Soto targets illegal nightclub in Downtown LA
Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced this week that her office has filed a civil enforcement action to shut down an alleged illegal, after-hours nightclub in downtown LA (DTLA).
The 217 East Washington Boulevard property has been a site of violence for many years, including a fatal shooting. The club presents an ongoing threat to community safety with illegal firearms, including a ghost gun, ammunition, and other illegal land uses.
“The Defendants have repeatedly and brazenly violated laws and jeopardized the well-being of our community. Ensuring public safety of our residents is a top priority and, with this suit, we are holding the property owners accountable and putting a stop to illegal activities that have continually disrupted this neighborhood,” said Soto.
The property owner defendants have permitted the Property to be used illegally since at least December 2017. In June 2023, a confrontation inside the nightclub escalated into gunfire, leaving one person dead and another wounded. In December 2024, LAPD officers shut down a party with approximately 120 patrons and recovered a fully loaded ghost gun, a loaded magazine, and live ammunition.
Soto’s lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to immediately cease all illegal operations at the property and penalties for the Defendants’ persistent violations.
Barger unsurprised at Probation Department put into receivership
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said yesterday she was not surprised that State Attorney General Rob Bonta’s request to place the Los Angeles County Probation Department under state receivership was part of putting the County’s juvenile halls in receivership.
“In truth, this moment has been a long time coming. For years, I have voiced my concerns about the deepening dysfunction within the department, some of it fueled by the Board of Supervisors’ micromanagement. Today’s action directly repudiates our Board’s ability to effectively oversee this department.
“While this request carries weight and must not be taken lightly, my focus remains unchanged: protecting and supporting the youth in our care. They deserve safe facilities, meaningful rehabilitative programs, and a system that offers them a path to growth and accountability.
If a state receivership is what it takes to finally deliver those reforms and bring long overdue stability, then I welcome this intervention. The well-being of these young people must always come first.”
Kamlager-Dove calls for resignation of Gabbard
U.S. Rep. and Congressional Black Caucus Whip Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Culver City, View Park-Windsor Hills, parts of South LA7) yesterday led members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in a letter calling for the resignation of Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard.
This missive follows the release of documents that accused President Obama and his cabinet of “manufacturing and politicizing” evidence against President Trump related to Russia’s proven interference in the 2016 Election.
“As Director of National Intelligence, your job is to safeguard truth, not spread propaganda. Instead, you have abused your position to promote a partisan narrative rooted in conspiracy and discredited claims. This is not your first display of poor judgment, but it is your most egregious,” wrote the lawmakers.
“Your blatant misuse of your position as Intelligence Director to shield a 34-time convicted felon and adjudicated rapist from facing the truth is not only a moral failure, but a glaring betrayal of the very Constitution that you swore an oath to uphold.
“We call on you to resign immediately so that new leadership can begin the urgent work of restoring integrity, rebuilding trust, and upholding the nonpartisan mission of the Intelligence Community before even more damage is done.”
The full letter can be viewed here.
Pasadena City Council awards contract to fix central library
The Pasadena City Council this week approved a contract with PCL Construction Services, Inc. to proceed with the seismic retrofitting and repair of the Pasadena Central Library (PCL), some four years after its closure.
The iconic 1927 library building is a cornerstone of the City’s historic Civic Center and an essential hub for learning, research, and community engagement. It was shuttered in 2021 due to seismic safety concerns from unreinforced masonry construction.
Prior to its closing, the Central Library served over 1,000 daily visitors and supported nearly 900 annual community meetings and events. Its closure has significantly disrupted access to vital services and cultural programming.
In November 2024, Pasadena voters approved Measure PL, authorizing $195 million in bond funding to support the seismic retrofit and renovation of the PCL.
To learn more about the Pasadena Central Library Retrofit and Building Repairs Project, visit
CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Central-Library-Earthquake-Retrofit/.
