Barger recognizes tribal firefighters who battled January Wildfires
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger (R-Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada-Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) yesterday honored the tribal nations whose fire departments stepped forward to help battle the Eaton and Palisades wildfires earlier this year.
When the fires swept through communities in January, fire crews from 15 tribal nations traveled from across California, Oregon, and Arizona to protect lives, homes, and natural resources during an unprecedented and dangerous chapter in the region’s history.
“In January, tribes came to our aid in our time of need,” said Barger. “Their response reflects generosity, partnership, and a shared commitment to co-stewarding this land. Our Los Angeles County Fire Department relied on the incredible support of these tribal fire departments to provide mutual aid when it mattered most. I’m honored to welcome representatives from several of these tribal nations here today.”
The 15 tribal nations that contributed mutual aid during the Los Angeles wildfires included the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, Klamath Tribes, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Navajo Nation, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pechanga Band of Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, and the Yurok Tribe.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone also spoke, reflecting on the magnitude of the firefight.
“As we move forward, we will continue learning and adapting, including incorporating the fire management practices long used by Native American tribes to promote resilience across our landscapes. On behalf of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with us to save lives and protect our communities,” said Marrone.
Hochman announces murder charges of an Alhambra Police Officer
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman yesterday announced that a 27-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Alhambra Police Officer Alec Sanders, who was killed in a traffic collision during a vehicle pursuit last week. A woman was also killed during the crash.
“I am absolutely heartbroken by this devastating incident that claimed the life of Officer Alec Sanders,” said Hochman. “We honor his courage and his sacrifice, and we hold his loved ones and the Alhambra Police Department in our thoughts. I also express my condolences to Gabriela Moreno’s family during this time. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the risks our officers face every day to keep our community safe. Thank you to the California Highway Patrol for their investigation into this matter. Our Office will do its job with the strength and resolve this tragedy warrants to hold the individual accountable for their actions.”
Steven Ara Zapata, 27, of El Monte, is charged with two felony counts of murder, one felony count of reckless driving on a highway causing a specified injury and two felony counts of fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle causing death.
On Nov. 20, at approximately 3 a.m., Zapata allegedly led police on a vehicle pursuit in Alhambra while driving a stolen vehicle. Zapata is accused of crashing into Officer Sanders’ police cruiser at Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive, resulting in Officer Sanders’ death.
One of Zapata’s passengers, 42-year-old Moreno, was also killed in the crash. A 52-year-old male passenger was seriously injured.
The Alhambra Police Department arrested Zapata. His arraignment will be scheduled on a later date. If convicted as charged, Zapata faces 80 to 120 years to life in prison.
Hochman charges West Covina cop with stealing during traffic stops
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced yesterday that felony charges have been filed against West Covina Police Officer Jose Garcia for allegedly stealing cash from motorists during traffic stops beginning in 2024.
“Stealing from the very people you are sworn to protect is a profound betrayal of the badge,” said Hochman. “When an officer turns routine traffic stops into opportunities for theft, for their own benefit, it corrodes public trust and endangers the integrity of our justice system. We will use every legal tool at our disposal to ensure that officer is held fully accountable for these alleged abuses of power, and we will not hesitate to hold any law enforcement officials responsible for any crimes committed in the course of their duties.”
Jose Antonio Garcia, 38, of Long Beach is charged with one felony count each of misappropriation of public funds and grand theft by embezzlement, as well as two misdemeanor counts of petty theft.
On Sept. 21, 2024, Garcia conducted a traffic stop, searched the victim’s vehicle, and allegedly stole approximately $600 in cash from the victim’s wallet. He arrested the victim at the conclusion of the stop.
On Nov. 23, 2024, Garcia allegedly stole approximately $100 from a passenger’s backpack during a separate traffic stop. The occupants were released with a verbal warning.
On Feb. 8, 2025, the defendant conducted a third traffic stop and searched the victim’s vehicle, allegedly stealing approximately $300 from the vehicle’s center console. The victim was released with a verbal warning.
Garcia was released on a promise to appear in court for his arraignment on Jan. 28 in Department 4 of the West Covina Courthouse. If convicted as charged, Garcia faces up to four years in state prison and an additional consecutive one-year jail term.
At post time, it is unknown whether Garcia has been suspended from the West Covina Police Department pending the outcome of the criminal allegations.
O’Brien lauds Culver CityBus as 2025 Transit Agency of the Year
Culver City Mayor Dan O’Brien yesterday lauded Culver CityBus after it was selected as the 2025 Transit Agency of the Year by the California Transit Association (CTA).
This statewide award honors a transit agency that demonstrates outstanding performance in service delivery, innovation, and community impact. This recognition marks the second time in five years that Culver CityBus has received this honor, following its first award in 2020.
“Culver CityBus continues to set the standard for what a modern public transit system can be,” said O’Brien. “This statewide recognition reflects the dedication of our Transportation Department and the effort they put in year-round. I am proud of the work being done to ensure mobility in Culver City is easy, safe, and equitable for everyone.”
Culver CityBus, founded in 1928 with a single vehicle, has grown into a modern, community-focused transit agency that operates 50 renewable compressed natural gas buses and 4 battery-electric buses. The agency remains committed to delivering clean, safe, and accessible transportation for residents, workers, and visitors.
