Westlake Mayor denounces ICE raids
Westlake Mayor Kelly Honig, on behalf of the City Council, last expressed extreme concern about the safety and welfare of individuals and families impacted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on immigrants in the community.
“The City takes great pride in our long history of thoughtful governance, with a focus on local matters that make our community a wonderful and safe place for all residents. As your Mayor, and on behalf of the City Council, I want to reassure our residents that the City has not been involved in any ICE actions,” said Honig.
“Additionally, our public safety partner, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, does not participate in the enforcement of civil immigration laws and is not involved in any federal law enforcement operations. Sheriff Deputies do not inquire about immigration status when responding to service calls and remain dedicated to the safety and well-being of all Westlake Village residents, regardless of immigration status.”
Honig added the City has consulted with our legal counsel regarding ICE activities. The federal government has exclusive authority and control over ICE actions, and ICE activities are being coordinated without any local involvement.
Although the City does not have jurisdiction over ICE personnel or contractors, ICE must comply with the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes. We also recognize this is a changing legal landscape and are tracking court rulings that may affect immigration enforcement activities in our community, he said.
Lackey blasts Dem bill on peace officers wearing masks
Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) and Assembly Republicans last week blasted Senate Bill 627, which would make it a misdemeanor for a law enforcement officer to wear any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties, except as specified.
The bill would define law enforcement officer as any officer of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, or any person acting on behalf of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency. calling it a reckless proposal that exposes peace officers and their children to real-world dangers.
“This bill won’t promote accountability – it will promote harassment, intimidation, and violence,” said Lackey, a retired California Highway Patrol (CPH) Sergeant. “It puts a target on every officer’s back – both on and off the job.”
In their letter, lawmakers warn that this proposal would open the door for officers – their spouses – and their children – to be assaulted and threatened in their own homes.
Assembly Republicans are urging the rejection of SB 627 – demanding that the Legislature choose safety over politics, and protect both law enforcement families and peaceful protestors.
Carillo appointed to High-Speed Rail Authority Board
Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale, Lancaster) last week was appointed by as the only Assemblymember on the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority Board oversees the planning, design, construction, and operation of the nation’s first high-speed rail system, connecting communities across California with fast, clean, and sustainable transportation.
“I am honored to join the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors,” said Carrillo. “This project is a transformative opportunity to advance sustainable infrastructure and economic growth across our state. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Board members to build a cleaner, more connected California that serves our communities,” said Carrillo
Carrillo brings a wealth of experience in local government, land use, and community planning, having served previously on the Palmdale City Council and Planning Commission. His appointment ensures that the interests of the High Desert and Inland Empire regions are represented at the highest level as this transformative project moves forward.
Whitesides rolls out legislative package to combat excessive heat
U.S. Rep. George Whitesides (D-Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, portions of San Fernando Valley) is helping to lead a series of bills aimed at addressing the growing threat of extreme heat.
The measures come as temperatures in Southern California reached triple digits last week.
Whitesides said the bills will bring critical infrastructure improvements to at-risk communities, assist the federal government in responding to heat waves, and coordinate strategies to create long-term solutions.
“With temperatures rising in California and across the country, it’s more important than ever to take action to protect our communities,” said Whitesides. “This slate of bills will provide important resources to keep families safe, reduce heat risks, and strengthen our response to rising temperatures.”
The following three bills as part of Rep. Whitesides’ efforts to combat extreme heat:
The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act
- This bill supports projects that improve infrastructure, green spaces, and innovative technologies to cool at-risk cities.
The Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act
- This bill creates a unified federal strategy to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events, improving collaboration among agencies and ensuring communities receive timely support. The bill also creates additional pathways for data collection, public warnings, and heat-health research.
The Extreme Heat Economic Study Act
- This bill tasks the National Integrated Health Information System (NIHHIS) with studying how extreme heat affects the economy, giving lawmakers the data they need to create stronger plans to protect people’s health and support local economies.
The full text of the Extreme Heat Economic Study Act of 2025 can be found here.
