Bass, Padillia, Rodriguez launch Pacoima bus service
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) and City Councilmembers Imelda Padilla (D-Arleta, Lake Balboa, North Hollywood, North Hills, Panorama City, Van Nuys, Sun Valley) and Monica Rodriguez (D-Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland-Tujunga, Shadow Hills, La Tuna Canyon) rec ently celebrated the new DASH all-electric bus service operating and available in Pacoima.
DASH Pacoima will provide sustainable and affordable access to grocery stores, schools, workplaces, parks and major transit hubs, including Metro stations and the already existing DASH Panorama City route.
“With this brand new route, residents will now have access to a more reliable, cleaner and sustainable all-electric local bus service that also promotes greater access for all to visit the San Fernando Valley in the coming years,” said Bass. “The DASH Pacoima route represents our continued investments in the San Fernando Valley for healthy and climate-resilient infrastructure.”
“The launch of DASH Pacoima is a huge step toward transportation equity for Arleta, Panorama City, and Pacoima. This all-electric route connects residents to where they need to go—schools, jobs, parks, and grocery stores—while cutting emissions and improving air quality in communities that have borne the brunt of pollution for far too long,” said Padilla. “Thank you to Pacoima Beautiful, the Greening Together Collaborative and LADOT for making this happen. This partnership shows what’s possible when local government and grassroots organizations come together to put community needs first. And with DASH Pacoima sharing the Van Nuys corridor with the future East San Fernando Valley Light Rail, we’re laying the groundwork for a truly connected and sustainable future across the Valley.”
Rodriguez added, “Closing the service gaps and expanding access to safe, reliable public transportation remains a priority, which is why I secured funding to deliver this second DASH route to our community with targeted stops near schools, and key destinations, to ensure residents—especially students, families and seniors—have the convenience of an affordable transit system that prioritizes their needs in Pacoima.”
Mass transit users can ride the line for free through May 31 to celebrate the DASH Pacoima Route’s launch. For more information about DASH Pacoima and other LADOT transit services, visit ladottransit.com.
Richardson honors Long Beach Fallen Heroes
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson (D) and city officials honored fallen police and fire department employees yesterday at the annual Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony.
The morning event, a longstanding tradition for the Police and Fire Departments, was held at the Police and Fire Memorial monument in the Civic Center Plaza downtown and paid tribute to the 29 police employees and 14 firefighters who have lost their lives in service to the Long Beach community.
“Today we come together to honor those who served and continue to serve our community with extraordinary courage, fierce dedication and unwavering resolve,” said Richardson. “We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of our fallen heroes, and we will never forget their sacrifice. We carry their profound legacies forward each day in our hearts and in the strength of our community.”
The ceremony included remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Police Chief Wally Hebeish and Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan and was emceed by Police Deputy Chief Megan Zabel and Deputy Chief Jason Hosea. Family and loved ones of the fallen were invited to attend and other City leaders were also in attendance.
Schultz protects trafficking survivors
Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank, Glendale, Sunland-Tujunga, North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Valley Village), the Assembly’s Public Safety Committee Chair, along with Assembly Democrats announced yesterday an agreement to amend Assembly Bill 379, strengthening California law on solicitation of minors and increasing support for victims and survivors.
Under the agreement, AB 379 will impose felony penalties for adults who solicit sex from a 16- or 17-year-old, ensuring stronger consequences for child predators. For adult offenders at least three years older than the minor, prosecutors will have new tools to bring felony charges.
When the adult offender is under three years of the minor’s age, solicitation remains illegal and a misdemeanor.
New language in AB 379 will also create a state grant program to assist district attorneys in streamlining prosecution of human trafficking crimes, including sex trafficking.
AB 379 creates a Survivor Support Fund to bolster direct services for victims and survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. New language in this agreement will increase fines for businesses that look the other way or abet human trafficking, with revenue going to the Survivors Support Fund.
“Human trafficking and child exploitation are serious problems in California deserving of tough and nuanced legislative solutions. I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker [Robert] Rivas, Assemblymember [Stephanie] Nguyen and others who have worked tirelessly the last few days to secure a Democratic solution that strengthens California’s existing laws and penalties. This is a bill we can all be proud of, and I look forward to closely working together with all of our co-authors to deliver a safer California for everyone, especially our children.” said Schultz “
The Assembly Appropriations Committee will consider AB 379 in its hearing today, Wednesday, May 7.
