SGVCOG launches GoSGV Cargo E-Bike Voucher Program
The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) announces the launch of the GoSGV Cargo E-Bike Voucher Program, offering eligible residents up to $2,000 toward the purchase of a high-quality cargo electric bicycle (e-bike).
This program is part of SGVCOG’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and cut greenhouse gas emissions in the region. By helping residents swap short car trips for active, clean, and efficient transportation options, the initiative encourages healthier lifestyles while reducing environmental impact.
“Cargo e-bikes are a practical and sustainable way for families to move around their neighborhoods, whether it’s picking up groceries, commuting to work, or taking kids to school,” said Claremont Councilmember and SGVCOG President Ed Reece.“Through this program, we’re giving residents the tools to choose healthier, more environmentally friendly ways to get around and reduce our region’s carbon footprint.”
Program Highlights
- Voucher Amount: Up to $2,000 toward the purchase of an eligible cargo e-bike, applied directly at the point of sale
- Pre-Application Period: Open now through November 17, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Additional application rounds will open in the future.
Eligibility:
- Income-qualified residents, and/or
- Residents of I-10 ExpressLanes communities, including Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, and South El Monte
Requirements:
- Selected participants must submit verification documents
- Complete a 3-hour bike safety training course before voucher redemption
How to Apply
- Residents can complete a brief pre-application form online at www.sgvcog.org/go-sgv. Applications will close promptly at noon on November 17, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
For more information or to apply for the GoSGV Cargo E-Bike Voucher Program, please visit: www.sgvcog.org/go-sgv.
Hahn, Mitchell motion explores predatory solicitation ban around County buildings
Los Angeles County Supervisors Janice Hahn (D-Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hacienda Heights) and Holly J. Mitchell (D-Inglewood, Compton, Carson, Hawthorne, Culver City, portions of South LA) this week saw the full Board approve their motion to explore the feasibility of establishing buffer zones around certain County buildings in which aggressive solicitation would be prohibited.
The proposal comes in response to an LA Times investigation that found the Downtown LA Law Group targeted vulnerable people in line for county benefits and paid them to file fraudulent lawsuits against the County.
“The families who turn to LA County for help are already some of our most vulnerable, some at the end of their ropes. No one should be able to exploit that vulnerability to make a quick buck,” said Hahn. “Whether it’s help getting food to feed their families, cash assistance, healthcare, or job opportunities, LA County is a critical safety net for thousands of residents. It’s our job to protect them, and that has to include keeping them safe from bad actors out to prey on them.”
The motion calls on various County departments to report back to the Board in 60 days on potential legal framework, enforcement opportunities, and a possible ordinance in coordination with cities to ban predatory solicitation around public-serving County facilities, particularly Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) offices. The report back will also include recommendations for public education to inform county clients about predatory solicitation.
“Our County buildings are meant to be safe places where all residents can access the public services they need without being subjected to predatory solicitations – that ultimately hurt our communities as a whole. I am proud that we are taking this significant step toward passing an ordinance that protects our most vulnerable residents from those who seek to exploit them,” said Mitchell.
The LA Times investigation found that seven plaintiffs in a record $4-billion settlement by LA County for victims of sexual abuse were paid to join the lawsuit. The report alleges that the Downtown LA Law Group paid recruiters to aggressively target people standing in line outside of a Department of Public Social Services office in South Los Angeles.
Customers have also reported to DPSS staff that they have been solicited for copies of documents containing sensitive information, including EBT cards, WD-2 wage statements, Social Security Award letters, and Unemployment/Disability statements, in order to qualify for vendor-offered products and services.
Long Beach to host Space Beach Career Fair
The City of Long Beach will host a career fair next week for people impacted by the recent NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) layoffs and Long Beach residents with professional experience or training in the aerospace/space industry.
“We’re proud to host this career fair for those affected by the recent NASA JPL layoffs,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “In Space Beach, the opportunities are endless — from companies building satellites and spacecraft to those designing space stations and rockets — all within our own city limits. We want these skilled professionals to know their future in space and aerospace can continue right here at home.”
The event will offer opportunities for participants to get connected with meaningful pathways to employment, meet with hiring representatives from local aerospace/space companies and learn about supportive services. While the career fair will focus on resources for those who have been impacted by JPL layoffs and those with professional experience in the industry, the free event is open to the public.
Participating employers include: Antares, Apex, Boeing, Coronal Technologies, Ford Motor Company, Heart Aerospace, Hermeus, Long Wall, Millennium Space Systems, Nikon AM Synergy, NuSpace PCX Aerosystems, Orbital Operations, Relativity Space, Rocket Lab, Space Kenetic Corp., Stratolaunch, True Anomaly, Vast and more.
The Space Beach Career Fair is scheduled for between 9 am and 4 pm, Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Adult Career Services Center (4811 Airport Plaza Dr.).
In anticipation of strong attendance, the event will be offered in two segments, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m., to ensure all participants have an opportunity to connect with employers. Participants are encouraged to RSVP online and select one segment to attend.
For additional information about the Space Beach Career Fair, those interested can contact Jennifer Angeles Weyh, Business Engagement Specialist, EDO, at 562.570.4705 or Jennifer.Angeles@longbeach.gov.
To learn more about the City’s employment programs and services, people may visit the EDO website at longbeach.gov/workforce or contact the LBWIN Adult Career Services Center at 562.570.3700.
Gomez, González, Gabriel tour food distribution center in East LA
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Downtown LA, Koreatown,Boyle Heights, Eagle Rock) and Assemblymembers Mark González (D-Downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights) and Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino, Lake Balboa, Van Nuys) yesterday toured the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA’s food distribution operation as the Trump’s government shutdown halts food assistance and CalFresh benefits in California.
The lawmakers met with families and volunteers who are helping fill the gap left by the Republican shutdown. The event underscored how Trump’s refusal to provide emergency aid or end the shutdown has cut off vital food assistance for millions of Californians.
“Once again, I am utterly confused by Congressional Republicans’ choice to hold health care and food assistance benefits hostage,” said González. “This is just further evidence that Republicans choose politics over the lives of even their own constituents. Maybe it’s time for Trump to put down the plans for his billionaire ballroom and come to the table with solutions. Lives are on the line, and Americans will remember who is at fault.”
Due to Trump’s shutdown, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or CalFresh, has been suspended for more than 5.5 million Californians.
This year, the Assembly and Legislature secured tens of millions of dollars in additional funding for food banks, and California is fast-tracking $80 million of that funding to help distribute food as families head into the holiday season.
Operations like the YMCA’s programs serve as critical support for those in need of food. The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles alone has distributed more than 4 million pounds of food this year and provided $3 million in financial assistance to the local community.
