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LA County begins 'daylighting' law parking enforcement: What to know

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:26:24 -0700

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has officially begun active enforcement of California's "daylighting" law and a local nonconforming vehicle ordinance.

The LASD announced that parking enforcement officers are actively writing tickets for two specific parking violations.

The first is California's "daylighting" law, which has been active since January 1, 2025.

The law prohibits parking within 20 feet of the approach side of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of the approach side of any crosswalk with a curb extension.

The second regulation is LA County's nonconforming vehicle ordinance. Under this legislation, certain oversized and specific vehicles are restricted to designated parking areas within unincorporated parts of LA County.

Both violations result in a $63 fine.

However, the nonconforming vehicle ordinance also includes a provision allowing authorities to tow vehicles. If a vehicle is impounded, the owners are fully responsible for all removal and storage costs.

The sheriff's department has not specified the exact number of citations issued since active enforcement began, nor have they provided a specific list of the unincorporated neighborhoods seeing the highest volume of enforcement.

According to the LASD, the primary motivation behind the strict adherence to the crosswalk law is public safety.

"The purpose of the law is to improve visibility at intersections, making it easier for drivers to see pedestrians and for pedestrians to see approaching traffic," the LASD said in a statement.

With enforcement now fully underway, local officials are urging the public to double-check their surroundings before walking away from their cars.

"LASD encourages motorists to take a few moments to familiarize themselves with these parking regulations before leaving their vehicles," the department added.

To avoid a $63 ticket or a costly tow, drivers should measure their distance from crosswalks when parking near intersections, ensuring they leave at least 20 feet of open space (or roughly the length of one large SUV) before a crosswalk.

Owners of oversized vehicles should review LA County's specific vehicle code ordinances to ensure they are only parking in authorized zones within unincorporated areas.

Man sentenced 24 years to life for murder of teen outside El Sereno torta shop

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:12:15 -0700

David Anthony Zapata was sentenced to 24 years to life for the murder of 17-year-old Xavier Chavarin, as well as the attempted murder of Daniel Villalobos, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced.

On May 3, 2023, Chavarin was stabbed in the back while he was waiting for his mother in the 4500 block of Valley Boulevard.

Zapata then drove away and, hours later, returned to the same location and stabbed Villalobos multiple times. Villalobos was taken to the hospital and survived the attack.

He was taken into custody following an hours-long standoff at his home in Alhambra the following morning.

On May 6, the 35-year-old pleaded no contest to all charges.

More about the victim

Chavarin's family said he was a straight-A student at Wilson High School. The teen was standing outside King Torta restaurant in broad daylight waiting for his family to pick him up down the street from his school when the deadly attack occurred.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

"Xavier Chavarin was a 17-year-old honors student with his entire future ahead of him. His life was stolen in a sudden, unprovoked attack that forever changed his family's lives," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "While nothing can undo that loss, this sentence ensures the defendant will be held accountable for his crimes. I want to thank the several Deputy District Attorneys of Central Trials 13 for their outstanding work in securing this conviction and delivering justice for Xavier, Daniel Villalobos and their families."

99 Ranch Market parent company sued for alleged discrimination against non-Chinese employees

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:19:57 -0700

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday in Los Angeles against Tawa Supermarket Inc., the parent company of the 99 Ranch Market chain.

The lawsuit accuses the company of systematically firing and discriminating against non-Chinese employees based on their national origin.

According to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles federal court, Tawa Supermarket Inc. terminated recently hired non-Chinese managers across multiple store locations.

The federal agency also alleges that non-Chinese store-level employees faced severe discrimination, including being passed over for promotions, paid less than their Chinese counterparts, and scheduled for fewer work hours.

Regulators contend that these hostile conditions forced several non-Chinese workers to resign.

The Buena Park-based, family-owned supermarket chain currently operates at least 66 locations across multiple states, heavily concentrated in Southern California.

It's unknown exactly how many former or current employees were affected by these alleged practices, or the total amount in financial damages and back pay the EEOC is seeking.

"The EEOC will not hesitate to bring litigation to make clear to employers that cultural preference regarding the composition of their workforce does not insulate them from liability," said Catherine Eschbach, acting general counsel for the EEOC, in a statement. "Preferences based on protected characteristics are simply a form of illegal discrimination under Title VII. That the employer here is a Chinese supermarket chain does not provide license to terminate non-Chinese managers or otherwise discriminate against non-Chinese workers in employment terms and conditions."

Christine Park-Gonzalez, director of the EEOC's Los Angeles bureau, added: "Customer preference or beliefs that workers from certain groups are more productive do not justify national origin discrimination. Employers must follow federal law and not exclude workers due to national origin."

The lawsuit will proceed through the federal court system in Los Angeles. The EEOC is seeking to hold Tawa Supermarket Inc. liable under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which could result in court-ordered policy changes, oversight, and compensatory remedies for the affected workers.

Workers who believe they have experienced workplace discrimination based on national origin, race, or other protected characteristics can learn more about their rights or file a charge by visiting the official U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.

Baby, mother at center of California Amber Alert found safe in Westwood

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:10:03 -0700

A mother and a 3-month-old infant were found safe in the Los Angeles area after authorities issued an Amber Alert early Wednesday morning.

The California Highway Patrol issued the Amber Alert for Alameda, San Joaquin, Kern and Los Angeles counties during the early morning hours of July 1. Investigators said 3-month-old Maxence Sirois had been abducted.

The suspect was identified as 42-year-old Marina Kazakova, the child's mother.

The suspect’s vehicle was described as a white 2016 Mazda CX-5 with the California license plate number 7SJW898.

CHP investigators located the vehicle around 11:30 p.m. in Westwood, and the two were found safe around noon.

Investigators believe the mother was trying to get a passport, adding that she has been compliant with the investigation.

LADWP issues boil water notice for parts of Koreatown

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:34:01 -0700

A boil water notice has been issued for Koreatown residents within a two-block radius, authorities said Wednesday.

Officials with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said the notice was issued after routine water quality testing came back positive for Escherichia coli (E.coil) bacteria on June 30.

The notice impacts the following areas:

South Ardmore Avenue to the west
South Mariposa Avenue to the east
West Fifth Street to the north
West Sixth Street to the south

Affected customers are urged to use only boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and food preparation until further notice.

"Customers in the area should bring all tap water to a boil for one minute and let it cool before use," LADWP said in a statement. "This applies to water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice cubes, and food preparation such as washing produce and for cooking. Customers should follow these important health and safety instructions while LADWP conducts further testing to restore water quality. Once the boil water notice can be lifted, LADWP will immediately inform customers."

Teen charged with murder after infant thrown to death in Claremont

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:20:03 -0700

A Claremont community is in shock after a horrific incident that left an infant dead and a teenager facing a murder charge.

The incident happened on June 29 just after 11:30 a.m. at a home on the 1400 block of Lynoak Drive, according to police.

An investigation determined an infant had been thrown to the floor by a teen who was also at the home.

The infant was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center for emergency treatment. But because of the extreme severity of her injuries, the infant was later taken to the Children's Hospital of Orange County, where she died from her injuries.

The teen was arrested at the scene and taken to the Claremont Police Department for booking. The teen is being held at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall on a charge of murder.

Officials have not released the exact ages of the infant or the suspect.

The relationship between the infant and suspect is unknown.

Anyone who has any information related to this case is strongly encouraged to contact the Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5411.

LA woman charged with felony assault in violent attack on street vendor

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:38:03 -0700

A 19-year-old woman faces felony charges after allegedly attacking a 60-year-old street vendor during a dispute over a hot dog in downtown Los Angeles.

The incident happened on June 15 outside the FIGat7th shopping center on the 700 block of Figueroa Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Harmunie Heaven Church allegedly engaged in a verbal dispute with long-time street vendor Arabelia Martinez before launching a physical assault.

Video shows Martinez was thrown to the ground, dragged by her hair, and repeatedly punched in the head, leaving her with visible bruises and head injuries.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect arrested in violent attack on street vendor in downtown LA

Church was arrested and has been charged with one felony count each of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, aggravated battery, and vandalism.

During her arraignment on June 29, Church pleaded not guilty to all counts.

In response to the assault, Martinez’s son, Tino Garcia, launched a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $145,000 to cover medical, psychological, and therapy costs for his mother.

"Street vendors and small business owners deserve to work without fear of violence or intimidation," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "This was an alleged brutal attack on a member of our community, and we are hopeful the victim makes a full recovery from her injuries. Our office will aggressively prosecute those who target vulnerable victims and small business owners, and we will seek to hold the defendant fully accountable for this senseless act of violence."

According to Tino Garcia, the confrontation began when the woman demanded to see a permit and used derogatory language. "My mom said that she said, 'sweetie, like, do you want a hot dog? I'll give you a hot dog, like. I got you, like you don't have to pay for it. It's on the house.' And she said ‘no,' like and then that's when she said something along the lines of like, you know, ‘speak English and you know go back to Mexico.’"

Following the arrest, the Martinez family issued a statement expressing gratitude: "We are incredibly relieved to share that the individual who assaulted our mom is now in custody. We are deeply grateful to Detectives Roman and Aguirre of the LAPD... Our mom is home resting, and we are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity you have shown us."

Church's bail has been set at $105,000, and she faces up to seven years and eight months in state prison if convicted.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the LAPD Central Station at 213-486-6606.

Operation Broken Blade: 10 arrested in historic LA gang RICO sex trafficking takedown

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:04:09 -0700

Federal and local law enforcement authorities have enacted a historic crackdown on a multi-year sex trafficking conspiracy operating along South Los Angeles's notorious Figueroa Corridor.

The unsealing of a massive 65-count gang RICO indictment marks a decisive, multi-agency strike against street-level pimps and complicit businesses exploiting vulnerable women and children.

The multi-agency sweep, known as "Operation Broken Blade," represents the first-ever human trafficking gang RICO case brought in the history of the Central District of California.

Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS Criminal Investigation, and the LAPD, the operation has targeted 25 total defendants over the last 11 months—surpassing the total number of human trafficking charges filed by the office in the preceding five years combined.

The ongoing takedown focuses on a 3.5-mile stretch of Figueroa Street from Gage Avenue south to Imperial Highway, a known haven for commercial sex work.

The unsealed first superseding indictment names 18 defendants, 17 of whom are tied to a racketeering conspiracy orchestrated by the South LA-based Hoover Criminal Gang (or Hoover Street Gang).

Officials confirmed that gang members and associates largely control prostitution along the corridor, pooling resources to rent motel rooms and disciplining each other's victims. Some members produced rap music and videos glorifying the gang, sex trafficking, drug sales, and firearms possession.

A total of 51 victims have been identified so far.

During the execution of Wednesday morning search warrants, law enforcement rescued five additional victims, immediately connecting them with medical and psychological support services.

Ten individuals were arrested during the latest sweep. Seven are directly tied to the Hoover Criminal Gang: Cameron Lockett, 23; Caleed Mouton, 26; Nakhali Miller, 30; Jorge Melendez, 23; Mauricio Ulloa-Franco, Jr., 23; and Lagrane Lenox, 30.

Separately, two gang-affiliated traffickers from rival sets were arrested: Kylan Young of the East Coast Crips and Dejon MacDonald Williams of the Neighborhood Crips. Kenny Ray Mann, 38, was also indicted for sex trafficking.

Among the new defendants is Mukeshkumar Rambhai Ahir, 45, the on-site manager who lived at the Stadium Inn & Spas motel. Ahir is charged with financially benefiting from sex trafficking, having allegedly deposited $64,581 in proceeds he knew derived from a street gang's sex trafficking of children and adults.

Ahir admitted to investigators that up to 90% of the rooms he rented were used for prostitution, taking a 50% cut of the profits to fund a luxury lifestyle.

Financial investigators from IRS-CI tracked hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit cash structured across multiple bank accounts to evade federal tracking.

Ahir admitted he routinely ignored parents who arrived at the property searching for missing children, choosing to rent to anyone with the ability to pay.

The details of the operation reveal a horrifying cycle of exploitation.

Gang members aggressively targeted vulnerable runaways, high school freshmen, and girls within the foster care system via social media and in person.

Pimps focused on minors with financial or emotional struggles, grooming them with false promises of a luxurious lifestyle before trapping them through forced drug addiction—plying them with oxycodone and methamphetamine—intimidation, and extreme violence. Pimps physically branded the victims with tattoos of their monikers to establish ownership.

Law enforcement verified that victims were forced to remit 100% of their earnings to the pimps, and members posted videos and photographs of their assaults to social media to ensure compliance.

Defiance resulted in torture.

In one case, a defendant bite off a victim's cheek down to the cartilage, forcing her to lie to hospital staff after getting stitches.

Minor victims as young as 14 were allegedly dragged by their hair and punched repeatedly with a heavy Rolex watch wrapped around a pimp's hand.

A pregnant minor victim was forced to undergo an invasive abortion procedure and ordered back onto the street to perform commercial sex work later that same day.

Other victims faced choking to the point of asphyxiation, public humiliation, and being carjacked and thrown out of vehicles with children in the back seat.

While officials confirmed that the illicit cash flow eventually reached three operators or associates of the motel—including the property owners—the owners themselves have not yet been charged.

Federal prosecutors declined to comment on whether the owners are the immediate targets of an impending "Phase Three" investigation.

Authorities also noted that aggressive crackdowns on the Figueroa Corridor have caused some "displacement" of street-level prostitution to other neighborhoods, specifically Koreatown and Western Avenue, though the full geographic extent of where these rings are migrating remains an active investigative focus.

"Sex trafficking of young women and children ranks among the worst criminal offenses our office prosecutes – truly the lowest of the low. We hope today’s arrests break the cycle of crime and abuse in one of LA's most notorious human trafficking corridors," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

"The actions taken today by HSI are another decisive blow against those who have exploited the vulnerable people of our community, and they will now face the consequences of those actions. HSI remains steadfast in our mission to protect victims and pursue justice against human traffickers. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable and that victims receive the support they deserve," said Eddy Wang, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles.

"By working hand in hand with our federal partners, we are doing far more than making arrests. We are dismantling the criminal enterprises that profit from human trafficking, rescuing victims, and reclaiming the Figueroa Corridor for the community that has always deserved better," said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell.

"As alleged, the individuals associated with the Stadium Inn concealed significant amounts of illicit cash, manipulated business records, and structured deposits across multiple accounts to hide the true source of their income. Working closely with our federal and local partners, IRS-CI remains committed to exposing and disrupting financial schemes that enable human trafficking and other violent crimes," said Darren Lian, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office.

The 10 suspects arrested face severe federal charges.

Convictions for sex trafficking offenses carry harsher sentences under federal law than state law; the defendants face mandatory minimum prison terms of 10 to 15 years, with several facing potential maximum statutory penalties of life in prison.

Law enforcement noted that defendants are dramatically impacted by the prospect of federal custody, with Chief McDonnell noting one suspect literally became physically ill upon learning he was being processed into the federal system rather than local jail, due to strict guidelines requiring inmates to serve 85% of their time far from home.

Federal prosecutors indicated that massive amounts of digital evidence, phones, and records seized during the morning raids will be analyzed to build out subsequent criminal filings.

Local law enforcement will continue via LAPD’s "290 Task Force," which searched 18 locations on the morning of the operation and arrested four compliance-violating registered sex offenders operating in the area.

New California laws in effect July 1, 2026

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:33:10 -0700

A sweeping slate of new California state laws is in effect July 1, introducing strict regulations across public education, food safety, consumer technology, and transportation.

The upcoming measures mandate widespread sector compliance, altering daily routines for businesses, students, and drivers alike.

Here's a look at the new legislation.

CONSUMER RIGHTS & EVERYDAY WALLET

SB-68: Food allergens

Known as the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act, Senate Bill 68 is a first-of-its-kind law requiring chain restaurants to provide clear, written notifications of major food allergens contained in their menu items.

Fully implemented on July 1, the mandate applies to any restaurant group, franchise, or ghost kitchen operating under the same brand name with 20 or more locations nationwide.

Covered facilities must disclose the presence of nine major allergens—including milk, peanuts, and newly added sesame—either directly on their physical menus or via accessible digital alternatives like QR codes and allergen grids.

AB-660: Food labeling

Assembly Bill 660 is a consumer protection law enacted to drastically reduce food waste by standardizing date labels on packaged foods across the state.

SUGGESTED:

Fully implemented by July 1, the law completely bans confusing, consumer-facing "sell-by" dates that often lead to households prematurely throwing away perfectly good grocery items. Instead, manufacturers must use uniform terminology, requiring "BEST if Used by" for peak product quality and "USE by" strictly for public food safety.

This streamlined labeling system aims to save families money and keep billions of pounds of unspoiled food out of California landfills.

SB-1: Gas tax increase

California drivers will pay more at the pump starting July 1, as the state's gas tax automatically increases for inflation.

The tax rate is climbing to a nation-leading 63.4 cents per gallon to support ongoing infrastructure maintenance.

Diesel taxes are also scheduled to climb, increasing by 1.6 cents to bring the new rate to 48.2 cents per gallon from 46.6 cents.

SB-576: Video streaming ads

Senate Bill 576 bans streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu from playing advertisements substantially louder than the programming they accompany.

The law makes streaming platforms comply with the same standards as a 15-year-old federal law that limits how loud television and cable broadcasters can make their advertisements.

WORKPLACE, HEALTHCARE & THE ECONOMY

Minimum wage increases

Local city and county increases: The hourly minimum wage rate will increase in many cities and counties, including, for example: Los Angeles ($18.42), County of Los Angeles ($18.47), Malibu ($17.91), Pasadena ($18.57), and Santa Monica ($18.47).

>> Tap or click here to see a list of city and county minimum wages in California <<

Industry-specific special rates: Starting July 1, healthcare employees at large hospital systems (with 10,000 or more full-time equivalents) or dialysis clinics will officially see their minimum wage rise to $25 per hour. Smaller facilities, community clinics, and skilled nursing homes will also see their respective phased minimums bump up (for example, general clinics jump to $23.00/hour).

Additionally, cities like Glendale, Los Angeles, and Long Beach are raising their specific hotel and hospitality worker minimum wages up to $25 or $26.50 per hour on July 1. Neighboring cities like Santa Monica automatically match the City of Los Angeles' hotel minimum wage structures, forcing a parallel increase for local coastal hospitality workers on July 1.

Check the local government websites where you work for further details, including any industry-specific local wage rates.

SB-669: Perinatal services in rural hospitals

Senate Bill 669 tackles the rural healthcare crisis by creating a 10-year pilot program that allows up to five qualified "critical access" rural hospitals to establish standby perinatal (maternity) units.

The law aims to combat expanding "maternity deserts" by giving pregnant women in isolated regions access to local, hospital-affiliated birthing assistance rather than forcing them to drive hours while in labor.

The pilot will launch its first two sites at nonprofit hospitals in Humboldt and Plumas counties.

PUBLIC SAFETY & TECH REGULATION

SB-79: Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act

Senate Bill 79 overrides restrictive local zoning laws to allow high-density, multi-family housing development within a half-mile of major public transit stops.

The the law sets statewide minimums for height and density based on transit proximity while mandating strict on-site affordability and tenant anti-displacement protections.

To ease implementation, local cities are granted alternative compliance pathways to phase in these zoning changes or temporarily exempt certain high-risk wildfire zones and historic districts.

AB-1777: Autonomous vehicles

Assembly Bill 1777 is a traffic safety law that cracks down on driverless robotaxis.

The law closes a legal loophole by allowing police to officially cite autonomous vehicle (AV) companies for traffic violations, just like human drivers.

Also, AV companies must provide emergency workers with a 24/7 priority phone line and equip cars with two-way communication systems, so officers can talk directly to remote operators.

Additionally, if a robotaxi blocks an emergency or disaster scene, first responders can drop a digital "geofence" boundary. The company must force the vehicle to leave or detour within two minutes.

AB 413: Daylighting law

Beginning July 1, LA County parking enforcement officers will begin issuing citations to drivers violating California's "daylighting" law.

Designed to enhance intersection safety by keeping sightlines clear for pedestrians and drivers, the law prohibits vehicles from stopping or parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, regardless of whether the curb is painted red.

AB-1127: Glock ban

Assembly Bill 1127 requires licensed firearm dealers to stop the sale of certain semiautomatic pistols, most notably Glock-style handguns. The bill re-classifies them as "machinegun-convertible pistols," due to a specific trigger mechanism that can be easily converted into an automatic weapon.

The ban only applies to commercial sales of new inventory; it does not ban possession, and private party transfers remain legal.

SCHOOLS & PERSONAL PRIVACY

SB-760: All-gender restrooms

Senate Bill 760 requires all K-12 public, charter, and private schools to provide at least one easily accessible, unlocked all-gender restroom for student use.

The law aims to create safe, non-discriminatory spaces for LGBTQ+ and non-binary students.

To minimize costs, school districts are allowed to meet this mandate by simply converting existing single-stall restrooms with updated signage.

AB-3216: Cell phones

Also known as the Phone-Free Schools Act, Assembly Bill 3216 requires all public school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education to adopt policies that limit or prohibit student smartphone use during the school day.

It was signed into law to address growing concerns surrounding classroom distraction, cyberbullying, and student mental health.

While districts are given the flexibility to design their own specific rules with community input, the law mandates standard exemptions for emergencies, medical necessity, or specialized education plans.

Once established, school boards are legally required to review and update these phone policies every five years to ensure they continue to meet student needs.

AB-1084: Change of name and gender

Assembly Bill 1084 streamlines the process for updating legal names and vital records to match gender identity. For adults, and for minors with the consent of all living parents, courts must grant the name change without a hearing within six weeks of filing; outside objections for adults are entirely eliminated.

If a minor's petition lacks unanimous parental consent, the non-signing parent must be served, and a hearing will only be scheduled if they file a timely objection based on good cause.

Additionally, the bill removes the administrative requirement that petitioners must file their official court judgment for gender identifier changes with the State Registrar or county clerk within 30 days of issuance.

AB-727: Crisis hotlines

Assembly Bill 727 requires student ID cards in California’s public middle schools, high schools, and colleges to include the phone number for The Trevor Project, a leading crisis and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth.

AB 727 builds on California’s 2018 suicide prevention ID card law by adding a targeted, affirming resource for LGBTQ students – many of whom face elevated risk for mental health challenges due to verbal, physical, and online harassment.

SB-848: Expanded child abuse prevention procedures

Senate Bill 848 is a sweeping student-safety law enacted to prevent child abuse and crack down on school employee misconduct across both public and private K-12 campuses.

The law drastically expands the definition of a school "mandated reporter" to include contractors, board members, and parent volunteers who interact with students outside direct parental supervision.

By July 1, all affected schools must adopt strict written policies regarding adult-student professional boundaries and provide annual, mandatory child abuse prevention training to all staff and volunteers.

Additionally, the legislation blocks schools from hiring anyone convicted of specific minor-targeted felonies and initiates a statewide database to track complaints and investigations of egregious employee misconduct.

SB-59: Transgender Privacy Act

Also known as the Transgender Privacy Act, the bill expands critical confidentiality protections for individuals petitioning the court to legally change their name, gender, or sex identifier to match their gender identity.

While existing law only kept these court records confidential for minors, this bill extends those same privacy protections to all petitioners regardless of age, and it bars any outside individual or private entity from publicly posting these records online.

The law allows past and future petitioners to keep their records private, establishes that a transgender person's identity is intimate personal information protected by the right to privacy, and permits individuals to sue private parties for damages and legal fees if their confidential records are wrongfully disclosed.

Rotting pig feet, crab meat, beef at burned Boyle Heights warehouse fueling odor, health concerns

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:01:59 -0700

Spoiled crab meat, beef, and pig feet are among millions of pounds of decomposing food now rotting inside and outside a burned Lineage Logistics warehouse in Boyle Heights, creating a strong odor that residents say has become unbearable as cleanup efforts continue.

An up-close look at the site shows piles of spoiled food—including crab meat, beef, and large quantities of pig feet—sitting in and near the charred facility, where officials say the material continues to break down and spread a persistent smell across the surrounding neighborhood.

"Have you ever smelled anything like this before?" we asked one resident.

"No, not even animals, death," said Martin Ramirez.

Ramirez, who owns an auto shop directly across the street, said the odor has become overwhelming.

"The smell goes into my throat. I had vomiting, gagging," Ramirez said.

"It’s not something you want to be smelling. You don’t want to wake up in the morning and get hit with that rancid dead body smell," said Oscar, a nearby resident.

Officials warn the decaying food mass poses an ongoing public health concern. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says the remaining material could generate nuisance odors, attract pests, and create conditions consistent with potential biohazard concerns if not properly contained.

Last week, FOX 11 first documented rats swarming near the property. Those rats have since been replaced with traps placed around the warehouse as crews try to contain the growing sanitation issue.

Odor control systems are now deployed around the building, spraying a mist intended to reduce the smell as crews begin removing what officials estimate to be more than 40 million pounds of spoiled food left after the fire.

"What’s worse, the smoke or the smell?" we asked a neighbor.

"The smell," she said. "I just want them to get rid of the food so it can stop smelling."

Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive order giving Lineage Logistics 45 days to remove the rotting food and accelerate cleanup efforts at the site.

Separately, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a Public Health Directive requiring Lineage Logistics to submit a Community Exposure Mitigation Plan due to ongoing odor and contamination concerns tied to the prolonged fire aftermath.

Health officials say that, while regional air quality has improved since the fire, the extent of smoke intrusion into nearby buildings has not been fully assessed. They also warn the remaining contaminated food presents a significant likelihood of continued decomposition and odor impacts if not quickly addressed.

The required plan must include mapping of impacted areas, mitigation steps for residents and businesses, potential interventions such as indoor air improvements or temporary relocation, and a communication strategy for ongoing community updates.

Lineage Logistics must submit the plan by July 6, 2026.

For residents, officials say the fire may be out, but the cleanup and public health response are only beginning.

Disneyland introduces $59 evening tickets for summer after-dark access

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:54:23 -0700

Disneyland Resort has introduced a limited-time $59 Evening Ticket offer, providing a deeply discounted way for guests to experience the theme parks after dark during the peak summer season.

Disneyland is offering single-day evening admission for $59 per day for ages 3 and up.

The tickets go on sale starting June 30, and are valid only on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from July 12 through August 5, 2026.

Guests must choose one park per ticket. Admission times vary by park:

Disney California Adventure Park: Entry begins at 5 p.m. through park close.
Disneyland Park: Entry begins at 7 p.m. through park close.

The promotion coincides with the ongoing Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, allowing evening guests to experience anniversary entertainment, themed merchandise, and limited-time treats.

It also gives returning visitors a chance to see the recently refreshed Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Guests can purchase up to eight tickets per day.

The tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and cannot be combined with other discounts.

June 30, 2026: Evening Tickets become available for purchase.

July 12, 2026: The Evening Ticket promotional window opens for guest use.

August 5, 2026: The promotional window closes, and all Evening Tickets expire.

September 7, 2026: The separate, ongoing $50 Disneyland Kids’ Ticket Deal expires.

Guests looking to take advantage of the deal should check the official Disney reservation calendar before purchasing.

Because reservation availability for Evening Ticket holders is limited by theme park capacity and specific allocations, Disney advises buying and booking dates as early as possible, warning that "reservations may be difficult to get for any particular date, especially as the ticket expiration date approaches."

If you plan to visit, you can purchase tickets online starting June 30.

Upon arriving at the resort, be aware that park entrance lanes utilize facial recognition technology.

"If you don’t wish to participate, look for the signage at the top of each entrance lane at the main entrance of each park and select a lane marked with the designated icon, indicating it does not use this technology."

California among states hit hardest by child care costs, new data shows

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:37:04 -0700

For millions of American families, the cost of child care remains one of the largest financial challenges, consuming a significant share of household income and forcing many parents to make difficult decisions about work and family.

But some states have more affordable child care than others.

To determine where child care is most and least affordable, financial data company WalletHub compared the costs of both family-based and center-based child care in each state, adjusting those expenses against median household income.

Single parents may spend 59% of their earnings on child care

The data found that married couples spend nearly 14% of their household income on child care, while single parents can devote as much as 59% of their earnings to care expenses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66.3% of families with children have both parents employed, making child care a necessity for millions.

"It costs a lot of money to take care of a child’s needs, and many parents are left with the dilemma of whether to forgo one salary to do their own child care for the first few years or to shell out a significant chunk of their income for child care services," Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said in a statement.

Nebraska most expensive state for child care

Nebraska ranked as the nation's most expensive state for child care relative to income. Married couples spend between 10.7% and 13.6% of their median household income on child care, depending on whether they choose family-based or center-based care. Single parents faced an even heavier burden, spending between 32.2% and 41% of their income.

While Nebraska's household incomes ranked near the middle nationally, the state had the fifth-most expensive family child care and the third-costliest child care centers.

California placed second on the list. Married couples spend between 10.6% and 13.6% of their median household income on child care despite the state having the nation's 12th-highest median income for married households at $144,216 annually.

New York ranked third, with married couples spending approximately 10.9% to 13% of their household income on child care. Although New York has the nation's 11th-highest median income for married couples at $145,321, single-parent households earn considerably less, with a median income of $41,337– ranking 24th nationally.

States with highest, lowest cost of child care for married couples

Nebraska
California
New York
Oregon
Washington
Wisconsin
Montana
Massachusetts
New Mexico
Hawaii

Read the full report here.

Child care costs soar

Last year, the same study found that New York had the most expensive child care, costing around 11%-13% of the median income for married couples. New Mexico had the second-highest child care costs.

In 2024, a Zillow’s analysis also found that a mortgage payment and child care were taking up at least 66% of an average household’s monthly income in 31 of the 50 cities analyzed.

Apparent joint suicide pact in IE home under investigation

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:27:49 -0700

Sheriff's detectives are investigating after two people were found dead inside a Yucca Valley home last week.

Authorities discovered the bodies while conducting a welfare check at the residence, quickly shifting the incident into a specialized homicide investigation.

On Friday, June 26, Morongo Basin deputies responded to a welfare check request at a home located in the 7000 block of Aster Avenue.

After arriving at the scene, a deputy walked around the exterior of the property and saw two motionless people inside the home through a window.

Once inside, deputies determined that the man and woman, later identified as 82-year-old John Wayne Doughty and 82-year-old Lari Doughty, had suffered fatal apparent gunshot wounds. A firearm was found in John's hand, officials said.

Detectives determined that John shot Lari before killing himself, in an apparent joint suicide pact.

The official motives behind the joint suicide pact have not been released by authorities.

Public officials have also not disclosed the exact timeline of events leading up to the welfare check or how long the individuals had been dead before being discovered.

It's unclear what the relationship is between John and Lari.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text "REPORT" to We-Tip at 844-909-3006.

Online reporting is also available at mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.

Human remains discovered on newly-purchased IE property

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:13:14 -0700

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has launched an investigation after human remains were discovered late last week on a newly purchased property in Apple Valley.

On Friday, June 26, Apple Valley deputies responded to a report of found human remains in the 19000 block of Crest Drive, according to authorities.

The reporting party had recently purchased the property and discovered the remains while walking around the location.

Upon arrival, deputies secured the scene, and the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail assumed control of the investigation.

Detectives, crime scene specialists, and the Coroner's Division searched the area and collected multiple bones.

A preliminary examination revealed no obvious signs of trauma to the remains.

The identity of the individual and the cause of death are currently unknown.

Officials are waiting for an upcoming autopsy and pending DNA results to formally identify the remains and determine how long they had been on the property.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call or text "REPORT" to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.

California gas tax set to rise Wednesday, remaining highest in US

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:28:19 -0700

California drivers will pay more at the pump starting Wednesday, July 1, as the state's gas tax automatically increases for inflation.

The tax rate is climbing to a nation-leading 63.4 cents per gallon to support ongoing infrastructure maintenance.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration announced that the gasoline tax will rise to 63.4 cents per gallon from the current 61.2 cents.

This 2.2-cent increase solidifies California’s position as the state with the highest gas tax in the nation.

Diesel taxes are also scheduled to climb, increasing by 1.6 cents to bring the new rate to 48.2 cents per gallon from 46.6 cents.

According to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, this annual hike is automatic and tied directly to the California Consumer Price Index.

The tax was originally established in 2017 through the Road Repair and Accountability Act (Senate Bill 1) by the Legislature to fund critical road repairs and automatically adjust for inflation.

Voters later rejected an attempt to repeal this gas tax in a 2018 ballot measure.

According to AAA, the current average price for a gallon of regular gas in California is $5.43, though prices at the pump have generally been declining recently.

It's unclear exactly how much individual regional pump prices will fluctuate following the implementation of the tax, or how long the current downward trend in overall fuel prices noted by AAA will offset the new tax burden for consumers.

'Lilo & Stitch' actress Daveigh Chase's official cause of death released

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:05:59 -0700

The official cause of death for former child star Daveigh Chase has been released by authorities, shedding new light on her passing at age 35 and countering initial statements provided by her family.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner's office announced Monday that Chase's primary cause of death was from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The medical examiner also listed chronic polysubstance use—defined by the Cleveland Clinic as the repeated, long-term consumption of two or more substances simultaneously or within a short period—as a significant condition contributing to her death.

Her manner of death has been officially ruled as natural.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Daveigh Chase dies; actress was known ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ ‘The Ring’: Report

Following her death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by her alleged boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, with whom she had been experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles near the hospital.

However, Chase's former manager, John Ryan Jr., has strongly disputed the necessity of the fundraiser.

In a statement to Deadline, Ryan clarified: "Daveigh’s estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation. John is next of kin and never signed any paperwork over to this so-called boyfriend."

Ryan further told TMZ, "That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh. Mysfelf, her father, her uncle and all of us close friends who knew her for decades are encouraging people not to donate to this page."

Chase rose to fame at a young age, voicing the iconic lead character Lilo in Disney's 2002 animated film "Lilo & Stitch" alongside Tia Carrere and Chris Sanders, later recording more than 60 episodes for the subsequent television series.

That same year, she terrified audiences as "Samara" in the horror classic "The Ring," winning the Best Villain trophy at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards over nominees like Mike Myers, Colin Farrell, Willem Dafoe, and Daniel Day-Lewis.

Her earlier career also included voicing the lead role in the English dub of "Spirited Away" (2001) and appearing in "Donnie Darko" (2001).

It's unclear exactly when Chase was diagnosed with AIDS or how long she had been suffering from the illness.

Additionally, while her former manager alleged that the GoFundMe campaign was started under Chase's name while she was already unresponsive, the current status of the fundraiser and whether GoFundMe has taken disciplinary action against the page remains unverified.

Initial reports regarding Chase's health conditions came directly from her estranged father, John David Schwallier, who told The New York Times via text that his daughter "died of complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection," adding that she "was suffering from severe malnutrition."

Schwallier also noted that his daughter had struggled with drugs since she was 13 years old.

Regarding the circumstances of her hospital admission and the subsequent crowdfunding controversy, former manager John Ryan Jr. expressed strong criticism toward Chase's alleged boyfriend.

"This man making these claims brought her into the hospital in terrible condition and didn’t let any of the family know until she passed so he can control the dialogue. Daveigh’s actual family is handling all arrangements. We have contacted GoFundMe to let them know this man started this page on his own under Daveigh's name when she was already unresponsive and urging people to report the page and not donate."

Arraignment postponed again for OC mother charged in son's fatal e-motorcycle crash

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:13:07 -0700

The arraignment for an Orange County mother charged with felony involuntary manslaughter has been postponed following a Tuesday court appearance in Newport Beach.

Prosecutors allege her decision to allow her underage son to ride a high-speed electric motorcycle led directly to the death of a decorated Vietnam veteran, signaling a sharp escalation in local efforts to hold parents criminally responsible.

Tommi Jo Mejer, 51, of Aliso Viejo, is facing multiple charges including felony involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment, and being an accessory after the fact, alongside misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and providing false information to a peace officer.

The charges stem from an April 16, 2026, incident near El Toro High School in Lake Forest.

Authorities allege that Mejer’s 14-year-old son was performing wheelies on a 2025 Surron Ultra Bee e-motorcycle when he struck 81-year-old Ed Ashman and fled the scene. Ashman, a Marine Corps veteran who flew combat missions in Vietnam and worked as a substitute teacher, died from his injuries two weeks later.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

According to law enforcement, the vehicle involved can reach speeds of 58 mph and is 16 times more powerful than a legal e-bike, legally classifying it as a motorcycle requiring a license and registration.

Prosecutors note that Mejer was explicitly warned by deputies in June 2025 regarding potential criminal charges if she continued to let her son ride the vehicle, yet she allegedly told investigators hours after the crash that her family did not own or have access to a Surron.

It has not been disclosed whether the defense will contest the claims that Mejer was properly informed of the specific classification of the 2025 Surron Ultra Bee prior to the accident.

Details regarding the 14-year-old teen's separate court proceedings remain confidential under California state law.

June 2025: Mejer contacts deputies regarding photos of her son riding an e-motorcycle. Deputies explicitly warn her of potential criminal charges if she continues to let him ride the vehicle.

April 16, 2026: Ed Ashman is struck by the teen operating the illegal e-motorcycle and is hospitalized in critical condition.

April 21, 2026: Mejer is arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

April 30, 2026: Ed Ashman passes away from his injuries, prompting prosecutors to upgrade Mejer's charges to involuntary manslaughter.

May 12, 2026: The initial arraignment is postponed at the Harbor Justice Center.

June 30, 2026: Mejer's rescheduled arraignment takes place but is postponed once more.

September 15, 2026: The new scheduled date for Mejer's arraignment.

"Tommi Mejer is anguished over the terrible accident. She sends her deepest condolences and sorrow over this tragedy. This has been devastating for everyone. It is premature to make any other statement," Mejer's attorneys Paul Meyer and Lolita Kirk said in a statement.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer issued a stern warning to the public regarding parental responsibility: "This mother essentially handed her 14-year-old son a deadly weapon, and despite multiple warnings of the dangers, continued to let him illegally ride... If parents aren’t going to hold their children accountable, then I am going to hold parents accountable," Spitzer said.

Mejer's arraignment is now set for September 15, 2026.

If she is convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum sentence of seven years and eight months in state prison.

Meanwhile, the Orange County District Attorney's Office has established a brand-new unit specifically dedicated to focusing on engine-driven bicycles to curb what they describe as a "pandemic" of illegal high-speed electric vehicles.

$10,000 in Pokémon cards stolen from Pico-Robertson store in 2nd burglary since opening

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:04:29 -0700

A Pico-Robertson trading card shop was ransacked by thieves early Sunday morning, marking the second time the newly opened business has been hit by burglars since opening just two months ago.

Security cameras at PokéMall, located on South Robertson Boulevard, captured the entire break-in just before 3 a.m.

Three masked individuals shattered the front glass door of the business to gain entry. Once inside, the suspects moved quickly and appeared to look for specific, high-end trading cards.

Within two to three minutes, they filled their arms with merchandise and fled the scene.

Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived shortly after the break-in. Working alongside the store owners, officials estimate that at least $10,000 worth of inventory was stolen during the brief window. Following the theft, the suspects made their getaway in a dark-colored, four-door sedan, which was last seen traveling south on Robertson Boulevard toward the 10 Freeway.

The identities of the three masked individuals are unknown.

While security cameras captured the burglary and the vehicle, specific license plate details or distinct descriptions of the suspects have not yet been released by investigators.

It's also unclear if this incident is directly connected to a string of recent trading card shop burglaries across the Los Angeles area.

Last Month: Only a few weeks after celebrating its grand opening, PokéMall is burglarized for the first time by suspects who smash through the front of the store to steal inventory.

March: Toy Mandala, a separate trading card store located on Ventura Boulevard, is targeted by burglars in a similar fashion.

Sunday, June 28: Assailants smash the front glass door of PokéMall, initiating the store's second major burglary.

Store ownership expressed immense frustration over being repeatedly targeted despite actively upgrading their security measures following the first break-in.

"As you guys know, Sunday morning at 2:30 a.m., we had two assailants break in, they shattered our front glass door, they came in, they stole quite a lot of product," one of the store owners stated in a video shared on social media.

The incident highlights a growing, high-stakes black market for trading cards, which have evolved from simple hobby items into alternative assets backed by investment groups.

The LAPD is actively investigating the commercial burglary and looking for any leads regarding the suspects or the dark-colored sedan. If you have any information about the break-in or the individuals involved, please call the LAPD.

OC couple tries to save man from fatal crocodile attack at Puerto Vallarta beach

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 01:14:34 -0700

A San Clemente couple is speaking out after attempting to save a fellow tourist from a horrific death involving a crocodile while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta.

The victim’s death was confirmed by Jalisco officials, who said the incident happened on Friday, June 26. On that day, a tourist was attacked by an American crocodile, also known as a Crocodylus acutus.

Officials explained the rainy season begins in the beginning of June, which raises water levels in estuaries, rivers and canals. That seasonal shift in turn increases connectivity between bodies of water and facilitates greater movement of fish, sometimes toward coastal areas and beaches.

After the incident was reported, Mexican officials said they initiated an all-out search. The victim’s body was then recovered the following day.

"This is a highly regrettable and unusual and isolated event, the attention to which required the immediate and coordinated action of authorities from all three levels of government," officials wrote in a press release.

They also wrote that such incidents are rare.

The name of the victim has not been released.

Venice residents demand answers over safety concerns near supportive housing programs

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:28:06 -0700

Frustration boiled over at a packed community meeting in Venice as residents confronted leaders of two supportive housing programs they say have brought an increase in crime, drug activity and public safety concerns to their neighborhood.

More than 100 residents, business owners and community members filled St. Mark Parish Hall to demand answers from representatives of The Journey Program and Safe Place for Youth headquarters, neighboring facilities along Lincoln Boulevard.

"This feels like a lot of lip service and not a lot of action," one resident said during the meeting.

Nearby business owner Cody Helfand said many neighbors have grown tired of waiting for change.

"At this point, everyone just wants answers," Helfand said.

The two organizations, which provide housing and services for people experiencing homelessness, have operated at the location for about a year and a half. Since then, neighbors say they've experienced an increase in crime, drug use, trespassing, illegal dumping and other quality-of-life issues.

Several residents shared emotional stories during the meeting.

"We're finding dead bodies as we're doing our daily s--- and p--- cleanup every morning. And trash," one resident said.

Another resident said she no longer feels comfortable allowing her children outside alone.

"I don't feel safe sending my teenage kids out to walk the dog on their own, and that's ridiculous," she said.

Another speaker described the emotional toll the situation has taken on nearby residents.

"We're getting traumatized. Our living experience is getting worse by these facilities being in the community," the resident said.

Representatives of the organizations told attendees they were listening to residents' concerns and committed to continuing conversations with the community.

After the meeting, FOX 11 attempted to interview Allison Riley, co-executive director of Venice Community Housing Corporation.

"I'm sorry, I don't want to be interviewed on camera today," Riley said.

When asked why she declined an interview, Riley replied, "It's just not part of my plan."

When FOX 11 noted that residents were seeking accountability over reports of violence, drug activity and other problems surrounding the facilities, Riley responded, "We're trying to give that to the community, and we'll keep working on that," before ending the conversation.

Several residents questioned whether the programs are meeting expectations.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park, whose district includes the neighborhood, said her office has been hearing complaints from residents for months, and she is also frustrated by the issue.

"We're going to continue to fix this and hold these people responsible for providing their own security and for ensuring the neighborhood around these facilities remains safe," Park said.

When asked whether funding could be at risk if conditions fail to improve, Park said future city support could be tied to performance.

"Then we can talk about walking back their future funding and making ongoing funding contingent upon requiring some basic neighborhood respect standards," she said.

Residents and business owners left the meeting saying they remain unconvinced that enough is being done. Many called for increased security outside the facilities, stronger oversight and greater accountability from the organizations operating them.

"It can't just be an open door," Helfand said. "Actions need to start having consequences."

Pasadena restaurant leads donation drive for Venezuela earthquake survivors

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:24:04 -0700

A Pasadena restaurant is part of the international relief effort following last week's deadly earthquakes in Venezuela, with owner Yesika Baker turning her dining room into a donation hub for displaced families thousands of miles away.

For the last few nights, boxes filled with medical supplies, clean linens, diapers and baby formula have stacked up inside Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine. By Monday afternoon, the last of those boxes were loaded up and sent on their way.

More than 1,700 people have died and more than 5,000 have been injured since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Venezuela last Wednesday. Aid organizations say hundreds of thousands of children are now in need of help.

Baker was working at her restaurant when the earthquakes hit.

"Everybody was in shock. So my employees started calling their families. No answer. We called our families. No answer. It was very, very sad," Baker said.

She has since learned that two of her employees now have relatives who were left with nowhere to go.

"A lot of people, they can't go back, you know, to their homes. That is why we're asking for sleeping bags. We're asking for your blankets and stuff like that, because in one family, now there are five families," Baker said.

The relief effort started small, Baker said, with a flood of phone calls from strangers asking how they could help. It quickly grew into a full-scale donation drive, with boxes pouring in from as far away as Santa Barbara and Bakersfield.

Volunteer Alfredo Papadakis has helped load and deliver the donations on multiple trips.

"So this is our third trip with this. I'd say that we're putting 20, 25 boxes on each trip, depending. You have to understand that each one has — if it's not medical supplies or clean linens or diapers, formula, whatever it is — and it's all filled to the brim," Papadakis said.

Papadakis said the outpouring of generosity has included strangers with no personal connection to Venezuela.

"In the most difficult tragedies, right, in the worst type of crisis, you really find out who people really are. When things are bad, who's really going to be there? Sometimes it's just a perfect stranger," he said.

He recalled one moment that stood out: a man who handed over $500 in cash on the spot.

"He just took money out of his pocket. 'Whatever I can do to help.' He's not just paying to leave. It's like a complete stranger — he has no tie to the country, has no tie to anything. But it just came from his heart," Papadakis said.

International aid groups are moving food, medical supplies and rescue teams into Venezuela as tens of thousands remain unaccounted for. Venezuelan officials say more than 30,000 emergency workers and roughly 2,700 foreign responders are involved in the search effort.

Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine is one small link in that larger supply chain. Organizers said the donations collected in Pasadena are now headed to Olarte Transport in downtown Los Angeles, where they will be loaded onto a cargo plane for the roughly 3,600-mile flight south to Venezuela.

With the restaurant's role in this round of donations complete, Baker said what happens next depends on what the transport company can carry and what families in Venezuela still need most.

"This is just the beginning, just the beginning. I hope they receive their help, they receive all these boxes. They're coming from everywhere. And then I hope we can do more and more and more to help," Baker said.

Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, said in a social media post Monday that the country has received more than 1,000 tons of supplies so far.

Woman killed, 5 others hurt after Tesla slams into cafe patio in Simi Valley

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:50:29 -0700

At least one person is dead, and five others were hurt after a Tesla crashed into a business in Simi Valley.

The Simi Valley Police Department responded to a call from Urbane Cafe on Madera Road, as a car slammed into the patio area of the business around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, June 29.

A woman was pronounced dead at the scene, Simi Valley PD said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. It is unknown if the driver of the Tesla was impaired, FOX 11's crew at the scene reported on Monday.

Officials have not released the health conditions of the five people hurt in the crash.

The name of the woman who was killed in the crash has not been released to the public as of Monday evening.

Federal disaster loans available to Garden Grove businesses struggling after chemical crisis

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:11:50 -0700

On Monday, hazmat cleanup began in Garden Grove at GKN Aerospace after a chemical emergency forced tens of thousands to evacuate in May.

While the exact cause of the initial tank overheating remains under investigation, many small businesses are still recovering financially from the crisis.

Brees' Quality Meats has been a staple in the Garden Grove community for more than 60 years.

"From here, you get the quality that you're looking for," said owner Keith Brees.

He is encouraging people to support local businesses in the area, many of whom have yet to bounce back financially after much of the surrounding area was forced to evacuate in late May due to the chemical hazmat crisis.

"We weathered it out, we're going to weather it out, it's just a matter of how long it's going to take to get where we were," Brees said.

Federal leaders are reminding residents that small-business loans are available to business owners facing financial loss tied to the chemical incident and evacuation.

Eligible businesses may qualify for loan assistance of up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4 percent for businesses.

"Whether it's healthcare costs for their employees, rent, inventory or whatever happened that caused a loss to them during that evacuation period," said U.S. Rep. Derek Tran, D-Calif.

For more information on the SBA loans, click here.

The Small Business Administration has also opened a Business Recovery Center in Garden Grove to help small businesses impacted by the evacuations tied to the GKN chemical emergency.

With cleanup operations at the GKN Aerospace facility underway, U.S. Rep. Derek Tran says he's still putting pressure on the company to do more to help those impacted recover financially.

"My office just had a call with them, making sure that they continue to do what they can to help, and the $3 million that they initially provided is not enough," Tran said.

At the GKN facility, crews are working over the next few days to remove a toxic and highly flammable liquid known as MMA from several storage tanks. According to the county, the material crews are removing is going to Ohio in gel form and will be incinerated per EPA guidelines.

City and county leaders say residents near the facility may experience a fruity smell tied to the cleanup, but say it's not a health concern.

Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen says several agencies "will continue to monitor the air and the wind currents as well and also make sure there is no liquid form that would hit the water or our sewer system."

She says ultimately she wants to make sure residents don't have to ever go through a chemical crisis like this again.

"We are all waiting for the incident report, and that's important because for me as a county supervisor, I want to make sure how we got to where we were will be prevented in the future, but also to know how it happened so that GKN can move forward with how they can make the community whole," Nguyen said.

Boyle Heights warehouse fire cleanup continues as crews tackle odors, clear out rotten food

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:17:06 -0700

More than a week after the Lineage warehouse in Boyle Heights burned down, smoke is being replaced by rotten odors and concerns over water contamination. Workers began removing tons of rotting food and hauling it away earlier.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has not turned over control of the Boyle Heights Lineage facility to the company, as it's still dealing with reignitions inside the building, which is still too dangerous to enter.

Fire officials say they are also overseeing the cleanup of tons of rotten food, making sure that odor blockers are used as it's moved out of the neighborhood. The stench is still nauseating and overwhelming.

Another concern is the water being used to stop the fire. There are sandbags and diverting material trying to keep the water away from storm drains. Booms have been lined up along the L.A. River.

The nonprofit East Yards for Environmental Justice has sent water samples to UCLA for testing. They are starting with heavy metals, and results should be available in a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, L.A. city and county officials held a press conference announcing they have joined resources. They plan not only to get more resources in the area, but also to demand accountability. Mayor Karen Bass signed two executive orders to that end, directing the city attorney's office to look at every avenue to make whoever is responsible accountable.

Lineage has pointed the finger at the solar panel company operating on the roof of the facility, but no official cause has been released.

The mayor has also given Lineage a 45-day deadline for the rotten food removal.

LAFD issued the following update on its fire response and cleanup efforts:

"LAFD is currently executing its Incident Action Plan (IAP). The IAP includes LAFD fire crews maintaining 'firewatch' 24 hours a day on rotating deployment periods. These crews will engage in fire suppression if significant flare-ups occur.

"The property owner has contracted with a private fire company that is continuing to flow water utilizing a water cannon to ensure the smoldering areas in the center of the building don't flare up significantly. They will remain on site throughout the duration of the remediation process to handle smoldering areas, as needed.

"The LAFD Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) will remain engaged during the remediation process to oversee any hazardous waste removal, such as lithium-ion batteries.

"Additional Resources for Impacted Residents:

Air Purifiers and Masks: With the help of local partners, the City has distributed thousands of air purifiers and masks to impacted residents, with thousands more scheduled for delivery and distribution this week. Air purifiers and masks will continue to be available at the Community Resource Center, located at 3141 E. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90023.
Transportation: LADOT is making temporary service adjustments to serve Boyle Heights residents, offering additional free buses in the area. Two additional buses have been added to the Boyle Heights DASH route, operating daily with free service every 10 to 15 minutes until further notice.
Voluntary Relief Center: The City shelter at Pecan Recreation Center (145 S. Pecan Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033) will transition to daytime use only and return to regular youth programming. Residents are welcome to use the center during the day for refuge and to connect with available resources. Pets are welcome. For full assistance, residents are encouraged to go to the Community Resource Center.
Resident Support through Community -based Organizations: The Mayor and City are working in coordination with organizations supporting the community. In partnership with the California Community Foundation, more than $1.5 million has been raised and granted to more than 20 community partners to support immediate relief for impacted residents and businesses. With these funds, the following community organizations are providing services including, but not limited to, medical assistance, food assistance, health resources, and financial assistance:Adventist Health White MemorialAltaMedBarrio Action Youth & Family CenterBoyle Heights YouthSource CenterCentro de AyudaClinica RomeroEast LA Community CorporationEast Yard Communities for Environmental JusticeEsperanza Community Housing CorporationHousing Equity & Advocacy Resource TeamInclusive Action for the City211LAInner City StruggleLAUSD Education FoundationLos Angeles Regional Food BankMexican American Opportunity FoundationMeztli ProjectsNew Economics for Women – Business Source CenterProyecto PastoralSt. John's Community HealthThe Salvation Army Southern California DivisionVia Care Community Health CenterYMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
Adventist Health White Memorial
AltaMed
Barrio Action Youth & Family Center
Boyle Heights YouthSource Center
Centro de Ayuda
Clinica Romero
East LA Community Corporation
East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice
Esperanza Community Housing Corporation
Housing Equity & Advocacy Resource Team
Inclusive Action for the City
211LA
Inner City Struggle
LAUSD Education Foundation
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation
Meztli Projects
New Economics for Women – Business Source Center
Proyecto Pastoral
St. John's Community Health
The Salvation Army Southern California Division
Via Care Community Health Center
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

"Los Angeles Unified (Region East) School Relocation

"Out of an abundance of caution, the following schools will be relocated to alternate school sites through July 2, 2026:

Christopher Dena Elementary School. Relocation Site: Sunrise Elementary School (2821 E. 7th St., Los Angeles, 90023)
Dacotah Early Education Center, Relocation Site: Sunrise Elementary School (2821 E. 7th St., Los Angeles, 90023)
Eastman Avenue Early Education Center. Relocation Site: Humphreys Avenue Elementary School (500 S. Humphreys Ave., Los Angeles, 90022)
Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School. Relocation Site: Belvedere Middle School (312 N. Record Ave., Los Angeles, 90063)," the LAFD said.

Swimmer reported missing off Newport Harbor coast found safe

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:54:52 -0700

The search for a missing swimmer off the Newport Harbor coast was suspended Tuesday after the person was located safely on land, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Officials said crews were notified of the search for 47-year-old Wesley Alan MacFarland around 7:45 a.m. on Monday, June 29. He was reported missing in the vicinity of Newport Harbor.

Crews arrived on scene and launched search and rescue efforts in the area.

Officials shared on Tuesday morning that MacFarland was found safe, but did not disclose any further details.