California’s labor market faced challenges in October 2024, as the state reported a net loss of 5,500 nonfarm payroll jobs. With this downturn, the unemployment rate edged up to 5.4%, contrasting sharply with the robust job growth witnessed in September 2024, when revised figures showed a gain of 12,700 jobs. October’s employment figures marked a…

In October, U.S. retail sales again outstripped economists’ expectations, posting a 0.4% increase from the previous month, generating optimism about consumer spending resilience as the holiday season approaches. The year-on-year growth also saw a healthy uptick of 2.8%, indicating that, despite economic pressures, consumers are continuing to spend. Although this growth represents a slight deceleration…

In October, consumer expectations for inflation in the near and distant future have shown significant declines, as detailed in the recent Survey of Consumer Expectations from the New York Fed. Specifically, one-year inflation expectations decreased slightly to 2.9%, marking the lowest expectation recorded in the past four years. Moreover, expectations for three years and five…

El Monte High School junior Michelle Garcia recently won the prestigious Pasadena Tournament of Roses Día de los Muertos Art Competition, securing first place in the 14 to 18 age category and earning a $2,000 scholarship. This award was presented in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles. Garcia’s artwork embodies the…

In response to a nationwide shortage of emergency medical technicians (EMT) and the need for skilled first responders, El Monte-Rosemead Adult School (EMRAS) has taken a proactive step by launching a new EMT training program. This program is designed to prepare individuals for critical roles in emergency medical services, a sector that is essential for…

In the heart of El Monte, the legacy of Fernando R. Ledesma endures, profoundly shaping the city’s approach to education and community service. Ledesma, a trailblazer in both the legal and educational spheres, left an indelible mark that continues to influence lives today. As the first Latino judge on the Los Angeles Superior Court, he…

By: Gabriela Angel In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, students in the Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program at Durfee School screened the 1931 Spanish adaptation of Drácula and enjoyed a captivating presentation from Alejandra Espasande, a film researcher and curator at the LA Cultural Preservation Society. Ms. Espasande shared insights into the often-overlooked or unknown…

In a marked indication of steady economic growth, U.S. construction spending increased for the second consecutive month in September, evidencing a resilient real estate market. The overall construction outlays edged up by 0.1% month-over-month and saw a more robust annual increase of 4.6% compared to the same period last year. This uptick in construction spending…

In a welcome development for prospective homebuyers, housing affordability in California showed signs of improvement during the third quarter of this year. According to recent data, the statewide index for existing single-family homes rose by 2 percentage points from the previous quarter, reaching 16%. This marks a minor uptick of 1 percentage point compared to…