lifestyles

Families In Schools launched its Read LA! Bookmobile on Monday, a new mobile literacy hub designed to provide free books and bilingual Storytimes to children across Los Angeles County. The nonprofit organization debuted the vehicle at a kickoff event at Madison Elementary School in Pasadena, marking the latest expansion of a literacy campaign that began in November 2023.

Did You Know? The Read LA! initiative includes a mobile app available in more than 130 languages that requires no personal information to use, a design choice intended to lower access barriers for families seeking home literacy support.

How the Bookmobile supports literacy goals

The Bookmobile is intended to function as a permanent, recurring resource rather than a one-time outreach effort. According to the organization, the vehicle will visit schools, parks, community centers, and clinics throughout the county to help children build consistent reading habits and develop home libraries. The project is a central component of the organization’s broader goal to ensure 70% of Los Angeles Unified students read proficiently by the end of third grade by 2030.

Connecting to past community outreach

The rollout in Pasadena builds on previous work by Families In Schools, which provided read-aloud sessions and book distributions in the area following the Los Angeles County wildfires. During that earlier effort, the organization reported distributing more than 3,000 books to over 2,000 children in communities ranging from Pacific Palisades to Altadena. The organization utilized book donations from partners including Scholastic, PaperPie, and Age of Learning to facilitate that outreach.

Expert Insight: The transition from event-based outreach to a permanent mobile hub suggests the organization is prioritizing habit formation over singular interventions. By embedding the Bookmobile in school and community schedules, the nonprofit is attempting to address the proficiency gap—notably where some districts like Pasadena Unified report 43% reading proficiency—through sustained, long-term exposure to reading materials.

What happens next for the campaign

Families In Schools plans to deploy the Bookmobile to various locations across Los Angeles County in the coming months. As the organization approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, it continues to combine direct services with advocacy, including backing state-level literacy legislation. The long-term success of these efforts will be measured against the 2030 benchmark for third-grade reading proficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who donated the Bookmobile?
The vehicle was donated by Mary and Johnny Randel, according to Families In Schools.

What is the primary goal of the Read LA! campaign?
The campaign aims for 70% of Los Angeles Unified students to read proficiently by the end of the third grade by the year 2030.

Does the organization provide literacy resources outside of the Bookmobile?
Yes, the organization operates a mobile app available in over 130 languages and engages in advocacy for state literacy legislation.

How do you believe mobile literacy programs influence reading habits in your neighborhood?

A Texas woman was sentenced Wednesday in Los Angeles to 21 months in federal prison for orchestrating schemes to defraud government agencies of more than $82,000. Joyce Turner, 57, of Rosharon, Texas, pleaded guilty to mail fraud and fraud in connection with major disaster benefits after falsely claiming residency in a Pasadena property damaged by the Eaton Fire and misrepresenting her employment status during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Scope of the Fraud

According to federal court filings, Turner submitted a fraudulent application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming she was a Pasadena resident living in a rental home affected by the Eaton Fire. Relying on these false claims, FEMA issued $28,195 in disaster relief funds to Turner, despite her not living in California or qualifying for the assistance.

In a separate admission, Turner acknowledged that in August 2020, she filed a claim for California unemployment insurance. She falsely stated that she had been employed in the state and lost her work due to the pandemic. The California Employment Development Department subsequently issued $54,360 in benefits to Turner, which were delivered via a debit card mailed to a Los Angeles address.

Implications and Next Steps

The sentencing reflects the ongoing federal effort to recover funds lost to fraudulent claims during both natural disasters and the COVID-19 public health emergency. As part of her sentence, Turner is now required to pay full restitution for the funds she obtained.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Joyce Turner sentenced for?
Turner was sentenced to 21 months in prison for committing fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits and for mail fraud.

How much money was involved in the fraud?
Turner obtained $28,195 in FEMA wildfire relief and $54,360 in COVID-19 unemployment benefits, totaling $82,555 in illicitly obtained funds.

Where did Turner claim to live during the Eaton Fire?
Turner falsely claimed to be a resident of a rental property in Pasadena that had been damaged by the fire.

How do you believe government agencies should balance the need for rapid emergency aid with the necessity of preventing fraudulent claims?

Singer-songwriters Jessica Gerhardt and Christina Apostolopoulos will perform at the Wine & Song music series on Wednesday, June 17, at The Hive in South Pasadena. The event, hosted by Brad Colerick, features original music starting at 7 p.m. at 1118 Mission St., with doors opening to the public at 6 p.m.

Who are the featured performers?

The event features a double bill of singer-songwriters with distinct musical backgrounds. Jessica Gerhardt, a Los Angeles native, performs a sound that moves from intimate, ukulele-driven folk to anthemic indie rock.

Gerhardt, a sponsored Lanikai Ukuleles artist, writes in a tradition described as fierce femme rock with a spiritual bent. Her performance will draw from her newly released album, “Alight Beyond the Sea.”

Christina Apostolopoulos will provide soulful vocals and slide-guitar mastery. Her songwriting style glides between folk, rock, and jazz.

Apostolopoulos was born in Toronto and raised in Santa Barbara. She graduated magna cum laude from Berklee College of Music with a degree in guitar performance.

What are the event logistics and ticket prices?

The performance takes place at The Hive, located at 1118 Mission St., South Pasadena. According to the event details, light snacks and beverages will be available by donation.

Tickets for the June 17 show are $23 in advance and $26 at the door. A $25 cash option is also available for those attending at the venue.

Why does this series matter to the local community?

Wine & Song is a long-running series that typically utilizes living rooms, courtyards, and small venues to host original music in close quarters. The series maintains an easygoing spirit through its community-focused approach.

What could happen next?

The showcase of Gerhardt’s new album, “Alight Beyond the Sea,” may lead to increased local interest in her other musical projects, such as the Friday at The Fox Den concert series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Wine & Song event being held?
The event is held at The Hive, located at 1118 Mission St., South Pasadena.

How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are $23 in advance and $26 at the door, with a $25 cash option available.

What time does the music start?
The music is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., though doors open at 6 p.m.

Do you prefer watching music in small, intimate venues or larger concert halls?