Barger, Bass applaud Newsom’s executive order in fire areas
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger and Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass applauded Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order to strengthen local control in high fire risk areas.
The executive order restores local control over important land use matters, like Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), in high-fire-severity zones. SB 9, which was enacted into law in 2021, allows homeowners to build multiple dwellings in single-family zoned areas.
The bill was crafted to reduce the cost of housing in California by increasing housing supply and density within California cities and overriding municipal and county zoning laws requiring single-family zoning.
“SB 9, like other state housing legislation, was intended to support thoughtful, phased-in development—not immediate implementation in the wake of a major disaster. Empowering local jurisdictions to make reasonable decisions about development patterns in wildfire-prone areas is a smart and necessary step,” said Barger..
“Before any lot splitting or additional housing is considered in these high-risk zones, we must ensure proper infrastructure and fire safety measures are in place. My top priority remains protecting Altadena’s unique community character and preventing the displacement of my constituents.
At the same time, I recognize the value of allowing property owners outside of high fire severity zones to build additional units—whether to generate supplemental income, support recovery efforts, or preserve multi-generational living arrangements that have long existed in our communities. This kind of flexibility is essential for helping residents stay rooted while also contributing to our region’s broader housing needs.”
Earlier this week, Mayor Bass issued a public statement opposing the impact that SB 9 would have on the Palisades community.
“SB 9 was not originally intended to be used in the rebuilding of a community that was decimated by the worst natural disaster L.A. has ever seen,” said Bass. “I thank Governor Newsom for working with my office to provide some sense of solace for a community working to rebuild.”
Richardson, Thrash-Ntuk praise Long Beach City-owned demolition
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and City Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk were on hand and applauded a demolition ceremony for the City-owned commercial properties located at 5641-5649 Atlantic Ave.
The site consists of two commercial buildings and one undeveloped parcel. The demolition eliminates existing public hazards and addresses safety concerns and will pave the way for future development opportunities that support economic growth, attract investment and align with the long-term vision for a vibrant and revitalized corridor.
“The ongoing transformation of the Atlantic Avenue corridor marks an exciting step toward the further revitalization of the Uptown community,” said Richardson. “By positioning the area for new development, we’re opening the door to fresh energy and modern investment, providing expanded opportunities and benefits to the residents and visitors of North Long Beach.”
“This isn’t just about momentum—it’s about a promise kept to the people of North Long Beach,” Thrash-Ntuk, who represents the Eighth District. “By clearing this site, we are opening the door for tangible investment—for new local jobs, for the shops and services our families can walk to, and for a community that is safer and cleaner for our kids. Every step like this brings our vision for a thriving North Long Beach one step closer to reality.”
The demolition project is expected to be completed in August 2025.
Developers interested in the site can submit an interest form online and learn more about City-owned property offerings at the Surplus Land webpage.
Sherman legislation clamps down on auto-renewal tactics
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley VillageCA-32), along with Reps. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA), yesterday introduced the Click to Cancel Act, legislation that would safeguard Americans from predatory subscription and auto-renewal tactics.
The bill enshrines into law critical rules put forward by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address increasing reports of consumers losing time and money from intentionally difficult subscription cancellation processes.
This rule, referred to as “Click to Cancel,” was finalized after the FTC underwent an extensive rulemaking process grounded in public input. Unfortunately, just days before it was to take effect, the Eighth Circuit Court vacated the rule over procedural technicalities. As a result, necessary consumer protections are stalled, while misleading cancellation practices continue.
“This legislation would ensure that auto-renew subscription services are transparent, easy to cancel, and required to gain explicit consent from the consumer before they are charged for services,” said Sherman.
Specifically, the Click to Cancel Act would codify the FTC Negative Option rule into statute and require companies to:
- Provide a simple, direct mechanism to cancel a subscription and immediately stop charges.
- Obtain clear and informed consumer consent before enrolling anyone in an auto-renewal program.
- Clearly disclose all material terms before collecting any billing information.
Valladares launches two new district offices
State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, portions of the Antelope Valley) will host two grand opening celebrations next week to mark the launch of two new district offices.
These events will allow community members to tour the new offices, meet Valladares and staff, and learn more about the services available through the district offices.
“My team and I are here for one reason—to serve our community,” said Valladares. “There’s no more important place for us to be than right here, working alongside the people I represent. I’m thrilled to celebrate the opening of our new district offices and expand the ways we can help make government work better for everyone.”
The first grand opening is slated for 5:30-7 pm, Monday, Aug. 4, at 42505 10th Street West, Ste 109 in Lancaster.
The second grand opening is slated for 5:30-7 pm, Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 25060 W. Avenue Stanford, Ste 130, in the Valencia section of greater Santa Clarita.
