By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Barger, Pérez on vandalized Jewish Temple
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R-Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada-Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) and State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Altadena, Arcadia, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Upland) this week separately denounced this past weekend’s vandalism at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center.
The Temple, along with the homes of 30 congregants, was destroyed in last year’s Eaton fire, but that didn’t stop a vandal from spray-painting an expletive with the words “Zionism” and “RIP Renee” on the outer wall surrounding the now-empty lot.
“This was a deeply disturbing act targeting a Jewish community that is still working to heal and rebuild,” said Barger, who saw the full Board of Supervisors unanimously approve her motion establishing a $10,000 reward for the arrest of the suspect in what is being investigated as a hate crime.
“By establishing this reward, we are sending a clear message that intimidation will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County. I urge anyone with information—no matter how small it may seem—to come forward so those responsible can be held accountable. This community deserves answers and justice.”
Pérez noted the Jewish community has already suffered greatly with the destruction of their physical temple and center during the Eaton Fire, and now someone has inflicted further pain.
“The rise in antisemitism across the world is wrong and must be confronted. All people deserve to live in safety with the ability to exercise religious freedom. I stand with the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center congregation who have remained united with open hearts to help our community recover,” said Pérez.
Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Altadena Station at (626) 798-1131. Tips may also be provided directly to the Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau-Hate Crimes Task Force by contacting Detective Hodaya Doherty at hhdohert@lasd.org or calling the tip line at (562) 946-7893.
Information can also be submitted anonymously through the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
Bass mourns the death of Joy Atkinson
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass yesterday mourned the death of civic leader Joy Atkinson, 76, who passed away on Saturday, Jan. 10.
“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Joy Atkinson, a legendary and iconic figure in Los Angeles. In addition to being a trusted friend and advisor, Joy was an amazing civic leader, an advocate for her beloved South LA, and her contributions to Los Angeles are countless,” said Bass.
“A proud daughter of South L.A., she committed her life to civic engagement and the betterment of Los Angeles, with a special focus on the community that raised her. Joy Atkinson was raised to be a trailblazer — her father, Eddie Atkinson, was the first African American to run for the Los Angeles City Council. Building upon her father’s legacy, she became active in local and state politics, helping steer Los Angeles in a new direction.
”Personally, I owe much of my political career to Ms. Joy Atkinson. Taking me under her wing, she helped me launch and win my first election to the State Assembly, then to Congress and finally as Mayor of Los Angeles. I’m grateful that she was willing to join my State Assembly staff, helping me navigate Sacramento, creating the foundation I needed to eventually become Speaker of the State Assembly.”
City of San Gabriel supports new businesses
The City of San Gabriel yesterday announced its Grand Opening Package, a new initiative created to celebrate and support the success of our local business community.
As part of our ongoing commitment to economic vitality, the City is offering this complimentary promotional package to help new and expanding businesses gain visibility and connect with the community during grand openings and special milestones.
The Grand Opening Package may include:
- Participation and coordination with City Council Members
- A ceremonial ribbon-cutting event
- Promotion through the City of San Gabriel e-newsletters
- Additional marketing and outreach support through City channels
This program is designed to help businesses build awareness, attract customers, and mark their special occasions with community recognition.
To learn more about eligibility and how to participate, visit www.sangabrieled.com.
Gomez leads House resolution honoring Korean American Day
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Downtown LA, Koreatown, Boyle Heights, Eagle Rock) this week marked the 123rd anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States, and introduced a bipartisan House resolution celebrating January 13, 2026, as Korean American Day.
Gomez represents Los Angeles’s Koreatown, the largest Korean American community in the country, and has sponsored the Korean American Day resolution every year he has served in Congress.
“Korean American Day is a moment to recognize a community whose history is deeply woven into the American story,” said Gomez. “As the representative of Koreatown, the largest Korean American community in the country, I see every day how Korean American families, workers, and small business owners help drive our economy and strengthen our neighborhoods. That’s why I’ve proudly sponsored this resolution every year: to make sure their contributions are recognized and honored at the national level.”
Robert Ahn, President of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, commended Gomez for his leadership partnership with the Korean American community.
We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that the history, contributions, and the enduring legacy of Korean Americans remain a vital part of America’s story,” said Ahn.
