Bass backs Garcia’s call for Congressional investigation of ICE abuse
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass yesterday strongly backed U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia’s (D-Downtown LA, Koreatown, Boyle Heights, Eagle Rock) call for a Congressional investigation into the unlawful and unconstitutional abduction, detainment, and alleged abuse of U.S. citizens and immigrants by federal agents without a judicial warrant or probable cause.
“American citizens are being dragged off the streets by masked men and thrown into detention cells without access to a lawyer or even a phone call,” said Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. “No one, regardless of their background or appearance, should be living in fear of being thrown behind bars by their own government because of their race or what they look like. This is not the America we know and love. Every person in this country has rights, and DHS [Department of Homeland Security] must stop trampling on our civil liberties. Their actions are unconstitutional, unacceptable, and completely un-American, and we will not stop fighting until this Administration is held accountable.”
Bass said she will always stand up to protect Los Angeles, and that reports of Angelenos – U.S. citizens – being tased, dragged, and unlawfully detained should make everyone concerned.
“I’m calling for an immediate Congressional investigation into these egregious injustices, and I thank Congressman Garcia for his support. This is not just an assault on the people of Los Angeles – this is an assault on every person, in every city in this country,” said Bass.Valla
Also joining Bass were several Los Angeles City council members.
“We swore an oath to defend the Constitution — not to protect power. Angelenos are being beaten, terrorized and detained without due process,” said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez (D-Glassell Park, Highland Park, Chinatown, Mount Washington, Echo Park, Elysian Park, Westlake, Pico Union, Koreatown, Angelino Heights, Lincoln Heights, MacArthur Park).“We must fight to keep democracy alive and hold federal immigration enforcement accountable for every abuse.”
Kamlager-Dove urges Trump to convene Central Asian Leaders’ Summit
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Culver City, View Park-Windsor Hills, parts of South LA, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia Ranking Member, and the Committee Chair, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), this week sent a letter to President Trump urging him to convene a C5+1 Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C. on the 10th anniversary of the diplomatic forum.
Launched in 2015, the C5+1 is a multilateral platform that has served as a critical avenue for United States’ diplomatic engagement with the five Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The U.S. has participated in C5+1 convenings every year since its founding.
As the 10th anniversary comes to a close, Kamlager-Dove and Huizenga are urging Trump to not only continue the tradition of U.S. participation in a C5+1 summit but to personally host the summit and direct his administration to secure commitments that strengthen the U.S.-Central Asia relationship.
“The 10th anniversary of this platform is a unique opportunity to deepen relations with Central Asia and advance U.S. strategic objectives in the region, including security cooperation, economic ties, soft power, and good governance. A Leaders’ Summit with meaningful outcomes will strengthen regional cooperation and maximize the diplomatic potential of the 10th anniversary, setting the tone for strengthened U.S. engagement in the region for the rest of your presidency,” wrote the lawmakers.
“To ensure a successful C5+1 Leaders’ Summit, we urge your Administration to prepare Summit deliverables that enhance longstanding areas of cooperation in coordination with the Central Asian countries,” they added.
Beverly Hills holds fire department recruitment camp for youngsters
The Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) will host its fourth annual Empowerment Camp, a free hands-on two-day experience designed to allow teens ages 13–18 to explore what it takes to be a firefighter.
“The City of Beverly Hills is proud to offer young people a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of fire service,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “This two-day program prepares the next generation of courageous firefighters and community leaders, those who run toward danger when others turn away. It reflects our City’s ongoing commitment to safety, service, and unity.”
The Empowerment Camp is open to all genders, with a strong emphasis on encouraging girls ages 13–18 to participate. In addition, women 18 and older who are actively pursuing a career in the fire service—through programs such as EMT certification, cadet programs, or explorer posts—are invited to apply.
“The City of Beverly Hills is committed to improving gender diversity in the fire service, knowing that a workforce reflecting the community strengthens public trust,” said Captain Melissa Hillis of BHFD and founder of the Women’s Fire Alliance. “By investing in programs like the Empowerment Camp, we are not only inspiring the next generation, but also fulfilling our mission to provide world-class fire and emergency medical services for the preservation of life, property, and the environment.”
The camp will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Beverly Hills Fire Department headquarters, 445 N. Rexford Drive. Participants will participate in intensive exercises, drills, and training activities that introduce them to the physical and teamwork demands of modern firefighting.
Registration is free and open to residents and non-residents until filled. For more information and to sign up, visit beverlyhills.org/empowermentcamp.
Valladares Continues “District Dialogues” Listening Tour
State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, portions of the Antelope Valley) continued her District Dialogues listening tour this week, hosting a roundtable discussion in Valencia with local real estate professionals, builders, and lenders to hear directly from them about the challenges and opportunities shaping California’s housing market.
The event was part of Valladares’ ongoing effort to meet face-to-face with constituents across the district to discuss the issues that matter most—from kitchen table concerns to community-wide challenges.
The conversation centered on housing affordability, barriers to homeownership, and state policies that impact both homebuyers and sellers. Participants shared firsthand perspectives on how rising costs, regulatory hurdles, and limited inventory affect families striving to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.
“These discussions are essential to understanding how policies are working—or not working—on the ground, and how government can better support the people who make our communities thrive,” said Valladares. “By listening directly to professionals who work with homebuyers and families every day, I can take experiences back to Sacramento and advocate for practical solutions that make life more affordable.”
The District Dialogues series will continue throughout the fall as Valladares meets with residents, business owners, law enforcement and community leaders across the district ahead of the Legislature’s reconvening in January.
