Bass Announces New Initiative on Animal Welfare
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass yesterday announced a new joint effort initiative between the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Animal Services to investigate allegations of animal cruelty in Skid Row.
The initiative aims at enhancing animal welfare through specialized investigators, multiplying the resources available to address concerns about animal welfare, while offering basic support to pet owners where needed. The pilot will launch in Skid Row, where requests for animal welfare checks are higher than in other areas of the city, and will have the potential to expand citywide.
“I launched this new initiative to keep pets with their owners whenever possible while holding those who commit crimes of animal cruelty and neglect accountable,” said Bass. “This collaborative approach will use more than 50 specially trained LAPD officers, working with Animal Services staff to support animal welfare by bringing dedicated personnel, strategic investigation practices, a uniform approach to accountability and immediate relief whenever possible.”
This collaborative approach involves LAPD and Animal Services officers working to promote animal welfare by training LAPD officers assigned to Skid Row on recognizing animal cruelty and evidence collection, while equipping them with referrals for resources if no cruelty is found.
This change reflects the LAPD’s commitment to enhancing animal welfare by transferring investigative responsibility from Area Property Crime Detectives to specially designated and trained investigators. This initiative strengthens animal welfare by ensuring coordinated investigations, shared accountability, timely response and prompt relief whenever possible.
Angelenos can report crimes against animals to Crimestoppers, either online at https://www.lacrimestoppers.org/ or using their tip line 800-222-TIPS. If people witness a crime against an animal in progress, they should call 911.
Lieu lauds Cal voters for passing Prop 50
U.S. Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D-Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach) yesterday lauded California voters for passing Proposition 50, which requires the temporary use of new congressional district maps through 2030.
The passage means California will use new, legislatively drawn congressional district maps starting in 2026.
“Trump and his Republican acolytes have made it their mission to attack hardworking Californians and our Democratic principles. Last night, Californians told Trump that we will not yield. The resounding support for Prop 50 shows that there are political consequences to politicizing fire aid, sending troops to our neighborhoods, and terrorizing immigrant communities,” said Lieu.
“California is the fifth-largest economy in the world and makes our country great. People here and across the country are sick of inflation and they’re sick of the Republican cruelty. Californians joined the chorus of Americans who made their voices heard yesterday to simply say: Republicans, stop attacking our communities and driving up the cost of everything.”
Hermosa Beach Mayor & Police Chief to lead public safety forum
Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann and Hermosa Beach Police Department (HBPD) Chief Landon Phillips will host a Public Safety Forum next Thursday to discuss and focus on key public safety issues, including responsible e-bike use and concerns about organized e-bike groups, state and local enforcement policies, homelessness, local crime trends and the re-launch of Hermosa’s Neighborhood Watch program.
“Hermosa Beach is at its best when we look out for one another,” said Saemann. “This forum is a direct response to the strong desire we heard from residents at our last town hall to have a deeper conversation about community safety. It’s about bringing all members of our community to the table – neighbors, businesses and City leadership – to talk honestly about what’s working and where we can do better together.”
In addition to answering community questions, Chief Phillips will also provide updates on ongoing HBPD initiatives aimed at strengthening community trust and enhancing public safety. Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano will also be on hand as part of the discussion.
The public forum is from 6-8 p.m. next Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers (1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach). Light refreshments will be provided at the event.
All are invited to attend in person or via Zoom (virtual attendee details here) and everyone will have the opportunity to ask speakers direct questions and participate in the discussion. No RSVP is required, and questions can be submitted in advance via www.hermosabeach.gov/question and/or the flyer QR code below.
Friedman slams GOP on the closing of airspace
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Hollywood) blamed the House Republicans after the Department of Transportation announced this week the agency might be forced to shut down the airspace in certain parts of the country if the government shutdown continues into next week.
Nearly 50% of all major air traffic control facilities face staffing shortages, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Air traffic controllers are required to work without pay for the duration of the shutdown.
About 13,000 air traffic controllers are currently working without pay, according to the FAA. On Friday, the agency said that 80% of New York area staff had called out.
“Airspace closures are yet another dangerous consequence of this reckless Republican shutdown. I’m ready to negotiate, but for that to happen, House Republicans need to stop playing games, come to the table, and work with Democrats to reopen the government. Enough is enough. I’m calling on Speaker Johnson to stop canceling votes, end the extended recesses, and sit down with Democrats to do his job,” said Friedman.
“The safety and well-being of the American people, our economy, and critical services — from air travel to affordable healthcare — rely on it.”
