Bass lauds lowest homicide total in 60 years
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass yesterday lauded reports showing that Los Angeles is on pace for the lowest homicide total in 60 years.
“Especially with the summer underway, we will continue to implement comprehensive safety strategies with law enforcement and community organizations to keep Angelenos safe. That means swiftly responding when crime happens and holding people accountable, while also working to prevent crime from happening in the first place.”
Earlier this year, Bass and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell announced drops in Homicides and Person Crimes while pledging continued aggressive action to keep Angelenos safe.
Bass also announced earlier this year that violence had significantly decreased in targeted Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) zones across Los Angeles in 2024 due to the work of community violence interventionists.
The Mayor reported a 45% decrease in gang-related homicides in GRYD zones compared to 2023. GRYD zones have seen a 56% decrease in gang-related homicides compared to 2022.
Gomez to highlight senior food insecurity amid Trump cuts
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Downtown LA, Koreatown, Boyle Heights, Eagle Rock) tomorrow will visit the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels (SVMOW) kitchen to spotlight the looming crisis caused by federal food assistance cuts and to underscore the reality that Republicans have put vulnerable seniors in as a result of Trump’s Big Billionaire Bill.
Nearly $200 million in SNAP cuts threaten to deepen hardship for LA’s fastest-growing population of food and housing-insecure individuals: seniors.
As demand for basic nutrition surges and inflation rises, programs like SVMOW—already preparing nearly 3,000 meals daily—face unsustainable pressure. While SVMOW is 99% privately funded, these cuts could force even more seniors to rely on limited community resources, echoing the crushing strain seen during the pandemic.
Gomez will tour the SVMOW kitchen, meet with leadership and staff, and speak on the critical need to restore and expand food support for low-income seniors.
The visit is slated for 10:30 am, tomorrow at St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, 2303 Miramar St, Los Angeles.
Muratsuchi, Rubio strengthen early literacy instruction
Assemblymembers Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) and Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), saw their assembly bill (AB 1454) that will strengthen early literacy instruction unanimously pass the Senate Education Committee yesterday.
The measure will ensure that credentialing and curriculum are aligned with evidence-based literacy practices. The budget also includes $250,000 to support guidance for the instructional materials adoption, informed by AB 1454.
“This bill will promote evidence-based literacy instruction to teach reading skills that will lay the foundation for lifelong success,” said Muratsuchi. “After more than two years working on this measure, I appreciate our education stakeholders coming together to strengthen professional development for early literacy instruction, update instructional materials, and provide training and support for school site administrators.”
“The passage of AB 1454 in Senate Education is another win for California’s students, families, and teachers alike. I am grateful for the committee’s support on this comprehensive and critical piece of legislation,” said Rubio.
“As this bill moves forward, I am confident that the appetite to see and create concrete change in our schools, statewide, is huge. Thank you again to the members of the Senate Education Committee, to the Speaker, to the Chair of the Assembly Education, and the early supporters who have believed in this bill and helped it move forward.”
Richardson announces applications for Long Beach Youth Advisory Council
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and the City’s Department of Health and Human Services announced the (Health Department) is now accepting applications for the Office of Youth Development’s Youth Advisory Council.
The council, now in its fourth year, is a body of 11 young people who help ensure authentic youth-led engagement in the design, oversight and implementation of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan, the Measure US Youth Fund, annual Youth Summit and other systems of positive youth development.
“The Youth Advisory Council is a vital space for young leaders to share their voices and ideas,” said Richardson. “By participating, local youth will make a lasting impact in Long Beach by driving positive change and helping shape the future of our community.”
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 16 to 26 by Sept. 1
- Live in Long Beach
- Be available to meet for two hours, two afternoons per month, in locations across the city
- Have a passion for issues affecting youth in Long Beach
Youth council members will be compensated with a $50 stipend per meeting, up to $1,100, for a one-year term. Those selected will also receive coaching and development opportunities by City staff.
Application details are available on the Office of Youth Development Youth Advisory Council Application webpage. Youth may submit their application online. Those without computer or smart phone access may visit the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.), any Long Beach Public Library location, or any Parks, Recreation and Marine Teen Center during regular business hours to submit their digital applications. Applications will be accepted now through July 31, 2025; selected members will be notified approximately four weeks later.
