Morning Brief: Guaranteed Income, Windy Weather, And The Jewish Deli

Good morning, L.A. It’s April 12.

It’s no secret that the cost of college is becoming untenable for more and more Americans; the average person with student debt in the U.S. ends up owing over $37,000.

Some experts worry that for students who’ve experienced homelessness, that amount can be off-putting enough to forget college altogether. With that in mind, lawmakers in California are considering providing guaranteed basic income for unhoused high school seniors.

My colleague Kyle Stokes reports that the bill could offer monthly payments for April, May, June and August of 2023.

State Sen. Dave Cortese, D-Santa Clara County, who authored the bill, told the Senate Education committee last week that additional expenses that come with higher education may be an unexpected bolt out of the blue.

“These students often become sticker-shocked when they learn of the fees associated with attending college … such as their summer orientation fee, housing deposit, parking pass, and so on,” he said.

L.A. has already enacted its own basic income program. The Big:Leap launched in January, providing a $1,000 monthly stipend to approximately 3,200 families whose income is at or below the poverty level, and meet several other criteria.

Long Beach recently started a similar program as well. Stockton, located in California’s Central Valley, adopted one of the country’s earliest basic income programs in 2019, and saw positive outcomes for most recipients.

Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A., and stay safe out there.

What Else You Need To Know Today

• Brace yourself for some windy weather in Southern California over the next couple of days.
• Some climate scientists are worried about the U.S. tapping into its strategic oil reserve and other paired actions.
• A number of California cities are trying to circumvent the state’s new law allowing duplexes to be built on properties previously zoned for single families. 
• California remains a leader in protecting the LGBTQ+ community’s civil rights, but other states are following Florida’s lead by trying to stop schools from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation.
• U.S. citizens applying for a passport can now select the gender "X" on their applications in addition to the previously available "F" and "M" options. 
• Interest in teaching Asian American history in California is skyrocketing, but experts say the lessons must be expansive and teachers need time and resources.
• The Jewish commemoration of Passover starts this Friday, and Culver City deli Wise Sons has started taking to-go meal orders.

Before You Go ... This Week's Event Pick: 'I'll Have What She's Having'

The Skirball Cultural Center opens an exhibition focusing on the Jewish deli.

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Christine N. Ziemba

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A new exhibition at the Skirball Center is a tasty look into American Jewish culture and immigration history. “‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’: The Jewish Deli” shows how the Jewish deli combined Central and Eastern European dishes with easy-to-procure ingredients in America. The show also traces the Jewish experience in the 20th century through neon signs, menus, film and television clips, and artifacts.

Not in an historical mood? You could: Learn about science through comedy. Watch a ballet performance set to the music of David Bowie. Listen to a night of risky tales. Meet Board of Supervisors candidates. And more.