Category Archives: Community

Palisades Fire Sparks Senate Inquiry Into DEI Programs in L.A. Fire Department

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A Senate subcommittee is now investigating whether Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies played a role in the response to the devastating Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. Republican Senators Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rick Scott of Florida have sent a formal letter to Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson requesting detailed records regarding DEI programs within the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

The request, sent Wednesday, outlines a broad set of documents, ranging from disaster evacuation plans to internal communications with council staff. The senators are also seeking information on decisions such as the closure of the Santa Ynez Reservoir.

“This inquiry is intended to understand whether DEI policies impacted the city’s emergency response to the Palisades Fire,” the letter states. “We request full access to all relevant records related to diversity initiatives, internal communications, and operational decisions during fire incidents.”

Story Highlights:

  • Senate subcommittee examines DEI policies’ role in Palisades Fire response.

  • Senators Johnson and Scott request L.A. City Council provide all records of diversity programs in LAFD and LADWP.

  • Request includes evacuation plans, Santa Ynez Reservoir closure, and internal council communications.

  • Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez criticizes the inquiry, stating DEI policies did not cause the fires.

  • Eaton Fire included in request despite occurring outside city limits.

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez reacted strongly to the inquiry. “DEI did not cause the fires, and these senators should take their witch hunts elsewhere,” he said in a statement. Soto-Martinez also pointed out that the request includes the Eaton Fire, which did not occur within Los Angeles city limits.

Local journalists noted the growing interest in the connection between DEI policies and disaster response. “While this inquiry may attract national attention, it is critical to remember that emergency response decisions involve multiple factors,” a spokesperson said.

“The role of DEI in public service operations is a topic of growing discussion,” Soto-Martinez added. “But conflating diversity initiatives with disaster outcomes misrepresents the complexities involved in emergency response.”

The Senate subcommittee’s investigation into the Palisades Fire response could have significant implications for how diversity programs are viewed in public safety departments. The inquiry highlights a nationwide debate about the impact of DEI policies on operational effectiveness, particularly in high-stakes situations such as wildfire management.

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Alycia Marshall Takes Charge: Community College of Philadelphia Welcomes Its New President

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The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) has officially appointed Dr. Alycia Marshall as its new president, following a unanimous vote by the college’s Board of Trustees on Tuesday morning. The decision marks a major leadership milestone for the institution and solidifies Marshall’s role after several months of serving as interim president.

Her appointment follows a comprehensive and competitive selection process, which brought four finalists to the college for a series of interviews earlier this month. Each finalist spent the day engaging with students, faculty, staff, and board members — a process designed to ensure transparency and community involvement in the decision-making.

Story Highlights

  • Alycia Marshall unanimously appointed as new president of Community College of Philadelphia

  • Has been interim president since April, succeeding Donald Guy Generals

  • Previously served as provost and vice president for academic and student success

  • Holds a doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Maryland

  • Started career as a tenured math professor and department chair in Maryland

  • Pledges to continue building strong connections between students, faculty, and community

During Tuesday’s announcement, Harold T. Epps, chair of the Board of Trustees, praised Marshall’s leadership and resilience throughout her interim term.

“The board is excited to have Dr. Marshall as our next president,” Epps said. “You have earned it through a very tough and challenging process. We congratulate you, we commend you, and we look forward to working with you.”

Before taking on the interim role, Dr. Marshall spent nearly three years as provost and vice president for academic and student success at the college — a position that allowed her to work closely with students and faculty on initiatives aimed at improving academic performance, equity, and campus engagement.

Her leadership style has often been described as collaborative and student-centered, qualities that many believe helped her stand out among the finalists.

“Dr. Marshall brings a deep understanding of the college’s mission and a clear vision for its future,” said one board member following the announcement. “Her experience and dedication make her uniquely suited to guide CCP into its next chapter.”

From Mathematics Professor to College President

Dr. Marshall’s path to the presidency began in the classroom. She started her academic career at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland, where she served as a tenured professor and later as chair of the mathematics department. Her early years in education, colleagues note, shaped her belief that accessibility and support are essential to student success.

Marshall holds a doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Maryland, College Park, along with a master’s in teaching from Bowie State University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her background in both teaching and administration gives her a unique perspective on the challenges facing community colleges today — particularly in balancing academic excellence with affordability and inclusion.

A Vision Rooted in Commitment and Collaboration

Following her appointment, Dr. Marshall expressed both humility and determination as she addressed the board and college community.

“I’m very excited, honored, and deeply humbled to take on this role,” she said. “I truly appreciate the support I’ve received from the Board of Trustees and the entire college community during the interim period and throughout this transition.”

She emphasized that her presidency will focus on strengthening connections between faculty, staff, students, and community partners, a mission she views as central to the college’s ongoing success.

“I look forward to continuing our work together as we move the institution forward,” she added. “It has been a journey, but a labor of love. I am fully committed to our students and to the college community. Thank you for this incredible honor.”

A New Chapter for the Community College of Philadelphia

With Dr. Marshall’s appointment, the Community College of Philadelphia enters a new era of leadership rooted in experience, collaboration, and a deep understanding of student needs. Her journey from mathematics professor to president reflects both her personal dedication and the institution’s commitment to fostering leadership from within.

As the city’s largest public institution of higher education, CCP serves thousands of students each year — many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Under Dr. Marshall’s guidance, the college aims to continue expanding access to quality education, workforce training, and community development.

Her presidency not only signals continuity after months of interim leadership but also represents a renewed commitment to empowering Philadelphia’s next generation of learners and leaders.

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Los Angeles Trash Collection Fees Soar for First Time in 17 Years

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Los Angeles residents could soon see a significant increase in their trash collection bills. The City Council is scheduled to give final approval Tuesday to an ordinance raising trash collection fees, marking the first rate adjustment in 17 years. The new fees, expected to take effect next month, aim to cover rising costs for waste management services, officials said.

Story Highlights

  • City Council to approve first trash collection fee hike in 17 years.

  • Single-family homes and duplexes will increase 54%; small apartments rise 130%.

  • Bi-monthly bills could reach $111.90 for affected households.

  • Low-income residents eligible for EZ-SAVE or Lifeline reduced rates.

  • Additional 18% increase projected over the next four fiscal years.

  • Over 1.2 million households, including bulky item collection customers, will be impacted.

  • Rate changes cover staff salaries, organic waste disposal, vehicle maintenance, and inflation.

“Updating these fees is essential,” said a city sanitation spokesperson. “It ensures we can properly manage organic waste, maintain vehicles and equipment, pay our staff fairly, and keep up with inflation.”

Last week, the council voted 12-2 in favor of the ordinance. Council members Adrin Nazarian and Monica Rodriguez opposed the increase, citing concerns about the impact on residents, while Councilman Curren Price was absent. The ordinance still requires a second council vote Tuesday before being sent to Mayor Karen Bass for final consideration. Once signed, the rate changes will take effect after 30 days.

City officials highlighted that the new fees would affect the city’s Solid Resources Program, which manages residential trash collection and related waste services. Under the proposed changes, single-family homes and duplexes will see a 54% increase, rising from $36.32 to $55.95 per month. Apartments with three to four units will face a 130% increase, jumping from $24.33 to $55.95 per month.

“This is a big jump for many families,” said a community housing advocate. “While the increase may be necessary for city operations, it will significantly impact household budgets.”

Bi-monthly bills from the Department of Water and Power could rise to $111.90 once the fee adjustments are in place. However, low-income residents who qualify for the city’s EZ-SAVE or Lifeline programs will still be eligible for reduced rates, city officials said.

The ordinance also outlines gradual increases over the next four fiscal years. By the 2029-30 fiscal year, rates for single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings could reach $65.93 per month, representing an additional 18% increase. Approximately 743,000 households, along with 474,000 residences that receive bulky item collection services, will be affected by the changes. Apartment buildings with five or more units currently pay the full fee.

City Council members emphasized that the increase is part of long-term planning to maintain high-quality sanitation services. “We understand the impact on residents,” said a council spokesperson. “But these adjustments are necessary to sustain essential waste management operations across the city.”

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CicLAvia Takes Over Downtown LA: Thousands Celebrate Car-Free Streets Festival

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The streets of downtown Los Angeles came alive this Sunday as the popular CicLAvia festival returned, attracting thousands of participants eager to experience car-free streets and community-driven activities. The “CicLAvia — Heart of LA” event ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing 7.15 miles of streets to motorized vehicles and transforming the city into a vibrant space for walking, cycling, and skating.

Story Highlights:

  • CicLAvia’s “Heart of LA” festival returned Sunday in downtown Los Angeles.

  • 7.15 miles of streets were closed to motorized vehicles, open only to people-powered transport.

  • Event marked the 15th anniversary of CicLAvia and its 63rd open streets event.

  • Bikes, skateboards, and walking were encouraged; electric scooters and skateboards prohibited.

  • Thousands of participants enjoyed car-free streets and community-focused activities.

  • Next CicLAvia event set for Nov. 23 on Melrose Avenue, between Vermont and Fairfax avenues.

CicLAvia is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to promoting car-free streets in Los Angeles. The “Heart of LA” festival marked its 15th birthday and the 63rd open streets event since the organization launched in 2010. According to a statement from CicLAvia, the event “brings the community together and encourages active, people-powered transportation across the city.”

Only human-powered vehicles were permitted on the streets. Bikes, skateboards, and other people-powered modes of transport dominated the streets, while electric scooters and electric skateboards were strictly prohibited. The festival encouraged attendees to engage actively with the urban environment and enjoy a safe, vehicle-free zone.

A CicLAvia spokesperson said, “We were thrilled to welcome thousands of participants today. The energy and enthusiasm from the community highlight the growing interest in car-free streets and sustainable urban transportation in Los Angeles.”

The festival not only offered a day of recreation but also emphasized environmental awareness and the benefits of reducing car dependency in the city. Participants of all ages took to the streets, celebrating cycling, walking, skating, and outdoor activity in a lively and safe environment.

Looking ahead, CicLAvia plans to continue its mission with the next open streets event scheduled for Nov. 23 on Melrose Avenue, stretching between Vermont and Fairfax avenues. Organizers encourage all residents to join and experience the unique car-free street atmosphere.

For more information about CicLAvia and future events, visit ciclavia.org.

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Los Angeles Shuts Down for Indigenous Peoples’ Day While Nation Marks Columbus Day Divide

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As Los Angeles embraces Indigenous Peoples’ Day this Monday, city and county offices have shut their doors to honor the region’s Native communities and their enduring cultural heritage. Yet across the country, the federal government continues to recognize Columbus Day—a long-standing national holiday with deep historical and political debate attached to it.

In Los Angeles, the split observance captures a changing narrative—one where local recognition of Indigenous identity meets the nation’s traditional remembrance of Columbus’s voyage.

📍 Story Highlights — Read Before You Go

  • City & County Offices: Closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Los Angeles.

  • Federal Offices: Closed nationwide for Columbus Day.

  • State Offices & Courts: Open across California.

  • Schools: Los Angeles Unified School District schools open.

  • Banks: Most major banks including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank are closed.

  • Public Transit: Buses, Metrolink, and LA rail services running normally.

  • Retail & Groceries: Most open on regular hours.

  • Celebration: Cultural program at Cal State Los Angeles from noon to 2 p.m.

Los Angeles Marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day

For Los Angeles, Indigenous Peoples’ Day represents more than a calendar change—it’s a statement of acknowledgment. The city officially replaced Columbus Day in 2017 after a local ordinance declared the second Monday in October as a day dedicated to honoring Indigenous identity, history, and survival.

That same year, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors followed suit, ensuring the day would be celebrated throughout the county. More than 100 U.S. cities have since made similar moves, shifting away from Columbus Day toward a day of Indigenous recognition.

“This day is about truth-telling,” community advocates have often said. “It’s about recognizing whose land we’re on and the cultures that have always been here.”

City offices and county departments will remain closed on Monday, while state offices, courts, and schools will operate normally. The Los Angeles Unified School District is open, since Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not recognized as a state holiday.

Federal Offices Closed for Columbus Day

While Los Angeles celebrates Indigenous heritage, the federal government continues to mark Columbus Day, first recognized as a federal holiday in 1968.
As a result, all federal offices, including the U.S. Postal Service, are closed. There will be no regular mail delivery, and most major banks will not operate.

Services like UPS and FedEx, however, will continue normal pickup and delivery operations, and their store locations will remain open.

Public transportation—including LA Metro buses, Metrolink trains, and city rail services—will function as usual, ensuring Angelenos can move around the city with ease.

What’s Open for Business

Not everything stops on Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Columbus Day.
Most grocery stores, restaurants, and retail outlets in Los Angeles will keep their doors open, though residents are encouraged to check local store hours before visiting. Trash collection and some public services may vary depending on local jurisdictions.

History Behind the Holiday Shift

Indigenous Peoples’ Day began gaining national traction as a counterpoint to Columbus Day, which has long been celebrated as a symbol of exploration but also criticized for overlooking the suffering of Indigenous communities.

The change in Los Angeles was part of a broader movement to recognize Native history and contributions often erased from mainstream narratives. The shift also aligns with California’s Native American Day, observed annually on the fourth Friday of September, when state offices and courts close in tribute to California’s Indigenous peoples.

To honor the spirit of the day, a multicultural celebration will be held at Cal State Los Angeles from noon to 2 p.m. The event will feature Indigenous art, dance performances, educational workshops, and cultural storytelling sessions.

“Indigenous Peoples’ Day gives us space to celebrate survival and resilience,” said a Cal State LA organizer. “It’s not about erasing Columbus—it’s about reclaiming the narrative.”

The Columbus Day Controversy

The origins of Columbus Day stretch back to 1892, when President Benjamin Harrison declared the first national observance to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. The holiday was intended to celebrate exploration and unity, particularly among Italian-American communities facing discrimination at the time.

But in recent years, the legacy of Columbus has come under scrutiny. Critics point to colonial violence, enslavement, and displacement of Native peoples that followed his voyages.

In contrast, supporters of Columbus Day argue the holiday honors the spirit of discovery and Italian-American heritage.

In his 2019 proclamation, former President Donald Trump strongly defended Columbus, stating:

“Outrageously, in recent years, Christopher Columbus has been a prime target of a vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history… Those days are finally over — Columbus was a true American hero.”

The division underscores how Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day have become two sides of a broader national conversation—one about history, identity, and recognition.

A Day of Reflection for Los Angeles

For many Angelenos, the observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not just a holiday—it’s a reminder of a city built on diverse roots and ancient cultures. The celebrations across Los Angeles bring together artists, educators, and community leaders who continue to push for inclusion and acknowledgment of Indigenous contributions to the region’s story.

As the debate between Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues nationally, Los Angeles stands as a city that has made its choice clear—one that looks beyond discovery to honor the first peoples of the land.

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One Beverly Hills: Luxury Towers and Public Gardens Redefine Beverly Hills Skyline

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Construction is rising just west of the iconic Beverly Hilton, as developer Cain International pushes forward with One Beverly Hills, a sprawling mixed-use development promising to reshape the heart of the city. Anchored by two high-rise condominium towers, the project blends luxury living, commercial spaces, and publicly-accessible green areas, marking a significant shift in urban development in Beverly Hills.

Spanning 17 acres, the site is strategically bounded by Santa Monica Boulevard to the south, Wilshire Boulevard to the north, and the prestigious Los Angeles Country Club to the west. The entire development is expected to cost around $10 billion, with phased openings slated to begin in 2027.

Story Highlights:

  • Two luxury condominium towers of 28 and 31 stories

  • 10-story Aman hotel featuring 78 suites and a 100,000-square-foot private club

  • Approximately 30,000 square feet of retail and commercial space

  • Subterranean parking for 1,900 vehicles

  • Up to 200 high-end condominiums

  • 4.5 acres of publicly-accessible green space, known as One Beverly Hills Gardens

  • Two miles of walking paths, water features, and over 200 native and adaptive plant species

At ground level, One Beverly Hills is designed to leave nearly half of the site open as green space. Named One Beverly Hills Gardens, this area will feature winding pedestrian paths, serene water installations, and a diverse collection of plants intended to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The gardens are envisioned as a space where residents and visitors can relax, reconnect, and enjoy nature within the city.

Mark Rios of Rios Architecture, responsible for the garden design, emphasized the project’s community-focused vision. He said,

“One Beverly Hills Gardens is the connective tissue that weaves Beverly Hills into a larger story of community and place.”

He added,

“This garden becomes part of an interconnected system within the urban fabric that gives our city room to breathe and gather. People will find moments of calm and connection here.”

Foster + Partners and Kerry Hill Architects are leading the design of the overall One Beverly Hills project. The towers, rising 28 and 31 stories, are designed to rival the scale of nearby Century City buildings and exceed the height of existing offices in the Beverly Hills Business Triangle.

Cain International has also revealed the first retail tenants for the project, including luxury brand Dolce&Gabbana, Mexican eatery Los Mochis, and Italian restaurant Casa Tua Cucina, signaling the high-end lifestyle and global appeal the development aims to offer.

The combination of luxury residences, premium retail, and public green spaces positions One Beverly Hills as a landmark development in Southern California. By integrating luxury towers with community-focused gardens, the project seeks to redefine urban living while preserving the city’s openness and charm.

“We are designing natural and cultural infrastructure for Angelenos and visitors—spaces that capture the spirit of place,” Rios said, highlighting the careful planning behind the gardens.

With construction progressing and the first retail tenants confirmed, One Beverly Hills is set to become a central hub of luxury, nature, and community in Beverly Hills.

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Mascogos Play Brings Untold Black Seminole History in Coahuila to Life

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A new historical sci-fi drama, “Mascogos”, is set to captivate audiences by uncovering a little-known chapter of Afro-Mexican history. Commissioned by the Latino Theater Company, the play tells the story of the Mascogo people, descendants of Black Seminoles who escaped American slavery in the 19th century and established a free community in Coahuila, Mexico.

Story Highlights

  • Play: “Mascogos” by Miranda González, directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela

  • Premiere: October 11, Los Angeles Theatre Center

  • Duration: Runs through November 9

  • Plot: Chicago teen Jamari time-travels to 1864 Múzquiz, Coahuila, home of the Mascogo people

  • Historical Focus: Black Seminoles fleeing American slavery, settling in Mexico

  • Community: Mascogo people, officially recognized as an Indigenous tribe in 2017

  • Cultural Note: Mascogos celebrate Juneteenth as “El Día de Los Negros”

  • Ticket Info: Starts at $10

Written by Miranda González and directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, “Mascogos” officially premieres on October 11 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center and will run through November 9. The production follows Jamari, an 18-year-old teenager from Chicago, played by Rogelio Douglas III, as he experiences vivid hallucinations that transport him back in time to 1864 Múzquiz, Coahuila—the heartland of the Mascogo people. Trapped in this historical loop, Jamari and his loved ones struggle to find answers that might break the shackles of time.

Speaking about her inspiration, González said,
“I asked myself, are we just repeating history in different regions? When will we ever disrupt harm to one another?”

For González, the play represents more than just speculative fiction. As an avid fan of Octavia Butler and the 1989 sci-fi show “Quantum Leap,” she has long wanted to explore stories that intertwine time, identity, and history.

Being a part of the Latino Theater Company’s Circle of Imaginistas, a creative writing circle designed to amplify early and mid-career Latinx voices, González wanted to reflect the complexities of being Black and Indigenous in a world that often seeks to erase or simplify these identities.

“For Indigenous people, African American people, and Black people in many parts of the world, a lot of our records have been burned,” González explained.

“There is this calling to find what you can to remember and remind yourself of the path that people before you have paved.”

The Mascogo people trace their roots to Florida, then under Spanish control, where runaway slaves joined forces with Indigenous Seminoles in the 17th century. This union created a distinct community known as Black Seminoles, similar in cultural significance to the Gullah people.

Following the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the Second Seminole War (1835–1842), both Indigenous and Black Seminoles were forced to relocate west of the Mississippi River. Fearing re-enslavement, Seminole leader Wild Cat and Black Seminole Chief John Horse led an exodus to Mexico in 1850, where slavery had already been outlawed.

Settling in Múzquiz, Coahuila, the Mexican government granted the Mascogos land in exchange for military service to protect northern frontiers from raids by tribes such as the Lipan Apache and Comanches. The name Mascogo derives from the Muscogee language, spoken by many Seminoles, while elders also speak Afro-Seminole Creole. By 1852, they founded Nacimiento de los Negros, meaning “Birth of the Blacks,” a village that exists today and preserves oral histories, freedom hymns, and unique celebrations like Juneteenth, locally referred to as “El Día de Los Negros.”

González shared that the story resonated with her personally:
“When I was commissioned to write a play about the Underground Railroad to Mexico, this particular place intrigued me the most. It really felt like it resonated with my DNA, and I felt compelled to write it in this framework.”

In 2017, the Coahuila government officially recognized the Mascogos as an Indigenous tribe, granting them access to federal resources. Yet, the community faces ongoing struggles, including migration due to drought, limited economic opportunities, and structural racism. Afro-Mexicans, who comprise 1.2% of Mexico’s population, were not formally recognized in federal census records until 2020, after decades of advocacy.

“What it means to be Black and Indigenous in this world is about searching for resources, comfort, safety, connection, and the right to celebrate who we are,” González said.

“For whatever circumstances, whether systemic or environmental, we are not allowed to be fully expressed because of our bodies, because of how we look, because of the assumptions.”

With “Mascogos,” González hopes audiences will engage with the themes of ancestry, identity, and humanity.
“A lot of us have forgotten what it’s taken us to get to where we are today. We are forgetting our humanity,” she noted.

“Mascogos” opens October 11 at 8 p.m. at the Los Angeles Theatre Center and runs through November 9. Tickets begin at $10.

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Beer, Guns, and History: Dawn Schiavo from San Jose Visits Sonora’s Sportsman

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For travelers heading into California’s scenic Sierra Nevada, a stop in Sonora can offer more than just a scenic detour. The Sportsman, a historic gun store-bar, lets patrons sip beer while shopping for firearms—a combination increasingly rare in the state. San Jose resident Dawn Schiavo discovered this unusual spot on a recent trip to Yosemite, finding a mix of local charm, history, and guns under one roof.

Story Highlights:

  • The Sportsman is California’s last gun store with an on-site bar.

  • Shoppers can buy handguns and rifles while enjoying beer, chips, and a social environment.

  • The store holds a Type 40 liquor license, permitting beer sales and allowing minors inside.

  • Dawn Schiavo, visiting from San Jose, called the experience “unlike anything back home.”

  • The Sportsman serves both as a local hangout and a tourist stop near Yosemite, Gold Country, and the High Sierra.

In early August, Dawn Schiavo from San Jose set out for Yosemite with a friend. But before reaching the mountains, they decided to pause in Sonora.

“We don’t have a bar like this in the Bay Area,” Schiavo said between sips of cider. Her friend had lured her in with the unusual pitch: “Let’s go to the gun store that has a bar in it.”

The Sportsman, housed in a historic brick building near the town’s main street and police station, offers a split experience. One side functions as a pub, complete with televisions showing Giants games and framed photos of customers past and present. The other half is dedicated to firearms, with pistols and rifles displayed in glass cases. Prices range from $250 for a six-shooter to more than $600 for a .22-caliber rifle.

Steve Kane, who has managed the Sportsman for 11 years and worked there for 20, moves seamlessly between the two areas.

“We’re not a bunch of yahoos shooting up the town,” Kane said. “It’s a serious business and we take it seriously.”

The store’s founder, Vic Filiberti, opened the Sportsman in 1947, choosing Sonora for its strategic location. “It was the perfect spot for an outdoors store,” Kane explained. “Highways converge here, leading to Yosemite, Gold Country, and the High Sierra. Visitors pass through constantly, and locals love having a friendly, familiar place to meet.”

The Sportsman retains its original Type 40 liquor license, which allows beer sales but not wine. Minors can enter, and snacks like chips and sandwiches are available. Adjacent to shelves of bullets behind the bar, Frito-Lay chips sit ready for customers who might want a casual bite with their drink.

For San Jose visitors like Dawn Schiavo, the Sportsman offers more than merchandise—it provides a unique, historic California experience. “It’s not just a store or a bar—it’s a little community,” Schiavo observed. “Stopping here before Yosemite made our trip unforgettable.”

Whether buying a firearm, having a beer, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Sportsman stands out as a singular landmark in California—a blend of tradition, commerce, and local culture.

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Los Angeles Overcrowded Shelters Urge Residents: Adopt a Shelter Dog This October

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As Los Angeles shelters continue to operate beyond capacity, residents are being encouraged to give local pets a second chance this October during “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.” With adoption fees lowered citywide, LA Animal Services aims to find homes for countless dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens in need.

Story Highlights:

  • Discounted adoption fees: dogs $51, puppies $75, cats $12.50, kittens $25

  • Themed adoption weekends: Oct. 4-5 (“Adopt a Shelter Dog”), Oct. 11-12 (“Trick or Treat”), Oct. 18-19 (“Make a Dog’s Day”), Oct. 27-28 (“Happy Halloween”)

  • Pets come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped

  • Adopters receive Petco discounts and VCA Healthy Start Certificate with up to $250 in follow-up vet care

  • Dogs eligible for free training classes at Mission Hills’ People & Pet Innovation Center via Paws for Life K9 Rescue

  • Full adoption and foster listings available online

“October being Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is the perfect opportunity for Los Angeles residents to bring home a new furry friend,” said Annette Ramirez, Interim General Manager for LA Animal Services.

She added, “Our six Centers across Los Angeles City are filled with incredible pets in all shapes and sizes. Each one is ready to find a loving family and a safe, permanent home.”

Throughout October, LA Animal Services is offering themed adoption weekends, giving each weekend a special touch. The first weekend, Oct. 4-5, celebrates “Adopt a Shelter Dog,” followed by “Trick or Treat” on Oct. 11-12. The third weekend, Oct. 18-19, features “Make a Dog’s Day,” and the final weekend, Oct. 27-28, embraces the “Happy Halloween” theme.

“Every pet adopted this month comes fully prepared for its new home,” said Ramirez. “They are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped to ensure a smooth transition. On top of that, each adopter receives a Petco flyer for discounts and a VCA Healthy Start Certificate, which covers up to $250 in veterinary care during the first two weeks.”

Dogs adopted through the program are also eligible for free training classes at the People & Pet Innovation Center in Mission Hills, in partnership with Paws for Life K9 Rescue.

For those hoping to meet their future companion, a full list of animals available for adoption or foster care is available online. From lively puppies eager to play to calm adult cats seeking a quiet home, Los Angeles shelters offer pets ready to bring joy to families across the city this fall.

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California Breakthrough: Uber and Lyft Drivers Can Now Form Unions

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In a move hailed as historic for ride-hailing workers, California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday signed legislation that creates a pathway for Uber and Lyft drivers to organize industry-wide and negotiate for better pay and benefits. The agreement positions California as only the second U.S. state, after Massachusetts, to allow app-based drivers to unionize, offering them an unprecedented voice in shaping their work conditions.

Story Highlights:

  • California becomes the second U.S. state allowing Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize.

  • AB 1340 outlines pay and benefits bargaining rights for drivers.

  • SB 371 reduces insurance coverage requirements, lowering costs for drivers and riders.

  • Union recognition earliest by May 2026; requires 10% sign-up and 30% vote.

  • Proposition 22 limits bargaining power despite unionization efforts.

  • Insurance currently accounts for 32-45% of ride fares in California.

Unlike Massachusetts, where unionization was achieved through a costly ballot measure, California’s deal emerged from months of negotiations involving Sacramento Democrats, labor leaders from SEIU, and representatives from Uber and Lyft. This approach allowed lawmakers to avoid a high-stakes campaign while securing terms that could benefit drivers immediately.

At a press conference, Newsom emphasized the importance of the deal for drivers’ futures.

“This agreement offers Uber and Lyft drivers a voice, to give them choice, give them dignity, and a say about their future,” Newsom said.

He added,

“I say that because it needs to be said: I’m not naive about how people are feeling about their future.”

The legislation, AB 1340, authored by Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks and Marc Berman and sponsored by SEIU California, sets clear terms for bargaining. It allows Uber and Lyft drivers to seek increased pay, health insurance, and other employee benefits previously unavailable to app-based workers. Tia Orr, Executive Director of SEIU California, contrasted the California approach with federal actions under the Trump administration, which she said sought to undermine workers’ rights.

“Trump is gutting workers’ fundamental right to come together and demand fair pay and treatment,” Orr said.
“But here in California, we are sending a different message: when workers are empowered and valued, everyone wins. Shared prosperity starts with unions for all workers.”

Alongside AB 1340, Newsom signed SB 371, a bill authored by Senator Christopher Cabaldon, which lowers insurance coverage requirements for Uber and Lyft vehicles involved in accidents caused by underinsured drivers. Under the new law, coverage drops from $1 million to $300,000 per incident.

Uber estimates that insurance costs currently make up 32 percent of an average fare in California, rising to 45 percent in Los Angeles County. Uber’s California policy head, Ramona Prieto, described the legislation as a balance between drivers’ rights and the cost of services for passengers.

“AB 1340 and SB 371 together represent a compromise that lowers costs for riders while creating stronger voices for Uber and Lyft drivers,” Prieto said.

Despite the legislative breakthrough, unionization will not be immediate. Uber and Lyft drivers cannot apply for recognition until May 2026 at the earliest. Labor leaders must first gather signatures from at least 10 percent of California’s roughly 800,000 ride-hailing drivers. After that, 30 percent of drivers must vote in favor of forming a union before negotiations with the companies can begin.

Even if a union is established, Uber and Lyft drivers will face limitations under Proposition 22, a 2020 state ballot measure that prevents app-based workers from being classified as traditional employees. Uber and Lyft spent over $200 million to pass the measure, ensuring that drivers remain independent contractors.

The dual passage of AB 1340 and SB 371 marks a significant moment in the evolving gig economy. Advocates say it gives drivers more agency and protection while still allowing companies to manage operational costs. For Uber and Lyft drivers in California, the deal signals a potential shift in how app-based labor is valued and represented across the nation.

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