated widely in the media and on Capitol Hill.

Among Trump’s first actions upon returning to the Oval Office was eviscerating CISA.

Starting in February 2025, DHS leadership put employees focused on countering disinformation and helping safeguard elections on leave. The leadership also froze the agency’s other election security work, which included assessing local

election offices for physical and cybersecurity risks, and disseminating sensitive intelligence information on threats. Eventually, all three dozen or so CISA employees specializing in elections were fired or transferred to work in other areas.

“It took years of dedicated, bipartisan, cross-sector partnership to build the security infrastructure we’ve had, and dismantling CISA leaves a gaping hole,” said Kathy Boockvar, an elections security expert who served as Pennsylvania’s secretary of state from 2019 to 2021. “We are making the job of securing our democracy exponentially harder.”

A DHS spokesperson told ProPublica that the changes at CISA were in response to “a ballooning budget concealing a dangerous departure from its statutory mission,” which included “electioneering instead of defending America’s critical infrastructure.” The spokesperson said that CISA’s mission is still to coordinate protection of critical infrastructure, including by supporting local partners against cyber threats.

It isn’t just CISA that’s been gutted.

The Trump administration has discarded or diminished other federal initiatives with roles in protecting election integrity or blocking foreign interference. While many of these actions have been reported, together they reveal the full sweep of the changes.

First, the administration got rid of the National Security Council’s election security group, which convened departmental leaders to coordinate federal actions related to voting. Then in August, the administration dismantled the Foreign Malign Influence

Center, a branch of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence that had stymied efforts by Russia, China and Iran to interfere in the 2024 election.

A spokesperson for ODNI said the center was redundant and that its functions were folded into other parts of the office’s intelligence apparatus in ways that “arguably makes our ability to monitor and address threats from foreign adversaries stronger, more efficient and more effective.”

However, former national security officials, including one who had worked at the center, told ProPublica that its functions had largely ceased. Caitlin Durkovich, who led the NSC’s election security work during the Biden administration, said that under Trump the federal government has “abandoned” its traditional role in preserving election integrity and security.

“Nearly every program and capability to stop bad actors and support election administrators has been dismantled,” she said. “Heading into the midterms, this leaves states and localities exposed, without the intelligence support or federal coordination they need to detect and respond to threats in real time — precisely when the stakes are highest.”

The early months of the second Trump administration also brought seismic changes to three parts of federal law enforcement with central roles in elections.

Kash Patel, the FBI’s new director, dismantled the public corruption team, which had been deployed in previous administrations to help monitor possible criminal activity on Election Day. The Foreign Influence Task Force, which aimed to

combat foreign influence in U.S. politics, was also disbanded. (An FBI spokesperson said the bureau “remains committed to detecting and countering foreign influence efforts by adversarial nations.”)

Furthermore, the Justice Department substantially reduced the role of its Public Integrity Section, which had been responsible for making sure the department’s inquiries weren’t improperly influenced by politics.

After the 2020 election, senior lawyers in the section warned against having the FBI investigate fraud claims raised by Trump allies, saying that the agency’s involvement could damage its reputation and appear motivated by partisanship. In this instance, they were overruled by Barr and his deputies, but former officials said this was a rare case in which their guidance was ignored. The need to directly overrule the unit, they said, made it a roadblock — one that no longer exists.

A month after Trump returned to the Oval Office, the unit’s top staff resigned when agency leaders directed them to dismiss corruption charges against then-New York City Mayor Eric Adams. More resigned later or were transferred. The 36-person section was reduced to two. The administration no longer mandates that it review politically sensitive cases, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.

Another key DOJ office, the Civil Rights Division’s voting section, had enforced federal laws that protect voting rights, particularly those that combat racial discrimination. In December 2020, the assistant attorney general overseeing the Civil Rights Division was one of the many department leaders who said they would resign if Trump promoted Jeffrey Clark, a leader who supported Trump’s efforts to overturn the election results, to head the department after Barr’s resignation. This mass threat of resignation ultimately led Trump to not promote Clark.

But now, nearly all of the section’s roughly 30 career lawyers have resigned or been moved. This largely started last spring after Harmeet Dhillon, Trump’s assistant attorney general for civil rights, put out a memo saying their mission would shift from ensuring voting rights to enforcing Trump’s executive order on elections.

The Trump administration then filled the section with conservative lawyers who are now litigating against the lawyers they

replaced. At least four of those newly appointed lawyers participated in challenging the 2020 vote or have worked with people who helped Trump try to overturn the 2020 election.

“It’s just a shocking and depressing reversal of the federal government’s role in making real the promise of nondiscrimination in voting and racial equality,” said Anna Baldwin, an appellate attorney for the Civil Rights Division who resigned last year and is now one of those litigating against the Justice Department in a new role at Campaign Legal Center.

The Justice Department didn’t respond to specific questions about the dismantling of the Public Integrity Section or the change in mission for the Civil Rights Division.

In all, at least 75 career officials who’d played important roles in elections work at DHS, DOJ and other departments have left or been fired, ProPublica found.

Team America

Late last summer, after the Trump administration had forced out most of the career specialists, a small group of political appointees began convening at the Department of Homeland Security’s headquarters.

The group — which once called itself “Team America,” according to sources familiar with the matter — looked for federal levers it could pull to make Trump’s March executive order about elections a reality, an effort that has not been previously reported.

They represented the new type of people running the show.

Its core members included David Harvilicz, a DHS assistant secretary tasked with overseeing the security of election infrastructure, including voting machines, and three of his top staffers. As ProPublica has reported, Harvilicz had co-founded an AI company with an architect of Trump’s claims about Antrim County.

Despite the setbacks the executive order had met with in court, there “was not a whole lot of discussion or disagreement” about acting on the directive from Harvilicz or one of his deputies, said a former federal official who interacted with group members. “It was just us saluting to do it.”

This small group was part of a wider team at DHS, DOJ and the White House seeking to push forward the president’s agenda. Some of Trump’s new guard are well known: After the 2020 election, Patel pressured military officials to help investigate a conspiracy theory about

Midterm elections

voting machines, according to a former Justice Department official. (Patel did not respond to a request for comment but claimed in congressional testimony that he did not recall the event.) Others, like Harvilicz, are more obscure but still wield consequential powers.

These newcomers are seeking to carry out Trump’s executive orders and are unlikely to push back against his false claims that American elections are rife with fraud.

Team America members have echoed or spread such material themselves.

Heather Honey, who serves under Harvilicz in a newly created position focused on elections, falsely asserted that there were more ballots cast in Pennsylvania than voters in the 2020 presidential election. Trump cited this claim, which has been traced back to her, while exhorting his followers to march on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

At least 11 administration appointees, including Honey, have ties to the Election Integrity Network, a conservative grassroots organization seeking to transform American elections. It is led by Cleta Mitchell, a lawyer who tried to help Trump overturn the 2020 election. Gineen Bresso, who holds a top job in the White House counsel’s office, coordinated with the network’s leadership in 2024 as the Republican National Committee’s election integrity chair, ProPublica has reported. Since moving into government, Honey has maintained close ties to Mitchell’s organization, and she and at least two other federal officials have given its members private briefings.

Experts say these former activists who helped forge a movement built on the idea that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump are seeking to make sure that does not happen again.

“The election denial movement is now interwoven within the federal government, and they are working together toward a shared goal of reshaping elections” in ways that undermine the freedom to vote, said Brendan Fischer, a director at the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan, pro-democracy legal organization. “It’s not just lastminute slapdash attempts to overturn the results” as in 2020, “but more systematic efforts to influence how elections are run months ahead of time.”

In response to questions sent to DHS, Harvilicz and Honey, a DHS spokesperson

disputed that they were seeking to use the department’s powers to advantage Trump, writing that its employees “are focused on keeping our elections safe, secure, and free” and working to “implement the President’s policies.” In response to questions about their ties to the election denial movement, the spokesperson wrote, “To meet the diverse and evolving challenges the Department faces, we hire experts with diverse backgrounds who go through a rigorous vetting process.”

Mitchell did not respond to detailed questions from ProPublica. The White House answered questions sent to Bresso about her connection to Mitchell’s network by reiterating its commitment to making American elections secure.

Through the fall and winter, as the Justice Department demanded that states turn over confidential voter roll information, Team America worked to solve problems hindering the use of digital tools to comb the lists for noncitizens who had illegally registered to vote. Honey and others ironed out the technical details of merging information from different agencies and crafted data-sharing contracts. When Honey or others hit roadblocks, they’d go to the White House or senior DHS leaders who “would come in hot” to clear her path, said officials who interacted with them.

Initially, the plan was to run voter information obtained by DOJ through a Homeland Security tool called the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system.

More recently, according to two people familiar with

the matter, Team America has worked to harness a more powerful tool used by another branch of DHS, Homeland Security Investigations, to increase its ability to search for noncitizen voters and bring criminal charges against them.

While DHS told ProPublica that SAVE has identified more than 21,000 potential noncitizens on voter rolls in the past year, officials who have checked those results in detail have found vast inaccuracies, as ProPublica has reported. Most states — including those with millions of voters — have eventually marked only a few to a few hundred potential noncitizens as registered to vote, and far less have ever voted. The DHS spokesperson also called SAVE “secure and reliable.”

As the election approaches, current and former officials and election security experts expressed concerns that Harvilicz and Honey, who’ve espoused debunked conspiracy theories about elections, are in positions to control the narrative around the vote’s soundness.

It’s hard to debunk false claims “coming with the seal of the federal government,” said Derek Tisler, counsel and manager with the Brennan Center for Justice’s elections and government program. “I certainly worry what damage that could do to voters’ confidence.”

Red Flags

Perhaps nothing better reflects the breakdown of the guardrails that thwarted Trump’s rashest impulses in 2020 than his creation last fall of a special White House post reinvestigating his loss

to Biden.

In December 2020, just days after Barr rebuffed Trump’s Antrim County claims, lawyers in the White House counsel’s office helped prevent the president from heeding activists’ call to essentially declare martial law to seize voting machines. This multihour shouting and cussing match has been called the craziest meeting of the first Trump administration.

But the lawyer whom Trump hired in 2025 as his director of election security and integrity, Kurt Olsen, had worked to overturn Trump’s loss in court in 2020 and was later sanctioned by judges, including for making baseless allegations about Arizona elections.

Olsen’s work in the second Trump administration has breached the firewall between the White House and DOJ officials, established after Watergate to prevent law enforcement officers from making decisions based on political pressure, said Gary Restaino, a former U.S. attorney in Arizona.

“This is not a constitutional or even a statutory requirement,” Restaino said, “but it’s a democracy requirement to make sure that citizens throughout America understand that decisions about life and liberty are being made in an objective and consistent manner.”

In a previously unreported series of events, around the end of 2025, Olsen flew to Georgia to meet with Paul Brown, the head of the FBI’s Atlanta field office, according to people familiar with the matter.

UCLA study: US Latino economy surpasses Japan, ranks 4th worldwide

By City News Service

The U.S. Latino economy reached $4.4 trillion in 2024, surpassing Japan to become the fourth-largest gross domestic product in the world, according to a report announced Thursday by researchers at UCLA and California Lutheran University.

The findings are part of the 2026 U.S. Latino GDP

Report, which is scheduled for full release in May.

Researchers said Latino economic output not only grew in size but also outpaced broader U.S. economic growth, with real Latino GDP increasing 6.4% in 2024 compared to 2.4% for non-Latino GDP.

“New data indicate that the U.S. Latino GDP was

not only larger and growing faster in 2024, but it shattered records for economic vibrancy,” Dr. David HayesBautista, UCLA professor and co-author of the report, said in a statement. “Latinos are key to a bright future for the United States.”

The report found that Latinos now account for one

in five U.S. residents, with a population exceeding 68 million. The Latino labor force reached 35.1 million in 2024, growing significantly faster than the non-Latino workforce.

“Now surpassing the GDP of Japan, the U.S. Latino GDP illustrates just how vital Latino strength and resilience

Midterm elections

Olsen wanted the FBI to seize 2020 ballots from Fulton County, a Democratic stronghold, and gave Brown a report he claimed would justify the extraordinary action. Brown and his team emphasized to Olsen that any investigation his team did would be independent and fair.

When Brown and his team examined the report, they found that Georgia’s election board had already looked into its allegations, dismissing many altogether, and concluding that others came down to human error, not criminal wrongdoing. The report had been assembled by a longtime ally of Olsen’s and participant in the Election Integrity Network who had a history of discredited claims, ProPublica has reported.

Based on their own investigation, Brown’s team submitted an affidavit to their superiors at DOJ that did not make a strong enough case to move forward with what Olsen wanted.

Soon after, Brown was offered a choice: retire or be moved to a new office, people with knowledge of the exchange told ProPublica.

Olsen did not respond to requests for comment.

An FBI spokesperson said that Brown “elected to retire” and that its “work in the election security space is entirely consistent with the law.”

Brown’s ouster after

refusing to carry out the seizure of 2020 election materials has been reported, but Olsen’s involvement and the details of their interactions leading to Brown’s retirement have not been previously disclosed.

With Brown gone, the case moved ahead under his replacement.

Trump administration officials also took another step to keep control of the investigation.

Then-Attorney General Pam Bondi chose Thomas Albus, whom Trump had appointed as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, to prosecute the case even though it fell far outside his usual regional jurisdiction. Albus had been meeting with Olsen since around the time the White House lawyer was hired, ProPublica has reported. (Albus declined a request for comment.)

In late January, the FBI carried out an unprecedented raid in Fulton County — and the agency’s affidavit, put together by Albus and Brown’s replacement, cited a version of the report Olsen gave to Brown as evidence supporting the seizure. ProPublica was part of a news coalition that sued to unseal the affidavit.

An FBI spokesperson said that its agents “followed all procedure to ensure everything was in proper order, and FBI evidence team had the necessary court-authorized search warrant before they arrived on site.”

Ryan Crosswell, who worked in the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section for around half a decade, handling a number of election cases, called Brown’s replacement and Albus’ involvement a “red flag” because of the unusual circumstances of their appointments.

“They’re just moving through people until they find someone who’s willing to do exactly what they want,” Crosswell said.

The Justice Department did not respond to a question about Crosswell’s comment.

The extraordinary raid was also enabled in a previously unreported way by the destruction of the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section.

Multiple former lawyers for the section said they likely would have tried to block the Fulton County investigation because it lacked strong evidence, had a clear political slant and went against department directives that actions should not be taken “for the purpose of giving an advantage or disadvantage to any candidate or political party.”

Crosswell said, “Based on everything we know, if PIN was still there, we’d say no.”

John Keller was principal deputy chief of the Public Integrity Section from 2020 to 2025 and was acting chief when he resigned in early 2025. He worries that allegations of irregularities in the upcoming election will be

handled on a partisan basis.

“Without that review and without apolitical, objective, honest brokers involved in the process, there is a much greater risk for intentional manipulation or inadvertent interference,” Keller said.

“Dismantling the Brain”

The week the FBI seized Fulton County’s ballots, about half of the nation’s secretaries of state converged on Washington, D.C., for their winter conference.

They had urgent questions about elections for Bondi, then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and other luminaries who had promised to appear at the event. But none of the headline names showed, leaving conference attendees staring at an empty podium, until the session was abruptly canceled.

The breakdown was emblematic of a widening chasm between state officials and the parts of the federal government that had, until recently, worked with them to secure American elections.

Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Democratic secretary of state, said in an interview that the trust between the Trump administration and states is “absolutely demolished.”

This loss of trust reflects that election deniers have assumed so many top roles at federal agencies. Honey

are for the nation’s economy,” said Dr. Matthew Fienup, executive director of the Center for Economic Research & Forecasting at Cal Lutheran and a co-author of the report.

Researchers said strong population growth and high labor force participation rates have been key drivers of the expansion.

“The strong labor force growth demonstrates a Latino demographic resilience that has truly driven the country’s overall economic growth,” said Dr. Paul Hsu of UCLA. The report is part of an ongoing research series examining the economic contributions of Latinos in the United States.

sometimes represents DHS on cross-departmental conference calls with state election chiefs, an unsettling reality for those who spent years countering the false claims she made from outside the government.

On a February call, state officials expressed confusion about whether the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency would still assess their election systems for physical and cyber vulnerabilities. Honey said it would, but Bellows said she’d been told it wouldn’t.

Two DHS officials told ProPublica CISA’s remaining staff avoids election work, afraid they could lose their jobs if they engage with state and local officials. “In CISA, elections are a toxic poison,” one said.

A DHS spokesperson said state and federal officials are still working together “every single day” to protect elections and that “The claim that DHS has a broken partnership with states and made our elections less secure is simply false.”

The cuts to career election specialists and their divisions have eliminated information channels that spotlighted threats as voting took place, including Election Day command posts run by the Justice Department and FBI. Another information channel, which DHS used to fund, will still operate but will be available only to state and local

election offices, not the federal government.

Jessica Cadigan, a former FBI intelligence analyst who investigated Election Day threats, said FBI headquarters’ command post was critical to her cases.

“That is dismantling the brain, if you will,” she said. “They are the ones that piece the whole thing together.”

An FBI spokesperson said the agency will still have capabilities to monitor the situation on the ground through designated election crimes coordinator experts in all its field offices.

Jena Griswold, Colorado’s Democratic secretary of state, has come to see the federal government as adversarial to elections and election administration, rather than a partner.

Colorado is one of around 30 states the Justice Department has sued for confidential voter roll information. At least four courts that have fully considered those cases so far have dismissed them, although the Justice Department has appealed most of the decisions. (The others are pending.) Griswold told ProPublica she has added another lawyer to her staff to fight whatever comes next from the Trump administration.

“Donald Trump,” she said, “has made American elections less safe.”

Republished with Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Riverside City Manager Futrell to leave for post in Pasadena

By Staff

Riverside City Manager

MikeFutrellhas accepted his appointment to become Pasadena’s next chief executive, officials announced Wednesday.

His expected start date in Pasadena is May 13.

Futrell brings more than 30 years of public-sector experience, including 18 years in executive chief administrative and city management roles, Pasadena officials said. Prior to his post in Riverside, he was city manager of South San Francisco, chief administrative officer for the city and county of Baton Rouge, state director in the U.S. Senate, executive vice president at Hawaii Gas and elected offices in the Louisiana House of Representatives and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council.

Futrell is also a retired U.S. Navy captain who served 26 years on active duty and in the reserves.

He has overseen major capital projects, complex public-private partnerships, innovative economic development strategies and large municipal operations that include utilities, airports, convention centers and fullservice city departments. Futrell’s experience includes leading city-owned electric and water utilities that serve as many as 200,000 customers, and also “regulatory, customer service, rate-setting and intergovernmental functions,” officials said.

In South San Francisco, Futrell led the city’s transformation into a biotech economic powerhouse,generating funding for housing, transit, and sustainability initiatives. He also led the restoration of the South San Francisco Bay waterfront, in a $3 billion public-private partnership.

In Riverside, he has steered major economic expansions in green technology, aerospace, and life sciences; delivered landmark capital projects; and strengthened community engagement and transparency. His background also includes significant work in strategic planning, public safety, emergency management, financial recovery, labor relations, communications, and organizational development.

The appointment follows an extensive national search process and reflects the City Council’s commitment to selecting a seasoned, innovative, community-centered leader to guide Pasadena into its next chapter.

“On behalf of the entire City Council, I want to express our deep appreciation to outgoing City Manager Miguel Márquez for his dedicated and effective service to the people of Pasadena,” Mayor Victor Gordo said in a statement. “His leadership has helped guide our city through important challenges and opportunities, and we are grateful for his commitment.

“I also want to acknowledge the many highly qualified and talented candidates who stepped forward throughout this process. They brought forward thoughtful ideas and diverse perspectives, and the City Council benefited greatly from the depth of experience and vision they shared.

“Today, we welcome Mike Futrell and his wife, Susan Freeman, to our great city,” Gordo said. “Mike is a seasoned, proven city manager whose experience, collaborative approach, and steady leadership will serve Pasadena well. He brings

Research led by UCLA suggestsclimate change and natural disasters are driving increases in homelessness across the United States, with experts warning that housing stability must be a central focus of disaster response, it was announced Thursday.

The findings come from four recently published peerreviewed studies examining homelessness nationwide and in Los Angeles County, including the impact of the 2025 wildfires and broader links between displacement and housing loss, according to researchers.

a skill set that will help us confront the complex issues facing our community — both now and in the years ahead — and support the dedicated staff who work every day to make Pasadena a better place for all.”

Futrell said he is honored to have been selected for the opportunity to serve Pasadena.

“I have spent my life in public service, from the U.S. Navy to elected office to leadership roles at the federal, state, and local levels,” Futrell said in a statement. “The unique blend of experiences I’ve gained has prepared me to lead a dynamic and forward-looking city like Pasadena. Pasadena holds a special place in my family’s life. My wife Susan and I have spent many years visiting and enjoying Pasadena, and we plan to be active in the community. I look forward to collaborating with the Council, staff, and community members to advance the City’s priorities and ensure Pasadena’s continued success.”

Futrell’s initial focus areas in Pasadena will include major citywide initiatives such as the Reconnecting Pasadena 710 Vision Plan, Eaton Fire Recovery, Pasadena’s transition to carbon-free electricity by the end of 2030, and continued financial sustainability, along with long-term commitments to community engagement, public safety, and organizational excellence.

Futrell currently is working towards a Ph.D. at the University of CaliforniaMerced’s College of Engineering, Management of Complex Systems. He holds a law degree from Louisiana State University Law School, a master’s in business administration from University of MassachusettsAmherst, a bachelor of science degree in business and public administration from Louisiana State University, and completed a two-year certification in corporate innovation at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

In his free time, Futrell enjoys spending time with Susan visiting cultural desti-

nations and experiencing outdoor spaces.

He also volunteers in the community, often alongside his wife who is an active Rotary Club member and Rotary District DEI Chair, as well as a CEO, a published author and educator. He has four adult children: son, James who is a Naval Officer in San Diego and part of the recovery team for the Artemis II crew and capsule upon splash down; daughter Grace, who served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine and is a senior executive in the Defense Counterintelligence Agency; daughter Madeline who is an artist and scientist; daughter Julia who is an engineer; and a rescue cat named, “MaLou.”

Futrell reflected on his time working for the city of Riverside.

“Riverside is a wonderful city on the rise. Leading this city staff and working with Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and the City Council has been the honor of a lifetime,” Futrell said in a statement.

“City Manager Futrell has served Riverside well for more than three years, and I am grateful for the many things we accomplished together,” Lock Dawson said in a statement. “I wish him the best in his new role in the city of Pasadena.”

Futrell led Riverside out of the post-COVID era, strengthening city finances and reaffirming the City’s AA+ credit rating, while improving the quality of life with investments in parks, libraries, public works, refuse operations and affordable housing, Riverside officials said. He moved the Inland Empire city forward with major projects such as funding and construction of a new library

UCLA studies link climate change to rising homelessness

“Each home lost to climate-related events, per 10,000 people, was associated with a significant, 1 percentage point greater increase in homelessness,” Dr. Kathryn Leifheit, assistant professor in the UCLA Fielding School’s Department of Health Policy and Management, said in a statement.

“Our findings underscore the reality that homelessness can be seen as a predictable consequence of climate disasters, so governments should focus on housing stabilization in their disaster response plans, while dedicating adequate funding to provide

By City News Service

housing-specific services.”

In Los Angeles County, where more than 52,000 people are unsheltered on any given night, researchers said the 2025 wildfires displaced roughly 200,000 residents and severely affected people already living on the streets.

“The wildfires were among the most devastating urban wildfires in history, and as traumatic as they have been for those who lost their homes, those living on the street suffered as well,” said Dr. Randall Kuhn, professor in the UCLA Fielding Department of Community Health Sciences.

Researchers said policies aimed at preventing evictions and stabilizing housing can significantly reduce homelessness.

“If states and local governments had allowed evictions to proceed during that period, we estimate that the average increase would have been nearly 20%,” said Dr. Craig Pollack, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Additional findings showed that enforcement measures such as homeless encampment sweeps and laws targeting behaviors like sleeping in public are linked

on the Eastside, the new Northside Agricultural Innovation Center, renovation and expansion of the historic Museum of Riverside, and a new headquarters for the Riverside Police Department.

“Mike Futrell understood the potential of Riverside’s economic assets, particularly our airport and emerging innovation sectors, and worked to align the organization around that vision,” Mayor Pro Tem Steven Robillard said in a statement.

“His leadership helped move forward projects that will have lasting impact on our local economy. We’re grateful for his contributions and the progress made under his tenure. As we move ahead, we remain focused on executing and delivering results. I wish him the best in his next role.”

Futrell’s focus on public safety resulted in 100% police staffing for the first time in 20 years and cumulatively a 35% reduction in crime, plus investments and new leadership in the Riverside Fire Department, officials said. Futrell expanded the City’s economic development efforts resulting in multiple new companies opening in Riverside, over $4 billion in new investment, and Riverside’s economy expanding in the areas of green tech, aerospace, medical and life sciences.

“During the last three years our City has fared well thanks to the leadership of the Mayor and City Council,” Futrell added. “This City is resilient and will continue to level up. I look forward to watching its continued success.”

Riverside officials are now conducting a search for Futrell’s replacement.

to worse physical and mental health outcomes.

“Policing doesn’t work,” said Dr. Benjamin Henwood, a researcher at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. “The physical and mental health damage is both immediate and cumulative, and in many cases, just moves the individual from one spot to another -- it doesn’t really solve the problem.”

The research also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between emergency response systems and homeless services.

“These findings, and the realities that climate

change is very likely to lead to even more of these sorts of disasters, highlights the need for even more coordination between emergency response systems and homeless services, to ensure that everyone is adequately protected during future disasters,” Kuhn said. The studies were published in the April editions of the Journal of the American Medical Association’s JAMA Network Open and the American Journal of Public Health, as well as the March editions of Health Affairs Scholar and Social Science & Medicine.

Thesocioeconomic landscape for Gen Z and Gen Alpha has undergone a noticeable shift since 2020. We already know how the pandemic disrupted schools and first jobs, but a secondary, more persistent health crisis is now coming into focus. Beyond the broad economic headlines, the data is signaling a sharp surge in behavioral health struggles— specifically in how adolescents are handling the mixture of social and academic pressure.

At the center of this is the rising prevalence of eating disorders. It’s a trend that reflects a compounded risk profile for today’s teenagers, one where old-school peer pressure is supercharged by algorithmic tech and a hyper-competitive “alwayson” academic culture.

Treatment provider Victory Bay takes a look at the data behind this shift and why this “social pressure pandemic” is finally starting to lose its invisibility.

Rising Diagnoses

The phenomenon of rapid increases in eating disorders is both national and global. Data from the Journal of Pediatrics shows that in the wake of COVID-19, prevalence among 6- to 18-year-olds rose by approximately 40%. Eating disorders can not be discussed without mentioning that they have one of the highest mortality rates of all psychiatric diagnoses.

At the population level, around 7.8% of people have an eating disorder. Among those aged 18 and under, the proportion is 22.36%, and it is continuing to grow.

According to a 2025 metaanalysis of 52 studies, health care utilization for eating disorders increased by 54% during the pandemic. Public health researchers estimated that in 2025, there were roughly 250,000-300,000 encounters related to eating

The social pressure pandemic: Teens, body image and the surge in eating disorders

By Andrea Papa, D.O. for

disorders among adolescents aged 12-18 in the U.S.

Another impact of this trend is that there is greater demand for dedicated treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Data from treatment providers confirms a surge in patient admissions, highlighting the operational strain on recovery services as they scale to meet this demographic shift. Treatment centers are stepping in to meet this demand. However, it’s clear that while tackling eating disorders on an individual level is possible, the broader social pressure exerted upon teens must be addressed with a wider response.

Rampant Peer Pressure

Peer comparison drives eating disorders, and has been doing so for decades. However, teens are now exposed to a vastly more

intense form of this, with social media acting as a lightning rod for all their insecurities and anxieties around body image.

Seeing idealized posts from friends is bad enough. The pervasiveness of influencer culture, where unrealistic standards are the norm and a lack of regulatory oversight compounds the problem, exposes vulnerable young people to content that catalyzes the spread of eating disorders. Again, there is clear evidence to support this. Internal testing from Instagram parent company Meta, as covered by Reuters, indicated that algorithmic recommendation engines disproportionately serve “eating disorder adjacent” content to users with pre-existing body image concerns, accounting for 10.5% of the content shown

to them, compared with 3.3% for teens who are happier with their bodies.

Eating disorder adjacent content is not the only harmful content social media algorithms push towards children with body image issues. The collective proportion of potentially damaging content in their feeds accounts for 27% of the total, again according to Meta’s own testing. Their more self-assured peers are exposed to just 13.6% by comparison.

Social media usage has its own relationship with body image concerns. Teens using these platforms for 4 hours a day or more are at the greatest risk of developing body dissatisfaction and dysmorphia (BDD). It is important to note that roughly 1 in 3 people with body dysmorphia will also develop an eating disorder.

The correlation between high-platform usage and clinical symptoms is increasingly documented.

Stress and Academics

Outside of social media and influencer culture’s hold over eating disorder trends, there’s also a correlation between the social pressure of expected academic excellence and dietary dilemmas. Students face continuous performance pressure throughout their educational careers. Now that the job market is even more competitive post-graduation, this pressure ratchets up higher. Again, there’s research showing this link. Nineteen percent of students sit at the highest end of the perceived stress scale (PSS), and their food intake suffers as a result. Poor dietary choices and disordered eating behaviors are disproportion-

ately prevalent in this group. Moreover, 65% of students exhibit moderate stress, so there’s clear pressure felt by the majority, even if the minority have proven eating issues as a result.

Addressing an Invisible Pandemic

It’s apparent that the proliferation of eating disorders, especially since 2020, has serious implications for young people today, and for society as a whole, as they move from education into the world of work and beyond. Conditions such as anorexia and bulimia pose both acute health problems and leave longer-term marks, influencing everything from mental health to fertility. Failing to contend with this modern phenomenon is not an option.

Given the circumstances surrounding the rise in body image issues and disordered eating, there can be no silver bullet solution. Regulation of social media, particularly algorithmic content recommendations, is increasingly necessary. Legislative responses, such as the enforced age-gating in Australia and the proposed “duty of care” standards in the UK, represent a global shift toward platform accountability.

Academic stress is a niche-specific problem that can hopefully be managed sensitively by the institutions involved. Although again, top-level regulations could prove the best option here.

Whatever action is taken, paying close attention to the data when changes get rolled out is just as important. This is the only way to ensure that teen eating disorders don’t continue to climb.

This story was produced by Victory Bay and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Producers Guild releases sustainability tool kit for film, TV industry

By City News Service

The Producers Guild of America on Wednesday released a sustainability tool kit aimed at helping film, television and media producers adopt more environmentally and economically sustainable practices. The tool kit is designed to guide producers in demonstrating the business case for sustainability, incorporating climate awareness into story-

telling and engaging production crews in implementing environmentally conscious solutions, according to the guild.

The resource includes four main sections focused on production practices, storytelling, communication strategies and practical resources such as checklists and calculators.

The production section

outlines ways to reduce fuel use, materials and waste, while the storytelling component encourages integrating climate awareness throughout development, production, post-production and marketing.

Additional communication guides are intended to help producers work with creative teams and crews to adopt sustainable practices,

while the resource section provides tools to support more efficient productions.

“Whether you’re just getting started or ready to go deeper, there’s something for every film, television, and emerging media producer, including tips to help make the case to financiers, studios, and other collaborators that having sustainable productions can also be good for the

bottom line,” the PGA said in a statement. The tool kit was developed in collaboration with the InterGuild and Union Sustainability Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 entertainment industry unions and organizations.

Officials said the release marks the latest effort by the guild to promote sustainability in the entertainment

industry, following years of initiatives including training programs, workshops and advocacy for cleaner energy use in production.

The PGA represents more than 8,400 members working across film, television and emerging media. More information and access to the tool kit are available at sustainability. producersguild.org

Jury: Live Nation operated ticketing monopoly

By City News Service

Concludingaclosely watchedtrialwith potentiallyfarreaching implications for concert-goers, a federal jury in New York found Wednesday that Beverly Hills-based Live Nation Entertainment and subsidiary Ticketmaster orchestrated an illegal monopoly of the concertticketing industry.

Live Nation has repeatedly and vehemently denied it was maintaining an unlawful dominance of the ticketing industry.

The verdict came in a lawsuit originally filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and dozens of attorneys general from multiple states, including California. The DOJ settled its portion of the antitrust lawsuit in March, but the states declined to join the settlement and took the allegations to trial.

“A jury today found Live Nation/Ticketmaster liable for anticompetitive conduct that harmed the music industry and included overcharging consumers,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. “This is a historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them.

“In the face of dwindling antitrust enforcement by the Trump administration, this verdict shows just how far states can go to protect our residents from big corporations that are using their power to illegally raise prices and rip-off Americans. We are incredibly proud

of today’s outcome -- and especially proud of our coalition made up of red and blue states alike who understood we needed to come together to protect our consumers, businesses, and state economies from Live Nation’s illegal conduct.”

Live Nation issued a statement Wednesday insisting the case is not over, noting that it has a series of motions pending regarding liability issues that the judge “deferred until after the jury returned its verdict.” There is also a motion pending to strike “damages testimony on which the jury’s award was based.”

“Of course, Live Nation can and will appeal any unfavorable rulings on these motions,” according to the company. “The jury’s award of $1.72 per ticket applies to a limited number of tickets -- those sold at 257 venues, which represent about 20% of total tickets -- and only to purchases by fans (excluding brokers) in certain states over the past five years. Based on that scope, we believe the aggregate single damages figure would be below $150 million, which would be trebled. In connection with the DOJ settlement, Live Nation has already accrued $280 million toward state damages and civil penalty claims.

“Injunctive relief will be determined by the Court after the states make a remedy proposal, which we expect in the coming

weeks. In the meantime, the Tunney Act proceedings regarding the DOJ settlement will continue.

We remain confident that the ultimate outcome of the states’ case will not be materially different than what is envisioned by the DOJ settlement.”

The allegations in the case originally stemmed from a probe into the November 2022 ticket presale debacle for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Ticketmaster, which controls more than 70% of the market for ticketing and live events, crashed during the first day

of sales for the Swift tour, leaving millions of fans ticketless or left to seek higher-priced tickets on the secondary market.

The lawsuit, filed two years ago in federal court in the Southern District of New York, accused the company of creating a monopoly over the live entertainment market that has harmed music fans, artists and promoters around the United States through higher prices and frustrating consumer experiences.

Plaintiffs contended that Live Nation sought to lock out competitors by using restrictive contracts and exclusive agreements with venues, allegedly preventing concert halls from switching to rival ticketing systems.

When the lawsuit was filed, Live Nation denied the company controls the market. The company said the lawsuit “ignores everything that is actually responsible for higher ticket prices, from increasing production costs to artist popularity, to 24/7 online ticket scalping that reveals the public’s willingness to pay far more than primary tickets cost.”

The suit “blames Live Nation and Ticketmaster for high service charges, but ignores that Ticketmaster retains only a modest portion of those fees. In fact, primary ticketing is one of the least expensive digital distributions in the economy,” the company contended at the time.

In March, the DOJ

settled its portion of the case with Live Nation and Ticketmaster. As part of that settlement, the company agreed to divest its 13 exclusive booking agreements with amphitheaters nationwide. All owned and operated amphitheaters will continue to be operated by Live Nation as open venues, promoting competition and maximizing show volume, according to a statement issued by the company at the time.

“Today marks a major step in improving the concert experience for artists and fans throughout the United States,” Michael Rapino, Live Nation’s president and chief executive, said in a statement in March. “Live Nation is proud to lead the way enhancing this experience with our amphitheaters, which will be open to all promoters, allowing these promoters to decide how best to distribute up to 50% of the tickets, and capping ticketing service fees at 15%.

“By giving artists greater flexibility in choosing their promotional partners and ticketing strategy while also keeping the cost of a concert more affordable for fans, we are putting more power where it should be -- with artists and fans.”

Following the jury’s verdict Wednesday, the case will go back before the judge in New York to determine damages, penalties and restitution, and other possible “injunctive relief,” according to Bonta’s office.

Antonio Villaraigosa says he’ll serve 1 term if elected

By City News Service

Gubernatorial candidate

and former Los Angeles

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa pledged Tuesday that he will only serve one term if elected.

“I am committed to only seeking one term for governor of California. With so much uncertainty in California and across the country, I want to be the leader who gets things done and provides proven leadership,”Villaraigosa said in a statement. “I would rather be transformative and successfully lead our state in the next four years, than be mediocre for the next eight.

I’m making this pledge for one reason: so every day I

serve is about delivering for the people of this state.”

Villaraigosa is also a former speaker of the state Assembly, and is one of nine major candidates running in the June 2 primary.

The race received a major shakeup April 12 when Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, withdrew amid allegations of sexual assault, sexual misconduct and other wrongdoing. Swalwell resigned his U.S. House seat a day later.

Aside from Villaraigosa, the other Democrats in the race are Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services secre-

tary and former California attorney general; San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Rep. Katie Porter, entrepreneur Tom Steyer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and former state Controller Betty Yee.

The two Republicans in the race are Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, a Fox News contributor and former adviser to British prime minister David Cameron.

The top two finishers in the primary, regardless of party, will advance to the general election in November.

TEMPLE CITY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on the project described below. You are receiving this notice because your property is located near the project, the project may directly, or indirectly affect you, or because you have requested to be notified.

Project Citywide, City of Temple City, County of Los Angeles Location:

Project: PL 26-5318: An Ordinance to amend Section 9-1T-21 (Urban Dwellings and Urban Lot Splits) of the Temple City Municipal Code. The proposed amendment will update the City’s Urban Dwellings and Urban Lot Splits Ordinance to implement policies of the City’s Housing Element and to reflect changes in State law, as mandated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The Planning Commission will review and make a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will make the final decision on this project at a future public hearing.

Applicant: City of Temple City, 9701 Las Tunas Drive, Temple City, CA 91780

Environmental This Ordinance is not subject to environmental review Review: under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (activities that will not result in physical change in the environment) and 15162 (subsequent environmental review) of the CEQA Guidelines.

The Planning Commission Public Hearing will be held:

Meeting Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. Meeting Location: City Council Chambers, 5938 Kauffman Avenue, Temple City, CA 91780

If you have a request for reasonable modification or accommodation due to a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act please contact staff 48 hours in advance of the meeting at planning@templecityca.gov or (626) 656-7316.

For questions or concerns regarding this project, or if you wish to review the project file, please contact:

Project Planner: Andrew Coyne, AICP, Associate Planner (626) 285-2171, extension 4344 acoyne@templecityca.gov or visit the Community Development Department offices at City Hall located at: 9701 Las Tunas Drive, Temple City, CA 91780 Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A separate public hearing for the project will be held before the City Council. When scheduled, the hearing will be separately noticed. If you challenge any of the foregoing actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the hearing body at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Date: April 20, 2026

Signature: Andrew Coyne, AICP Associate Planner

Publish April 20, 2026

TEMPLE CITY TRIBUNE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

OLGA T. NIEBLAS AKA

OLGA TORRES NIEBLAS CASE NO. 26STPB03627

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of OLGA T. NIEBLAS AKA OLGA TORRES NIEBLAS.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SAUL TORRES NIEBLAS in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SAUL TORRES NIEBLAS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority

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hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner

PAUL HORN, ESQ. - SBN 243227

PAUL HORN LAW GROUP, PC 11404 SOUTH STREET

CERRITOS CA 90703

Telephone (800) 380-7076

BSC 228292

4/13, 4/16, 4/20/26

CNS-4031585# AZUSA BEACON

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ROBERT ALEXANDER McMASTER aka ROBERT A. McMASTER

Case No. 26STPB03787

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ROBERT ALEXANDER McMASTER aka ROBERT A. McMASTER

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Arlene Gonzales McMaster in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Arlene Gonzales McMaster be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on May 7, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 67 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

Attorney for petitioner: TROY WERNER ESQ SBN 265907

GRACE LIM-AYRES ESQ SBN 321004

THE WERNER LAW FIRM 27433 TOURNEY RD STE 200 SANTA CLARITA CA 91355 CN126336 MCMASTER Apr 16,20,23, 2026 SAN GABRIEL SUN

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF CHRISTINE OOI

Case No. 24STPB03191

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of CHRISTINE OOI

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Kuokai Cheah in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Kuokai Cheah be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on May 14, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 62 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s lost WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The lost WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/08/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 9 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner SILVIO NARDONI - SBN 48395 ARCHIMEDES LAW GROUP, LLP 333 S. GRAND AVE., STE. 3310 LOS ANGELES CA 90071

Telephone (818) 550-1800 4/16, 4/20, 4/23/26 CNS-4032410# ARCADIA WEEKLY

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF CHING TUENN LAI Case No. 26STPB03993

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of CHING TUENN LAI

the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: VERLAND

to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/04/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 308 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: JARED A BARRY, ESQ SBN 221988 BARRY LAW GROUP 16633 VENTURA BLVD SUITE 1000 ENCINO CA 91436 CN126352 OOI Apr 16,20,23, 2026 DUARTE DISPATCH

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MOLLY WOLVECK

CASE NO. 26STPB03912

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the lost WILL or estate, or both of MOLLY WOLVECK.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SILVIO NARDONI in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SILVIO NARDONI be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Jeff Wilson Lai and Nancy Chen Lai in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Jeff W. Lai and Nancy Chen Lai be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on May 13, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 29 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF TSUI WUAN SU LAI Case No. 26STPB03998

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of TSUI WUAN SU LAI A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Jeff Wilson Lai and Nancy Chen Lai in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Jeff W. Lai and Nancy Chen Lai be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on May 11, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 99 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section

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Alhambra City Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT AMD-26-04, AMENDING TITLE 23 (ZONING) OF THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADDRESS NEW STATE LAWS, ELIMINATE INCONSISTENCIES, CLARIFY AMBIGUOUS PROVISIONS, CORRECT TYPOGRAPHICAL AND FORMATTING ERRORS, AND MODIFY USE ALLOWANCES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chambers of the Alhambra City Hall, 111 South First Street, Alhambra, California, the Alhambra City Council will hold a public hearing to consider an ordinance approving a Zoning Text Amendment amending various sections of Title 23 (Zoning) of the Alhambra Municipal Code, as well as adding new sections, to address new State legislation, eliminate inconsistencies, clarify ambiguous provisions, correct typographical and formatting errors, and modify use allowances. The proposed amendments and additions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Establishment of regulations and development standards for Urban Dwelling units (also known as SB-9 units);

• Establishment of regulations, development standards, and Conditional Use Permit requirement specifically for new “Vape & Smoke Retail Sales” and “Poolrooms & Billiard Rooms” use classifications;

•Establishment of Minor Use Permit requirement for new “Alcohol Beverage, Off-Sales” use classification;

•Amend existing land use regulations to allow tandem parking meeting certain requirements;

•Use classifications for Data Centers;

•Updates to ADU definitions, development standards, and review timelines;

•Clarification of Fences and Freestanding Walls standards;

•Clarification of Security Devices in Non-Residential Zones standards;

• Amendment of Review Authority for RPD Permits and Conditional Use Permits for qualifying housing projects subject to streamlined review procedures pursuant to AB 130;

•Clarification and revisions to Artificial Turf definition and standards;

•Clarification of Yard definitions;

•Clarification to Parking and Loading standards; and

•Clarification of Common Procedures.

This meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 111 S. First St., Alhambra, CA but viewing and participation will also be available via Zoom. Details regarding how to listen to and participate in the meeting will be outlined in the agenda posted for the May 11, 2026 meeting or please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (626) 570-5090.

ADDRESS: Citywide

APPLICANT: City of Alhambra FILE NO.:AMD-26-04

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, staff has conducted an initial review of the project application and has determined that the above referenced project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) unless otherwise noted above.

Further details and legal descriptions relating to the above ordinance is on file and may be viewed in the Community Development Department or City Clerk’s Office in the Alhambra City Hall during normal business hours (7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday).

Any person wishing to be heard on this matter is invited to attend the public hearing and speak to the Council at the time and place stated. Pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21177, no action or proceeding may be brought in court unless the alleged grounds for noncompliance with the California Environmental Quality Act were presented to the Council orally or in writing by any person and no person shall maintain an action or proceeding unless that person objected to the approval of the Project orally or in writing to the Council.

p.m.

At a public hearing on April 15, 2026, following a public meeting (study session held on April 1, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance, with comments and suggested amendments related to the Common Open Space Amenity area regulations, permitted projections for balconies, a new articulation modulation option (“architectural banding”), and the proposed elimination of the Public Right-of-Way and Access Improvements requirements for commercial corridors.

The May 12, 2026 City Council public hearing can be viewed on Charter Cable Channel 6 or streamed online at: https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/management-services/gtv6/livevideo-stream.

For public comments and questions during the hearing call 818-937-8100. City staff will be submitting these questions and comments in real time to the appropriate person during the City Council meeting.

If you desire more information on the Project or wish to submit comments prior to the hearing, please contact Vilia Zemaitaitis, AICP, Deputy Director of Long Range Planning, in the Community Development Department at (818) 937-8154 or email: VZemaitaitis@ GlendaleCA.gov.

Any person having an interest in the subject Project may participate in the hearing, in person or by phone as outlined above, and may be heard in support of his/her opinion. Any person protesting may file a duly signed and acknowledged written protest with the Director of Community Development not later than the hour set for public hearing before the Planning Commission. “Acknowledged” shall mean a declaration of property ownership (or occupant if not owner) under penalty of perjury. If you challenge the decision of this Project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Glendale, at or prior to the public hearing. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, please notify the Community Development Department at least 48 hours (or two business days) for requests regarding sign language translation and Braille transcription services.

Staff reports are accessible prior to the meeting through hyperlinks in the ‘Agendas and Minutes’ section. Website Internet Address: www.glendaleca.gov/agendas

Dr. Suzie Abajian The City Clerk of the City of Glendale

Pasadena City Notices

RELATING THE APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (2026)

The City of Pasadena announces that the draft Annual Action Plan (2026) as required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be available on or about April 16, 2026, for public review and comment. This action if approved is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061(b)(3).

The Annual Action Plan (2026) functions as an annual application for federal funds under HUD formula grant programs, specifically, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME) and any other HUD entitlement programs potentially available to the City of Pasadena. The Annual Action Plan describes the strategy to carry out federal programs, indicates the general priorities for allocating funds and describes the basis for assigning the funding to each priority. The document includes a description of the proposed activities, funded with the HUD Community Development formula grant funds during the upcoming program year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) to address priorities.

The Pasadena City Council and Housing Department are vitally interested in improving and increasing communication with Pasadena citizens in the areas of housing, community development, and economic development. The draft Annual Action Plan is available for a public comment starting April 16, 2026, on the Housing Department website at: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/housing/. Citizens wishing to submit written comments during the public review and comment period may mail them, postmarked no later than May 14, 2026, to the following:

City of Pasadena

Housing Department

Attention: Randy Mabson, Program Coordinator

199 S. Los Robles Ave. #450 Pasadena, CA 91101

The public hearing will be held at the following location and time:

City Council - Public Hearing

Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Pasadena City Hall – City Council Chambers

100 N. Garfield Avenue Pasadena, CA 91109

During the meeting and prior to the close of the public hearing, members of the public may provide public comment. Please refer to the agenda when posted as to whether the hearing will be held electronically or in person, and how to provide public comment. If you challenge the matter in Court, you may be limited to raising those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing, or in written correspondence sent to the City Clerk at, or prior to, the public hearing.

MATTHEW E. HAWKESWORTH, Interim City Manager

P.O. Box 7115 Pasadena, CA 91109

Publish April 20, 2026 PASADENA PRESS

Notice of Public Hearing on the Proposed Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Planning & Community Development Department has prepared a new Specific Plan for Fair Oaks Orange Grove, to replace the prior version (2002). The proposed Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan (FOOG) will result in refined vison, goals, policies, permitted uses, development and public realm standards, and guidelines that will shape the built environment for the FOOG area and implement General Plan Land Use policies.

The Proposed Specific Plan will require the following approvals: General Plan Map Amendment, Specific Plan Amendment, and Zoning Map and Text Amendments. You may find documents related to the Proposed Plan at www.ourpasadena.org/FOOG-PCHR-042226.

PROJECT LOCATION: The proposed FOOG is generally located along Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard and bounded by Woodbury Road to the north, Raymond Avenue and Oakland Avenue to the east, Maple Street to the south and Lincoln Avenue, Morton Avenue, Sunset Avenue, and Linder Alley to the west (Exhibit 1).

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: An addendum to the 2015 Pasadena General Plan Environmental Impact Report (GP EIR) (State Clearinghouse No. 2013091009) to address the potential site-specific environmental impacts associated with the proposed FOOG has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA) (Cal. Public Resources Code Section 21000, et. seq., as amended) and its implementing guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, Section 15000 et. seq., 2016). This Addendum has been prepared and will be processed consistent with CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, Section 15162 and Section 15164). The addendum found that the proposed FOOG will not result in any potentially significant impacts that were not already analyzed.

APPROVALS NEEDED: The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing and consider the proposed amendments and addendum to the GP EIR. The Planning Commission recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council, who will make a final decision at a separately noticed public hearing.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will hold a public meeting to review the latest update to the FOOG. The meeting is scheduled for:

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Council Chambers, Pasadena City Hall 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249. The meeting agenda will be posted by April 17, 2026 at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/plan ning-commission.

PUBLIC INFORMATION: Any interested party or their representative may appear at the meeting and comment on the project. Prior to the start of the meeting, written correspondence may be emailed to commentsPC@cityofpasadena.net or mailed to the address below (note that this email address will not be checked once the meeting starts).

Contact Person: Ani Garibyan, Planner

Phone: (626) 744-6743

E-mail: agaribyan@cityofpasadena.net

Website: www.cityofpasadena.net/planning

Mailing Address:

Planning & Community Development Department

Planning Division, Community Planning Section 175 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

ADA: To request a disability-related modification or accommodation necessary to facilitate meeting participation, please contact the Planning & Community Development Department as soon as possible at (626) 744-4009 or (626) 744-4371 (TDD) or agaribyan@

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cityofpasadena.net. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability. Language translation services may also be requested with 72-hour advance notice by calling (626) 744-4009

Exhibit 1: Proposed Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan Area

Exhibit 1: Proposed Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan Area Published on April 2, 13, 20, 2026

LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that DANIEL R. GEORGIADES AND SARAH ERNST be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DAVID PAUL NEEDLES

CASE NO. 26STPB03651

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: DAVID PAUL NEEDLES

A Petition for Probate has been filed by GILLIAN BAGWELL in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. The Petition for Probate requests that GILLIAN BAGWELL be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The Petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court on 5/4/2026 at 8:30 A.M. in Dept. 4 Room N/A located at 111 NORTH HILL STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90012.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/08/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner

KEVIN CHIU - SBN 249479

file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: G. FRANCHESCA CALLEJO, 1831 SOLANO AVENUE, NO. 7328, BERKELEY, CA 94707, Telephone: 510-526-7209 4/9, 4/13, 4/20/26 CNS-4030311# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: REBECCA F. WHITE CASE NO. 26STPB03922

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of REBECCA F. WHITE. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by DANIEL R. GEORGIADES AND SARAH ERNST in the Superior Court of California, County of

authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/08/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 217 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner

JULIA L. BIRKEL - SBN 115429

JORDAN C. PARR - SBN 332114

HILL FARRER & BURRILL LLP

515 S. FLOWER ST., 7TH FLOOR LOS ANGELES CA 90071

Telephone (213) 621-0460 4/16, 4/20, 4/23/26 CNS-4032574# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF SHIZUYA HAYAKAWA MADERE, AKA SHIZUYA MADERE CASE NO. 30-2026-01560763-PR-LACMC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: SHIZUYA HAYAKAWA MADERE, AKA SHIZUYA MADERE.

HART, MIERAS & MORRIS, INC. 255 E. SANTA CLARA ST., #300 PASADENA CA 91006 Telephone (626) 607-1411 4/13, 4/16, 4/20/26 CNS-4032865# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DRURY SHERROD AKA DRURY R. SHERROD III CASE NO. 26STPB00822

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of DRURY SHERROD AKA DRURY R. SHERROD III.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ROBERT YOUNG in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ROBERT YOUNG be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the

A Petition for Probate has been filed by SHARON TUCKER, SUSAN ANESI, AND SANDY GUIDICIANNE in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The Petition for Probate requests that SHARON TUCKER, SUSAN ANESI, AND SANDY GUIDICIANNE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The Petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court on June 17, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in Dept. CM08 located at 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, Costa Mesa Justice Complex.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California

recorded in Book 10, Page 39 of Deeds. Also except therefrom one-half of all oil, gas and other hydrocarbon substances in and under said land, as reserved in Deed recorded in Book D2253, Page 119, Official Records. Parcel 2: Nonexclusive easements and rights for access, ingress and egress and other purposes, as set forth in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Reservation of Easements for Claybourne ridge, recorded on November 9, 2000 as Instrument No. 2000-1760136, Official Records of said county, and any amendments thereto (“The Declaration”). EXHIBIT “B’ Personal Property All equipment, fixtures, and other articles of personal property now or hereafter owned by Trustor, and now or hereafter attached or affixed to the Real Property; together with all accessions, parts, and additions to, all replacements of, and all substitutions for, any of such property; and together with all proceeds (including without limitation all insurance proceeds and refunds of premiums) from any sale or other disposition of the Property. Please Publish 959171 / 2025-100893, West Covina- West Covina Press, 04-202026,04-27-2026,05-04-2026

Name of Registrant(s): COASTAL FAMILY MEDICINE, INC (CA, 17360 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. This business is conducted by an corporation. WOODBRIDGE WALK-IN MEDICAL GROUP, INC.. /s/ DAVID S. KIM, CEO (Chief Executive Officer). This statement was filed with the County Clerk on March 19, 2026. Published in: Anaheim Press 03/30/2026, 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Axios Enterprises (2). AXIOS ENGRAVING (3). AXIOS RECOGNITION SYSTEMS 33410 Rancho California Rd Temecula, CA 92591 Riverside County Mailing Address, 33410 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591. Riverside County CELEBRATION CELLARS LLC (CA, 33410 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591 Riverside County

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20260002292

The following persons are doing business as: CERTIFIED AUTO ELECTRIC, 1201 E Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786. Mailing Address, 1201 E Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786. ANDREW ALKATIME. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on February 20, 2026. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ ANDREW ALKATIME, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on March 18, 2026 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20260002292 Pub: 03/30/2026, 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026 San Bernardino Press

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME 20266738622. The following person(s) has(have) abandoned the use of the Fictitious Business Name: COSTA MESA URGENT CARE, 660 BAKER ST SUITE A-102, COSTA MESA, CA 92626. Mailing Address, 17360 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in Orange County on: February 14, 2024. FILE NO. 20246683001 Full Name of Registrant(s): COASTAL FAMILY MEDICINE, INC (CA, 17360 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. This business is conducted by an corporation. COSTA MESA URGENT CARE. /s/ DAVID S. KIM, CEO (Chief Executive Officer). This statement was filed with the County Clerk on March 19, 2026. Published in: Anaheim Press 03/30/2026, 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME 20266738621. The following person(s) has(have) abandoned the use of the Fictitious Business Name: WOODBRIDGE WALK-IN MEDICAL GROUP, INC., 4950 BARRANCA PKWY SUITE 104, IRVINE, CA 92604. Mailing Address, 17360 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 . The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in Orange County on: February 14, 2024. FILE NO. 20246682989 Full

This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. CANE VANDERHOOF, Manager, CEO Statement filed with the County of Riverside on March 23, 2026

NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202604237 Pub. 03/30/2026, 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026 Riverside Independent

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Legend Massage 24490 Sunnymead Blvd, Suite 118 Moreno Valley, CA 92553 Riverside County Shaohua He, 24490 Sunnymead Blvd, Suite 118, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. Shaohua He Statement filed with the County of Riverside on March 10, 2026 NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202603403 Pub. 03/30/2026, 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026 Riverside Independent

LEGALS

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as IDC HOMES 1152 Kendrick Court Corona, CA 92881

Riverside County Ghina Itani, 1152 Kendrick Court, Corona, CA 92881

Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. Ghina Itani

Statement filed with the County of Riverside on March 18, 2026

NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202603906

Pub. 03/30/2026, 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026 Riverside Independent

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as 2S: TRUE CRIME QUARTERS 28039 Scott Rd STE. D #263 Murrieta, CA 92563

Riverside County Michael Santana, 28039 Scott Rd STE D #263, Murrieta, CA 92563

Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. Michael Santana Statement filed with the County of Riverside on March 17, 2026

NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202603840 Pub. 03/30/2026, 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20266738269. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Julie’s Barber, 10515 Mcfadden Ave Ste 103, Garden Grove, CA 92843. Full Name of Registrant(s) Julie Trinh, 10515 Mcfadden Ave Ste 103, Garden Grove, CA 92843. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 1, 2005. /S/ Julie Trinh. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on March

17, 2026. Publish: Anaheim Press 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026, 04/27/2026s sc

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20260001541

The following persons are doing business as: (1). Nova Intelligence (2). BEU Institute AI (3). Business Elevation University (BEU) (4). AI Wealth Shift (5). Fiscal Roots (6). WealthKen (7). Prompt Profits (8). Tax Optimization Blueprint (9). AI Wealth Tools Accelerator (10). Key Money Club (11). BEU Institute (12). BEUInstitute.AI , 3350 Shelby St Ste 200, Ontario, CA 91764. Mailing Address, 3350 Shelby St Ste 200, Ontario, CA 91764. # of Employees 1. Nova intelligence. inc (CA-B20260054142, 3350 Shelby St Ste 200, Ontario, CA 91764; Remy S Chikasu, CEO. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Remy S Chikasu, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on February 27, 2026 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20260001541 Pub: 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026, 04/27/2026 San Bernardino Press

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as WESTCOAST AUTO BROKERS 11801 Pierce St Suite 265 Riverside, CA 92505 Riverside County WESTCOAST AUTO BROKERS, llc (CA, 9754 Foxglove Dr, Riverside, CA 92503 Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. GILBERTO A PUON MAZARIEGOS, MEMBER

Statement filed with the County of Riverside on March 16, 2026

NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Peter Aldana, County, Clerk

File# R-202603754 Pub. 04/06/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026, 04/27/2026 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20260002799

The following persons are doing business as: West Coast Sourdough Ontario, 2780 E Riverside Dr Suite A, Ontario, CA 91761. Mailing Address, 603 S Milliken Ave, Suite F, Ontario, Ca 91761. # of Employees 12. WCS Ontario Inc (CA, 603 S Milliken Ave F, Ontario, CA 91761; Caleb Cabrera, President. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on February 6, 2026. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Caleb Cabrera, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on April 2, 2026 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20260002799 Pub: 04/13/2026, 04/20/2026, 04/27/2026, 05/04/2026 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026739916. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Utility Consultants of Orange County, 23101 Moulton Pkwy #202, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Full Name of Registrant(s) Mike Schneider Inc (CA, 23101 Moulton Pkwy #202, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on March 1, 1989. Utility Consultants of Orange County. /S/ Michael Schneider, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on April 7, 2026. Publish: Anaheim Press 04/20/2026, 04/27/2026, 05/04/2026, 05/11/2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20260003489

The following persons are doing business as: Ridge 909, 6371 haven ave ste 3 #52, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737. Mailing Address, 6371 haven ave ste 3 #52, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737. # of Employees 0. Gabriel Treuhaft. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on April 8, 2026. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Gabriel Treuhaft, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on April 14, 2026 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires

40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Ficti-

ness and Professions Code) File#: FBN20260003489 Pub: 04/20/2026, 04/27/2026, 05/04/2026, 05/11/2026 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20260003525 The following persons are doing business as: Empire Apartments, 3132 Triumph Lane, Ontario, CA 91764. Mailing Address, PO Box 1919, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91727. VMA Apartments 1, LLC (CA, 3595 Inland Empire Blvd BLDG 2 #2100, Ontario, CA 91764; Victor M Martinez, Managing member. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on April 9, 2026. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Victor M Martinez, Managing member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on April 15, 2026 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20260003525 Pub: 04/20/2026, 04/27/2026, 05/04/2026, 05/11/2026 San Bernardino Press

FILE NO. FBN20260003378 FILED: April 13, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT ABANDONMENT: County of Original Filing: San Bernardino

Date of Original Filing: April 13, 2022

File No.: FBN20220003383 Fictitious Business Name(s): Brow Bar threading studio 12200B Central Avenue Chino, CA 91710 San Bernardino County Mailing Address, 12200 B Central Ave, Chino, CA 92880. San Bernardino County Name of Registrant: (1). Kalpana Bogati (2). Radha Dhami This business is/was conducted by: a general partnership Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on March 1, 2022 BY SIGNING BELOW, I DECLARE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM AND THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes public record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250-6277). FBN20260003378 /s/ Kalpana Bogati, Owner 04/20/2026, 04/27/2026, 05/04/2026, 05/11/2026 San Bernardino Press

LA County quality of life hits record low, UCLA survey finds

By City News Service

Los Angeles County residents are less satisfied with their quality of life than at any point in more than a decade, according to a report being presented Wednesday at the UCLA Luskin Summit.

The 2026 Los Angeles County Quality of Life Index found the overall score dropped to a record low of 52, with six of the nine categories measured reaching their lowest levels on record and eight showing year-over-year declines.

“Los Angeles County residents’ rating of their quality of life has been in decline since the peak of the COVID pandemic,” Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the Los Angeles Initiative at UCLA Luskin, said in a statement. “We’ve been through a lot in the last five years. COVID, increases in the cost of living, immigration sweeps, and the Altadena and Palisades fires have taken their toll on virtually every aspect of our lives.”

Acountyordinance making it harder for tenants in unincorporated areas to be evicted took effect Thursday, requiring that renters be at least two months behind in fair market rent before landlords can attempt to remove them.

The previous county eviction threshold was one month.

“This is a modest but necessary increase,” Supervisor Janice Hahn, who co-sponsored the motion, said in a statement after the Board of Supervisors approved the revision last month. “With this additional month, I hope we can give renters some breathing room while not putting the entire burden on landlords who also depend on rental income to pay their own bills.”

The ordinance amended the Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance enacted in 2022 in an effort to reduce homelessness.

The survey also highlighted widespread anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement. Nearly onethird of respondents, 31%, said they are worried that they or someone close to them could be deported, while roughly 30% reported knowing someone who lost income or was afraid to leave home due to enforcement activity.

“The ICE sweeps have cast fear and insecurity in many of our communities,” Yaroslavsky said. “When so many residents are directly touched by these experiences, it’s no wonder that anxiety is widespread.”

Lingering economic impacts from the 2025 wildfires were another major concern. More than one in four residents, 26%, reported losing income due to the fires, and about one in five said they have not fully recovered financially.

Public sentiment toward recovery efforts was largely negative, with 56% of residents expressing dissatisfac-

Among the lowest-rated areas in the survey were education, transportation and cost of living, all of which saw steep declines and continued to rank as top concerns for residents.

tion with local government response and rebuilding efforts.

Despite those challenges, a slight majority of respondents -- 53% -- said they remain optimistic about their personal economic future in Los Angeles County.

The survey also found the Los Angeles mayoral race remains highly unsettled, with 40% of likely voters undecided. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass led with 25% support, followed by Spencer Pratt at 11% and Nithya Raman at 9%, according to the poll.

The Quality of Life Index is based on a survey of 1,400 county residents conducted in March, with a margin of error of 2.6%.

At the eighth annual UCLA Luskin Summit on Wednesday, policymakers, researchers and community leaders will focus on strategies to strengthen resilience and address inequality.

Former Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-California, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the summit.

Organizers said discussions will focus on four main

policy areas: housing, environmental health, transportation security and socioeconomic vulnerability.

Housing panels will examine California’s evolving strategy, including zoning changes intended to expand affordability under recent state laws.

Environmental sessions will explore issues such as extreme heat during major events in Los Angeles and the effects of plastic pollution on vulnerable communities.

Transportation discussions will center on improv-

Enhanced eviction protection measure for LA County tenants takes effect

Hahn and motion co-author Hilda Solis noted that financial pressure on tenants has increased in recent months in part due to sweeping federal immigration enforcement efforts that have discouraged some people from going to work, and harmed businesses that have lost customers and workers.

“In the face of inhumane federal actions and ongoing threats to immigrant families, the county has taken concrete steps to protect renters,” Solis said in a statement. “These are not symbolic gestures, but real action that meets the needs of those impacted. Raising the threshold to two months provides important protection against eviction while recognizing that many renters will still have to pay back unpaid rent to their landlords.”

Some tenants’ rights activists, including members of the Los Angeles Tenants Union, have been pressing the board to do more than

By City News Service

enacting a two- month threshold, pushing for a three-month threshold that would be in effect for renters not just in unincorporated areas, but also within cities in the county.

SupervisorLindsey Horvath introduced a motion in February that would have taken those extra steps, but it failed to gain any traction with other members of the board.

SupervisorKathryn Barger was the only board member to oppose increasing the eviction threshold to two months.

“My ‘no’ vote reflects my belief that local governments should not balance renters’ economic hardships on the backs of landlords,” Barger said in a statement to City News Service last month. “We have an affordability crisis not just in Los Angeles County — it’s statewide. Doing so will disenfranchise small mom-andpop property owners who depend on rental properties

ing safety and rider confidence on public transit systems, while additional panels will address economic inequality, including regulatory approaches to promote inclusive growth and reduce intergenerational disparities.

for their retirement and to make ends meet. It’s not fair to them, especially as they grapple with their own economic woes. Inflation is real. Further burdening

property owners who also have bills to pay — such as rising homeowners insurance — and are struggling to keep up with costs is unbalanced and the wrong approach.” The current fair market rent in the county is considered $2,085 per month for a one-bedroom unit, and $2,601 for two bedrooms.

3 major LA art institutions to celebrate Paul R. Williams

FromAugust2026 through July 2027, three major Los Angeles art institutions—Getty, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and USC Fisher Museum of Art—will present a coordinated series of exhibitions celebrating the life and work of architect Paul R. Williams (1894–1980).

A groundbreaking yet long-underrecognized figure in 20th century architecture and civil rights advocacy, Williams was the first Black architect licensed west of the Mississippi, the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects nationwide, and the first Black architect to be awarded the AIA’s highest honor, the Gold Medal, in 2017. Over a career spanning nearly six decades, he designed more than 3,000 projects, making him one of the most prolific and influential architects of his time.

Drawing from the Paul R. Williams Archive—jointly acquired in 2020 by the Getty Research Institute and the USC School of Architecture—the exhibitions present architectural drawings, photographs, plans, and memorabilia, many on view for the first time. Together, they reveal Williams’s role as both a central figure in the canon of global modern architecture and a socially conscious practitioner whose work profoundly reshaped Los

Angeles.

Williams designed iconic projects for institutions and clients ranging from the Beverly Hills Hotel to the US Navy, alongside extravagant homes for Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Equally significant was his work for and with Los Angeles’s Black community, including First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Second Baptist Church, and the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company—buildings that fostered communal strength and financial opportunity during an era of racialized segregation and exclusion.

Williams also collaborated on major civic projects like the Downtown Civic Center and Los Angeles International Airport, and he served on Los Angeles’s City Planning Commission, the California State Redevelopment Agency, and the Federal Advisory Committee on Government Housing Policies and Programs. Williams’s impactful work garnered him the prestigious NAACP Spingarn Medal, honorary doctorates from Howard University and Tuskegee Institute, and USC’s Alumni Award.

Exhibition Details

“Paul R. Williams: An Architect Considered” USC Fisher Museum of Art

Aug. 18, 2026–March 13, 2027

By Staff

Organized jointly by the USC School of Architecture and the USC Fisher Museum of Art, this exhibition examines Paul R. Williams’s major contributions to modern multifamily housing. It pairs original archival drawings with newly commissioned works by contemporary artists and architects. Highlighting 35 housing projects from Williams’s 60-year career, the show emphasizes the designer’s sustained commitment to innovative, dignified solutions for collective living during a period of rapid urbanization. Seven new commissions—by Edgar Arceneaux; Current Interests (Matthew Au and Mira Henry); enFOLD Collective (Dana McKinney White and Megan Echols); Darell W. Fields; David Hartt; Cory Henry; and Amanda Williams—extend Williams’s legacy into the present, offering fresh perspectives on his influence on architectural history and modern housing.

“Paul R. Williams: Architect for Living” Los Angeles County Museum of Art Nov. 15, 2026–May 23, 2027

The most prominent Black American architect of his generation, Paul R. Williams helped shape his native Los Angeles during its rapid growth from the 1920s through the early 1970s. Acclaimed as an archi-

tect to the stars, he brought his innovation and rigor to stylistically diverse residential, civic, commercial, religious and hospitality projects that ranged from ambitious public housing to iconic hotels in Southern California, Las Vegas, and Latin America.

“Paul R. Williams: Architect for Living” demonstrates the breadth of Williams’s contributions, showcasing neverbefore-exhibited drawings and photographs from his archive.

“Paul R. Williams: Architecture Across the Color Line”

Getty Research Institute Dec. 15, 2026–July 18, 2027

Groundbreaking architect Paul R. Williams charted an unprecedented career.

The first Black architect licensed in the western U.S., Williams was a prolific, transformative figure, but his role constructing for and with Black communities across the color line has been little accounted for. Marking the public debut of his archive, this exhibition examines the impact of Williams’s architecture in challenging systems of racialized exclu-

Orange County supervisors reject treasurer’s claims

By City News Service

TwoOrangeCounty supervisors Wednesday said they had no idea why Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich alleged the county had made risky investments when the employees who were managing the finances worked for her office.

sion. It attests to architecture’s capacity to give rise to community, to construct social opportunities, and to give shape to Black spatial imaginaries—legacies that extend to this day. Together, these exhibitions form the first major museum presentations devoted to Paul R. Williams. Accompanied by a scholarly catalogue, digital exhibition, and public programs, the collaboration highlights his extraordinary career, enduring influence, and lasting impact on architecture locally and globally.

At Tuesday’s Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting, Freidenrich, who had her investment authority taken away from her by the board following a report of a hostile work environment in her office, criticized the county for making risky bets on securities. The board voted Tuesday to reassign nine employees in Freidenrich’s office who make the investment recommendations to the chief executive officer. The treasurer accused the county’s investment policies that she said included securities on speculation interest rates would fall, but the rates went up.

“She’s misleading people, just lying,” Orange County Board Vice Chair Katrina Foley told City News Service. Foley was especially irked that Freidenrich referred to former Treasurer-Tax Collector Robert Citron, whose investment strategies plunged the county into bankruptcy in 1994.

“Maybe if the board did what we’re doing and took investment authority away from Citron and engaged in more oversight and monitoring maybe the bankruptcy never would have happened,”

flat out dishonest and a lie,” Foley said.

“We have the same fiscal conservative, low-risk investment policy we’ve always had,” Foley said. “We’re relying on professional experts and consultants who manage our investments just like any business person would or any resident who has investments who rely on their investment experts to guide them.”

The county took away investment authority from Freidenrich because of complaints from employees of “micromanaging to the point where it was creating an environment that was nearly impossible to work in,” Foley said.

Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner said the county has not altered its investment policy at all.

“There’s been no change, no risk,” Wagner said.

The county board just approved a “purely administrative” move “to get employees doing the job into a proper place to continue doing that job.”

Wagner said Freidenrich’s complaints “had nothing to do with the issue that was in front of us. … We changed no part of our investment policy. It’s the same professionals who were doing it under Shari are still doing it.”

“Many of the complaints lodged against her would likely have resulted in the person being terminated from the county but we’re not allowed to do that,” because Freidenrich is an elected official, Foley said.