Chu demands action on new findings of lead and asbestos
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena) expressed alarm and demanded action after the Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), last week released new findings showing that even after professional remediation, more than half of standing homes within the region where ash settled following the Eaton Fire still contain dangerous levels of lead, and one third of those homes have significant levels of asbestos contamination.
This is despite remediation efforts designed to remove toxic substances from these homes.
“I am deeply alarmed by the findings released by the Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), which show that despite remediation efforts, our neighbors and loved ones are still at risk of exposure to high levels of lead and asbestos that remain in their homes. Many of the homes tested have levels of contamination high enough for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require further remediation efforts, and we know that exposure to these toxins can lead to serious health consequences like cancer and brain damage,” said Rep. Chu.
“It is unacceptable that, as many survivors of the Eaton Fire see their compensation for temporary housing deplete, many of our neighbors are being forced to decide between a roof over their heads or risking exposure to deadly toxins.
Chu urged Governor Newsom, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to immediately adopt a Clearance Before Occupancy standard to ensure that survivors can feel safe from exposure to toxins before returning to their homes.
Pérez lauds FBI for urging ICE agents to identify themselves
State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Altadena, Arcadia, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Upland) on Friday lauded the FBI for sending a memo to ICE urging agents to identify themselves.
Pérez’s statement came after the FBI, citing a string of incidents in which masked criminals posing as immigration officers robbed and kidnapped victims, recently issued the memo suggesting agents clearly identify themselves while they’re in the field.
“The FBI’s memo urging ICE agents to identify themselves is a rare moment of rational thought by the federal government. Amid its cruel and aggressive immigration enforcement crackdown, we have seen continuous actions on our streets of people claiming to be law enforcement in unmarked cars, with no uniforms, names or agency name displayed grabbing people off the streets. We have also seen an increase in incidents where non-law enforcement officers are posing as federal immigration agents and preying on vulnerable people to commit crimes. We need to know who is conducting law enforcement on our streets,” said Pérez.
“Clear identification and accountability are the motivation behind California’s new law SB 805, the No Vigilantes Act, which I authored. SB 805 will expand existing police impersonation laws to make it illegal to impersonate peace officers, including federal agents, and require all law enforcement operating in California to clearly display identification that includes their agency and either a name or badge number or both.
“It also will authorize law enforcement to request identification from anyone claiming to be law enforcement, under certain circumstances, and ban bounty hunters from engaging in any form of immigration enforcement in California.
“Our communities, especially immigrant communities, must be able to trust law enforcement as the FBI memo correctly points out. Trust begins with being able to distinguish between real law enforcement and vigilantes. I urge ICE to immediately adopt this FBI directive.”
Rivas urges EPA to protect greenhouse gas program
U.S. Rep. Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley (portions), including Pacoima, Panorama City), member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led 29 of her colleagues in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to preserve and strengthen the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), a key program that protects America’s public health, environment, scientific integrity, and economic growth.
“Repealing the GHGRP would undermine decades of progress to ensure the EPA is collecting and publicly disclosing data to effectively address climate change and ensure American global competitiveness,” the Members wrote. “We urge EPA to preserve and strengthen the GHGRP knowing the important role it plays to protect hardworking American families and the value it has for businesses and investors.”
Since 2010, the GHGRP has collected and tracked vital greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases from over 8,000 sites, including landfills, power plants, and oil refineries. This rollback by the Trump Administration will strip valuable data and science needed to combat climate change, inform families of the environmental threats in their community, and eliminate good-paying jobs.
“It is our responsibility to protect public health, preserve our environment, and strengthen the economy of our country and our communities. The Trump Administration’s proposed rollback of GHGRP would set our country back decades and expose American families to the harmful environmental, health, and economic impacts of climate change,” the members wrote.
Arcadia Signs Agreement for LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The City of Arcadia last week became the latest to sign a Venue City Games Agreement with LA28, the organizing committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Approved by the City Council at its most recent meeting, the agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of both the LA28 Organizing Committee and the City of Arcadia.
LA28 identified Arcadia, home to the renowned Santa Anita Park equestrian center, as an ideal staging area for the Games. During the Games, Arcadia will welcome spectators from around the world to see athletes compete in dressage, show jumping and eventing, all which have been part of the Olympic program since 1912. Santa Anita Park was also the site for equestrian events during the 1984 Olympic Games, but LA28 will mark the first time that para equestrian events are staged in Arcadia.
“We are thrilled to bring the Games back to Arcadia and to welcome international teams at such a historic venue,” said Arcadia Mayor Sharon Kwan. “Arcadia is proud to be part of the LA28 story, which celebrates our community’s history, diversity and inclusive spirit. With a long-standing tradition of hosting world-class equestrian events, Arcadia embodies the essence of the Olympic spirit and is honored to be named an LA28 Venue City.”
Arcadia is one of two Venue Cities bringing the Games to the San Gabriel Valley. The City also shares LA28’s commitment to sustainability by utilizing existing, world-class facilities across Southern California to create an impactful Games experience. Through this partnership, Arcadia will help showcase the region’s offerings, leaving a lasting legacy for both the City and the broader region.
Registration for LA28 tickets will open in January 2026. The City will share more information with community members and businesses on ways to get involved, including local watch parties, volunteering, transportation to the venue and planned celebrations.
To learn more about the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, visit www.la28.org.
