Good morning, it’s Friday, and we’re reading about the best free campgrounds in Southern California. Onto the five USC, Los Angeles and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

California lawmakers passed a host of new bills in yesterday’s final legislative session of the year that are now headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. Some of the most important include ones that would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits; raise the minimum wage for healthcare workers to $25; mandate lead testing at school fountains and faucets; ban hidden fees on concert tickets and hotel rooms; and require public universities to prominently display the cost of course materials.

2.

Thousands of federal wildland firefighters could soon see pay cuts of up to 50% as lawmakers in Washington balk at the idea of continued raises for the workers. Already, one in five firefighters employed by the Forest Service in California have quit since 2019. Cal Fire, the state’s agency — which pays more than the Forest Service — has seen modest gains that somewhat offset federal losses. But the two agencies often have different responsibilities, meaning new state firefighters aren’t a complete substitute.

3.

USC will offer flu vaccine shots for students and faculty at on-campus pop-ups over the next two months. The shots are free for students on USC’s health insurance plan, but cost $20 — billed to student accounts — for those covered elsewhere. Pop-ups will open Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Village and Wednesdays at the same time at the farmers market. Various schools will also host one-off pop-ups through October.

4.

Hollywood studios and striking screenwriters could resume contract negotiations next week, which would be the first meeting between the parties in almost a month. The return to bargaining could be a turning point for the 137-day strike, already one of the longest in the history of the Writers Guild.

5.

Sketchers opened a restaurant at its Gardena store — and it’s been a hit. The concession stand, which serves “Costco-style” food that’s supposedly tastier for a slightly higher price, has quickly earned the attention of food bloggers and influencers and serves more than 2,000 people a week. “It’s not some place you take your wife or girlfriend for dinner, but if you’re looking for a quick bite, in and out, it’s perfect,” one patron said.

You’re all caught up. Thanks for reading Morning, Trojan, and have a good day. Anna Hsu copy edited this newsletter

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