Hahn readies county for November 4th statewide special election
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D-Southeastern LA County including Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hacienda Heights) this weeksaw the full Board of Supervisors (BOS) approve her motion directing the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk to provide the Board with a detailed update on preparations for California’s November 4th statewide special election.
Governor Gavin Newsom called the special election on August 21, just 75 days before Election Day, after signing into law a package of bills designed in response to unprecedented partisan redistricting efforts in Texas and other states.
“As the largest county in the nation, Los Angeles County has to run elections at a scale no one else does,” said Hahn. “Normally, our Registrar begins planning a year in advance. This time, we have less than three months. We have a responsibility to our voters to make sure this special election is carried out smoothly and securely—even on a compressed timeline.”
The compressed timeline means vote centers must be secured in just 65 days, and vote-by-mail ballots mailed within 45 days. Beyond those immediate deadlines, election officials must also onboard temporary staff, order supplies, secure systems, install drop boxes, recruit and train election workers, prepare vendors, and launch voter education and outreach campaigns.
Hahn’s motion directs the LA County Registrar-Recorder to report back to the Board publicly at its October 7, 2025, meeting. The update will specifically address:
• State funding
• Vote-by-mail ballots
• Ballot drop boxes
• Vote centers
• Election worker recruitment and training
• Voter education and outreach
Bass encourages Angelenos to sign up for 2028 Olympic tickets
Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass yesterday encouraged Angelenos to sign up at la28.org to be notified when ticket registration for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games opens.
Registration for Olympic Games tickets will begin in January 2026. Single tickets for both Games will start at $28, with early access to tickets for locals around Games venue cities. Tickets for the Paralympic Games will go on sale in 2027.
Bass has spearheaded significant, lasting change throughout the City and is encouraging Angelenos to sign up to experience the greatest Games the city has seen.
“In Los Angeles, crime is down, homelessness is down and we are leading the fastest disaster recovery effort in state history,” said Bass. “Angelenos from across the City have come together to show the world the beauty of our City, and today is a new step forward. L.A. will be ready for millions to see the best of our small businesses, diverse communities and so much more.”
To ensure that small businesses benefit from the Games, Bass launched ‘ProcureLA’ to create a pipeline of businesses that are ready and equipped to win contracting opportunities ahead of major events. Through the program, businesses will receive one-on-one consultation from the City’s Business Source Centers, training and assistance with certification, proposal development, registration to procurement portals and so much more to equip small businesses for successful bidding.
Long Beach launches second round of Urban Planning Internship Program
The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department is now accepting applications for the second cohort of its Long Beach Urban Planning and Design Internship Program, a paid initiative designed to provide college students with real-world experience in urban planning, architecture and civic engagement.
“We are continuing to empower our young people across a diverse range of professional fields,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, this innovative Program will cultivate the next generation of leaders in urban planning and design, leading to greater inclusivity in the workforce and more vibrant and sustainable communities.”
The Program is open to students ages 18 to 30 who are currently enrolled in a community college or university program in urban planning, architecture or related fields. Priority will be given to Long Beach residents and students in low-income or underserved communities. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements is available on the Program webpage.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply online through Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Participants will be compensated $22 per hour for a maximum of 500 hours.
For additional information about the Program, the public may contact Eli Romero, Workforce Development Officer, at 562.570.3762 or Eli.Romero@longbeach.gov. Those interested may visit the department’s website at longbeach.gov/youthservices to learn more about youth employment services.
Pérez demands meeting with UC Berkeley administration
State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Altadena, Arcadia, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Upland) this week demanded to meet with the UC Berkeley Administration after the State University reportedly released names of campus community members to the Trump Administration:
“I am in disbelief after reading accounts that the University of California, Berkeley has handed over the names of faculty, staff and students to the Trump Administration as part of an investigation into anti-Semitism on college campuses,” said Pérez.
“Let me be clear, antisemitism has no place on our campuses or anywhere. However, California is well equipped to handle any allegations of misconduct without playing into the federal administration’s politically motivated attacks on higher education that we are witnessing throughout the country by helping to target individuals or suppress expression out of fear of federal retribution.
“UC Berkeley is the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement. Capitulating to the Trump Administration is antithetical to our California’s values. As the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I have requested a meeting with UC Berkeley to fully understand these concerning accounts.”
