Author: 2UrbanGirls Wire Reports

OAKLAND – In an effort to address statewide construction needs and build equity in the workforce, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) announced today that 25 construction apprenticeship programs have been awarded $26 million in Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grants. This funding aims to increase access to construction careers for women and disadvantaged communities. “With this funding, we are addressing barriers that women face when trying to enter into construction careers. It has been empowering to see the ERiCA grants at work and watch apprentices successfully land jobs in the skilled trades and earn family-sustaining wages,”…

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LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County man who posed online as a teenage boy and enticed a 15-year-old girl to have a sexual relationship before bringing her to Mexico has been found guilty on all federal charges he faced at the conclusion of a four-day trial, the FBI announced today. Daniel Navarro, who sometimes posed online as “Angel,” 41, of Victorville, was found guilty late Thursday of two counts of sexual exploitation of a child for the purpose of producing a sexually explicit visual depiction, one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity,…

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U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) announced that Glendale Community College is receiving a $599,739 federal investment from the National Science Foundation IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) Program. The grant will help build a pioneering Virtual Reality (VR) Research Lab and curricular enhancement initiative aimed at increasing interest, participation, and success in STEM fields among community college students. “I’m excited for Glendale Community College, and thankful for the National Science Foundation’s investment in one of their programs. I’ll keep fighting to bring more federal investments like this one back to GCC and California to ensure our state continues leading…

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Marina del Rey Career Day will introduce students to careers in the tourism and hospitality industry. On Saturday, August 2, Marina del Rey Tourism Board, in partnership with the Office of LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, is hosting its second annual Career Day to introduce students to careers and opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry. Students from local Boys & Girls Clubs, The Children’s Institute, and their partner organizations will participate in an immersive career exploration day across Marina del Rey. Through guided tours of the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station, City Cruises, FantaSea Yachts, Jamaica Bay Inn,…

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Cerritos College marked a significant milestone on July 16, celebrating ten years of bold, visionary leadership by President/Superintendent Dr. Jose Fierro. The Board of Trustees, community leaders, and regional partners came together to honor a decade of growth, innovation, and institutional stability that has positioned Cerritos College as a statewide leader in student success and workforce development. Appointed in 2015, Dr. Fierro is the second longest-serving president in the history of Cerritos College. His decade of service to the community far exceeds the recent tenure of California community college CEOs, which has declined to an average of just 4.3 years.…

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LOS ANGELES – Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and five other defendants – including a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group – were arrested today on a federal indictment alleging they operated an illegal gambling business in which high-stakes poker games were played at an Encino mansion Arenas owned. Arenas, 43, a.k.a. “Agent Zero,” of Woodland Hills, is charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance and…

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SANTA MONICA – Following an extensive investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department, two individuals have been arrested in connection with a series of residential burglaries and mail thefts that occurred throughout the city between April and July 2025. The investigation began on May 8, 2025, when detectives were assigned a burglary and mail theft case at an apartment complex located in the 300 block of Arizona Avenue. In that incident, the suspect, later identified as Kyle McCaffrey, used a crowbar to force entry into the building and then accessed community mailboxes using a manufactured postal arrow key. An arrow…

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — In a major development that underscores her growing momentum, Westlake Village Mayor Kelly Honig announced today that she has earned the endorsement of the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) in her campaign for the 42nd Assembly District. Representing more than 9,000 officers of the Los Angeles Police Department, LAPPL is one of the most influential law enforcement organizations in California. Their support reflects confidence in Honig’s proven record on public safety. LAPPL President Craig Lally released the following statement announcing their endorsement: “Mayor Kelly Honig is the best choice for public safety. That’s why the Los Angeles…

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LOS ANGELES –   Uber’s federal lawsuit, filed earlier this week against several attorneys, spine and surgery centers in Southern California and Dr. Greg Khounganian, is completely baseless and unwarranted.  Medical professionals like Dr. Khounganian, who have dedicated their careers to helping patients recover from serious, often life-changing injuries, should not be casualties of Uber’s overly-aggressive political campaigns. Rather than talking about injuries to its riders or possible misclassification of its drivers, it seems as if Uber wants to bully doctors and their patients.  Dr. Khounganian is a respected and board-certified spine surgeon with an impeccable record of care, ethics, and professionalism. The suggestion that…

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The Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission (Commission) unanimously elected Commissioner Hans Johnson to serve as its new Chair. It also reelected Commissioner Luis S. Garcia, Ph.D., and elected Commissioner Arthur Calloway II to serve as Co-Vice Chairs. They will serve through fiscal year (FY) 2025-2026. Chair Johnson takes over from former Chair Robert C. Bonner, who served on the Commission since its inception in 2017 until his term ended this month after Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger opted not to renew it. L.A. Sheriff Luna defies subpoenas, sues oversight commission over deputy misconduct records Under Bonner’s leadership…

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BUENA PARK – The Buena Park Police Department provided the following information on a fatal crash involving a vehicle and electric scooter on July 22. “At 11:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle vs an electric scooter rider collision at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male in the roadway suffering from critical injuries. The adult scooter rider was transported to a local hospital. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by first responders and paramedics, the pedestrian passed due to his injuries (view video here). https://www.instagram.com/p/DMbVt_JS7ac/ The driver of the involved…

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SACRAMENTO— The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office is proud to announce that its flagship ICanGoToCollege.com podcast, EDUCATE. ELEVATE., has received the prestigious nationwide Mark L. Olson ‘Best in Show’ Award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) at this year’s Paragon Awards, along with the western region Gold Medallion Award in the podcast category. With approximately 1,600 members across 600 colleges, the NCMPR is the leading professional development association exclusively serving those working in communication at two-year community and technical colleges. The EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast is for current and prospective students. It amplifies the voices of community…

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HAWAIIAN GARDENS — The City of Hawaiian Gardens is proud to announce the receipt of a $262,644 grant from the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board (SELACO WDB) to implement the Youth@Work program for Program Year 2025-2026. This funding will support paid employment and personal development opportunities for 72 local youth. The Youth@Work program is designed to equip young residents with valuable work experience, job readiness skills, and access to professional mentorship. Participants will receive a minimum of 140 hours of paid work experience and 20 hours of personal enrichment training, for a total of 160 paid hours, at…

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Demonstrating surging support and establishing herself as a top-tier contender in the open-seat race for the 42nd Assembly District, Westlake Village Mayor Kelly Honig announced today that her campaign raised more than $234,000 during the most recent fundraising period. “This campaign is about championing the voices of the community and listening to voters about the issues that matter to them—improving public safety, making the economy work for working families, and fixing our crumbling infrastructure,” said Honig. “Raising more than $234,000 sends a powerful message: we are running a serious campaign focused on delivering real results and we are…

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Union Demands End to Retaliation Against Workers Who Rejected Takeaway Deal More than 300 Teamsters at National Ready Mixed Concrete were locked out of their jobs after overwhelmingly rejecting a contract packed with concessions, including cuts to seniority, unchecked management power, and substandard wages. The lockout affects drivers, mechanics, and bulk material haulers at ten locations across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties.   “Let’s be clear. This isn’t about what the company can afford. Their own president admitted it’s not about the money, they just don’t want to pay,” said Tom Gesualdi, Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division. “This is…

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