McOsker Calls for Analysis of Rancho LPG Tanks, Safety’s a Concern
Earlier this month, Councilman Tim McOsker moved the Department of Public Works and connecting departments to report back with an analysis of regulating authority for the water basin under the city’s jurisdiction.
Rancho LPG LLC Holdings Facility is a butane and propane storage facility located adjacent to the northwest residential area of San Pedro. The facility includes two above-ground 12.5 million gallon refrigerated tanks constructed in 1973 and 1974. The motion also said that Rancho met all applicable engineering standards and building codes, though that is not entirely true. Holding over 25 million gallons of butane and propane, which are liquefied petroleum gas products, these substances are commonly used in homes, restaurants, and vehicles, and are highly flammable and explosive gasses.
Recently, photos of a water basin on site have shown varying levels of water in it, leading to questions about how this impacts Rancho LPG’s operational capacity. It’s unclear which agency oversees regulations related to this potential mitigation measure and how it is reported or monitored on a continual basis. Should the basin become polluted, the release of contaminated water could impact local water infrastructure. An investigation of this facility’s water basin and its impact on overall operations and mitigations is necessary.
Public Works Committee scheduled the item for a May 24, 2023 committee meeting.
Laura Richardson Declares Run for Sen. Bradford’s Seat
Democrat Laura Richardson announced her candidacy for California’s 35th Senate District to replace Sen. Steven Bradford, who is termed out.
Richardson previously served in Congress, filling the vacancy resulting from the death of Juanita Millender-McDonald in August 2007. She was reelected to represent the district in 2008 and 2010.
Following the decennial reorganization of congressional districts in 2012, most of Richardson’s territory became the 44th District. She ran against fellow Democratic Congresswoman Janice Hahn in the 2012 congressional elections cycle.
Before her elevation to Congress, she was a member of the California Assembly, representing the 55th District, and served in leadership as the assistant speaker pro tempore and was the first African-American and South Bay representative to achieve this position.
“Throughout my time in public office, I worked hard, brought money and resources into my district, and in conjunction with a committed staff, resolved resident casework for disability and social security claims, significantly adding to much-needed benefits and payments for residents in my district,” said Richardson.
Richardson joins Hawthorne Councilmembers Alex Monteiro and Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams, who serve on the LA County Citizens’ Economy and Efficiency Commission, in the race to succeed Bradford. Michelle Chambers, a ,also rumored to join the race.
The statewide primary is March 5, 2024. The general election is Nov. 5, 2024.
Barragán, Booker Reintroduce Legislation to Support EV Share Program
WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Sen. Cory Booker (NJ) reintroduced the bicameral EVs for All Act, legislation that would establish an innovative grant program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support electric vehicle car-sharing for public housing residents. The program would help public housing authorities and local governments invest in electric vehicles (EV), EV charging stations, community education and outreach, and other services and incentives to provide access to EVs for public housing residents. Many of these individuals currently face limited or no access to EVs, while grappling with high gas prices and disproportionate exposure to pollution from conventional vehicles.
“A successful clean energy future requires that every resident, regardless of income, can take part,” said Rep. Barragán. “Electric vehicle car share programs can improve the economic mobility and quality of life of residents whose communities face disproportionate air pollution and climate impacts. This model has proven popular at Rancho San Pedro public housing in my district, and I’m excited to reintroduce the EVs for All Act to expand it to every part of the country.”
The EVs for All Act includes several key provisions to drive the expansion of EV accessibility and infrastructure in low-income communities.