Horvath’s Motion Coordinates Wildfire Mitigation Across Santa Monica Mountains
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath (D-Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Calabasas, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City) yesterday saw the full Board of Supervisors approve her motion to assess the feasibility of establishing a regional wildfire mitigation authority to better coordinate prevention efforts and protect communities across the Santa Monica Mountains.
The 2025 fires burned more than 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, underscoring the urgent need for a more unified approach to wildfire mitigation. Land in the Santa Monica Mountains is managed by a patchwork of federal, state, County, and local agencies—as well as private landowners—each with different policies and practices, despite the shared risk across the region.
“Keeping our communities in the Santa Monica Mountains safe means staying prepared, strengthening prevention, and working together across agencies,” said Horvath. “Following the Franklin and Palisades Fires, we have a clearer understanding of the need for stronger, more coordinated mitigation efforts. This is a step in the right direction—bringing agencies together to align efforts, strengthen prevention, and better protect our communities and the Santa Monica Mountains’ delicate ecosystem.”
The motion directs the Department of Regional Planning and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, in collaboration with key partners including federal and state agencies, nonprofits, environmental groups, academics, and homeowners, to evaluate the feasibility of creating a Regional Wildfire Mitigation Joint Powers Authority for the Santa Monica Mountains.
This includes analyzing existing vegetation management practices, developing potential governance and implementation strategies, and identifying funding opportunities to support a coordinated regional approach.
The departments will report back to the Board in 90 days with findings and recommendations.
Mitchell and Hahn Motion Expands Youth Mental Health Support
Los Angeles County Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell (D-Southwest/Central Los Angeles including Inglewood, Compton, Carson, Hawthorne, Culver City, portions of South LA) and Janice Hahn (D-Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hacienda Heights) yesterday saw the full board approve their motion to allocate $4.5 million to support existing and establish new allcove youth centers that provide support and crises intervention for youth with mental health issues.
The Stanford allcove model is a nationally recognized approach that provides a “one-stop shop” for young people ages 12 to 25 for mental health, substance use, employment, family services, and navigating life challenges—all in a welcoming, stigma-free, and youth-informed environment.
Mitchell, inspired by the impact of allcove Beach Cities in the Redondo Beach community within her district, invested discretionary funds to establish a new allcove youth center at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital in South Los Angeles, which is expected to open in 2027.
“Allcove Beach Cities is a bright spot for our young people and surrounding communities. I’m proud that this motion will help expand the allcove model so more youth and their families can access the support they need,” said Mitchell. “This is about building a system where no young person falls through the cracks. By investing in early intervention and creating safe, supportive spaces, we can change the trajectory of countless lives.”
Suicide rates among young people have risen in recent years, and more than one in three high school students in the United States report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. In Los Angeles County, suicide remains the third-leading cause of death among youth, underscoring the need for urgent and sustained action.
“Being a teenager is hard as it is, and we know that today the youth mental health crisis is at an all-time high. But we also know that this allcove model has worked in getting teens the support, resources, and sense of community they need,” said Hahn. “Now is the time to bring centers like this one to more teens across LA County, especially in communities burdened by poverty, discrimination, and violence where teens face even greater pressures.”
To address disparities in service distribution, the motion emphasizes a needs-based approach to future investments. Factors such as poverty, involvement in the justice system, and population density will guide where new resources are located.
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health will report back within 60 days with options to expand the allcove model to high-need areas in Los Angeles County..
Gomez Tackles America’s Caregiving Cost Crisis
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Downtown LA, Koreatown, Boyle Heights, Eagle Rock), Chair of the Dads Caucus, yesterday convened the first-ever National Summit on the Caregiving Crisis in the nation’s capital, bringing together Members of Congress, labor leaders, advocates, and policy experts to confront a key driver of rising costs for American families: the high cost of care.
The summit marked a growing effort within the Democratic Caucus and a coalition of House leaders to elevate caregiving as a central cost-of-living issue, and to advance policies that lower costs, support caregivers, and strengthen the care economy.
“I convened the first-ever Dads Caucus National Summit on the Caregiving Crisis to bring leaders, advocates, and families together to chart a path forward,” said Gomez. “Childcare is unaffordable, care workers are underpaid, families caring for aging parents are stretched to the brink, and most Americans still don’t have basic paid family leave. We need real solutions to bring down costs and make care affordable for the millions of Americans who depend on it.”
Gomez founded the Congressional Dads Caucus to challenge outdated assumptions about caregiving and to elevate policies that support working families. What began as a small group has grown to more than 50 Members of Congress, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
Rodriguez Honors San Fernando City Councilwoman Solorio
Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez (D-Sylmar, San Fernando, Pacoima, Panorama City, Sun Valley) yesterday honored San Fernando City Councilwoman Maria Elena “Mary” Solorio as Assembly District 43’s 2026 Woman of the Year for her steadfast dedication to community representation.
The honor came as the Northeast Valley has experienced the most federal immigration enforcement in LA County, and communities like San Fernando have asked for protection and support.
“Mary Solorio represents the very best of public service,” said Rodriguez. “We are elected to represent our communities and that means listening and fighting for what is right, even if you’re alone, which she has faced on the San Fernando City Council. I am grateful to have her as a partner to ensure policy and programs meet the needs of families. Councilmember Solorio is ensuring San Fernando has a strong voice that reflects the values that make our state stronger.”
A lifelong San Fernando resident, Solorio was elected to the San Fernando City Council in 2022 and previously served as Vice Mayor. A first-generation Mexican American and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, she has dedicated her career to supporting children and families and expanding access to mental and behavioral health services. She is raising her two daughters in the same community she grew up in, bringing both her professional expertise and lived experience as a parent to her advocacy.
Solorio is currently completing her Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, serves in regional leadership roles with The Valley Economic Alliance, and as President-Elect of the Independent Cities Association, representing 45 Southern California cities.
“As a Councilmember, I’m committed to standing with our neighbors, protecting families, and making sure everyone in our community can live without fear,” said Solorio. “Listening, collaborating, and taking action together shows that local governments can make a real difference. I’m thankful for this recognition by Assemblywoman Rodriguez.”
