Essayli Appointed U.S. Attorney for Central District of California
Assemblyman Bill Essayli (R-Riverside) announced yesterday that he will step down from his assembly seat to accept the appointment to be the United States Attorney for the Central District of California.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California covers seven counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. This includes a population of nearly 20 million people – the largest of any federal judicial district in the country.
The Office’s role is to enforce the laws and defend the interests of the United States. It does so through three primary litigating Divisions: Criminal, National Security, and Civil.
“I am honored that President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have placed their trust in me to serve as United States Attorney for the Central District of California. I intend to implement the President’s mission to restore trust in our justice system and pursue those who dare to cause harm to the United States and the People of our nation,” stated Essayli on his X account.
“In just over two years, we have achieved major victories to restore common sense in Sacramento. When I joined the Assembly, parental rights, illegal immigration, and voter ID were peripheral issues; we’ve made them centerpieces of our Party. This past election we added true fighters and I am confident they will continue the important work needed in the Legislature to make Republicans start winning in California,” he added.
Bargar Lauds Supervisors for helping Small Business Victims of Eaton Fire
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger (R) lauded the board for unanimously approving her motion yesterday to provide critical economic recovery support to Altadena following the devastating Eaton Fire.
“Our small business owners are the backbone of Altadena’s economy, and we must do everything we can to help them recover,” said Barger. “This motion provides much-needed financial relief and economic opportunities that will help rebuild and strengthen Altadena. By investing in local businesses, job creation, and public awareness, we are taking critical steps toward ensuring a full and lasting recovery.”
The following are key provisions in the motion:
- Approving pop-up events and restaurants in vacant lots in Altadena for up to five years to encourage community engagement and economic activity.
- Setting aside 500 Youth@Work positions next fiscal year to employ youth impacted by the Eaton Fire, providing them with meaningful job opportunities and career development.
- Establishing a satellite America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) in Altadena to connect residents with employment resources and job placement assistance.
- Designing and implementing a “shop local” public awareness campaign to support and promote businesses in Altadena as they work to recover.
- Directing the L.A. County Development Authority to create a small business loan program, allocating up to $6.5 million to assist businesses that survived the fire, ensuring they have the financial support needed to rebuild and thrive.
Cisneros Calls on SBA Administrator to Answer to Congress
U.S. Rep. Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-El Monte, West Covina, La Puente, Baldwin Park) used his time yesterday during the House Small Business Committee’s (HSBC) hearing to call out Small Business Administrator (SBA) Kelly Loeffler and the numerous actions she and the Trump Administration have undertaken that directly harm small businesses in their so-called “Golden Age.”
“I have joined my colleagues in sending letters to the SBA and they go unanswered. We sit through hearings to listen to what agencies, particularly the SBA, are doing and not doing. We ask witnesses questions to gauge the impact of actions by the SBA and the Administration, but we need to bring the Director of the SBA here,” said Cisneros at the hearing.
Among the items the lawmaker questioned include:
- What specific offices or departments within the SBA are affected by the announced 43% workforce reduction?
- Where is the SBA relocating the 6 regional offices and will any other offices be closed in the future?
- What is SBA’s plan to handle $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio with less staff and staff not trained to work with such a complex student loan system?
Vinatieri Wecomes New Whittier City Manager
Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri (R) last week welcomed Conal D. McNamara as the next City manager.
Following an extensive recruitment and selection process, the Whittier City Council approved McNamara to lead the City’s administration and continue advancing the Council’s strategic priorities.
McNamara brings over 30 years of experience in municipal government, specializing in community and economic development, infrastructure planning, budget management, and policy implementation. He served as Whittier’s Director of Community Development from 2014 to 2020. Most recently, McNamara served as City Manager for the City of La Palma, where he successfully led citywide operations, strengthened financial stability, and guided key infrastructure and community initiatives.
“We are thrilled to welcome Conal McNamara back to Whittier,” said Vinatieri. “His extensive experience in city planning, economic development, and strategic leadership will be instrumental in guiding Whittier into the future.”
McNamara will officially assume the position on Monday, May 5, succeeding Brian Saeki. For further information, contact the City Manager’s Office at (562) 567-9301 or via email to admin@cityofwhittier.org.
