Horvath: Angelenos should seek local food assistance amid Fed shutdown
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath (D-Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Calabasas, Malibu, Universal City, Sherman Oaks) yesterday urged residents to access local food resources as the federal government shutdown disrupts CalFresh [food stamps] benefits for nearly 1.5 million children and adults across LA County.
Beginning this Saturday, November 1, CalFresh benefits will be delayed. With families facing uncertainty about where their next meal will come from, the County is expanding partnerships with local food banks and community-based organizations to ensure no one goes hungry.
“No one in Los Angeles County should go hungry because Washington refuses to act,” said Horvath. “The federal government’s failure to fund CalFresh puts approximately 1.5 million families and children at risk — and that is unacceptable. In the absence of federal leadership, Los Angeles County will do what it always does: step up. We are the safety net for this region, and we will not allow our neighbors to be left behind. Everyone deserves the dignity of access to food and care. While we continue to call on Congress to do its job, we are mobilizing every local resource to make sure families are fed and supported.”
Horvath emphasized that the County and its partners are moving quickly to prepare for the potential gap in benefits. The County’s existing network of more than 600 partners and 940 food distribution sites—coordinated through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank—will be the backbone of this response.
Beginning October 24th, CalFresh recipients began receiving notification from the State informing them that November benefits would be delayed. Receiving these notices does not mean that CalFresh recipients’ cases are terminated or that they are no longer eligible for benefits.
CalFresh recipients are encouraged to continue complying with all reporting requirements to ensure their benefits are issued promptly once they become available.
Residents can find food assistance, volunteer opportunities, and information at lafoodbank.org/findfood or by calling 2-1-1.
Bass lauds Banc of California’s move to Downtown LA
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass yesterday lauded Banc of California’s new move to lease 40,000 square feet in Downtown Los Angeles and add signage to its historic skyline as a major boost for Downtown Los Angeles’ continued resurgence and the region’s economy.
Banc of California is the largest independent bank in Los Angeles and third largest bank in California.
“Los Angeles is open for business — and Banc of California’s decision to expand its footprint in Downtown LA is proof of that,” said Bass. “After relocating their headquarters here, they are now doubling down on Los Angeles. This is a major boost for Downtown’s revitalization, and we are proud to have a respected financial institution commit to more office space in Downtown Los Angeles and invest for the future. It is clear that Los Angeles is a place where companies can grow and people can thrive.”
Banc of California relocated its headquarters from outside of Los Angeles to Brentwood during Bass’ first year in office signaling its strong commitment to serving the city. At that time, Banc of California CEO Jared Wolff pledged $1 million in funding to establish and facilitate Bass’ City Contract Financing Program.
Bass designed the City Contract Financing Program to help small businesses pursue procurement opportunities. Small business owners are encouraged to apply for the program to receive assistance in securing City contracts.
Palmdale welcomes AS Aerospace, kicks off Aerospace Incentive Program
The City of Palmdale this month welcomed AS Aerospace as it broke ground on a new, two-phase, 90,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Palmdale, marking the first project delivered under the City’s Palmdale Aerospace Incentive Program (PAIP).
As the inaugural PAIP project, the investment is expected to create 150 quality jobs and expand the City’s role as a hub for aerospace innovation. The company is relocating and expanding its precision manufacturing and advanced component production from Santa Clarita to Palmdale.
The groundbreaking took place at the northwest corner of Division Street and Grand Cypress Avenue during a private celebration event.
“This is an extraordinary moment for Palmdale and a powerful validation of our vision for aerospace excellence,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laura Bettencourt. “AS Aerospace’s decision to make Palmdale its home demonstrates the strength of our business climate, and as the inaugural recipient of our PAIP, they’re bringing opportunity, economic vitality and a brighter future to our City.”
Approved by the City Council in 2023, PAIP leverages Measure AV funds to attract and retain aerospace businesses in Palmdale. The program provides up to $250,000 per project in financial incentives tied to job creation and capital investment. PAIP supports companies seeking to grow beyond the Los Angeles basin by offering proximity to Air Force Plant 42, available land and a skilled workforce.
This milestone underscores Palmdale’s competitive advantages for aerospace and defense companies seeking to expand beyond the Los Angeles basin, where many small to mid-size businesses are limited in growth opportunities. Palmdale’s proximity to Air Force Plant 42, available land and skilled workforce create an ideal opportunity.
For more information on PAIP and all available business-friendly programs, visit www.CityofPalmdaleCA.gov/Incentives or contact Economic Development at 661/267-5125.
Sherman hails 20th Anniversary of Metro’s G “Orange” Line
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village) yesterday commemorated the 20th anniversary of Metro’s Orange Line (officially renamed the “G” Line by Metro in 2020).
The Orange Line is an 18-mile bus rapid transit system in the San Fernando Valley. It runs between Metro’s North Hollywood and Chatsworth stations along a dedicated right-of-way that formerly hosted LA’s famed “Red Car” Trolly.
“Metro’s Orange line has been a tremendous success, with strong year-over-year system ridership growth far exceeding its pre-construction projections; the Orange Line has proven an invaluable asset for Valley commuters,” said Sherman.
“It is fitting that as we reach this important milestone in the San Fernando Valley, Metro is now weighing another. Having come to the end of a long environmental review process, the Metro Board is now weighing the five remaining alternatives for rail service from the Westside to the Valley through the Sepulveda Pass, with a direct connection to the Orange Line itself.”
According to LA Metro, the Orange Line has rapidly become one of the nation’s most successful Bus Rapid Transit Lines, accommodating millions of boardings in the past two decades. The system helps to reduce traffic on the 101 Freeway and connects Valley residents to multiple public transportation systems, including the Metro Red Line and Amtrak.
Sherman worked to secure federal funds for construction and safety improvements to the Orange Line, which carries thousands of daily riders along a dedicated busway from Warner Center in Woodland Hills to the North Hollywood Red Line Station.
