Rosemead Reader_8/25/2025 by Beacon Media News

Rosemead Reader

California GOP legislators say redistricting proposal violates state constitution

By City News Service

Aredrawn congressional district map aimed at shifting five U.S. House seats to Democrats will go before California voters this November, a move some Republican state legislators — including Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach — said violates the state constitution.

State lawmakers voted Thursday to put the newly proposed California congressional map — a direct counter to legislative redistricting efforts in Texas to increase the number of GOP House seats there — before voters in a Nov. 4 special election.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement shortly after the vote, “The People of California will be able to cast their vote for a congressional map. Direct democracy that gives us a fighting chance to STOP Donald Trump’s election rigging. Time to fight fire with fire.”

Just before Thursday’s vote, California Republican legislators accused their Democratic counterparts in Sacramento of pushing a redistricting plan without proper oversight or notice to the public.

During a Thursday morning news conference on the steps of the Capitol, Sen. Brian Jones, R-San Diego, called the efforts an “attack on democracy” and “nothing less than rigging the election.”

The minority leader also accused Democrats of refusing to explain how the newly proposed maps were drawn.

“Gerrymandering by politicians is never OK, whether in California, Texas or anywhere else. Our state should be the model for fair elections and not the model for rigged elections,” Jones said. “This is not about good government. It’s about rigging the system to protect Democrat power.”

Proposition 50 — also known as the Election Rigging Response Act — is an attempt to negate the Texas legislature’s effort to flip five congressional districts to the GOP side through a redrawn map. That effort passed the Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday and is headed to the state’s Senate, where it’s expected to pass and move on to Gov. Greg

Abbott’s desk.

California Democrats, led by Newsom, have called the Texas plan gerrymandering, and California’s counter-push has drawn national notice.

The proposed California maps would similarly shift five seats to Democrats and override the state’s indepen-

dent redistricting commission that is typically responsible for drawing district maps.

Newsom said in a statement earlier this week, “California and Californians have been uniquely targeted by the Trump Administration, and we are not going to sit idle while they command Texas and other states to rig the next election to keep power — pursuing more extreme and unpopular policies. This proposal would give Californians a choice to fight back — and bring much needed accountability and oversight to the Trump Administration.”

Republicans filed a lawsuit to block the redistricting plan, but the California Supreme Court rejected the legal challenge on Wednesday.

Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, who filed a citizens’ initiative earlier this week that called for a ban on elected office for state legislators who vote to approve the redistricting proposal, called the proposal a “seize of power from the citizens.”

“What’s happening behind us in this building today is unconstitutional, it is wrong, it is illegal. It is also corrupt,” DeMaio said during Thursday’s gathering outside the Capitol.

Strickland, who was one of several California GOP lawmakers who filed the emergency petition this week challenging the proposal, reiterated an argument in the Republicans’ legal filings that a 30-day public review period is required.

He said the new district lines were “drawn behind closed doors” and would lead to predetermined elections down the line.

“That means your voice

LB man pleads not guilty to sending cash to ISIS terrorists, bomb-making

Ex-LAFD chief’s claim

By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com

Former Los Angeles Fire Department

Chief Kristin Crowley filed a legal claim Wednesday against the city and Mayor Karen Bass alleging defamation, retaliation and negligence.

Crowley says she was the victim of dishonest scapegoating and illegal retaliation that culminated with her demotion in the aftermath of the January wildfires.

Central to the ex-chief and 25-year public servant’s claim is “Bass orchestrated a campaign of misinformation, defamation, and retaliation to protect her political image while concealing the extent to which she undermined public safety,” according to court documents.

Crowley’s claim demands immediate retraction of all allegedly false and defamatory statements, a public apology and an end to all alleged ongoing reprisals. The claim also calls for unspecified damages in excess of $25,000.

“The citizens of Los Angeles deserve to know the truth about how under-resourced the LAFD has become and how that came to be,” Crowley’s attorney Genie Harrison said in a statement. “Kristin Crowley has put herself on the line yet again, this time to give the citizens of Los Angeles and its firefighters the truth — and the power to create change.”

David Michaelson, counsel to the mayor, said in a statement, “We will not comment on an ongoing personnel claim, Mayor Bass is focused on the city’s preparations for the hottest temperatures of the year and the potential for regional fire danger.”

According to the claim, Crowley did her job by truthfully informing city officials and the public that the mayor’s budget cuts and long-run neglect by officials had left the fire department underfunded, understaffed and ill-equipped to handle the escalating demands of a growing city that is especially at risk for wildfires.

When Crowley publicly confirmed in media reports that Bass cut the LAFD operating budget by $17.6 million, she

Then-LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, second from right, discusses rainstorm preparation with Mayor Karen Bass and city officials in February. | Photo courtesy of Mayor Karen Bass/X

Sen. Brian Jones speaks at a press conference Thursday. | Photo courtesy of @SenBrianJones/X

LA premiere of ‘Just Another Day’ stars Dan Lauria, Patty McCormack in different kind of love story

By Staff

Following successful runs off-Broadway and in Ireland, “Just Another Day,” written by Dan Lauria (“The Wonder Years,” “Sullivan and Son,” “Pitch”) and starring Lauria alongside Patty McCormack (“The Bad Seed”), will run Aug. 30 through Sept. 28 at West L.A.’s Odyssey Theatre, with New York director Eric Krebs at the helm.

In this captivating romantic comedy that celebrates the resilience of love with hilarity, pathos and meaning, a couple in their 70s meet daily on a park bench to exchange wits and barbs, wax nostalgic about old movies — and to try to remember how they know, and love, one another.

“The characters are two former comedy writers who now have dementia, so every day they meet, they write comedy, and they fall in love again,” explains Lauria.

“I want the audience to understand that the creative spirit never dies,” he says. “All the other plays I’ve seen or read have to do with how the family deals with dementia. This is the only play on this subject I

A41-year-old man was taken into custody during an operation that local authorities said Wednesday dismantled a “significant” storefront operation that was trafficking in millions of dollars in stolen cargo and retail goods.

Dojoon Park of Montebello was arrested last Thursday and booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center on suspicion of receiving stolen property. He was booked and released the same day, according to jail records.

Police said detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department Commercial Crimes Division, Organized Retail and Cargo Theft Unit led the investigation, with Union Pacific Police Department and Los Angeles Port Police investigators assisting in the service of search warrants at DJ General Tool and Wire at two separate locations on Thursday and Tuesday.

The first location was

know of that is not about the family or the hospital conditions. This play is about the creative spirit that lives on no matter what.”

“Just Another Day” had its New York City premiere at off-Broadway’s Theatre 555 in a production produced and directed by Krebs, then traveled to Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, where it will return in October. Reviewing an earlier production at Great Barrington Public Theater in Massachusetts, The Boston Globe wrote, “At first glance, ‘Just Another Day’ exudes a poignant sense of loss. But within moments, playwright Dan Lauria shifts to joy — celebrating relationships, the pleasure of creativity, and the hope that laughter brings — for a play that is both tender and uplifting.”

Lauria, best known as the dad on the hit television series “The Wonder Years,” has starred, recurred and guest-starred in over 70 television episodic programs, as well as in more than 20 movie of the week productions and a score of feature films. He has performed,

written or directed over 50 professional stage productions. On Broadway, he starred as legendary coach Vince Lombardi opposite Judith Light in “Lombardi,” as well as in the Tony nominated “A Christmas Story: The Musical” for two years running. He co-created the Durango Play Festival with Wendie Malick, with whom he has also performed the play “The Guys,” a tribute to the firefighters who died on 9/11, as a fundraiser for veterans and firefighting organizations. The two currently perform “Love Letters” around the country as a fundraiser for environmental organizations and to support the development of new plays at regional theaters.

Audiences will recognize Patty McCormack from her more than seven decades of stage, screen and television appearances: from her Oscar and Golden Globe nominated performance at age eight in “The Bad Seed,” to work in the Oscar and Golden Globe nominated “Frost/Nixon” (as Pat Nixon) and “The Master.” Recently, she returned to

the stage in New York City starring in “Mornings at Seven,” and starred in “House Of Deadly Secrets” for Netflix as well as “Christmas In Evergreen: Tidings Of Joy” and “Always Amore” for Hallmark. Performances of “Just Another Day” take place on

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from Aug. 30 through Sept. 28, with one preview set for Friday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. There will be two additional weeknight performances, on Wednesday, Sept. 17 and Wednesday, Sept. 24, each at 8 p.m.

The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, 90025. Tickets range from $20 to $43. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (310) 477-2055 or go to OdysseyTheatre.com.

Man suspected in storefront cargo theft operation taken into custody

in the 1200 block of South Greenwood Avenue in Montebello, while the second investigation was conducted in the 1900 block of East Gage Avenue in Huntington Park,

By City News Service

recovered about $4.5 million worth of stolen property. The items included power tools, appliances, e-bikes, and other miscellaneous goods, such as products from Dyson,

police said.

Police stated that during the investigation, detectives

storefront and online platforms.

“This case is a powerful example of what law enforcement can achieve when we work together,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement.

Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita, which were allegedly being sold through both the

He said organized cargo theft “strikes at the heart of our economy, impacting

local businesses, workers, and everyday families” and asserted that the operation underscores the department’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks that profit from stolen goods.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that although cargo thefts are

often perceived as victimless crimes, they actually harm businesses, disrupt the supply chain, and increase costs for everyone.

“More importantly, it undermines the safety of our communities. Please know that when organized crime rings exploit our transportation system, we will identify them, dismantle the operations, and hold individuals fully accountable for their actions,” Hochman said.

The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives anticipating possible additional arrests, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the cargo theft was urged to contact the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division at 213-486-5920 between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Calls during non-business hours or weekends should be directed to 877-527- 3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800- 222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

Dan Lauria and Patty McCormack. | Photo by Kathy Portie

Stolen cargo. | Photos courtesy of LAPD

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Civil rights attorneys reaffirm protections for immigrant children

By City News Service

After a Los Angeles federal judge rejected the Trump administration's bid to end a 28-year-old edict governing how immigrant children are detained, attorneys stressed Tuesday that the government remains legally obligated to promptly process, transfer and release such children as quickly as possible.

The so-called "Flores settlement agreement" -overseen by U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles federal court -- remains one of the only legal tools to prevent the prolonged incarceration of immigrant children detained at U.S. border crossings.

According to immigrant rights lawyers, migrant children are frequently detained at CBP border stations and ports of entry in California and elsewhere.

In the months after the second Trump administration took office, detention of families in these stations became prolonged, sometimes for a month or more, plaintiffs' attorneys allege.

children be held in licensed, child-appropriate facilities and released to family members or guardians as quickly as possible. Under the terms of the settlement, Flores co-counsel are permitted to visit detention sites where children are being held and hear directly from them about their treatment and the duration of their detention.

the government wanted to terminate the settlement "so it can detain children for as long as it wishes ... given this administration's propensity for hardship on children."

a newspaper of general circulation in court case number KS017174 City of Baldwin Park, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

Despite the required protections, attorneys for detained children have presented evidence they say shows migrant children are being subjected to "prolonged detention in punitive, prisonlike conditions." Many are confined for weeks or even months in U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities, detention sites intended only for short-term processing, where conditions are wholly inappropriate and harmful for children, the attorneys argued in court papers.

"These CBP facilities are cruel, barren, and psychologically scarring to children," Sarah Kahn, senior staff attorney with the Center for Human Rights & Constitutional Law, said in a statement Tuesday. "No child should be in a prison for any amount of time. This order will help to shorten the imprisonment of children and move them promptly out of the worst and most traumatizing facilities."

The only long-term family detention center run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is located in the South Texas town of Dilley. A recent court order requires that migrant children be rapidly moved out of CBP facilities. Many of these children will be sent to ICE in Texas for detention as the government continues their removal proceedings and determines whether they will be deported or released.

"All of these facilities are prisons and any amount of time there is permanently scarring to children, but CBP border stations and ports of entry are the most restrictive and inhumane, and some of the worst of these border facilities are in California," according to CHRCL.

In her ruling issued Friday, Gee wrote that the government has failed "to identify any new facts or law that warrant the termination of the Flores Settlement Agreement at this time."

Approved in 1997, the settlement -- named for lead plaintiff Jenny Lisette Flores, a 15-year-old detainee when the classaction complaint was filed in 1985 -- requires that

Lawyers for the federal government had argued that the agreement is out of date and needed to be dissolved in order to reflect changes brought by the second Trump administration, including modifications to law, compliance, "facts," shifts in policies and executive function.

During a hearing before Gee on Aug. 8, U.S. Justice Department attorney Tiberius Davis told the judge that the Flores settlement was unusual in that it "dictates the operation of immigration law," which should not be under the supervision of the court.

But Gee countered, "It does not dictate the operation of immigration law," explaining that the agreement dictates the conditions of children in immigration custody. Moreover, Gee said, the government bound itself to the consent decree nearly 30 years ago.

Immigrant-rights groups have alleged ongoing violations of the settlement's protections, including the long-term detention of migrant children in punitive conditions at border stations.

Arguing for the plaintiffs against the government's motion to terminate, CHRCL attorney Carlos Holguin said

Joshua McCroskey, a Justice Department attorney, responded that "there have always been difficult cases where processing takes longer periods of time. ... CBP does try to transfer minors out of its custody as quickly as possible."

At the hearing, the court addressed conditions that directly affect children's wellbeing, including freezing temperatures and lights that stay on all night.

Gee found that Flores co-counsel had shown the government was in "substantial noncompliance" with the agreement, leaving children exposed to unsafe conditions. She ordered that children be kept in safe, comfortable temperatures and that lights be dimmed or turned off at night so they can sleep.

"Every time I have visited a CBP border station, children and teenagers alike have described the constant frigid air that blows on them day and night while they sit in holding rooms they are not allowed to leave," said Becky Wolozin, senior attorney with the National Center for Youth Law.

"One child told me he missed seeing the sun, and the only way he knew the time or day was by keeping track of a clock mounted on a guard surveillance station. The court rightly recognized that CBP facilities are unacceptable places to hold children for prolonged lengths of time."

Photo by Chris Boese on Unsplash

Public school advocates aim to reform CA charter system

By Mark Richardson, Public News Service

Public school advocates say the charter school system is broken in California, citing low academic standards, excessive expenses and poor management. A bill in the California Legislature is aimed at reforming the system.

In California and many other states, state laws give parents the option of sending their kids to a private charter school rather than public schools, and using state funds to pay the tuition.

Carol Burris, executive director of the Network for Public Education, said charter school growth is out of control, and it’s hurting public education.

“The growth in charter schools of late have been in what we call the ‘mega charters’ – very, very large charter schools, many of them online charter schools,” she said. “They have been really

prone to some pretty outlandish scandals.”

In 2024, the state had 1,300 active charter schools and seven all-charter districts, with almost 650,000 students enrolled. That’s about 12% of all California schools.

Assembly Bill 84 focuses on enhancing accountability and financial oversight for schools, particularly charter schools, and aims to address potential fraud and abuse within the system.

Opponents say the bill could increase restrictions on charter schools, potentially defunding them and limiting parental choice.

Burris said many of the state’s charter schools are online, and don’t have to maintain the same level of academic rigor as other schools in order to remain open.

“They have the incentive to bring lots of kids in, to

keep the costs low,” she said, “and they don’t have to worry particularly about academic success because they probably will not be shut down.”

She said the issues that have made news headlines involving some California charter schools, include cheating on reporting attendance figures, what she termed “outrageous” expenses, and academic fraud.

The reform bill has passed in the state Assembly and is pending in the state Senate. Burris said it faces stiff opposition, since there’s so much money at stake for the charter school industry.

“Whenever you try to do any reform with charter schools – and this has happened in the past, in California and other states –there’s a very powerful charter lobby, especially in California,” she said. “And they tend to fight reforms tooth and nail.”

Photo by Taylor Flowe on Unsplash

IE man who ran cockfighting events sentenced to prison, home confinement

By City News Service

ARiversideCounty

man was sentenced Aug. 18 in downtown Los Angeles to a month in federal custody, seven months of home confinement and a $4,000 fine for organizing cockfights in which spectators gambled on roosters expected to fight to the death.

Isidro Chaparro Sanchez, 59, of Corona was immediately taken into custody at the conclusion of the hearing, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Sanchez pleaded guilty in March to one federal count of conspiracy to sponsor and exhibit roosters in an animal fighting venture.

He admitted working with four others to produce the daylong cockfighting events on Sundays at a home in San Bernardino County for about four months last year. The site included a cockfighting ring with seating and bars serving alcoholic drinks and tacos.

Prosecutors say attendees parked — at a cost of $20 — nearly 1 mile away from the venue and were then shuttled to the home, where they paid $40 to enter the arena where the fights took place.

A team registering four roosters would pay an entry fee of $1,000. One of the co-defendants would collect the money, register the team's roosters for battle, and record the weights of the birds, papers filed in Los Angeles federal court show.

Attendees,including those who had registered their roosters, would place bets with bookmakers who collected the cash, Sanchez's plea agreement says.

The blood sport on Duffy Street ended on Aug. 4, 2024, shortly after the arrival of almost 60 people, some

carrying roosters. Before the first bout that day, special agents with the FBI armed with a search warrant raided the place. Items seized included roughly $9,000 in cash, 50 to 100 sharp instruments or "gaffs" — curved metal spurs or blades that are attached to a rooster's leg prior to a fight — and various types of steroids. In addition, about 200 birds, of which more than 150 were deemed to be fighting roosters by a local animal control agency, were recovered, authorities said.

The four co-defendants, all from the Inland Empire, each pleaded guilty to a federal charge and are

awaiting sentencing.

Cockfighting is a contest in which a person attaches a knife, gaff or other sharp instrument to the leg of a "gamecock" or rooster and then places the bird a few inches away from a similarly armed rooster.

This results in a violent fight during which the roosters flap their wings and jump while stabbing each other with the weapons that are fastened to their legs. A cockfight ends when one rooster is dead or refuses to continue to fight. Usually, one or both roosters die after a fight, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

| Photo by michelangeloop/Envato

Grocery prices have soared in recent years, from supply chain disruptions during the pandemic to avian flu outbreaks impacting egg prices today. From 2020 to 2024, food prices jumped nearly 24%. That means if you used to spend $400 a month on groceries at the start of 2020, the same shopping cart would now cost nearly $500.

While some issues like supply chain disruption may not be having as big of an impact as they were a few years ago, new economic uncertainties are popping up that could affect prices.

All of these large-scale news events can feel very personal when you’re shopping at your local grocery store. And it can be even more challenging to steer away from cheaper, ultraprocessed foods and stick to clean groceries that help you meet your health goals.

Hers looked at annual price increases of whole food grocery items to help you identify which items you can save on and which ones you may want to consider swapping out for a less expensive alternative.

Key findings

Eggs continue to hurt consumers’ wallets.

Tomatoes and lettuce experienced major price drops between April 2024 and April 2025.

Beef and ham prices have spiked over the past year, while chicken is more stable.

25 healthy groceries ranked from lowest to highest price increases over the past year

1. Tomatoes: -6.4%

2. Lettuce: -6.4%

3. Frozen vegetables: -3.7%

4. Shelf stable fish and seafood: -1.7%

5. Other fresh vegetables: -1.6%

6. Citrus fruits: -0.7%

7. Potatoes: -0.5%

Inflation-friendly food swaps to keep your grocery budget in check

By Lauren Ward for Hers via Stacker

12. Fresh and frozen fish

and seafood: +1%

13. Other fresh fruits: +1.3%

14. Other dairy: +1.6%

15. Cheese and fresh whole chicken: +2.1% (tied)

17. Fresh and frozen chicken parts: +2.8%

18. Bacon: +3.9%

19. Ham: +4.7%

20. Dried beans, peas, and lentils: +5.6%

21. Fresh apples: +6.8%

22. Uncooked beef steaks: +7%

23. Eggs: +7%

24. Uncooked beef roasts: +8.8%

25: Uncooked ground beef: +10%

Affordable grocery store swaps

How can you battle inflation prices while sticking to your health goals? Swap out the priciest items on your shopping list with cheaper options that have a similar nutritional profile. Here are the groceries with some of the biggest price spikes over the past year, plus some alternatives to consider.

Egg prices continue to rise: Swap for other dairy proteins

Between March 2024 and March 2025, there was a 60% increase in the price of eggs, and another 7% between April 2024 and April 2025. As of May of this year, the national average cost for a dozen eggs was $5.12.

Instead of whipping up an omelette every morning, consider Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as an alternative breakfast protein—at least for the time being. These dairy items only increased 2.7% and when you look at price per ounce, yogurt averages $0.19 while eggs are $0.21.

And when you opt for a low-fat Greek yogurt, you’ll only get 1.9 grams of fat in half a cup compared to 5.3 grams in one egg. Protein content is comparable in both, with half a cup of each containing around 12 grams.

Beef cuts are costlier: Swap for chicken

Depending on the cut,

beef prices have increased 7% to 10% (ground beef is the most expensive option). If you still want a meat fix but at a fraction of the price, incorporate more chicken into your meal planning. Prices only rose between 2.1% and 2.8% over the past year. A fresh whole chicken costs $2.06 per pound, while ground beef jumped to $5.80. Plus, you’ll get a similar amount of protein in both choices.

Apples are the fruit with the biggest price hike: Swap for bananas

The cost of apples jumped 6.8%, so consider some other fruit options to cut back on your final grocery bill. Banana prices stayed the same and have a similar fiber content. For comparison, a pound of Fuji apples costs $1.41, while bananas average just $0.64 per pound.

To truly maximize the nutritional content of your banana, dig in while it’s still a little green. You’ll enjoy higher fiber and lower sugar levels before it fully ripens.

Ham and bacon prices surge while pork chop prices remain moderate

Ham prices jumped 4.7% over the past year, averaging $4.74 per pound. A budgetfriendly swap would be pork chops, which increased in price by just 0.6%. The price is slightly lower at $4.24 per pound, and both contain around 5 grams of protein per ounce.

Similarly, bacon prices increased nearly 4% and cost $7 per pound. Ground turkey is a strong alternative to consider; it’s a lean protein that has only risen 0.7% over the past year.

Focus on fresh salads over canned vegetables

Lettuce and tomato prices both decreased by 6.4%. On top of that, other fresh vegetables dropped by 1.6%. With romaine lettuce averaging $2.92 per pound and tomatoes just $1.79 per pound, it’s easy to throw together a high-fiber salad that will keep you feeling

full. Canned vegetables saw a slight drop as well, but the nutritional content tends to be lower due to the preservation process.

Choose fruits over a traditional charcuterie board

Classic charcuterie board ingredients are largely more expensive than they were a year ago. The cost of cheese increased 2.1%, and cheddar now averages $5.74 per pound. The price of meats and crackers have remained steady, but garnishes like olives, pickles and relishes are up 3%.

Consider swapping out some of your pricier items for fresh fruit, perhaps alongside a dip or spread. Fresh fruit outside of apples, bananas, and citrus only increased 1.3%, and oranges are down 0.2%. Plus, you’ll be adding more healthy fiber to your snack board instead of focusing solely on high-fat meats, cheese, and carbs. Just remember to incorporate protein elsewhere. For a healthier

protein in place of sausage, consider a side of chicken wings as an unprocessed, less expensive alternative.

Methodology

To identify how grocery prices have changed in the past year, Hers pulled 12-month price data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. Our list focuses on whole foods, including unprocessed meats and other proteins (like eggs and dried beans), vegetables, and fruit. We excluded canned fruit because of the potential for added sugar. We then ranked each item based on the change in price over a one-year period from April 2024 to April 2025, with the lowest price increases ranking best.

3 tips to manage your grocery budget without sacrificing quality food

Looking for more ways to reign in your grocery spending? Here are three tips that can stretch your budget even further.

- Shop your kitchen first: Here’s a number that may shock you: The USDA estimates that Americans throw away around 30% of their food at home. Help prevent food (and money) waste by checking your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry before you head out to shop. Then build a meal plan around those items and fill in any gaps at the grocery store.

- Check out weekly ads: Most grocery stores offer weekly sales, especially on seasonal items. Prioritizing these items first can help you afford more fresh produce and price-reduced proteins.

- Get outside your comfort zone: Experiment with different ingredients from your usual rotation, like various meat cuts or cheaper fruits and vegetables you wouldn’t normally pick up.

This story was produced by Hers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Re-published with CC BY-NC 4.0 License.

8. Canned vegetables: -0.2% 9. Bananas: no change

10. Pork chops: +0.6%

11. Turkey: +0.7%

Photo by nrd on Unsplash

The videos and audio clips you encounter online may not always be genuine. That familiar voice on a video call or viral clip of a public figure might be entirely fabricated. These are deepfakes; synthetic media created by artificial intelligence to mimic real people with startling accuracy.

Deepfake videos and audio content are becoming more advanced, more realistic, and harder to spot and stop. To make matters worse, they can be easily created in hours using widely available tools, and are already being used to impersonate executives, spread fake news, and scam customers.

As AI-generated synthetic media reaches near-perfect realism, understanding how to spot deepfakes has become vital.

StayModern explores how deepfakes are being used and how you can identify them to protect yourself, your organization, and your community from synthetic deception before it causes lasting damage.

Tools Are Finding It Harder to Detect Deepfake Technology

Deepfake detection technology has made impressive progress in recent years, but it’s falling behind as AI development accelerates.

In 2023, leading detection systems could identify deepfakes with up to 98% accuracy. By 2025, that number has dropped to 65% as creators use adversarial methods to bypass detection. These tools are learning to mimic human behavior more convincingly, making it harder for even advanced algorithms to flag fake content.

How Are Deepfakes Being Used?

Deepfake technology has spread across industries and platforms at an alarming rate. While some creators use it for legitimate entertainment or artistic purposes, most target victims for harmful purposes.

The following stats show how video and audio deepfakes are being used today:

- 96% of deepfake content online is non-consensual explicit material, often targeting women without their knowledge.

- 26.8% is linked to financial scams, such as imperson-

AI deepfakes are coming: Here’s how to spot them

By Amanda Kinsler for StayModern via Stacker

ating executives or employees to authorize fraudulent transactions.

- 78.9% of deepfake cases globally target public figures in political settings, including heads of state and election candidates, especially during campaign seasons.

- 15.8% are used for electioneering, such as encouraging voter turnout or attacking opposing candidates with fabricated content.

on human judgment alone is no longer enough.

How to Spot a Deepfake—For Now

With human detection so unreliable, spotting deepfakes requires careful observation. While these signs may become harder to notice as technology improves, they remain useful for identifying many fakes today.

Unnatural blinking or blank stares

- 26.8% are designed to create fake public statements from well-known figures, including endorsements or criticisms that were never actually made.

These numbers clearly show that the main purposes of deepfakes are to deceive, manipulate, and cause harm.

Most People Can’t Spot a Deepfake

Even experienced professionals are vulnerable to high quality deepfakes. As synthetic media becomes more realistic, spotting it with the naked eye is harder than most people think.

A 2024 study from iProov revealed a significant gap between confidence and accuracy in detecting deepfakes. While 60% of respondents claimed they were confident in their ability to identify deepfakes, the reality was starkly different.

In practice, only 0.1% of participants accurately distinguished deepfakes from real images, videos, and audio content. In other words, those who felt the most certain about their detection skills were often the most easily deceived.

This gap between confidence and accuracy shows how convincing deepfakes have become, and why relying

The way a person blinks in deepfakes is either too frequent or too slow. Sometimes they don’t blink at all. This is because blinking patterns are hard to replicate accurately with current models.

Slight mismatch between audio and lip movement

When the person moves their mouth, the timing of the lips may not fully match the audio. This is a common giveaway in lower-quality fakes.

Warped earrings, glasses, or shadows

Look for visual distortions around accessories or lighting. In high-quality deepfakes, these artifacts are reduced, but many videos still show warped jewelry or inconsistent shadows.

Jerky neck or jaw movement

The way someone tilts their head or moves their jaw can feel robotic. This is because deepfakes sometimes struggle to model natural physics, especially when the person moves quickly or unpredictably.

Suspicious source, missing metadata

A real video typically comes from a trusted source and includes metadata like time, date, and device info. AI-generated videos often

lack this data or show signs of editing.

Facial hair transformations

Pay attention to inconsistent or changing facial hair transformations. If a beard or mustache seems to flicker, change shape, or disappear between frames, it’s likely a fake. Other facial transformations to watch out for include sudden smoothing of wrinkles, shifting jawlines, or mismatched facial symmetry.

Too much glare

Shiny foreheads, overly reflective glasses, or plasticlooking skin are common problems in synthetic rendering, even in high-end deepfake manipulations.

Unnaturally smooth skin

While deepfake skin looks similar to the real deal, it may appear too smooth, flat, or uniformly lit. Human skin naturally has pores, facial moles, blemishes, and subtle shadows that are hard to fake.

Note: Learning how to spot deepfakes has never been more important. While none of these signs are absolute proof, spotting two or more should raise red flags.

What Are Regulators Doing About It?

Governments worldwide are starting to respond, but the efforts vary widely in scope, funding, and enforcement. Here’s a look at how key regions are responding:

- European Union: The new Artificial Intelligence Act requires platforms to clearly label AI-generated content. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $30 million.

- United States: The “Take It Down” Act mandates the removal of explicit AI-generated content within 48 hours of making a request.

- Denmark: Lawmakers are pushing for full personal rights over digital likenesses, with enforcement funding currently estimated at $1 million.

- Global Landscape: More countries are drafting rules, but enforcement remains patchy, and international coordination is still limited.

These laws are a step forward, but legal systems are struggling to keep up with how rapidly deepfake technology is evolving.

The Risks Are Growing Deepfakes are already creating real-world harm across industries and communities:

- CEOs are being impersonated in live video calls to authorize fraudulent transfers. These impersonations are convincing enough to bypass normal suspicion, especially when combined with spoofed emails or pressure tactics that create urgency and lower employees’ guard.

- Political candidates are targeted with AI-generated images, videos, and audio meant to discredit them. These fake clips are spreading quickly across social media platforms, showing candidates saying or doing things they never said or did.

- Women and teenagers are increasingly featured in explicit content they never consented to. These deepfakes are then shared online, causing significant emotional

and social damage.

- Courts and law enforcement are finding it harder to determine what counts as reliable evidence. This creates serious challenges for proving what actually happened in both civil and criminal cases.

These consequences affect real people today, not in some distant future. From boardroom fraud to bedroom violations, deepfakes create tangible harm that demands immediate protective action.

What Can You Do Right Now?

While regulation and detection tech continue to evolve, there are steps you can take today to protect yourself and others.

For businesses:

- Use real-time deepfake detection tools to screen content.

- Train staff to recognize visual and behavioral red flags.

- Set up strict verification protocols for executive video messages.

For individuals:

- Always verify the source before sharing sensitive or viral content.

- Use tools like FotoForensics or InVID to check for signs of manipulation.

- Be extra cautious with videos from unknown or unauthenticated sources.

Why This Matters

Deepfakes aren’t just a problem for celebrities or politicians. They’re a threat to everyone. They undermine public trust, damage brand reputations, and can lead to serious financial and personal harm.

They are already being used to manipulate elections, commit fraud, and humiliate people for clicks. The only way to stay ahead is through awareness, education, and proactive defense.

Final Thoughts

Synthetic media is already here, and it’s only getting better at fooling people. Whether you are a business leader, content creator, or just trying to figure out what is real, knowing how to detect deepfakes matters now more than ever.

This story was produced by StayModern and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Re-published with CC BY-NC 4.0 License.

| Graph courtesy StayModern

New provisions to strengthen CalWORKs family assistance

By Zamone Perez, Public News Service

Acoalition of advocacy groupshaspushed majorreformsof a state public assistance program through the California General Assembly, and now says even more changes could improve its impact.

The program known as CalWORKs provides financial assistance for families with children and helps parents find employment and job training.

Rebecca Gonzales, a policy advocate at the Western Center on Law and Policy, explained CalWORKs was created when negative stereotypes of people on public assistance were common. She said some new provisions give families more freedom to tailor the program’s workrelated services to their needs.

“We really wanted to reimagine the program to be more supportive of families, to give families more choice in the activities they’re pursuing and how they are developing the tools they need to support their families,” Gonzales said, “whether that be going to school or a training program, or going straight into work.”

That includes reassessing what have been mandatory activities for people who already have specific skills, and not reducing benefits at the beginning of a family’s enrollment as they try to meet the program requirements. In addition to the Western Center on Law and Poverty, the coalition working on the reforms includes End Child Poverty in California and SEIU California.

More than a half-million families receive CalWORKs assistance, according to the County Welfare Directors Association of California. Gonzales said the coalition isn’t finished making recommendations to improve the program, including the rules for CalWORKs families dealing with a truant child.

“When a CalWORKs family, when the child is not going to school, they would sanction the families and take away part of their grant,” she said, “which is really difficult for these families because that just destabilizes the families.”

She added the coalition also plans to advocate for removing the requirement that a person must work less than 100 hours a month

EPA changes endanger plans to lower emissions in CA national parks

Anew study showed vehicleemissions from the Los Angeles area are degrading air quality in nearby national parks but plans to scuttle Environmental Protection Agency regulations to reduce carbon emissions could make the air quality even worse.

Called “Driving Dirty Air,” the study identified the Los Angeles and Southern California metro region as the nation’s worst vehicle pollution “hot spot” affecting national parks.

Ulla Reeves, clean air program director for the National Parks Conservation Association, said Los Angeles was only one of a dozen metro areas sending noxious emissions into parks and nature preserves.

“We found the places like Los Angeles and Phoenix,

Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, New York, Washington, D.C., and even the Asheville, Knoxville Metro areas surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” Reeves outlined.

The study found the Los Angeles region is sending more than 76,000 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions into Southern California national parks such as Joshua Tree, Channel Islands and Death Valley, as well as the Mojave Preserve and Santa Monica Recreation Area. The Trump administration said it wants to cut “excessive” federal regulations and shift regulatory power to the states.

Conservative leaders want to repeal a 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” which is the foundation for regulating greenhouse gas

By Mark Richardson, Public News Service

emissions. The EPA is also reconsidering its Regional Haze Program, designed to protect visibility and air quality in national parks.

Mark Rose, Sierra Nevada and senior clean air program manager for the association, said when urban pollution is not controlled, national parks in rural areas can suffer from the same bad air.

“Pollution from vehicle tailpipes doesn’t follow park boundaries,” Rose pointed out. “Much of the pollution that we see is coming from these urban areas that can be hundreds of miles away from a park, but is traveling and then impacting air quality in the national park.”

Rose added if the federal government relaxes regulations governing the carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, dozens of America’s natural

Redistricting

won’t matter in California when it comes to congressional elections,” Strickland said.

Corrin Rankin, chair of the California Republican Party, issued a statement calling the move by state Democrats “a blatant power grab” that subverts the entire concept of the state’s independent redistricting commission.

“Voters established the commission to guarantee fairness and transparency, and Democrats just shredded it to protect their

own power,” Rankin said. “This special election will waste hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on a rushed special election at a time when Californians are struggling with the cost of living, crime, and homelessness. It’s an abuse of

taxpayer money and a direct attack on democracy in our state.”

But Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin hailed the move by California.

“When faced with the reality that he was going

to lose in the midterms, Donald Trump did what he always does: He cheated,” Martin said in a statement.

“He thought he could rig the maps, Democrats would fold, and we’d all move on.

Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Democrats had another idea: giving Donald Trump a showdown and meeting the moment to fight back against Trump’s craven, authoritarian power grab. Every Californian should vote for Democrats’ measure to level the playing field.”

to qualify for CalWORKS, regardless of income.

Gonzales noted 100 hours a month doesn’t guarantee

enough income to support a family.

Photo by Kris Len Lu on Unsplash

wonders could have little or no protection from billions of tons of noxious gases every year.

Photo by Rakshith Hatwar on Unsplash

Starting a new business? Go to filedba.com

Pasadena City Notices

Notice

of Public

Hearing Planning Commission

Zoning Code Amendments related to: 1) Predevelopment Plan Reviews; 2) Design Review; 3) Signs and Awnings; 4) Outdoor and Temporary Uses; 5) Special Purpose Zoning Districts; 6) Accessory Dwelling Units; 7) Implementation of new State Legislation; and 8) Other Miscellaneous Updates

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Proposed are Amendments to various sections of Title 17 (the Zoning Code) of the Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC). This includes changes to the following: 1) Predevelopment Plan Reviews - Chapter 17.60; 2) Design Review - Chapter 17.61; 3) Signs and Awnings - Chapters 17.48 and 17.50; 4) Outdoor and Temporary Uses - Chapter 17.50; 5) Special Purpose Zoning Districts - Chapter 17.26; 6) Accessory Dwelling UnitsChapter 17.50; 7) Implementation of new State Legislation including off-street parking requirements, retail sales with donation drop off, notices for public hearings and employee/farmworker housing; and 8) Other Miscellaneous Updates including parking for changes of use, meeting continuances and glossary definitions.

PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The Planning Commission will consider whether adoption of the proposed Zoning Code Amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b) (3), under the “Common Sense” exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. The Amendments focus on procedural changes to the review process and provide additional clarity on terms and standards used. They also revise sections to comply with recent state legislation and implement programs of the 2021-2029 Housing Element. None increase development levels or intensity or add new uses that would generate impacts.

APPROVALS NEEDED: The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing and consider the proposed Zoning Code Amendments and environmental determination. 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 conduct a public hearing and consider the proposed Zoning Code Amendments and proposed environmental determination. The hearing is scheduled for:

Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Council Chambers, Pasadena City Hall 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249. The meeting agenda will be posted by August 22, 2025 at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/plan ning-commission/

PUBLIC INFORMATION: Any interested party or their representative may provide live public comment by following the instructions in the meeting agenda. 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: Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director Phone: (626) 744-7231

E-mail: jmikaelian@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 commentsPC@ 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

Publish August 7, 18, 25, 2025

PASADENA PRESS

San Bernardino City Notices

SWINERTON BUILDERS INVITATION TO BID

San Bernadino Valley College Career Pathway 2 Bids are due September 16th, 2025, at 12:00pm

Swinerton Builders is Seeking Qualified Subcontractors and Suppliers to provide pricing (bids) for the San Bernadino Valley College Career Pathways 2 located at 701 South Mount Vernon Ave, San Bernardino CA 92410.

Project Overview:

Building A Allied Health - Approximately 19,394 SF on the 1st floor & 20,632 SF on the 2nd floor, plus a 319 SF exterior stair. Building B Aeronautics - Approximately 16,852 SF on the 1st floor and 8,231 SF on the 2nd floor.

Additional Facilities - Hazard Storage Building (B2), Engine Test Cell Building (B3), A new parking lot located between the buildings.

Project Requirements:

• This is a Prevailing Wage project. All subcontractors must comply with the California Labor Code, Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1. Certified payroll will be required.

• We are actively seeking participation from Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) & encourage certified firms to submit proposals.

• Proposals must be valid for 120 days from bid date.

• Project duration of 1,067 calendar days

• Work Hours: 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Preliminary Bid Schedule Information:

• RFI Deadline – Wednesday, August 6, 2025

• Bids Due – Monday, September 16th, 2025, at 12:00 PM

• Anticipated Construction Start Date - December 2025

Interested Subcontractors should contact: EstimatingOC@ Swinerton.com or 949-622-7000, for access to bid documents.

Subcontractors must be prequalified and sign/execute Master Subcontract Agreement with Swinerton in order to be awarded a contract: New Application - http://www.swinerton. com/subcontractors/subcontractor-prequal or email Renewalsubcontractorprequal@swinerton.com

At Swinerton’s discretion, Swinerton may require a Payment and Performance bond and/or a letter of bondability from a qualified and accepted Treasury listed Surety within 48 hours of demand. Please provide bond rate together with single project bond $ limit for scope of work to be performed in your proposal. List of certified companies: https://fiscal.treasury.gov/files/surety-bonds/ list-certified-companies.pdf.

Swinerton is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Minority, Women, Disability, and Veteran Employer.

Publish August 25, 2025 & September 1, 2025 SAN BERNARDINO PRESS

ORDINANCE NO. 2268

AN URGENCY ORDINANCE SETTING THE AMOUNT OF SOLID WASTE FRANCHISE FEES PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE § 5471 AND MONTEREY PARK MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 6.08.

The City Council does ordain as follows:

SECTION 1: The City Council finds and declares as follows:

A. The City of Monterey Park requires a reliable solid waste and recycling collection service to protect the public general welfare, health and safety;

B. The purpose of solid waste franchise fees (“Fees”) is to protect the public health, safety and general welfare by providing reliable and adequate solid waste collection services for the City;

C. There is a reasonable relationship between the amount of the Fees and the cost of services and facilities necessary to deliver solid waste services to the residents and non-residential development of the City;

D. Notice regarding the Fees included in this Ordinance was provided in accordance with California Constitution Article XIIID, § 6(c) and Government Code § 54354.5;

E. On July 16, 2025, the City Council opened a public hearing to consider the results of the protest proceeding and to consider adoption of the proposed Fees. The City Council continued the public hearing to August 6, 2025 to allow additional time for eligible property owners to file protests;

F. On August 6, 2025, the City Council conducted and concluded the continued public hearing to consider the results of the protest proceeding and to consider adoption of the proposed Fees;

G. This Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Pub. Res. Code §§ 21000, et seq.; “CEQA") and CEQA regulations (14 Cal. Code Regs. §§ 15000, et seq.; “CEQA Guidelines”) because it establishes, modifies, structures, restructures, and approves rates and charges for meeting operating expenses; purchasing supplies, equipment, and materials; meeting financial requirements; and obtaining funds for capital projects needed to maintain service within existing service areas. This Ordi-

nance, therefore, is categorically exempt from further CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines § 15273;

H. This Ordinance is adopted in accordance with Health and Safety Code § 5471 and Monterey Park Municipal Code (“MPMC”) Chapter 6.08 to establish the City's current Fees;

I. The City Council has considered the evidence and testimony presented at the public hearing. Based in part upon that evidence, and the staff reports presented to the Council regarding this issue, the City Council believes that it is in the public interest to adopt this Ordinance;

J. To ensure the City efficiently and cost-effectively causes refuse services to be delivered to the public, it is in the public interest to immediately implement this Ordinance and implement the approved Fees as of September 1, 2025; and

K. Because of the findings set forth above, the City Council finds that this Ordinance should be adopted on an urgency basis to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare in accordance with Government Code §§ 36934 and 36937(b).

SECTION 2: AMOUNT OF RATES AND CHARGES. Pursuant to MPMC Chapter 14.12, the City Council establishes the amount of Fees as set forth in attached Exhibit "A," which is incorporated by reference.

SECTION 3: COST ESTIMATES. The City Manager, or designee, will periodically, but not less than annually, review the Fees to determine whether revenues from such charges are meeting actual cost of services and facilities needed to deliver solid waste collection services to the residents and non-residential developments within the City. If the City Manager determines that revenues do not adequately meet costs, the City Manager will recommend to the City Council a revised rate and charge schedule to be adopted by this City Council by ordinance:

SECTION 4: If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.

SECTION 5: The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of this Ordinance; cause it to be entered into the City of Monterey Park's book of original ordinances; make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting; and, within fifteen (15) days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be published or posted in accordance with California law:

SECTION 6: Electronic Signatures. This Ordinance may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code §16.5. Such electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.

SECTION 7: Invalidity. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.

SECTION 8: Severability. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provision or application and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.

SECTION 9: Recordation. The Mayor, or presiding officer, is authorized to sign this Ordinance signifying its adoption by the City Council of the City of Monterey Park and the City Clerk, or her duly appointed deputy, may attest thereto.

SECTION 10: Effective Date. Based on the findings in Section 1, this Urgency Ordinance is adopted by a four-fifths vote for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare and becomes effective immediately pursuant to Government Code § 36937(b).

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK THIS 20TH DAY OF AUGUST 2025.

Vinh T. Ngo, Mayor ATTEST:

Maychelle Yee, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM:

KARL H. BERGER, CITY ATTORNEY

Joaquin Vazquez, Deputy City Attorney State of California) County of Los Angeles) §. City Of Monterey Park)

I, Maychelle Yee, City Clerk of the City of Monterey Park, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Urgency Ordinance No. 2268 was duly passed, approved and adopted at its regular meeting held on 20th day of August, 2025 by the following vote:

Ayes: Council Members: Wong, Sanchez, Lo, Yang, Ngo

Noes: Council Members: None

Absent: Council Members: None

Abstain: Council Members: None

Recusal: Council Members: None

Dated this 20th day of August, 2025.

Maychelle Yee, City Clerk

Published on August 25,2025

MONTEREY PARK PRESS

ORDINANCE NO. 2269

Monterey Park City Notices

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.

DEBORAH COEL - SBN 262306 AND PEILIN NGO - SBN 303829 33 BROOKLINE ALISO VIEJO CA 92656

Telephone (949) 682-8019 BSC 227302 8/18, 8/21, 8/25/25 CNS-3958232#

ONTARIO NEWS PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: RUTH VIOLET SEELY CASE NO.

30-2025-01503663-PR-LACMC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of RUTH VIOLET SEELY.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by GINA YBARRA in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE.

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

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: 10/08/25 at 1:30PM in Dept. CM08 located at 3390 HARBOR BLVD., COSTA MESA, CA 92626

NOTICE IN PROBATE CASES

The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/ time set for your hearing.

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.

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

DANIELLE A. GEYE - SBN 239304

WIEZOREK & GEYE, APC 3450 E. SPRING, SUITE #212 LONG BEACH CA 90806

Telephone (562) 396-5529 8/21, 8/25, 8/28/25 CNS-3959076# ANAHEIM PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: CAROL LEE LAMOUR

CASE NO. 25STPB08923

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of CAROL LEE LAMOUR.

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

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ROBERT CHARLES LAMOUR 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 as follows: 09/12/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 9 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA

90012

ADAM P. WALSH - SBN 348388

HOLLISTER LAW OFFICE APC 228 W. CARRILLO ST., STE. D SANTA BARBARA CA 93101

Telephone (805) 284-0711 8/21, 8/25, 8/28/25 CNS-3959476# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: BONNIE DEAN ADAMS AKA BONNIE D. ADAMS CASE NO. 30-2025-01504149-PR-LACMC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of BON-

LEGALS

NIE DEAN ADAMS AKA BONNIE D. ADAMS.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MICHAEL E. MULLIGAN in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MICHAEL E. MULLIGAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 10/16/25 at 1:30PM in Dept. CM07 located at 3390 HARBOR BLVD., COSTA MESA, CA 92626-1554

NOTICE IN PROBATE CASES

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.

ROBERT A. COHEN, ESQ. - SBN 209971

COHEN LAW, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION

28039 SMYTH DRIVE, SUITE 200 VALENCIA CA 91355

Telephone (661) 257-2887

8/21, 8/25, 8/28/25 CNS-3959560# ANAHEIM PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Jin Tran

Case No.25STPB04397

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

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Muoi Ngo in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Muoi Ngo 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 September 3, 2025 at 8:30 AM in Dept. 99. located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Petitioner:

Muoi Ngo 7 Garland St Worcester, MA 01603 August 21, 25, 28, 2025 ALHAMBRA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DOUGLAS ETHEL JONES CASE NO. 25STPB09263

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of DOUGLAS ETHEL JONES.

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

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: 09/19/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 99 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

GERARD V. KASSABIAN, ESQ.SBN 222703

LAW OFFICES OF GERARD V. KASSABIAN, A PROF. CORP. 15260 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 960

SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403

Telephone (310) 278-8001

8/25, 8/28, 9/1/25

CNS-3960077# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

CINDY LOU CANALES

CASE NO. 25STPB09327

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of CINDY LOU CANALES.

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

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

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: 09/19/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 99 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA

90012

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.

MICHAEL A. O’CONNOR, ESQ.SBN 310591, AGUIRRE PLC 2596 MISSION STREET, SUITE 207

SAN MARINO CA 91108

Telephone (626) 441-3300 8/25, 8/28, 9/1/25 CNS-3960107#

BALDWIN PARK PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

JOHN R. PIEPENBROK CASE NO. 25STPB09329

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of JOHN R. PIEPENBROK. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by BARBARA L. BERTRAND in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE

requests that BARBARA L. BERTRAND 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 in this court as follows: 09/18/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 62 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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 C. TRACY KAYSER - SBN 230022 KAYSER LAW GROUP, APC 1407 N. BATAVIA ST., SUITE 103 ORANGE CA 92867 Telephone (714) 984-2004 BSC 227323 8/21, 8/25, 8/28/25 CNS-3959887# BURBANK INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF STEVEN GARY STINGLEY, aka STEVEN G. STINGLEY, aka STEVEN STINGLEY CASE NO. 25STPB09374 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of STEVEN GARY STINGLEY, aka STEVEN G. STINGLEY, aka STEVEN STINGLEY A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by GARY T. ROYSTON in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that GARY T. ROYSTON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 at 8:30 A.M. in Dept.: “62” located at: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA

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Fictitious Business Name Filings

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Special Strong Greater South Riverside 33391 Loquat Street Wildomar, CA 92595 Riverside County Faith & Fitness LLC (CA, 33391 Loquat Street, Wildomar, CA 92595 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. Marci Janiece Day, CEO Statement filed with the County of Riverside on April 15, 2025 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-202504972

Pub. 04/21/2025, 04/28/2025, 05/05/2025, 05/12/2025 Riverside Independent

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Ella Belle Loving Care Retreat #1 15322 DAWNING CT LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530 Riverside County Ella Belle Loving Care LLC (CA, 15322 DAWNING CT, LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530 Riverside County This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). Registrant has not yet begun to transact

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. Shaunte Anderson, CEO Statement filed with the County of Riverside on May 30, 2025 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-202506900 Pub. 07/10/2025, 07/17/2025, 07/24/2025, 07/31/2025 Riverside Independent

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Assets R Us 39520 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd Ste 219-2002 Murrieta, CA 92563 Mailing Address, 3 800 W Devonshire Ave 98, Hemet, CA 92545. Riverside County Chef J’s Specialties & Wellness LLC (CA, 39520 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd Ste 219-2002, Murrieta, CA 92563 Riverside County

s. Joyce Abney, CEO Statement filed with the County of Riverside on April 24, 2025 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# R202505440 Pub. 05/05/2025, 05/12/2025, 05/19/2025, 05/26/2025 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20250007021

The following persons are doing business as: Good Water Source, 1721 S Vineyard Ave #J, Ontario, CA 91761. Mailing Address, 4918 South Avocado Trail, ONTARIO, CA 91762-7291. Arashinder Singh. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino

This business is conducted by: a individual. 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 62506277). /s/ arashinder Singh, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on July 25, 2025 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#: FBN20250007021 Pub: 08/04/2025, 08/11/2025, 08/18/2025, 08/25/2025 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20256721792. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: (1). America’s Best Property Management (2). Escrow 1 (3). Escrow One (4). National Realty Group (5). National Realty Group – Riverside (6). NRG Commercial Brokerage , 6700 Indiana Ave STE 130, Riverside, CA 92506. Full

Name of Registrant(s) National One Mortgage Corp (CA, 6700 Indiana Ave STE 130, Riverside, CA 92506. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on October 31, 1991. (1). America’s Best Property Management (2). Escrow 1 (3). Escrow One (4). National Realty Group (5). National Realty Group – Riverside (6). NRG Commercial Brokerage . /S/ Jeff Maas, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on July 31, 2025. Publish: Anaheim Press 08/11/2025, 08/18/2025, 08/25/2025, 09/01/2025

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Servlegacy Cooling and Heating 6686 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92503 Riverside County Servlegacy Inc (CA, 6686 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92503

Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a corporation. 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. Jose Pinedo, CEO Statement filed with the County of Riverside on July 24, 2025

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-202509223

Pub. 08/11/2025, 08/18/2025, 08/25/2025, 09/01/2025 Riverside Independent

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Bridal & Bridesmaid Alterations 3931 Chestnut St Riverside, CA 92501 Riverside County Elvira Esparza, 3931 Chestnut St, Riverside, CA 92501 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. Elvira Esparza Statement filed with the County of Riverside on August 6, 2025 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-202509715 Pub. 08/11/2025, 08/18/2025, 08/25/2025, 09/01/2025 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20250007569

The following persons are doing business as: BAD DOG TRUCKING, 1531 Latham St, Colton, CA 92324. Mailing Address, 1531 Latham St, Colton, CA 92324. THE DIAZ ACQUISITION GROUP LLC (CA201812110333, 1531 Latham St, Colton, CA 92324; SEBASTIAN THOMAS DIAZ, MANAGER. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino 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. 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 62506277). /s/ SEBASTIAN THOMAS DIAZ, MANAGER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on August 8, 2025 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#: FBN20250007569 Pub: 08/18/2025, 08/25/2025, 09/01/2025, 09/08/2025 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20250007606

The following persons are doing business as: ABLE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, INC, 2006 So Baker Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761. Mailing Address, 2006 So Baker Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761. ABLE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, INC. (CA836035, 2006 SO BAKER AVENUE, ONTARIO, CA 91761; Connie Gallego, CFO. 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 January 11, 1978. 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

Pasadena Chorale’s concert season kicks off this week

By Staff

Following its win of the American Prize in Choral Performance, Pasadena Chorale kicks off its 2025–2026 season with “Rebirth,” an intimate evening of Renaissance choral music, on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Church in Pasadena.

“This season we’re offering the Pasadena community more ways than ever to experience the joy of choral music,” said Founding Artistic & Executive Director Jeffrey Bernstein. “Our organization has grown to four ensembles, and this season we’re offering 10 concerts right here in Pasadena. This is music of healing, comfort, and exuberance, presented, as always, for free.”

This year showcases the Chorale’s continued growth with four distinct ensembles—the full 85-member Pasadena Chorale, the Pasadena Choral Society, the High Notes middle school choir, and a new group of 16 select singers from the Pasadena Chorale— offering the public 10 choral concerts, all completely free of charge. The High Notes have appeared on Good Morning America and collaborated with leading arts organizations including Pasadena Playhouse and Pasadena Dance Theatre, performing in venues such as the Aratani Theatre, Zipper Hall, San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, and the Garrison Theatre at Scripps

College. 2025-2026 concert season at a glance

- “The Light of Hope Returning” | Dec 3. | Shawn Kirchner’s beloved winter oratorio | Pasadena Chorale & High Notes

- “Messiah” | Dec. 10 | Handel’s perennial favorite | Pasadena Choral Society

- “I Believe” | Feb. 25, 2026 | Music of Margaret Bonds and Michal Dawson Connor | Pasadena Chorale

- “Songs of Love” | March 11, 2026 | Choral works

by Samuel Barber, Eric Whitacre, and others | 16 singers

- “Spring Sing” | May 3, 2026 | Annual concert featuring the High Notes | High Notes

- “A Sea Symphony” | May 13, 2026 | Vaughan Williams’ visionary setting of Walt Whitman | Pasadena Chorale

- “Life of Mozart” | May 20, 2026 | Mozart’s Requiem presented in a dramatic frame | Pasadena Choral Society

- “Listening to the Future” | Jun 13, 2026 | World premieres by young composers from Pasadenaarea schools | Pasadena Chorale

LA County seeks partners for toy loan program

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services was seeking community partners Wednesday to help expand its Toy Loan Program for children in underserved areas.

DPSS called upon organizations such as youth centers, parks and schools to participate in the program and serve as toy lending centers, where children can borrow free toys the same way books are checked out from a library. The program is based on the idea that every child regardless of their family’s income level deserves a toy and playing is an essential component of a child’s development, according to the department.

Children who participate in the program and return borrowed toys on

time and in good condition earn points toward “honor borrower” status, meaning they can pick out rewards from the program’s “honor cabinet.”

The department recently opened a lending center in Lincoln Heights, following the closure of several locations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. DPSS previously had 50 community lending services that served more than 30,000 children annually -- but the number of centers has been reduced to 30.

The program was also impacted by a fire in 2022 that destroyed its downtown Los Angeles headquarters and toy supply inventory. Despite the challenges, the program is being rebuilt stronger than ever, according to the department.

Community organiza-

Ex-guard at DTLA lockup pleads guilty to taking bribes, smuggling contraband

By City News Service

Aformercorrections

officer pleaded guilty Thursday to smuggling drugs, alcohol and phones into a federal lockup in downtown Los Angeles in exchange for cash bribes and a Chevrolet Tahoe.

Samuel Morales was arrested after he was searched June 1, during enhanced security screening at the Metropolitan Detention Center, and a vial of cocaine was discovered hidden on his body, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Subsequent to arrest, Morales was also found to have a bag of an unidentified

rock-like substance, a bag of unidentified green pills and multiple SIM phone cards hidden in his underwear, authorities said.

He pleaded guilty Thursday in Los Angeles federal court to charges of receiving a bribe by a public official and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

A judge set sentencing for Dec. 4.

Morales admitted in his plea agreement that on five separate occasions from November 2024 to June 1, he smuggled various prohibited items, including drugs, alcohol and phones, into the lockup and then handed

them over to inmates in exchange for cash and a vehicle.

In February, the former U.S. Bureau of Prisons employee accepted a white 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe with a value exceeding $25,000 as payment for smuggling contraband into the detention center, federal prosecutors stated.

Morales faces a possible prison sentence of up to 35 years, lifetime supervised release and a fine of $1.2 million, according to the DOJ.

Morales’ attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.

tions interested in partnering with DPSS will receive toys and staff training to launch and operate a lending center. The county recommended a minimum of two hours per week for a center’s operating hours.

County officials began the Toy Loan Program in May 1935 during the Great Depression, making it one of the longest running community-based initiatives in the nation. More than 2 million children have benefited from the lending centers and other services.

The department also hosts an annual drive to collect toiletries and clothing items for unhoused adults, a Back-to-School Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway, and a holiday Adopt-AFamily Program for families receiving DPSS benefits.

| Courtesy of Pasadena Chorale

Photo by Nils Schirmer on Unsplash

Detention Center, Los Angeles.

Photo by Levi Clancy / Wikimedia Commons

LB man pleads not guilty to sending cash to ISIS terrorists, bomb-making

By City News Service

ALongBeachman pleadednotguilty

Thursday to federal charges alleging he sent a dozen payments to ISIS and kept a homemade bomb inside his home.

Mark Villanueva, 28, is charged in Los Angeles federal court with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, manufacturing an unregistered destructive device, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Villanueva, a lawful permanent resident from the Philippines, entered a not guilty plea to the three charges. A magistrate judge set a tentative trial date of

Oct. 6. According to court papers, Villanueva allegedly communicated via social media with two people who described themselves as fighters with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. In the messages, Villanueva discussed his desire to support the terrorist organization, and offered to send money to the ISIS fighters to support their activities, prosecutors contend.

According to the DOJ, Villanueva told one of the self-identified ISIS fighters that Villanueva wanted to fight for ISIS himself, stating, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven. ... Someday soon,

I’ll be joining.”

He allegedly told the other individual that he possessed a bomb and knives. According to prosecutors, during Villanueva’s arrest on Aug. 1, the FBI recovered what appeared to be an improvised explosive device from his bedroom.

The charge of felon in possession of a firearm — namely the homemade bomb — stems from Villanueva’s state conviction for stalking in September 2017, court papers show.

In a February 2025 message with one of the self-described ISIS fighters, Villanueva offered to send the individual money, and asked whether the money would “cover your equip-

ment and your weapons,” the DOJ alleged.

Villanueva apparently discussed sending the money through an intermediary. According to Western Union records, Villanueva then sent a dozen payments totaling $1,615 during a five-month period to two intermediaries who accessed the money overseas, prosecutors said.

“Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement at the time of arrest. “We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”

was targeted and removed from her position, the claim alleges. Bass and her staff also allegedly launched a “smear campaign aimed at discrediting Crowley’s character and decades of service.”

The alleged smear campaign built on “falsehoods” include Crowley’s supposed failure to notify Bass of upcoming wind conditions, that Crowley sent home 1,000 firefighters and that she refused to conduct an after-action report, according to the claim.

In her filing Crowley claims the mayor “made patently false and knowingly dishonest statements, trying to shift the blame to Crowley for Bass’ widely criticized personal decision to travel to Ghana during the highly anticipated weather event leading to the Palisades Fire.”

The ex-chief “alleges that these false statements were not mistakes but part of a deliberate strategy to scapegoat a career firefighter and divert scrutiny from

the mayor’s decisions,” her attorneys wrote.

The mayor’s office cited Los Angeles Times reports based on interviews and internal LAFD records that indicated top fire commanders chose not to assign for emergency deployment about 1,000 available firefighters and dozens of water-carrying engines ahead of the Palisades Fire. The LAFD could have sent at least 10 more engines before the fire that could have patrolled along the area’s hillsides and canyons,

several former top officials for the department told the newspaper.

“Several former chiefs with deep experience in LAFD tactics said most of the more than 40 available engines could have been pre-deployed to fire zones before the Palisades blaze started, while others were kept at stations to help with the increase in 911 calls,” according to the mayor’s office, which also pointed out that Crowley needed 10 out of 15 possible votes

from the City Council to be reinstated and received two votes following her appeal.

On Tuesday, Bass, LAFD Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva and other officials announced preparations by city departments intended to “protect Angelenos and keep the city safe ahead of expected high temperatures in the coming days,” according to the mayor’s office. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning in the Los Angeles region for

Thursday through at least Saturday, with temperatures expected to approach 110 degrees in parts of the San Fernando Valley.

A claim is a notice of intent to file a lawsuit.

The deadly Palisades Fire in January consumed more than 23,000 acres, damaged or destroyed nearly 17,000 structures and caused 12 fatalities.

Bass’ office posted a list of resources online for staying safe during the heat wave, tinyurl.com/4ktrwdnp.

Gascón chief of staff sues LA County over demotion, termination

By City News Service

Former District Attorney

George Gascon’s chief of staff sued Los Angeles CountyDistrictAttorney Nathan Hochman and another prosecutor Wednesday, alleging she was demoted for her support of Gascon’s reform policies and because of her race, age and gender.

Former Deputy District Attorney Tiffiny Blacknell, who is Black, filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the county, Hochman and Deputy District Attorney John Lewin. The latter previously filed and settled his own lawsuit against the county in which he maintained he suffered a backlash over his criticisms of Gascon’s reforms.

Blacknell seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. A representative for the District Attorney’s Office said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

Blacknell, 48, is a former deputy public defender who was hired by the county in 2002. Her suit states that her transfer to the District Attorney’s Office by Gascon and her filling of various roles there, including chief of staff, “placed her in the crosshairs for attack” by those who opposed Gascon’s attempts to make changes.

“Blacknell“quickly became the target of intense

social media, ranging from the mundane to outright threats, her attorneys wrote.

“In particular, Ms. Blacknell’s vocal opposition to police brutality and the historic failure of the (District Attorney’s Office) to hold law enforcement accountable for brutality and killings triggered fierce backlash from those that opposed the (agency’s) evolving values under DA Gascon.”

Lewin called Blacknell “corrupt,” “crazy,” a “police-hating nut job” and “unqualified” while also contending that “two dogs were more qualified to be a prosecutor,” her suit alleges. In announcing his

campaign, Hochman called Blacknell “the worst chief of staff in Los Angeles County history” and the most “unqualified, pro-criminal chief of staff in Los Angeles County history,” the suit further contends.

After Lewin allegedly defamed Blacknell, Hochman gave him a position in major crimes, the suit states. Blacknell suffered a “cardiac event” last October, sought psychiatric treatment, took a leave of absence a month later and was demoted by Hochman to a subordinate position back with the Public Defender’s Office, according to her suit.

Tiffiny Blacknell, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

| Photo courtesy of Loyola Law School

FBI agents found this homemade bomb while arresting Villanueva. | Photo courtesy of FBI Los Angeles