Bass secures agreements to avert all civil service layoffs
Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass announced yesterday that she has concluded labor negotiations and secured a deal to prevent all remaining civil service layoffs in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City Budget.
From proposing a budget to signing it into effect, Bass has been laser-focused on bringing the proposed number of layoffs from thousands of people potentially losing their jobs to no jobs lost while finding effective solutions to close a nearly $1 billion budget deficit.
In addition to successful labor negotiations, layoffs were prevented through creative solutions such as transferring positions to other departments, like the Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports, and working with General Managers to develop alternatives.
“After months of negotiations and problem-solving, I can announce that agreements have been reached to avert all remaining layoffs,” said Bass. “This action protects our skilled workforce and preserves City services. I will always fight for the people of Los Angeles – for your rights, for your jobs and for a better future for the next generations. Thank you to our labor partners for your partnership in reaching this point, to all those who embraced our creative solutions, to our City Council partners, and most importantly, the workforce for the services you deliver to the people of Los Angeles every day.”
Barger pays tribute to Waters, faith leaders and community champions
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 honored the Clergy Community Coalition, US. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-LA), and philanthropist Mr. Ed Lewis during the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing meeting.
The recognition celebrated the Coalition’s 20th anniversary and its ongoing work serving Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and surrounding communities. Barger also highlighted the vital role of Waters in connecting the Coalition with Mr. Lewis, who contributed $100,000 to support faith leaders whose homes and churches were impacted by the Eaton Fire.
“The Clergy Community Coalition is a beacon of hope and strength for our region,” said Barger. “For two decades, they’ve mobilized to serve those in need—whether during fires, economic hardship, or social unrest. I appreciate Congresswoman Waters for fostering the connection with Mr. Lewis. His generosity ensured that the faith leaders who give so much to our community were supported in their own time of need.”
Mr. Lewis, founder of Essence Magazine, contributed after consulting with Waters, who recognized the Coalition’s deep community impact. The Clergy Community Coalition distributed the funds as $10,000 grants to 10 faith leaders who lost homes or churches, helping them stabilize and continue serving their congregations.
“I am delighted and moved to be here for this very special moment. Supervisor Barger has shown extraordinary leadership for our community, particularly after the devastation in Altadena. The pastors and leaders you see here today are able to continue their work because of her dedication. When I reached out to Ed Lewis, a longtime friend and pioneer who has always uplifted our communities, I knew we could make a difference together,” said Waters.
Newsom signs Muratsuchi’s Safe Haven Schools Act
Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday signed the Safe Haven Schools Act, authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, together with Latino Caucus Chair Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), Vice Chair Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro), and Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando).
The new law strengthens protections for students and families by prohibiting immigration enforcement officers from entering school campuses without proper identification and a valid judicial warrant or court order. This bill also prohibits local education agencies from disclosing personal information about students, their families, teachers, or school staff to immigration authorities.
“I thank Governor Newsom for signing my AB 49, the Safe Haven Schools Act, which reaffirms every student’s constitutional right to attend public schools regardless of immigration status,” said Muratsuchi. “Students cannot learn or thrive if they live in fear of deportation or family separation. I want all of our students—but especially our immigrant students—to hear this message: you have a right to an education, and California will always stand with you.”
“The signing of the California Safe Haven Schools Act means schools across our state now have greater safeguards in place against any future deportation attempts on campuses,” said Gonzalez. “Immigrant families already face immense challenges and fear amid egregious federal raids, and going to school should never add to that worry for any of our students.”
Solis Honors Five Latin American Consulates
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis (D-Central and Eastern Los Angeles, including Downtown LA, East LA, Pico-Union, Boyle Heights, El Monte, West Covina, Baldwin Park, Pomona) yesterday recognized five Latin American consulates for their service to immigrant communities during a presentation marking Hispanic Heritage Month.
During the Board of Supervisors’ meeting, Solis honored the consulates of Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico for their leadership, advocacy and commitment to supporting residents of Los Angeles County, particularly amid recent immigration enforcement actions.
Solis specifically thanked the consulates for their swift and compassionate response to recent immigration raids across Los Angeles County, and for assisting individuals and families in need of emergency support and legal guidance.
“These consulates have consistently stepped up to provide critical services, trusted information and steadfast support to our immigrant communities,” said Solis. “In recognizing them today, we honor not only their efforts but also the resilience, culture and contributions of our Latin American families during Hispanic Heritage Month.”
