Lancaster hires more cops, offers home buyer and solar power assistance
The City of Lancaster announced it is hiring more police, initiating a First-Time Home Buyer Program, and a Power Choice Program, which makes solar easy with $0 down and no extra bills.
The Lancaster Police Department is hiring Motor Officers focused on proactive patrol, traffic enforcement, investigations and community engagement. Candidates must hold a valid California POST certification and pass the selection process. Apply here!
The City’s First Time Home Buyer Program is designed to assist eligible low-income residents with a zero-interest, deferred-payment second mortgage loan of up to $150,000 for:
- Home-buying assistance
- Help with closing costs
Only fully completed applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The portal will close after 25 applications have been received.
For more info and to apply click here.
Lancaster Energy has partnered with Tesla to bring you Power Choice. Through this program, homeowners can get rooftop solar panels and a Tesla Powerwall with $0 down and no extra bills or credit checks. Homes can stay powered during outages and reduce their carbon footprint while remaining on the regular Lancaster Energy Plan. Learn more.
SGVRHT awarded $250K in fed funding to expand affordable housing
The San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust (SGVRHT), a joint powers Authority dedicated to financing the planning and construction of affordable and homeless housing, announced it has been awarded $250,000 through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148).
The grant, secured through Community Project Funding by U.S. Rep. Judy Chu and Congressionally Directed Spending by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, will support the planning and development of affordable housing for low-income and unhoused individuals in the San Gabriel Valley.
“Housing is more than a policy issue—it is a fundamental human need. A safe, stable home is the foundation for health, education, and economic opportunity. This funding will help us bring more people inside and closer to long-term stability,” said SGVRHT Chair Jed Leano.
The funding will strengthen SGVRHT’s ability to partner with local jurisdictions and housing
developers to advance affordable housing projects across the region. Grant resources may be
used to support early-stage planning activities, project development, and financing strategies
that help move housing projects from concept to construction.
The SGVRHT is a joint powers authority formed in February 2020 and established through California Senate Bill 751 (Rubio), uniting 25 cities inthe San Gabriel Valley to fund and finance the planning and construction of affordable and homeless housing.
Culver City appoints new senior assistant city manager
The City of Culver City has appointed Lea Eriksen as its new Senior Assistant City Manager (Sr. ACM), bringing more than 25 years of local government experience and a nationally recognized track record in technology leadership, fiscal stewardship, and organizational innovation.
The Sr. ACM serves as the City Manager’s principal deputy, providing executive leadership across major Citywide initiatives. In this capacity, Eriksen will advance Council priorities, coordinate complex cross-departmental efforts, and oversee Culver City’s Innovation & Infrastructure portfolio.
“Lea’s budgeting and process improvement expertise were important factors in my decision,” said City Manager Odis Jones. “As we work collaboratively with our executive team to move toward a balanced budget, it is important to have leadership with strong experience in capital improvement planning and long-range fiscal strategy. I worked with Lea when she served as Budget Director in Cincinnati and saw firsthand her ability to manage the Capital Improvement Program process and align resources with organizational priorities. She later brought that same financial discipline to Long Beach, and I look forward to her partnering with our leadership team to support Culver City’s priorities.”
As Senior Assistant City Manager, Eriksen will oversee five key leadership positions: the Assistant to the City Manager/Process Improvement, Chief Information Officer, Chief Transportation Officer, Public Works Director/City Engineer, and Planning and Development Director.
Eriksen will begin her new role on April 6.
Burbank explores potential new central library and public plaza
The City of Burbank invites residents to participate in a series of upcoming public meetings focused on the potential new Central Library and Public Plaza project, including a City Council Study Session and multiple Community Town Halls.
These meetings are part of the City’s ongoing effort to share information, gather feedback, and continue exploring how a future library and public plaza could best serve the Burbank community.
Burbank City Council will hold a public Study Session on Tuesday, March 10, from 5 to 6 pm to share early conceptual plans for the potential new Central Library and Public Plaza. The Study Session will be open to the public and broadcast live and will be followed by the regular City Council meeting beginning at 6 pm.
This Study Session will be one of the first opportunities for the public to view conceptual ideas and learn more about the project’s direction.
Following the Study Session, the City will host a series of Community Town Halls to provide more detailed information about the proposed architecture and planning approach and to collect feedback on community priorities, concerns, and suggestions. Each Town Hall will include the same presentation by the project team, followed by opportunities for questions and discussion.
The Community Town Halls will be held:
- Wednesday, March 25, from 6 to 8 pm at Burbank Central Library
- Thursday, April 9,from 7 to 8 pm online
- Saturday, April 11 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Burbank Central Library
For the latest updates on the project and additional engagement opportunities, please visit www.newburbanklibrary.com.
