Barger pushes through Santa Clarita Valley mixed-use project
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger (R-Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada-Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) yesterday saw the full Board of Supervisors unanimously vote to clear the way for the Entrada South / Valencia Commerce Center development project—one of the largest proposals to come before the Board in recent years.
Located west of The Old Road and bordered by both the northern and southern portions of Magic Mountain Parkway, Entrada South will introduce 91 lots containing 1,574 multi-family units–both apartments and condominiums.
As part of this housing mix, the developer will build 110 affordable units on-site and add at least 78 more affordable units off-site for households earning up to 65 percent of the area median income–which is approximately $69,300 for a four-person household in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Valencia Commerce Center features a substantial economic development component. More than 4 million square feet of industrial and commercial space will be added to the area, which is expected to help create more than 10,000 jobs.
Barger, who represents the unincorporated area where the project is located, emphasized the project’s importance.
“Entrada South is another big step forward towards addressing the housing affordability crisis in the region, which was only made worse by the recent Los Angeles Wildfires,” said Barger.
“I’ve heard stories from survivors struggling to find housing, citing monthly rent payments exceeding $8,000 per month. One of the most powerful solutions we as a Board wield is the approval of responsible housing development to keep up with demand. I’m committed to supporting projects that make home ownership an achievable goal for young and older generations alike.”
Hahn pushes through Gateway Cities traffic signal synchronization
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D-Southeastern LA County including Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hacienda Heights) saw the Board of Supervisors approve a project led by the County’s Department of Public Works for the synchronization of traffic signals along major corridors through Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, and the unincorporated communities of South Whittier and West Whittier-Los Nietos.
The project is estimated to cost $2,764,300. Construction is expected to begin in August 2026 and conclude by September 2027.
“Whether in a car, on a bus, or on foot, this project is going to make traveling on Slauson and Mulberry smoother, faster, and safer for thousands of residents, and help improve quality of life for the neighborhoods along this busy corridor,” said Hahn, whose district includes the entire project area. “This is good public infrastructure working for the communities who use it.”
The project includes upgrading traffic signal equipment, pedestrian enhancements, and other intersection safety improvements along the corridor. The project will modify and synchronize the traffic signals along Slauson Avenue/Mulberry Drive between Paramount Boulevard in Pico Rivera and Scott Drive in Whittier, an approximately 7-mile stretch of the major east-west artery.
The project’s $2,764,300 cost will be shared by the County and the cities it runs through. The City of Pico Rivera will contribute approximately $610,000; the City of Santa Fe Springs some $365,700; and the City of Whittier another $450,900. The County’s share is estimated to be $1,337,700.
Horvath passes motion holding telecommunication companies accountable
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath (D-Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Calabasas, Malibu, Universal City, Sherman Oaks) yesterday saw the full Board of Supervisors approve her motion to initiate proceedings with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to advance critical utility undergrounding in the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains.
The motion responds to long-standing delays from telecommunications companies whose failure to participate in undergrounding projects has slowed community recovery and left residents vulnerable to ongoing wildfire risks.
“Undergrounding utilities is essential to preventing wildfires and protecting our communities,” said Horvath. “Fire season is here now, and our residents cannot wait for safer infrastructure. Undergrounding telecommunications reduces fire risks, keeps evacuation routes clear, and strengthens the systems our communities rely on every day. Through today’s action, we will work with the CPUC to require the urgent action our communities deserve. We owe it to fire survivors to build infrastructure that keeps them safe.”
Southern California Edison (SCE) has made significant progress on its undergrounding commitments, completing major work in Las Flores/Rambla Pacifico and advancing additional projects along Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway.
However, telecommunications companies that share these poles have refused to underground their equipment, leaving hazardous poles standing even after SCE has removed its lines. Leaving overhead electrical and telecommunications infrastructure can fuel fires, block evacuation routes, and intensify emergencies – especially in areas where residents depend on only one or two evacuation routes.
With the Board’s approval, the County will move forward with formal CPUC proceedings to address this issue in the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains communities like Topanga, Las Flores, and others.
The motion directs the Department of Public Works, in consultation with County Counsel, to initiate proceedings — including filing a formal complaint — seeking to require telecommunications companies to underground their infrastructure in coordination with SCE’s ongoing efforts, particularly in and around the Palisades Fire burn scar area.
Feldstein Soto, Schiavo, Hochman applaud new crime victim and witness protections
Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch), Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, and LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman yesterday celebrated the recent signing of The Victim and Witness Protection Act into law.
Schiavo authored the state measure, while Feldstein Soto and Hochman co-sponsored the bill, which strengthens protections for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes by ensuring that victims and witnesses can seek justice without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
“Victims of crimes, such as domestic violence and sexual abuse, deserve to be free from witness or victim intimidation or being dissuaded from seeking justice,” said Feldstein Soto. “Protecting victims has been a priority of my administration and this critically important bill will empower victims and witnesses, including children, to assist law enforcement without fear of intimidation or retaliation.”
“As a childhood victim of sexual abuse who testified in court against my predator, I have seen firsthand how difficult it is for survivors to come forward. Fear and intimidation can allow abuse to continue, and this bill changes that,” said Schiavo. “I greatly appreciated the partnership of City Attorney Feldstein Soto and District Attorney Hochman in this effort, doing all we can so our laws protect the people who need it most — especially children and survivors of domestic violence and trafficking.”
“Our justice system depends on the ability of witnesses and victims to testify in court without fear or intimidation,” said Hochman. “AB 535 makes it crystal clear, trying to stop anyone from reporting or helping prosecutors after charges are filed is a crime—period.”
