Bass Lights Up Filipinotown
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) yesterday announced the installation of hundreds of new solar-powered lights in a Filipinotown neighborhood.
This installation results from Bass’ focus on improving city services and infrastructure for Angelenos by finding innovative and new ways to solve longstanding city challenges like rampant copper wire theft.
“We are using new and innovative ways to improve city services for Angelenos – from modernizing the MyLA311 system to installing new solar lighting,” said Bass. “The City is taking action to make your neighborhoods safer and cleaner.”
Solar lighting disrupts the cycle of vandalism and robbery, providing a resilient and sustainable solution to dark streets caused by copper wire theft. This improvement is working to help keep the lights on while preserving City infrastructure and ensuring City resources and personnel can focus on system upgrades, maintenance, and repairs.
City Council Member Eunisses Hernandez (D-Glassell Park, Highland Park, Chinatown, Mount Washington, Echo Park, Elysian Park, Westlake, Pico Union, Koreatown, Angelino Heights, Lincoln Heights, MacArthur Park), lauded Bass for the much-needed infrastructure improvement.
“Investing in sustainable infrastructure like these solar street lights is a win for our communities and our planet. We’re reducing our carbon footprint, we’re deterring copper wire theft, and we’re tackling the streetlight backlog in the neighborhoods that need it most,” said Hernandez.
DA Hochman Charges Boat Owner in Fatal Long Beach Bay Crash
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman (R) announced yesterday that a boat operator has been charged in connection with a deadly crash that claimed one life and seriously injured seven others in Long Beach’s Alamitos Bay last year.
“This case is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of operating any vehicle — on land or water — while under the influence of alcohol,” said Hochman. “A day of recreation turned into a nightmare, leaving one person dead and many others seriously injured. My support and sympathy go out to the family and friends of John Correa — a former Millikan High School and UC Berkeley baseball player, coach and mentor — as they continue to mourn their loss, and I wish the injured a full recovery. Anyone who chooses to operate a vehicle intoxicated — whether a car, motorcycle, or boat — puts lives at risk, and they will be held accountable.”
Kevin King, 55, of Long Beach, was charged with one count of vehicular manslaughter in the operation of a vessel while intoxicated and one count of operating a vessel or water device under the influence of alcohol, both felonies. He faces special allegations, including personally inflicting great bodily injury on seven individuals.
On July 3, 2024, at about 9:20 p.m., King is accused of crashing his 48-foot sportfishing boat into the jetty of Alamitos Bay while under the influence of alcohol. Eleven passengers were on board; John Correa, 59, of Long Beach, died at the scene; seven others were seriously injured.
King pleaded not guilty and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 9. If convicted, King faces up to 13 years in state prison.
West Covina Councilmember, Mayor Commemorate World Autism Day
West Covina Councilmember Brian Gutierrez and Mayor Tony Wu (R) commemorated yesterday, marking World Autism Awareness Day.
“Autism is a part of me, but it does not define me,” said Gutierrez, the first autistic councilmember for the City of West Covina and the San Gabriel Valley. “While the world may still see autism through a lens of limitation, I believe it is a source of strength, one that can fuel resilience and determination in overcoming life’s challenges. I stand here today not only as an advocate but as proof that anything is possible with the right support and belief in oneself.”
Councilmember Gutierrez spoke passionately about the significance of continued research and education to better understand autism. With autism affecting 1 in 35 children born today, he emphasizes the importance of inclusion and the need for community-driven efforts to support individuals on the spectrum. “There is no known cure, but there is endless potential,” he stated. “By embracing each person’s unique abilities, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Wu expressed great admiration and respect for Gutierrez on World Autism Awareness Day. “His unique perspective and unwavering dedication to our community serve as a reminder that diversity in all its form strengthens us as a whole,” Wu said.
