Horvath labels Trump’s LAHSA Funding Freeze a Publicity Stunt
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath (D – Western Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley, including Pacoima, Panorama City, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Calabasas, Malibu, Sylmar) fired back yesterday at the Trump administration’s suspension of all federal funding to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), calling it a political stunt.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced an immediate freeze on LAHSA funding following a review by a White House fraud task force that found LAHSA lacked financial management, internal controls, and conflict-of-interest safeguards across nearly $944 million in federal funds it received since 2021.
The Trump administration’s action obscures the fact that Horvath co-authored a motion with Supervisor Kathryn Barger, which the Board of Supervisors approved 4-0-1 in April 2025, to strip LAHSA of its county funding and create a new Department of Homeless Services and Housing (HSH) under direct Board oversight.
“This stunt is for publicity, not for results,” said Horvath. “I have been calling for change and accountability at LAHSA, but if this administration desires accountability, too, they should work WITH LA County. While they focus on stunts and retribution against Los Angeles — a community that rejects their apocalyptic MAGA agenda — we’re staying focused on results for our most vulnerable.”
The full transfer of LAHSA’s funding and programs to the new county department is scheduled to be completed by July 1 — three weeks away.
Pérez, Harabedian Block Fire Speculators From Flipping Altadena
State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D – Pasadena, Glendale, and the San Gabriel Valley), on the senate side, with Assemblymember John Harabedian (D – Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and the western San Gabriel Valley) support on the assembly side, introduced amended legislation this week to shield Altadena from real estate speculators seeking to exploit California housing density laws to acquire fire-damaged properties.
The amended legislation would establish a five-year moratorium in Altadena on SB 9 and SB 1123, two state laws that allow lot splits and additional housing units on single-family residential properties.
While those statutes were designed to expand housing supply statewide, Pérez and her allies argue they are being weaponized in the Eaton Fire recovery zone, where distressed survivors face pressure to sell damaged lots to outside investors pursuing rebuilds that bear no resemblance to the neighborhood that existed before the fire.
“The people of Altadena are demanding protection from speculators who are buying land from distressed fire survivors and trying to exploit the intent of existing laws,” said Pérez. “While I have supported many policies to increase housing supply in California, these laws were intended for urban infill, not for a community that has suffered the level of disaster experienced in Altadena. Block after block of homes were wiped out. Allowing up to ten homes to be rebuilt on a single-family lot will overwhelm the existing infrastructure and destabilize this special community as it works to recover.”
A similar protection is already in place for Palisades Fire survivors through a Governor Newsom executive order, but that order applied only to areas designated as High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
“Altadena continues to face a long road to recovery following the Eaton Fire. During this critical rebuilding period, residents should have the opportunity to restore their homes and neighborhoods without added pressure from speculative development. A five-year moratorium on SB 9 and SB 1123 in Altadena will support community-led recovery efforts and help preserve the historic and cultural heritage that makes Altadena unique,” said Harabedian.
Barger Accepts Measure ER Defeat, Pledges to Be Its Fiscal Watchdog
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R – Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) issued a statement this week acknowledging the voter-approved passage of Measure ER while pledging aggressive fiscal oversight of the new revenues she had opposed.
Barger had argued against Measure ER on the grounds that it placed an additional financial burden on county residents and businesses at a time when the cost of living across the region is already elevated. With voters having decided otherwise, Barger signaled she intends to shift into a watchdog role rather than obstruct implementation.
“The passage of Measure ER marks a significant financial commitment by Los Angeles County residents and businesses,” said Barger. “Although I opposed this measure because of the additional burden it places on taxpayers at a time when the cost of living is already high, I respect the will of the voters. Moving forward, my responsibility is to ensure the revenues generated are managed with accountability and measurable results.”
Barger framed her going-forward posture as one of rigorous oversight — pressing for transparency in how Measure ER funds are deployed and whether promised outcomes are achieved. The statement positions her as the Board’s designated fiscal skeptic on the measure, a role she has played on homelessness spending and other major county expenditures.
Allen Lands $10 Million State Grant to Turn Santa Monica Airport Into Generational Park
State Sen. Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the South Bay) helped secure a $10 million state Proposition 4 Climate Bond grant this week to advance the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project.
The project is a generational effort to transform roughly 192 acres of former airport land into a major metropolitan park serving the westside and surrounding communities. The money will fund feasibility studies and environmental review needed to move the conversion forward, while also strengthening the city’s position to attract additional public and private financing.
“I am so excited about this transformative state investment that will improve our city and region for the better,” said Allen. “It recognizes the ability of nature and recreational spaces to improve the health and well-being of the surrounding communities. The scale of this park would provide a generational change that our residents will benefit from long into the future.”
Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis called the grant a meaningful step toward realizing the city’s long-held vision for the airport land, describing the conversion as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver new open space, restored habitat, and lasting public infrastructure.
