By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Hochman Marks First Year in Office
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman on Friday marked his first year in office, saying he remains on track and focused on restoring prosecutorial discretion and criminal accountability.
Hochman said his first 365 days included an increase in public safety efforts, major takedowns of organized crime and burglary crews, busting the largest illegal cannabis operation in Los Angeles County history, the aggressive prosecution of human traffickers, exonerating factually innocent convicted individuals, and filing thousands of Proposition 36 charges against repeat retail thieves.
He also made strengthening the Office and its workforce a top priority by hiring nearly 200 employees, including deputy district attorneys, investigators, and support staff, despite Los Angeles County’s steep budget cuts. This resulted in prosecutors working alongside our new employees, helping to reduce a case backlog of more than 10,000 to just over 4,000 in little over seven months.
“One year ago, I stood before the community and promised to restore balance and accountability to this Office,” said Hochman. “Today, the results speak for themselves. We continue to rebuild our workforce, take down organized crime rings, dismantle dangerous drug and trafficking networks and re-center victims as the Office’s core mission.
“Our work is far from finished. In year two, I will continue to lead this Office by tackling tough issues, including violent juvenile crime, mental health diversion abuse, resentencing and exonerating factually innocent convicted individuals, fentanyl trafficking, organized theft rings and anyone who threatens the safety and well-being of Los Angeles County.”
Chu slams CDC’s vote to eliminate hepatitis B Vaccine
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena) on Friday slammed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for their 8-3 vote to eliminate the long-standing universal recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
“Doctors, public health officials, and the scientific community agree that the Hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and essential to protecting infants from a virus that can silently lead to lifelong liver disease, cirrhosis, and cancer. Changing this policy is reckless and dangerous. It will make America sicker,” said Chu, a senior Member of the Ways and Means Committee and Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).
“This decision will also disproportionally impact the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, who make up only 7% of the U.S. population, yet account for 60% of chronic hepatitis B cases. In fact, approximately 1 in 12 Asian Americans lives with this infection, often unknowingly, which is why universal newborn vaccination has been one of the most important health protections for our community. Abandoning this standard will reverse decades of progress and widen racial health disparities that we have spent generations trying to close.
“The science is clear, the medical consensus is overwhelming, and the stakes for families could not be higher. I strongly urge Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill to reject these irresponsible recommendations and maintain the evidence-based universal standard to protect the health and well-being of all Americans,” concluded Chu.
Bass Justice Fair draws over 1,000 to LA Expo Center
Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass saw more than 1,000 Angelenos attend her Justice Fair 2025 held at the LA Expo Center over the weekend.
The event provided access to jobs, education, legal resources, housing and healthcare to help promote stability and break cycles of crime. The fair brought together more than 80 employers, service providers and community organizations to support Angelenos who have been previously incarcerated or impacted by the justice system.
“Angelenos should not be locked out of second chances to turn their lives around,” said Bass. “Los Angeles will continue to promote the type of justice that breaks cycles of crime by providing individuals with access to jobs, education and opportunity.”
During the fair, Bass spoke to attendees about how the Justice Fair and other initiatives under her administration are working to make sure every Angeleno has access to good-paying jobs and other opportunities.
Employers offered on-site job interviews, while LA Metro and other agencies offered job application workshops.
The Justice Fair was an initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety. Bass established the office to prevent crime through community-led approaches to increase safety and well-being.
In 2024, the Office served thousands of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) participants through prevention and intervention. Data from the Los Angeles Police Department shows that the initiative has led to a sharp reduction in gang-related crime.
Norwalk awarded $100k state traffic safety grant
The City of Norwalk announced over the weekend that the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) awarded its Department of Public Safety a $100,000 grant to support its Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program.
The program will promote safe practices for pedestrians and bicyclists and emphasize drivers’ responsibility to look out for other people using roads and paths. The grant program runs through September 2026.
“We are excited to receive this grant, which will allow us to significantly expand our bicycle and pedestrian safety program,” the City said in a statement. “By focusing on education, awareness, and promoting safe practices, we aim to reduce crashes and prevent injuries. Ultimately, we’re working toward building more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods where everyone can travel safely and confidently.”
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Through safety programs and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where everyone walking and biking in California can travel safely,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “By supporting projects that encourage people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together.”
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
