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Newsom extends emergency response to increase energy supplies 

With unprecedented demand on the grid, increased energy conservation is needed across all sectors this week From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. today

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Governor Gavin Newsom (Screenshot/Twitter)

SACRAMENTO – With triple-digit temperatures forecasted through Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom today extended emergency actions taken last week to bring more energy online and reduce demand on the grid during the record-setting heat wave across the western U.S.

The prolonged heat wave is on track to be California’s hottest and longest for September and is projected to set a new record high for demand on the state’s energy grid with a load forecast of 51,276 megawatts today. 

The state’s emergency response and efforts by large energy users, energy producers and California residents has helped to prevent outages during this extreme heat event, and even greater action will be needed in the days ahead as the state faces peak temperatures. Californians’ action to conserve energy during the Flex Alert yesterday saved 1,000 megawatts of power. 

“We need an additional 2,000 megawatts of savings today given higher forecasts, and everyone needs to play a part. Many state buildings will power down lights and air conditioning beginning at 4:00 p.m. to save energy. The state has also taken other urgent actions to bring more power onto the grid, including importing energy from out-of-state, installing emergency generators and creating a Strategic Reliability Reserve,” Newsom said in a press release. 

“Californians have stepped up in a big way during this record heat wave, but with the hottest temperatures here now, the risk of outages is real. We all have to double down on conserving energy to reduce the unprecedented strain on the grid,” Newsom said adding: “We need everyone – individuals, businesses, the state and energy producers – to do their part in the coming days and help California continue to meet this challenge.” 

Today’s executive order extends provisions of the Governor’s earlier emergency proclamation and executive order through this Friday to increase energy production, reduce strain on the grid and provide additional flexibility to state agencies, energy users and utility operators.

Governor Newsom today also signed AB 2645 by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona), which requires counties to ensure community resilience centers can serve as community-wide assets to mitigate public health impacts during disasters, including extreme heat events, and integrate these centers into their local emergency plans.

The California Independent System Operator has called a Flex Alert for today, September 6, asking Californians to reduce their electricity consumption between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to save power and reduce the risk of outages. 

Extreme heat endangers vulnerable Californians, including our elderly and those with health concerns. State agencies and departments have gathered resources and information to help the public stay safe, cool, and connected during this heat wave, more information can be found here

Tips for how to stay safe during extreme heat: 

  • If you don’t have an air conditioner, go to a shopping mall or public building for a few hours. If you must be outdoors, wear lightweight clothing and sunscreen, avoid the hottest parts of the day, and avoid strenuous activities. 
  • Sweating removes needed salt and minerals from the body. Avoid drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee, and soda) and alcohol. 
  • Check on friends and family and have someone do the same for you. If you know someone who is elderly or has a health condition, check on them twice a day. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and be ready to help. 
  • Find cooling centers in your area by contacting your county or calling your local health department, or find one at Cooling Centers | California Governor’s Office of Emergency Management 
  • Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district office. Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention program includes enforcement of the heat regulation as well as multilingual outreach and training programs for California’s employers and workers. Cal/OSHA inspectors will be conducting unannounced inspections checking for compliance at worksites throughout the state. 

The Los Angeles County Health Officer has extended a Heat Warning as high temperatures have been forecast for the following areas:

  • Downtown LA/LA Basin: now in effect through Friday, September 9, 2022
  • Santa Clarita Valley: now in effect through Friday, September 9, 2022
  • San Fernando Valley: now in effect through Friday, September 9, 2022
  • San Gabriel Valley: now in effect through Friday, September 9, 2022
  • Santa Monica Mountains: now in effect through Friday, September 9, 2022
  • Malibu Coast: Warning in effect on Friday, September 9, 2022
  • LA County Beaches: Warning in effect on Friday, September 9, 2022
  • Antelope Valley: remains in effect through Thursday, September 8, 2022
  • Los Angeles County Mountains: remains in effect through Thursday, September 8, 2022

Public Health reminds everyone to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with a chronic medical condition who are especially sensitive to negative health impacts from extreme heat. Public Health offers the following recommendations during high temperature days:

  • Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day.
  • If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella.
  • Cars get very hot inside, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open. Never leave children or pets in cars. Call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.
  • Beware of and know what to do for heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Call 911 right away if you see these symptoms: high body temperature (103°F or higher), vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
  • Check on those at risk for heat-related illness, like those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, those who live alone, pets, and outdoor workers and athletes.
  • If you are wearing a mask, avoid strenuous workouts wearing face coverings or masks not intended for athletic purposes.
  • Visit your power company’s website or contact them by phone to determine if you are scheduled for a rolling power outage.

“While it is very important that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out and check on others, in particular those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of high temperatures, including children, the elderly, and their pets,” said Muntu Davis, MD, Los Angeles County Health Officer.

“High temperatures are not just an inconvenience; they can be dangerous and even deadly. But we can protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated. It is critically important to never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open, as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. If you have an elderly or unwell neighbor who is without air conditioning, check on them throughout the day.”

County and City partners have planned ways to safely operate cooling centers during times of high heat. Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of these free cooling centers.

To find a location near you, visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.

City of West Hollywood Extends Cooling Center Days of Operation at Plummer Park

With temperatures continuing to soar across Southern California, the City of West Hollywood has extended the open hours of its Cooling Center at Plummer Park. The Cooling Center will continue to be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, September 9, 2022.

The Cooling Center is located at the Plummer Park Community Center, Senior Lounge, at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The Cooling Center in West Hollywood is activated when temperatures rise to 90 degrees or above, and it will be extended if there are continued temperatures above 90 degrees.

Staff members at Plummer Park are available to direct people to the Cooling Center.

The City of West Hollywood provides free transportation to Plummer Park through its Cityline service. Cityline is a friendly and accessible alternative to the larger bus system and all shuttles are ADA-accessible. Cityline operates Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and shuttles arrive approximately every 30 minutes. Face coverings are required on Cityline vehicles.

For additional information and a detailed route map, visit www.weho.org/cityline — route maps are also available on Cityline shuttles.

Due to the rise in COVID-19 community transmission in Los Angeles County, the City’s Social Services Division has activated its fan delivery service to serve the City’s older adults and other vulnerable residents who may have otherwise utilized the City’s cooling centers when temperatures rise above 90 degrees.

This temporary program will provide a box fan to residents who do not have access to air conditioning, do not feel comfortable accessing the City’s Cooling Center, and who have not received a fan from this City program in the past.

To request a fan, please leave a message for the City of West Hollywood’s Social Services Division at (323) 848-6510 with name, phone number, and address. Please plan ahead for the weekend, as the fan program only operates on weekdays during cooling center activation and will not be able to accommodate requests for deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.

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California

Two anti-trans bills fail to advance in California

AB 89 and AB 844 were aimed at banning trans women and girls from competing in women’s sports

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The two bills introduced by Republican lawmakers aimed at banning trans athletes from female sports, did not pass during yesterday’s committee meeting. 

Assembly Bill 89 and Assembly Bill 844, have failed to advance in the Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee on Tuesday by a 2-6 vote on each bill. AB 89, introduced by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) and AB 844, introduced by Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Riverside), were both rejected by California lawmakers. 

“If these members and their counterparts were truly committed to addressing the inequities and safety concerns women and girls face—in sports and everyday life—they would be joining the frontlines in the fight for equal pay, stronger protections against domestic violence and sexual assault, and expanded healthcare resources,” said Tony Hoang, executive director at Equality California. 

AB 89 and AB 844 are part of the nationwide coordinated effort led by extremists in Washington D.C. to sow fear and misinformation about transgender people—in particular youth—and attempt to erase them from virtually all areas of public life. 

“Instead of tackling the real problems in our state like high inflation and rising healthcare costs, Assemblymembers Sanchez and Essayli continue to waste time and taxpayer money using transgender youth as political pawns in a shameful display of divisive politics and a thirst for attention.,” said Hoang. 

AB 89 would have established a ban on athletes whose sex was assigned male at birth, from competing on a girls’ interscholastic sports team. 

AB 844 would have reversed California’s law which currently allows trans athletes to participate in girls and women’s sports teams across all age levels, up to college level. 

Tuesday’s hearing marked the first public debate on the issue in California since Newsom’s public comments about trans women in sports being “deeply unfair.”  

On Friday, Gov. Newsom’s office confirmed it received a letter from U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, stating that California could lose federal funds if it continued to allow trans athletes to compete in women’s and girls’ sports. 

“As Secretary of Education, I am officially asking you to inform this Department whether you will remind schools in California to comply with federal law by protecting sex-separated spaces and activities. I am also officially asking you to publicly assure parents that California teachers will not facilitate the fantasy of ‘gender transitions’ for their children,” she wrote in the letter.

Equality California continues their partnership with the Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus and other legislative partners in an effort to combat the passage of bills like AB 89 and AB 844. 

“We are pleased these bills have failed and are thankful to those lawmakers who opposed this dangerous legislation in committee, particularly to the committee chair, Assemblymember Chris Ward, for his leadership,” said Hoang.

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California

GLAAD’s Latine Honors celebrates culture and identity with packed house

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Harvey Guillén raises a toast to the impact of LGBTQ+ Latine talent at the GLAAD Latine Honors reception in Hollywood with Smirnoff. (Photo credit Katherine Rosario via GLAAD)

GLAAD’s Spanish-Language & Latine Media created and produced the first Latine Honors, nearly blowing the roof off of Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood, with a more-than-packed house full of stars. 

The Latine Honors were created to celebrate the best in queer, Latine visibility and representation in entertainment media, advocacy and journalism. This event happened back-to-back-to-back with the GLAAD Black and Brown Honors and the 36th GLAAD Media Awards. 

The Latine Honors were hosted by the hilarious stand-up comedian Roz Hernandez, who continues to make waves in the Los Angeles comedy scene and beyond. 

“Every single time [GLAAD] calls, I answer,” said Hernandez on the carpet. 

Hernandez says she is very lucky to be acknowledged by GLAAD and to join forces with them in the work they do for the LGBTQ+ community. 

The Spanish-Language Special Recognition Awards were presented on stage by Harvey Guillén to “The Q Agenda,” a TV series on Latin Nation and “La Verdrag,” a news show on Canal Once, for their incomparable contributions to queer, Latine representation in media. 

LA Blade had the chance to interview some of the Latine stars that graced the carpet to offer their two cents on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, including Harvey Guillén, Vico Ortíz, David Archuleta and members of “The Q Agenda.” 

“I think now more than ever, it’s important for us to remember that we can’t be numb to the things happening around us,” said Guillén. “People are becoming less empathetic toward our community and other communities being attacked, so we have to remember to not lose focus. Do not lose focus and do not lose empathy.” 

We also had a chance to catch up with Ortíz on the carpet. They are currently hosting a daily LGBTQ+ news podcast with Nay Bever, where together, they tactfully deliver the news that is relevant to our communities. 

“I am co-hosting a daily news podcast called ‘Today in Gay,’ where we wake up everyday, we read the news and then report them to our queer community,” said Ortíz. “It’s quite a responsibility, but I’m also really honored to deliver [the news] with care and tenderness and tact.”

Ortíz was an honoree at the Latine Honors for their outstanding contributions to the media and entertainment industries as a Puerto Rican, non-binary, multi-hyphenated artist. 

Archuleta spoke to us about his latest single Créme Bruleé, which incorporates a Latin flare to a pop tune. 

“I’m so excited because I just released a new song, Creme Bruleé” said Archuleta. “I was really inspired by the pop girlies – Chapelle, Sabrina, Charlie [XCX], Billie [Eilish], and I just thought I wanted to channel that and I want to feel that confidence and that sexiness that I feel when I listen to their music, but I wanted to add a Latin flare to it.” 

Keynote remarks were delivered by GLAAD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis; welcome remarks were shared by Monica Tresandes, Senior Director of Spanish Language & Latine Media and Representation; and Gabe Gonzalez, host of GLAAD’s original ¡DÍMELO!, shared remarks about the attendees representing the Latine creators and media from across the industry.

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California

Equality California to release 2024 Legislative Scorecard and rally at State Capitol

The rally will unite LGBTQ+ community members and political leaders

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Equality California will hold a rally at the State Capitol’s West Steps in response to rising anti-LGBTQ+ political attacks on Wednesday, March 26 at 11:00 AM PT.

This rally will also serve as an opportunity to discuss the release of the 2024 Legislative Scorecard, which is a report of politicians and sponsored legislation that further and cement the protections of LGBTQ+ rights. The scorecard also analyzes voting methods and results, gathering an overall score that reflects legislators’ votes on EQCA-sponsored legislation.

Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide civil rights organization working towards bringing justice to LGBTQ+ issues by rallying against legislative issues that attack LGBTQ+ rights.

This call to action will serve as part of the organization’s annual  LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day, held each year to bring together constituents with lawmakers in support of pro-LGBTQ+ legislation.

EQCA has a line-up of featured political speakers to include Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Chavez Zbur, Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Chris Ward, Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Vice Chair and Senator Caroline Menjivar, among others.

This event is meant to bring attention to the rise in political attacks, unite in community and mobilize efforts toward preserving LGBTQ+ rights for the state of California and beyond.

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Breaking News

Family of Linda Becerra Moran, trans woman killed by LAPD after calling 911, files lawsuit

Moran was pronounced dead after three weeks on life-support

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On Feb. 7, Linda Becerra Moran contacted the Los Angeles Police Department in a phone call where she reported that she was being held against her will in a San Fernando Motel. 

At around 9:40AM, Moran called the Foothill Division of the LAPD, and was recorded stating that she was not only being held at the motel against her will, but that she was being forced to bring men into her motel room. In the audio call recording, she is heard crying as she answers the questions regarding her safety. 

When the officers found her in the hotel room they stated that she didn’t remember how she got there, while speaking in Spanish to the officers. 

The statement released regarding the officer-involved shooting says that ‘when officers arrived, they entered the motel room and met with Moran. During their investigation, Moran became agitated, armed herself with a knife and held it to her neck.’ 

The officers responded by drawing their guns, further agitating her. The attorney representing the family of Moran says the released video proves that the shooting was unlawful and unjust. 

Now, the TransLatin@ Coalition is looking for justice for Moran and her family, especially considering that she was someone who received services directly from them. They hosted the first vigil for her on Friday, March 14, in front of the LAPD headquarters. 

“Linda Becerra Moran, a trans immigrant who received services from our organization, was brutally shot and murdered by the Los Angeles Police Department. We held a vigil and we invited the community to join us in solidarity as we demand justice and honor Linda’s life,” said the TransLatin@ Coalition in a statement. 

The police officer who shot and killed Moran was Jacob Sanchez, 24, who was hired in 2021. 

Moran was pronounced dead after three weeks on life support in late February.

Somos Familia Valle, is hosting a poster-making event today from 2PM to 8PM where they will be preparing for a call to action. The call to action is scheduled for Saturday, March 22 at the Foothill Division Police Department, at 1PM. The organization posted a list of demands, along with their statement on Moran’s death. 

“At a time where our trans siblings are being attacked politically and socially, now more than ever is the time for us to be loud and seek accountability,” reads the statement. “The murder of Linda Becerra Moran by the Los Angeles Foothill Division Police Department was unwarranted and speaks to the disregard for trans lives, but also the lack of de-escalation tactics.”

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HRC criticizes Gavin Newsom for saying trans athletes should not be able to compete

Calif. governor made comments on Charlie Kirk’s podcast

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), center, answers questions from reporters at the Democratic National Convention in 2024. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Human Rights Campaign issued a statement Thursday criticizing Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said this week that allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports was “deeply unfair.”

HRC President Kelley Robinson said, “When LGBTQ+ lives are under attack, real leaders don’t hedge — they fight. Across this country, extremists are stripping away rights, banning books, and targeting trans kids just for being who they are. This is not the time for political calculations or playing it safe — it’s time to be bold, to stand up, and to say unequivocally: We will protect LGBTQ+ people with everything we’ve got.”

She continued, “The fight for equality has never been easy, but history doesn’t remember those who waver — it remembers those who refuse to back down. Our message to Gov. Newsom and all leaders across the country is simple: The path to 2028 isn’t paved with the betrayal of vulnerable communities — it’s built on the courage to stand up for what’s right and do the hard work to actually help the American people.”

A longtime ally to the LGBTQ+ community, Newsom was one of the first public officials to officiate same-sex marriages in the early 2000s, which at the time drew criticism from leaders in his own party.

His remarks on trans athletes came during an interview with right-wing pundit and provocateur Charlie Kirk, on the inaugural episode of the governor’s podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom.”

The move signals a possible shift in how Democratic leaders are positioning themselves on issues concerning trans rights, especially provided the speculation about Newsom’s plans to run for president in 2028.

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Breaking News

Former fire chief Kristin Crowley loses fight for her position

Former fire chief loses appeal to be reinstated after being fired by Mayor Karen Bass

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LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, stands in front of the Electric Fire Engine back in 2022. (Photo by Mike Meadows, courtesy of LAFD's Flickr)

On Tuesday, the former Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department fought for her job to be reinstated through an appeal process that did not go in her favor. She will not get her job back, though she is expected to continue working for the department. 

At the meeting, Crowley pushed back for the first time against the arguments Bass used to justify her termination. Crowley argued that she was facing retaliation for publicly highlighting a lack of resources at the department. 

Going into the special meeting on Tuesday, she had to count on the support of at least 10 of the 15 councilmembers, or two-thirds. The appeal was almost certain to fail because she only counted on the support from Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Traci Park.


The main justification for her removal comes from Mayor Karen Bass, who claims Crowley allegedly made decisions that ultimately caused the Palisades fires to burn out of control. 

”A thousand firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke, were instead sent home,” said Bass in a previous press conference. 

Crowley responded to her accusation. 

“As for the 1,000 firefighters who were allegedly sent home prior to the fires, we did not have enough apparatus to put them on,” Crowley said. “Because of budget cuts and lack of investments in our fleet maintenance, over 100 of our fire engines, fire trucks and ambulances sat broken down in our maintenance yards unable to be used to help during the worst wildfire events in our history.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Bass doubled-down on her claims, adding that Crowley allegedly refused to conduct an after-action report following the Palisades fire. 

A claim that Crowley says is false. 

“I did not refuse to conduct an after-action report,” said Crowley to the council. “And let me be clear, this is a false accusation.”

“During our discussions about an after-action report, I advised the fire commissioners about my opinion that was best in regard to how to use LAFD resources,” continued Crowley. 

“I said that the LAFD is not capable, nor do we have the proper resources to adequately conduct an after-action report for the Palisades Fire.” 

Bass was in Ghana when the Palisades fire broke out, leaving council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson as acting mayor. When Bass returned, she blamed Crowley for not warning her of the powerful Santa Ana winds that put Los Angeles at high-risk of fires before she left. 


Back in January, Crowley took to the news media to talk about the lack of resources the fire department struggled with and that Crowley says ultimately caused the lack of response to the fires. 

Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who represents the central San Fernando Valley, also publicly criticized Crowley for making the public announcement while the fires were still raging through Pacific Palisades. 

The former fire chief also counted on the support of many LAFD firefighters who spoke in favor of her leadership skills and decisions.

Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva is currently serving as interim Fire Chief, as the search for someone to fill the position begins.

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Mayor Karen Bass fired Kristin Crowley, now she’s fighting back

Former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley stated that she is appealing her termination

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Courtesy of LAFD's Flickr

The Los Angeles City Council originally scheduled Kristin Crowley’s hearing on Friday at 5 P.M. in Van Nuys, but is now rescheduled for Tuesday, following backlash from community members and firefighter representatives who say the timing of the Friday hearing was meant to bury the issue.

On Thursday afternoon, City Council members received an email from former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley stating that she is appealing her termination.

“Today I notified the City Council of my appeal as provided for in Los Angeles Charter, Article V, Section 5.08(e), due to Mayor Bass’ removal of me on February 21, 2025, from the position of Fire Chief of the Los Angeles City Fire Department,” said Crowley in a statement.

The UFLAC is the union that represents LAFD firefighters.

“It is outrageous that the City Council has scheduled, on just 24-hour notice, a ‘special meeting’ for Friday at 5:00 P.M. in the Valley to hear Chief Crowley’s appeal of her dismissal,” said The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City in a statement.

In order to successfully appeal her termination, Crowley would have to count on the support of 10 of the 15 council’s members.

At least four council members stood alongside Bass at a news conference on Friday, announcing Crowley’s ouster — Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and members Curren Price, Hugo Soto-Martinez and Adrin Nazarian.

Crowley’s decision to appeal has already been publicly opposed by at least two council members, Monica Rodriguez and Traci Park.

“This is not transparent, fair, or just. It’s yet another public blunder coming out of City Hall that makes the people of Los Angeles continue to question the motives and trustworthiness of our city’s leaders,” said the union, criticizing City Hall’s decision to handle the issue.

This is a developing story and we will continue to report as more details become available. 

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California

San Diego Foundation opens up scholarship for California LGBTQ+ youth

‘We’re planning on going national in 2027’

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The National Rainbow College Fund was launched as a new scholarship program through the San Diego Foundation aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ students across California whether they are openly out or not. 

According to a survey conducted by Student Loan Hero, LGBTQ+ students face significant barriers in paying for their education. Families may not financially support LGBTQ+ students, leading many to turn to loans to finance their education. Students who also identify as people of color such as Latinx and Black students, are further pushed into debt by racial inequality as loan borrowers in academia. 

According to an LGBTQ+ youth report by the Human Rights Campaign, only about 26 percent of youth are out to all of their family members. 

Jeff Spitko, senior director for integrated fundraising at San Diego Foundation which powers National Rainbow College Fund spoke with L.A Blade regarding the new scholarship program. 

“We have over 500 applications in draft mode and over 200 that have already been submitted, coming from over 320 different zipcodes from across California,” said Spitko. “So I think that what gets me most excited about this program is the ability we have to help LGBTQ+ youth across the state.” 

This scholarship protects students from being outed throughout the entire process–from the application process, to the award being given. 

“We want to make sure that students across California–and hopefully around the country over the next coming years–get the education they deserve and that they dream of, whether they are out and proud, or still have not had the opportunity or family support to come out,” said Spitko. 

To apply, a student who identifies as LGBTQ+ whether publicly or privately, must be a high school senior; an incoming or current college or university student; or an adult re-entry student. The application is not currently open to graduate or Ph.D-level students, but the San Diego Foundation plans to extend the scholarship to those students in the future. 

Applicants need to have lived in California for at least one year and must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the California DREAM Act Application or the Federal Student Aid Estimator Tool. LGBTQ+ students must plan to enroll in at least 6 units in an accredited public or nonprofit community college; four-year university,  trade, vocational school anywhere in the United States.

“As a student at UC San Diego, National Rainbow College Fund eased my financial burden and enabled me to focus on my studies. It also empowered me to be recognized as a person and to be accepted for who I am and as I am,” said Brayden Pape.

LGBTQ+ borrowers had a higher debt burden on average, with $16,000 more than their cisgender and heterosexual peers: 60 percent of LGBTQ+ student loan borrowers regret taking out student loans; 28 percent feel that they can’t manage their student loan payments and more than 53 percent reported earning less than $50,000 per year. 

A 2022 study from the Williams Institute found that LGBTQ+ students are four times more likely than non-LGBTQ+ students to choose college in a state with a more welcoming climate and to live away from family; 60 percent of white LGBTQ+ students are not out to staff or faculty and less than 40 percent of LGBTQ+ students of color are out to staff or faculty. Community colleges have even higher rates of keeping sexual identity private: more than 70 percent white LGBTQ+ students and 65 percent LGBTQ+ students of color are not out. 

The application is open now until Mar. 5. 

 For more details about eligibility and selection criteria, please visit the National Rainbow College Fund website

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Mayor Karen Bass fires L.A Fire Chief Kristin Crowley

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass fired Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley who served as not only the first woman, but also the first openly out fire chief, after receiving pushback from the Palisades fire.

Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement at noon on Friday ahead of the press conference regarding Crowley’s immediate removal.

“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” said Bass. “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.

This move comes after Bass and Crowley disagreed on tensions surrounding the blame for the fires back in January. Crowley blamed Bass for budget cuts that she says impacted their response time for the Palisades fire that caused thousands of structures to be damaged and destroyed. Shortly after, Crowley spoke to the media regarding budget cuts approved by Mayor Bass, a petition for the removal of Bass as mayor began circulating and received 172,137 verified signatures.

Bass summoned Crowley into her quarters on Jan. 10, where they met for quite a while, where rumors began to circulate about Crowley being fired.

Bass is claiming that Crowley did not alert or warn her of the incoming windstorm that was widely expected and publicized days in advance of Jan. 7, making the ideal conditions for fires to start in the high-risk areas of Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon.

“Furthermore, a necessary step to an investigation was the President of the Fire Commission telling Chief Crowley to do an after action report on the fires. The Chief refused. These require her removal. The heroism of our firefighters–during the Palisades fire and every single day–is without question. Bringing new leadership to the Fire Department is what our city needs.”

Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva will serve as interim fire chief. Villanueva is a Latino leader with over 40 years of experience in the LAFD. He will serve as interim chief as the search for the next fire chief is now underway.

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Gateways Hospital breaks ground on new mental health wing for youth addressing rise in needs

Gateways is one of the largest providers of acute adolescent mental health services in Los Angeles County

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Representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Laura Friedman, State Senator Maria Elena Durazo, State Assembly member Jessica Caloza, LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis with Gateways Staff and Board Members (Photo courtesy of Gateways Hospital).

The hospital broke ground on a new 27,000 square-foot youth mental health center yesterday during a breaking ground ceremony in Echo Park, with Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez (CD-13), and other political leaders. Gateways Hospital serves a large population of at-risk youth, which include LGBTQ+ and Latinx patients who make up a large percentage of the population of the County of L.A.  

This inpatient wing expansion is set to be completed by late 2026. This resource comes at a time where crisis support help lines are receiving record-breaking numbers of callers who are experiencing distress under the current administration and the executive orders that are taking many LGBTQ+ and Latinx resources away. By then, the current administration will have been in office for over a year and other mental health services for LGBTQ+ and Latinx youth will be undoubtedly threatened and halted.

Organizations like The Trevor Project, which provide resources and assistance for mental health, reported up to a 700% increase in calls following the November presidential election. 

“Gateways Hospital is stepping up to meet the adolescent mental health crisis head-on. This expansion means more young people–especially those leaving foster care and LGBTQ+ adolescents–will get the care they need and deserve,” said councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez (CD-13). 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report in October 2024, highlighting disparities between cisgender and transgender youth. The youth risk behavior survey in this study was conducted in 2023 and became the first nationally representative data about transgender students. According to the study, ‘transgender and questioning students experienced a higher prevalence of violence, poor mental health, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, unstable housing and a lower prevalence of school connectedness than their cisgender peers.’

“With so many of California’s youth struggling with mental health issues, this new Gateways hospital wing for youth and adolescents in Echo Park represents a critical expansion of care. By adding specialized adolescent beds, Gateways is taking concrete action to support our young people during their most vulnerable moments,” said Mark Faucette, senior program director of the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program. 

The new expansion is supported by a $19.2 million grant from the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program. The new Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Center will provide support services to youth who are experiencing psychiatric emergencies and support them in their journeys through the mental healthcare system. The new hospital wing at the Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Center at the hospital’s main campus in Echo Park will have 37 new inpatient beds, making Gateways one of the largest providers of acute adolescent mental health services in Los Angeles County.

Gateways also currently provides free services to students at 22 Los Angeles Unified School District schools with services in Spanish and American Sign Language, as well as English. LAUSD just happens to also be currently enacting a new phone-free policy in response to declining mental health in youth.

To learn more about the project, visit the Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Centers website

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