By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
SGVCOG nabs $950,000 CAL FIRE Grant
The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) announced yesterday it has been awarded $949,993 in grant funding from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Service’s (CAL FIRE) through its Wildfire Prevention Grants Program.
The funding will support the San Gabriel Valley Wildfire Resilience and Fuel Reduction Program, a critical regional initiative that protects lives, property, and natural resources from the growing threat of wildfires.
“Public safety is our absolute priority, and this investment is a vital step in protecting our residents from the increasing threat of fire,” said SGVCOG Executive Director Marisa Creter. “As California continues to strengthen its strategy to defend communities against devastating wildfires, this funding allows the SGVCOG to implement a regionally coordinated risk-reduction plan. By targeting High-Risk Fire Hazard Severity Zones within our Foothill communities, we are ensuring that our regional approach is proactive, unified, and centered on saving lives.”
The SGVCOG is one of several organizations in Los Angeles County receiving support from CAL FIRE to enhance wildfire prevention. Together, these initiatives reinforce the importance of regional collaboration and represent a coordinated commitment to addressing wildfire risks to strengthen resilience across the San Gabriel Valley.
The SGVCOG is a regional government planning agency that aims to maximize the quality of life in the San Gabriel Valley. As a joint powers authority, the SGVCOG unites 31 cities and unincorporated communities, forming the largest and most diverse sub-regional council of governments in Los Angeles County.
City of La Verne fire chief announces departure
City of La Verne Fire Chief Chris Nigg announced yesterday that he will step down to assume the same role with the City of Fountain Valley.
During his tenure, Nigg led the department through significant operational and organizational advancements that strengthened emergency response, workforce readiness, and regional integration. He also worked collaboratively with regional partners to enhance automatic aid and mutual response agreements, improving service delivery and interoperability throughout the greater Los Angeles operational area.
Internally, his tenure was marked by significant improvements in labor–management relations, fostering a culture of professionalism, trust, and shared accountability focused on serving the community.
“We are grateful for Chief Nigg’s service and leadership, and for the trust he helped build within our community,” said La Verne Mayor Tim Hepburn. “Because of the strong foundation he leaves behind, the La Verne Fire Department remains well-positioned to move forward with confidence, ensuring continuity, stability, and a continued focus on protecting the safety and well-being of our residents.”
To ensure continuity of leadership and emergency services, Deputy Fire Chief Brandon Coatney will assume the role of Acting Fire Chief starting on January 9, 2026, following Chief Nigg’s departure.
Chu advocates congressional help for proposed Hollywood studio consolidation
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena), founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Creative Rights Caucus, said yesterday that all parties in the ongoing competition between Netflix and Paramount Skydance for the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery must engage in robust consultation with Congress before any final deal is made.
“Earlier this month, we learned that two major Hollywood studios would merge in a deal for Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Since then, Paramount Skydance has made multiple attempts to outbid Netflix for this acquisition,” said Chu.
“Both proposed mergers have the potential to remake the film and television industry and will have an enormous impact on thousands of creative workers in my district and across Southern California. As these negotiations proceed, the parties must recognize their obligation to both the creative workforce and consumers. America’s creative economy supports jobs across the country, and these workers are responsible for creating our most important cultural exports.
“The parties must engage in robust consultation with Congress throughout this process to account for how their proposals will impact the creative industry. I will continue to work with any of my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, to stand up for this critical industry. That includes fighting for legislation like my bipartisan, bicameral bill, H.R. 4840 – the CREATE Act, which would strengthen federal incentives for domestic film and television production.”
Barragán joins House Reps to introduce bipartisan maternal support bill
U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson, Compton) joined Reps. Julia Letlow (R-LA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) to introduce bipartisan legislation on Friday aimed at increasing critical support for new mothers and infants through the distribution of newborn supply kits.
The Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act authorizes an existing pilot program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide diapers, wipes, breastfeeding supplies, and postpartum mental health resources in areas of need.
“No mother should have to worry about whether she can afford the basic necessities her newborn needs in those critical first days,” said Barragán. “The bipartisan NEST Act builds on proven partnerships to ensure families, especially those in underserved and maternal health desert communities, have access to essential supplies and postpartum support. This legislation is a practical, compassionate step toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes and giving every child a strong start in life.”
The measure focuses on rural areas, maternal care deserts, and low-income families (below 185% of the poverty line), and will utilize community organizations, hospitals, and public-private partnerships for distribution.
