The Caltrans Procurement & Resource Fair will take place on April 17, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center in Compton. Hosted by Caltrans Districts 7, 8, and 12, the event connects small businesses, contractors, and professional service providers with Caltrans procurement staff, prime contractors, and agency partners to explore contracting opportunities, small business programs, and resources for participating in transportation projects

Founded in 2013 in Compton, Trap Kitchen was built by former rivals Malachi “Spank” Jenkins and Roberto “News” Smith. Starting from a grandmother’s kitchen and selling through Instagram, they transformed hustle into a nationally recognized brand. Blending soul food, Southern comfort, and bold flavors, they grew through pop-ups, food trucks, catering, and cookbooks—proving authenticity, resilience, and digital entrepreneurship can turn second chances into lasting success.

Southern California will host matches and major fan events for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, positioning Los Angeles and Inglewood on a global stage. Beyond soccer, the tournament presents a major economic opportunity for local chambers, small businesses, and hospitality operators. Increased tourism, global visibility, and regional fan zones will drive growth—making preparation in 2025 essential to fully leverage this generational moment.

Southern California’s ports closed 2025 with historically strong cargo volumes despite a late-year slowdown. Los Angeles and Long Beach remain critical gateways for global trade, supporting jobs in trucking, rail, warehousing, and logistics across the region. For Compton, steady port activity sustains local employment and business demand tied to goods movement. In 2026, volumes are expected to remain strong but more moderate as trade policies and global demand evolve.