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California DMV Eliminates Knowledge Test Requirement for Drivers 70 and Older

In a significant change for older drivers, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that drivers aged 70 and older are no longer required to take a knowledge test to renew their licenses. This new policy was introduced on Monday, Sept. 30.

Previously, drivers 70 and older had to take a knowledge test when renewing their licenses after expiration, though this was a DMV policy, not a law. According to DMV Director Steve Gordon, the change is aimed at improving customer service.

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Los Angeles County Approves Year-Round Emergency Homeless Shelters to Combat Climate Crisis

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the establishment of year-round emergency homelessness shelters that will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This decision marks a significant step in addressing the growing homeless crisis in Los Angeles County.

Under a motion proposed by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey Horvath, the board has directed the county CEO to develop a strategy for creating eight round-the-clock shelters, one in each of the county’s Service Planning Areas. Barger and Horvath emphasized the urgency of providing shelter and emergency care for unhoused individuals amid an ongoing climate crisis.

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Joe Conrad, president of Mean Green Mowers, gives a demonstration of zero-emission, battery-electric commercial lawnmowers that will be used at San Manuel Stadium in this file photo. (Photo by Kurt Miller, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Get Up to $250 in Rebates for Switching to Electric Lawn Equipment

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has expanded its Residential Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Rebate Program, offering residents rebates for replacing not just gas mowers but also other gasoline-powered tools with electric versions.

Program Expansion
On Friday, AQMD officials announced that residents in the South Coast Air Basin can now receive rebates for electric leaf blowers, trimmers (including weed whackers, edgers, and brush cutters), and chainsaws. The rebate provides up to $250 for each eligible piece of equipment purchased from authorized retailers, with a limit of three items per person.

Environmental Impact
“Using a gas-powered lawn mower for just one hour emits the same amount of pollution as a road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas,” said South Coast AQMD Executive Officer Wayne Nastri. “By expanding the program, we hope more residents will switch to electric lawn and garden equipment, reducing their carbon footprint and improving air quality.”

The program, initially launched in 2017 to cover lawn mowers, has led to significant emission reductions in the South Coast Air Basin—approximately 1.4 tons per year of volatile organic compounds and 0.28 tons per year of nitrogen oxides.

How the Rebate Works
Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify, the old gasoline equipment must be

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Plastic shopping bags banned at California grocery stores after Newsom signs law

California is set to phase out plastic shopping bags entirely by 2026, following a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This new legislation builds on the state’s existing ban on thin plastic bags, which has been in place for years. Previously, shoppers could still buy thicker plastic bags, marketed as reusable and recyclable, but the new law eliminates that option.

Starting in 2026, shoppers who don’t bring their own bags will be offered only paper bags at checkout. State Sen. Catherine Blakespear, a supporter of the bill, cited a study revealing that plastic bag waste per person in California increased from 8 pounds per year in 2004 to 11 pounds in 2021. According to Blakespear, the earlier ban didn’t significantly reduce overall plastic use, prompting the need for this stricter measure. She emphasized the environmental harm caused by plastic waste, stating, “We are literally choking our planet with plastic.”

Environmental group Oceana praised Newsom for the decision, noting that it will help protect California’s coastline, marine life, and communities. Christy Leavitt, Oceana’s plastics campaign director, called the ban a significant step in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.

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Here’s what you need to know about the Airport, Bridge, and Line fires burning in Southern California

It’s been a smoky, stress-filled week with three major wildfires burning out of control across Southern California in the midst of a heat wave. As of Friday morning, more than 110,000 acres have burned, forcing evacuations, school cancellations, and unhealthy air conditions.
The good news? The weather has shifted and fire officials say the fires are slowing down as of Friday morning. Here’s what we know going into the weekend.

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L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian at City Hall.

Los Angeles City Council approves sewer service rate hikes starting in October

The Los Angeles City Council has approved a 22% increase in sewer service rates, starting in October, 2024, with gradual increases planned through 2028. This move, made to address aging infrastructure, passed by an 11-3 vote. However, some council members, such as Monica Rodriguez, Kevin de León, and Heather Hutt, opposed the hike, concerned about its financial impact on property owners and businesses. The ordinance still requires approval by Mayor Karen Bass and must comply with Proposition 218, which mandates public hearings and notifications to property owners.

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Beat the Heat: Where to Find Cooling Centers in Los Angeles During the Heatwave

As the scorching heatwave continues to grip Los Angeles, it’s clear that staying cool, hydrated, and indoors is crucial. For those seeking relief from the relentless high temperatures, LA offers multiple cooling centers throughout the city. These cooling centers, located in recreation centers and public libraries, provide a safe, air-conditioned space to escape the heat. Some locations have even extended their hours due to the extreme weather.

To find your nearest cooling center, refer to the images for detailed locations and hours of operation. Stay safe, stay cool, and protect yourself from the sun during this heatwave!As the scorching heatwave continues to grip Los Angeles, it’s clear that staying cool, hydrated, and indoors is crucial. For those seeking relief from the relentless high temperatures, LA offers multiple cooling centers throughout the city. These cooling centers, located in recreation centers and public libraries, provide a safe, air-conditioned space to escape the heat. Some locations have even extended their hours due to the extreme weather.

To find your nearest cooling center, refer to the images for detailed locations and hours of operation. Stay safe, stay cool, and protect yourself from the sun during this heatwave!

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Los Angeles City Pilot Project: Assessing Public Pedestrian Spaces

The City of Los Angeles is launching a pilot project to assess and inventory pedestrian areas within public rights of way (PROW), including sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb ramps. The project will involve:

  • Exploring new and existing technologies for inventory and assessment.
  • Gathering feedback from both public and private groups and city departments.
  • Selecting specific pedestrian areas for evaluation.
  • Choosing diverse locations throughout the city for pilot assessments.
  • Conducting thorough assessments of these areas.
  • Analyzing how this new data fits with current city systems.
  • Developing recommendations for consistently rating the condition of these assets and for ongoing data updates.
  • Reporting on the project’s progress, technology use, timeline, and budget estimates.

This initial phase will help shape the city’s future strategies and funding for PROW areas, aligning with updates to the City’s Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan as required by accessibility laws and regulations.

Your participation in this survey is vital. Your insights will guide the development of better construction, repair, and maintenance strategies for pedestrian spaces across Los Angeles. Your input will also help prioritize which repairs are made first, enhancing pedestrian facilities throughout the city.

Please take a moment to complete the survey and share your views on improving pedestrian facilities.

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What to know about California’s earthquake early warning system, MyShake

With the unpredictable and destructive nature of earthquakes, a few extra seconds of notice can make all the difference in the world.

That’s why the California Office of Emergency Services is reminding residents to download the state’s MyShake App, a free tool that delivers alerts and warnings for earthquakes.

The app, developed by UC Berkeley in partnership with United States Geological Survey ShakeAlert and Cal OES, is available for mobile devices through the Google Play store and Apple App store and allows residents to input their home town and receive alerts as soon as ground sensors detect significant shaking.

“This can provide vital seconds of notice to prepare for shaking,” said Jon Gudel, a spokesperson for the Cal OES Earthquake Early Warning team. “Think of all the apps you have on your phone now, none of them could potentially save your lives, especially in Southern California with all the seismic active areas.”

The MyShake App is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Filipino, can be download from smartphone app stores, or directly from the MyShake website myshake.berkeley.edu/.

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Updates from Public Works- How many potholes? How much graffiti?

July Report from the Office of Community Beautification

For the month of July 2024, OCB contractors removed 2,856,895 square feet of graffiti from 40,625 locations citywide.

Here are the top 5 Council Districts from which the highest amounts of graffiti was removed…

Council District 14: 543,834 square feet of graffiti removed from 6,895 locations.
Council District 1: 494,088 square feet of graffiti removed from 5,922 locations.
Council District 13: 338,324 square feet of graffiti removed from 5,039 locations.
Council District 8: 323,585 square feet of graffiti removed from 1,379 locations.
Council District 9: 248,529 square feet of graffiti removed from 1,175 locations.

“See graffiti, report graffiti = removed graffiti”

Use MyLA311 to report graffiti.

Between January 1st and July 31st a total of 863,336 service requests have been made to 3-1-1.
To report graffiti:

Visit the MYLA311 Website
www.myla311.lacity.org

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