Friedman, Schiff question Netflix, Paramount on proposed merger
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Hollywood) and U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) sent a letter to Netflix Co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, and Paramount Skydance Corporation CEO David Ellison on Friday, requesting concrete commitments to protect California jobs and American workers as both companies pursue the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
The entertainment industry supports more than 680,000 jobs and contributes over $115 billion annually to the regional economy. However, California’s film industry has faced significant disruption, with on-location production in greater Los Angeles declining 13.2% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. Los Angeles County has lost more than 42,000 motion picture jobs from 2022 to 2024.
“The outcome of this acquisition will help shape the future direction of one of America’s signature industries,” wrote the two federal lawmakers. “We must see concrete commitments to Californian and American workers. Furthermore, given the importance of the outcome of a WBD acquisition, said concrete commitments should be accompanied by measurable actions so that California and Hollywood continue to serve as the global center of storytelling, innovation, and creative employment.”
Friedman and Schiff noted they are working on bipartisan legislation to establish a federal film tax incentive, modeled after successful state programs like California’s, to help the United States remain competitive in the global market and encourage domestic filming.
The lawmakers have requested additional meetings with both companies in California or Washington, D.C. to discuss their responses and broader vision for the entertainment industry.
The full text of the letter is available here.
Barger welcomes Year of the Horse in San Marino and Temple City
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R-Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada-Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) joined constituents and community leaders in San Marino and Temple City this weekend to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse, a Chinese zodiac year symbolizing strength, momentum, and forward progress.
The San Marino celebrationat Lacy Park included the Chinese Club of San Marino, the Rotary Club of San Marino and the San Marino Unified School District. It featured cultural performances, food, exhibitions, and games for families and residents of all ages.
The Temple City Lunar New Year Celebration at Temple City Park, was hosted by Temple City Chinese American Association and the Temple City City Council. It showcased cultural pageantry, family-friendly activities, informational booths, live entertainment, and traditional cuisine.
“The Year of the Horse represents determination and the courage to keep moving forward,” said Barger. “I plan to channel that energy as I continue advocating and lobbying for the needs of my constituents. My focus remains on protecting quality of life in Los Angeles County, keeping the communities I represent safe, and supporting Altadena’s recovery. Celebrating the Lunar New Year with our communities is a powerful reminder that progress is strongest when we move forward together.”
Burbank Hosts Third Annual Adaptive Sports Expo
The City of Burbank will host their third annual Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo – a fun-filled day of sporting activities for participants of all ages and abilities. Activities include wheelchair rugby, adaptive tennis, adaptive pickleball, power wheelchair soccer, chair yoga, adaptive martial arts, para fencing, and more.
Through initiatives like the Adaptive Sports Expo, the City of Burbank aims to raise awareness about the capabilities of people living with disabilities, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more inclusive society.
In addition, a resource fair with informational booths will be available throughout the Expo. Partners for the event include Triumph Foundation, SoCal Adaptive Sports, Hearts for Sight, the Burbank Tennis Center, Angel City Sports, and the Burbank Advisory Council on Disabilities.
“The Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo reflects the best of our community,” said Mayor Tamala Takahashi. “This event is about removing barriers and celebrating inclusive athleticism, by creating opportunities where people of all ages and abilities can participate, compete, and enjoy sports and recreation. We’re proud to be innovators in the space of adaptive sports and inclusive programming. And we are thrilled to see the Expo continuing to grow, welcoming even more athletes this year than ever before.”
Registration is currently open and participants of all abilities are welcome to participate in this free event. The first 300 registered participants will receive giveaway bags and an official event t-shirt. Registration also includes a free lunch for all participants.
The expo will take place from 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday Feb. 21, at McCambridge Park, 1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd. For participant, volunteer, and sponsorship registration, please visit www.burbankparks.com. For more information about this event and to register, visit www.Burbankca.gov/BASE or call 818-238-5300.
Rivas introduces bill protecting immigrant families in public housing
U.S. Rep. Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley (portions), including Pacoima, Panorama City) last week introduced the Housing Without Fear Act (H.R. 7374), to nullify the harmful Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which allows for sharing noncitizens’ data between the two agencies.
The legislation comes following the March 24, 2025 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate data sharing with a focus on identifying noncitizens using federal housing programs.
The MOU creates clear lines of communication between the two agencies to work to identify noncitizens who the departments deem ineligible for federal housing assistance. The agencies will use this data to take actions against these individuals, including referral for immigration enforcement actions, and the housing authorities where the individuals live.
Then on Jan. 23, HUD announced that all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) must re-verify tenant eligibility requirements. PHAs have 30 days from January 23 to comply or risk being sanctioned by the Trump Administration.
“HUD’s pressure campaign on public housing authorities across the country will worsen the housing crisis for our most vulnerable and leave immigrant families homeless,” said Rivas. “My Housing Without Fear Act protects immigrant families – like mine in the San Fernando Valley – from eviction and blocks DHS and HUD from working together to weaponize immigrants’ personal data. Our federal agencies should work together to serve everyone, not carry out the Trump Administration’s racist anti-immigrant agenda.”
Bill text of the Housing Without Fear Act can be found here.
