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Nation Mourns the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter

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Nation Mourns the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter

James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States, served from 1977 to 1981. A member of the Democratic Party, Carter served as the 76th governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975 and in the Georgia State Senate from 1963 to 1967.
Former President Carter was born: Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, GA and died on Dec. 29, 2024 at his home in Plains.

Statement by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden

Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.

With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.

We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.

To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff – from the earliest days to the final ones – we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.

And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.

To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country.

 

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Councilman Robert Farrell and his late wife Tsehai Essiebea Farrell with President Jimmy Carter during an LA visit in the late 1970s.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
Jimmy Carter’s extraordinary public service didn’t end when his presidency did. For decades he has remained an icon of kindness and humility, and a champion of peace.

I was lucky to have had the opportunity to build houses alongside him for low income families in San Pedro with Habitat for Humanity back in 2007 when I was on the Los Angeles City Council.

His legacy will live on for generations to come not only here but around the world. May he rest in peace.
In 2007, then City Councilwoman Hahn joined President Carter on a project with Habitat for Humanity building 16 homes for low-income families in San Pedro.

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Former Jimmy Carter at a San Pedro Habitat for Humanity site in October 2007. Photo by Terelle Jerricks

Governor Gavin Newsom

Jennifer and I join the country and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a tireless champion for human rights and democracy whose unparalleled life of service made the world a better place.

President Carter was a man of rare character – whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered. He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home. Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright energy and spirit never faltered.

Service was more than a career for President Carter, it was a way of life. After leaving the White House, the Carters made it their mission to advance global peace and health through the Carter Center, improving countless lives over four decades of humanitarian efforts.
“President Carter’s candor and compassion, moral leadership, and sense of duty set a standard we all should aspire to. His enduring example reminds us that we can still find common ground despite our differences.

Our hearts are with the Carter family, their loved ones and friends, and everyone grieving this great loss.

Mayor Karen Bass
It’s a sad day as the country mourns the loss of President Jimmy Carter – a leader who exemplified the importance of service and care during his presidency and beyond.
While in the White House, President Carter established the idea of human rights as a core tenet of American foreign policy and created a path towards a clean energy future, among other important achievements. After his term, he continued to lead. The international legacy he leaves behind lives on in the Carter Center as an active and powerful defense of freedom and democracy around the globe. Domestically, his inspiring work through Habitat for Humanity showed generations of Americans that there are no limits to community service and helping others.
Years ago, I was fortunate to sit and speak with President Carter. I will cherish the conversation we were able to have, and am grateful for his wisdom and guidance. I send my deepest condolences to the entire Carter family and his loved ones on this difficult day.

County Proclaims Los Angeles Youth Homeless Count from January 22 to 31

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County Proclaims Los Angeles Youth Homeless Count from January 22 to 31

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Jan. 7 approved a motion to proclaim the Los Angeles Youth Homeless Count (LA Youth Count) from Jan. 22 to Jan. 31, and encourage volunteer and civic engagement for the LA Youth Count.
An estimated 3,277 young people in the Los Angeles County Continuum of Care experience homelessness on any given night, according to the 2024 Los Angeles Youth Count. Youth are exposed to countless dangers while trying to survive on the streets, with an increased likelihood of substance use, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked. Furthermore, being unhoused at a young age increases the risk of prolonged and chronic homelessness and poses overwhelming harm to young people. To that end, Los Angeles County continues to establish stable housing for youth, as well as supportive connections to caring adults and access to services.
The Los Angeles Youth Count, which is conducted separately from the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, is a survey-based count of unsheltered transition age youth or TAY, unaccompanied minors and young families. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority or LAHSA, University of South California, youth service providers and volunteers partner to complete this count yearly.
Details: Read the motion in full here.

Gov. Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency, Meets with First Responders in Pacific Palisades

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Gov. Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency, Meets with First Responders in Pacific Palisades

PACIFIC PALISADES – While on the ground Jan. 7 in Pacific Palisades, Gov. Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to further support the communities impacted by this fire. Text of the emergency proclamation is available here.
Gov. Newsom announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire burning in Pacific Palisades.
The National Weather Service continues to forecast very high dangerous winds for Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside counties through 6 p.m. Jan. 8, with isolated gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour in Los Angeles County.

Gov. Newsom has directed state departments to coordinate and strategically position fire engines, handcrews, aircraft and additional support in key areas, including:
Prepositioning 65 local government fire engines, seven water tenders, seven helicopters, nine dozers and more than 105 specialized personnel in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties through the state’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System managed by Cal OES.
Strategically moving CAL FIRE firefighting resources from Northern California into Southern California, including 45 additional fire engines and six additional hand crews to Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties.
Staffing additional aerial firefighting resources in the region.
Augmenting regional intelligence, dispatch and investigative resources.
Coordinating with local fire departments, county emergency managers and weather officials ahead of this extreme weather event, while increasing public messaging to encourage overall community preparedness.
Wildfire quick tips
Sign up for free emergency alerts at ready.ca.gov: You can choose how to get alerts sent to you when you sign up, including cell phone, home phone, email, text messages, and in some cases, TTY devices.
Make a plan: Wildfires may cause power outages, so have backup plans for electrical medical devices and medicines that must be refrigerated and have a battery-powered radio so you can hear emergency updates.
Don’t wait, evacuate: Listen and watch for evacuation warnings and orders. An evacuation warning means get ready to leave. An evacuation order means leave immediately.
Wind safety quick tips
Watch out for downed power lines: Never touch or drive over a fallen power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, call 911 and stay inside until trained personnel can remove it.
Stay inside: If you are outside during high winds, find shelter immediately. Stay away from trees and power lines, and watch for flying debris.
Slow down: Keep a safe distance from vehicles in lanes next to you and watch for objects blowing across the road.
Details: ready.ca.gov.

Hahn Wants County to Consider Purchasing Tax-Defaulted Properties Ahead of Auction

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Hahn Wants County to Consider Purchasing Tax-Defaulted Properties Ahead of Auction

LOS ANGELES — At the Jan. 7 meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Janice Hahn requested a review of 1,569 tax-defaulted properties ahead of their online auction set for this April for opportunities for the County to purchase lots for the good of the surrounding communities.
“We should always be looking for opportunities to better serve our communities and before these properties go to auction, our departments should check to see whether there are empty lots that could be used for pocket parks or dog runs, or whether there are buildings we could use for supportive housing or mental health treatment,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn.
The 1,569 tax-defaulted properties include residential and commercial property including vacant lots. The treasurer tax collector will put these properties up for sale in an online auction beginning April 19, 2025 and ending April 22, 2025.
Hahn, on Jan. 7, offered an amendment which was approved directing the treasure tax collector, in coordination with the CEO Homeless Initiative, the Department of Parks & Recreation, the Department of Mental Health, the Los Angeles County Development Agency, and Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency or LAHSA, in consultation with the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency or LACAHSA to report back to the board in 45 days with a review of the tax-defaulted properties and recommendations for their potential purchase and use as, pocket parks, interim housing, mental health beds, access centers, or for the development of affordable housing.
During her time in office, Supervisor Hahn has focused on using vacant and underutilized county property to better serve her communities. In San Pedro, she transformed a vacant county office building into a 40-bed shelter for people experiencing homelessness. In Walnut Park, the Department of Parks and Recreation turned a long-vacant lot into a pocket park called Nogales Park.

Great Day For Parks, President Biden Acts Adding Two National Monuments Protecting Sacred Tribal Lands

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Great Day For Parks, President Biden Acts Adding Two National Monuments Protecting Sacred Tribal Lands

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom celebrated President Biden’s action Jan. 7 establishing the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments. The designation adds protections to more than 840,000 acres of some of California’s most culturally and environmentally significant landscapes.
Both designations honor the leadership of tribes who have stewarded these lands for time immemorial and were advanced through decades of work by local community leaders, business owners, and environmental organizations.
The new national monuments add more than half a million acres to California’s historic 30×30 initiative – the state’s goal to conserve 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030. This addition brings the state’s total lands conserved through the 30×30 initiative to 25.8% and 26.1 million acres. Today’s announcement follows President Biden’s action yesterday to protect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts from expanded offshore oil and gas drilling.
Two new national monuments
The Chuckwalla National Monument, located in eastern Riverside County in the California desert adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, spans lands of critical biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and migration corridors. It also preserves sacred places and landscapes central to the cultural traditions of the Iviatim, Nüwü, Pipa Aha Macav, Kwatsáan, and Maara’yam peoples. The designation not only safeguards the area’s ecological integrity but also enhances the region’s recreational opportunities, promoting public access to outdoor spaces for local communities.
“I am thrilled to celebrate the establishment of the new Chuckwalla National Monument,” said Evan Trubee, Owner of Big Wheel Tours and Palm Desert City Councilmember. “Protecting public lands here in the Coachella Valley preserves the wildlife and beautiful landscapes that make our desert home unique. It will help ensure access to the outdoors for our local communities and protect the nature that draws visitors to Riverside and Imperial Counties.”
In Northern California, the Sáttítla National Monument encompasses the Medicine Lake Highlands, an area of cultural significance to the Pit River Tribe. Since time immemorial, the lands and waters of Sáttítla have sustained Native peoples and provided critical water resources for downstream communities and ecosystems. The region’s volcanic aquifers capture snowmelt and store water equivalent to California’s 200 largest surface reservoirs, supplying clean water to the Fall River Springs — the state’s largest spring system and one of the most extensive aquifer networks in the Western United States.
The designation of Sáttítla National Monument protects these water resources, as well as vast forest canopies and thriving habitats for diverse plant and wildlife species. California agencies plan to allocate additional funding for wildfire prevention and resilience work to make local communities, state and private lands, and road systems in the area safer and more resilient to wildfire threats.
National monuments create new jobs and businesses
National monuments do more than preserve beautiful and culturally significant places; they also drive substantial economic benefits for surrounding communities. Studies have consistently shown that conservation of public lands correlates with growth in local economies, particularly through tourism and recreation.
In the California Desert region, for example, monument designations have been associated with an average 10% increase in the number of local businesses and an 8.5% increase in jobs within 25 kilometers of designated areas over a 25-year period, according to a 2020 study by Resources for the Future. Tourism, a major driver of economic activity, has flourished in regions surrounding protected lands. Joshua Tree National Park alone saw 3,064,000 visitors in 2021 — a 119% increase since 2011 — contributing $121.9 million to local economies and supporting over 1,500 jobs.
Protected areas like Chuckwalla and Sáttítla create opportunities for businesses in sectors such as transportation, lodging, restaurants, retail and outdoor recreation. A 2014 report by ECONorthwest estimated that recreation on BLM-managed lands within 50 miles of recreation sites in California generated $305.2 million (inflation-adjusted to 2022) in direct spending. This economic activity supports vital community services like safety, fire, recreation, and libraries through local tax revenues.

POLA Cruise RFP Receives Two Bids

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POLA Cruise RFP Receives Two Bids

LOS ANGELES — The Port of Los Angeles confirmed that it has received two proposals in response to the Request For Proposals or RFP issued in June of 2024. The RFP, which closed on Nov. 12, is to build and operate a new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal, as well as to redevelop and operate the existing World Cruise Center. The proposed new outer harbor cruise terminal site – a cornerstone project in the recently approved San Pedro Waterfront Connectivity Plan – is located at 3011 Dave Arian Way in San Pedro and includes Berths 46 to 50.
Details: https://tinyurl.com/POLA-cruise-RFP

Supervisors Approve Motion to Raise Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

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Supervisors Approve Motion to Raise Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Jan. 7 approved a motion authored to direct the Department of Public Health or DPH’s office of violence prevention to create an awareness campaign and appropriate tools on domestic violence prevention.
Domestic violence, particularly that between partners, remains a critical issue in Los Angeles County and statewide. According to the 2023 report on the status of women in Los Angeles County, in 2020, Los Angeles County accounted for 22% of all domestic violence calls across the State. The 2023 Los Angeles County health survey indicated that domestic violence impacts women across races, ethnicities, and income levels, and approximately 1 in 4 women report having endured sexual or physical violence from an intimate partner. An estimated 5.7% of males report physical domestic violence in the county, and 10% of men indicated having experienced sexual or physical violence from an intimate partner during their adult lives.
Through the office of violence prevention, the Domestic Violence Council and the office of women’s health, the county’s Department of Public Health has prioritized addressing issues related to domestic or intimate partner violence, and gender-based violence, in addition to a dedicated 24/7 domestic violence hotline to connect individuals in need of support to an operator or agency near them. The county continues to identify opportunities to raise awareness and provide additional supports to individuals experiencing domestic and intimate partner violence, loved ones of those experiencing abuse, and provide services for abusers, to continue to prevent and address instances of violence.
The motion directs DPH’s office of violence prevention to work with the Department of Mental Health and the Los Angeles County Office of Education or LACOE, to create a toolkit on raising domestic violence and expand on existing resources. Further, the motion requests the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department or LASD to report back with a feasibility study on options to better partner and develop a coordinated response to the needs of people experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, their families, and abusers.
Details: Read the motion in full here.

Supervisors Approve Motion to Terminate Transportation, Storage Fees for Residents to Transport the Deceased

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Supervisors Approve Motion to Terminate Transportation, Storage Fees for Residents to Transport the Deceased

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Jan. 7 approved a motion authored to identify ongoing funding to permanently eliminate transportation and storage fees for all county residents.
The loss of a loved one can be one of the most difficult and traumatic moments in peoples’ lives, and unfortunately can also be financially stressful for those laying their loved ones to rest. Previously, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner or DME required a transportation and storage fee of $400 to transport the body of the deceased from the place of death to the DME where bodies undergo an examination. This fee was often one of the many unexpected and costly expenses incurred from the loss of a loved one.
In March 2024, the board approved a motion authored by chair pro tem Solis to instruct the chief medical examiner to identify and provide funding to waive transportation and storage fees for county residents during a 180-day assessment period. This assessment period confirmed the burden of transportation disproportionately impacts low-income communities, which includes people of color. Funding was also successfully identified for the duration of the pilot program to the end of the current fiscal year.
“I am grateful we have the flexibility in our budget to eliminate this fee that had burdened families during some of the most difficult days of their lives. Los Angeles County is here for our residents from their births to their deaths. This is part of that commitment and taking care of our residents with dignity and compassion,” said Supervisor Hahn.
The approved motion will direct the chief executive office, in collaboration with the Department of Medical Examiner, to identify ongoing funding to permanently eliminate transportation and storage fees for all county residents.
Details: Read the full motion here.

LA County Approves Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter

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LA County Approves Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter

Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Jan. 7 voted to declare Jan. 9, as a Day of Mourning in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.
Aligning with President Biden’s proclamation of a National Day of Mourning, Los Angeles County will pause to reflect on President Carter’s enduring contributions.
The closure of non-emergency county offices on Jan. 9 will allow employees and residents to honor his memory and legacy while ensuring essential services remain uninterrupted to meet the needs of our communities.
“President Jimmy Carter led our country compassionately and with a kindness that championed human rights and made significant strides in environmental justice and education. His values reflected the very best of humanity,” said Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis. “We dedicate Thursday, January 9, 2025 as a Day of Mourning in his honor. May we reflect on his long and fulfilling lifetime and tremendous career in public service with admiration and pride, and as a resounding collective commitment to uplift peace and prosperity for our country.”
President Carter’s National Funeral Service will take place on Jan. 9 in Washington D.C. at 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

California Unveils Bold Plan for Zero-Emission, Fully Connected Rail Network by 2050

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California Unveils Bold Plan for Zero-Emission, Fully Connected Rail Network by 2050

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom Jan. 7 announced the release of the State Rail Plan, a long-range vision of statewide investments that will create up to 900,000 jobs and a zero-emission, fully interconnected rail and transit network by 2050.
The plan calls for providing mobility to every region of the state by creating a world-class, fully integrated, zero-emission rail network that connects seamlessly with other transportation modes. The network includes intercity, regional, and local transit systems to make traveling by train a more attractive option compared to car or air travel — giving Californians options when it comes to traveling around the state.
The State Rail Plan is a key part of the Governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating thousands of jobs across the state. Find projects building your community at build.ca.gov.
This vision will also benefit communities historically underserved by transportation infrastructure by increasing access to affordable and frequent rail services. The state envisions passenger rail and transit, which combined currently serve only 2% of miles traveled in California, to increase to 20% of all miles traveled by 2050 on a zero-emission fleet. This would shift nearly 200 million daily passenger miles from highways to the statewide rail and transit network, significantly reducing road congestion and carbon pollution.
This plan will ensure goods movement needs are met while pursuing opportunities to shift freight to rail. The effort to build this zero-emission train network throughout California has already begun.
Electrified high-speed rail systems currently under construction will form the backbone of the state’s passenger rail network, which will anchor longer distance trips. The plan identifies priority projects to complete high-speed systems and connect them with intercity and regional rail to expand the reach and impact of the investments.
“This plan builds off California’s commitment to progressing inter-city passenger rail service and advancing mobility, economic and environmental benefits,” said California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri. “As a foundational part of the state’s integrated rail network, California’s clean, electrified high-speed rail project will connect the Bay Area to Los Angeles through the Central Valley, extending to local and regional networks throughout the state.”
In June 2024, the first self-powered, zero emission passenger train in North America arrived in San Bernardino County and is scheduled to enter service later this year. In August, Caltrain launched California’s first electric rail system on the San Francisco Peninsula, and full electric service along the San Francisco-San Jose corridor began in September.
The plan also aligns with the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI), and the California Transportation Plan 2050 (PDF). Along with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Rail Plan outlines measures to protect rail infrastructure from climate risks such as sea-level rise, wildfires and flooding to ensure long-term resilience.
The plan envisions a direct capital investment of $310 billion from local, state, federal, and private funding, with an estimated economic return of over $540 billion by 2050. This investment is also expected to create 900,000 full time jobs for construction, maintenance, and operation industries, representing a significant boost to California’s economy. A fully integrated statewide rail network will also improve access to opportunity for Californians without the costs of car-ownership.

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