Category: NEWS

In an exclusive interview, senior US officials discussed the recent Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military targets, which many view as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. This military action was widely anticipated as a response to a missile barrage launched by Iran on October 1, where an estimated 180 ballistic missiles were fired toward Tel Aviv and various military bases.

An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that the airstrikes had been completed on Saturday morning, targeting missile manufacturing sites and aerial defenses in multiple regions across Iran. Reports indicated that three distinct waves of strikes were carried out. Despite Iranian air defense claims of “limited damage” in areas such as Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam, a senior US official characterized the Israeli operation as “extensive” and “precise,” noting that it focused solely on military targets.

While the US did not directly participate in the airstrikes, the official indicated that the Biden administration had engaged with Israeli leaders to ensure the attacks minimized the risk to civilians. The intention, they emphasized, was to deliver a proportional self-defense response aimed at deterring future aggressive actions by Iran and degrading its military capabilities.

“This should mark the conclusion of direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran,” the official stated, reflecting on previous confrontations, including a notable one in April. The most recent strikes signaled a shift in the decades-long shadow conflict between the two countries into a more open confrontation.

Eyewitness accounts reported at least seven explosions across Tehran and the eastern city of Mashhad shortly after 2:30 AM local time during the Israeli airstrikes. Initially, Iranian media downplayed the seriousness of the situation, with state television affirming that the Tehran airport was operating normally despite strong explosions heard around the capital. Iranian air defense systems were activated throughout the country in response.

The Israel Defense Forces unequivocally acknowledged their attacks on Iran, a significant move given the persistent undercurrents of aggression between these rival nations. The IDF stated, “In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the state of Israel, the IDF is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran.”

The backdrop to these airstrikes is rooted in escalating tensions following the unprecedented missile assault by Iran, which Tehran launched in support of its ally Hezbollah amid Israel’s ground invasion and following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July. Though most of the missiles aimed at Israel were intercepted, the incident revealed vulnerabilities in Israel’s sophisticated air defenses, as some projectiles reached targets like the Nevatim airbase, resulting in one fatality in the occupied West Bank.

US President Joe Biden had previously cautioned Israel against targeting Iranian nuclear facilities or oil sites, aiming to prevent a conflict escalation that could drag the US into the fray and disrupt the global oil market. Analysts speculate that both Iran and Israel are navigating a precarious path, with the potential for miscalculation leading to broader hostilities.

Ahead of the strikes, Iran had issued clear warnings that it would defend itself without limits. A senior Iranian commander hinted that Tehran might restrain its response if Israel’s actions were deemed “limited” and non-lethal. Reports from US news outlet Axios suggested that officials from both the US and Israel believe Iran will likely respond militarily, though in a restricted manner.

The airstrikes were framed by Israel as a direct retaliation for an array of aggressions against it, including the tragic October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of another 250. In response, Israel launched extensive operations in Gaza, leading to catastrophic casualties among Palestinians and drawing in Iranian proxies across the region.

Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned that those attempting to harm Israel would “pay a heavy price.” As the situation unfolded, the White House was kept informed, underscoring the complex and volatile dynamics currently at play in the Middle East. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett reiterated that the US supports Israel’s targeted military actions as legitimate self-defense amid these escalating tensions.

On October 10th, at 4 a.m., Pasadena’s Street Crime Unit (SCU) collaborated with various law enforcement agencies throughout the San Gabriel Valley to execute a search warrant targeting gang-related activities in Pasadena. This operation comes in response to a noticeable increase in illegal activities by local gangs over the past several months, raising significant concern among the police.

During the operation, officers arrested two minors and three adults, all of whom have been transferred to the Pasadena Police Department for detention. The suspects face multiple felony charges, including armed robbery, vandalism, and weapons violations, although their names have not yet been released to the public.

Law enforcement successfully confiscated a short-barreled semi-automatic rifle equipped with a high-capacity magazine, a revolver, and three semi-automatic pistols, also with high-capacity magazines. This seizure underscores the serious nature of armed crime associated with this gang.

Given the violent background of the criminal organization, Pasadena police deployed several specialized units, including SWAT, the Special Investigations Section, and the Violent & Major Crimes Sections, and collaborated with agencies from surrounding cities.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241 or to reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Additionally, tips can be submitted via the “P3 Tips” mobile app or through the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

On October 22, the award ceremony and astronomy creative forum for the “2024 Third Juxing Cup Astronomy Creative Design Competition” took place at the Ancient Observatory in Beijing. Since its launch in March this year, the competition has garnered over 500 submissions, showcasing the development and achievements of astronomy throughout history, both domestically and internationally.

Themed “Gazing at the Starry Sky Across Time and Space: Celebrating Astronomical Achievements,” the event attracted widespread attention from the community, drawing participation from professional designers, university students in design fields, and astronomy enthusiasts from primary and secondary schools. The entries spanned four categories: creative designs based on traditional Chinese astronomical culture, artistic derivations related to the Ancient Observatory in Beijing, creative designs connected to modern astronomy, and innovative designs reflecting contemporary astronomical accomplishments.

Through rigorous evaluations by the organizing committee and expert judges, the competition awarded a total of one first prize, three second prizes, six third prizes, and 73 commendations in the adult category. In the youth group, ten first prizes, twenty second prizes, thirty third prizes, and one hundred commendations were presented. Additionally, awards for outstanding mentors and institutions were established to recognize the exemplary guidance provided during the competition.

Among the winners, university student Mi Junyi from the Central Academy of Fine Arts stood out with her work titled “Gathering Stars and the Four Symbols,” which won the top honor in the adult category. Other notable entries include “Tales of Cosmic Wonder,” “Poetry of Wind and Matter – Illustrative Insights on the 24 Solar Terms,” and “Creative Series for Astronomical Timekeeping,” which received second place. Works such as “Illustrative Derivations of the Four Divine Beasts,” “Sundial Tea Canister,” and “Dreams of Astronomy: A Convergence of the Ancient and Modern” won third place in the adult category.

The award ceremony featured a special section displaying the winning entries, where Mi Junyi and two other adult category winners explained the inspiration behind their designs to the audience, illuminating the unique charm of astronomy-inspired creative works.

The event was organized by the Beijing Planetarium, which has stated it will continue to enhance competition services and expedite the commercialization of the winning works. The goal is to explore how to better integrate astronomical elements into modern life through innovative cultural products, injecting new vitality into the field of astronomy creativity.

North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war has elicited a strong response from German media and government officials. On October 23, the German government summoned a North Korean representative to express its protest, marking the first European country to take such action. German media have described this development with alarming headlines, including one stating “The Path to World War III,” reflecting the seriousness of North Korea’s military support for Russia.

According to reports, the German Foreign Ministry expressed concerns on social media platform X, stating, “If reports about North Korean soldiers being sent to Ukraine are true, this would constitute a serious violation of international law.” They emphasized that North Korea’s support for Russian aggression poses a direct threat to peace and order in Germany and Europe.

In a recent warning, the South Korean government indicated that North Korean troops have already arrived in Russia, while Ukraine confirmed that North Korean forces are assisting Russia. The United States has stated it will verify the information, and NATO has cautioned that such actions could have severe consequences. Germany stands as the first European nation to warn North Korea in this manner.

Despite the official stance, some German citizens believe the Foreign Ministry’s response is too tepid. One commenter noted, “North Korea’s ‘support’? They are directly attacking free Europe — they are attacking us. This is already a war, dear Foreign Ministry.”

German media coverage of North Korea’s alleged military participation in Ukraine is notable. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung used the striking headline “The Path to World War III,” while Die Welt remarked that this is the first significant military presence from the Far East in Europe since the Mongol invasions, nearly 800 years ago.

Additionally, North Korean state media recently reported that leader Kim Jong-un inspected a strategic missile base and examined the transport and launch facilities for North Korea’s most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18. Accompanied by sister Kim Yo-jong and several military officials, Kim emphasized the “key role” of North Korea’s missile forces in deterring war and declared that strengthening missile capabilities is a “top priority.”

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong-un inspected facilities related to North Korea’s “strategic deterrent forces,” asserting that these capabilities are vital for national security. Photos from the event showed Kim standing in front of the massive Hwasong-18 missile while also viewing hypersonic missiles known for their unpredictable flight paths, which make them difficult to intercept.

During the inspection, Kim pointed out, “The strategic nuclear capability of the United States presents an increasingly severe threat to our security environment.” He stressed the necessity for North Korea to enhance its military deterrence capabilities and adopt “comprehensive and stringent nuclear countermeasures.” He also called for further modernization and fortification of strategic missile base facilities.

The Institute for Contemporary Art in San Francisco has launched an intriguing exhibition featuring ‘alchemized’ art crafted from everyday items such as toothpaste caps, zip ties, broken computer keys, and perfume spray tubes.

We had the chance to speak with renowned artist Miguel Arzabe, whose journey in the art world has been quite inspiring. He recalls visiting various art shows across the U.S. as a young artist, but it was the exhibit catalogues that truly captivated him. “I was fascinated by those documents,” he shared. “That’s what inspired me to create my own artwork using the books themselves.”

Arzabe took pages from these catalogues, cutting them into thin strips, which he then intricately wove into a large Andean tapestry titled Last Weaving, completed in 2018. “It’s a timeless piece,” he declared. His previous works included tapestries made from used movie posters and old pamphlets. Although he initially struggled to find buyers, his unique blend of ancient patterns with contemporary materials ultimately found its audience.

Now, Last Weaving is set to hang from the ceiling of the ICA, part of The Poetics of Dimensions exhibition, which showcases art made entirely from found and discarded objects. Curator Larry Ossei-Mensah noted, “These are all materials we recognize, but the artists have alchemized them to provoke thoughts on consumerism and the ability of art to breathe new life into discarded items.”

Ossei-Mensah collaborated closely with the museum’s director, Alison Gass, over several months to bring this exhibition to fruition. Originally intended for a former school gym in Dogpatch, the museum received a last-minute offer for a new space in a downtown building, known as The Cube, a former bank that has now become a hub for such innovative displays.

Gass emphasized the goal of the exhibition: “We want to help viewers navigate the world through artistic practice.” As artworks were being unpacked, she pointed to a striking abstract painting by Anthony Akinbola, crafted entirely from carefully stitched durags.

The exhibition challenges perceptions of desirability and shines a light on the often-overlooked efforts of waste collectors, revealing the global waste supply chain. One notable piece is a nearly life-sized depiction by artist Hugo McCloud, portraying a woman in a pink coat weighed down by a load on her back. McCloud’s travels have inspired his work, where he collected plastic sacks from around the world to showcase their multi-functional uses. He meticulously cut and pressed these plastic pieces onto canvas to create powerful visual statements.

As McCloud puts it, “I am concerned with social inequality, and through my art, I want to expose what we tend to ignore.” He aims to foster conversations that allow viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.

Arzabe’s work, in its own way, is a response to the tech boom in the Bay Area. “So much money was directed towards new technology,” he reflected. “I wanted to show that value could come from humble materials.”

The Poetics of Dimensions will be on display at the Institute of Contemporary Art in San Francisco from October 25 to February 23.

In Richard Curtis’s and Bridget Jones’s romcoms, Hugh Grant was everyone’s favorite charming Englishman. Now, the actor showcases a new side as a formidable villain in the horror film “Heretic,” marking his 45th feature film.

Andrew Anthony’s article highlights how few could have predicted the longevity of Grant’s career, especially after his debut in the 1982 film “Privileged,” which involved a group of his fellow Oxford students. For the following decade, Grant was known for his floppy hair and roles as a posh, slightly foppish man, often seen brushing his luxurious locks back while displaying his chiseled visage.

Everything took a turn 12 years later with the release of “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” While the floppy hair remained, it transformed into a comedic facade for a uniquely shy romantic lead. Overnight, Grant found himself propelled into international stardom, frequently co-starring in a string of similar romantic comedies.

“Heretic” marks a significant departure from that image. Now 64, Grant has shed the boyish charm, donning a more dangerously charismatic presence as he takes on the role of Mr. Reed, a character defined by a coldly rational yet menacing logic and a hint of malevolence. This isn’t Grant’s first foray into villainy; he’s previously explored darker roles in projects like “Paddington 2,” “Dungeons & Dragons,” and his portrayal of the ruthlessly suave Jeremy Thorpe in “A Very English Scandal.” However, Mr. Reed delves into much grimmer terrain.

Grant mentioned that this role reflects what he calls “the freak-show era” of his career, a shift that seems to suit him, especially since, as he noted, playing a rogue isn’t too far from his own character. His earlier role as a stammering upper-class man, straight out of a vintage Evelyn Waugh novel, was put to clever use in Roman Polanski’s “Bitter Moon.” However, it was Richard Curtis who perfected that persona, turning it into Grant’s signature public image. As he shared with The New York Times, “If that’s what people love so much, I’ll be that person in real life, too.”

But his public persona faced significant challenges after his 1995 arrest following an encounter with sex worker Divine Brown in a BMW on Sunset Boulevard. Initially, it seemed his charming romantic image might suffer irreparable damage. Yet, Grant navigated the fallout deftly, leaning into his character as he appeared on “The Tonight Show.”

The nervous young man who fumbled for words when Jay Leno bluntly asked, “What the hell were you thinking?” managed to salvage his image with some skillful maneuvering, assisted by then-girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley, who had become a media darling herself.

As he rose to fame following that scandal, Grant starred in a trilogy of Curtis-written films: “Notting Hill,” “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” and “Love Actually.” In “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” where he portrayed the cad Daniel Cleaver, Grant began to grow as a comedic actor, even ad-libbing some of the film’s most memorable lines. He’ll reprise Cleaver in the upcoming “Mad About the Boy,” the fourth film in the Bridget Jones series.

Reflecting on his career, director Sharon Maguire noted, “I think he did feel apprehension about stepping out of that floppy, tongue-tied English character.” Maguire recalls his surprise and relief during the New York premiere of the film when he saw the audience’s reaction, only feeling a bit envious that Colin Firth also received plenty of laughs.

The making of “Bridget Jones’s Diary” coincided with Grant’s breakup with Hurley, leading to a tumultuous period marked by sporadic dating and escalating tensions with the tabloids. This era is encapsulated in “About a Boy,” in which he portrayed a man resistant to romantic commitments—a role that mirrored his own life at the time.

However, in his 50s, Grant surprised everyone by becoming a father. He shares children now 13 and 11 with actress Tinglan Hong and has two additional kids with Swedish TV producer Anna Eberstein, to whom he has been married for six years.

Despite a childhood ambition of becoming a writer, Grant stumbled into acting and has always been an entertainer. His old schoolmates still reminisce about his captivating recitation of Eliot’s “The Waste Land.” Lacking formal drama training and a theater background, Grant has grappled with a persistent insecurity about his craft, even revealing moments of panic during filming.

According to Maguire, “I got the strong impression that Hugh was filled with loathing at his own acting,” even while being a meticulous perfectionist contributing memorable moments to films. This intense approach hasn’t always endeared him to co-stars. Robert Downey Jr. once called him a “jerk” following their collaboration on “Restoration,” and Jerry Seinfeld jokingly described him as “a pain in the ass to work with.”

Yet, amid self-criticism—particularly about how his bumbling Englishman persona was “rightly repelling”—Grant acknowledges his worth in the industry. These days, he appears on talk shows with well-rehearsed anecdotes and a sharp self-deprecating wit, embodying a confident veteran of showbiz.

There’s an added resilience to his character, shaped by his legal battles stemming from the phone-hacking scandal involving the now-defunct “News of the World.” As a prominent member of the campaign group Hacked Off, which advocates for press reform, Grant recently settled a lawsuit against the Sun, accusing the publication of employing a private investigator to invade his privacy.

He expressed on social media that he would have preferred a court battle but weighed the potential costs, stating, “I’m afraid I am shying at the fence.” While tackling Rupert Murdoch is one challenge, he’s also shown a readiness to confront the media on smaller scales. His awkward interview with Ashley Graham on the Oscars red carpet drew significant criticism, drawing comparisons to his infamous incident with Divine Brown.

In discussing his experience at the Oscars, Grant described the event as reminiscent of “Vanity Fair.” He intended to reference the Thackeray novel, but Graham took it to mean the magazine, causing the conversation to spiral downward from there. Some considered his demeanor snobbish and self-important, though part of the humor may have been lost in translation.

Ultimately, with Grant, it’s often challenging to discern true intentions, as layers of irony and a well-crafted celebrity persona complicate the narrative. He could likely pen an incisive exposé about the film industry and his own experiences, akin to works by David Niven or Rupert Everett. However, it seems more probable that he will continue to focus on his performance, gradually solidifying his status as a national treasure.

“Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!” The call to action is relentless.

On October 22, 2024, John Brewin reflected on the unpredictability of season previews in a piece that captures the essence of fleeting hopes and harsh realities. He recalls the summer optimism surrounding Oliver Glasner, who was celebrated as a master tactician after leading his team, Crystal Palace, to a Big Vase victory. Yet, as the season unfolds, that initial excitement has faded. The firing power of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise was expected to create magic on the field, but things have taken a turn.

As Brewin noted, Adam Wharton was seen as the next Paul Scholes, the beacon of promise for fans. However, injuries have stalled his momentum, and he hasn’t found his place in Lee Carsley’s experimental England squad. Olise’s transfer to Bayern Munich has left Eze to carry the weight alone, while Mateta, who had established a reputation as a goal-scorer, has also struggled with fitness. After a disheartening loss to Nottingham Forest, the mood at Palace is grim. Glasner, usually a vibrant figure on the sidelines, has been reduced to sideline conversations with his trusted assistant, Michael Angerschmid.

As it stands, Crystal Palace is still searching for their first win, and the mood among the Holmesdale Ultras is restless. Brewin highlights a concerning trend in the league: four teams are yet to secure a win. Starting at the bottom, Wolves, managed by Gary O’Neil, are still fuming over a VAR decision that denied them a fair shot against Manchester City. O’Neil’s comments following that match have caught the FA’s interest, illustrating the palpable frustration among teams.

Russell Martin’s Southampton is another team struggling, unable to hold onto leads, while Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna faces scrutiny as his well-funded squad cannot replicate their Championship success. As Brewin muses, it remains to be seen which teams will finally find their footing…and whether their managers will survive the season intact.

In the broader football landscape, the anticipation continues with promises of engaging match coverage. Scott Murray will be providing updates on Arsenal’s clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, while Niall McVeigh will keep track of other action throughout the night.

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s recent revelations about his experience with Pep Guardiola during training have added another layer to the drama surrounding team dynamics. His candid remarks about being benched after questioning Guardiola resonate with anyone who has faced the consequences of speaking out in a high-pressure environment.

Letters to the editor continue to express readers’ concerns about the state of football, from complaints about the MLS Supporters’ Shield to nostalgia for less commercially-driven days of the sport.

As the season progresses, football fans are left to wonder if their teams will rise from the quagmire or if the current trend of winless woes will prevail.

Virginia’s recent struggle with non-citizen voting has highlighted serious flaws in the state’s voter registration process. After a federal judge ruled on October 25, 2024, that Virginia unlawfully removed more than 1,600 residents from the voter rolls, many are now questioning the state’s procedures and the implications for eligible voters.

U.S. District Judge Patricia Giles granted an injunction requested by the Justice Department, which contended that these voter registrations were improperly canceled during a 90-day quiet period before the November election—a time when states are generally prohibited from implementing significant changes to their voter rolls. Ryan Snow, a lawyer with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, emphasized the ruling’s importance, stating, “The ruling is a big victory. All of the eligible voters who were wrongfully purged from the voter rolls will now be able to cast their ballots.”

The controversy began when Virginia’s Republican Governor, Glenn Youngkin, enacted an executive order on August 7, requiring election officials to conduct daily checks of voter rolls against DMV records to identify non-citizens. However, voting rights advocates have raised concerns that this approach is flawed. They argue that such comparisons can lead to inaccuracies, as individuals who have become naturalized citizens may still be mistakenly flagged, or those who unintentionally select the wrong option at the DMV could face disenfranchisement.

Despite the judge’s ruling, Thomas Sanford from the Virginia Attorney General’s office indicated the state plans to appeal, asserting that the registrations in question were removed following careful procedures. During the court proceedings, state attorney Charles Cooper argued against the federal law’s intent to protect non-citizens, claiming it was never meant to safeguard individuals who aren’t eligible to vote.

However, representatives from the Justice Department and other organizations, such as the League of Women Voters, highlighted that many of those purged were likely citizens affected by administrative errors. Sejal Jhaveri, a Justice Department attorney, pointed out that federal law aims to prevent eligible voters from being removed during the critical pre-election period.

While Judge Giles confirmed that the state could still remove non-citizens during this timeframe, she emphasized that it must be done on an individual basis, rather than through an automated system. Cooper acknowledged that some of the purged voters might indeed be citizens, yet he raised concerns about the possibility of allowing non-citizens back onto the rolls, suggesting it could dilute the votes of legal citizens.

With the election looming, state officials insisted that anyone flagged as a non-citizen received notification and had the opportunity to contest their removal. Nevertheless, the plaintiffs argued that significant numbers of eligible voters suffered from misidentification, leading to their wrongful removal.

In light of these events, Governor Youngkin has questioned the Justice Department’s motives, suggesting that allowing non-citizens on voter rolls is unacceptable. Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, reiterating unfounded claims of electoral fraud and criticizing the judicial response.

Following the hearing, Virginia’s Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares expressed discontent, stating, “It should never be illegal to remove an illegal voter.” He characterized the ruling as politically motivated, asserting that the Justice Department’s actions pose a threat to Virginia’s electoral integrity.

With nearly six million Virginians registered to vote, the case underscores the critical need for reliable voter registration systems—and raises broader questions about electoral integrity in the lead-up to the election. A similar case in Alabama resulted in the restoration of voting rights for over 3,200 residents erroneously deemed ineligible, indicating that these issues are not isolated to Virginia.

The rainwater and wastewater recycling project currently under construction beneath the Santa Monica City Hall parking lot marks a significant advancement in California’s approach to water sustainability. As reported by LAist, the state has officially entered a new era of water recycling, which was once met with skepticism and labeled by critics as “from toilet to tap.” The newly enacted regulations allowing “direct potable reuse” mean that wastewater—essentially water flushed down toilets or draining into sewers—can now be processed to drinking standards and distributed directly to households and businesses.

Mickey Chaudhuri, Manager of Water Quality at the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California, emphasized that this regulation provides MWD and other water agencies with greater flexibility in addressing the extreme variations in rainfall caused by global fossil fuel pollution. “We can enhance our supply, whether in droughts or wet years, by relying on recycled water to better cope with extreme climate conditions,” he stated.

Southern California has been at the forefront of using recycled water for over 15 years, particularly for irrigating parks and golf courses. The Orange County Water District has been a pioneer in promoting safe methods for drinking recycled water. Previously, California laws only permitted “indirect potable reuse,” which involved injecting highly treated wastewater into underground aquifers for further natural filtration before it entered the drinking supply. The new law streamlines this process by allowing highly treated wastewater to flow directly into drinking water treatment facilities.

The climate crisis is exacerbating water supply instability, with California projected to lose 10% of its traditional water supply by 2040—more than the full capacity of Lake Shasta, the state’s largest reservoir. Increasing the use of recycled water is one strategy cities in Southern California are employing to reduce dependence on the increasingly unreliable sources from the Colorado River and snowpacks in the Sierra Nevada.

However, not all cities have the capacity to store recycled water in underground aquifers, and for some, the distance from wastewater treatment facilities makes additional recycling costly. The new regulations will allow recycled water to flow directly into local treatment systems, enabling more cities to access potable water even if they lack underground storage.

Sunny Wang, Santa Monica’s Water Resources Manager, noted that the city is constructing one of the most advanced and unique water recycling facilities in the world, capable of harvesting both rainwater and wastewater, all situated beneath the City Hall parking lot. They anticipate implementing direct wastewater recycling as soon as 2027.

The Metropolitan Water District is currently collaborating with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to build the largest water recycling system in the world. Currently, approximately 250 million gallons of treated wastewater flow into the ocean each day, failing to meet drinking standards despite being clean. This project aims to reclaim all wastewater to a potable standard.

The regulations surrounding this water recycling initiative are among the strictest in the nation. “People need to psychologically overcome where the water comes from,” Wang explained. Some question why more rainwater isn’t utilized, but in reality, rainwater that drains off streets can carry more contaminants, including heavy metals and oils. “We actually need to use wastewater to dilute rainwater, making it easier to treat,” said Wang, noting that many pollutants in wastewater are organic and thus simpler to manage.

However, implementing such infrastructure comes with a heavy price tag, which may affect water rates. Chaudhuri acknowledged that while the new law could lead to increased water costs, the extent of the increase will vary among water agencies, with the overall construction costs remaining high. The MWD’s water recycling facility is set to reclaim up to 150 million gallons of water daily, at an estimated cost of $6 billion. Meanwhile, Santa Monica’s new plant will cost $96 million, aiming to recycle about 1 million gallons of water each day.

Chaurauri emphasized that recycled water is significantly cheaper than desalinated seawater and that once the infrastructure is in place, the price of recycled water will become comparable to that of imported water. Wang further noted that once the necessary infrastructure is completed, direct potable reuse will likely prove more cost-effective for many cities.

In a recent interview, we explored the findings of a report from UBS Group regarding the real estate market in Los Angeles, which suggests a serious risk of a housing bubble. According to the report, there could be a significant downturn in home prices. We spoke with various experts in the field, including real estate analyst Li Bingxin, who has nearly 30 years of experience.

Li supports UBS’s view, stating, “Right now, Los Angeles is in an era of high prices and high interest rates, with only 12% of people able to afford homes. If this isn’t a bubble, what is? In the past, the standard was that 38% to 40% of people could afford homes—that’s a normal market.” He added that real estate cycles typically occur every 12 years, with the last significant downturn observed in 2010. According to Li, projections suggested that 2022 would have marked a low point, but the pandemic shifted the cycle. He also noted, “Historically, when real estate cycles start to decline, it begins with the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates by two basis points, signaling an impending economic storm. Is the recent Fed rate cut a sign that a new economic crisis is on the horizon?”

Li raised concerns regarding the impact of layoffs in the tech industry, which could lead employees who own high-value properties to struggle with mortgage payments. “If property owners face job loss and cannot sell their homes, the market could become saturated, leading to price declines,” he explained. While some may see a direct relationship between real estate and interest rates, he emphasized that economic downturns have a more direct impact on the housing market. “Even with lower interest rates, poor economic conditions will still cause property values to drop,” he asserted.

On the other hand, Irvine-based real estate agent Paul Young offered a different perspective. He believes that while a slight dip in prices following an increase is normal, he is skeptical about predictions of a significant crash. Young argues that there are currently no substantial factors that would lead homeowners to panic-sell their properties, which is critical for maintaining market stability. He also pointed out that high costs associated with moving, labor, and materials are helping to sustain home values, making a short-term drastic decline unlikely.

In summarizing the findings, UBS’s report indicates that while there is evidence of a bubble in the Los Angeles housing market, it cautions that the existence of a bubble does not necessarily mean it will burst.