News

LOS ANGELES – AFSCME’s Staff the Front Lines bus is out West this week.

On Saturday, the bus tour kicked off the Western swing with a stop in Los Angeles, where AFSCME District Council 36 members joined California Assemblymember Miguel Santiago and City Councilmember Tim McOsker to underscore the urgent need to fill open public service positions throughout the city.

Whether in rain, raging winds or sweltering summer heat, José Villa can be seen on the streets of north Los Angeles, summoning smiles from children and adults alike. As the Mexican immigrant pushes a cart full of snow cones and popsicles, step by step the clang of his bells announces that his business is open to anyone who wants a sugary treat or immediate relief from the heat.

Brian Kito, third-generation owner of Fugetsu-Do Confectionery, receives a proclamation from Eric Moon, field representative for Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, in celebration Fugetsu-Do’s 120th anniversary on June 19.

Fugetsu-Do was founded by Seiichi Kito in 1903 and the tradition of making quality mochi and manju has been handed down through the family. Fugetsu-Do and The Rafu Shimpo are the oldest businesses in Little Tokyo and both marked 120 years in operation this year.

A group of 41 migrants, including 11 children, arrived at St. Anthony’s Croatian Church Saturday afternoon after a 30-hour bus ride from Brownsville, Texas.

“We were organized, received them, right now some of them reuniting with family as they begin their new journey and their new life here in the United States,” said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.

A fresh Father's Day tradition, now in its fourth year, continued on Sunday when families marched through Boyle Heights to the tune of a mariachi band. They were joined by Assemblyman Miguel Santiago as they stopped and spread cheer for fathers throughout the area.

VERNON, Calif. - Several elected officials gathered in Vernon Friday to push the Environmental Protection Agency to declare the former Exide battery-recycling plant a federal Superfind site. The designation would allow for federal funding to help clean up for at the plant that authorities said has leaked toxic and hazardous chemicals into thousands of properties in the area.

VERNON, Calif. - Several elected officials gathered in Vernon Friday to push the Environmental Protection Agency to declare the former Exide battery-recycling plant a federal Superfind site. The designation would allow for federal funding to help clean up for at the plant that authorities said has leaked toxic and hazardous chemicals into thousands of properties in the area.

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- State leaders gathered on Tuesday to highlight new research on financial struggles in California.

The report, called "The Real Cost Measure," was conducted for the United Way.

Another six bills related to LGBTQ issues or health concerns are moving on this legislative session in the California Legislature. Lawmakers in the bills' houses of origin adopted them by their June 3 deadline to do so this year.

All 20 pieces of legislation the Bay Area Reporter is tracking this year are moving forward. Many build on LGBTQ laws previously enacted by state lawmakers that focused on issues impacting public schools and foster youth, with several others related to ending the HIV pandemic.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today released his May Revision proposal, a balanced budget plan that maintains critical investments to address our biggest challenges while preparing for continued economic uncertainty due to global economic issues.

The Governor’s budget closes a projected $32 billion budget shortfall while protecting key investments in the issues that matter most to Californians, including education, health care, housing and homelessness, public safety, and climate action.