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Nearly two years after California voters approved billions of dollars in bond money to repair aging schools, demand has outstripped the available funds. With Proposition 2 funding out of reach for the vast majority of school projects that aren’t already underway, this year’s midterm elections offer districts another chance to seek support from local voters.
But some advocates say the state’s school facilities funding formula needs to be overhauled entirely. The 2024 passage of Proposition 2 authorized the sale of $10 billion in bonds to be paid back — with interest — from the state’s general fund. California will pay about $500 million a year for 35 years to settle the debt,. The majority of the money is dedicated to K-12 school repairs and new construction and $1.5 billion for community college.
As of April 29, 2026, the board has allocated $1.3 billion for 325 different modernization and new construction projects — that’s 15% of the total value of Proposition 2 designated for K-12 schools. There are hundreds of projects in the queue for funding once it becomes available from bond sales. Nearly two years after California voters approved billions of dollars in bond money to repair aging schools, demand has outstripped the available funds.
In fact, by the time voters went to the polls on Election Day 2024 to cast a ballot on Proposition 2, schools had already submitted enough project applications to max out the proceeds dedicated for K-12 school modernization in that $10 billion bond.
“The backlog of need is so high that… districts that are applying now are gonna have to wait for some future bond measure,” said Sara Hinkley, who studies facilities funding at UC Berkeley’s With Proposition 2 funding out of reach for the vast majority of school projects that aren’t already underway, this year’s midterm elections offer districts another chance to seek support from local voters. But some advocates say the state’s school facilities funding formula needs to be overhauled entirely.
So when districts need to fix a leaky roof, replace AC units, upgrade aging portable classrooms or swap asphalt with green space, they often rely on voters to approve new funding through statewide and local ballot measures. The passage of Proposition 2 authorized the sale of $10 billion in bonds to be paid back — with interest — from the state’s general fund.
California will pay about $500 million a year for 35 years to settle the debt,$600 million for facilities related to career and technical education Another thing Proposition 2 did was carve out pots of money for schools with fewer than 2,500 students, using up to 10% of the modernization fund and new construction fund — that's $730 million in total. The money from Proposition 2 is distributed to school districts throughout the state in matching grants, meaning districts still bear a portion of the project cost.
To do this, school districts often ask voters to approve local bonds to raise money for renovations and new construction. The debt is paid back through property tax increases for a set period of time. After the election, there are multiple steps before money from Proposition 2 can make its way to school construction and modernization projects.
First, California’s governor and legislature decide how many bonds will be sold each year to generate the money for school repairs and construction. Bringing projects to their bond oversight committee and the school board for approval Once those agencies approve a project’s plans, a district can submit an application for funding to another state agency called the Office of Public School Construction for another round of review.
Then the State Allocation Board, which is made up of state employees, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and lawmakers, votes to fund the projects. As of April 29, 2026, the board has allocated $1.3 billion for 325 different modernization and new construction projects — that’s 15% of the total value of Proposition 2 designated for K-12 schools. Many of the schools waited years for funding; the majority submitted their applications in 2022 and several date to 2021.
Hinkley, with UC Berkeley, said it’s likely many of these projects were already completed and the districts will now be reimbursed, but that’s not the case with every district.
“If you can't afford to build it without state funds, obviously you're just sitting and waiting,” Hinkley said. A select number of projects labeled “facility hardship” move through the pipeline faster than others. These projects are often related to natural disasters such as wildfires or seismic retrofits. The board can also take action to move additional projects through the funding pipeline.
For example, as of March, there are 298 projects worth about $1.1 billion that have been board-approved, but have not yet been funded. The board's agenda is also a window into the unmet need for school modernization funding because it includes a list of applications for projects that exceed the funding expected to be available through Proposition 2.includes 522 modernization projects worth $1.8 billion.
The first application on this list was submitted Oct. 30, 2024, less than a week before the 2024 election.
“We don't have authority to even review applications that have come in when we don't have funding authorized for them,” said Rebecca Kirk, executive officer for the Office of Public School Construction and the State Allocation Board. “And so we just place them on a list. ”Not every district gets the same amount of funding to fix up their schools, nor is the money distributed based on need.
Instead, research shows the existing facilities funding system That’s because proceeds from state bonds are distributed as matching grants — the amount of funding is limited by how much districts can first raise themselves and that, in turn, is limited by the property value in their district and voters' willingness to approve additional taxes on that property. Brenda Rivera is an alumna of Lynwood Unified and now a teacher and parent in the district.
She said one ongoing challenge is the district’s aging roofs and the rain.. Rivera said she’s seen improvements including new paint and air-conditioning units, but that she still notices the disparities between her school and those in wealthier communities.
“I hope that we're able to even out the playing field,” Rivera said. “That our schools are something that people wanna attend. ” Public Advocates, the nonprofit firm behind the suit, is seeking to stop additional modernization funding from being distributed until the case is resolved and filed a motion in March requesting a preliminary injunction.
Alicia Virani, a senior staff attorney with the firm, said the goal is to change how the money from the current bond is distributed, not wait until a future ballot measure is passed.
“Our concern was that the low wealth districts that are facing asbestos in every classroom that are facing leaks, that are dealing with toxic mold, that they would have to wait another 10 years for any money to be distributed equitably,” Virani said. The largest local bond in the state was Los Angeles Unified’s $9 billion Measure US.
The district’s head of facilities broke down the spending plan for the measure in a presentation to the committee that oversees bond spending Approximately $7.8 billion is designated for facilities, including school modernization, cafeteria upgrades and updates to early education centers. The remaining $1.2 billion is set aside for information technology upgrades, school buses and oversight. Independent, annual performance audits of bond-funded projects and spending Representatives of the business community, taxpayers, and parents.
School district employees, vendors, contractors, and consultants cannot be appointed. Search for your district’s bond oversight committee website to see upcoming agendas, summaries of past meetings, audits and other information about how the district has spent bond funding. You can also ask your school district if they have a facilities master plan. This document is typically created with community input, over the course of months or years, to plan renovation and construction projects.
After April 30, your card will no longer work anywhere, and you will no longer have access to this money. Thursday at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline to use debit cards issued in 2022 for the Middle Class Tax Refund in California. Billions of dollars in public funds were given to help people with rising prices for gas and groceries, but hundreds of millions of dollars remain unclaimed.
The program allocated anywhere from $200 to just over $1,000 to help taxpayers with economic relief. You were eligible if youSome amounts were sent through bank direct deposit, others through debit cards. But many debit cards haven’t been used or have funds remaining. It has the bear from the California flag printed on it, as well as the Seal of California and the phrase Middle Class Tax Refund above the Visa logo.
If you were eligible, you can check if you have any money left in the refund and hear options for how to use it if you can’t find your card. The automated customer service number is 240-0223. Thursday at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline to use debit cards issued in 2022 for the Middle Class Tax Refund in California.
Billions of dollars in public funds were given to help people with rising prices for gas and groceries, but hundreds of millions of dollars remain unclaimed. The program allocated anywhere from $200 to just over $1,000 to help taxpayers with economic relief. You were eligible if youSome amounts were sent through bank direct deposit, others through debit cards. But many debit cards haven’t been used or have funds remaining.
It has the bear from the California flag printed on it, as well as the Seal of California and the phrase Middle Class Tax Refund above the Visa logo. If you were eligible, you can check if you have any money left in the refund and hear options for how to use it if you can’t find your card. The automated customer service number is 240-0223.
Sacramento set aside billions of dollars in 2022 from a surplus to help taxpayers as the cost of gas and groceries rose. While gluten-free goods might have started trending in the last few years, locating bakeries that offer gluten-free items is still a painfully arduous process — but it needn’t be. Residents with dietary restrictions can indulge their dormant sweet tooths at one of these GF-centric bakeries across town..
Despite this growth, consumers often complain that most restaurants still have a limited gluten-free offerings available, which makes life especially challenging for Angelenos with health conditions and dietary restrictions. Modern day bakers are shaking things up with the introduction of new gluten-free options developed through unique proprietary processes, such as sourdough-style and 100% natural levain bakery goods, creating a new market for underrepresented, hungry diners. That's a lot of would-be buyers looking for gluten-free sanctuaries, especially bakeries.
But finding stomach-safe eateries still poses a significant challenge — I say this as a gluten-free person who is rarely ever able to eat once I leave my apartment. Even trying to find recommendations onBut never fear, friends: in honor of all the kindred souls out there with dietary woes, I’ve rounded up my favorite bakeries in the city that cater to the gluten-free crowd.
So kick back, grab a coffee and prepare to rejoice in the magic of a well-made baked good. Chances are no matter what time of day it is you’ll find a small crowd of people jonesing outside— and for good reason. The spot was founded four years ago by pastry chefs Anthony Nigro and Thomas Velasquez, who wanted to take their extensive experience working at places like Rockenwagner and Farmshop and set up their own neighborhood bakery.
They’ve now developed a loyal following, not just for their conventional offerings, but also — hurrah — a strong selection of gluten-free baked goods. Choose from a variety of tantalizing options including the cutest gluten-free “Happy Tarts” you’ve ever laid eyes on, cakes, cookies, bagels, pre-made mixes and even pizza dough.
Everything is incredible — I don’t think I’ve ever had a gluten-free pop tart before — but be sure to get the chocolate chip cookies no matter what you do as they are simply far too heavenly to be missed out on. WOW Bakes is technically a cottage based bakery, so there’s no physical storefront, but guests can place orders for local pickup via their website.
You can also contact Sharon to inquire about arranging delivery via Uber courier for customers in Santa Monica as well. Delivery requires a minimum order of $50. Overfield whips up her creations on a daily basis from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. WOW Bakes ships Monday through Wednesday depending on 1-2 day shipping.takes that dream and manifests it into a delicious, sweet reality with her Larchmont Village bakery.
Founded in 2005 by a desire to “create more than just a bakery,” Erin viewed her bakery as the start of “a movement — a delicious rebellion against the notion that 'free-from' meant free from flavor. ” Everything in the bakery is gluten free , so you don’t have to worry about rifling through a menu or pastry cases looking for safe bets. Another sweet bonus?
McKenna’s bakery tailors their recipes to offer vegan, gluten-free and kosher “treats for everyone” with allergen information easily available on the site.
“We're here for the health-conscious, the allergy-aware, and especially for those kids who rarely get to indulge,” McKenna says on her website. Choose from a litany of options including a Chocolate Lover's cake, Ultimate Confetti Birthday Cake, Strawberry Shortcake Cake, a “Custom Selfie Cake” where you can upload your own artwork, a Dulce De Leche cake and perhaps the most stunning GF cake I’ve ever seen, the Rose & Macaron Cascade Cake.
While Sweet E’s began as a storefront, COVID pushed the business to pivot to its current status of pickup orders only. Nationwide shipping is also available on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays via UPS two-day turnaround time. Pick up at 14845 Oxnard St, Van Nuys. Delivery is available for addresses 25 miles from the bakery; call the bakery to arrange.
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; on Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.is a small, unassuming family-owned bakery that specializes in vegan goods of all shapes and sizes. It also offers a distinct pastry case of gluten-free offerings, separate from all the other goods to minimize contamination.
If you have yet to try the warm, opulent bliss that is eating a manoush out of the oven, get your shoes on and head over to Echo Park’s. What once began as a food blog helmed by CEO Anita Khalek has since blossomed into an established sit-down eatery that caters to many types of dietary restrictions.
“A blog was not enough,” Khalek writes on her site. “My own personal experience with my health had taught me that. It was hard enough to survive without a diagnosis, but there was no reason why it should be difficult for someone with any type of dietary ailment to not be treated to quality foods and quality meals dining out. ” Everything here is organic, non-GMO, soy-Free and gluten-free.
A variety of manoush is offered daily, available in both meat-free and more meat-centric options, as well as brunch items like pancakes with pistachios and garlic cheese bread with a garlic herb oil. If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.
MyLA311, the system designed to help residents access city services for graffiti removal or streetlight outages, had a makeover last year, but since then, some Angelenos and Los Angeles city staff have reported it has been plagued by problems. City officials say they're working to make fixes.aimed at addressing the issues concerning the system’s overall functionality and accountability. The City Council approved that motion Wednesday.
“Reports and individuals are telling us that because of this broken 311 app, folks are once again going back to using Excel sheets, phone calls, paper and pen in order to engage in service delivery, and I think that that's a problem,” Padilla said during the council meeting. MyLA311 is set up so residents can report non-emergency issues and track requests for tree inspections, homeless encampment services and illegal dumping, to name a few.
There are 86 options in neighborhoods, according to Mayor Karen Bass’ office, which helped launch the new system. The motion instructs Public Works to make a formal report of any problems with the system, including how they may be affecting service timelines and completion rates, and asks the city’s IT agency to come up with potential solutions. The city has received “numerous complaints” about the updated website and app, including issues with GPS and logging work, according to officials.
MyLA311 is set up so residents can report non-emergency issues and track requests for tree inspections, homeless encampment services and illegal dumping, to name a few. There are 86 options in neighborhoods, according to Mayor Karen Bass’ office, which helped launch the new system. Staffers within the city’s Department of Public Works have said they’ve been frustrated by the rollout, according to city officials.
They say it now takes longer to add their responses to service requests, and the city can’t record completed work that doesn’t have a service request connected to it.
“Reports and individuals are telling us that because of this broken 311 app, folks are once again going back to using Excel sheets, phone calls, paper and pen in order to engage in service delivery, and I think that that's a problem,” Padilla said during Wednesday’s council meeting. The motion instructs Public Works to make a formal report of any problems with the system, including how they may be affecting service timelines and completion rates, and asks the city’s IT agency to come up with potential solutions.
, she’d called for the system to be modernized with the goal of providing better customer service and communication about the status of residents’ requests.
“This new and improved way to request and receive city services is another example of how we are breaking away from the old way of doing things to make our neighborhoods cleaner and safer,” Bass said in a March 2025 statement.agreed the system needs improvements, writing in a community impact statement that MyLA311 fails to serve L.A. taxpayers effectively if it’s difficult to use or inaccurate. In public comments, some residents cited “major issues” with the system, including GPS and location accuracy, invalid addresses and missing or incomplete service categories.
One commenter“As a result, they frequently lead to confusion in the field, delays in response and, in some cases, requests going unaddressed due to the difficulty in locating the reported issue or misdirection caused by inaccurate data,” the commenter said. The city’s Information Technology Agency is expected to report on system performance, including operational issues, and provide solutions as needed.
Public Works and IT are expected to provide quarterly reports on service request data, including backlogs, average response times and requests received and closed. The Supreme Court's conservative majority seemed ready Wednesday to allow the Trump administration to potentially proceed with mass deportations of more than a million foreign nationals, including those from Haiti and Syria, who live and work legally in the United States.
Until now these individuals have been accorded temporary legal status because their safety is imperiled by war or natural disasters in their home countries. Congress enacted the Temporary Protected Status program in 1990, and every president since then — Republican and Democrat — has embraced TPS. President Trump, however, is trying to end it. On Wednesday his solicitor general, D. John Sauer, told the justices that the statute clearly bars any court review of the administration's decisions.
And he dismissed the idea that a separate law established to provide procedural fairness does not allow the courts to review the Homeland Security agency's decision-making either.to allow the Trump administration to potentially proceed with mass deportations of more than a million foreign nationals, including those from Haiti and Syria, who live and work legally in the United States. Congress enacted the Temporary Protected Status program in 1990, and every president since then — Republican and Democrat — has embraced TPS.
President Donald Trump, however, is trying to end it. On Wednesday his solicitor general, D. John Sauer, told the justices that the statute clearly bars any court review of the administration's decisions. And he dismissed the idea that a separate law established to provide procedural fairness does not allow the courts to review the Homeland Security agency's decision-making either. Pressed by the court's three liberal justices, Sauer insisted that the courts cannot review anything.
"What you're basically saying is that Congress wrote a statute for no purpose," Sotomayor said. Justice Elena Kagan noted that under the statute the secretary of Homeland Security is supposed to consult with the U.S. State Department about what the conditions are in those countries that people have been forced to flee. What if she didn't do that at all, Kagan asked.
Or what if she asked, but the response from the State Department came back:"Wasn't that baseball game last night great!
" Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asked what would happen if the secretary used a Ouija board to make decisions? To all these hypotheticals, Solicitor General Sauer stood firm. That prompted this from Sotomayor:"Now, we have a president saying at one point that Haiti is a 'filthy, dirty, and disgusting s--thole country.
' I'm quoting him. He declared illegal immigrants, which he associated with TPS, as poisoning the blood of America. I don't see how that one statement is not a prime example … showing that a discriminatory purpose may have played a part in this decision.
" Sauer pushed back, noting that Kristi Noem, the then-DHS secretary, had not mentioned race at all. That prompted this response from Justice Jackson, the only Black woman on the court,"So the position of the United States is that we have an actual racial epithet that we aren't allowed to look at all the context.
" Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the mother of two adopted Haitian children, interjected at that point to clarify the administration's position. Are you conceding that individuals with TPS status could bring a challenge based on race discrimination? she asked. Representing the Haitians, lawyer Geoffrey Pipoly described the administration's review as"a sham.
" "The true reason for the termination is the president's racial animus toward non-white immigrants and bare dislike of Haitians in particular," Pipoly said. "The secretary herself described people from Haiti" and from other non-white countries as"killers, leeches, saying, 'We don't want them, not one,'" while"simultaneously enacting another humanitarian form of relief for white and only white South Africans.
" That was too much for Justice Samuel Alito who asked Pipoly,"Do you think that if you put Syrians, Turks, Greeks and other people who live around the Mediterranean in a line-up, do you think you could say those people are … non-white? ""How about southern Italians? " Alito inquired, prompting laughter in the courtroom. Responded Pipoly:"Certainly 120 years ago when we had our last wave of European immigration, southern Italians were not considered white.
… Our concept of these things evolves over time.
" At the end of Wednesday's court session, one thing was clear: President Trump may be furious at some of the conservative justices he appointed for invalidating his tariffs, but for the most part, he is getting his way. Especially in light of, announced Wednesday, which effectively guts what remains of the landmark Voting Rights Act, once celebrated as a signature achievement of American Democracy.
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