Horvath cautious on City’s new Homeless Services CEO
LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath this week had cautious words regarding last week’s appointment of Gina O’Neill as the interim CEO of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA).
“This is a critical transition point for our homeless services system. LAHSA must move beyond the scandal, distractions, and stonewalling that have eroded public trust.
“Residents across LA County are tired of a bloated bureaucracy that fails to meet the urgency of this crisis. That’s why the County is unifying homeless services and programs into a single department—one the public can directly access, hold accountable, and expect to deliver results.
“As the federal administration continues to target vital resources, this work is more important than ever. LAHSA must embrace change, and we’re counting on Gita O’Neill as LAHSA’s new leadership to move with urgency, transparency, and true partnership.“
Bass mourns loss of Wallis Annenberg
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass yesterday mourned the loss of Wallis Annenberg, a deep-pocketed philanthropist who helped transform the city and the county through massive donations to arts, education, and animal welfare causes.
Annenberg died yesterday at her home in Los Angeles. She was 86.
“This is a loss that resonates beyond words here in Los Angeles. Wallis Annenberg’s selfless leadership and visionary spirit transformed our city in profound and lasting ways. There are unhoused Angelenos sleeping inside because of her. There are young people throughout the city expanding their horizons and exposure to the arts and sciences in new and exciting ways because of her. There are institutions, museums, and public spaces like beaches and parks that are enhanced and improved because of her,” said Bass.
“Put simply — Los Angeles is stronger because of her. Her legacy of generosity will live on forever through the many lives changed by her service. My thoughts are with the Annenberg family during this difficult time,” the Mayor added.
Barger extends Metro LIFE line for wildfire survivors
LA County Supervisor and Metro Board 2nd Vice Chair Kathryn Barger lauded the Metro Board last week for unanimously approving an extension until January 2026 of the fare-assistance program intended to provide wildfire survivors with free or subsidized access to public transportation.
The LIFE (Low Income Fare is Easy) program is Metro’s flagship fare assistance initiative. It was launched in 2019 to help low-income riders afford public transportation across Los Angeles County.
“Today’s unanimous vote to extend the Wildfire Recovery Modified LIFE Enrollment program reflects our Metro Board’s steadfast commitment to standing with those whose lives were upended by the devastating wildfires earlier this year,” said Barger. “Recovery from a disaster of this magnitude doesn’t end after a few months. Families are still rebuilding, still trying to regain stability, and still need reliable access to transit to reach work, school, medical care, and other critical services.
Through LIFE, eligible riders can receive an initial 90-day free transit pass followed by ongoing monthly discounts—such as 20 free rides per month—loaded directly onto their TAP cards.
The program is available on Metro buses and trains and a network of participating local transit agencies, ensuring riders can access work, school, medical care, and other essential services.
Chu’s Tax Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act signed into law
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena) last week saw President Trump sign her bipartisan Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act (H.R. 517) into law.
This legislation, first introduced by Chu in 2019, authorizes the Treasury Department and IRS to extend federal tax filing deadlines for individuals living in state-declared disaster zones, even before a federal disaster declaration is issued.
The law ensures that families and communities facing the aftermath of a disaster aren’t burdened with immediate tax filing requirements while focusing on their recovery. And, it ensures that survivors benefit from at least 120 days of filing relief, double the previous minimum extension of 60 days.
“I’m incredibly proud that our bill, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, is now the law of the land. When a catastrophe strikes during tax filing season, families and businesses should be able to focus on recovery without the risk of tax penalties. Our bill extends this support to more taxpayers by giving Treasury and the IRS the authority to extend federal filing deadlines when a governor declares a state-level emergency, ensuring more disaster survivors get the relief and support they need and deserve,” said Chu.
