Solis proclaims October ‘Adopt a Shelter Dog Month’
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis (D-Central and Eastern Los Angeles including Downtown LA, East LA, Pico-Union, Boyle Heights, El Monte, West Covina, Baldwin Park, Pomona), this week, saw the full Board of Supervisors approve her motion, co-authored by Chair Kathryn Barger, proclaiming October as “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month” in Los Angeles County.
This year’s proclamation also addresses the growing impact of immigration enforcement on the County’s animal shelter system.
“The County of Los Angeles is proud to proclaim October as ‘Adopt a Shelter Dog Month,’ and we remain committed to raising awareness and uplifting adoption events,” said Solis. “At a time when our communities are still recovering from the January wildfires and facing the effects of ongoing immigration raids, it is clearer than ever that when we uplift animals, we uplift people. This motion ensures that we extend compassion to all beings while investing in the resilience of our communities.”
Los Angeles County continues to face a persistent animal care crisis, marked by high shelter intake volumes and limited capacity. These challenges are often driven by broader social and environmental issues, including housing insecurity, natural disasters, climate emergencies and immigration enforcement.
Following the January wildfires, widespread immigration raids in Los Angeles County in June 2025 led to an increase in animals arriving at County animal care centers. Since then, the Department of Animal Care and Control has tracked surrendered pets or found strays because their owners were deported. As of September, at least 40 pets have been confirmed as surrendered due to deportation.
These animals, often displaced during chaotic enforcement actions, illustrate the urgent need to address the connection between animal welfare and the systemic challenges facing many County residents.
In response, the motion directs the Department of Animal Care and Control and the Office of Immigrant Affairs to implement a culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach campaign. The campaign will inform pet-owning families, encourage adoptions, and promote access to available county resources.
Santa Monica appoints new City attorney
The Santa Monica City Council on Tuesday appointed Chief Deputy City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln interim city attorney, replacing outgoing City Attorney Doug Sloan.
Von Tongeln has nearly 20 years of municipal law experience. She joined the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office in 2012 and has served as chief deputy city attorney since 2022.
“We are grateful for Heidi’s willingness to step up and lead us through this transition in the City Attorney’s Office,” said Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete. “She brings a depth of experience, positive attitude and collaborative spirit that will ensure we continue to fulfill our legal obligations and support the city team.”
During her time in Santa Monica, Von Tongeln has represented the city’s legal interests in litigation and transactional matters and provided advisory support to the city’s boards and commissions. She has served as the acting city attorney since mid-August.
Before coming to Santa Monica, she served as deputy city attorney to three municipalities and assistant legal counsel to several redevelopment agencies, joint powers authorities, and special districts with Green, de Bortnowsky & Quintanilla, LLP. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and French from Pepperdine University and a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.
Von Tongeln assumes the interim position effective immediately with an annual salary of $395,392.
Hochman announces Lowes to pay $1 million for overcharges
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced this week that Lowe’s, a national home improvement and hardware retailer with 110 stores in California, has been ordered by the Court to pay $1 million to resolve a civil lawsuit alleging the company charged prices higher than the lowest advertised or posted price and falsely advertised accurate prices for products.
“This settlement protects shoppers, ensures fair pricing at checkout, but equally important, holds retailers accountable for illegal business practices,” said Hochman. “Thanks to our Consumer Protection Division, particularly Deputy District Attorney Louis Morin who handled the case, and our partner district attorney’s offices throughout California, every violation has been addressed and reforms are in place statewide. Let this be a warning to retailers, my office will continue to hold corporations accountable and defend Los Angeles County consumers from unfair business practices.”
Under the final judgment, filed in San Diego County Superior Court on Sept. 5, the settlement includes:
- Injunctive relief: mandatory store-level changes, enhanced staff training, and periodic price audits.
- Civil penalties: $1 million total, with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s portion approximately $166,666.
- Investigative costs and restitution: $61,215.90 total ($29,519.37 investigative costs; $28,784 cy pres restitution to the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association Quantity Control Trust Fund).
As part of this settlement, the company did not admit liability.
Waters celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and condemns immigration raids
U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Inglewood, Gardena, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Lomita) yesterday recognized and celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15, with the following statement:
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time we proudly celebrate the culture, history, and invaluable contributions of Hispanics in Los Angeles and across the United States. From building our economy to shaping our arts, labor, and civic life, the Hispanic community has been central to the progress of California and our nation.
But this year, our celebrations come amid unfair attacks by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Donald Trump and his administration, under the US Border Czar Tom Homan, have launched a cruel campaign of warrantless immigration raids, ‘flooding the zone’ in Los Angeles, and terrorizing immigrant neighborhoods.
Families are being forced to choose between going to work and risking deportation or staying home and falling behind on food and rent. These heartless tactics are ripping apart communities that have called Los Angeles home for decades.
I condemn these cruel attacks. They dishonor not only our great nation but the very values of equality and justice that Hispanic Heritage Month seeks to uplift. As the representative of one of the most vibrant and diverse Hispanic communities in America, I will continue to fight back against Trump’s hateful policies, stand with immigrant families, and work to ensure that every community can live with dignity and without fear.
Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that Latino families are an inseparable part of the American story. Their dreams are the American Dream. Together, we must honor their legacy not only with words, but with action.”
