Gabriel delivers $22 million for Sepulveda Basin upgrades
Assembly Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino, Van Nuys, Tarzana, Reseda, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills) and Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando, Pacoima, Sylmar, Sun Valley, Arleta) presented a ceremonial check Saturday for $22 million in state funding to improve the Sepulveda Basin.
The 2,000-acre basin is the San Fernando Valley’s largest public open space.
The money comes from Proposition 4, the climate bond voters approved in 2024 to help communities prepare for extreme heat and wildfire and improve access to parks. It will fund:
- Balboa Sports Complex: $8 million for shade structures, bleachers, fencing and lighting at the soccer fields.
- Hjelte Sports Complex: $4 million for paving and facility improvements.
- Victory Boulevard: $6 million for four permanent crosswalks and two pedestrian signals to improve access to the basin.
- Los Angeles Fire Department: $2 million for fire prevention and brush clearance.
- River Rangers, Chrysalis: $2 million for brush clearance work by the Conservation Corps.
“Delivering for the Valley means fighting to ensure our communities get their fair share of state resources, and then turning those dollars into meaningful improvements for local families. This investment will also deliver critical resources to LAFD to help firefighters protect our neighborhoods. Valley families deserve safe, welcoming outdoor spaces, and I’ll keep fighting to deliver the investments our community deserves,” said Gabriel.
Rodriguez said the funding ensures San Fernando Valley residents have access to safe and welcoming public spaces.
“Access to nature should not be a luxury. It should be an opportunity available to everyone. That is why I am especially excited about this investment by the state, which will create lasting benefits for the entire region,” said Rodriguez, the Assembly’s assistant speaker pro tempore.
State Sen. Henry Stern and Assemblymembers Pilar Schiavo and Nick Schultz backed the funding.
Whitesides bill aims to shield elections from federal interference
U.S. Rep. George Whitesides (D-Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster) introduced the SHIELD Our Elections Act, which aims to protect voters and ballots from illegal interference by federal officials, eight days before the midterm elections.
Nine other LA County Democrats signed on as original co-sponsors: Reps. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro), Gil Cisneros (D-Covina), Laura Friedman (D-Burbank), Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Culver City), Ted Lieu (D-Beverly Hills), Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), Norma Torres (D-Pomona) and Maxine Waters (D-Watts). U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) is carrying a companion bill in the Senate.
“Every eligible American should be able to cast their ballot without fear of intimidation or political interference. Our elections belong to the people, not politicians looking to hold onto power. We need clear protections that safeguard ballots, hold anyone who breaks the law accountable, and give voters confidence that their voices will be heard. I’m proud to work with Rep. Lofgren and Senator Padilla to protect our democracy and uphold the right to vote,” said Whitesides.
The bill would let state attorneys general and affected voters sue when federal officials unlawfully interfere with or intimidate them at polling places. It would extend the statute of limitations for key federal election crimes, including voter intimidation and interference by the armed forces, from five years to nine, so future administrations could prosecute past actions.
The measure would also limit when law enforcement can seize ballots or election equipment, requiring court-authorized election officials to share custody of anything seized.
Whitesides’ office said the bill responds to President Trump’s threats to nationalize voting and his claims of widespread fraud, as well as recent ballot seizures in Riverside County and an effort to stop California from counting up to 20,000 ballots.
Fong delivers $1.5 million for Temple City’s new Sereno Park
Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel) presented a ceremonial check Friday for $1.5 million in state funding to build Sereno Park, a new neighborhood park in Temple City.
The money will help turn a previously developed property into a park with natural wood and boulder play structures, shaded lawns, outdoor fitness equipment, a dry stream bed and a pedestrian bridge. With new housing planned nearby, the park will serve both current and future residents.
“Parks are more than just places to play. They are spaces where families create memories, neighbors build connections, and communities come together. I am proud to secure $1.5 million in state funding to help bring Sereno Park to life and expand access to much-needed recreational space in Temple City. This investment reflects what we can accomplish when state and local governments work together to build stronger, healthier communities for generations to come,” said Fong.
“As one of the most park-poor cities in Los Angeles County, expanding access to green space has been a longstanding priority for our city. Sereno Park will transform an underutilized property into a welcoming space where families can gather, children can play, and residents can stay active,” said Temple City Mayor William Man.
