Hahn’s steers reappointments through
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, this week, saw the Board of Supervisors unanimously approve her recommendation for the reappointment of eight members of Los Angeles County commissions that she had previously named to their roles.
County Commissioners advise the Board of Supervisors on a range of topics. There are currently over 200 commissions, committees, and boards established in the County to which the Board of Supervisors appoints members.
“My commissioners are my eyes and ears on critical issues affecting the lives of LA County’s 10 million residents. These eight appointees have not disappointed, and I am so grateful to them for their time and service,” said Hahn. “Our LA County government can better serve our residents thanks to their experiences and input.”
The following commissioners were approved:
• Deena Duncan, La Mirada. Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Duncan, a licensed therapist and substance use counselor, has spent 26 years working in the field of substance use treatment. She is also an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and other traumas.
• Ilan Davidson, San Pedro. Commission on Human Relations. Davidson is a Jewish educator and cantor at Temple Beth El. He is a member of the San Pedro Faith Consortium and Founder/Executive Director of KindredSPIRITS.
• Cathy McClure, Whittier. County Commission for Older Adults. McClure is a longtime advocate, currently serving as Regional Chair of the Red Cross Rio Hondo Chapter. She is retired from a career in fundraising, including as Regional Director of United Way Greater LA.
• Carlos Benavides, Los Angeles. Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities. Benavides is a peer mentor educator and chair of the Patient Advisory Council at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. In 2023, Hahn named an amphitheater at Rancho Los Amigos in Benavides’s honor.
• Ramon Pizarro, San Pedro. Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities. Pizarro served as a peer mentor at Rancho Los Amigos for newly injured spinal cord patients. He also serves as a co-chair on Rancho’s Patient Advisory Council and a board member for Communities Actively Living Independently and Free, a disability advocacy organization.
• Felix Lopez, Cerritos. Los Angeles County Commission on Insurance. Lopez is an active business leader, currently serving as President and CEO of Pinoy Insurance. He is founder and president of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce-Southeast Corridor and co-founder of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce.
• Alejandra Albarran Moses, Long Beach. Policy Roundtable for Child Care and Development. Albarran Moses holds a hold a PhD in Education and serves as Early Childhood Education Coordinator for the City of Long Beach. Her research investigated how communities support parents of young children to prepare for the educational system.
• Kenny Green, Wilmington. Public Health Commission. Green has over 29 years of experience with community, public health, intervention, prevention and youth development programs.
Valladares’ emergency crime bill passes Senate
State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) announced this week that her bill (SB 571) to increase penalties for looting and impersonating law enforcement during a state of emergency has passed out of the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support.
The bipartisan bill is jointly authored by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) and Senator Jesse Arreguin (D-Berkeley).
“In those moments of heartbreak and loss during a natural disaster or other emergency, no one should have to worry about falling victim a second time—to crime, to exploitation, or to opportunistic criminals who prey on the vulnerable,” said Valladares.
Valladares noted that during the recent fires, criminals preyed on victims of the fires by looting and even impersonating first responders to gain access to impacted properties. Her measure will make it a felony to loot and enhance the penalty for impersonating first responders during a state of emergency.
“This bill matters deeply because it’s about justice, and it sends a firm, unmistakable message: if you prey on disaster survivors, you will be held accountable. This legislation is also about protection, prevention, and showing victims that they are not alone when they need us most,” said the lawmaker.
The bill now moves to the Assembly for consideration.
Richardson, Long Beach Launch HOME
Mayor Rex Richardson and the City of Long Beach has announced the launch of its Housing and Homelessness Opportunities, Mobilization and Engagement (HOME) Community Roadshows, a new initiative led by the Office of Homeless Strategy and Partnerships (OHSP) that will engage residents in meaningful conversations about the City’s efforts to prevent and address homelessness.
“Addressing homelessness is one of our most urgent priorities and we are committed to engaging our community throughout the process,” said Richardson. “The Community Roadshows are a vital opportunity to meet residents where they are, build trust and share how we are working together across departments and with community partners to create safe, supportive solutions for all Long Beach residents.”
These events, which will be held quarterly at various locations throughout Long Beach to increase access, will bring together City departments, community-based organizations and Long Beach residents to share updates, provide resources and hear directly from the community about collaborative ways to enhance local systems.
Topics covered will include local homelessness response systems, shelter expansion, mental and behavioral health services, encampment outreach, and permanent housing pathways. Each event will offer free food, information booths, and opportunities for two-way dialogue around housing, services, and public safety strategies.
The first HOME Community Roadshow is slated for between 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Thursday, June 12, at the Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.). Advanced registration is encouraged but not required. Interpretation services will be available in Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. View the event flyer here.
