Los Angeles Briefs: Barragán Celebrates $496,000 for Lundquist Institute and Council Passes Motion on Policy Update for November Election

Rep. Barragán Celebrates $496,000 in Federal Funding for Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation

CARSON — Rep. Nanette Barragán was joined by Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation interim president and CEO, Marianne Gausche-Hill March 26 to celebrate $469,000 in federal funding the Congresswoman secured to provide bioscience research internships at Lundquist for local undergraduate students.  

“Our communities are disproportionally impacted by health challenges, including asthma, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses,” said Rep. Barragán. “One of my top priorities is to fight for equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare. The Lundquist Institute plays a vital role in contributing to scientific innovations and medical advancements in West Carson and across the country. This funding will expand the Institute’s bioscience research training opportunities for local students from underserved communities. I was proud to secure this funding to help accelerate the discovery of innovative treatments that will directly benefit our communities.”

The Lundquist Institute is a nonprofit established in 1952 on the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center campus, and collaborates with academic institutions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, research sponsors, and healthcare entities to discover innovative healthcare treatments. Congresswoman Barragán secured this funding for the Institute in the first tranche of government funding bills passed earlier this month.

McOsker Policy Update

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles City Council March 20 unanimously passed a motion by Councilmembers McOsker and Soto-Martínez. The motion seeks to improve the ways the city can hold the Los Angeles Police Department to the standards the public deserves by giving the chief of police firing authority as well as create a more well-rounded system of accountability and transparency through the Board of Rights. This motion will next go through the legislative process in committee and city council. The City Attorney’s office will draft Charter Amendment language for this reform package to appear on the November 2024 ballot.