Allen’s bipartisan legislation gives tax breaks for rebuilding recovery costs
State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Torrance and Sen. Megan Dahle (R-Bieber) last week introduced bipartisan legislation (SB 1343) to provide a tax credit for purchases to rebuild property that was damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster.
“Over one year since the horrific LA Fires tore through our community, thousands of residents remain displaced and are struggling to cover the costs to rebuild,” said Allen. “We know this is not a unique circumstance following a disaster. This tax credit would offer needed financial relief to provide disaster survivors with a more stable pathway to a successful recovery effort.”
The 2025 LA Fires were the costliest natural disaster in state history. Many property owners who remain displaced by the disaster were un- or underinsured, or otherwise face insurance challenges that significantly hinder their individual recovery efforts. Insurance payments often do not cover the full cost of rebuilding, leaving many survivors unsure of how or whether they will be able to return to their community in the end.
SB 1343 would ease these financial stresses by providing an income tax credit, up to $10,000, to recoup sales tax costs for construction materials or furniture purchased to rebuild a home within three years of a disaster. The tax credit would apply to Californians rebuilding a primary residence and nonprofit housing developers. If passed, residents can claim the credit when filing taxes in 2027 for rebuilding costs incurred over the previous three years.
Construction materials eligible for the tax credit include tools and hardware, roofing shingles and paper, gutters, downspouts, vents, doors, windows, sheetrock, drywall, insulation, paint and paint materials, cleaning and disinfecting materials, and flooring. It would apply to these construction items priced under $500 per unit.
Eligible furniture items, beyond those commonly found in a home, would also include appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, washer and dryer units, refrigerators and freezers, stoves, ovens, cooktops, microwaves, vacuums, and fans. It would apply to these items that are less than $3,500 each.
Rubio WINGS seminar inspires over 60 young women
State Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Alhambra, Baldwin Park, El Monte, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, South El Monte, West Covina) last week hosted the first WINGS Seminar of the year — Women Inspiring the Next Generation of Sisterhood, bringing together more than 60 young women from across the community for a day focused on leadership, mentorship, and empowerment.
Rubio created the WINGS Seminar to help young women build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with mentors who can guide them as they pursue their goals.
“Young women deserve to see leaders who reflect them,” said Rubio. “Through WINGS, we are creating a space where young women can learn, grow, and realize the incredible potential they have to lead and make a difference in their communities.”
Participants received leadership tools, participated in healthy relationship workshops, and engaged with mentors and community leaders who shared their experiences and guidance.
The seminar was made possible through the support of community partners, including the El Monte and Duarte City Councils, the El Monte and Duarte School Districts and high schools, the YWCA San Gabriel Valley, which led healthy relationship sessions, and Jules Hirst, who provided an etiquette workshop for attendees.
Rubio launched the WINGS program over 7 years ago to inspire and uplift the next generation of women leaders across Senate District 22.
“As we continue these seminars throughout the year, my hope is that every young woman who participates leaves knowing her voice matters and her future is full of possibilities, just the way mine was,” Rubio said.
Long Beach to Host Spring Fest at Lincoln Park
The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), in partnership with the Long Beach Public Library (Library), will host Spring Fest this month, a free, family-friendly community event featuring a variety of springtime activities for people of all ages.
“Our Spring Fest is a great opportunity to hop into spring and enjoy everything the season has to offer,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Events like this reflect our ongoing commitment to providing accessible, family-friendly events for our community to come together, build lasting memories and enjoy a day at one of our beautiful Long Beach parks.”
Spring Fest’s signature activities include two age-designated egg hunts, a bunny trail for children ages 2 years and under, and visits from the Easter Bunny. Youth can also create flower planter souvenirs and springtime-themed pipe cleaner mementos to take home. Additional activities include a cupcake walk, arts and crafts, face painting, group games and more.
Attendees can also enter free raffles for the chance to win prizes, courtesy of PRM and the Library. Light refreshments will also be available, while supplies will last. To participate in activities, attendees must check in to receive a bracelet. Participation in the egg hunts is available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Spring Fest will take place from 11 am to 2 pm, Saturday, March 28at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.) in Downtown.
Complimentary parking will be available throughout the event in the Civic Center Parking Garage (332 W. Broadway) for Spring Fest attendees. More information about Spring Fest is available by calling 562.570.3524.
Palmdale Appoints Salvador Mendez as City Manager
The Palmdale City Council last week approved the appointment of Salvador “Sal” Mendez as city manager following a nationwide recruitment process, reinforcing its commitment to stable, accountable leadership and high-quality service delivery for residents.
Mendez has served as city manager pro tem since March 2025 and as interim city manager since Sept. 2, 2025, when the City Council unanimously appointed him to that role. On Feb. 12, the City Council appointed Mendez to the city manager position pending execution of an agreement and completion of a background check.
Prior to serving as interim city manager, Mendez was the City’s assistant city manager, giving him an intimate understanding of Palmdale’s operations, community priorities and long-term goals.
“Palmdale residents deserve steady, accountable leadership, and Sal Mendez has demonstrated exactly that,” said Palmdale Mayor Eric Ohlsen. “Through a nationwide recruitment, we sought a city manager with proven operational strength, integrity and a genuine commitment to public service. Sal brings all of that, plus deep knowledge of our community from his service as assistant city manager and Interim City Manager. He understands Palmdale’s goals and what it takes to deliver results for residents.”
Mendez is a distinguished public servant known for his expertise in public works, with more than six years of experience as a public works director. He has led multimillion-dollar projects and advanced strategic initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, support sustainable growth and improve day-to-day quality of life for the communities he serves. In recognition of his leadership, Mendez was named the 2024 Top Leader of the Year in the Public Sector by the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
“Continuity matters, and so does capability,” said Palmdale Mayor Pro Tem Austin Bishop. “Sal has brought a calm, solutions-focused approach and a clear standard of professionalism to City operations. Because he’s served as Palmdale’s assistant city manager, he already understands our organization and our community at a deep level. After a nationwide recruitment and a thorough vetting process, we’re confident this decision supports long-term stability and momentum for our residents.”
Mendez earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in public administration from California Polytechnic University, Pomona.
