Kamlager-Dove demands answers on DOJ’s prosecution of journalist
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D – Los Angeles, Culver City, Inglewood) led 33 members of Congress in demanding answers from the Department of Justice over the prosecution of independent journalist Georgia Fort, a three-time regional Emmy winner and founder of BLCK Press.
Fort was arrested on January 30 after attending a protest at a St. Paul church on January 18 to report on a demonstration tied to escalating immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. She was arrested at her home before dawn in front of her children and charged with three felonies, including a hate crime.
“The Constitution guarantees journalists the right to report freely without fear of government retribution. The Supreme Court has held that political speech and press freedom receive the highest constitutional protection because ‘debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open.’ That principle does not change because the journalist in question is covering a story the Administration finds unwelcome,” the lawmakers wrote.
The letter asks the DOJ how many times criminal charges have been brought against journalists under the FACE Act since its 1994 enactment, why the department has not pursued similar charges against journalists covering anti-abortion threats and intimidation, and whether any U.S. Attorney’s Office staff who worked on the initial charging decision against Fort have faced discipline or reassignment for declining to participate in her prosecution.
Bass says LA “Will Not Back Down” after SCOTUS TPS ruling
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a sharp statement Thursday after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 yesterday that Haitian and Syrian nationals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) cannot use federal courts to delay the Trump administration’s termination of their legal status while their case is litigated.
The ruling effectively strips judicial review from the process, clearing the way for the administration to proceed with ending TPS for more than 350,000 Haitians and roughly 6,000 Syrians, exposing them to the loss of work authorization and the threat of deportation.
“Today’s Supreme Court decision in favor of the Administration’s attack on immigrants goes against the values that have long defined America as a place of refuge, opportunity, and hope,” said Bass. “Let me be clear: Los Angeles will not stand for an anti-immigrant agenda. We will not carry out policies that sow fear, separate families, or push hardworking people into the shadows. Our city is stronger, safer, and more prosperous because of immigrants.
“This comes just days after a federal judge threw out the Administration’s lawsuit against Los Angeles over our sanctuary city ordinance. The ruling reaffirmed what we already know: Los Angeles has the right to uphold policies that protect public safety, strengthen trust in our communities, and reflect our values,” the mayor added.
Mitchell names new Chief of Staff
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (D – Inglewood, Hawthorne, Gardena, Compton) announced yesterday that Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza will serve as her new Chief of Staff, succeeding Fredericka McGee, who retired after a 35-year public service career spanning federal, state, and local government.
Scorza previously served as Executive Director of Racial Equity in the County’s Chief Executive Office, where he led the county’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative and supported implementation of the Board’s anti-racism policy agenda across more than 40 county departments and agencies. In his new role, he will help direct policy and operations for a district spanning 12 cities and dozens of unincorporated communities, serving nearly 2 million residents.
“Dr. Scorza is a visionary leader whose career has been dedicated to creating pathways to opportunity and improving the lives of our most vulnerable residents,” said Mitchell. “His deep commitment to equity, understanding of the County’s role as the safety-net level of government, and courage to challenge systems to better serve our communities make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our talented team.”
Mitchell credited McGee’s influence as instrumental to initiatives including the Second District’s Racial Justice Learning Exchange.
“Her influence is immeasurable and can be seen in initiatives like our Second District Racial Justice Learning Exchange, as well as in the countless behind-the-scenes decisions that have expanded access, equity, and opportunity across our communities,” said Mitchell.
Fong secures $350 Million for UC and CSU student housingÂ
Assemblymember Mike Fong (D – Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena, Temple City) announced this week that his push for affordable student housing resulted in $350 million being included in the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which will go before California voters on the November ballot.
The funding, secured through SB 417, would support affordable student housing developments across the University of California and California State University systems, aiming to ease an affordability crisis, Fong said, that has pushed students into long commutes and housing insecurity that undermines their academic success.
“Across California, students at our UC and CSU campuses continue to be priced out of affordable housing, with many students forced into longer commutes, increased financial stress, and housing insecurity that ultimately undermines their academic success,” said Fong. “SB 417 provides the UC and CSU systems a $350 million investment to expand the supply of affordable, on-campus housing, ensuring students have access to address one of the most consistent barriers to student success.”
SB 417 was scheduled for presentation on the Assembly and Senate floors this week.
State legislature proclaims June 26 “I ♥ SGV Day” for the San Gabriel Valley
State Sen. Susan Rubio (D – Baldwin Park, West Covina, El Monte) secured passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 189, officially designating June 26, 2026, as “I ♥ SGV Day” across California in recognition of the San Gabriel Valley’s economic, cultural, and civic contributions to the state.
The resolution recognizes the San Gabriel Valley as one of California’s most diverse regions, spanning 31 cities and unincorporated communities across more than 374 square miles and home to nearly two million residents.
The June 26 date pays tribute to the region’s iconic 626 area code, which has become a widely recognized symbol of San Gabriel Valley identity. The designation also highlights the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments’ (SGVCOG) role as the largest and most diverse subregional council of governments in Los Angeles County, with more than three decades of regional leadership on housing, transportation, and economic development.
“The San Gabriel Valley has always been a special place, defined by its people, its diversity, and its strong sense of community,” said SGVCOG President Ed Reece. “This recognition from the California State Legislature is not just an acknowledgment of a campaign — it is a recognition of the pride, resilience, and spirit that define the San Gabriel Valley and the millions of people who call it home.”
Rubio, who chairs the San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus, presented the resolution on the Senate floor Thursday.
“I am proud to author SCR 189 and lead this effort to officially recognize I ♥ SGV Day,” said Rubio. “The San Gabriel Valley’s greatest strength is its people, its diversity, and the strong sense of community that unites us.”
The San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus will host a community reception today in West Covina to celebrate the inaugural I ♥ SGV Day.
