By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Bass promotes emergency preparedness in the San Fernando Valley
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighters and community leaders, on Saturday distributed hundreds of fire and water-resistant safes to residents in the east San Fernando Valley to promote emergency preparedness.
The safes were obtained through a partnership with Master Lock, Sentry Safe.
“Hundreds of families have received these safes for free through a new partnership with businesses and community organizations,” said Bass. “We appreciate Master Lock, Sentry Safe, the LAFD and the San Fernando Valley Boys and Girls Club for partnering with my office to bring emergency preparedness resources to Los Angeles households. I encourage Angelenos to take a moment today to talk with their families about their household emergency preparedness plan.”
City of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Jamie Moore urged communities to take preparedness seriously, starting with protecting what matters most. Important documents like birth certificates, Social Security cards, digital files, and irreplaceable photos being safeguarded before an emergency happens.
“While a Sentry Safe is a strong first step, true preparedness goes beyond any single action. It’s about making thoughtful, proactive choices that help protect families, preserve memories, and strengthen resilience at home,” Moore said.
The City’s Emergency Management Department has multiple resources to help residents, families and businesses create emergency preparedness plans, sign up for emergency alerts, and access life-saving training. By understanding the importance of emergency preparedness, Angelenos can help reduce injuries, protect their property, and, more importantly, save lives.
Visit ReadyLA.org to learn more.
Smallwood-Cuevas announces nearly $100M investment in Exposition Park
State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-South Los Angeles, Mid City, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City and Downtown Los Angeles) last week announced that the state budget includes nearly $100 million in critical funding for Exposition Park, one of California’s most iconic public spaces and the heart of South Los Angeles.
The investment comes as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, global events that will draw millions of visitors and place South Los Angeles on the world stage.
“Exposition Park is to Los Angeles what Central Park is to New York City and Grant Park is to Chicago. It is one of the brightest jewels in our state park system and a space deeply rooted in the life of our community,” said Smallwood-Cuevas. “As we prepare to welcome the world, we must ensure this park is safe, accessible, and ready to serve both global visitors and the families who rely on it every day.”
Smallwood-Cuevas was a key champion in securing this funding and continues to advocate for long-term investments to ensure that South Los Angeles fully shares in the benefits of these historic events.
The nearly $100 million will address long-overdue surface and infrastructure repairs, strengthen core systems, improve accessibility, and prepare the park to safely host large-scale international events.
Solis opens 7th Avenue Village in Hacienda Heights
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis (D-Central and Eastern Los Angeles including Downtown LA, East LA, Pico-Union, Boyle Heights, El Monte, West Covina, Baldwin Park, Pomona) announced in her weekly newsletter the opening of 7th Avenue Village in Hacienda Heights, a new permanent supportive housing community.
The community offers 142 fully furnished studio apartments with on-site services for people transitioning out of homelessness. What was once a long-challenged motel is now a place of stability, dignity, and opportunity.
“Residents at 7th Avenue Village pay rent, making this housing both stable and sustainable, while also having access to supportive services such as health care, substance use treatment, case management, employment and education assistance, and financial counseling,” wrote Solis in the newsletter.
The development also features community spaces, landscaped outdoor gathering areas, a dog run, and a community garden—all designed to improve quality of life for residents and for the broader Hacienda Heights community.
“I am deeply grateful to the community members, partners, and service providers who helped make this vision a reality. Homelessness is one of the most pressing challenges facing our region, and projects like 7th Avenue Village show that we can meet it with real solutions that invest in the well-being of our unhoused neighbors,” Solis concluded.
Compton honors legacy of Attorney Maxcy Dean Filer
The City of Compton hosted a heartfelt installation ceremony for Maxcy D. Filer Square last month to celebrate the life and legacy of Attorney Maxcy Dean Filer, who passed away in 2011 after decades of service as a pioneering civil rights leader, longtime public servant, and community advocate.
Community members, dignitaries, supporters and Filer’s family filled the space in a show of unity and respect for one of the city’s most influential figures.
During the ceremony, the family witnessed the unveiling of the Maxcy D. Filer Square signage installed at the intersection of Arbutus Street and Matthisen Avenue. One sign stands in front of the Filer family home, with a second positioned directly across the street. To commemorate the occasion, the Filer family was also presented with a miniature replica of the sign.
“He [Filer] gave me a lot of advice and a lot of knowledge as to what I should do while serving on the Compton Unified School Board,” said Compton Mayor Emma Sharif. “You shared your father with so many people and I will always be grateful for the wisdom he stored upon me.”
Known affectionately as “Mr. Compton,” Filer dedicated his life to justice, equity, and community empowerment. His civic leadership began with his service as President of the Compton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, where he championed voter registration drives, fought discriminatory housing practices, and represented Southern California at the historic 1963 March on Washington.
Nikki Perez appointed to California Film Commission
California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week appointed Burbank City Councilmember Nikki Perez to serve on the California Film Commission, the state agency responsible for promoting and sustaining California’s film and television industry.
The appointment marks the first time a Burbank City Council member has been selected to serve on the California Film Commission.
“Burbank knows the power of the entertainment industry and all the people behind it – it isn’t just part of our identity, it’s the backbone of our local economy,” said Perez, “This is why I’m deeply honored to serve on our State’s Film Commission and look forward to representing our community and building on our work with partners across the state to support production in California.”
The California Film Commission works to attract and retain film, television, and commercial production throughout the state, administers the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, and serves as a liaison between the entertainment industry, local governments, and state agencies.
For more information about the California Film Commission, visit film.ca.gov.
