Gabriel’s gun law draws fed lawsuit
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D – Encino, Lake Balboa, Van Nuys) saw his legislation closing a machine gun conversion loophole take effect yesterday, only to face an immediate federal lawsuit from the Trump administration’s Department of Justice seeking to overturn it.
Assembly Bill 1127prohibits the sale of semi-automatic handguns in California that can be easily converted into fully automatic weapons using a small device known as a “switch.” Law enforcement agencies nationwide have reported a surge in recoveries of these conversion devices, and a 2022 shooting just blocks from the California State Capitol – which left six dead and a dozen wounded – involved one of these modified weapons.
“California won’t back down in the face of threats from Donald Trump and the NRA,” said Gabriel. “As a parent and lawmaker, I refuse to stand idly by while our schools and communities are being threatened by illegal gun violence. California is proud to be a national leader in enacting commonsense gun safety laws, and we will defend these life-saving laws from those who prioritize gun industry profits over the safety of our communities.”
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1127 into law in October 2025. Following its passage, the National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation filed a legal challenge – but later voluntarily dismissed it.
The DOJ lawsuit filed yesterday represents a new and more formidable front in the fight over the law. Since California passed the bill, New York, Connecticut, and Maryland have enacted similar legislation.
Horvath takes red tape off restaurant menu
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) won Board approval this week for a motion strengthening support and resources for restaurant owners navigating the county’s permitting and plan check processes.
The action directs the Department of Public Health and the Department of Public Works to develop implementation plans for new state laws streamlining restaurant permitting and renovation processes, including expedited review timelines and greater operational flexibility.
The Department of Public Health was also directed to update restaurant permitting websites, checklists and toolkits to make them more user-friendly, conduct outreach to ensure operators understand new state policies, and explore expanding one-on-one concierge-style technical assistance for restaurant owners before plans are submitted.
“Every restaurant starts with someone sharing a piece of themselves – a family recipe, a cultural tradition, or a dream they’ve carried for years,” said Horvath. “Those dreams become the places where we celebrate birthdays, gather after long days, and connect with neighbors and new cultures. The people opening and operating restaurants are taking a chance on our communities, and we should meet that courage with clear guidance, meaningful support, and a path that makes it easier to bring those ideas to life.”
Restaurants support thousands of jobs and are a critical driver of tourism and local economic activity across LA County’s 88 cities and unincorporated areas.
Bass houses 1,000 vets
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced yesterday that more than 1,000 veterans have secured permanent housing through her administration’s House Our Vets initiative, marking a major milestone in the city’s effort to end veteran homelessness.
Speaking from the rooftop terrace of a newly constructed affordable housing complex north of downtown Los Angeles, Bass celebrated the milestone alongside veterans, nonprofit service providers and community members – including Kevina Mitchell, a former Army soldier who experienced years of housing instability following a medical discharge while managing health challenges. Mitchell, now the mother of a seven-month-old, signed her lease and received her keys at the event.
“I made a promise to this city that we would do everything in our power to bring unhoused Angelenos indoors,” said Bass. “Today, more than 1,000 veterans and their families have secured housing through the House Our Vets initiative. For generations, Americans have stepped forward to serve our nation. As our country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, there is no better way to honor that service than by making sure every veteran has a place to call home.”
Launched in early 2025, House Our Vets brought together city, federal and nonprofit partners to accelerate housing placements for veterans. To date the initiative has housed 1,094 veterans and their families.
Barger pushes SBA fire loan extensions
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R – Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) is urging residents and small business owners impacted by the Eaton Fire to take advantage of what the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is calling its final extension of disaster loan disbursement deadlines.
Under the extension, borrowers approved for SBA Home Physical Disaster Loans and Business Physical Disaster Loans will have 24 months from the date of their loan authorization to draw down approved funds – recognizing that many survivors continue to face delays related to insurance claims and other rebuilding challenges.
“While that progress is making a real difference, many wildfire survivors continue to face challenges that are beyond their control,” said Barger. “This SBA extension provides much needed flexibility, giving families and small businesses additional time to access the recovery funding they’ve already been approved to receive. I encourage every eligible borrower to take advantage of this opportunity as they continue rebuilding their homes, businesses, and lives.”
Barger also flagged a significant financing gap she raised directly with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler this week. Under federal duplication of benefits requirements, the SBA may withhold portions of an approved disaster loan until insurance proceeds are finalized – but many insurance companies won’t release the full amount needed to rebuild until a home receives a Certificate of Occupancy.
That leaves some families without access to funds during construction, even though those resources have already been approved.
“I appreciate Administrator Loeffler’s willingness to examine this issue and work toward a solution so survivors can access the financing they need to keep rebuilding,” said Barger.
The SBA has approved more than $3.4 billion in disaster assistance for nearly 13,000 Los Angeles-area borrowers affected by the January 2025 wildfires.
Eligible borrowers with questions about their disaster loan or disbursement process are encouraged to contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
