Barger announces launch of sex abuse fraud website
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) yesterday announced the launch of the County’s dedicated AB 218 Fraud Reporting website and phone line.
These tools equip the public with a centralized, accessible resource to report suspected fraud. The website and phone line follow media reports that attorneys steered low-income residents to file charges of sexual abuse outside Department of Social Services offices.
AB 218 legislation opened the door for thousands of lawsuits to be filed against counties and school districts for claims of childhood sexual abuse and, in many cases, without meaningful evidence or the ability to defend against allegations. Given the billions of dollars involved, anti-fraud protection measures are essential to protecting necessary government resources.
“This resource gives residents a clear and accessible way to report suspected fraud, helping protect our community and strengthen trust in government operations,” said Barger.
The new AB 218 Fraud Reporting website is live at fraud.lacounty.gov/AB218 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It supports multiple languages, ensuring that all residents can report suspected fraud easily and safely.
A dedicated AB 218 Fraud Reporting Hotline has also been established at (844) 901-0001. It is staffed by operators Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Calls outside of these hours will be saved on a voicemail system, ensuring no report is missed.
Calabasas awarded county funding for two parks
Calabasas Mayor Peter Kraut announced in his weekly newsletter that the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District recently awarded the City two grants totaling approximately $500,000.
“Being mindful of our City’s budget, our staff continually seeks opportunities to fund important community projects while reducing the impact on the General Fund,” wrote Kraut. “Funding will support shade structures, signage and fence updates at Wild Walnut Park, as well as fence replacement at Gates Canyon Park.
To help shape the Gates Canyon Park improvements, the City will host a community input session at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1. All are welcome to attend and share feedback.
Culver City considers Downtown Entertainment Zone
The Culver City Council this week directed staff to work with the Economic Development Subcommittee to begin work on modifying an ordinance to allow for an entertainment zone designation for Downtown Culver City.
The entertainment zone would include the entire Downtown Culver City Business Improvement District, including Town Plaza, The Culver Steps, and Main Street where many special events are hosted throughout the year.
In the entertainment zone, licensed establishments would be able to sell alcoholic beverages to patrons who could then roam freely within the zone while consuming them. The program would require a restriction on glass and non-compostable containers as well as the use of age verification wrist bands.
Mayor Dan O’Brien, Vice Mayor Freddy Puza, and City Council Members Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Albert Vera, Jr. voted in favor.
Council Member Bubba Fish voted against and stated, for the record, that his no vote was “due to a lack of safety mitigations included.”
The map of what is considered Downtown Culver City can be found on the City’s website.
Friedman denounces GOP for healthcare cuts
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Hollywood) this week convened a conversation with healthcare experts from Covered California and Saban Community Clinic to discuss the urgent threat posed by the expiration of federal tax credits that help millions of Californians afford their health insurance.
Nearly 90% of Covered California enrollees receive tax credits that lower their monthly premiums. Without congressional action, those enhanced credits will expire at the end of 2025.
Healthcare Cost will Rise in California:
- Nearly 5.5 million Californians rely on the ACA [American Care Act] for coverage.
- In Los Angeles County alone, nearly 2 million residents are enrolled.
- Nearly 90% of Covered California enrollees receive tax credits.
- Without action, many Californians could see premiums rise by over $100/month.
- In Friedman’s district, more than 47,000 constituents face premium increases up to 300%, and 28,000 will lose access to health coverage because of Republican cuts to Medicaid.
“After talking with my constituents, it’s clear that these tax credits are vital to making health care more affordable for millions of Californians,” said Friedman. “If Republicans in Congress refuse to renew them, families in my district will be forced to choose between groceries and coverage. I’ll keep standing up against Trump’s agenda which leaves hardworking families, seniors, or our healthcare workers to pay the price for his political games”
Earlier in October, Friedman stood with frontline healthcare workers and constituents outside Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center to condemn the Republican-led government shutdown and call out their devastating impact on affordable healthcare for hardworking Americans.
