Valladares urges Padilla and Schiff to end Fed Shutdown
State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares (R–Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Palmdale) yesterday called on U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to support the clean continuing resolution to reopen the federal government and provide immediate relief to California families and workers impacted by the ongoing shutdown.
In a letter sent to both senators, Valladares emphasized the severe effects of the shutdown on communities across her district, from Santa Clarita to the Antelope Valley and the Victor Valley, home to thousands of federal civilian employees and contractors.
“We are now in the fourth week of the shutdown, and its effects are being felt statewide — but they’re especially painful in my district,” said Valladares. “Families are missing paychecks, small businesses are hurting, and Californians are being forced to make impossible choices because of a crisis they didn’t create.”
Valladares’ letter highlights that across California, more than 150,000 federal civilian employees are currently going without pay, and approximately 5.5 million residents who rely on CalFresh food assistance could soon face devastating interruptions in benefits.
She urged California’s U.S. Senators to rise above partisanship and work toward a bipartisan agreement to keep the federal government open.
Chu slams GOP shutdown for causing nationwide health care crisis
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena), as the federal government shutdown hit three weeks, urged Republicans to return to Washington, reopen the government, and take immediate action to lower health care costs for millions of Americans.
“The consequences of this Republican-made health care crisis are growing more severe with each passing day. Across the nation, families are seeing their premiums skyrocket out of control while community health centers and hospitals fight to keep their doors open, and House Republicans are nowhere to be found. It’s time for Republicans to return to Washington, end this reckless shutdown, and work with Democrats to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that millions—including tens of thousands in the San Gabriel Valley—depend on to afford care,” said Chu.
Chu spent the last week visiting constituents in her district who were facing skyrocketing premiums due to the government shutdown—in some cases, more than tripling. This left families bracing for devastating cost increases or the loss of their coverage altogether.
“Every day, thousands of people in my district are opening their mail, seeing their premiums double, and wondering if they’ll still be able to afford to see their doctor,” said Chu. “Meanwhile, Republicans refuse to come back from their month-long vacation, and President Trump is focused on tearing down the East Wing of the White House to build himself a $250 million ballroom. Enough is enough. Democrats are ready to reopen the government and bring down costs, and it’s time for Republicans to stop the excuses, end this crisis, and protect the people they serve.”
Long Beach Public Library unveils Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Courtyard
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie and the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) are pleased to invite the community to the official unveiling ceremony of the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Courtyard from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.).
“The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Courtyard is more than just a beautiful outdoor space—it’s a reflection of Long Beach’s commitment to creating places where neighbors can come together, learn and connect,” said Richardson. “This new courtyard will serve as a welcoming extension of the library and a vibrant hub for the community.”
The celebration marks the culmination of the Library’s vision to transform the formerly garden-focused site into a welcoming, accessible, and engaging outdoor courtyard environment for reflection, programming, and community gathering. During the unveiling event, attendees will be the first to stroll through and experience this new courtyard space while enjoying a short program, music, light refreshments, and community mingling.
Community members will have an opportunity to participate in a guided walkthrough that highlights key design features such as a new stage area, shaded seating, native plantings, interactive elements and pathways, including a StoryWalk that supports both quiet reading and community activity, and a designated plant bed for educational programs.
The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library Courtyard renovation project was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of several community partners, including the Long Beach Conservation Corps, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, the Port of Long Beach, and the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the library at 562.570.7500 or visit lbpl.org.
Schultz Marks an Impressive First Year with 8 Bills Signed
Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank, Glendale, La Crescenta, Lake View Terrace, Montrose, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Sunland-Tujunga, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Valley Village) announced the completion of his first legislative term with some impressive policy wins.
This includes having authored eight pieces of legislation that have been signed into law, ranging from protecting California’s environment to public safety reforms.
“Whether it’s defending our natural resources from threats looming at the federal level, strengthening public safety with support for victims and greater transparency and due process throughout the criminal justice system, or common sense solutions to cut red tape and build more housing, I’ve been working to protect communities across California,” said Schultz. “I’m grateful to my colleagues and the Governor for their partnership this year, and I’m already working on next year’s bill package.”
Schultz also notched some critical budget wins for the 44th Assembly District and the surrounding region. This includes helping to secure $750 million for an expanded film and television tax credit to keep production in California, $2.5 billion in wildfire recovery funding in response to the devastating January wildfires, and $5 million in Proposition 4 funding for the Discovery Cube LA to develop fire prevention programs and youth fire academies.
