Orange County sues nonprofit Viet America Society that has connections to Supervisor Andrew Do
Orange County officials on Thursday sued a nonprofit at the center of an LAist investigation into millions of tax dollars that have gone unaccounted now for years, despite federal and county audit requirements. The county suit names the nonprofit Viet America Society, its key officers and associated businesses, and demands the return of millions in public funds. The lawsuit alleges that county money was illegally used to purchase five homes and was converted into cash through ATM transactions. Rhiannon Do, the 23-year-old daughter of O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do, is among the named parties being sued by the county. “Viet America Society (VAS), and its officers and associates, brazenly plundered these funds for their own personal gain,” the lawsuit states. “[They] saw the opportunity, and conspired to embezzle pandemic relief funds by executing contracts that they never intended to perform, instead using the funding streams as their own personal banking accounts.” The lawsuit alleges damages to the county are "in no event less than $10.4 million dollars." The lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court lists more than a dozen counts that include breach of contract, unfair business practices, and filing false claims.
Joining us to discuss the lawsuit and investigation updates is Nick Gerda, senior reporter of unhoused communities for LAist, who has been following this story.
You can read the full story from LAist here.
Data breach reportedly to have impacted 2.7 billion, here’s what to know
A cybercriminal group, originally looking to sell close to 3 billion people’s data for $3.5 million, has reportedly released most of that information on a dark web forum. The group conducted this data breach on National Public Data, a background check company that is now subject to a class-action lawsuit out of the state of Florida. Yet, despite the legal recourse attempted to be taken, what can be done for those unsure of whether this breach has impacted them? Today on AirTalk, we give you the rundown of the situation with Cassandre Coyer, privacy reporter from Bloomberg Law, and inform you of best ways to protect your data with Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).
A closer look at the lives of grizzly bears and the people dedicated to protecting them
Calling all grizzly bear lovers! The new book, Grizzly Confidential: An Astounding Journey into the Secret Life of North America’s Most Fearsome Predator (Harper Horizon, 2024), looks at everything we know about the fearsome predator and shines a light on the people advocating for their well-being. It's described as "part science, part travelogue, and a passionate plea for bear conservation." Joining to discuss the new book is Kevin Grange, author of Grizzly Confidential and a former paramedic and park ranger at Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Do you have questions about grizzlies? A story to share? Call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
Gender-affirming care: evidence, research, mental health and more
Gender-affirming care runs the gamut from medical treatments to psychological counseling. In the past several years, 25 states have banned access to certain care for underage transgender people. Some studies have shown that gender-affirming care can have a positive impact on people’s mental health, but questions surrounding care for kids and adolescents is debated. The White House also recently announced that gender-affirming surgery should be limited to adults. Today on AirTalk, we look at the research, evidence and processes of gender-affirming care, explain what it is and shine a light on the misconceptions. Joining to discuss is Erica Anderson, clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert on transgender health issues, Amy C. Tishelman, clinical and research psychologist and a research associate professor at Boston College, Maurice Garcia, MD, director of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Transgender Surgery and Health Program, and John Sovec, licensed therapist and a nationally recognized expert in providing affirmative care for LGBTQIA+ youth. Have you or your child sought out gender-affirming care of any kind? What was that experience like? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
If you or a loved one needs support, you can reach The Trevor Project’s 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-866-488-7386 or text 'START' to 678-678.
