Friedman demands answers on DHS presence during Newsom Presser
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, HollywoodCA-30) led a letter joined by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and 12 additional members of the California congressional delegation, demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding a concerning homeland security presence during Governor Gavin Newsom’s August 14 press conference in Los Angeles.
Public reporting indicates that approximately 100 federal agents — many in tactical gear and masks — were deployed directly outside the Governor’s public event. Only two individuals were reportedly arrested, raising serious concerns about the intent and proportionality of the operation.
“The American people must be able to trust that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and related federal agencies will never use their authority to intimidate civilians on the basis of political or policy differences,” wrote Friedman and her colleagues in the letter.
The letter requests specific information about who authorized the deployment, the operational justification for its scale, whether the Governor’s remarks influenced the decision, and details about the two arrests made.
The lawmakers are requesting a written response from DHS officials no later than September 4.
Cisneros Statement on Trip to Israel
U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-El Monte, West Covina, La Puente, Baldwin Park) released the following statement last week after his official trip to Israel with a group of Democratic Members of Congress to demand answers about the status of the situation in Gaza.
“We met with Israeli and Palestinian government officials about the continuing conflict. We met with the team from the U.N.’s World Food Program and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation on the status of food distribution. I did not go on this trip to kiss the ring of Prime Minister Netanyahu or undermine the suffering happening in both Israel and Palestine; rather, I went to conduct oversight into what is really happening with aid distribution, dispel misinformation, and ask hard questions of both governments,” said Cisneros.
“All human life is precious, and no civilian—Israeli or Palestinian—should be subject to fear, starvation, and violence. On the trip we discussed the shortcomings of the current aid systems. As it stands, the aid deliveries in Gaza are falling unacceptably short of the humanitarian need. It is the duty of Israel, Palestine, and international partners to ensure that aid trucks make it into Gaza quickly and effectively to prevent civilian suffering.
“In Congress, I have advocated for a two-state solution that would give both Israelis and Palestinians a safe and permanent home. Both the Israeli and Palestinian people want the war to end and all involved parties must work to return the hostages, agree to a ceasefire, and end the suffering.”
Cisneros is a Navy veteran and the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. He currently serves on the House Armed Services and Small Business Committees.
State certifies Palos Verdes Estates 2021-2029 Housing Element
The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) certified the City of Palos Verdes Estates’ 2021–2029 Housing Element this week, deeming it substantially compliant and successfully concluding a multi-year effort.
The certification follows the adoption of Ordinance No. 766 and Resolution No. R25-11 by the City Council in June 2025, which finalized the rezoning of key sites identified in the Housing Element inventory. These actions fulfilled the final conditions set forth by HCD for full compliance with State Housing Law.
“This certification reflects years of dedicated work by City staff, elected officials, PVHA, and community members,” said Kerry Kallman, City Manager of Palos Verdes Estates. “It ensures that our city remains eligible for critical state funding and maintains local control over future development.”
The certified Housing Element outlines a comprehensive strategy to accommodate the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 199 units across various income levels. It includes rezoning initiatives under Program 13, which enable higher-density residential development at three sites.
Development in these sites is regulated by recently adopted Development Standards that were carefully crafted to ensure any future developments maintain the long-established architectural standards found throughout the City of Palos Verdes Estates.
The City’s planning process included extensive public engagement, environmental review under CEQA, and collaboration with HCD to ensure the Housing Element meets all statutory requirements. The certification secures Palos Verdes Estates’ standing among California cities actively addressing housing affordability and availability.
For more information and to view the certified Housing Element, visit the City’s Planning Department webpage at www.PVEstates.org/HousingElement.
Torrance, LA County to host Prop 36 community forum
The City of Torrance invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to attend the upcoming Proposition 36 Implementation Community Forum tomorrow, Thursday, at Torrance City Hall.
California Proposition 36, passed by voters in November 2024, is a ballot initiative that increases penalties for repeat drug and theft offenses, while also creating a treatment program option for qualifying drug offenders. It partially reverses the criminal justice reforms made by Proposition 47 in 2014, which had reduced penalties for many nonviolent offenses.
The forum will provide attendees an overview of the measure, its potential impacts on Torrance and neighboring cities, and create an opportunity for open dialogue with the public.
Featured speakers include Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Special Assistant Michele Hanisee, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, and Interim Torrance Police Chief Robert Dunn, who will discuss the steps to strengthen community safety and the implications for local law enforcement.
The forum is slated for 6 pm, tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 28 at Torrance City Hall, 3031 Torrance Boulevard. It also streams live on the City’s YouTube & Facebook platforms).
The community is encouraged to reserve a spot in advance. RSVP at TorranceCA.Gov/Prop36 and submit your questions in advance of the event.
