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Pasadena Rent Control to host campaign launch party this Saturday
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Mike Feuer. | Photo courtesy of Luke Harold/Flickr (CC BY 1.0)
Continued From Page 1 the results Thursday of a poll commissioned by her campaign that had her leading the race with 30% of likely voters and Caruso coming in at 28%. That poll, which was conducted by EVITARUS, put Buscaino at 2% and Feuer at 3%. More than a quarter of likely voters were undecided. Noting his low poll numbers, Feuer said, "I've done a lot of soul- searching and I need to do what is best for our city. That means stepping aside and supporting an exceptional candidate who can win -- who must win -- because the stakes for Los Angeles could hardly be higher." "I'm proud to stand here with my longtime friend, colleague and partner to endorse, in the strongest possible terms, Karen Bass for mayor of Los Angeles. Karen is a great listener, treats everyone with respect, has values and is less focused on who gets the credit than about accomplishing big things." Feuer, who frequently attacked Caruso during his campaign, ended his run on a similar note, calling out the billionaire for self-financing his campaign with nearly $23 million. Feuer called it a "disingenuous attempt to buy the mayor's office." "...It's Karen, not Caruso, who should govern our city, and I'm going to do all I can now to support her," Feuer added. Ballots have already been mailed to city voters, and voting ends June 7. The primary ballot -- sent out before Buscaino and Feuer ended their campaigns -- includes Buscaino, Feuer, Caruso, Bass, Councilman Kevin de León, activist Gina Viola, real estate agent Mel Wilson, business executive Craig Greiwe, social justice advocate Alex Gruenenfelder Smith, lawyer Andrew Kim, entrepreneur Ramit Varma and business owner John "Jsamuel" Jackson.
| Courtesy photo
On Saturday, May 21, the grassroots, tenant-led campaign for rent control and just cause eviction protections will host a campaign kickoff party at 1516 Navarro Ave. in Pasadena for their charter amendment on the November 2022 ballot. Against great odds, the campaign has mobilized over 300 volunteers to collect 15,101 valid signatures from Pasadena voters. The coalition is proud of this achievement, and looks forward to a strong field operation of talking to voters about supporting this historic ballot initiative. According to the latest Pasadena homeless count report released earlier this week, two in three people unsheltered on the night of the count lived in Pasadena before losing their housing (Pasadena Homeless Count, 2022). Rent burden, which affects half of tenant households in Pasadena (ACS, 2019), is a major risk factor for homelessness (Zillow, December 2018). The charter amendment that community members have worked tirelessly on for 5 years will protect tenants while allowing landlords to make a profit as guaranteed by the California State Constitution. Affordable Pasadena is a ballot initiative committee working to codify rent control, just cause eviction protections, and tenant antiharassment measures in the City of Pasadena charter to protect Pasadena renters, who are the majority of households in Pasadena, from displacement. More info is available at pasadena4rentcontrol.org.
Margaret Shuttleworth, City News Service
The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to submit a proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy to have the Los Angeles area be considered for a regional "Green Hydrogen Hub" to power hard-to-electrify industries, particularly port operations, with renewable energy. The motion, which was introduced by Council President Nury Martinez and Councilman Mitch O'Farrell, comes after the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, passed last year, included $8 billion for several regional Hydrogen Hubs across the country that will be overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy. "Based on the existing infrastructure, our vast renewable energy portfolio, our skilled labor force, our renowned university system, essential transportation corridors, the largest municipally owned utility in the nation and the busiest container port in North America, the greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area is well-suited to be a leader in this effort," states the motion, which previously advanced from the City Council's Energy, Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and River Committee. Los Angeles is working to transition to a 100% renewable energy grid by 2035. The motion notes that hydrogen energy could further the Port of Los Angeles' goals of using 100% zero-emission technology in its operations. "Green hydrogen distribution in and around the port complex could accelerate industry adoption of clean equipment and limit air pollution emissions," the motion says. The motion instructed the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Port of Los Angeles to coordinate the local effort to create and submit a proposal to the Department of Energy for the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area to be considered for a regional Green Hydrogen Hub to power hard-to- electrify industries through the electrolysis of renewable energy. Councilwoman Nithya Raman on Tuesday amended the motion to create a requirement to show that any potential project will improve air quality compared to fossil fuel use and to include measures to prevent hydrogen leaks. On May 5, the committee, which O'Farrell chairs, spoke to representatives from the port, DWP, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the University of California about the potential hub and how it fits in the city's goal to get to 100% renewable energy. "We know from the LA100 study how important that last mile is in terms of ensuring that we have reliable and resilient power. Green hydrogen can play a really significant role with that," said DWP Director of Resource Planning, Development and Programs Jason Rondou. Rondou added that he believes area is well positioned to seek federal funds for a hydrogen hub, noting the city includes the Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport. "We fit a lot of what the DOE is looking for. One of the hubs has to be based on renewable energy, and that is our focus, 100% green hydrogen only. That's all we're looking to do," added DWP's Assistant General Manager Paul Habib. However, environmental protection activists with Food & Water Watch Los Angeles announced their opposition to the motion shortly after it was introduced in March, calling hydrogen "a smokescreen for fossil fuel development in the guise of clean energy." The group contends that hydrogen creates opportunities for fossil fuels and fossil fuel infrastructure, and that hydrogen produced by electrolysis is extremely water-intensive. The process requires 9 kilograms of water for every 1 kilogram of hydrogen produced, and the Los Angeles area is in the midst of a mega-drought that a recent UCLA study found to be the worst in 1,200 years. Adam Frankel, who said he was speaking on behalf of Communities for a Better Environment, spoke in opposition during Tuesday's council meeting. "This (motion) came about without any consultation with our community members in Wilmington and other frontline environmental justice communities surrounding the port," Frankel said. "...The proposal as it currently stands does not include adequate public health safeguards, particularly given the risk of increased NOx emissions. The project would provide an unnecessary lifeline to extend the fossil fuel industry's influence in Los Angeles and delay a just transition to a fully electric power system." While the council members' motion calls for its potential hub to produce "green hydrogen," which is created using electrolysis of water, another type of hydrogen, called "blue hydrogen," is produced through natural gas in a process that emits methane and carbon dioxide. While green hydrogen does produce NOx if used in a combustion process, it only emits water if consumed in a fuel cell. Speaking to council members before the vote Tuesday, O'Farrell responded to those concerns, saying "this motion is about generating hydrogen through renewable and noncombustible methods ... let me be very clear that nothing in this motion is about the combustion of hydrogen for the generation of power." The motion also aims to address concerns about the water-intensive process by exploring the use of advanced treated water, some of which is currently being dumped in the ocean, from the Bureau of Sanitation's Advanced Water Purification Facility at the Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant to supply
AEF 2022 Summer School Program: What you should know
By Sofia Nagy
AUSD Digital Communications Intern
For the first time in two years, the Arcadia Educational Foundation (AEF) Summer School Program for 2022 will happen in person for all grade levels. With summertime right around the corner and the temperature rising, questions arise as well: “What will summer school look like this year?” “How is it similar and different from previous years?” “What about future years?” “Where and how can one register?” “What are the key dates to keep in mind?” Here’s what you should know. For 28 years, AEF’s annual summer program has offered enrichment courses for elementary and middle school students and courses that provide opportunities for proficiency, advancement, and enrichment for high school students. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the program had to be conducted virtually during the summers of 2020 and 2021. This year, AEF’s summer programming for elementary, middle, and high school students will take place in person at Baldwin Stocker Elementary School, Dana Middle School, and Arcadia High School, respectively. In addition, high school participants will have virtual options for Chemistry A/B and Geometry A/B (limited enrollment), as well as the College Essay Workshop course. As for health guidelines, “the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, staff, faculty, and community have always been a priority,” said AEF Summer School Director Laurie Rambeau. “The program has been adapted in accordance with the health guidelines and regulations that Arcadia Unified [School District] follows.” Each summer school site and the respective AEF office will have its own full-time health staff on site this year. Maskwearing is recommended but optional. “We will be very, very careful in regards to any type of situation that can come up,” said AEF Elementary School Level Principal Sandi Burch, who also emphasized that transparent communication with parents is essential. Since middle school students are not subject to graduation requirements, summer school for middle school is designed for students to explore interests, better their understanding of core subject skills, and prepare for high school. AEF Middle School Level Principal Kristin Mora said teachers had a lot of ideas to help figure out what students are interested in. “They redesigned some of the classes and made new ones, so we added that in [this year’s program].” At the elementary school level, there is “a great variety of classes for kids to choose from,” according to Burch, ranging from cooking, sports, and the arts to science courses involving ecology, engineering, and robotics, as well as regular classes for students to acquire a preview of the material taught in upcoming grades. “We have a really good, robust, challenging program this summer, and I think that students and parents will really enjoy the choices,” remarked Burch. More detailed information on courses, scheduling, payments, important dates, and more can be found in the elementary, middle school, and high school catalogs. For upcoming years, “it is expected that [summer school] will remain in person,” said AEF High School Level Summer School Principal Keith Kerney. “If something should happen where we have to go virtual again, we are equipped to do that,” reassured Burch. Kerney thinks that, at least at the high school level, there will likely be more online course offerings in the future and believes that the online shift from previous years and the challenges that came with it could serve towards adapting the program to better accommodate the varied needs and preferences of students and parents. For instance, Rambeau noted that surveys showed that several parents have found value in not having to drop their kids off at school sites in the morning. In contrast, Mora shared that more middle school students choose to enroll in elective courses with an in-person format. Current AHS junior, Nikka Jafari, commented that her experience with online AEF summer school was overall a good one but that for her “it is easier to learn in person.” “Having kids in class is definitely going to be better for the learning process,” said AEF Summer School Government Economics teacher Mike Pasqua. “We try to do something new or different each year,” said Rambeau. For example, AEF Summer School’s former paper registration method used to require “people [to] make a huge line around the block [or] mail the registration to someone in Orange County.” In 2018, the registration process switched to an online format. The AEF Summer School Program continues to adapt to the times and needs of students, parents, and families. All levels can register for the AEF Summer School Program until May 23, 2022 through aef.campbrainregistration.com. There are also a few paid positions available at the elementary and middle school levels, including AEF Health Specialist LVN, AEF Office, Administrative Assistant, AEF Office Assistant, and AEF Summer Support Staff. Job applications are due by May 19, 2022 and may be submitted here. For questions, call the AEF Summer School office at (626) 821-6606 on Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., email aefsummer@arcadiaedfoundation.org, or visit AEF’s summer school page. Office visits for registration assistance are available through appointment only.
| Courtesy photo from AEF Summer School
Arcadia’s Vietnam War Monument redecorated for upcoming veteran’s tribute
The City of Arcadia’s 24th annual Tribute to Veterans and Military Families will be held on Saturday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Arcadia County Park ahead of Memorial Day. This event will be hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. In preparation for the event, Jason Lee, an Arcadia lawyer and City Council candidate for District 5, donated money to Chris Tran and his fellow Arcadia Boy Scouts — Troop 104 — for them to purchase flowers, plants, American flags, etc., to decorate the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument. Under the supervision of Gene Glasco, Arcadia City Clerk, and Chris Tran’s parents, the Boy Scouts completed the beautification project over one Saturday. Now the monument has taken on a new look, surrounded by white and red roses, and yellow daisies, in full bloom. Miniature American flags fly on the periphery of the Monument. Arcadia native Gene Glasco, a Vietnam veteran, is the founder of the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument Memorial, the dedication of which took place on May 28, 2016, in the Arcadia County Park near its northern edge.
Church shooting
Continued From Page 1 penalty. Chou was also charged with five counts of attempted murder for the other parishioners who were injured in the shooting, with sentencing enhancements for premeditation and deliberation, which also open him up to life sentences. He was also charged with four felony counts of possession of an explosive device. Sheriff's officials said Chou was carrying a incendiary devices similar to Molotov cocktails. Spitzer said earlier he believes that Chou intended to kill everyone inside the church, then burn the building to the ground. In announcing the charges, Spitzer highlighted the special circumstance allegation and sentencing enhancements, saying, "We still file enhancements in Orange County." The comment was a veiled dig at Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who has eschewed the filing of special circumstance and other enhancements. Investigators suspect Chou drove from Las Vegas and arrived in Southern California on Saturday before going to the church sometime Sunday morning. He is accused of walking into the church during the luncheon by the Taiwanese congregation, barricading multiple doors so those inside could not escape, then initially mingling with parishioners before opening fire. Chou allegedly chained some doors, tried to nail one shut and put super glue in the locks of others, all while the congregants were eating lunch, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said. In addition to the incendiary devices, Chou was also carrying additional ammunition, the sheriff said. Barnes said Cheng, 52, a physician with South Bay Medical Group in Aliso Viejo, was "a hero in this incident," hailing him for rushing the gunman, essentially sacrificing his life while buying time for other parishioners to descend on the suspect. The pastor struck the gunman with a chair, and other parishioners held him down and hog-tied him with electrical cords, authorities said. "Without the actions of Dr. Cheng, there is no doubt there would be additional victims in this crime," Barnes said. Spitzer said it appears that after Chou shot Cheng, his gun jammed, giving congregants more time to subdue the suspect. Barnes said investigators have determined the shooting was an isolated incident carried out solely by Chou, and the shooting was a "politically motivated hate incident." Barnes said the suspect "was upset about political tensions between China and Taiwan." Investigators found a note in Chou's car in the church parking lot that indicated his animosity toward Taiwan. Spitzer said it appears Chou's family was forced to move from China to Taiwan and that Chou complained he was treated poorly as an outsider over the years. Investigators have multiple translators going over the note to interpret it correctly, Spitzer said. Investigators were still working to determine why Chou, who was a licensed security guard in Nevada, chose the Orange County congregation to target, since he had no known ties to anyone connected with it. Barnes said there is no similar congregation in Las Vegas and the one in Orange County may have been the closest one for the suspect. In addition to Cheng, five other people were shot: a 66-year-old man; a 92-year-old man; an 82-year-old man; a 75-year-old man; and an 86-year-old woman. None of their names have been released. Two of the victims have been upgraded to good condition and two others were also expected to survive, authorities said Monday. The condition of the fifth one was not immediately available. According to the South Coast Medical Group website, Cheng was certified in family and sports medicine, the son of a physician and an "accomplished martial arts instructor." He grew up in Texas, studied at Texas Tech School of Medicine and did his residency at UCLA. Spitzer said a Mass in honor of Cheng would be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Federal officials said Monday that Chou legally purchased his two weapons in Las Vegas, one in 2015 and the other in 2017. Barnes said the magazines the gunman brought with him in one of two bags were legally obtained in Nevada. In addition to the state charges, the FBI has also opened a hate crime investigation, meaning he could potentially face federal counts. Spitzer said he wants to work collaboratively with federal investigators, and his office could file further hate crime charges without affecting any federal complaint. But Spitzer said he wanted to see more evidence before making a decision on hate crime charges. "While there's very strong evidence he was motivated by hate we want to make sure we put together all the evidence first," Spitzer said. "This is a case I'm definitely looking at for death," Spitzer said. "I'm not prejudging it and I'm going to keep an open mind. ... It will be deliberative and won't be rushed." Spitzer said Chou's wife is terminally ill and lives with one of their two sons in Taiwan. Another son lives elsewhere in the United States. Spitzer said it's possible Chou "didn't care what happened to him because she was terminally ill."
Glendale officials reveal cause of glitch blamed for false emergency alert
By City News Service
An emergency alert sent out by the city of Glendale Saturday telling residents of Chevy Chase Canyon to evacuate was received on cell phones across the Southland, prompting fear and confusion before officials clarified that it was only a drill. "Chevy Chase Canyon residents safely evacuate your home and proceed to evacuation site located at Glendale Community College Parking Lot B," read the message, which went out shortly before 9 a.m. The city then sent the following alert and tweet at 9 a.m.: "THIS IS A DRILL: #MyGlendale is conducting an evacuation exercise in Chevy Chase Canyon. For those who live in the Chevy Chase Canyon: Safely evacuate your home and proceed to the evacuation site located at the Glendale Community College Parking Lot B." Officials later said the alert was not supposed to be distributed to such a wide
area. "Due to a glitch in the messaging software, incorrect messaging was distributed throughout Los Angeles County. The City is working with our partners to investigate," a city statement said. The original alert was also received on some cell phones in Orange County. The drill had been planned for 8:30 a.m. by the Glendale Fire Department and Chevy Chase Canyon Estates Association. Officials said the canyon has nearly 1,900 structures and 5,500 residents, and is marked by steep hillsides necessitating preparation for an evacuation in the event of a fire or other emergency. The alert came at a particularly sensitive time in the Southland, with hot, dry weather driving up fire danger this weekend and a 200-acre blaze still raging in Laguna Niguel in neighboring Orange County, where 20 homes have been destroyed.
Continued From Page 10 water for the projects if the city's application is successful. Rondou told council members Tuesday that "there are significant opportunities with respect to recycled water," but water concerns would have to be considered in the potential hub's design. According to O'Farrell's office, it worked with several environmental and environmental justice organizations on the motion, including the Sierra Club. "Green hydrogen could play a critical role to help cut pollution from hardto-electrify industries like long-haul trucking, shipping and aviation. However, the promise of hydrogen to address our climate needs will only be possible if it is 100% green -- coming from electrolysis using renewable energy -- and not blended with fossil gas or biofuels," Monica Embrey, senior associate director of energy campaigns for the Sierra Club, told City News Service in March. ``Unfortunately, hydrogen has been heavily greenwashed by the gas industry as an excuse to extend fossil fuels and to subsidize polluting biofuels. There are a lot of ways to produce and use hydrogen that pollute heavily and keep us stuck on fossil fuels, so we're paying close attention to this application. We look forward to being a part of the dialogue with other stakeholders, including the LADWP, environmental justice organizations and labor partners." The motion also aimed to address concerns of community members by including a clause to have the city work with researchers, including at the University of California, to evaluate the use of green hydrogen to ensure that a potential green hydrogen hub in Los Angeles doesn't have adverse impacts on the environment or frontline communities. Another measure to address concerns is having the Bureau of Sanitation, the DWP and the Port of Los Angeles report on monitoring nitrogen oxide and other emissions if the application is successful. The motion also instructs DWP and the Port of Los Angeles to collaborate with the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office as an effort to avoid impact on frontline communities if a federal grant application is successful.
