Valladares slams Senate budget approval
State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) slammed the state senate for approving the fiscal year 2025-26 $232 billion state budget last week.
The budget proposes a $5.5 billion increase compared to the Governor’s May Revision, which increases ongoing spending while utilizing one-time resources, such as borrowing and reserves. At the same time, it proposes nearly $100 million in cuts to the developmentally disabled community.
“I voted no on the state budget proposed by California’s majority party. Budgets are a reflection of our priorities—and this one fails the hardworking Californians who I am here to represent,” said Valladares.
“Despite promises by the legislative leaders to make 2025 the ‘year of affordability,’ their budget offers no real relief from rising costs. It also disregards voters’ clear demand to restore public safety by failing to fully fund Prop 36, depriving law enforcement of the essential tools they need. Meanwhile, it expands bureaucracy and protects pet projects while cutting essential services for our most vulnerable.”
Valladares noted that just a few years ago, California had a $100 billion surplus, and now the state faces a $14 billion deficit and a drained rainy-day fund.
“This irresponsible budget continues a pattern of overspending and misplaced priorities – it’s all cost, no compass. California needs leaders who will make hard choices and deal in reality or our kids and their kids will be paying the price for generations to come,” said the lawmaker.
Sherman supports Israel’s attack on Iran
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village), a Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for 29 years, on Friday called Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear capabilities a justifiable measure.
“Under the circumstances, what Israel has done is understandable and justified. Earlier today, for the first time in 20 years, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board declared that Iran was in breach of its non-proliferation obligations under the Safeguards Agreement that Iran itself signed. Iran was extremely close to several nuclear bombs. Israel could not wait while Iran pretended to negotiate in good faith while racing towards a bomb,” said Sherman.
‘It’s regrettable that Iran’s decades of violation of the non-proliferation treaty, which it signed has led us to a point where this is necessary. While the U.S. pulled out of the 2014 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement, Iran has been bound by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement it signed decades ago and which the IAEA determined it violated.”
Sherman said Israel did not take this step lightly. There will be retaliation from Iran, and likely also from the Houthis and Hezbollah. Many Israeli civilians will be killed. Israel took this action because it believed it had no other choice, said Sherman.
Long Beach receives grant for youth jobs
The City of Long Beach last week was awarded $2.6 million in state grant funding to expand the City’s nationally recognized youth employment programming and establish new career-building opportunities for local youth with a focus on those who have historically been disconnected from the workforce.
The funding will enable 152 young people to gain valuable work experience at a competitive rate of $22 per hour, for up to 400 hours. This effort, set to run from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026, will significantly impact local youth by providing substantial employment opportunities and financial support.
“By expanding our employment programs, we are not just creating jobs—we are opening doors to career pathways, skill development, and brighter futures for our young residents,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This funding directly supports programs like our Public Service Corps, which connects young people to meaningful work in service to their community. Through these opportunities, our youth will gain valuable experience, contribute to the public good, and help build a stronger, more resilient Long Beach.”
Approved by the Long Beach City Council with a 7 to 0 vote at its May 6, 2025, meeting, and administered through the Department’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, the funding will support new cohorts under the Long Beach Youth Jobs Corps.
This includes the Public Service Corps, Fire Corps, Urban Planning Internship Program and other youth-centered work experience initiatives aimed at fostering interest in high-demand public sector and civic careers.
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.
