Hahn denounces fed decision to end LGBTQ+ crisis hotline
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D-Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hacienda Heights) yesterday denounced the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced intent to end federal funding for specialized services that route calls made to 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to LGBTQ+ counseling.
Currently, callers can press 3 after dialing 988 to get routed to a call line operated by the Trevor Project. The Trevor Project receives the calls and then provides over-the-phone counseling specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. SAMHSA intends to cut the funding for that 24/7 service by July 17.
“No vulnerable community is safe from the cruelty of the Trump administration. Cutting funding for these specialized services could have devastating consequences for LGBTQ+ youth, a community we know already faces extraordinary challenges,” said Hahn.
“I will be filing a motion so that we can fully understand the impact that these horrific actions by the federal government will have on those services, and how LA County can step up to protect our LGBTQ+ youth.”
Monterey Park debuts new Everbridge emergency notification system
The City of Monterey Park announced this week that it will upgrade its emergency alert system to Everbridge, a leading platform for critical event management and public safety communications.
Everbridge is the current national state-of-the-art emergency alert system.
Residents, businesses and community members are encouraged to immediately enroll via the Everbridge website or mobile app to receive alerts in the event of an emergency. Everbridge is free to use by the public.
This transition reflects the City’s commitment to enhancing emergency preparedness and ensuring residents receive timely, accurate information during emergencies and important community events.
Key Benefits of the New Everbridge System:
- Customizable Alerts: Residents can opt in to receive alerts about various topics, including public safety, street closures, community updates, and more.
- Multiple Delivery Methods: You can choose to receive alerts by text message, phone call, email, or via the Everbridge mobile app.
- Language Capability: Residents can choose to receive alerts in their preferred language.
Everbridge replaces and expands upon the Nixle alert system. Residents previously enrolled with Nixle will need to re-register for Everbridge to receive opt-in alerts and ensure that the City has up-to-date contact information and preferences for each resident.
For enhanced access to alerts and updates, residents are encouraged to download the Public Safety by Everbridge mobile app. This free app allows users to:
- Receive official alerts about emergencies, road closures, crime advisories, announcements, reminders and community updates straight to a mobile device.
- Customize how they receive alerts via push notifications, emails or text messages.
- Stay informed about events in multiple locations, such as home, work or school.
The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices:
- Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/public-safety-by-everbridge/id1563849940
- Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.everbridge.mobile.resident
Torrance expands on-demand transit program
The City of Torrance announced this week the expansion of service hours and coverage zone for Connect Torrance, the community’s on-demand transit program. This follows impressive ridership growth and operational efficiency during its first six months.
Launched in December 2024, Connect Torrance offers a convenient, affordable, curb-to-curb transit option for anyone traveling within the City, whether for work, errands, connecting to transit hubs, or exploring the community, without the need for a private vehicle.
The Connect Torrance zone was selected due to its proximity to the City’s main commerce and employment areas.
The project is funded by a combination of LA Metro’s Measure M Visionary Seed Funds, Measure R Transit program funding administered by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and Torrance Transit’s operating budget.
Connect Torrance now operates from 6 am to 9 pm, Monday through Friday; and from 9am to 9 pm, Saturdays and Sundays. The expanded service zone now includes key destinations across central and east Torrance, making it easier than ever to get where you need to go.
Riders within the service zone can book convenient, shared rides for a flat fee of $5 or $3 for residents 65 and older, through an easy-to-use mobile app powered by TransitTech provider Via. The app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play or by calling (424) 688-9251.
To learn more about Connect Torrance Plus, visit https://city.ridewithvia.com/connect-torrance.
Brownley votes to table Trump impeachment motion
U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas) voted this week, along with most House Democrats, to quash an effort to impeach President Donald Trump over his weekend Iran strikes.
Rep. Al Green’s (D-TX) impeachment resolution was tabled on a 344-79 vote, with 128 Democrats joining all 216 Republicans to kill the measure.
“I have voted to impeach President Donald Trump two times, and each time, the reasoning behind those decisions was grounded in facts, flagrant breaches of public trust, and this President’s repeated refusal to uphold the Constitution and the will of the American people. I am steadfast in my belief that Donald Trump remains a clear and present danger to our democracy and must be held fully accountable for his actions,” Brownley..
“This week’s resolution was introduced abruptly and only allowed for less than an hour between its introduction and the vote, leaving no room for sufficient discourse and failing to meet the scrupulous standards that have been set for impeachment proceedings.
“My vote — along with that of House Democratic leadership, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee Jamie Raskin, and the majority of my Democratic colleagues — was not a vote on whether to impeach Donald Trump, but rather, a procedural vote to table a hastily filed resolution that lacked the careful consideration such a serious matter demands.
“I remain more committed than ever to defending the integrity of our democratic institutions and to delivering real accountability, not through performative gestures, but through meaningful and effective actions.”
