Mitchell slams predatory attorneys in sex abuse settlement
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (D-Southwest/Central Los Angeles, including Inglewood, Compton, Carson, Hawthorne, Culver City, portions of South LA) yesterday slammed predatory consumer attorneys who reportedly had people stand outside the county social services office in South LA and solicit low-income people to sue the county for sex abuse.
Some of these people allegedly became part of the roughly 11,000 plaintiffs in the county’s recent $4-billion settlement for sex abuse inside its juvenile halls and foster homes — the largest such payout in U.S. history.
“Allegations of sexual assault are extremely serious and should be treated as such. I believe that victims of sexual abuse are entitled to and should receive all the support they need, both financial and emotional support. When the settlement came to the Board, I pushed County Counsel to do our full due diligence, to the best of our abilities, in verifying names of plaintiffs before the settlement agreement,” said Mitchell.
“But there is NO excuse for predatory consumer attorneys who targeted vulnerable South LA residents. It is clear that their strategy was to prey on individuals based on race and class. Something must be done to address their behavior.”
Bass announces changes In Communications Office
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass yesterday announced Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl will be departing the Mayor’s Office for a private sector communications strategy role following 10 years of service both in the Mayor’s Office and in Congress.
Bass also announced she will appoint Samuel Jean, a seasoned communications strategist with extensive experience in crisis management, media relations, and digital campaigns, as Interim Communications Director.
“Zach has played an invaluable role leading strategic communications through some of the most challenging times this country and this city has faced – the worldwide pandemic, the nationwide push for police reform, historic progress on confronting the homelessness crisis in L.A. and defending against the assault on Los Angeles by our own federal government,” said Bass. “I am grateful to him for his leadership and his vision over the past decade and I wish him great success in his next chapter.”
Interim Communications Director Jean is a former lawyer and entertainment industry veteran who began a new chapter in Los Angeles as a strategic communications advisor to the business sector, nonprofits, grassroots political campaigns, and community organizations.
Glendale Mayor’s visit to Armenia advances sister city partnerships
Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian recently visited Armenia to reinforce partnerships between Glendale and its sister cities Gyumri and Kapan and friendship city Yerevan’s Kentron District, focusing on cultural, economic, and infrastructure development opportunities.
Najarian met with Petros Petoyan, head of the Kentron District in Yerevan. The officials explored future cooperation programs centered on creative and cultural initiatives, modernizing community spaces, economic development, and expanding sports and cultural exchange programs. Najarian toured several local projects, including renovated courtyard areas, an inclusive playground, and the public art initiative “The Saryan’s Steps,” which blends Armenian heritage with contemporary urban design.
Najarian also met with Zareh Sinanyan, High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and former Glendale Mayor who served alongside Najarian on the City Council. Sinanyan expressed appreciation for Glendale’s ongoing support of the Armenian community. The former colleagues discussed cooperation between Glendale and its sister cities Kapan and Gyumri, upcoming joint initiatives, and Armenia-Diaspora collaboration.
The visit concluded with Najarian’s trip to Gyumri, where he met with Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan to discuss municipal funding opportunities, economic development initiatives, and public art projects that could benefit both cities.
“Armenia and our sister cities are beautiful, vibrant communities with tremendous potential,” said Najarian. “Through our Sister City Program, Glendale is committed to supporting cultural, educational, and municipal collaboration efforts that benefit both our residents and our partners abroad. The City of Glendale looks forward to continuing these warm relationships and building even stronger ties throughout the region.”
Irwin bill increasing law enforcement education standards signed into law
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks) this week saw Governor Gavin Newsom sign her legislation (AB 992) raising the minimum education requirement to be a peace officer into law.
The measure, which enjoyed bipartisan support and law enforcement support throughout the legislative session, also authorizes various higher education pathways to meet the requirement to ensure candidates from diverse backgrounds may continue to protect and serve our communities.
“Education is a foundational building block for success,” said Irwin. “Whether it be in a profession or trade, we all benefit when there are opportunities for individuals to further develop their skills, and law enforcement is no exception,” she added.
The pathways authorized by AB 992 would begin in 2031, give peace officer candidates three years to attain one of the following degrees or certificates: an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, a modern policing degree at the associate’s level, or a professional policing certificate.
“While the requirements of AB 992 are only for the start of a peace officers career, my hope is that every peace officer becomes a lifelong learner, stacking their education achievements into more advanced degrees,” said Irwin. “I would also encourage agencies to incentivize additional education with career advancement opportunities.”
