Hahn condemns dog feces vandalism on LGBTQ+ center
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D-Southeastern LA County including Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hacienda Heights) on Friday announced a grant of $2,500 that her office will provide to the Mi SELA LGBTQ+ youth resource center in the City of Bell to upgrade the center’s security cameras after a string of instances of someone throwing bags of dog feces in front of the building and above a ledge over the front entrance over the past several months.
The Latino Equality Alliance operates mi SELA and provides a range of services, including mental health and substance abuse workshops, support groups for parents of LGBTQ+ people, community clean-ups and more.
“The fact that this person is going out of their way to do this says everything about them and nothing about our LGBTQ community in Southeast LA. This is gross and cowardly. I hope that the people who depend on Mi SELA know how much they are loved and supported in this community and do not take this hate to heart,” said Hahn.
Anyone with information about the incidents is encouraged to contact the Bell Police Department at (323) 585-1245.
Hochman commends authorities for sex trafficking takedown
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman on Friday commended the outstanding work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles Police Department, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies in securing a federal 31-count indictment against six members and associates of the South Los Angeles-based Hoover Criminal Gang.
The defendants were charged with racketeering conspiracy, including sex trafficking of children and adults through force, fraud, or coercion on the Figueroa Corridor of Los Angeles.
“I strongly applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles Police Department for their critical work dismantling this heinous sex trafficking operation in South Los Angeles and bringing these predators to justice,” said Hochman. “The individuals being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office preyed on some of the most vulnerable in our community, including children. Far too often, we see countless people become victims at the hands of this multi-billion-dollar business that is nothing short of modern-day slavery.”
Hochman said his office’s Sex Crimes Division’s Human Sex Trafficking Section is committed to continuing this important work in partnership with law enforcement and the federal authorities, with the clear message that there will be zero tolerance for this exploitation and dehumanization.
“For those operating in the sex trafficking industry in Los Angeles County, please know: We are coming for you,” Hochman said.
Richardson, Long Beach announce Bring Your Own (BYO) Month
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, and the City of Long Beach Department of Public Works, in partnership with the Long Beach Reuses Coalition and nearly 20 local businesses, is encouraging residents to reduce the use of single-use disposables by participating in the third annual Bring Your Own (BYO) Month.
The citywide initiative focused on promoting reusable alternatives throughout October.
“Bring Your Own Month is a great opportunity for our community to come together to make a real impact,” said Richardson. “By choosing reusable alternatives and supporting local businesses that are doing the same, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable Long Beach.”
The City encourages community members to reuse by:
- Bringing personal, reusable to-go containers when dining out.
- Grabbing a reusable cup, mug and water bottle.
- Switching to reusable straws.
- Keeping a set of utensils on-hand.
- Bringing a reusable bag when shopping.
To learn more and view a list of participating businesses and special events, visit lbcity.info/BYOmonth.
Valladares slams Newsom’s redistricting plan
State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares (R – Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Palmdale) last week slammed Governor Gavin Newsom’s Congressional redistricting plan as a scheme to subvert the will of the voters.
Valladares noted that for years, California’s Congressional district lines have been drawn by the voter-approved, bipartisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission, intended to create an impartial map, free from political influence.
“California has a voter-mandated, non-partisan redistricting method that is intended to ensure a fair and transparent process AND is enshrined in the California Constitution,” said Valladares. “Not a concern for Governor Newsom! He is moving full speed with his politically motivated plan to upend that process with biased lines drawn behind closed doors by politicians and political consultants. That’s not leadership, that’s voter betrayal.”
Those interested in providing public input about the Governor’s redistricting plan, should email their views to: selc@sen.ca.gov .
