Hahn Secures $3 Million to Keep Catalina Island Hospital Open
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D) yesterday secured $3 million of available Measure B funding to prevent the imminent closure of Catalina Island Health, the only hospital on the island.
Although the hospital is vitally important as the only source of emergency medical care on the island for Catalina’s residents, workers, and over one million annual visitors, it faces serious financial challenges with insolvency predicted as early as July.
“If Catalina Island Health were to close, it would not only be disastrous to the health and well-being of Avalon residents and visitors, but it would also have a dangerous ripple effect across our county’s emergency medical response system,” said Hahn. “This Measure B funding, approved by taxpayers to preserve trauma centers and emergency rooms, will keep Catalina Island Health’s doors open to patients while we work on a long-term solution to keep this hospital operating and saving lives long into the future.”
The funding comes after the LA County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0, with Supervisor Holly Mitchell absent, to approve Hahn’s motion to allocate the funds in one-time Measure B funding to Catalina Island Health. Measure B is special tax that voters approved in 2002 for the sole purpose of funding the countywide system of trauma centers, emergency medical services, and bioterrorism response.
The motion also incorporated an amendment by Supervisor Kathryn Barger directing the LA County Department of Health Services (DHS) to engage with the administration of Catalina Island Health and report back in writing within 90 days with an analysis of the hospital’s emergency room operations with a detailed breakdown of expenditures, staffing, services, and equipment. DHS will also provide technical assistance to the hospital regarding billing, reimbursement, and other administrative and operational needs related to the emergency room.
Catalina Island Health’s emergency room currently treats an average of 770 trauma patients each year with just 50 trauma patients requiring aerial transport to the mainland. The hospital’s closure would force more helicopter evacuations of trauma patients and cost the County an estimated $14 million each year. There would also be massive delays in treatment and could risk additional injury, harm, and even death to patients.
County of Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone lauded the funding.
“The closure of Catalina Island Health would be catastrophic, creating a significant void for Catalina Island residents and visitors in need of essential healthcare and emergency care. The closure would also require a comprehensive plan to address healthcare access as well as costly medical transportation logistics to the mainland creating a financial strain for taxpayers,” Marrone said.
Gomez Condemns Trump Admin Using IRS Data Against Immigrant Families
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Downtown LA, Koreatown, Boyle Heights, Eagle Rock) — a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees tax policy — yesterday condemned the Trump administration’s use of the Internal Revenue Service to share taxpayer information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to target immigrants.
“The IRS should never be weaponized to target immigrant families,” said Gomez. “This backdoor deal with ICE shatters decades of trust and may even violate federal law. Taxpayer data is protected for a reason—using it for immigration enforcement won’t secure the border, but it’ll open the door to government overreach and abuse. I’ll do everything I can in the Ways and Means Committee to stop this. No one should fear that filing their taxes puts their family at risk.”
Under current law, the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 6103) strictly protects the confidentiality of taxpayer information. Historically, the IRS has generally prohibited from sharing tax data with immigration authorities. Any unauthorized disclosure may be a felony offense.
As the son of immigrants, Gomez has strongly advocated for immigrant families. He’s a proud supporter of the Dream and Promise Act of 2025, providing a clear path to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients.
Gomez also called on the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately halt efforts to misuse confidential taxpayer data for immigration enforcement. He is also leading the effort demanding answers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after the agency abruptly froze funding for the Citizenship and Assimilation (C&A) Grant Program, jeopardizing critical services that help lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens.
Palmdale Kicks off Neighborhood Watch Series
The City of Palmdale invites residents to a lively District 3 Neighborhood Watch event from 6-9 pm, Mon., April 14 at Palmdale Oasis Park, 3850 E. Ave. S.
This free, family-friendly event includes plenty of treats, activities for kids, and exciting giveaways! This is your opportunity to connect with your neighbors, Public Safety staff, and local Sheriff’s deputies and enjoy a great time.
“Neighborhood Watch is designed to bring the whole family together for a fun-packed evening right in their neighborhood,” said Mayor Richard J. Loa. “The well-being of our community is a top priority, and this is a chance to get outdoors and learn practical safety tips for all ages. By working together and staying vigilant, we can create a more secure environment for everyone.”
This must-attend event will feature free Kona Ice for the first 100 guests, a Ring camera raffle, DJ and live music, train rides, a gaming trailer, food trucks, face painting, kids’ activities, public safety displays and a meet-and-greet with District 3 Mayor Pro Tem Laura Bettencourt.
“What a great opportunity for our residents to get to know their neighbors, meet with the Councilmember in their district and have some fun in the process,” said Bettencourt. “It’s about building community, fostering trust and ensuring that everyone feels safe in their own homes.”
Residents will also learn crime-prevention strategies and receive free resources from various local partners. The Neighborhood Watch program encourages residents to be the “eyes and ears” of their surroundings, a proven way to prevent crime and reduce fear in the community.
For more information and a full list of upcoming Neighborhood Watch events, visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/228/Neighborhood-Watch.
