Compton welcomes new Sheriff’s Department captain
The City of Compton will today host a meet-and-greet with Captain Victor Puebla, who officially took over the Compton Sheriff’s Station on Sunday, August 17.
A 25-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Capt. Puebla brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service. Since joining the department in 2000, he has held a variety of assignments, including Men’s Central Jail, Stanley Mosk Courthouse, and East Los Angeles Station, where he served as a patrol deputy, field training officer, and station detective.
“We are excited to welcome Capt. Puebla to Compton. His years of experience and commitment to service will be an asset to our community. I look forward to working closely with him to advance our public safety goals and address city priorities that matter most to our residents,” said Compton Mayor Emma Sharif.
Capt. Puebla holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Los Angeles and is a fluent Spanish speaker. He is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with the community and addressing local concerns through collaboration, transparency, and proactive engagement.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to step into the role of Captain at Compton Station,” said Capt. Puebla. “For me, it’s not just about leading the station, it’s about being a part of this community. My goal is to work alongside the dedicated men and women of this station as we continue to strengthen our relationship with the community, work together to address the community’s concerns, and create a safer environment for everyone.”
Residents are invited to meet Capt. Puebla on at 4 pm, today, Tuesday, August 26 at the Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center, 301 N. Tamarind Avenue in Compton. For more information, call 310-605-5585.
Bass and LAPD announce burglary crew bust
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief McDonnell yesterday announced that LAPD, with partnership from regional law enforcement agencies, led a coordinated operation to successfully take down a burglary crew responsible for nearly 100 break-ins across the city and in the county of Los Angeles over the last two years.
“In the early hours of last Wednesday, LAPD led a coordinated operation across multiple jurisdictions that successfully took down a burglary crew responsible for nearly one hundred break-ins across our city and our County,” said Bass. “Thanks to the tireless work of our officers and detectives, this crew, which has victimized families and businesses, is no longer a threat to our neighborhoods.”
McDonnell credited the bust to outstanding collaboration with detectives communicating across bureaus, sharing intelligence, and connecting the dots that revealed 93 burglaries dating back to 2022 tied to the same crew.
“We will continue to pursue organized crews and repeat offenders, and we will not stop until our communities are safe,” said McDonnell.
Mayor Bass noted that holding the burglary crew accountable is part of a bigger story – just a few weeks ago, homicides were reported at a 60-year low. Mayor Bass met two weeks ago with Valley homeowners to detail LAPD’s aggressive approach to confronting the uptick in crime, part of Mayor Bass’ comprehensive strategy to public safety that includes law enforcement and preventing crime before it happens through community solutions. These efforts will continue.
Hernandez Convenes immigrant rights leaders
Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez (D-Glassell Park, Highland Park, Chinatown, Mount Washington, Echo Park, Elysian Park, Westlake, Pico Union, Koreatown, Angelino Heights, Lincoln Heights, MacArthur Park) recently brought some of the region’s most respected immigrant and human rights organizations to City Hall to speak to Council about the impact of the Trump administration’s unlawful abductions of immigrants across the City and provide updates on the landmark lawsuit filed in July.
“Los Angeles is a city of immigrants — and we will not stand by while Trump weaponizes federal agencies to terrorize our neighbors,” said Councilmember Hernandez. “Our role as a City is clear: demand accountability and do everything in our power possible to protect the people who make Los Angeles thrive.”
With a major hearing now scheduled for September 24, advocates stressed the urgent need for the City to stand firmly with immigrant families, laying out what the City must do, including:
- Hold LAPD accountable for collaboration with federal immigration enforcement and demand that police safeguard the constitutional rights of all Angelenos regardless of immigration status
- Invest more into RepresentLA, the County’s public-private program that provides free legal representation to immigrants facing deportation
- Encourage residents to, when safe to do so, exercise their First Amendment rights and document raids
- Support impacted businesses and families with economic aid.
Advocates explained that the courts have already sided with immigrant communities in several early rulings, rejecting the federal government’s attempt to undo protections against unlawful stops. The case is now moving forward with motions for class certification and a preliminary injunction, and the outcome of September’s hearing could set national precedent.
Whittier Launches Parnell Park Renovation
The Whittier City Council has approved a contract with Kasa Construction, Inc. to deliver the long-awaited Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project, a major investment in one of Whittier’s most beloved community spaces.
The project represents years of planning, community input, and City Council foresight. It aligns with the City’s Parks Master Plan to address park needs and expand recreational opportunities. With a total project budget of $22.2 million, the renovation will offer state-of-the-art amenities, upgraded facilities, and expanded access for residents of all ages and abilities.
“Parnell Park has brought Whittier families together for generations, and the City Council is proud to invest in its future,” said Mayor Joe Vinatieri. “Through years of community input and planning, we’ve identified the upgrades residents value most. With Senator Bob Archuleta’s support in securing $5 million in state funding, we’re delivering a park that reflects those priorities — including new soccer fields that give Whittier kids more chances to stay active, build teamwork, and enjoy youth sports close to home — while creating a space that will serve Whittier families for years to come.”
Highlights include new soccer fields with modern lighting, a community band shell for concerts and events, an inclusive “all-abilities” playground, a splash pad, and an expanded, more inviting farm animal zoo. Other improvements feature a new restroom facility, shaded picnic areas, walking paths, and EV parking stations, as well as enhanced landscaping, irrigation, and security lighting.
The renovation is funded through City resources, park impact fees, and outside sources—including Archuleta’s $5 million in state funding.
The City will celebrate the groundbreaking on September 6, 2025, and construction will begin shortly thereafter. Residents are encouraged to follow project updates on the City’s website and social media channels.
