Barger applauds Wells Fargo for extending Eaton Fire Mortgage Relief
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R – Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) yesterday applauded Wells Fargo’s decision to extend mortgage forbearance for Eaton Fire survivors up to an additional 12 months, bringing the total to 27 months, for customers directly impacted by the January 2025 wildfires.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the extension addresses a painful double burden facing thousands of homeowners — paying a mortgage on a destroyed home while simultaneously covering rent on temporary housing as they await the chance to rebuild. The EPA’s Los Angeles response, the agency’s largest wildfire cleanup operation ever, surveyed and cleared more than 13,600 residential and commercial properties in 28 days, according to the EPA.
“The extension of mortgage forbearance for wildfire survivors is welcome news for families who continue to navigate the long and difficult road to recovery following the Eaton Fire,” said Barger. “I commend Wells Fargo for stepping up to provide this added flexibility and thank federal officials, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for helping facilitate this important outcome.”
Bargar noted that when she met with President Trump a few months ago, one of the central topics of discussion was ensuring that wildfire survivors receive meaningful relief and support as they rebuild their lives.
“I appreciate President Trump’s continued attention to the needs of Los Angeles County’s fire-impacted communities and his administration’s efforts to help advance solutions that provide real assistance to residents. For many homeowners, this mortgage forbearance extension will offer greater stability and financial breathing room during an extraordinarily challenging period. I remain committed to advocating for every available resource and recovery tool that will help our wildfire survivors move forward and rebuild,” Barger said.
Wells Fargo had previously drawn scrutiny over its treatment of wildfire-affected homeowners — President Trump singled out the bank by name earlier this spring in remarks about lender accountability — making Wednesday’s announcement a notable turn.
Property owners and residents seeking additional guidance are encouraged to visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/wildfire/.
Lieu Breaks With Bipartisan AI Draft, Calls It Inadequate
U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D – Westside Los Angeles and South Bay, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Culver City, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes) is rejecting a sweeping bipartisan AI governance proposal released Wednesday, saying the 269-page discussion draft falls short of what the moment demands.
Lieu, co-chair of the House Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, joined fellow commission co-chairs Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (D-NC) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) in opposing the Great American Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026, a discussion draft unveiled by Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Lori Trahan (D-MA).
“While we appreciate the bipartisan effort from Representatives Jay Obernolte and Lori Trahan, their proposed discussion draft on AI does not meet the enormity of the moment. We do not support the discussion draft as it currently stands,” said Lieu, Foushee, and Gottheimer. “The House Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy has spent months working closely with our colleagues and key stakeholders from civil society organizations, industry, labor, academia, and others addressing AI issues. Many of those same organizations share our view that this document cannot serve as the basis for productive dialogue. We look forward to continuing this discussion and developing thoughtful AI policies that protect the American people and drive American innovation.”
The draft, one of the most ambitious federal AI proposals to date, would establish a national AI governance framework and freeze state-level AI development regulations for three years — stripping states of the ability to legislate how AI systems are built, while preserving their authority to regulate how those systems are used, according to Roll Call.
Critics of the Obernolte-Trahan draft have been sharp. Public Citizen called it “a disastrous proposal that Big Tech is celebrating,” arguing it would effectively freeze the most active source of AI accountability in the country — state legislatures — while deferring to future federal safeguards that may never materialize.
Obernolte and Trahan framed the release as a starting point, inviting feedback from stakeholders and the public before formal introduction.
Hochman Announces Man Charged With Attacking Five Women at UCLA
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced charges yesterday against a 29-year-old man accused of violently assaulting five women — four of them students — on the UCLA campus in Westwood over the span of roughly one hour.
Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, who is not a UCLA student and did not have permission to be on campus, allegedly began his attack spree on the night of May 28 on Bruin Walk, then slipped into two separate secure dormitory buildings, sexually assaulting residents and attempting to kidnap another.
He was apprehended by UCLA police officers just after midnight on May 29 following an intervention by a nearby resident. Akindahunsi faces one felony count of attempted kidnapping to commit a forcible rape, three felony counts of assault with the attempt to commit a forcible rape during the commission of a first-degree burglary, and two felony counts of assault likely to produce great bodily injury.
“These disturbing attacks strike at the core of campus safety, traumatizing five victims and unsettling campus life,” said Hochman. “We are working closely with the UCLA Police Department to bring the attacker to justice and ensure that he will be held fully accountable for his actions. Our swift actions should send a powerful deterrent message to anyone thinking of coming onto a college campus to harm anyone that they will be arrested, prosecuted and punished. Our university campuses need to be safe and protected spaces for our students, faculty, staff and community — and we will do everything in our power to ensure that this happens.”
If convicted as charged, Akindahunsi faces 32 years to life in state prison and would be required to register as a sex offender for life.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Negin Mostadim of the Sex Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the UCLA Police Department.
Anyone with information is urged to contact UCLA police at (310) 825-1491.
Fong Advances AANHPI College Designation, Workforce and Housing Bills
Assemblymember Mike Fong (D – Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena, Temple City) announced this week that his four priority bills covering higher education equity, workforce development, and housing stability in the San Gabriel Valley and beyond have cleared the California State Assembly.
The centerpiece of Fong’s legislative package is AB 2374, which would create a state-level designation for Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANHPI-Serving Institutions), recognizing colleges and universities that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to supporting AANHPI student success — a recognition that does not currently exist at the state level. Fong chairs both the Assembly Higher Education Committee and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.
Also advancing are AB 2466, which expands paid work-based learning opportunities in high-demand industries through the Strong Workforce Program; AB 1871, which removes participation barriers in the College and Career Access Pathways dual enrollment program allowing high school students to earn college credit; and AB 2329, which updates procedures governing the sale of surplus Caltrans properties along the State Route 710 corridor, establishing a process for the City of South Pasadena to offer those homes to current tenants.
“I am proud that my legislative bill package reflects a commitment to expanding opportunities for students, workers, and families across California,” said Fong. “Together, they represent an approach to strengthening communities and ensuring Californians have the resources needed to thrive.”
The four bills now move to the California State Senate for committee assignment.
