Hochman, Luna hail conviction in deputy’s ambush killing
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna hailed a jury’s conviction on first-degree murder charges yesterday of the man who ambushed and fatally shot Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in broad daylight three years ago near his own Palmdale station.
Jurors deliberated about 2½ hours before finding Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar, 32, guilty of first-degree murder and returning true findings on special circumstance allegations of murder of a peace officer, lying in wait and firing from a vehicle, along with a special allegation that Salazar personally used a .22-caliber revolver.
Salazar had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity; the trial’s sanity phase begins Wednesday in Department 101 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center to determine whether he’s committed to state prison or a state hospital.
“This brutal and senseless murder took the life of a dedicated deputy, leaving his family, colleagues and community to endure an unimaginable loss. We hope today’s guilty verdict brings a measure of healing to Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s family and loved ones. While the trial now moves to the sanity phase, this verdict is an important step toward justice and accountability. I am deeply grateful to our Crimes Against Peace Officers prosecutors for their tireless work on this case and their continued commitment to Deputy Clinkunbroomer, his family and all those who loved him,” said Hochman.
“For nearly three years, we have stood firmly with Ryan Clinkunbroomer’s family and with the dedicated men and women of our Palmdale Sheriff’s Station. Throughout this time, we have remained steadfast in supporting this investigation and doing everything we can to assist the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in pursing justice and holding this individual accountable for the ambush murder of Ryan. Today’s guilty verdict delivers that justice and accountability. While nothing can bring Ryan back to his family, his loved ones or our department family, we hope this verdict brings a sense of peace and closure to those who loved him and served alongside him. Ryan dedicated his life to service, proudly carrying on his family’s legacy as a third-generation member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. We will forever honor his service, his sacrifice and the badge he proudly wore. Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer will never be forgotten,” said Luna.
On Sept. 16, 2023, Salazar followed Clinkunbroomer’s vehicle as the deputy left the Palmdale station on duty, ambushing and fatally shooting him less than a block away before fleeing. Clinkunbroomer died at a nearby hospital, and Salazar was arrested two days later following an intensive search.
Barger offers support as fire guts historic Old Town Newhall
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R-Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and portions of the San Gabriel Valley) pledged support yesterday for business owners devastated by an overnight fire that tore through Santa Clarita’s historic Old Town Newhall district.
A three-alarm fire broke out around 2:55 a.m. at a strip mall on the 24000 block of Main Street, destroying the Newhall Refinery restaurant and The MAIN performing arts theater and damaging several neighboring businesses, including Gary’s Auto Collision Center, Care Tucker Style House and El Trocadero Kitchen and Grill.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews battled the blaze for more than six hours; one person was taken to a hospital, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arson investigators remained on scene as of yesterday, with no cause yet announced.
“My heart goes out to the business owners in Old Town Newhall who woke up this morning to devastating losses. These are small businesses that are part of the fabric of this community, and for some owners, years of hard work and livelihoods were destroyed in a matter of hours. Our focus now is on supporting these business owners as they begin the difficult process of recovering and rebuilding,” said Barger.
The destroyed complex was part of Old Town Newhall’s decade-plus revitalization into an arts and entertainment district; the Newhall Refinery had operated since May 2013 and was considered a neighborhood staple.
Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste also addressed the damage, calling Old Town Newhall “the root of our City’s history” and pledging support for the affected businesses and workers.
Bass, Hutt celebrate Vision Theatre’s return in Leimert Park
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA City Councilmember Heather Hutt (D-Koreatown, Arlington Heights, Mid-City, Palms, South Robertson, West Adams, Wilshire Center) celebrated the reopening of the Vision Theatre Performing Arts Center in Leimert Park last week, marking the historic venue’s return after more than 15 years closed.
More than 500 community members, arts leaders, elected officials and philanthropic partners joined the ribbon-cutting, which followed a 2025 partnership the Mayor’s Office helped establish between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Where Art Can Occur, the arts nonprofit co-founded by Tina Knowles.
WACO will program the 729-seat theater with plays, music and dance performances while also running youth arts education and training programs for South LA.
“Last week, the Vision Theater rose again as a platform for Black creativity, community and commerce. This theater is a landmark that has anchored Leimert Park for nearly a century, and it is coming back stronger than ever. I was proud to have secured the funding to start the renovations during my tenure in the State Assembly. When the Olympic and Paralympic Games arrive in 2028, I want the entire world to experience Leimert Park. I want them to hear this community’s music, taste its food, meet its entrepreneurs, and feel its art. That story starts right here, welcoming the world to the Vision Theater,” said Bass.
“The Vision Theatre has long been a special place in Leimert Park and in the lives of so many who call this community home. Its reopening represents both a celebration of that history and an investment in our future. The Vision is a world-class stage where established artists can shine, emerging artists can find their voice, and new audiences can make memories of their own. This theatre will be a cultural and economic engine for Leimert Park and all of Los Angeles for generations to come,” said Hutt.
Cisneros presses HUD on stalled housing voucher guidance
U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-Covina, West Covina, Baldwin Park, El Monte, Azusa, La Puente) led a letter yesterday with House Democratic colleagues demanding the Department of Housing and Urban Development act to protect families on Emergency Housing Vouchers from losing their housing assistance.
Though the federal government approved funding to renew the pandemic-era EHV program as part of its February 2026 spending bill, HUD’s own May 2026 voucher renewal notice explicitly excluded renewal calculations for the EHV program specifically — leaving the implementation guidance landlords, tenants and public housing authorities need still unreleased months later, with the end of the year approaching.
“Tenants, landlords, and public housing authorities all rely on HUD’s implementation notice to ensure a smooth continuation of housing assistance payments. This program has proven instrumental in keeping vulnerable populations—including seniors and people with disabilities—housed. Any interruption in housing assistance risks leaving families out on the street and tarnishing the EHV program’s proven record of success. HUD must immediately respond with the date it intends to release the implementation notice, to keep currently assisted families housed and protect them from the risk of homelessness,” said Cisneros.
Cisneros has previously co-sponsored the Supporting Upgraded Property Projects and Lending for Yards Act and the More Homes on the Market Act, and joined colleagues this year in passing the bipartisan, bicameral 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
