Solis, Torres decry fed raid of Pomona day laborers
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis and U.S. Rep. Norma Torres (D-Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas) decried yesterday’s Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) raid outside a Pomona Home Depot in which approximately 15-20 day laborers were reportedly detained.
A senior DHS official said in a statement to Spectrum News that their operation in Pomona targeted an illegal alien with an active arrest warrant.
“During the operation, nine additional illegal aliens were encountered and taken into custody. Several of those apprehended had prior charges, including child abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, immigration violations, and DUI,” the DHS official told the media outlet in a statement.
Solis said she immediately directed the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs to connect with the Pomona Day Labor Center to ensure those impacted receive the support and resources they need.
“While this remains a developing situation, I want to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their immigration status, are aware of and can exercise their constitutional rights,” said Solis. “Just last week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an additional $5.5 million in funding for RepresentLA — a program dedicated to providing our immigrant community with access to legal representation.”
Torres said the use of federal agents to target workers outside of a hardware store sends a chilling message to every immigrant in our district. It is cruel, it is unnecessary, and it is absolutely unacceptable, she said.
“My office stands firmly with our immigrant community. We will not sit by while fear is sown in our neighborhoods. I am demanding answers from CBP and will be working with local leaders to ensure accountability and protection for those targeted,” said Torres.
“My office is actively working to confirm all details surrounding the situation. We are committed to providing accurate and timely information as it becomes available,” the lawmaker added.
Allen celebrates passage of mobile home park protections
State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood) yesterday celebrated the passage of SB 749 out of the Senate Housing Committee to extend affordable housing protections for mobile home park tenants in the wake of a natural disaster.
“The Palisades Fire that ripped through my district in January exposed tragic vulnerabilities that threaten the ability for mobile home residents to return to their community after a natural disaster,” said Allen. “The residents of the Palisades Bowl and Tahitian Terrace mobile home parks lost everything, and we need to do everything we can to help them.”
Mobile homes are the largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the nation, and provide important homeownership opportunities for many Californians. Opportunities to preserve unsubsidized affordable housing are especially important today when the state’s affordable housing funding is oversubscribed and our existing housing stock is under increasing threat from climate disaster, the state lawmaker added.
The measure will expand and clarify existing affordable housing law to protect against the conversion of land from affordable mobile home park units to market-rate units after a disaster. If a park owner is seeking to close or change use of the land, this measure would require the owner to provide notice of opportunities to purchase at fair market rates to resident organizations and qualified entities certified by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The qualified entities must have a mission of preserving affordable housing units across California.
Richardson, Allen on Long Beach 2025 Pride Parade
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen announced this week that the City of Long Beach will serve as the official host of the 2025 Long Beach Pride Parade for the second consecutive year, ensuring the longstanding and cherished event continues in 2025
The parade has been a staple of Long Beach and the LA region for decades, attracting thousands of spectators and participants each year. The 42nd annual parade will take place on Sunday, May 18, commencing at Ocean Boulevard and Lindero Avenue and traveling along iconic stretches of Ocean Boulevard and Alamitos Avenue in Downtown.
“The Long Beach Pride Parade is more than just a celebration—it’s a cherished tradition that reflects the heart and soul of our city. It’s a vibrant expression of love, acceptance and unity, reminding us of the power of living authentically and standing together,” said Richardson. “Join us as we honor and uplift our LGBTQ+ community, celebrate the rich diversity that defines Long Beach, and continue building a more inclusive and compassionate future for all.”
“The Pride Parade is a not just a great community event, it’s an important movement at a time in our nation’s history where we are the most vulnerable,” said Allen. “This year’s theme is the ‘The Power of Community,’ and Long Beach has always been a leader in supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Our commitment to our LGBTQ+ community is unwavering, and we will continue being a leader in the fight for equality. It’s a privilege to be able to support this year’s event; I know it means a lot to our residents, businesses and LGBTQ+ communities across the southland.”
