Burbank Independent_4/8/2024

MONDAY, APRIL 08- APRIL 14, 2024

As elections loom, congressional maps challenged as discriminatory will remain in place

By Marilyn W. Thompson,

With the Republicans holding just a two-vote majority in the House of Representatives, voters will go to the polls in November in at least two congressional districts that have been challenged as discriminatory against people of color.

After months of delays and appeals, courts have decided in the last two weeks that the maps in South Carolina and Florida will stand, giving Republican incumbents an advantage.

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take action on South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. In January 2023, a three-judge federal panel had declared it an illegal racial gerrymander that must be redrawn before another election was held. In Florida, the congressional map has faced long-running discrimination lawsuits in both state and federal courts, with one state judge ruling that a district near Jacksonville disadvantaged voters of color. A higher court overturned that judgment, but an appeal from voting rights and civil rights groups is still pending before the state Supreme Court, which has said it could be months before it rules.

A decision about another contested district in Utah is pending with the state Supreme Court and seems unlikely to be resolved before the elections, according to Mark Gaber of the Campaign Legal Center, who represents plaintiffs in a partisan gerrymandering lawsuit.

Put in place in 2021 after the last federal census, the controversial maps were used in multiple elections

during the 2022 election cycle. “The long, extended delays are a real problem, for voting rights and particularly for Black voters,” Gaber said. The cases illustrate how difficult it is to reverse gerrymandered voting maps. Even when lower courts find election maps illegal and give state legislatures months to make corrections, appeals and other delaying tactics can run out the clock as elections near.

Federal courts have been reluctant to make mapping changes too close to elections because of a vague legal idea known as the Purcell principle, based on a 2006 court case from Arizona that found that voters may be confused by late changes in polling places or election procedures.

The U.S. Supreme Court cited Purcell in 2022 when it left an illegal congressional

map in place in Alabama for midterm elections while it considered a Republican appeal. Black voters cast their ballots under a discriminatory map, and when the Supreme Court finally decided the case in 2023, it reaffirmed that Alabama’s map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and must be redrawn. A new map is now in place for 2024, which could result in the election of a second Democratic representative for the state in November.

The Supreme Court made a similar call in 2022 in a Louisiana redistricting case after a federal court struck down the state’s congressional map. Voters cast ballots in 2022 under the challenged map. Since then, the state Legislature

has redrawn the map and created a second majorityBlack district that could help Democrats gain another seat in Congress.

The exact cutoff for applying the Purcell principle has not been defined, but conservative Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who has cited it in his opinions, has said the principle reflects a “bedrock tenet of election law.”

The delayed rulings and actions in Alabama and Louisiana and a ruling this week in Washington state have favored Democrats. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declined to stop a new state legislative map from going into effect in Washington, where a lower court had found discrimination against Latinos in the Yakima Valley. Republicans

Metro, elected officials celebrate $900M in federal funds coming to LA

Metro and elected officials Wednesday celebrated nearly $900 million in federal funding for the Los Angeles region to support transportation and infrastructure projects ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

“On behalf of L.A. Metro, it is an honor to be here with leaders who have the key vision and strong focus to ensure that our region is prepared to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games,” Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said during a Wednesday morning news conference at Exposition Park.

The money comes from a congressional spending package signed into law by President Joe Biden, and from new federal grant funding. A large share of the money -$709.9 million -- will go toward two L.A. Metro projects: the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project and sections two and three of the D (Purple) Line Subway Extension Project.

In addition to the $709.9 million secured through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New Starts and Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Programs, the region will also receive $160 million in new federal grant funding through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program and the Neighborhood Access and Equity Programs.

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, noted the recently passed appropriation bills in September 2023 gave a “sneak preview” of investments coming to the L.A. area.

The Purple Line subway extension is being constructed in three sections, and will connect downtown with West L.A. It is part of a broader 9-mile project that will provide a high-capacity alternative to driving for commuters.

Metro anticipates receiving $165 million for section two (between Wilshire/La Cienega and Century City) and $478 million for section three (between Century City and Westwood), with all sections expected to open prior to the 2028 Olympics.

The East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project will receive $66.9 million to improve connections and access to crucial destinations. The first segment of the line is a 6.7-mile at-grade alignment that will run along Van Nuys Boulevard and will include 11 new transit stations.

“So today as part of the $900 million that we’re celebrating, let’s acknowledge that $140 million of federal funding is specifically targeted to reconnect communities here in Los Angeles,” Padilla said. “It was one of the first bills I introduced in 2021, Removing Barriers and Creating Legacy. It became a component of the bipartisan infrastructure law.”

That particular pot of funding would improve bus services, bring online bikeshare stations and create mobility hubs that will “help the people of L.A. get around more efficiently,” he added.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, noted there should be a shared vision for the Olympic Games to be inclusive and not exclusive. He said money to prepare the L.A. region should also be used to “right the wrongs of the past.”

$500K Getty Prize goes to LA youth arts organization

Retired OC judge rebukes DA Spitzer for criticizing judges

By City News Service

ProPublica

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| Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Retired OC judge rebukes DA Spitzer for criticizing judges

By Paul Anderson, City News Service

Aretired Orange County Superior Court judge criticizedDistrict Attorney Todd Spitzer Tuesday for recent public statements deriding the actions of judges who handled various cases against a 20-year-old man whose first brush with the law was the fatal stabbing of his mother when he was 13.

Spitzer, however, defended his comments, calling the suspect in question a dangerous man who “keeps getting released.”

The defendant, Ike Souzer, who was arrested last week in Rosarito, Mexico, appeared in a Santa Ana courtroom Tuesday for a probation violation hearing. Another hearing in the case was set for May 7.

Souzer -- who had already escaped from custody twice before -- was convicted in October of making a shank while in the Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana and sentenced to three years behind bars, but the sentence was structured so that he would be freed in a few months.

However, Souzer ran afoul of the law again on Jan. 21 when he painted a mural on the Costa Mesa (55)Freeway underpass at 190 S. Yorba St. near Orange, his attorney, David Isaac Hammond of the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, said. Souzer told police he wanted to spray paint an image of his girlfriend who died, prosecutors said in court papers. The

mural was 18 feet by 9 feet.

He pleaded guilty to felony vandalism last month and Orange County Superior Court Judge Larry Yellin sentenced him to 90 days in jail and placed him on two years of formal probation. But Souzer, who had credit for 118 days already served behind bars, was released March 20.

After his release from custody, personnel from Project Kinship, which has spent years advocating for Souzer’s release from custody, transported Souzer from jail to a transitional housing location in Santa Ana. After he arrived at the house, he left and never returned, according to prosecutors. Souzer also failed to notify his probation officer of his whereabouts in violation of the terms of his formal probation.

A bench warrant was issued on March 21, and Spitzer issued a statement warning the public that an “extremely dangerous and violent criminal” was at large.

In announcing March 27 that Souzer had been recaptured, Spitzer’s office criticized the actions of three Orange County judges who had handled his various cases, including Yellin for sentencing Souzer to timeserved in the vandalism case, and now-retired Judge Gary Pohlson, who the DA’s Office said reduced felony charges to misdemean-

ors in a case in which the defendant attacked three correctional officers while incarcerated.

“My prosecutors have spent years and years trying to do everything they can to keep this violent criminal behind bars, and at every turn, the very judges who are elected to protect public safety have done little to do

so and instead have given him break after break,” Spitzer said in his statement.

Pohlson told City News Service he did not have any recollection of the case, noting that a high volume of cases were being resolved and settled during the pandemic because of the difficulty holding trials.

“It’s just what a judge does,” Pohlson said of helping to settle cases.

“It’s totally inappropriate, making comments about other judges. He (Spitzer) is acting like (former President Donald) Trump is.”

Trump has been gagged by judges in some of his civil and criminal cases for the comments he has made on his social media platform regarding court officials and prosecutors.

“A really conscientious prosecutor should not be so reckless to make those kinds of comments,” Pohlson said.

Pohlson said he also worries that such criticism from the D.A. could lead to threats from the public.

“Who knows what the public thinks,” or how someone might respond, Pohlson said.

Responding to Pohlson’s comments, Spitzer said in a statement, “Every day people are asking me why criminals like Ike Souzer are getting out of jail. He killed his mother, assaulted correction officers, made a shank in jail, escaped from custody multiple times, absconded from probation and fled the country. And yet he keeps getting released.

“As the elected District Attorney, I am charged with keeping Orange County California’s safest large county. My prosecutors are doing their jobs. But we have to

fight every day to keep our communities safe. We need judges to do justice -- while keeping the public safe.

Ike Souzer is an extremely dangerous individual who will stop at nothing to get out of custody and stay out of custody and he is going to continue to manipulate anyone and everyone he has to -- including judges -- in order to get what he wants. When judges fail to do their job to protect public safety, the public has a right to know who is responsible.”

Before his trial in the shank case, Souzer’s attorney filed a motion to recuse Spitzer based on previous statements he made about the defendant in news releases and interviews. That motion was denied.

Ahead of Tuesday’s court appearance, probation officials recommended that Souzer be ordered to serve out the rest of his original sentence in the shank case, which would be 592 days in jail, equating to the balance of the two years of supervision left in the case.

Souzer allegedly told Orange County District Attorney investigators that he intended to “go to Columbia and never return,” according to probation officials. Orange County prosecutors appear to support the probation department’s recommendation.

Long Beach to host community meeting on city’s zoning laws

By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com

Long Beach officials want public feedback on revised zoning regulations aimed at developing more housing and “a greater mix of uses” in commercial areas.

A virtual community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., according to an announcement by the city. The public comment period for the Zone In: City Core project is open through April 22.

Officials said the virtual meeting is a chance for the public to learn about the rezoning proposal and share thoughts, questions and concerns. For more than two years the Community Development Department has developed a set of draft regulations that are now available

for public review, along with an online map.

“The department has created an interactive draft rezoning map that enables users to view the draft zones with a description of each zoning district that will be applied to every property in the project area and look up specific addresses,” department spokesman Richard De La Torre said. “Given the draft zones are now out for public review before the move forward through the adoption process, this is an important step in the process.”

Zone In: City Core was previously known as the Anaheim Corridor Zoning Implementation Plan, Long Beach officials said. The project’s area boundaries are Pacific Coast Highway, 10th Street, Magnolia Avenue and

Ximeno Avenue.

Officials expect this zoning update will lead to a more pedestrian-focused community where “residents, businesses, jobs and shopping are located near each other.” The proposed zoning changes could add to the area more than 3,000 market-rate and affordable housing units.

“We hope to hear any additional feedback on the draft zoning regulations, answer questions, hear concerns and ensure people have clarity on how the adoption works after the comment period closes on April 22,” De La Torre said of the upcoming Zoom meeting. “Subsequent to the end of the review period, staff will begin preparing the reports to hold a public

hearing at the Planning Commission on the draft zones and rezoning proposal likely in June, followed by an adoption hearing at City Council in the summer or early fall.”

Meeting attendees can join online via https:// longbeach-gov.zoom. us/s/99456665878#success or by phone, 213-338-8466, with the meeting ID 994 5666 5878.

Officials encouraged attendees to RSVP at https://eventactions. com/eareg.aspx?ea=Rsvp&i nvite=0hysyghn7vu1ym2a0v 47r52ag582dae1pmv7dnkrnt 9xwjc0vh7g

Interpretation services will be provided in Spanish and Khmer, and other languages upon request via the RSVP form.

OC DA Todd Spitzer.| Photo courtesy of Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer/Facebook

An aerial view of Long Beach. | Photo courtesy of the city of Long Beach

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Embattled attorney John Eastman seeks delay in suspension of law license

Suspended attorney John Eastman, the former Chapman University law school dean and counsel to former President Donald Trump, said Thursday he is not dispirited by a recommendation from the California State Bar that he be disbarred and is seeking permission to keep working as an attorney while he appeals the ruling.

“An old professor of mine told me if you’re not catching flack, you’re not over the target,” Eastman told City News Service. “People coming after me as hard as they are indicates we’re over the target.”

The Arcadia Weeklyhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number GS 004333 for the City of Arcadia, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

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Eastman is one of the alleged architects of the fake electors plot, a scheme designed to obstruct the transition of presidential power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden on Jan. 6, 2021. As Bar attorney Duncan Carling put it: “Eastman pressed thenVice President Mike Pence to reject slates of electors in seven states or send them back to the state legislatures for continued investigation of debunked fraud claims.

“That move would violate the Electoral Count Act, which has been in place for more than a century,” Carling said.

On Wednesday, Eastman and his attorneys filed a motion to suspend his inactive status while he appeals a recommendation from the bar that he lose his license to practice law in California. That motion features declarations from Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene, who hired Eastman to represent them in First Amendment claims stemming from the cancellation of their planned speaking engagements in the city of Riverside and in Anaheim.

“We recognize what this fight is all about,” Eastman said. “It’s a concerted effort to get anyone who supports Trump.”

He added,“I’m not stressed at all. I’m working doubletime to get our country back on track for the rule of law.” Eastman characterized his defense in the state Bar trial as “awesome.”

Eastman has until April 26 to file his appeal with the state

Supreme Court, he said.

Eastman noted that he still retains his bar card in Washington, D.C., so there’s nothing precluding him from practicing law in the federal courts though he is on inactive status in California. He may also still provide legal advice and strategy for his clients, but he cannot file motions or make court appearances.

Eastman also faces the possibility of being disbarred in the nation’s capital as well. The D.C. Bar could just go along with the California ruling if it is upheld by the state Supreme Court here, or it could hold its own trial, Eastman said.

It is unclear when or if the California Bar would take up Eastman’s request for a delay in imposition of his inactive status during his appeal, he said.

In his declaration in the motion, Eastman, who currently lives in New Mexico, said he has “incurred more than $1 million in legal fees and expenses to date,” and estimates that “the total that I will incur before these various matters have concluded will be as much as $3 million to $3.5 million.”

Eastman is battling charges in Georgia, where he was indicted along with Trump and multiple other defendants in an election fraud case. Eastman said

one of his primary sources of income since 2021 has come as a partner with the Constitutional Counsel Group law firm.

Despite the recommendation that he lose his law license in California, Eastman said his clients wished to keep him as their attorney. He said he has pending cases in federal courts in California, Colorado and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Gaetz said in a letter in the motion that he has retained Eastman since July 2021 and, “I stand behind him.”

The congressman from Florida argued that the state Bar’s attempt to revoke his attorney’s license is a “coordinated and politically motivated attempt to de-platform Dr. Eastman and to limit the universe of attorneys available to individuals of our shared political and legal views.”

Eastman’s attorney, Randall Miller, argued in the motion that his continued work as an attorney “does not pose a substantial threat of harm to his clients or the public. The complaint that gave rise to the state Bar’s investigation and filing of the Notice of Disciplinary Charges was not initiated by any of Dr. Eastman’s clients, and none of his clients have even asserted, much less demonstrated any potential harm from Dr. Eastman’s continued practice of law.

“Quite the opposite. Each

of his existing clients have submitted sworn declarations indicating their strong desire to have Dr. Eastman continue as counsel for them in their pending matters because of his expertise on the constitutional questions and other matters at issue in their cases, despite this order.”

Miller added that Eastman’s “conduct does not pose any threat of harm to the public because the conduct at issue arose from a role he no longer occupies — as counsel to former President Trump in challenges to an election that has long since passed.”

The hearing judge in Eastman’s disbarment trial, Yvette D. Roland, noted Eastman’s refusal to accept the nature of the allegations against him that he worked with Trump to obstruct the certification of President Joe Biden’s election and continued misinforming the public with disproven fraud claims.

Eastman has shown an unwillingness to admit any ethical lapses pertaining to his actions, which demonstrates a seeming inability to accept responsibility, Roland said.

“This lack of remorse and accountability presents a significant risk that Eastman may engage in further unethical conduct, compounding the threat to the public,” she said.

John Eastman. | Photo courtesy of ISCOTUS/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Getty and French Consulate in LA sign agreement for cultural exchange

Banning cellphones at school brings positive changes for students

Getty officials and the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles have entered an agreement to promote exhibitions related to French culture, it was announced Wednesday.

The agreement was signed by Getty president and CEO Katherine E. Fleming and French Consul General in L.A. Julie Duhaut-Bedos at a ceremony Tuesday in Beverly Hills.

“Getty has a long and meaningful relationship with the French Consulate in Los Angeles and has worked with esteemed institutions to bring France’s art and culture to local audiences,” Flemming said in a statement. “This agreement is a continuation of this commitment and a foundation for further collaboration as Getty expands its global reach and impact.”

The agreement outlines that Getty and the French Consulate will jointly promote Getty activities related to French culture. It also encourages opportunities for greater cultural exchange and cooperation with Villa Albertine, a residency program for French

By City News Service

global creators, thinkers and cultural professionals.

“This agreement with the Getty acknowledges the important role that museums play in our French American conversation,” said Laurent Bili, ambassador of France to the United States. “Here in Los Angeles, it gives us a framework and a vision for our cooperation.”

The agreement includes the joint promotion of Camille Claudel, the first major survey of the French sculptor’s work in nearly 40 years, according to Getty

officials.

Other activities include promotion of exhibitions of the work of painter Gustave Caillebotte and photographer Hippolyte Bayard.

The agreement builds on prior successful Getty and French Consulate cooperation promoting exhibitions, such as “La Surprise: Watteau in Los Angeles” at the Getty Center.

Getty shares art, knowledge, and resources online at Getty.edu and welcomes the public for free at its Getty Center and the Getty Villa.

By Mark Richardson, Producer, Public News Service

Separating high school students from their cellphones might be seen as a daunting task but one California school said having students stash them during the school day has brought some surprising results.

Administrators at High Tech High in San Diego said fostering a phone-free school environment led to positive change. Starting this school year, High Tech High required students to relinquish their phones at the beginning of the day.

Colleen Glass, compliance officer for the school, said tracking student perceptions and observing the impact of cellphones on the learning culture provides a compelling case study.

“Where before, they were sitting in those spaces and kind of ‘heads down’ into their technology, they’re now sitting in those spaces and having conversations,” Glass explained. “There’s a lot more engagement and conversation in class, because students are talking to each other and they’re not listening to their AirPods.”

Across the country, more than three-quarters of K-12 public schools prohibit nonacademic cellphone use, according to a report from the 2021-2022

school year. But only 43% of public high schools have such a rule and it is often not enforced.

Doug Keller, partnerships lead for the nonprofit Youth Truth, said it has been tracking students’ experiences over the past decade in such areas as engagement, relationships, culture, academic challenges and their overall sense of belonging. He noted once the phones were gone from classes, the majority of students showed improvement in several areas.

“When they implemented the policy, we saw a sharp jump upward,” Keller reported. “We saw growth, students feeling a stronger sense of belonging at their school because of this

new policy, after seeing a decline that matched the decline that we have anecdotally seen elsewhere.”

Keller added Youth Truth surveyed students to measure the “intersection of student voice, school improvement and key indicators of the student experience.” It also includes areas like peer collaboration and relationships with their teachers. He emphasized they will continue the study in future years.

Disclosure: YouthTruth contributes to Public News Service’s fund for reporting on Education, Philanthropy, and Youth Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, visit https://www.publicnewsservice.org/dn1.php.

Educators sound alarm about teacher shortage

By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service

Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage.

Around 37% of schools nationwide report being short at least one teacher. The problem is worse at schools serving high-poverty neighborhoods where more than half report a vacancy.

Susan Kemper Patrick, a senior researcher on the Educator Quality team at the Learning Policy Institute, said those numbers are troublingly high.

“At least 314,000 teaching positions across the U.S. are either unfilled or filled with teachers who are not fully certified for their assignments,” she said. “This means at least one in ten teaching positions nationally are either unfilled or not filled with a certified teacher.”

Data from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing showed 10,000 teacher vacancies in the 2021-22 school year. The number of teacher credentials issued that year was down 16% from the previous year - but has now started to trend upward.

In 2023, California passed a bill to make it easier for retired teachers to return to the classroom.

Kemper Patrick noted that schools are resorting to desperate measures such as combining classes, relying on a virtual teacher or using a long-term substitute.

“The U.S. Department of Education School Pulse survey found that 36% of public schools across the U.S. reported that they had to increase class size due to teacher and staff vacancies,” she said.

Kemper Patrick blamed the problem on low salaries, noting the average starting salary for a teacher nationwide is less than $43,000 a year. Congress is currently considering two bills, the Diversify Act and the Educators for America Act, which would double the amount of the Teach America grant from $4,000 to $8,000 per year.

Left to right: Getty President and CEO Katherine E. Fleming, Laurent Bili, ambassador of France to the United States, French Consul General in Los Angeles Julie Duhaut-Bedos. | Photo by Christophe Ortega

Students at High Tech High in San Diego were asked to surrender their cellphones each day at school last session, and were surveyed on the changes they noticed throughout the year.

| Photo by Edrick Macalaguim/High Tech High

Facial recognition, biometrics accepted in tech, but some are wary of certain uses

By Paxtyn Merten, Stacker

Smartphonesunlocking at a glance; palm payments for in-store shopping; eye scans to pass through airport security — what were once sci-fi fantasies are now a reality. Biometrics such as fingerprints, eye scans, facial recognition and voice matching don’t exist just for use by the wealthy; they are incorporated into everyday technology and used by millions of people across the globe every day.

To get a more comprehensive look at the state of biometric technologies today, Spokeo took a closer look at their adoption and public opinion on various use cases, citing studies, surveys and news coverage of the growing trend.

Most commonly, biometrics are used for identity verification, accessing devices or accounts and making purchases. But this year is poised to see surges in biometrics elsewhere, such as at airports, to speed up security screenings and boarding.

More public uses of this technology present privacy concerns, as it’s increasingly difficult for people to avoid having their biometric data captured and stored. Consumers may choose not to utilize biometrics on their own devices, but avoiding it can be impossible when government agencies, companies and law enforcement use facial recognition in public and private spaces.

Mass adoption of biometrics

American views on biometrics use vary widely based on use cases and type of data. However, people tend to become more comfortable with technology the more they are exposed to it or use it in their daily lives. At its best, biometrics offer faster logins, better security, and

greater accuracy than other authentication methods. The information is unique, universal, easy to store and difficult to forge. Biometrics offer more streamlined authorization, eliminating the need to remember dozens of passwords — and the danger of password sharing across accounts.

Biometric technology hit the shelves in late 2011 with the release of Android’s then-latest operating system, which let users unlock their screens using facial recognition. Apple incorporated fingerprint technology with its iPhone 5S in 2013 and later added facial recognition with the iPhone X in 2017. Today, about four in five smartphone users have biometric scan options enabled on their devices, according to a 2022 report by Cisco Duo.

With the growth of mobile shopping and digital wallets, people also use biometrics to complete transactions more frequently. Insider Intelligence eMarketer expects mobile sales to reach $558.29 billion this year, and to comprise more than 7% of total retail sales nationwide.

A PYMNTS Intelligence and Amazon Web Services report released in September 2023 found that over half of consumers who bought something online within a monthlong period used biometric authentication to complete the transaction, primarily with facial or fingerprint scans.

Biometrics have become a part of in-store shopping, as well. In 2023, Amazon installed its Amazon One palm scan technology in all 500-plus Whole Foods Market stores. The technology is also present in its Amazon Go physical stores.

The in-store hand scanners are much less popular among the masses, being relatively new and less ubiquitous than mobile phone usage. In other areas of the world, options are expanding for in-store biometric payments.

About 3 in 4 Americans are not comfortable using the hand recognition technology to make payments, according to a 2023 survey by CivicScience. Fewer than half of U.S. consumers said they would utilize palm-scanning payment devices if various retail stores installed them, including Kroger and Costco. However, a Pew Research study conducted in 2021 indicated half of Americans favored retail stores using facial recognition to enhance the security of credit cards by confirming account holder identities at checkout.

and cybersecurity regulations, leaving the handling of biometrics and other personal data at the mercy of

Privacy and security concerns

In mid-2023, the Federal Trade Commission warned the increasing use of biometric technologies raises significant concerns for consumer privacy, data security, bias and discrimination.

Despite several attempts by lawmakers over the past few years, the U.S. hasn’t created national data privacy

state and local governments and private companies. A few states have adopted laws regulating private entities’ collection and use of biometric information, and several others have introduced bills with similar goals that are still moving through the legislative process. GetApp’s biannual survey of around 1,000 American online shoppers found

that trust in tech companies’ handling of biometric data is declining. People are increasingly concerned about biometric data misuse, breaches, identity theft, privacy and inaccuracy, according to the 2024 survey.

Concern is also mounting among human rights groups over facial recognition surveillance in public spaces, saying this type of mass surveillance undermines rights to privacy and nondiscrimination and threatens freedoms of assembly and expression. Historically, these technologies have struggled to recognize and distinguish among people of certain races, ethnicities and genders, so there is an even greater risk of discrimination in using them to surveil already marginalized communities. This issue presents a more significant concern when applied to policing. As of 2021, dozens of federal agencies that employ law enforcement officers used facial recognition technology. Within the Departments of Homeland Security and

Justice, seven law enforcement agencies said they used facial recognition services in 2023. Pew Research in 2021 found that a majority of Americans believe police would use facial recognition to find more missing persons and solve crimes faster and more efficiently, but 2 in 3 also agreed that police would use this tech to over-surveil Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.

In November 2023, more than 180 groups signed a statement to stop facial recognition surveillance, with the Human Rights Watch suggesting the world is at a “fork in the road” when it comes to how government agencies will choose to proceed.

Story editing by Ashleigh Graf. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn.

This story originally appeared on Spokeo and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Republished pursuant to a CC BY-NC 4.0 license. This article was retitled and copy edited from its original version.

Parsons Services Company has an opening for a People Systems, Sr. Consultant in Pasadena, CA to ensure the seamless administration, integration, configuration, and maintenance of the Human Capital Management (HCM) product suite. May telecommute.

$146,578.00 to $182,400.00 per year

Apply online at jobs.parsons.com

Must reference job 11863.467.8 / R152544.

| Photo courtesy of goffkein.pro/Shutterstock/Stacker

| Image courtesy of Spokeo/Stacker

Probate Notices

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MONICA ANN RIEBENNACHT

CASE NO. 24STPB03082

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MONICA ANN RIEBENNACHT.

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

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that GRETCHEN RIEBENNACHT 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 with limited authority. (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: 04/19/24 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

low 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: 04/29/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 2D 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 WILLIAM R. REMERY - SBN 89897, REMERY LAW FIRM 1955 WEST GLENOAKS BLVD. GLENDALE CA 91201

Telephone (818) 558-5909 4/4, 4/8, 4/11/24

CNS-3799463# SAN GABRIEL SUN

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ANITA GOMEZ

Case No. 24STPB03527

To all heirs, beneficiaries, cred-itors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ANITA GOMEZ

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

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Jeannette Echeverria be appointed as personal repre-sentative 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 administra-tion authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objec-tion to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

LEGALS

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:

TIMOTHY G MISHLER ESQ

SBN 156236

LAW OFFICES OF

TIMOTHY G MISHLER

816 W FOOTHILL BLVD

MONROVIA CA 91016

CN105693 GOMEZ

Apr 4,8,11, 2024

DUARTE DISPATCH

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF CAROLANN WALLACE

Case No. 23STPB14035

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

A PETITION FOR LOST WILL has been filed by Alexander Martin Wallace in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Alexander Martin Wallace 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 6, 2024 at 8:30 AM in Dept. 4. 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.

Public Notices

To

FOR PROBATE has been filed by VICKIE EATON in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that VICKIE EATON 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 al-

A HEARING on the petition will be held on April 29, 2024 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 4 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 ap-pearance 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 issu-ance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from

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.

Petitioner:

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.

$500K Getty Prize goes to LA youth arts organization

By Staff

ALosAngeles-based nonprofitorganization that works with underserved youth will receive the $500,000 Getty Prize, the J. Paul Getty Trust announced Tuesday.

This year’s Getty Prize winner — artist Mark Bradford — chose the Arts for Healing and Justice Network to receive the sizable grant.

“AHJN is an extraordinary organization whose efforts directly impact change within the juvenile justice system,” Mark Bradford said in a statement. “With the Getty Prize, I am proud to support the important work AHJN is doing to transform young people’s lives through the power of arts education and look forward to seeing everything they will be able to accomplish as a result of this generous grant.”

AHJN was founded in 2012 and formerly called the Arts for Incarcerated Youth Network. The organization seeks “to provide alternatives to incarceration, build

resiliency and wellness, increase community health, eliminate recidivism, and center arts as a change strategy for young people, communities, and systems,” according to the Getty Trust.

AHJN works to provide arts education to “systemimpacted” children and young adults in LA County, such as artworxLA and the Versa Style Dance Co., according to the trust’s statement. The organization utilizes a collaborative model that aims to ensure a steady flow of interdisciplinary support and engagement for local children and teens. These efforts have led to the development of “rich programming, improved outcomes for youth, and more efficient re-directing of public dollars” to communities that have an inequitable share of opportunities for youth arts education, according to the Getty Trust.

“AHJN has proven that we are stronger together. Our members come to the

table with a shared core value of collaboration — and a shared north star of supporting young people while leveraging our collective power to dismantle harmful systems,” AHJN Executive Director Elida Ledesma said in a statement. “This award will allow us to strengthen our infrastructure, give us the capacity to continue and deepen our work, and enhance our ability to continue supporting the work of our members.

AHJN works with more than a dozen arts groups, including the Homeboy Art Academy, Street Poets, Rhythm Arts Alliance and the Gay Men’s Chorus of LA.

“Under AHJN, 20 member agencies provide high-quality arts education that includes creative writing, spoken word, visual arts, theater, digital media, dance, and music,” according to the trust’s statement. “This work now extends beyond

Probation-run facilities, to include support for youth reentry, youth leadership development, advocacy, and community-based programs.”

This year was the first time the Getty Prize was awarded to a single person — Bradford — who then

Irecognized the nonprofit’s work with the $500,000 grant, according to the trust. The Getty Trust Board of Trustees reviews nominations and determines awardees.

Past prize recipients included Frank Gehry, Ellsworth Kelly, Ed Ruscha,

The first recipients were Harold M. Williams and Nancy Englander, who received the prize for their leadership toward creating the Getty organization as it exists today.

Latino Theater Company, Playwrights’ Arena bring ‘Mix-Mix:

The

Filipino Adventures of a German Jewish Boy’ to LA

By Staff

nspired by a little-known true story from World War II, “Mix-Mix: The Filipino Adventures of a German Jewish Boy,” written by Boni B.Alvarez and directed by Playwrights’ Arena founding artistic director Jon Lawrence

The play is based on the real-life story of Ralph J.Preiss, who, at age 93, currently lives in New York and is planning to fly to Los Angeles for opening night on May 18.

“Philippines President

Rivera, is set to open May 18 at The Los Angeles Theatre Center.

“Mix-Mix” centers on 13-year-old Rudy Preissman, whose newfound tropical refuge in the Philippines after escaping Nazi Germany is upended when Japan invades the islands — forcing his family and their Filipino friends to hide out in the heights and depths of sacred Mount Banahao.

Manuel Quezon saved over 1,000 Jews with his ‘Open Door’ policy, even as most Jews were being refused entry around the world,” explains Rivera. “The Philippines, a developing country, was able to get these people out. It’s a story you don’t hear much about, and we’re delighted to present it during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.”

“One would think the

journey to get from Germany to the Philippines would be enough of a story in itself,” continues Alvarez. “Add to that spending four months in the jungle on a mountain hiding out from the Japanese, being put in charge of chaperoning a famous Filipina movie star, and meeting the President.”

In January 2020, Preiss was invited to speak to the United Nations at a special event in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. A close friend of the family happened to invite

able to connect Rivera, born in Manila, and Alvarez, who is of Filipino descent, with Preiss. “Ralph has been a big part of the development process, and Jon and Boni have the savvy and sophistication to bring his lived experience together in a highly theatrical way. The play is told from the point of view of the kids: Ralph and his Filipino friends think this is all a great, grand adventure despite the dangers of the Japanese Occupation.”

As part of the development process, “Mix-Mix” received a

Los Angeles arts advocate and consultant Olga GarayEnglish to watch on Zoom.

“I thought, this is a story that needs to be told,” says Garay-English, who was

staged reading at the Skirball Cultural Center. When Latino Theater Company presented a second reading late last year, artistic director Jose Luis Valenzuela immediately

knew it was something the company wanted to produce. “This is the kind of play that exemplifies our mission to start cross-cultural conversations,” he says.

“Mix-Mix” is a direct English translation of the

with performances thereafter on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through June 16. Six preview performances take place May 9 through May 17 on the same schedule. Tickets range from

Tagalog word “Halo-Halo,” the name of a popular Filipino dessert that’s a mixture of jellies, tapioca pearls, fruit, beans, corn, shaved ice, condensed milk and ice cream — a perfect metaphor for the mixed cultures that came together as the world contended with the horrors of World War II.

“Mix-Mix: The Filipino Adventures of a German Jewish Boy” opens on Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m.,

$10 to $48, except opening night which is $75 and includes a post-performance reception.

The Los Angeles Theatre Center is located at 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Parking is available for $8 with box office validation at Los Angeles Garage Associate Parking structure, 545 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 (between 5th and 6th Streets, just behind the theater).

Lorna Simpson, Agnes Gund, Yo-Yo Ma, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Richard Serra and others.

Young artists do a final mural dedication at the Nidorf juvenile hall in Sylmar with the Armory Center for the Arts. | Photo courtesy of the Arts for Healing and Justice Network

Ralph Preiss (top) at age 3 with nanny and cousins Germany, 1933. | Photo courtesy of LATC

Ralph Preiss (middle) with his parents before leaving the Philippines to attend MIT in the U.S. | Photo courtesy of Lisa Preiss Frie

Ralph J. Preiss speaking before the U.N. January 27, 2020. | Photo courtesy of LATC

C2024 Independence Day Parade applications now being accepted in Ontario

elebrate Independence Day with the Ontario Recreation & Community Services Department by participating in this year’s parade on Thursday, July 4.

Parade applications are now open. Parade categories include vehicles, large vehicles, floats, military groups, walking groups, and marching bands. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024.

This year’s theme is “Hip, Hip, Hooray … It’s Independence Day!” Show off how you celebrate the holiday. Do

you throw a barbeque, or pool party, go to the beach, visit the mountains, or celebrate a birthday? Don’t forget to use the colors red, white, and blue as you bring the celebration to the parade route.

Entries have the opportunity to win the following awards:

- Sweepstakes Award: Awarded to the best overall entry.

- All-States Award: Awarded to the best theme entry.

- Community Service Award: Awarded to the best

service club entry.

had filed an emergency appeal since the new map disrupts four legislative seats currently held by the GOP.

In South Carolina in early 2023, a three-judge federal panel unanimously found that the GOP-controlled state Legislature drew an illegal racial gerrymander in the 1st District near Charleston, discriminating against 30,000 Black residents who were moved out of the district.

Republican lawmakers have acknowledged they wanted to maintain firm GOP control of a swing district, currently held by Rep. Nancy Mace. But they have denied discriminatory intent. ProPublica reported that Democratic Rep. James Clyburn, the state’s most influential Black elected official, gave detailed confidential input through one of his aides during the creation of the state’s maps.

Clyburn offered Republicans a draft map that included his recommenda-

tions for how to add voters to his largely rural 6th District, which had lost a significant Black population, and move unpredictable pockets of white voters out of his district.

On NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Clyburn denied playing a significant role in a Republican gerrymander.

“When someone picks up the phone and asks you, ‘What are your suggestions as we’re about to get these lines drawn?’ I offered my suggestions,” Clyburn said.

Adam Kincaid, the director of the National Republican Redistricting Trust, said Clyburn’s comments suggest he is “trying to get in front of ” a Supreme Court decision that will uphold the Legislature’s maps. “I think Mr. Clyburn believes South Carolina is going to ultimately win,” he said.

The case is now at the Supreme Court. The court heard oral arguments on Oct. 11, then went silent as South

Of the $160 million coming in from federal grants, the money will fund the following programs:

-- $139 million for Metro to reconnect communities across highway and arterial barriers by creating multimodal investments: bus speed and reliability improvements, first/ last mile strategies and projects, mobility hubs, and non- capital mobility solutions;

-- $9.96 million for a partnership between Metro, Caltrans and L.A. County Public Works for construction of a dedicated

pedestrian and bicycle overcrossing adjacent to the existing Humphreys Avenue bridge over the 710 Freeway in East Los Angeles;

-- $5 million for the Port of Los Angeles to support a pedestrian bridge over two mainline freight tracks, which can accommodate emergency vehicles and connect the economically disadvantaged Wilmington community with the Wilmington Waterfront;

-- $3.59 million for Friends of the Hollywood Central Park. In partnership with the city’s Depart-

By Staff

- Youth Expression Award: Awarded to the best youth group entry.

- Chaffey Heritage Award: Awarded to the best historical entry.

- Judge’s Choice Award: Awarded to the best noncategory entry.

- Red, White, & Blue Award: Awarded to the most patriotic military vehicle entry.

- Showmanship Award: Awarded to the overall best performance.

Additional award catego-

ries include Best Marching Band, Best Walking Group, Best Military Marching Group, Best Vehicle, Best Historical and/or Novelty Vehicle, or Special Merit.

All award winners will be recognized at the July Recreation & Parks Commission Meeting held on Monday, July 22, in the City Council Chambers (303 E. B Street).

For more information, visit OntarioCA.gov/Independence Day or contact the Recreation & Community Services Department at (909) 395-2020.

Congressional maps

Carolina’s filing deadline for June primary elections loomed.

In recent months, lawyers for GOP legislators asked the Supreme Court to abide by the Purcell principle and allow the challenged map to stand for 2024. Lawyers for the South Carolina NAACP argued there was plenty of time to implement a corrective map.

After waiting for the Supreme Court to act, the same lower court that found the district discriminatory ruled that the map would have to remain in place after all, saying it wanted to avoid voter confusion. “The ideal must bend to the practical,” the court said.

The South Carolina case shows how the Supreme Court’s “inaction can be as consequential as an adverse action,” said Wilfred Codrington III, an associate professor at Brooklyn Law School who has written on the Purcell principle and its impact on voting rights.

Civil rights advocates condemned the court’s unwillingness to make a timely decision, which by default gives a competitive election advantage to Mace. “No one believes they were just too busy to rule in time. It’s an intentional partisan maneuver,” tweeted Lynn Teague, vice president of the League of Women Voters of South Carolina, which has been active in the redistricting case.

In the Florida case, a federal three-judge panel on March 27 upheld an election map pushed through the Legislature by Gov. Ron Desantis. The decision allows elections to proceed this year while a separate state case awaits resolution.

The federal panel said plaintiffs failed to prove that the state Legislature was motivated by race when it approved a Desantis-engineered plan moving Black voters in the 5th District into four majority-white districts. The 5th District seat is

Federal funds

ment of Recreation and Parks, Healing Hollywood aims to use community planning grant funds to take the Hollywood Central Park, a cap park over the Hollywood Freeway, from a concept design to a shovelready project; and

-- $2 million for the city of Los Angeles to support community planning activities with the aim of creating 1.7 acres of new open space in one of the most park-poor areas of the city and remove a highinjury arterial adjacent to a high concentration of elementary schools by

closing Wilshire Boulevard to vehicular traffic from Alvarado Street to Carondelet Street.

Casey Wasserman, the chair of LA28, the committee organizing for the Olympic Games, emphasized that when the world comes to Los Angeles, they will experience “games that celebrate the people and the communities of our city,” as well as the “transportation system that connects the people and the communities of our city.”

“We are well positioned to host the greatest games

currently held by Republican Rep. John Rutherford, who has no Democratic opposition.

Desantis’ redistricting plan has been mired in controversy since 2022, when he vetoed the Republican Legislature’s plan and redrew the map with advice from national Republican consultants. A key feature of the Desantis plan was redrawing the majorityBlack 5th District near Jacksonville.

A state judge previously struck down his map as a violation of the constitution, which provides additional protections for voters of color. An appeals court overturned the judge’s ruling, but the Florida Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case.

The Utah case involves a challenge to the state’s Republican Legislature for repealing a voter-passed initiative setting up an independent redistricting commission and then passing a partisan gerrymander

that splits up communities around Salt Lake City. Utah has four congressional seats, all held by Republicans.

“We’re still waiting to hear from the court whether the claims that we raised are viable, and we’re hopeful,” Gaber said. “But I do not think there’s a likely chance of a decision that would affect this year’s elections.”

Kincaid, who coordinates national Republican redistricting strategy, said it’s unclear whether court decisions to use contested districts will allow the GOP to maintain its narrow control of the House.

“Democrats and their liberal allies have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to try to sue their way into congressional and legislative majorities,” Kincaid said. When the House majority is decided in November, he said. “I would rather it be us than them.”

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

on Earth, worthy of our city, worthy of our communities, and we can’t wait for 2028,” Wasserman said.

Sen. Alex Padilla joined LA Mayor Karen Bass, Rep. Grace Napolitano, Rep. Jimmy Gomez and others to announce the funding. | Photo courtesy of @SenAlexPadilla/X

| Photo courtesy of city of Ontario/Facebook