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Sen. Gonzalez’s Good Governance Legislation Signed Into Law

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Sen. Gonzalez’s Good Governance Legislation Signed Into Law

 

SACRAMENTO — On July 30, Gov. Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 521 into law, which is part of majority leader Lena Gonzalez’s (D-Long Beach) Good Governance package. The Good Governance package is focused on building public trust in local government by improving training for local government officials and protecting against corrupt activities.

SB 521 will deter corruption and ensure that individuals who have violated public trust are barred from future public service in those same roles. Specifically, SB 521 adds a conflict of interest conviction to the existing list of felonies that trigger a five year prohibition on public employment, and prohibits city managers and city attorneys who are convicted of corruption-related felonies in their capacity as public servants from holding those positions in the future.

For decades, Southeast Los Angeles communities have faced a troubling pattern of public corruption, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards to protect these predominantly Latino, working-class, and immigrant neighborhoods. Investigations and convictions have revealed abuses ranging from the misuse of public funds to inflated salaries and contracts marked by conflicts of interest, at times involving officials with prior histories of misconduct in public office.

Majority leader Gonzalez’s Good Governance package also includes SB 827 – a bill to update existing ethics training requirements for local officials. SB 827 would also require local government officials to complete fiscal and financial training. These trainings will give local officials the resources and education they need to adhere to ethical standards and be good stewards of public funds. On July 17, 2025 SB 827 passed the Assembly local government committee, and now moves on to the Assembly appropriations committee.

POLB Seeks Input on Pier S Battery Energy Storage System, Two Meetings

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POLB Seeks Input on Pier S Battery Energy Storage System, Two Meetings

 

The Port of Long Beach will host a pair of public scoping meetings to provide information and gather input for a 70-megawatt battery energy storage system or BESS proposed by Lighthouse Pier S LLC, located on 2.9 acres of land in the Long Beach Power Plant property at 2665 Pier S Lane.

The BESS facility would provide additional energy capacity in response to the California Public Utilities Commission’s mandate to strengthen reliability of the electric grid as the state transitions to renewable energy resources.

An in-person scoping meeting will be held on Aug. 6.

The public will also be able to join a virtual scoping meeting scheduled for 2 p.m., Aug. 20. You can access the meeting at https://polb.webex.com/polb/j.php?MTID=m1572a16ade10f3f1c3b95f5ebfb052be, using the access code 2487 711 3303, or by phone at (408) 418-9388 with the password 1234.

The proposed project would install about 100 individual fire-rated metal enclosures, each containing lithium-ion battery cells; a direct current collection system; alternating current for auxiliary power; a dedicated transmission line; fiber-optic cables; supervisory control and data acquisition equipment; a communications system; cooling, safety and monitoring systems; a power conversion system to connect the BESS and a new 66-kilovolt (kV) substation to transform the voltage between the power conversion system and the substation transmission system. The property has been owned since 2021 by Long Beach Generation LLC, a subsidiary of ArcLight Energy Partners Fund.

The existing, 66-kV SCE Long Beach Bus Substation adjacent to the proposed project site to the north would also be upgraded. Additionally, the project proposes to demolish three buildings and sections of abandoned concrete saltwater intake pipes.

Public comment will be gathered for input about the scope and content of the proposed project’s environmental impact report. The Notice of Preparation and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings for the proposed project are at www.polb.com/ceqa.

Written public comments will be accepted until 4 p.m., Aug. 29 and can be submitted via email to piersbess@polb.com or to Renee Moilanen, Director of Environmental Planning, Port of Long Beach, 415 W. Ocean Blvd., 7th Floor, Long Beach, California, 90802.

Time: 6 p.m. Aug. 6

Details: www.polb.com/environment.

Venue: Port of Long Beach Administrative Building’s 1st Floor Multipurpose Room, 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach

Governor’s Briefs: National Guard Drawdown in LA and Leadership Pick

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Governor’s Briefs: National Guard Drawdown in LA and Leadership Pick

Nearly All National Guard Soldiers in Los Angeles are Demobilizing, Gov. Newsom Demands Those Remaining be Released

LOS ANGELES — Nearly two months after the unlawful federalization of units of the California National Guard, and deployment of almost 5,000 soldiers in the Los Angeles area, all but 300 National Guard members are expected to go home soon. So far, 4,700 soldiers have demobilized or begun demobilizing.

Although it is unclear whether the National Guard has received formalized orders to begin additional demobilizations, an estimated 300 guardsmembers will continue to be stationed at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos without a clear mission, direction, or a timeline for returning to their communities. California urges Trump and the Department of Defense to end this deployment and send all remaining guardsmembers home immediately.

Earlier this month, 2,000 federalized National Guard members and 700 Marines were called off their mission in Los Angeles. However, nearly 2,000 soldiers remained at Los Alamitos.

Economic impact of this political theater

After the federal government deployed the military unlawfully and began ramping up immigration raids statewide, the number of people reporting to work in the private sector in California decreased by 3.1% — a downturn only recently matched by the period when people stayed home from work during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Trump’s actions have a ripple effect – the state’s economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast.

 

Gov. Newsom Announces Appointment

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom July 29 announced the following appointment:

Jackie Schaffer, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Travel and Tourism Commission. Schaffer has been a self-employed writer, director, and producer since 2007. She was president and producer at Montecito Picture Company (DreamWorks) from 2001 to 2007. Schaffer was vice president at Working Title Films (Universal Pictures) from 1999 to 2001. She was a creative executive for Theatrical Production at Warner Bros from 1997 to 1999. Shaffer is a member of the board of directors at Moxi Museum of Innovation and Technology and a member of the Headmaster’s Council at Viewpoint School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Georgetown University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Schaffer is a Democrat.

City Council Committee to Weigh Harbor LA Community Plans, Public Comment

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City Council Committee to Weigh Harbor LA Community Plans, Public Comment

 

In July, city planning dispatched the recommended draft and Final Environmental Impact Report of the Harbor LA community plans to the city planning commission or CPC, for consideration by the city council’s planning and land use or PLUM committee.

The CPC’s recommended draft of the plans and letter of determination for Wilmington-Harbor City and Harbor Gateway can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/Plum-Committee-hearing

The Harbor LA community plan describes a collective vision for the Harbor’s future and includes planning policies, plans, and implementation programs that frame the city’s long-term priorities. The Harbor Plans will be the third batch of community plans in the city to apply new zoning tools developed as part of the update to the City of Los Angeles’s zoning code.

Since its inception in 2018, the Harbor LA Plans have evolved in response to a wide range of stakeholder input. These plans seek to address many of the challenges facing the Harbor LA communities, such as environmental justice, housing demand and affordability, and a shifting economy, through strategies that guide growth. The proposed plans strive to address the area’s legacy of contamination and its longstanding industrial-residential conflicts, while maintaining the port-related industrial base of the Harbor Region.

The key objectives of the Harbor LA Community Plans are:

  • Address the history of contamination and incompatible land use patterns.
  • Create hybrid industrial areas that prioritize jobs-producing uses and serve as a buffer between residential and heavy industrial uses.
  • Encourage mixed-use and equitable Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) at key locations.
  • Revitalize existing commercial areas through zoning regulations for improved street frontage and pedestrian-oriented design standards and by promoting a diversity of uses that serve the needs of the community.
  • Preserve industrial districts and improve their function and visual character through new zoning regulations for improved street frontage, screening and quality building design.
  • Maintain stable single- and multi-family residential neighborhoods and apply new zoning regulations for appropriate neighborhood massing.

Planning and Land Use Committee Meeting

Details: For updates on future meeting dates and transmitted materials, subscribe to the Council Files: CF 25-0774 (Wilmington-Harbor City) and CF 25-0775 (Harbor Gateway).

You can submit comments online at: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/publiccomment

Port of Long Beach Awards Nearly $1 Million to SoCal Community Groups

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Port of Long Beach Awards Nearly $1 Million to SoCal Community Groups

 

LONG BEACH — The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners this week awarded $968,700 in sponsorships for 321 community events through the Port of Long Beach community sponsorship program, bringing the grand total to $2,997,110 for the current fiscal year.

The program supports events and projects centered on the environment, education, social justice, the arts and historic preservation while also informing residents about port operations and initiatives.

A list of the approved sponsorships can be found here.

This award is the third of three calls for the 2025 fiscal year that began Oct. 1, 2024; 40% of the applications for the call were first-time requests.

With the latest sponsorships, the port has awarded a total of 891 sponsorships this fiscal year, representing a wide cross-section of the local community and surrounding areas.

The next application period to submit online sponsorship applications for the first call of the port’s 2026 fiscal year will be from Sept. 1, through 5 p.m., Sept. 30. Events in this sponsorship call must take place after Dec. 1. Applicants are advised to plan well in advance, as this allows time for the review, consideration and recommendation process prior to a decision by the Board of Harbor Commissioners.

Details: www.polb.com/sponsorships.

National Briefs: Nurses Union Shames Hospital for Gender-Affirming Care Cutbacks and Science Under Seige

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National Briefs: Nurses Union Shames Hospital for Gender-Affirming Care Cutbacks and Science Under Seige

Nation’s Largest Nurses Union Shames Hospital for Gender-Affirming Care Cutbacks

NATIONAL— Last week, nurses represented by California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC) shamed Kaiser Permanente, one of the country’s largest health care systems, for their decision to suspend some gender-affirming care services for patients under 19. CNA/NNOC is an affiliate of National Nurses United or NNU, the country’s largest nursing union, and represents nearly 25,000 nurses at Kaiser facilities.

“This is pre-emptively giving in to government overreach in health care,” said Lady Rainsard, RN in plastic surgery at Kaiser San Francisco. “Medical providers, not politicians, know what’s best for our patients. Gender-affirming care is safe and effective. As nurses, we always follow the precautionary principle, and we always advocate for our patients. Right now, we deem it a much greater risk to cave to this kind of government overreach than it is to provide this care to our patients, no matter their age.”

NNU has repeatedly opposed restrictions on gender-affirming care based on its efficacy for patients. Nurses believe that politically targeting patients like this complicates and hinders care at the bedside. NNU has spoken out against the presidential executive order seeking to bar patients’ access to this care, as well as Supreme Court decisions seeking to restrict care and attempts to end the provision of gender-affirming care to veterans through the Veterans Administration (VA).

Science and Democracy Under Siege

Documentation of Trumps 402 attacks on science

Between January 20 and June 30 of this year, National Resources Defense Council or NRDC documented 402 attacks on science. It defines “attacks on science” as actions, statements, or decisions that originate from an elected official or political appointee in a federal agency that results in the censoring, manipulation, forging, or misinforming on scientific data, results, or conclusions conducted within the government or with federal funds.

The first six months of President Trump’s second term have been characterized by destruction of democratic processes, divisive and vindictive actions, and chaos in federal government agencies.

Since the Inauguration, the administration has systematically destroyed federal scientific systems.

The National Resources Defense Council or NRDC explains the Trump administration’s actions are not normal; this is an illegal power grab — a wholesale attack on the democratic systems upon which this nation was built.

NRDC asserted, “When science is sidelined, people are harmed.” In this report, we document the ways this administration has targeted the public science that we all depend on, and offers recommendations and resources to counter these attacks and hold the administration accountable.”

Details: Read the full report at: https://tinyurl.com/science-democracy-report

 

County to Update Budget Impacts Weekly, Amid Fiscal Challenges

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County to Update Budget Impacts Weekly, Amid Fiscal Challenges

LOS ANGELES —The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion July 30 to provide weekly updates during regularly scheduled board meetings on the county’s fiscal state and the implications of budget constraints and curtailments.

The new standing agenda item will be delivered by Los Angeles County’s chief executive officer Fesia Davenport to provide timely information on the budget.

“This is a necessary step to ensure the Board and the public understand the County’s financial standing, amid compounding fiscal pressures and ongoing federal budget cut impacts,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “The newly established weekly update will allow us to make informed decisions in direct response to the needs of our community, and provide our residents with a fuller explanation of the fiscal challenges the County faces right now. I am proud to have facilitated the conversation that led to today’s motion, and know this will allow for greater transparency, accountability, and public trust. “

The CEO’s presentation highlighted increasing losses for departments like health services, public social services, mental health and more. CEO Davenport also emphasized the need for action, and anticipated planning for potential curtailments.

Details: The presentation during today’s Board meeting can be accessed here.

Supervisors Act to Protect Angelenos’ Privacy from Federal Overreach, HIPAA Violations

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Supervisors Act to Protect Angelenos’ Privacy from Federal Overreach, HIPAA Violations

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors July 30 approved a motion to explore all legal remedies in response to the Trump Administration’s efforts to pull personal, private, and unrelated protected health information in violation of federal law. As a result of this motion, the county may initiate, join, or support existing litigation.

On July 17 it was reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE officials will be given access to the personal data of nearly 79 million Medicaid enrollees across the country. This includes recipients in California, where Medicaid has been expanded to all immigrants using only state taxpayer dollars.

The released data includes home addresses, ethnicities, and other personal information that is protected under federal law by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA. HIPPA, enacted in 1996, aims to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ protected health information, giving them rights of their data and setting limits on data use and disclosure. Longstanding interpretation of federal law, as well as policy and practice, has consistently maintained that personal healthcare data collected from Medicaid recipients is confidential.

Since the implementation and increase of federal immigration enforcement tactics, many immigrants have been hesitant to receive the health care they need. Hospitals, community clinics, and other service groups observing a significant increase in no-shows and appointment cancellations have indicated cancellations, and no-show rates have jumped to 30% across their clinics in and around Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. It is critical the County continue to protect access to important health services without fear.

Since mass raids began in Los Angeles County on June 6, the Board of Supervisors has moved to approve 11 of Solis’ motions—including one that authorized legal action against the federal government’s unlawful enforcement tactics. That lawsuit led to a temporary restraining order effectively halting these illegal raids in Los Angeles County and six other counties.

Beaches Reopen After Tsunami Advisory Is Lifted

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Beaches Reopen After Tsunami Advisory Is Lifted

Los Angeles County beaches are open today after the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center lifted its tsunami advisory for the West Coast.

The Department of Beaches and Harbors is opening restrooms, accessways and parking lots at beaches it manages hours earlier than anticipated..

Note, while the beaches are open, visitors should check with the nearest lifeguard for information on current conditions and practice good judgment before entering the water.

Beach camp operators should check with lifeguards before any in-water activity.

Details: beaches.lacounty.gov.

LA County to Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Law Enforcement Agents from Concealing Identities

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LA County to Draft Ordinance Prohibiting Law Enforcement Agents from Concealing Identities

 

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors July 29 voted to direct county counsel to draft an ordinance proposed by Supervisor Janice Hahn and co-authored by Supervisor Hilda Solis that would prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identities while on duty in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The vote was 4-0-1 with Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstaining.

Since the ICE raids began in early June, residents across LA County have reported disturbing encounters with plainclothes or masked agents — many refusing to identify themselves or display any form of official credentials. These incidents have sparked fear and confusion over potential impersonation and abuse.

Hahn and Solis’ motion calls for the creation of a county ordinance that would:

  1. Prohibit law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public in the course of their duties in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County — with limited exceptions such as for medical protection, fire/smoke safety, gas masks, or undercover operations.
  2. Require all law enforcement officers, including federal agents, to visibly display identification and agency affiliation while performing their duties in public spaces within the unincorporated County.

Questions have been raised about whether the County of Los Angeles will be able to enforce this requirement on federal agents. It is generally understood that local and state governments do not regulate federal law enforcement. However, Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley Law School, has said that that is not absolute – especially in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers the western United States.

“The test is, if a federal agent acts in an ‘objectively unreasonable manner,’ the state may bring a criminal prosecution,” Chemerinsky was quoted by NPR. “So I think the question is, would a state prohibition on law enforcement wearing masks interfere with the performance of their duties? Is not wearing masks objectively reasonable?”

“Ultimately, it might have to be decided by a court,” said Hahn. “But regardless, it is important that we set the clear expectation that when you are in LA County, this is how all law enforcement should conduct themselves. Our communities are asking us to protect them. I believe that implementing this ordinance will show that LA County stands up to injustice and hate by working to hold all law enforcement officers accountable to their duty to protect and serve.”

County counsel will draft the requested ordinance and bring it back to the Board of Supervisors for approval within 60 days.

Details: Read the full motion here.

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