By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Friedman, Schiff to Hold Field Hearing on American Film Production
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Hollywood) will join U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) at a field hearing this Friday titled “Lights, Camera, Competition”: Promoting American Film Production to spotlight the challenges facing the American film industry and how it impacts California in particular.
“The future of America’s greatest export, and all of the jobs and economic output it generates, is in our hands. We must do everything we can to strengthen the film and production industry and all of the jobs, small businesses, and other industries that depend on it,” said Friedman, a former entertainment industry executive. “That’s why I look forward to hearing from and collaborating with the workers and experts in this field on a path forward that will put America back in the spotlight as a filming destination, because filming in America should be a no-brainer, not an afterthought.”
“There are many pressures facing the entertainment industry workforce – from generous tax incentives offered by other countries, to the potential merger of two of Hollywood’s biggest studios,” said Schiff. “This merger must be subject to the highest levels of scrutiny to determine its impact on American jobs, freedom of speech, and the future of one of our nation’s greatest exports. I look forward to hearing directly from industry leaders and experts on the state of the industry, what we need to do to compete, and how this proposed deal would impact workers as we seek to strengthen film and television production in California and the United States.”
Golden Globe and Emmy-Winning Actor Noah Wyle, and Former CNN Anchor and Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta will be among those joining the lawmakers, along with Entertainment industry executives and union officials.
The event is slated for 10 am, Friday, March 20, and the location is currently being withheld.
Rivas Urges FAA to Ensure Air Safety Ahead of Global Sporting Events in LA Area
U.S. Rep. Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley, including Sylmar, San Fernando, Pacoima, Panorama City) last week sent a letter urging Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford to ensure the safety of travelers and workers at Hollywood Burbank, Van Nuys, and Whiteman Airports ahead of the Los Angeles area hosting global sporting events including the World Cup and the Olympics.
The letter comes after National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy stated in a meeting that the next midair collision may occur at the Hollywood Burbank Airport and that “nobody at FAA is paying attention,”
“The Van Nuys, Whiteman, and Hollywood Burbank Airports all have flight paths over my Congressional District in the San Fernando Valley,” wrote Rivas, a civil engeneer. “One error along any of these flight paths could result in a tragic outcome in the loss of life and property. It is the responsibility of the FAA to instill confidence in my constituents and the aviation industry and assure them that every possible tool is being used to ensure safety. It is imperative that the FAA use the best available science and methodology to ensure the safest aerospace system in the world.”
Rivas wrote that with Los Angeles hosting several World Cup games this year and the Summer Olympics in 2028, it is important that urgent steps are taken to ensure the safety of everyone who will be traveling through Los Angeles area airports for these events.
A full copy of the letter can be found here.
Sherman Demands the Immediate Halt to American Petroleum Exports
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village) on Friday urged President Donald Trump to immediately halt exports of U.S.-produced petroleum during the ongoing hostilities involving Iran in order to protect American consumers from rising energy prices and economic disruption.
“Higher oil prices may benefit the largest oil companies, but they function as an unavoidable tax on American families,” said Sherman. “When energy prices spike, the cost of gasoline, transportation, food, and manufacturing all rise. At a time of international conflict and economic uncertainty, our priority should be protecting American consumers—not maximizing export profits for multinational oil producers.”
In a letter sent to the President, Sherman warned that escalating tensions with Iran have pushed oil prices higher and created volatility in global energy markets, placing growing pressure on American households, workers, and businesses.
Sherman called on the President to use existing statutory authority to temporarily pause petroleum exports and prioritize domestic supply.
Sherman noted that under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, the President has authority to restrict crude oil exports during a national emergency or when exports would cause sustained material adverse employment effects in the United States.
“Temporarily suspending crude oil exports is a lawful, targeted, and necessary step,” Sherman added. “America’s energy resources should first and foremost benefit the American people.”
To read the full letter, click here.
Valladares Names Jill Mellady 2026 Woman of the Year
State Sen. Suzette Valladares (R-Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, portions of the Antelope Valley) yesterday announced that she has named Jill Mellady of Santa Clarita as the 2026 Woman of the Year for Senate District 23.
Each year during Women’s History Month, California legislators honor exceptional women from their district during the annual Woman of the Year Floor Ceremony at the California State Senate. The ceremony recognizes women whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact in their communities.
Mellady is the President and Co-Founder of Mellady Direct Marketing, a respected family-owned direct marketing agency headquartered in Santa Clarita. Alongside her husband Jim, she has built a successful business dedicated to helping organizations effectively communicate with their audiences and strengthen consumer engagement. The company is a family effort, as the couple’s adult children also work in the business.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jill has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. She currently serves as a board member and Marketing and Public Relations Chair for the SCV Sheriff Foundation and is a member of the board of directors for the Valley Industry Association. Jill has also played a significant role supporting local education through her leadership with the College of the Canyons Foundation, where she previously served as board chair for three terms.
“Jill represents the very best of community leadership,” said Valladares. “Through her professional success, volunteer service, and unwavering commitment to improving the Santa Clarita Valley, Jill has made a lasting difference in the lives of residents in our community. I am proud to recognize her as the Woman of the Year for Senate District 23.”
