Gomez, Gonzalez demand Republicans end shutdown
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Downtown LA, Koreatown, Boyle Heights, Eagle Rock) and Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez (D-Downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights) will hold a press conference today at White Memorial Hospital in Boyle Heights to highlight the need to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits that keep health care affordable for working families.
The event comes one day before Open Enrollment begins (Nov. 1), just as new data shows premiums are set to skyrocket to one of the largest increases since the ACA launched more than a decade ago.
Analysts warn that if Congress fails to renew the enhanced subsidies before they expire at year’s end, families could see their monthly payments double in 2026. In California’s 34th Congressional District, the impact could be even more severe: the benchmark plan premium is set to rise 228 percent — up $1,372, from $602 to $1,974 per month.
Nationally, roughly 24 million people are currently enrolled in ACA plans — a record high — but without the enhanced tax credits, millions stand to lose coverage or face crippling premium hikes next year.
Gomez and Gonzalez will be joined by other elected leaders, clinicians and ACA subsidy recipients from White Memorial Hospital to discuss the shutdown’s impact on families seeking care and coverage.
The event is slated for 10 a.m., today, Oct. 31 at White Memorial Hospital, 1720 E Chavez Ave. in Los Angeles.
Alhambra breaks ground on new community center
The City of Alhambra this month broke ground on the Alhambra Community Center, made possible by $25 million in state funding, secured through the advocacy of Senator Susan Rubio (D-Alhambra, Baldwin Park, El Monte, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, South El Monte, West Covina) and Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Temple City).
“Thanks to strong support at the state level, we’re turning an underutilized space into something truly meaningful,” said Alhambra Mayor Katherine Lee. “We’re creating a Community Center where residents of all ages can connect, learn and thrive.”
The future 17,000-square-foot Alhambra Community Center will serve as a dynamic hub for programs, events and community gatherings. Planned features include:
- A variety of leisure classes for seniors, adults, teens and children
- Meeting and conference rooms
- Multipurpose space for fitness, arts and enrichment activities
- An Emergency Operations Center
- Programmable outdoor space
- A rentable rooftop terrace with views of the San Gabriel Mountains
- A special event area with a pre-function courtyard and caterer’s kitchen
Construction activities are expected to begin later this fall with a completion date to be determined.
Beverly Hills readies Rodeo Drive for holiday lighting celebration
The City of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee announced the return of one of Southern California’s most beloved holiday traditions – a sparkling and magical program of holiday décor and entertainment including the annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration.
Thousands are expected to gather under the glittering palm trees on the iconic, palm tree-dotted luxury fashion street for the grand illumination of Rodeo Drive’s holiday lights and décor. This year’s theme, Enchanted Holiday Dreams, takes inspiration from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Ballet — celebrating imagination, courage, and love through the timeless story of Clara and her magical Christmas Eve adventure.
Adorned in shades of gold, blue, red, and white, the center median will feature Nutcracker-inspired and ballerina ornaments set beneath the sparkle of lights cascading from palm to palm. Wrapped tree trunks and glistening white rose bushes will bring a romantic, dreamlike glow to all.
“Our Holiday Lighting Celebration is one of Beverly Hills’ most cherished traditions, a magical night where our community comes together to kick off the season with joy, gratitude, and unity,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “As Rodeo Drive sparkles with lights, fireworks fill the sky, and music fills the air, we’re reminded of the spirit that connects us and the beauty of celebrating side by side. It’s a night for everyone — kids, parents, neighbors, friends and visitors, to make memories and welcome the holidays in true Beverly Hills style.”
The event is slated for between 5-8 p.m., Thursday, November 13 along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
Hochman charges mother in fentanyl death of 2-year-old son
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced yesterday that murder charges have been filed against a Palmdale mother accused of causing the death of her 2-year-old son, who fatally ingested fentanyl in 2023.
“There is no tragedy more profound than the loss of a child, especially when it happens because of a parent’s reckless disregard for life,” said Hochman. “Anyone who exposes a child to fentanyl is committing an unforgivable act of cruelty and neglect, and my office will continue to pursue the toughest possible penalties against those who endanger the most vulnerable among us.”
Anaie Garcia Flores, 23, was charged with one felony count each of murder and child abuse resulting in death. She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on Oct. 28. Her preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Dec. 8 in the Antelope Valley Courthouse. She is being held on $2 million bail for her open case and another $50,000 for a felony probation violation.
On Nov. 7, 2023, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to a death investigation in the 800 block of East Avenue P-15 in Palmdale, where 2-year-old Angel was found unresponsive. Investigators later determined the toddler died from fentanyl ingestion.
During the investigation, detectives allegedly discovered traces of fentanyl throughout Garcia Flores’ home. Prosecutors contend that the mother is responsible for allowing her son to access the deadly drug, leading to his fatal overdose.
If convicted as charged, Flores faces up to 15 years to life in state prison.
