Newsom launches new AI tool to speed recovery from Los Angeles Fires
Governor Gavin Newsom (D) yesterday announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence-driven software to aid Los Angeles City and County in accelerating the approval process for rebuilding permits, helping communities recover more quickly from the Eaton and Palisades fires.
The software, created by Archistar, will be provided free of charge to the local governments and to users through a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners including LA Rises and Steadfast LA with contributions from Autodesk and Amazon.
While the state has no direct role in the local permit approval process, Newsom has worked aggressively to reduce red tape, remove obstacles, and provide every available resource to local governments, enabling them to expedite permit approvals and rebuild quickly.
“The current pace of issuing permits locally is not meeting the magnitude of the challenge we face. To help boost local progress, California is partnering with the tech sector and community leaders to give local governments more tools to rebuild faster and more effectively,” said Newsom.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) noted that she recently signed an Executive Directive to spearhead an AI pilot program aimed at streamlining the permitting process for Palisades residents.
“With the announcement of this AI solution, we’re infusing new technologies into City Hall processes to ensure nothing stands in the way of families getting home – and to keep our recovery effort on track to be the fastest in modern California history. I thank Governor Newsom and our County partners for their collaboration on this exciting effort,” said Bass.
Valladares’ “No Tax on Tips” Bill Gets Senate Committee Approval
State Sen. Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) announced this week that her bill to exempt tips from taxes (SB 17) has passed unanimously out of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee with a 5-0 vote.
The bill, introduced on her first day of session, would provide immediate relief for California’s service and hospitality workers.
“During my twenties, I was a struggling student working as a waiter to make ends meet. I know firsthand how hard it is to earn a living in the service industry,” said Valladares. “These hardworking Californians should be able to keep more of what they earn – it’s time to ease their tax burden and help them get ahead.”
Under SB 17, workers earning tips would be eligible for the deduction if their adjusted gross income is under $125,000 for individuals or $250,000 for joint filers. The bill also updates the state’s tax code to align the definition of tips with federal standards while excluding licensed professionals—except barbers and cosmetologists—from claiming the deduction.
SB 17 will now be moved to its next committee.
Martiz Appointed to Huntington Park City Council
The Huntington Park City Council last week appointed Nancy Martiz to serve as its newest Councilmember.
Raised in the region and the proud daughter of immigrant parents, Martiz embodies the values of perseverance, service, and civic responsibility. With over 15 years of professional experience in human resources and employee benefits, currently serving in a national leadership role at The Walt Disney Company, Martiz has led initiatives that have impacted hundreds of thousands of employees nationwide.
“Huntington Park is ready for a new chapter—one built on transparency, accountability, and real responsiveness to our residents. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues on the Council and engaging with residents to continue to move in that direction and ensure our community’s needs come first,” said Martiz.
“With the appointment of Councilmember Martiz, we ensure that our residents have a full and functioning City Council ready to meet the challenges ahead,” said Mayor Arturo Flores. “At this time, her experience, professionalism, and community focus are exactly what Huntington Park needs. A collaborative Council is a strong Council, and I’m confident we’re building the kind of leadership our residents deserve.”
