Whitesides joins legislation to ban Congress members from trading stocks
U.S. Rep. George Whitesides (D-Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, portions of San Fernando Valley) yesterday announced he joined the Restore Trust in Congress Act, bipartisan legislation that would ban members of Congress and their families from owning individual stocks or engaging in insider trading.
The Restore Trust in Congress Act would prohibit all Members of Congress, their spouses, dependent children, and their trustees from owning, buying or selling individual stocks, securities, commodities, or futures.
Upon enactment, individuals would be prohibited from purchasing covered assets and must divest from all covered assets at fair market value within 180 days for current members and 90 days for incoming members. Individuals who acquire covered assets through inheritance during their service will be required to divest those assets within 90 days of receipt.
“I’ve always said it is unacceptable that members of Congress can trade individual stocks while in office, which is why I immediately followed through on my promise to divest all of my company-specific, publicly traded stock holdings,” said Whitesides. “Now, I’m proud to help lead the charge to ban stock trading in Congress. The American people deserve to know that their representatives are working in their best interests, not for any personal financial gain.”
In March, Whitesides became one of only a few members of Congress to voluntarily divest from every public, company-specific holding he owned and convert them to broadly-held mutual funds and ETFs in order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest with his future Congressional work.
Bonta Sues LA Sheriff’s Department over conditions at county jails
California Attorney General Rob Bonta yesterday filed a lawsuit against the County of Los Angeles (County), Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and County Correctional Health Services (CHS) over unconstitutional and inhumane conditions at Los Angeles County jails.
In 2021, Bonta’s office launched an investigation into whether LASD had engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing. Among other issues, the investigation revealed significant ongoing constitutional violations at Los Angeles County jails, including a significant increase in in-custody deaths, despite decreases in the jail population size; uninhabitable and overcrowded jail facilities with inadequate plumbing, sanitation, and temperature control, which has contributed to multiple deaths; and a failure to provide adequate medical and mental health care to people inside the jails.
Bonta said the suit follows extensive engagement with the County and LASD, including Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, during which they refused to agree to the comprehensive solutions necessary to improve conditions at all county jails.
“In recent years, my office has successfully negotiated settlements with law enforcement agencies across California to reform their practices, including most recently, an agreement with the neighboring city of Torrance,” said Bonta. “While the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Luna have made a number of reforms to patrol operations during the course of our investigation, they have remained obstinate on the issue of improving the unsafe and unconstitutional conditions at county jails.
“We’re going to court because we have no other choice — we will not let Los Angeles County continue to ignore its responsibility to the health, safety, and well-being of the individuals under its care. Los Angeles operates the largest jail system in the United States — and one of the most problematic. When we’re talking about feces smeared on the walls and medical care denied to those in need, we’re talking about a disrespect for the basic dignity of our fellow humans and a violation of their most fundamental constitutional rights. We’re confident the court will agree.”
Barger Extends Pool Season at Loma Alta Park
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger announced yesterday that the pool at Loma Alta Park will remain open through October 31 thanks to funding from her office.
The extension gives Altadena residents additional opportunities to enjoy low-cost lap swim, water exercise classes, swim lessons, and free swim hours well into the fall season.
“Altadena has shown incredible resilience and I want to make sure County services match that spirit by creating opportunities for both healing and joy,” said Barger. “Extending the pool season at Loma Alta Park means families can continue to connect, stay active, and enjoy a cherished community space. Recreation is an important part of recovery, and I’m committed to investing in programs that bring people together and support Altadena’s wellbeing.”
The Loma Alta Pool is at 3330 North Lincoln Avenue in Altadena. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Program flyers and schedules are available here. Additional program information can be found at linktr.ee/lacountyaquatics.
Alhambra Library celebrates library card sign-up month
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the Alhambra Civic Center Library is pulling out all the stops with a month full of crafts, creativity, and discovery! From painting galaxies to discovering new adventures, the Alhambra Library proves your card gets you more than just books.
“Library cards open the door to so much more than books,” said Alhambra Mayor Katherine Lee. “From creative programs to family fun, there’s something for everyone to discover, explore, and celebrate at the Library.”
Whether you’re a longtime cardholder or signing up for the first time, everyone is invited to join the fun with special events all month long at the Alhambra Library, 101 S First Street. Upcoming events include:
- Book Wreath Crafting – Thursday, September 11, 5:30–7 p.m., Reese Hall
- Zine Workshop – Thursday, September 18, 3–5 p.m., Learning Center
- Galaxy Painting – Tuesday, September 30, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Reese Hall
In addition, two ongoing activities will run throughout September. The Library I Spy Challenge invites visitors to search for hidden items around the Library for a chance to win a free gift, while supplies last. Guests can also stop by the Check Out Desk to create a personalized Library Card Holder for free.
For more information, visit www.alhambralibrary.org or contact the Alhambra Library.
