In the News

Capital & Main: California Attempts to Rein in Exploitation of Truck Drivers

September 07, 2021

By Larry Buhl 

Like many truck drivers delivering goods from the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to big retailers throughout Southern California, Juan Carlos Giraldo has a contract job, and it looks decent at first glance. His primary employer, Container Connection, pays a flat fee of $300 for a round trip from a port to a Walmart warehouse in Mira Loma. With no traffic or wait times, the trip takes four hours, which means Giraldo can make 10 round trips a week. In the best case scenario, he earns $3,000.

Los Angeles Times: Op-Ed: We need two laws to ensure reproductive choice for all Californians

September 04, 2021

BY DANIEL GROSSMAN

Associated Press: California aims to restrict using rubber bullets at protests

September 02, 2021
By ADAM BEAM and DON THOMPSON

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California would restrict the use of rubber bullets and chemical irritants during protests under legislation advanced Thursday in the wake of last year’s widespread public demonstrations over racial injustice. A similar bill died last year.

The bill would set statewide standards for using the weapons that advocates say sometimes harmed peaceful protesters. Police say they are needed to prevent violence and are often better than the alternatives.

Signal Tribune: Event connects immigrant children once held at Long Beach Convention Center to lawyers and resources

August 30, 2021

BY KRISTEN FARRAH NAEEM, STAFF WRITER

Now reunited with their families, the immigrant children once held at the Long Beach Convention Center were invited to “Welcome With Dignity Day” hosted by Immigrant Defenders Law Center at Shoreline Aquatic Park on Saturday, Aug. 28.

Signal Tribune: Local Hearts Foundation brings supplies to students and youth boxing club

August 16, 2021

BY RICHARD H. GRANT, PHOTO EDITOR

The Local Hearts Foundation held their annual school supply giveaway at MacArthur Park on Saturday, Aug. 14. 

Over 100 families began lining up at 5 a.m. to receive supplies from the “Education is Power” event by the Local Hearts Foundation. Families could also pick up groceries, get hair cuts, have their faces painted, and pick up a limited supply of Amazon Fire tablets. 

My News LA: Sen. Gonzalez Distributes $14.5M to Central Long Beach Revitalization

August 13, 2021

A state senator presented checks in the amount of more than $14 million dollars to promote park rehabilitation, inclusive workforce development and health and wellness services in Long Beach.

Sen. Lena A. Gonzalez, D-Long Beach, handed out $14.5 million in state budget discretionary funds to the city of Long Beach, Centro CHA Inc. and TCC Family Health.

Press Telegram: Long Beach can be part of the housing solution by saying ‘yes’ to SB 9

July 24, 2021

By Lena Gonzalez

Press Telegram: State budget dedicates millions of dollars to Long Beach parks, job training, health and wellness

June 30, 2021

By HAYLEY MUNGUIA 

A new fiscal year begins in California on Thursday, July 1, and it appears several projects in Long Beach will benefit from a fresh round of state funding.

The state Legislature approved a budget for fiscal year 2021-22 earlier this week that includes more than $20 million for parks, community centers, health clinics and more in Long Beach. Gov. Gavin Newsom had not signed the budget as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, but officials appear confident the local funding will get his seal of approval.

LB Post: Central Long Beach scores $14.5M in state funding for park improvements, wellness center

June 30, 2021

By Sebastian Echeverry

MacArthur Park in Central Long Beach could see a renovated sports field and expanded playgrounds thanks to an infusion of millions of dollars in state funding approved by the California Legislature this week.

The $14.5 million also includes money for a new health and wellness center in Cambodia Town and a center to assist business owners in the area.

Councilwoman Suely Saro, who represents the area, said the investment is rare and would improve the quality of life for residents.

Random Length News: Bill To Add 2 Environmental Justice Representatives to the AQMD Board Halts But Conversations Will Continue

June 08, 2021

SACRAMENTO — Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) in collaboration with over forty environmental justice advocates and community members, fought over the last few months on a significant bill, Senate Bill (SB) 342. Unfortunately, on June 3, the bill was sent to the inactive file for this legislative year and made into a two year bill due to pressures from Big Oil.