Hochman on Menendez Ruling
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman (R) yesterday said his office’s unwavering commitment to presenting all relevant facts and perspectives in the murder trial of Erik and Lyle Menendez was pivotal to the Court’s resentencing ruling.
Hochman’s comments came after Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic’s decision to resentence the brothers to 50 years to life in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. This ruling makes the brothers eligible for parole.
“The decision to resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez was a monumental one that has significant implications for the families involved, the community, and the principles of justice,” said Hochman. “Our office’s motions to withdraw the resentencing motion filed by the previous administration ensured that the Court was presented with all the facts before making such a consequential decision.
The case of the Menendez brothers has long been a window for the public to better understand the judicial system. This case, like all cases — especially those that captivate the public — must be viewed with a critical eye. Our opposition and analysis ensured that the Court received a complete and accurate record of the facts. Justice should never be swayed by spectacle.”
The court decision makes Erik and Lyle Menendez immediately eligible for parole, but that decision will ultimately rest with the state parole board and the governor. The parole board is already scheduled to hold a hearing on June 13 as part of the brothers’ separate bid for parole.
Bass gets “We Are LA” thumbs up
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) received word yesterday that an independent research study found her Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles’ “We Are LA” program is helping keep people housed and preventing them from falling into homelessness.
The study, which was conducted between March and August of last year by the Center for Urban Resilience at Loyola Marymount University, revealed that nearly 75% of survey participants reported improved housing stability after seeking help from We Are LA.
Focus on prevention is key to Bass’ comprehensive approach to confronting the homelessness crisis, which has led to the first decrease in homelessness in years, bucking increasing trends both statewide and nationwide.
“Addressing the humanitarian crisis in our City must also focus on preventing people from falling into homelessness in the first place,” said Bass. “The tens of thousands of people served by the Mayor’s Fund are not just numbers, but individuals and families who are being connected to essential services with the goal of keeping them housed. This is how we continue to change the status quo and build upon our comprehensive strategy to tackle homelessness.”
Bass also thanked City Councilmember Nithya Raman for her leadership in allowing the Mayor’s Fund to use programs like the City’s eviction filing system to conduct outreach to vulnerable families and individuals. We Are LA connects caseworkers to these individuals and families providing one-on-one, personal support helping them overcome obstacles like applications for services, unfamiliar technology, language barriers and legal aid.
Barger, Gonzalez Battle copper theft
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger (R-Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada-Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) yesterday saw the full board unanimously approve her motion to support state legislation to curb the rising threat of copper and nonferrous metal theft across California.
Assembly Member Mark Gonzales (D-Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, Westlake, Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown, Pico-Union, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, and the cities of Vernon, Montebello, and Commerce) authored the legislation.
Gonzalez’s proposed measure would increase regulation of junk dealers and recyclers, requiring transaction documentation, proof of ownership, and licensure for sellers. It would also authorize law enforcement inspections and enable enforcement actions against violators.
Barger’s motion highlights the growing public safety and infrastructure risks posed by thefts that have disabled streetlights, disrupted telecommunications, and impacted critical services like water systems and public transportation—especially in rural areas of the County.
“Copper theft is far from a petty crime, it’s a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Barger. “Supporting this bill reflects our shared commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and supporting stronger enforcement tools that will deter this type of theft. We need clear recordkeeping, tighter restrictions, and better coordination with law enforcement to stop these dangerous crimes.”
