Hahn, Solis ordinance against concealing identities moves forward
LA County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis yesterday saw the full board approve their proposed ordinance that would prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identities while on duty in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
The 4-0-1 with Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstaining, directed the county counsel to draft the wording of the ordinance.
“Across the county, people are being pulled out of their cars, beaten, and ripped from their families by men in tactical gear with balaclavas, no badges, and no names,” said Hahn. “That’s not how law enforcement in a democracy should operate. Residents have a right to know who is stopping them, questioning them, and detaining them.”
Since the ICE raids began in early June, residents across LA County have reported disturbing encounters with plainclothes or masked agents, many refusing to identify themselves or display any form of official credentials. These incidents have sparked fear and confusion over potential impersonation and abuse.
“The use of masks, tactical gear, and refusal to show identification is not only alarming and confusing, but erodes public trust and raises serious safety concerns,” said Solis. “Residents have a right to know who is operating in our communities, especially during times of heightened fear amid aggressive and warrantless raids.”
Questions have been raised about whether the county can enforce this requirement on federal agents. It is generally understood that local and state governments do not regulate federal law enforcement.
However, Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley Law School, has said that is not absolute, especially in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers the western United States.
County Counsel will draft the requested ordinance and bring it back to the Board of Supervisors for approval within 60 days.
Torrance Mayor Chen raises concerns over supportive housing acquisition
Torrance Mayor George K. Chen and the City of Torrance recently ramped up the pressure to halt the LA County Board of Supervisors’ plan to locate a supportive housing facility in the city’s heart.
That after the City recently released the results of an independent appraisal of the Extended Stay America Hotel located at 3525 Torrance Boulevard, the proposed site for the State-funded Homekey+ permanent supportive housing initiative.
The report reveals a fair market value of $10.2 million, raising significant concerns over the Weingart Center’s previously reported $30 million acquisition offer.
The nearly $20 million assessment discrepancy has prompted the City to call for greater scrutiny in implementing publicly funded housing programs like Homekey+, particularly when taxpayer dollars are involved.
“Our responsibility as a City is to listen to our residents and act in a way that reflects our community’s values The results of this independent appraisal reinforce the concerns many in our City have already raised,” said Chen.
“As we continue to seek thoughtful, compassionate solutions to homelessness, we will do so transparently and responsibly, always with the goal of aligning with our community and protecting the long-term interests of Torrance.”
Hochman charges high school baseball coach with sex crimes
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman yesterday announced charges of a Long Beach high school baseball coach with multiple sex crimes against a minor, and authorities believe there may be additional victims.
Gabriel Vigil, 34, of Long Beach was charged with one felony count each of sexual penetration of a person under 18; unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger; oral copulation of a person under 18; contacting a minor for a sexual offense; and distributing or showing pornography to a minor.
He is also charged with two felony counts of meeting a minor for lewd purposes.
“Sex predators who exploit their position of trust in a school setting and target minors should know that my office will work with law enforcement to find you, arrest you, and hold you fully accountable,” said Hochman. “We fully support the victim in this case as prosecutors in our Sex Crimes Division seek justice against the perpetrator. We encourage any additional victims to contact our office or the Long Beach Police Department as the investigation is ongoing.”
Between May 1 and July 1, 2025, Vigil allegedly committed multiple felony sex crimes against a female student while working as a baseball coach at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach. The alleged conduct occurred at multiple locations, including at the defendant’s apartment.
If convicted, Vigil faces up to eight years in state prison, and would be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Friedman Introduces bill restoring Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Hollywood), along with Congressional House and Senate members, yesterday introduced the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act, a bicameral bill that repeals the newly enacted federal ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood.
The legislation strikes Section 71113 of the Republicans’ “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” which prohibits federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood clinics that offer reproductive health care alongside other health care.
The provision has already put nearly 200 Planned Parenthood clinics at risk of closure, endangering access to healthcare for more than two million patients across the country.
“Planned Parenthood is a cornerstone of healthcare in communities all across our nation and it’s under direct attack. This bill will reverse a cruel, politically motivated ban on Medicaid payments that’s jeopardizing access to not just reproductive healthcare, but cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing, and more,” said Friedman. “We’re fighting to ensure people can continue getting the essential care they count on, no matter who they are or where they live.”
The ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood could leave thousands of patients in every state with no place to seek essential reproductive care and other vital health services.
Every year, Planned Parenthood provides healthcare to more than two million people, including STI testing, breast exams, birth control, HPV vaccines, and other critical services.
