Padilla, Schiff vote “No” on Senate continuing funding bill
U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) both voted “No” on the Senate’s successful continuing funding vote, which will likely end the country’s 40-plus days shutdown, which saw several federal agencies shuttered, federal employees furloughed, laid off, or working without pay and the potential stoppage of SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps.
The main issue of the shutdown was that Democrats felt the latest GOP majority funding bill did not address the massive increase in health care costs now facing Americans.
“Over the past 40 days, millions of Americans have understood the reality of the Republican health care crisis that will cause their insurance premiums to double next year. I have heard from countless Californians who are at risk of losing their health insurance, and my position has been clear from the beginning: I would not support a government funding bill that did not fund health care tax credits,” said Schiff..
“The current Republican funding bill leaves this crisis unaddressed, and I am adamantly opposed to it. Senate Republicans refused to negotiate, House Republicans went on a two-month taxpayer-funded vacation, and President Trump played golf, held parties and worked on plans for his gilded ballroom.”
Padilla said Republicans proposed another continuing resolution that fails to address the health care crisis they created:
“This does nothing to stop the Republican-made health care crisis. It does nothing to stop premiums from doubling for millions of Americans. Democrats are fighting to make health care more affordable and hold this corrupt and lawless administration accountable. We can’t end this fight now. I will be voting no,” said Padilla.
Electeds celebrate San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust
State Senator Susan Rubio (D-Alhambra, Baldwin Park, El Monte, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, South El Monte, West Covina) and Assemblymembers Blanca Rubio (D-Azusa, Baldwin Park, El Monte, Industry) Mike Fong (D-Alhambra, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Temple City) and John Harabedian (D-Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia) will be on hand today as the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust (SGVRHT) celebrates its fifth anniversary with a luncheon honoring five years of partnership, innovation, and progress in addressing homelessness and expanding affordable housing opportunities across the region.
The event will feature remarks from federal, state, and local elected officials, as well as inspiring testimonials from SGVRHT-supported residents who have transitioned from homelessness to stable housing. Additionally, the Housing Advocate Awards will be presented to Rubio and U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena) for their leadership and advocacy in championing housing affordability and regional collaboration.
Formed in February 2020, the creation of the SGVRHT was authorized through legislation authored by Rubio (SB 751) to help cities collaborate on housing solutions and pool resources for regional impact, thereby funding and financing the planning and construction of affordable and homeless housing projects.
In just five years, the SGVRHT has leveraged local and state funds to help build over 900 units of affordable housing and develop 130 units of interim housing shelter, providing vital support services for unhoused residents.
In June 2025, the SGVRHT launched an affiliated nonprofit, House SGV, to serve as a community land trust, expand the impact of the SGVRHT and reduce development costs in the region.
The luncheon is slated for 12 pm, today, Nov. 12, at the Quiet Cannon, Skyview Room, 901 Bella Verde Drive in Montebello.
Felstein Soto Joins National Coalition Urging Court to Protect SNAP Benefits
Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced yesterday that her office, on behalf of the City of Los Angeles, joined more than 120 local governments and local government leaders across the country in filing an amicus brief opposing the federal government’s attempt to block food assistance for over 41 million Americans.
Organized by the Public Rights Project, the local government coalition is urging the US Supreme Court to reject the federal government’s application for a stay and to ensure children and families can continue to have immediate access to the full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits they rely on for nutrition.
This brief follows on the heels of the local government brief the City Attorney joined last week with the same national coalition in the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
“The federal government is failing at least 41 million Americans, including at least 600,000 Angelenos, by denying them access to resources they need to make ends meet,” said Feldstein Soto.
“It’s unconscionable that the federal government has left millions of Americans with fear and uncertainty about where they will get their next meal. The City and our coalition partners will continue fighting to protect our residents to ensure they have the resources they need and deserve. Every day without benefits matters to those struggling to put food on the table, which is why this effort is critical even with a possible resolution to the shutdown on the horizon.”
Bellflower Honors Program highlighted as Veterans Day tribute
The City of Bellflower used Veterans Day to highlight its Bellflower Honors Program, wherein residents can pay tribute to local veterans and active-duty service members whose courage and dedication have shaped the community.
The commemorative bricks and banners established through this program transform Bellflower’s streets into lasting symbols of gratitude and remembrance.
“The Bellflower Honors Program is one of our most cherished community traditions,” said Bellflower Mayor Ray Dunton. “It is a powerful way for our City to come together and honor those who have protected our freedoms.”
The program provides an opportunity to honor past and present service members with a personalized street pole banner or an inscribed commemorative brick. Community contributions create a lasting tribute to local veterans, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered for generations.
Thus far, 79 banners have been installed along Flower Street and Alondra Boulevard, between Woodruff Avenue and Bellflower Boulevard, since the program started in 2021. A total of 192 commemorative bricks have been added permanently to the Veterans Memorial. Together, these displays create a visible reminder of the City’s enduring gratitude and pride.
Residents can participate in the Bellflower Honors Program through the application on the City’s website.
