Barger responds to CalFresh benefit risk
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) said this week the County is taking several measures following notice that CalFresh benefits may run out by November 1 due to the ongoing federal funding shutdown.
Roughly 5.5 million in California, receive federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. The food assistance program is known as CalFresh in California.
“Nearly 1.5 million Los Angeles County residents—more than one in ten people—rely on CalFresh to help feed their families,” said Barger. “As we monitor the evolving funding situation, my focus is on making sure residents have clear information and access to local resources if benefits are delayed. Our County is working hand in hand with state partners to minimize disruptions and keep families supported. I appreciate our community partners and food banks who are stepping up to help. This is a crucial moment for collaboration.”
Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Social Services has already begun outreach efforts, including text, email, and social media notifications to CalFresh recipients, encouraging those with immediate food needs to contact local food banks.
“The strength of Los Angeles County lies in how we come together during challenging times,” said Barger. “We’ll continue working hard to help families have the resources they need to stay healthy and fed. We need to prepare for the long haul.”
Bass Visits Valley Quest Diagnostics location
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined leadership from Quest Diagnostics yesterday to tour two of their new recently expanded, state-of-the-art clinical laboratories in West Hills.
As a leader in diagnostics information, Quest Diagnostics has operated within the San Fernando Valley for more than twenty years, helping employ thousands of Angelenos. The City of LA’s life science industry generated $15.8 billion in total economic output and supported over 59,000 jobs in 2024.
“LA’s life science and biotech industry continues to grow, creating jobs and making medical innovation more accessible to residents. Quest Diagnostics has doubled down on its investment in LA’s San Fernando Valley, creating more good-paying jobs for Angelenos and continuing critical care for residents across the City,” said Bass. “My administration will continue to be a leader in innovation, helping move the world forward.”
With nearly 300,000 square feet between the two major laboratories, Quest Diagnostics’ West Hills laboratory is one of the company’s largest facilities in the United States. The more than 1,000 employees provide lab tests for a wide range of health conditions from the flu to advanced testing for cancer and genetic disorders. Quest Diagnostics serves approximately one in two doctors and one in three American adults each year.
Smallwood-Cuevas statement on ICE Shooting and hospital lockdown
State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Central Alameda, Mar Vista, Mid City, South Los Angeles, Westchester) this week responded to this week’s ICE shooting and subsequent lockdown at California Hospital Medical Center.
The incident ocurred on Tuesday, Oct.21. According to a federal criminal complaint, prosecutors say Carlitos Ricardo Parias, 44, of South LA, rammed a law enforcement vehicle in order to free his car during an immigration arrest.
During this time, an ICE agent shot the suspect, and a ricochet bullet hit a deputy U.S. marshal. Both face non-life-threatening injuries. While the ICE agent was being treated, California Hospital Medical Center, 1401 S Grand Avenue, was shut down.
The LA Police Department confirmed to media outlets that the incident was a federal operation and that they were not involved, except for providing “outer perimeter traffic control at the scene of a federal investigation.”
“I am outraged by reports of today’s ICE-involved shooting that wounded a resident and forced California Hospital (based in my district) into a lockdown. This violent, disturbing act represents not only a grave injustice, but a reckless disregard for California law—specifically SB 81, which was signed by the Governor last month to protect our community members from ICE invasions at healthcare facilities, said Smallwood-Cuevas.
“Hospitals are critical healthcare centers for our residents—not zones of fear and intimidation. By ignoring SB 81’s clear limits, ICE has once again shown a gross negligence of state law and the safety of our communities. I am closely monitoring this incident, and will work with local and state partners to help prevent these unlawful ICE actions from occurring in the future.”
Fong hosts senior scams stopper fair
Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Temple City) last Friday hosted the “Senior Scam Stopper Fair” at the Langley Senior Center in Monterey Park, where more than 150 local seniors attended.
The event aimed to empower older adults with critical tools and information to protect themselves from financial scams, fraud, and identity theft.
Presenters from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) shared recent data, case examples, and prevention strategies related to the most common scams affecting older residents in Southern California to date. Many of these scams target seniors, who are often assumed to have greater financial assets.
“Scams and fraud have been circulating in our community for decades, but the frequency and tactics have only gotten worse in recent years. That is why we hosted this event – to educate the public on how to stay vigilant and safe,” said Fong. “I am grateful to our partner organizations for coming together to provide critical information to protect seniors. The more we know, the better we can protect ourselves and others.”
Key Scam Prevention Tips Shared at the Fair:
- Never give out personal information over the phone to someone you don’t know.
- Be wary of emergency calls from people claiming to be relatives in trouble. Always confirm their identity — consider setting up a “family safe word.”
- Don’t download apps or transfer money at the request of someone you meet online — it’s a common scam.
- If something feels off, call your bank or the institution directly using the bank’s contact number.
- Avoid joining random group chats, especially if invited by strangers.
- Never click on suspicious links received via text or email from unknown sources.
