Harabedian’s Mortgage Forbearance Act signed into law
Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia) saw Governor Gavin Newsom sign his Mortgage Forbearance Act (AB238) into law yesterday.
The measure provides essential relief to the Los Angeles Fire survivors by allowing a pause on mortgage payments for up to a year. Fire victims entering into forbearance will not face any penalties or credit damage during the pause in payments. Notably, the bill also prohibits lenders from requiring lump sum payments at the conclusion of the forbearance period, allowing homeowners to focus on rebuilding.
“For months since the fires, survivors have been forced to make two housing payments: one for their temporary rental accommodations and another mortgage payment for a house that either doesn’t exist anymore or is uninhabitable due to smoke and ash damage. AB 238 will ease the financial burden that too many families are facing by allowing them to pause their mortgage payments for up to a year while they get back on their feet,” said Harabedian.
After the fire, Harabedian worked with the Governor to secure initial commitments of 90-day forbearance periods from nearly 400 lenders in California.
AB 238 takes effect immediately. If you encounter any difficulties with your servicer, please notify the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), which ensures your rights under this new law are upheld. You can also contact Assemblymember Harabedian’s district office at (626) 351-1917 for assistance.
Newsom signs Pérez’s package of immigration bills
Governor Gavin Newsom last week signed major immigration legislation authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena, Altadena, Arcadia, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Upland) into law.
The measures include SB 98, the SAFE Act, which will alert school communities about immigration enforcement operations on campus, and SB 805, the No Vigilantes Act, which will require law enforcement to display clear identification.
SB 98 (Sending Alerts to Families in Education (SAFE) Act), becomes law immediately because it contains an urgency clause. This new law requires K-12 schools and higher education institutions to issue alerts if immigration enforcement authorities are present on campus, similar to warning systems in place for other campus emergencies.
SB 805, the No Vigilantes Act, also becomes law immediately because it contains an urgency clause. This new law expands the scope of existing police impersonation laws by making it illegal to impersonate peace officers, including federal agents. It requires all law enforcement operating in California to clearly display identification that includes their agency and either a name or badge number or both. SB 805 also authorizes law enforcement to request identification from anyone claiming to be law enforcement, and bans bounty hunters from engaging in any form of immigration enforcement in California.
“These two new laws hold the power to protect and inform our immigrant communities in the face of the federal administration’s cruel and escalating immigration enforcement operations in our state,” said Pérez. “As we see so many families in fear and confused by these mass deportation raids, Governor Newson has boldly responded by signing my legislation into law and asserting in one collective voice that California will not stand by and simply watch as President Trump deploys a secret police force to terrorize good people.”
Horvath marks National Preparedness Month with emergency readiness events
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath (D-Western and San Fernando Valley areas, including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Calabasas, Malibu, Universal City, Sherman Oaks) is recognizing National Preparedness Month this September with a series of emergency preparedness fairs this fall to empower residents across Los Angeles County with tools to stay safe, informed, and prepared for disasters of all types.
The events, hosted in some of the County’s most disaster-prone communities, will provide families, older adults, and small businesses with resources to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other emergencies.
“Emergency preparedness is a way of life in the Third District,” said Horvath. “Whether you’ve mapped your evacuation route and packed a go-bag, or you’re just beginning to think about disaster planning, these fairs are for you. They’re a chance to connect with neighbors, build skills, and take simple but important steps to stay safe. We’re strongest when we prepare together.”
Emergency Preparedness Events in the Third District:
- Saturday, October 4: Topanga Community Center, 10am – 4pm
- Saturday, November 1: Calabasas Community Center, 10am – 1pm
- Sunday, November 16: Skirball Cultural Center, 9am – 1pm
Each fair will feature hands-on demonstrations, emergency supply checklists, evacuation planning workshops, and family-friendly activities to help households prepare together.
County departments — including the Office of Emergency Management, LA County Fire, and the Department of Public Health — along with local nonprofits will provide free resources and one-on-one guidance.
The events are free and open to the public. For More Information Sign Up Here >.
Chu leads Military & Veterans Suicide Awareness Day resolution
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena) yesterday joined Reps. Keith Self (R-TX) and Donald Norcross (D-NJ) to introduce a bipartisan resolution designating September 22 of each year as National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day.
“Far too many of our servicemembers and Veterans struggle with mental health and suicidal thoughts. As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to partner with Congressmembers Self and Norcross to highlight this community’s needs and advocate for the mental health support that our troops deserve,” said Chu.
“This issue is deeply personal for me as my nephew, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Harry Lew, took his own life after he was the victim of a horrific hazing incident while serving our country in Afghanistan. I will continue to speak out against military hazing and stand up for our servicemembers and Veterans. With this bipartisan resolution, we have the chance to save lives and ensure that those who sacrifice for our nation receive the help and care they have earned,” she added.
Chu encourages local servicemembers, veterans, and their families to contact her Pasadena office at (626) 304-0110 to connect with federal resources for those who have served and sacrificed for the country.
For anyone considering suicide or struggling with suicidal ideation, please dial 988 and press 1 for immediate access to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
