Barger’s motion to investigate fraud allegations in sexual abuse lawsuits
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger (R-Northern LA County, including Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada-Flintridge, and portions of the San Gabriel Valley) introduced a motion Friday to investigate and address recent allegations of fraud tied to civil claims filed under AB 218, the state law extending the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits.
Thousands of AB 218 claims have been filed against Los Angeles County, involving individuals formerly in the foster care and probation systems. The County is facing a historic $4 billion settlement covering approximately 11,000 plaintiffs—the largest financial settlement in County history–with more settlements to come.
A recent Los Angeles Times investigation raised disturbing allegations that some attorneys involved in AB 218 claims may have engaged in misconduct, including offering cash incentives for fabricated allegations. Barger’s motion directs County Counsel to immediately investigate these allegations, explore referrals to the California State Bar, strengthen oversight of settlement agreements, and establish a fraud hotline for reporting misconduct.
“Fraudulent claims not only jeopardize taxpayer dollars, they also revictimize survivors of childhood sexual abuse by diminishing the legitimacy of their pain and experience,” said Barger. “I will not stand by while unscrupulous actors try to exploit a system that was created to deliver justice and healing. This motion is about accountability, protecting survivors, and ensuring that County resources go to those who truly deserve them.”
Under the motion, County Counsel will report back within 14 days with updates on the claims and fraud hotline implementation. The Board of Supervisors will vote on Barger’s motion at their meeting tomorrow, Oct. 7.
Schiavo delivers on key priorities with three bills signed into law
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch) last week saw Governor Gavin Newsom sign into law three bills she authored that will bring critical relief and accountability to California communities.
“From protecting victims of crime, to strengthening support for our veterans and military families, to securing financial relief for families near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill – these bills are about protecting our community,” said Schiavo. “I’m proud to deliver these victories, so people can finally get the support they deserve.”
Protecting Victims of Crime with the Strengthening Safe Leave Act (AB 406) builds on Schiavo’s work last year expanding workplace protections for victims of crime by clarifying enforcement authority and aligning unpaid leave and sick leave provisions. This ensures victims can take time off to recover, seek safety, and care for their families without fear of losing their jobs.
Supporting Veterans and Military Families with the Strengthening California’s Role in National Defense Bill (AB 1508) extends the Governor’s Military Council through 2031, ensuring California remains at the forefront of supporting military installations and national security. The Council brings together military, industry, and state leaders to advance policies and work to protect bases, jobs, and communities across the state.
Delivering for Financial Relief for Families with the Chiquita Canyon Community Assistance Act (AB 985) provides property tax relief for residents impacted by the ongoing public health disaster at the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. Families who have seen their home values fall due to toxic exposure and hazardous conditions will now receive meaningful financial relief.
Soto joins lawsuit against Trump Administration to protect city’s fed funding
Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced Friday that the City has joined a coalition of cities, counties, and local agencies in a new lawsuit against Secretary Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), seeking to protect federal funds for disaster relief and emergency assistance.
The lawsuit, led by the County of Santa Clara and the City and County of San Francisco and joined by the City of Los Angeles and 26 other local governments and local agencies, challenges unconstitutional conditions that the Trump Administration has placed on Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) and other DHS grants.
Such grants are used for disaster and emergency response functions, including mitigating the risks of wildfires and earthquakes, strengthening public safety infrastructure, training first responders, and funding urban search and rescue efforts.
Feldstein Soto is seeking to protect more than $56 million in DHS grant funds that the City of Los Angeles is expecting to receive in fiscal years 2025-2026.
“The Trump administration’s unprecedented weaponization of federal emergency management grants is unconscionable and unconstitutional,” said Feldstein Soto. “Congress appropriated these funds to keep millions of residents safe, and placing unlawful conditions on these funds puts millions of lives at risk.”
The Trump administration is threatening to withhold the funds unless local governments agree to utilize them to further the Administration’s unrelated domestic policy goals, including its immigration enforcement activities and anti-equity policies.
Additionally, the new grant conditions require recipients to agree in advance to comply with the President’s executive orders, even if they are contrary to established law. The suit alleges that these conditions for receiving these funds violate the Constitution and exceed the federal government’s authority.
Valladares’ bipartisan bill to legalize cheaper fuel signed into law
State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Palmdale, portions of the Antelope Valley), co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, announced last week that the governor has signed into law AB 30, the Caucus’ priority legislation to allow the sale of a cleaner and more affordable fuel blend known as E15.
Valladares co-authored AB 30 with other members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.
“California has established ambitious clean energy goals, but we must also prioritize affordability,” said Valladares. “California’s sky-high taxes and excessive regulations have created an affordability crisis that’s impacting families across the state. AB 30 is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that helps reduce fuel costs while advancing cleaner energy options.”
E15, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, has been used safely and effectively nationwide for over a decade. It burns cleaner than traditional fuels and offers drivers a cost-effective alternative at the pump. Before last week, California was the only state in the nation that had not yet permitted the sale of E15.
“The price of gas impacts everything from commuting to the cost of groceries,” Valladares added. “I am grateful that the Governor has signed this bill, bringing California in line with the rest of the nation, delivering both environmental benefits and much-needed economic relief. We must now re-double our efforts to address California’s affordability crisis.”
