Friedman, LA Congressional Delegation call on FEMA to Conduct Soil Testing After Wildfires
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, parts of LA, and Pasadena) led a letter last week with seven members of LA County’s congressional delegation calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reverse its refusal to conduct post-wildfire soil testing.
While the missive to FEMA Acting Commissioner Cameron Hamilton thanks the agency for their continued support in wildfire recovery and clean up throughout greater Los Angeles, including its approval of over $78 million in assistance to eligible Los Angeles County residents impacted by the wildfires, it notes debris removal may cause hazardous dust and ash to become airborne, robust monitoring for airborne toxins is critical to protecting public health.
“FEMA’s refusal to test for toxins in the soil after wildfire cleanup in Los Angeles County is unacceptable,” said Friedman. “Families deserve to know their homes are safe and free of dangerous chemicals. This is a break from decades of FEMA precedent — and it risks exposing entire communities to long-term health threats.”
The letter notes, “Follow-up soil sampling has been standard procedure after nearly every major wildfire in California for the past two decades. This decision also contradicts the steps taken by FEMA following the devastating fire in Lahaina, where FEMA conducted additional soil testing for toxic contaminants.”
LA Democratic Reps Brad Sherman, Ted Lieu, Robert Garcia, Nanette Barragan, Luz Rivas, George Whitesides, and Julia Bownley also signed the letter.
Smallwood-Cuevas Leads Summit to Create Equitable Access to Good Jobs in Emerging Industries
State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-South LA, Mid City, Culver City, West LA, Century City, Downtown LA) convened more than 75 leaders of labor, business and the public sectors at LA Trade Technical College for a first-of-its-kind summit focused on expanding equitable access to good paying jobs in three emerging industries – Green Infrastructure, Cannabis, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The summit served as a call-to-action to develop a long-term workforce equity strategy tailored to California’s rapidly changing economy. The UCLA Labor Center co-hosted the event, which featured workforce equity experts who led discussions on finding actionable solutions for driving job growth and economic mobility across California, particularly in underserved communities.
“In this moment of tariffs, federal layoffs, and a weaker economy, California families are terrified,” said Smallwood-Cuevas. “That is why I organized this summit – to bring together the expertise and perspectives of labor, business, and government leaders to begin shaping a future where all workers and all communities can thrive.”
As a key next step, the UCLA Labor Center will develop a comprehensive summary report that captures policy recommendations, stakeholder insights, and a roadmap for building long-term workforce equity in Senate District 28. The report is expected to be released in May and will serve as a foundation for future state legislative and community-driven efforts.
Barger Lauds FEMA for Extending Right of Entry Submissions
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R-Antelope, San Gabriel, San Fernando, Crescenta, Santa Clarita Valleys) lauded the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last week for extending the deadline for residents to submit their Right of Entry Forms to opt into the federal debris removal program, and that they’ve expanded the opportunity for debris removal to include condos and multi-family units.
“Altadena residents have been through unimaginable loss in the wake of the Eaton Fire and have been confronted with compounding responsibilities and logistical challenges to begin rebuilding,” Barger said. “I am thankful to FEMA for extending the deadline for residents to submit their ROE forms so they have more breathing room to fully understand their options and make an informed decision about debris removal.”
Bargar also expressed gratitude to FEMA for extending the opportunity to multi-family units to access this critical resource.
“We are on the road to recovery, and these updates will ensure more of our residents get the help they need and deserve.”
Calabasas Mayor Kraut Announces Rent Subsidies, Hiking Season Schedule
Calabasas Mayor Peter Kaut (D) announced in his letter to the community last week that the city’s Rental Assistance Program will be available to qualifying low-income seniors and permanently disabled residents at Calabasas Village Mobile Estates and other low-income residents.
The Los Angeles County Development Authority allocates Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program (PLHA) funds to cities to address affordable housing stock shortages. This year, Calabasas will use its $51,467 allocated funds to support individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who require rental assistance.
Kaut also announced the Spring 2025 lineup for the Explore Calabasas Hiking Program, hosted by the Community Services Department. This free program allows residents to explore local trails, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with the community.
Upcoming Hikes begin at 7:30 a.m. (meet at 7:15 a.m.):
- Saturday, April 5 – Malibu Creek State Park Hike
1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas
Easy to moderate: 4–5 miles / 3–4 hours - Saturday, May 3 – Chesebro Canyon Trail
5792 Chesebro Rd, Agoura Hills
Easy to moderate: about 4 miles / 2–3 hours - Saturday, June 14 – Summit to Summit Motorway Hike
3314 Adamsville Ave, Calabasas
Intermediate: about 3 miles / 2–3 hours
These hikes are free, restricted to ages 18 and up, and limited to 25 participants. No pets are allowed. Participants must sign a waiver before joining. Some trails may have limited or no cell service.
Visit www.calabasasreg.org for more information, to sign the waiver, and to register for one of these hikes.
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