Southern California schools report a new UCLA police chief, a 115‑member band in Washington D.C., robotics comeback, electric bus rollout, and a DOJ civil‑rights probe.
UCLA Names New Police Chief
UCLA announced on Monday that Craig Valenzuela, a Bruin alumnus and former Los Angeles Police Department officer, will become the university’s police chief.
Valenzuela grew up in Harbor City and will begin his role on the Westwood campus in September.
In a statement, the university said, “I am pleased to welcome Chief Valenzuela back to UCLA to serve in this critical ro….”
Inglewood High School Band Heads to Washington D.C.
One hundred fifteen members of the Inglewood High School band will travel to Washington D.C. to perform in the country’s annual Independence Day Parade.
The musicians represent not only their school and city but also the entire state.
Inglewood High School is the only high‑school band from California selected to participate in the national event.
Robotics Team Reboots After Palisades Fire
An elementary school robotics team at Marquez Elementary was forced to start over after their robots burned in the Palisades Fire in January.
The team’s robots were destroyed when the wildfire consumed the school building.
They are now competing this week in the Robotics World Championships in Dallas.
The comeback, occurring about four months after the fire, highlights the resilience of the students and staff.
DHS Agent on Cal State Fullerton Campus
A Department of Homeland Security agent with a K9 appeared on campus near Yorba Linda Boulevard and Associated Roads on Wednesday morning.
The arrival prompted social media posts that caused confusion among students and faculty.
Classes were canceled that day as a result of the incident.
California Adds 1,000 Electric School Buses
California is allocating $500 million to add 1,000 zero‑emission school buses to its fleet.
The funding will also cover related charging infrastructure.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the initiative on Wednesday, noting that federal cuts and freezes had paused efforts in other states.
The program aims to reduce pollution from diesel‑fueled buses.
Palisades Charter High Returns to Former Sears Building
More than 2,500 students and staff will return to the former Sears building as their temporary home.
USC Cost of Attendance Nears $100,000
The University of Southern California increased tuition by more than $3,000 for the 2025‑2026 academic year.
According to the university’s Cost of Attendance webpage, the total cost will be nearly $100,000.
Tuition will be $3,356 more expensive than the 2024‑2025 cycle.
DOJ Launches Civil Rights Investigation into UC System
The Department of Justice began an investigation into the University of California on Wednesday.
The probe is conducted under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
The investigation focuses on potential discrimination issues within the UC system.
The DOJ has not released details on the specific allegations.
Pasadena Unified Teacher Layoffs
The Pasadena Unified School District board is preparing to vote on teacher layoffs.
Fifty‑one teachers and staff are currently in limbo.
Nearly 60,000 UC Union Workers Strike
Around 60,000 workers represented by two unions are on strike during contract negotiations.
The strike began on Wednesday and continues as negotiations remain unresolved.
The workers demand better wages and working conditions.
The strike is the largest UC union action to date.
LAUSD Cellphone Ban Begins Tuesday
Starting Tuesday, students in the Los Angeles Unified School District will be prohibited from using cell phones on campus.
The ban applies to all schools within the district.
The policy aims to improve classroom focus and reduce distractions.
The district cited student safety and academic performance as reasons for the ban.
LAUSD Reading Proficiency Dips
The Los Angeles Unified School District received slightly below average marks on its 2024 report card.
LASPD Statement on ICE Operations
The Los Angeles School Police Department issued a statement clarifying its stance on immigration enforcement.
The agency said it will not assist or engage in ICE operations.
USC Daily Trojan to Stop Daily Printing
The University of Southern California’s Daily Trojan student‑run newspaper will no longer print daily.
The decision was announced on December 18, 2024.
USC President Announces Retirement
USC President Carol Folt announced she will step down at the end of the academic year.
Her resignation will take effect on July 1, 2025.
The announcement was made in an email to students and staff Friday morning.
Key Takeaways
- UCLA names former LAPD officer Craig Valenzuela as new police chief.
- Inglewood High School band will perform in Washington D.C.’s Independence Day Parade.
- Marquez Elementary robotics team competes after Palisades Fire destruction.
- California invests $500 million to add 1,000 electric school buses.
These developments illustrate the dynamic landscape of Southern California’s educational institutions, as they navigate leadership changes, safety initiatives, and student‑centered programs amid evolving challenges.
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