Price open pedestrian corridor
Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren D. Price, Jr. (D-South Central Los Angeles) on Saturday, celebrated the opening of the 5.5-mile walking, biking, and recreation path that transforms a long-abandoned rail corridor through Inglewood and South LA.
The $166-million public investment includes a path featuring hundreds of shade trees, new landscaping, lighting, security cameras, signage, and more. It also connects to key transit lines—including the Metro K Line Fairview Heights Station, the Metro J Line Slauson Station, and the Metro A Line Slauson Station—making it easier and safer for neighbors to move through their community on foot or by bike.
“I was proud to help secure $30 million to close the funding gap for this initiative because our community deserves a project that not only connects neighborhoods but brings life, greenery, and safer spaces back to our streets,” said Price.
Rail-to-Rail is a key component of Price’s South LA Greenway initiative, which is reimagining the Slauson corridor with a network of connected parks, community spaces, and safe routes for walking and biking.
This effort includes three brand-new parks in progress, a first-of-its-kind community center, and links to existing parks throughout the 9th District.
Schiavo strengthens penalties for child predators
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch) voted last week to pass Assembly Bill 379, a bipartisan measure that creates new felony charges against adults who solicit sex from 16 and 17-year-olds, closing a gap in state law and expanding protections for vulnerable teens. The bill passed with unanimous support.
Schiavo, a survivor of childhood sexual assault herself, spoke emotionally from the Assembly Floor in support of the measure.
“As a child, I was a victim of sexual assault. I faced my predator in court and put him behind bars when I was not yet a teen. This experience continues to shape my views and actions when it comes to protecting children and victims of crime, and is one of the reasons I will always stand on the side of creating more support for victims and stronger penalties for predators – especially those who target children and minors,” said Schiavo.
The proposed measure protects minors by creating a new felony targeting predators. It also importantly gives law enforcement more tools to tackle the human trafficking crisis by allowing them to intervene and investigate human trafficking cases before it’s too late. Notably, the bill also establishes a first-of-its-kind fund to help victims.
“My record on this issue is clear: time and time again, I support legislation protecting victims and survivors and creating stronger consequences for predators,” the lawmakers said.
Malibu’s brush-clearing deadline
Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins and the City’s Public Safety Department last week reminded homeowners that June 1 is the deadline for mandatory annual brush clearance.
Brush clearance includes removing dead vegetation, trimming trees, and clearing flammable materials at least 100 feet from structures. The deadline comes as Malibu lies entirely within a very high fire hazard severity zone, and brush clearing is critical to protecting homes, lives, and neighborhoods.
“Brush clearance isn’t just a requirement, it’s a vital way to protect your home and our community,” said Riggins. “We’ve seen what wildfires can do. Let’s act now.”
Starting June 1, L.A. County Fire Department crews will inspect all properties within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, which include the City of Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains. Noncompliance may result in forced clearance by a contractor, administrative fines, or a lien on the property.
To help residents protect their homes and the community from wildfire, the City offers free 30-45-minute Home Wildfire Assessments, as well as brush clearance advice.
For detailed step-by-step brush clearance guides, details on the requirements and clearance zones, safety tips, and more, visit the CAL FIRE website https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace and LA County Fire Department’s website https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-hazard-reduction-programs. ;
For more information and guidance on brush clearance, or to schedule a free Home Wildfire Assessment call 310-456-2489, ext. 388, email FireSafety@MalibuCity.org, or visit malibucity.org/952/Fire-Safety.
