Barger declares emergency on the ongoing Canyon Fire
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger (R-Northern LA County, including Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada-Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) yesterday announced the issuance of a local emergency proclamation in response to the rapidly spreading Canyon Fire impacting northern Los Angeles County communities.
As of 11 p.m. last night, the fire had not been contained and was spreading east into Los Angeles County, officials said.
The proclamation enables the County to expedite access to critical resources and cut through bureaucratic red tape to enhance firefighting and recovery efforts.
“The issuance of this emergency proclamation is a crucial step in our fight against the Canyon Fire,” said Barger. “It allows us to unlock vital state and local resources more quickly and removes barriers that could slow down our first responders. Our priority is to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, and this proclamation will help ensure that we have the tools and support necessary to meet the urgent needs of our communities.”
Barger also emphasized the urgent need for residents to follow evacuation orders. She is sharing the following statement:
“For residents in Santa Clarita, Hasley Canyon, and Val Verde: please take every evacuation warning and order seriously. If first responders tell you to leave, go—without hesitation. The Eaton Fire showed us how quickly devastation can strike. It is never worth risking your life, the lives of your loved ones and pets, or the safety of those working to protect you. Your safety is my top priority, and swift action saves lives,” said Barger.
For more information and updates on the Canyon Fire, please visit the Los Angeles County Emergency website at lacounty.gov/emergency.
Richardson, Uranga mark Long Beach youth shelter opening
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga were on hand this week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Youth Shelter and Navigation Center, the City’s first permanent shelter facility for youth experiencing homelessness.
The facility provides temporary shelter and supportive services for youth ages 18-24, marking a significant milestone in the City’s efforts to address homelessness.
“Long Beach’s new Youth Shelter and Navigation Center represents the latest step forward in our city’s investments toward our goal of ending youth homelessness,” said Richardson. “This center will provide youth in need with a safe place to sleep and a safe place to get the support they need to get back on their feet.”
The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center (1718 Hayes Ave.) provides essential, year-round support for transitional-age youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness. This low-barrier, 12-bed housing first shelter offers 24/7 care grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices.
Services include case management, housing navigation, three daily meals, hygiene access and connections to long-term housing and wellness resources. The program supports both transitional and permanent housing pathways, beginning with a 90-day enrollment period that may be extended as youth work toward lasting stability and self-sufficiency.
“The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center is a testament to what we can achieve when we lead with compassion,” said Uranga, representing the seventh council district. “We are proud to welcome this vital space to West Long Beach and in turn offer our youth the support and services they need to move forward. We are committed to investing in compassionate solutions that break the cycle of homelessness.”
Rivas demands meeting with immigration enforcement officials
U.S. Rep. Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley (portions), including Pacoima, Panorama City), this week sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott requesting a meeting from both agencies to discuss the harmful actions of ICE agents in Los Angeles and demand accountability from them.
“There has been a series of disturbing events in the San Fernando Valley and the larger Los Angeles region, where ICE has used intimidation tactics that have sown fear and chaos in communities,” wrote Rivas, a daughter of Mexican immigrants. “Additionally, immigrants are being arrested and detained without legal cause or warrants in many cases and are considered ‘collateral’ arrests. I am deeply concerned by the indiscriminate nature of recent raids and seek transparency into the planning and execution of such raids.”
Rivas noted that throughout ICE’s presence in Los Angeles, ICE and CBP agents have been reported at sensitive locations, including homeless shelters, elementary schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Additionally, ICE and CBP agents have been seen wearing homemade masks or face coverings who are arriving in unmarked vehicles.
The disregard for sensitive locations respected in previous administrations and the lack of transparency have led to increased confusion and misinformation, the federal lawmaker said..
“As the elected official not just representing the hard-working immigrant communities of the San Fernando Valley, but as someone who grew up here, I seek transparency and accountability from all federal agencies. I request an in-person meeting to further discuss these issues impacting our communities and the entire country,” Rivas wrote.
Miranda gives heads up to Santa Clarita parents about E-bikes
Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda gave a heads-up this week to parents to become better educated regarding E-bikes, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among teens, as they return to school.
“One of the biggest issues we’re seeing in Santa Clarita involves high-powered, throttle-driven e-motorcycles being mistaken for standard e-bikes. These vehicles often resemble oversized bicycles but lack pedals and can reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. That’s a serious safety risk – and a legal one. Under California law, these vehicles are classified as off-highway motorized vehicles,” Miranda wrote in a City press release.
“They are not permitted on City trails, paseos, sidewalks, parks or public streets unless they are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, insured and operated by a licensed rider with a Class M motorcycle license. In addition, they must be equipped with proper motorcycle safety features, including working lights, mirrors and a horn.”
Miranda also noted the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station has increased enforcement in response to growing safety concerns. Deputies are actively citing violators and, in some cases, impounding vehicles that do not meet legal standards. Riders may face fines exceeding $500, delays in obtaining a driver’s license or even license suspension, depending on the violation.
For more information about e-bike classifications, safety guidelines and what is allowed in the City of Santa Clarita, please visit BikeSantaClarita.com/Ebikes.
