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New Westside LA Ronald McDonald House Receives $1 Million Donation

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

A planned Ronald McDonald House in Westwood Village has secured a $1 million donation from the Rafael and Sharyl Mendez Family Foundation to support its establishment. The project, which involves converting a former Hilgard Avenue boutique hotel into a 33,000-square-foot facility, aims to provide no-cost lodging for families with children receiving medical treatment at nearby facilities, including UCLA Children’s Hospital and Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.

Project Scope and Fundraising Goals

The proposed facility is part of a broader $50 million capital campaign currently underway to fund the acquisition and transformation of the Hilgard Avenue property. Once completed, the four-story building will function as the seventh Ronald McDonald House within the Southern California Chapter. The site is designed to accommodate as many as 33 families simultaneously, providing a “home away from home” for those navigating lifesaving medical care on the Westside.

Did You Know? While the McDonald’s Corporation remains a partner in Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Southern California chapter operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with corporate support accounting for only 10% to 15% of its annual budget.

Institutional Impact and Recognition

According to Kelly Herman, executive director of RMH Westside LA, the donation ensures that families will not incur costs for lodging or essential support services. In recognition of the Mendez family’s contribution, the facility’s rooftop lounge and welcoming reception area will be named in honor of the foundation. Nicole Mendez stated that the gift was intended to provide a meaningful way for her family to support the community’s healthcare needs.

Future Outlook

With the capital campaign ongoing, the project is moving toward the transformation of the former hotel site. The establishment of the house is expected to fill a gap in pediatric healthcare support on the Westside. Future operations will depend on the continued success of the fundraising efforts to meet the $50 million goal and the completion of the building’s conversion.

Westside Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is funding the new Ronald McDonald House?
The project is supported by a $50 million capital campaign, which recently received a $1 million donation from the Rafael and Sharyl Mendez Family Foundation.

Which hospitals will this facility serve?
The house is intended to serve families with children receiving treatment at UCLA Children’s Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, and other medical facilities on the Westside.

Will families have to pay to stay at the house?
No. According to Kelly Herman, executive director of RMH Westside LA, families will not pay for lodging or provided support services.

How might the completion of this facility change the way families manage the logistical challenges of long-term pediatric treatment in Los Angeles?

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News

Mosquito Control Treatments Scheduled for Monterey Park

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will conduct truck-mounted mosquito control treatments in Monterey Park this Wednesday and Thursday from midnight to 5 a.m. The application is designed to reduce adult mosquito populations and lower the risk of disease transmission in the area bounded by West Floral Drive, the Pomona (60) Freeway, Vancouver Avenue, and Collegian Avenue.

Did You Know? The treatment utilizes Aquaduet, a substance containing Sumithrin and Prallethrin, which are active ingredients formulated to mimic the natural properties found in chrysanthemum flowers.

Why are these treatments being conducted?

District officials stated that the mosquito population in this specific portion of Monterey Park poses a significant public health risk. By targeting adult mosquitoes through scheduled nocturnal applications, the agency aims to mitigate the potential for mosquito-borne disease transmission.

What happens next for residents?

Residents within the designated treatment area may receive notification via social media, Nextdoor, posted notices, or local news outlets. If unfavorable weather conditions or operational issues occur, officials may delay or postpone the applications until the following week. While the district reports that the Aquaduet material is suspended in water and will not harm vehicle or home finishes, residents are encouraged to take personal precautions.

Expert Insight: The use of targeted, time-specific spraying is a standard operational response to elevated vector risks. By focusing on the midnight-to-dawn window, agencies maximize effectiveness while minimizing direct human exposure to the treatment materials. The success of these efforts often depends on the parallel cooperation of residents in reducing local breeding sites like stagnant water.

How can the public assist in mosquito control?

According to the district, residents play a vital role in reducing mosquito populations by eliminating standing water. Recommended actions include clearing clogged gutters, removing discarded tires, and maintaining birdbaths, buckets, swimming pools, spas, and ponds. Additionally, officials advise wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellent when outdoors to prevent bites.

Charter Local Edition with San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District PIO Jason Farned

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the treatments take place?
Treatments are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday between midnight and 5 a.m.

Will the treatment damage my property?
No. Officials stated that because the material is suspended in water, it will not harm the finishes on cars or homes.

Who can I contact for more information?
Residents can call the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at 626-814-9466 or visit www.sgvmosquito.org.

What steps are you taking in your own backyard to help reduce the local mosquito population?

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Business

Motorcyclists Protest Christchurch ACC Levy Hikes Ahead of Court Challenge

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Motorcyclists gathered at the High Court in Christchurch this week to challenge the legality of Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) levy increases. Led by representative Chapple, the legal proceeding argues that the methodology used to calculate risk-based levies for motorcycles is irrational and procedurally unfair. While the court will determine the legality of the decision, Chapple is seeking interim orders to block the price hikes until a final ruling is delivered.

Why are motorcyclists challenging ACC levy structures?

The legal challenge focuses on whether ACC’s method for allocating costs is supported by available data. According to MAGNZ spokesperson Richard Tohu, the primary issue is the use of engine capacity as a proxy for risk. Tohu argues that while ACC applies engine-size surcharges to motorcycles, it does not apply the same logic to high-performance cars. “A high-powered performance car driven by a young driver has a very different injury-cost profile from a small hatchback, yet ACC makes no distinction,” Tohu stated.

Why are motorcyclists challenging ACC levy structures?
Did you know?
The current challenge does not seek to stop motorcyclists from contributing to the ACC scheme entirely. Instead, it questions why engine size is used as a risk-rating metric for bikes but ignored for other vehicle classes.

How does engine size impact rider levies?

Proponents of the legal challenge, including long-time rider Graham Sayer, contend that engine displacement does not equate to crash frequency. Sayer, who suffered a leg injury while riding a 250cc motorcycle, noted that he now pays higher levies for a 1000cc bike despite his injury history occurring on a lower-capacity machine. “It’s not right that I’m having to pay extra for the higher cc rating,” Sayer said. He contrasted his situation with a V12 Lamborghini owner, who pays no additional registration surcharge based on engine size.

What are the next steps for the legal proceedings?

The immediate goal for the plaintiffs is to secure interim orders that prevent the levy increases from taking effect while the court reviews the case. This follows a series of public demonstrations, including a mass ride-along in Auckland earlier this year. The court must now weigh whether ACC’s internal decision-making process met the required standards of lawfulness and rationality. If the court finds the methodology flawed, it could set a precedent for how ACC justifies levy distinctions between different vehicle categories in the future.

Bill 21 is being challenged in court

Comparison: Motorcycle vs. Car Levy Methodology

Comparison: Motorcycle vs. Car Levy Methodology
Criteria Motorcycles Passenger Cars
Engine Size Surcharge Applied Not Applied
Risk Assessment Basis Disputed (Capacity-based) General Class

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are motorcyclists asking to pay nothing to ACC? No. The challenge focuses on the fairness and legality of the calculation method, not the requirement to contribute.
  • What is the main argument against the current levies? Riders argue that engine capacity is an unreliable metric for risk and that it is applied inconsistently compared to other vehicle types.
  • What happens if the court rules in favor of the motorcyclists? The court may order ACC to revise its methodology or halt the implementation of the specific levy increases.
Pro Tip: Stay informed on this case by checking the Courts of New Zealand website for official updates on High Court rulings and civil procedure documents.

What are your thoughts on using engine size to calculate vehicle levies? Join the discussion below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on this unfolding legal challenge.

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News

Memorial Day 2024: Events Across Los Angeles and Orange County

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Communities across Los Angeles and Orange counties are preparing to mark Memorial Day on Monday with a series of solemn observances and public commemorations. From the unveiling of new memorial plaques to the reading of thousands of names, the region will join the nation in honoring those who died in service to the United States.

In Long Beach, the Honoring Our Fallen Memorial Wall will serve as a focal point for remembrance. Laura Herzog, founder and CEO of the organization, announced that new plates will be dedicated to individuals who served in conflicts ranging from World War I to the Global War on Terrorism, as well as first responders and those who died from suicide. The site will also host a reading of nearly 7,000 names of Americans lost in combat and training since the 9/11 attacks, a process expected to span from 5:45 a.m. To approximately 1 p.m.

Did You Know?

Memorial Day originated as “Decoration Day” on May 30, 1868. The date was established by Maj. Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and it is believed the day was chosen because flowers would be in bloom across the nation to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers.

Beyond the Long Beach event, various ceremonies and parades are scheduled throughout the region. In Los Angeles County, the 34th Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Under the theme “Saluting the Price of Freedom,” while the La Cañada Flintridge parade, themed “America 250 Red, White & Blue,” will also begin at 11 a.m. Religious and civic observances are planned at Forest Lawn memorial parks and the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, where Archbishop José H. Gomez is scheduled to celebrate an outdoor Mass.

Orange County will see a wide array of morning ceremonies, with events scheduled in cities including Mission Viejo, La Palma, Fullerton, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Lake Forest, and San Clemente. These local events are expected to draw veterans, Gold Star families, and community members looking to pay their respects.

Expert Insight:

The transition of Memorial Day from a specific date—May 30—to the last Monday in May under the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act reflects a broader societal shift in how we balance historical commemoration with modern civic life. While the calendar has changed, the persistent focus on the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. Suggests a continuing effort to anchor the holiday in its original, solemn purpose.

National Observance and Context

President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation designating Monday as a day of prayer for permanent peace, encouraging citizens to unite in prayer at 11 a.m. In each time zone. The proclamation also directs that flags be flown at half-staff until noon across all government buildings and naval vessels. Americans are further encouraged to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., a practice established by federal law in 2000 to help refocus the holiday on honoring the fallen.

National Observance and Context
Honoring Our Fallen memorial wall

Looking ahead, these public ceremonies may serve as a baseline for future efforts to expand the recognition of fallen service members. As new names are added to regional memorials, organizations like Honoring Our Fallen are likely to continue their work in supporting the families left behind, potentially increasing the visibility of these local memorial walls in the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new memorial plates in Long Beach?
The new plates are intended to honor individuals who died in major conflicts including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield, and the Global War on Terrorism, as well as first responders and those who died from suicide.

'Honoring Our Fallen' memorial held in Long Beach

How can families participate in the remembrance at Rosie the Riveter Park?
Family and friends can participate in the reading of names and are provided with special paper and charcoal pencils to make rubbings of their loved ones’ names from the memorial wall to take home.

When did Memorial Day become an official federal holiday?
While the term “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882, it was declared the official name by federal law in 1967. It has been observed on the last Monday in May since 1971.

How do you plan to observe the National Moment of Remembrance this year?

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