Electeds mourn slain police officer
State Sen. Susan Rubio (D- Baldwin Park) and Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila over the weekend mourned the shooting death of Baldwin Park Police officer Samuel Riveros.
Riveros, 35, was shot and killed in a shootout Saturday night after responding to a call of a shooting. One civilian was also killed, and another police officer was injured in the incident.
“When danger erupted last night and the call went out for help, it was our Baldwin Park Police Officers who responded without hesitation, reflecting the best of bravery and conviction to serve. On behalf of our council and city hall staff, I offer our sincerest condolences to the victims, our Baldwin Park police department community and the families of those affected by this violence,” said Avila. “Last night was a night of tragedy for our community. Many in our community have been affected by these crimes, and I ask that you embrace your officers and neighbors, support them in their time of need and show one another the best of Baldwin Park.”
“I’ve had the honor of working alongside the Baldwin Park Police Department for more than 20 years – first as a Councilwoman, now as a State Senator. Over the years, we have built more than just a working relationship. We’ve built a deep bond rooted in friendship, shared purpose, and love for the community we serve,” said Rubio.
“Officer Samuel Riveros was more than a badge. He was a dedicated public servant, a brave soul who gave his life to keep others safe. To the family of Officer Riveros: your grief is shared by an entire community. We are with you, and Officer Riveros’ heroism will never be forgotten.”
LosAngelesCountyPolitics.com (LACP) extends our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of Officer Riveros and the City of Baldwin Park.
Bass beefs up security
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced last night that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will beef up patrols around houses of worship and community centers following this weekend’s firebombing attack against elderly Jews.
The attack left eight people between the ages of 52 and 88 injured, one critically. They were attacked while they peacefully participated in a “Run for their Lives” walk to show solidarity with the Israeli hostages still being held captive by Hamas.
“What happened in Boulder, Colorado — an especially brutal targeting of elders — is an atrocious affront to the very fabric of our society and our beliefs here in Los Angeles,” said Bass.
“This was the second terrorist attack against Jews in two weeks — I will be calling an emergency meeting at City Hall regarding safety and security here in Los Angeles immediately after [the Jewish holiday] Shavuot. LAPD is conducting extra patrols at houses of worship and community centers throughout LA. Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in this city.”
Barragán calls out chemical company
U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán (D- Bellflower, Carson, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Lakewood, Long Beach, Lynwood, Paramount, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, West Carson, Wilmington) fired off a letter last month to JCI Jones Chemicals, Inc. (JCI) expressing concerns with the company’s repeated failure to properly maintain equipment and address other unsafe conditions at their chemical plant in Harbor Gateway.
In the missive, Barragán raised alarm with Clean Air Act violations and other safety issues identified by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during past inspections of JCI’s facility. The inspection found corroded pipes and valves, a dilapidated roof structure, and improper storage of hazardous materials.
The Congresswoman expressed concerns with the company’s lack of progress toward meeting an updated requirement of the federal Risk Management Program (RMP) for nearly 12,000 chemical plants nationwide, including the JCI facility, to install community notification systems.
To address these concerns and improve the safety of the facility, the lawmaker requested JCI to commit to the RMP regulations by maintaining all equipment on site, fully enclose the facility with proper equipment to mitigate an accidental chemical release, provide an update in the next sixty days on JCI’s plans to install a community notification system, and engage with the local community on the company’s actions to improve the safety of the facility.
“My constituents and I are alarmed that JCI has not made greater efforts to improve the safety of this facility where hazardous materials are stored and moved through for transit to other locations,” wrote Barragán. “These conditions are unsafe and unacceptable.”
