Padilla Applauds Court Ruling
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) showed no fear yesterday, after being thrown out and handcuffed at Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference for asking a question.
That after Padilla lauded a U.S. District Court ruling that the President exceeded his constitutional authority in bypassing Governor Newsom to deploy the California National Guard to Los Angeles.
“Five days ago, President Trump tried to commandeer the California National Guard to manufacture a crisis and abuse his power. He put the safety of our Guard and our local law enforcement at risk to create a spectacle and intimidate peaceful protesters,” Padilla said.
“Tonight’s ruling is a victory for the people of California and for the rule of law.”
City of Downey issues clarification
The City of Downey yesterday released a notice of clarification after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted enforcement operations within various areas of the City of Downey.
For clarification, the Downey Police Department does not assist or collaborate with ICE in these operations in accordance with the California Values Act (SB 54), California TRUST Act (AB 4), and the California TRUTH Act (AB 2792), as well as Government, Penal, and Health and Safety Codes. The Downey Police Department also does not interfere or obstruct federal law enforcement activities. Doing so is a violation of the law.
The Department remains committed to maintaining public safety and is prepared to respond to any illegal or unsafe activity that may arise during these enforcement operations, just as it would in any situation that impacts community safety.
The City has also received multiple reports and seen coverage on social media of federal enforcement activity. The City of Downey is not provided details of these activities as federal agencies are not required to report their operations to the City.
The City of Downey understands that such a time may cause concern and anxiety among residents. Community members are reminded to please exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully and lawfully, without causing harm to others or damage to public or private property.
The City would like to thank those who demonstrated peacefully along Firestone Boulevard on the evening of June 11. We appreciate the community’s commitment to making their voices heard in a productive and considerate manner.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and seek information from verified and trusted sources. Official City communication channels include the City of Downey website and verified social media accounts.
Additionally, if you believe federal agents may have detained a loved one, you can search for them or request information through the ICE Detainee Locator here: locator.ice.gov.
Barger reminds Eaton Fire homeowners
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Chair Kathryn Barger yesterday urged residents who lost their houses in the Eaton Fire to take advantage of a newly launched mortgage relief program.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund, a $105 million initiative administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), offers up to $20,000 in mortgage assistance—equivalent to three months of payments—for homeowners whose primary residences were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by disasters occurring between January 2023 and January 2025.
“The CalAssist Mortgage Fund offers tangible, timely relief to help homeowners bridge the gap while they work toward long-term recovery,” said Barger. “I’m keenly aware that many families and individuals are struggling to keep afloat and are facing financial hardships and a lot of pressure. This mortgage grant can be a lifeline for many and is intended to ease those burdens.”
To be eligible for the CalAssist Mortgage Fund, applicants must have a mortgage or reverse mortgage on a property that served as their primary residence and was either destroyed or left uninhabitable by a qualified disaster between January 1, 2023, and January 8, 2025. The property must be a single-family home, condominium, or permanently affixed manufactured home, including those with up to four units. In addition, applicants must meet specific income limits established by the program.
Grants from the CalAssist Mortgage Fund are completely free and do not need to be repaid. Funds will be sent directly to the homeowner’s mortgage servicer. Applications will be reviewed in the order received, and aid will be distributed as long as funds remain available.
Applications are now open. Interested homeowners can apply online at: CalAssistMortgageFund.org. For personal assistance, applicants can call 1-800-501-0019 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. HUD-certified housing counseling services are also available at no cost.
