By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Hahn condemns ICE racial profiling in Downey
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D-Southeastern LA County, including Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hacienda Heights) yesterday condemned ICE agents’ attempt to grab two landscapers in Downey this weekend.
A bystander captured the incident on their camera on Saturday morning near Benares Street and Ryerson Avenue, as reported by ABC News.
Witnesses say two landscapers were confronted and grabbed by what appears to be immigration agents as they tried to take them into custody. As neighbors began to come outside, the landscapers were released and the agents drove away.
Neighbors say one of the landscapers has a green card and has lived in the U.S. for 40 years. The other has a valid work permit that he was carrying on him at the time.
“ICE is not just targeting undocumented immigrants. For these agents, anyone who is Latino is fair game. These two landscapers are here legally – they did everything right. But that didn’t stop ICE from trying to drag them into an unmarked SUV. It could not be clearer they are racially profiling our residents, and this is an assault on our entire Latino community. I continue to call on Homeland Security Kristi Noem to pull ICE out of LA County,” said Hahn.
It was one of several incidents involving immigration agents that were reported in Downey over the weekend.
Hochman charges nonprofit CEO with embezzling over $5M
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman yesterday announced that the former CEO of The Painted Turtle, a nonprofit specialty camp for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions, has been charged with embezzling $5.2 million from the organization during his tenure from 2018-2025.
Christopher L. Butler, 49, of Porter Ranch is charged with 15 felony counts: nine counts of grand theft, five counts of forgery and one count of fraudulent use of a computer.
“Abusing a position of power to steal funds from a camp dedicated to helping children with serious medical conditions is an affront to both the law and our deepest values,” said Hochman. “My message is crystal clear: If you steal from the most vulnerable members of our community or the organizations that serve them, this office will use every tool the law allows to hold you fully accountable.”
Butler is being held on $835,000 bail. If convicted as charged, he faces more than 18 years in the hoosegow.
City of Long Beach reaches tentative labor agreement with police
The City of Long Beach announced yesterday it has reached a tentative three-year labor agreement with the Long Beach Police Officers Association (POA) to remain competitive with other agencies seeking quality police officers, address issues of recruitment and retention and incentivize critical skill sets.
“Our police officers take on complex and demanding responsibilities, and this agreement acknowledges the skill, professionalism and leadership required in today’s public safety environment,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “By prioritizing fair compensation, enhanced training incentives and support for specialized roles, we are reinforcing Long Beach’s commitment to our community’s evolving public safety needs.”
“This agreement supports organizational stability by aligning compensation and training incentives with the operational needs of the Police Department,” said City Manager Tom Modica. “It positions the City to continue delivering high-quality public safety services while responsibly planning for the years ahead. Thank you to the POA for their partnership in this agreement.”
The tentative agreement includes the following major terms:
- Three-year contract from Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2028.
- General salary increases of 3% in the first year, 4% in the second year and 5% in the third year.
- One-time payments for each POA classification in the first year.
The agreement will go before the Long Beach City Council for consideration and public discussion on Jan. 20. The POA represents approximately 730 employees.
Fong likes Newsom’s budget proposal’s education points
Assemblymember Mike Fong (D – Alhambra, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Temple City), Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, lauded Gov. Gavin Newsom for the higher education initiatives in his proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
“I would like to thank Governor Newsom for funding the fifth year of the UC [University of California] and CSU [California State University] multi-year compact. This commitment ensures greater investment in UC and CSU institutions to expand student enrollment and increase access to higher education across our state,” said Fong.
“With a large amount in deferrals, I look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to consider options for providing funding earlier in order to maintain stability and effectively deliver expanded access to educational opportunities.
“I also want to thank the Governor for his continued support of students through the California Community Colleges Student Success Block Grant. Last fiscal year, $65 million was allocated to address pressing student basic needs such as housing, food, and other essentials that directly impact student success. I am especially grateful for the Governor’s proposed additional $100 million to support students during these challenging times.
Finally, I want to reiterate the importance of financial aid support. By strengthening our financial aid system, students are encouraged to pursue higher education without the fear of overwhelming financial burdens. Several years ago, the Legislature took action to reform Cal Grants in order to streamline and expand access. I look forward to working with my Legislative colleagues to explore opportunities for implementation.”
