Issuu

Huntington Beach council to ask Supreme Court to overturn voter ID ruling

FEBRUARY 09-FEBRUARY 15, 2026

Supreme Court declines bid to block California’s new congressional districts

By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to consider an emergency bid by a group of California Republicans to block newly redrawn, voter-approved congressional districts in effect for the midterm election this fall.

In a one-sentence order with no dissenting opinions, the nation’s high court rejected the emergency request by the California Republican Party, 19 individuals and later the U.S. Department of Justice, according to court documents.

The Supreme Court rejection enables California to use the newly drawn lines for most of its 52 House districts during the congressional elections in November.

CaliforniaDemocrats launched a redistricting effort in response to mid-decade redistricting by Texas Republicans last year. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and supporters aimed to help Republicans maintain their control of the House of Representatives.

California ofﬁcials sought a map that would enable Democrats to gain ﬁve House seats, offsetting the Republican seats picked up in Texas.

VotersinCalifornia supported Proposition 50 in November, enacting the new district boundaries in effect through the end of the decade.

AssemblymanDavid Tangipa, R-Fresno, the state Republican Party and a group of Republican voters, along with the U.S. Department of Justice, ﬁled a lawsuit that claimed the redrawn lines were unconstitutional because they improperly used race as a factor in creating voter district boundaries.

The suit named as defendants Gov. Gavin Newsom, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber.

The plaintiffs asked judges for an injunction to stop the new district boundaries from taking effect, at least temporarily so the state’s original map would remain for the 2026 midterm election.

Newsom applauded the Supreme Court’s decision Wednesday.

“Donald Trump said he was ‘entitled’ to ﬁve more Congressional seats in Texas,” Newsom said in a statement. “He started this redistricting war. He

lost, and he’ll lose again in November.”

Bonta said the high court’s refusal to block use of the new maps was “good news not only for Californians, but for our democracy.”

“Let’s remember how we got here,” Bonta said in a statement. “President Trump told Governor Greg Abbott that Republicans were ‘entitled’ to ﬁve more

Congressional seats, and Texas Republicans fell in line. In direct response, and for explicitly partisan reasons, Governor Gavin Newsom and our Legislature advanced Proposition 50, presented it to the voters, and Californians overwhelmingly supported it.

“With this latest win, my ofﬁce has now successfully defended this critical ballot initiative on behalf

Report: Bass directed watering down of Palisades Fire report; mayor denies it

By Jose Herrera, City News Service

MayorKarenBass’ ofﬁceWednesday denied a published story that said she directed the watering down of an after-action report that detailed alleged failings of the Los Angeles Fire Department during last year’s deadly Palisades Fire.

The Los Angeles Times, quoting “two sources with knowledge of Bass’ ofﬁce,” reported Wednesday that after receiving an early draft of the after- action report, the mayor told then-interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva that the report could result in legal liabilities for those failures.

The Times reported that Bass held onto the original draft until after changes were made. It was unclear whether Villanueva or other LAFD officials, or anyone in the mayor’s office, made “line-by-line edits” at Bass’ specific instructions or if they imposed changes after receiving a general direction from the mayor.

Bass had previously denied she was involved in softening the report.

Then, in a statement Wednesdayresponding to The Times story, Bass’ ofﬁce said the mayor and her staff made no changes to the drafts, and that Bass reviewed an early draft of the report and asked only that the LAFD make sure it was accurate on issues such as weather and budget.

“The mayor has been clear about her concerns regarding pre-deployment and the LAFD’s response to the ﬁre, which is why she called for an independent review of the Lachman Fire mop-up. There is absolutely

no reason why she would request these details be altered or erased when she herself has been critical of the response to the ﬁre -full stop,” according to the statement from the mayor’s ofﬁce Wednesday.

“This is muckraking journalism at its lowest form. It is dangerous and irresponsible for Los Angeles Times reporters to rely on thirdhand unsourced information to make unsubstantiated character attacks to advance a narrative that is false,” the statement continued. Bass later spoke on KNX News to vehemently deny that she directed edits to the after-action report.

“Absolutely false, 100%,” Bass said referring to The Times story. “Just think about it for a minute. I’m the one who ordered the after-action report when the fire chief would not do it. I fired her. Why would I water down a report that essentially presented the information for why I fired her? That makes sense.”

Bass removed thenLAFD Chief Kristin Crowley from her position, citing her failure to predeploy firefighters and fire trucks ahead of the Palisades Fire, among other issues. Crowley in turn sued the city and Bass, alleging that she had been defamed and retaliated against. Crowley also alleged negligence on the part of the city and Bass.

Clara Karger, a spokeswoman for Bass’ ofﬁce, had previously said, “The report was written and edited by the Fire Department. We did not red- line, review every page or review every draft of the report.”

This map shows voting results in California counties for Proposition 50 congressional redistricting. | Image courtesy of MapperGuy87/Wikimedia

LA County agencies given chance to review Eaton Fire after-action report

By City News Service

LosAngelesCounty agencies were given an opportunity to review and provide feedback on an independentafter-action report examining alerts and evacuations during the catastrophic January wildfires that destroyed parts of Altadena, officials said Wednesday.

It was unclear whether county agencies proposed minor or major edits to the report. County Counsel said drafts of any documents, including the alert afteraction report, will not be released, citing legal concerns.

KNX News first reported Wednesday that County Counsel declined to release draft versions of the report in response to a public records request.

County Counsel said in a statement that for a review of this significance, it is standard practice to include a validation step in which stakeholders review a draft report.

“This process is to ensure that findings are accurate and complete, and that the recommendations are realistic and

informed by the stakeholders who must implement them.

Once this process is complete and the consultant has determined that its findings are accurate, the report is finalized,” the statement said.

“McChrystal Group was retained by County Counsel to do this work, and drafts of any documents, including of the Alert AAR, are not going to be released because they are drafts and are also protected by attorney-client and attorney work product privileges,” the statement continued.

The city of Los Angeles has released drafts of its own after-action report examining its response to the Palisades Fire.

County officials confirmed that agencies were given an opportunity to provide feedback on the report, though McChrystal Group was not required to do do. Similar validation steps have taken place for prior after-action reports to ensure accuracy, officials said.

Los Angeles County

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the Fifth Supervisorial District, which includes Altadena, said in a statement that “obtaining the truth to prevent future tragedies.”

“This is why our Board invested nearly $2 million to have a specialized, independent third party -- the McChrystal Group -- conduct this review with the highest

level of integrity. While internal legal protections are necessary to encourage the brutal honesty required from stakeholders, I expect the McChrystal Group’s professional standards to have delivered validated findings that are helping us build a safer County,” Barger said in a statement.

Following the Eaton Fire, the Board of Supervisors

contracted with McChrystal Group, a consulting firm led by retired four-star Gen. Stanley McChrystal. The county paid $1.9 million for the firm to produce the report and provide “a comprehensive picture of actions taken during the catastrophic January wildfires along with recommendations to help guide future Los Angeles County responses.”

Concerns arose during and after the fires regarding the effectiveness of community notifications, particularly evacuation warnings and alerts for many western Altadena residents at the onset of the Eaton Fire.

The report noted that investigators found “no single point of failure” relating to public alerts, warnings and notifications.

“Instead, a series of weaknesses, including outdated policies, inconsistent practices and communications vulnerabilities impacted the system’s effectiveness,” according to the report.

“These systemic issues did not manifest uniformly

across the two major fires. The effects of these weaknesses varied based on environmental conditions, community readiness and operational complexity caused by the variables of wind, power outages and fire behavior.”

The county also faced criticism for delays in evacuation orders, which were not issued until roughly 3:35 a.m. Jan. 8, hours after spot fires were reported in the area.

The report also cited “longstanding challenges” regarding training, staffing, resource management and interagency cooperation that “further strained the response.”

According to county officials, the Los Angeles County Fire Department has already implemented some recommendations from the afteraction report.

The wildfires killed 31 people and destroyed 16,251 properties in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, along with parts of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Malibu.

Huntington Beach council to ask Supreme Court to overturn voter ID ruling

By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com

The Huntington Beach City Council voted Tuesday to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review a state appeals court ruling that blocked the city’s voter ID law.

The council’s unanimous vote calls for a petition to the nation’s highest court after the California Supreme Court rejected the city’s appeal. The Fourth District Court of Appeal ruling struck down Huntington Beach’s Measure A, saying it was contrary to state law.

The council-approved charter amendment required voters to present identification before participating in local elections.

In a statement Wednesday, Mayor Casey McKeon said the appellate court ruling “held in part that the city’s voter-approved Voter ID charter amendment

violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution.”

A Chapman University law professor said Wednesday the city’s Supreme Court bid has a very slim chance of succeeding.

“Bringing a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court is an expensive and difficult process,” Chapman law school professor Nahal Kazemi told City News Service.

“The vast majority of litigants who want the Supreme Court to hear their case is denied. The court only hears a tiny fraction of the cases that could potentially be before it and typically only if there’s an important federal or constitutional question that needs to be answered. I don’t see this case presenting that kind of question.”

McKeon noted that the

U.S. Supreme Court in 2008 “upheld an Indiana Voter ID requirement against facial challenge, determining that Voter ID requirements do not violate the Equal Protection Clause. The court determined that Voter ID alone does not present a valid equal protection claim.”

Kazemi, however, countered that “Huntington Beach is seeking to have the U.S. Supreme Court review this case because they identified a question the city of Huntington Beach has about whether voter ID laws violate the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause, but that’s really not at the heart of what the California Appeals Court decided.

“They decided that local elections and state elections are regulated at the state level and the California

Supreme Court let the appellate decision stand so there is no real federal question to be answered here,” Kazemi said. “The U.S. Supreme Court denies cert in the vast majority of cases. I don’t see a reason why they would grant cert here.”

According to McKeon, “Polls show that over 80% of the country supports the common-sense idea of requiring Voter ID to vote in elections. Identification is required to participate in most adult endeavors in this country. Therefore, voter ID should be required for the fundamental, time-honored sacred basis of a free society — elections.”

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who oversees elections statewide, said in a statement last month, “Attorney General (Rob) Bonta

and I have held steadfast that state law preempts the city’s attempts to impose illegal voting requirements on eligible voters and that Huntington Beach’s Measure

A is unlawful. I am grateful the California Supreme Court did not disturb the Fourth District Court of Appeals ruling. This is another victory for California, for voters, and for democracy.”

Sarcophagus vibes: USC radiologists examine bodies of ancient Egyptian mummies

By City News Service

USC radiologists unraveled some of ancient history’smysteries recently when they conducted full-body CT scans of two

Egyptian mummies whose bodies have been preserved for more than 2,200 years.

Keck Medicine of USC medical imaging experts

normally use computed tomography (CT) scanners to diagnose and treat patients’ diseases and injuries. But, as the univer-

sity announced Tuesday, when the mummies of two Egyptian priests — Nes-Min, circa 330 BCE, and Nes-Hor, circa 190 BCE — turned up,

the advanced technology was just ... tomb-perfect. Each mummy was scanned in its sarcophagus, which weighs about 200

pounds. The mummies were wrapped in linen shrouds,

| Photo courtesy of Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Office

A ballot box is available at Harbour View Park in Huntington Beach. | Photo courtesy of the city of Huntington Beach/Facebook

Editorial editorial@beaconmedianews.com

editor@hlrmedia.com

Graphics/Production production@beaconmedianews.com production@hlrmedia.com

Advertising advertising@beaconmedianews.com advertising@hlrmedia.com

Legal Advertising legals@beaconmedianews.com legals@hlrmedia.com

Business accounting@beaconmedianews.com accounting@hlrmedia.com

BEACON MEDIA ADDRESS: 820 S. Myrtle Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016

PHONE: (626) 301-1010

WEBSITE www.beaconmedianews.com

HLR MEDIA ADDRESS: 820 S. Myrtle Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016

PHONE: (626) 301-1010 www.HLRmedia.com

PRESS

editor@beaconmedianews.com editor@hlrmedia.com

MMedi-Cal stops covering weight loss drugs despite TrumpRx plan

By Don Thompson for KFF Health News.

Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Collaboration

any low-income Californiansprescribed wildly popular weight loss drugs lost their coverage for the medications at the start of the new year.

Health officials are recommending diet and exercise as alternatives to heavily advertised weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, advice experts say is unrealistic.

“Of course he tried eating well and everything, but now with the medications, it’s better — a 100% change,” said Wilmer Cardenas of Santa Clara, who said his husband lost about 100 pounds over about two years using GLP-1s covered by Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid.

State of California.

The Duarte Dispatchhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number GS 013893 City of Duarte, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Rosemead Readerhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number GS 048894 City of Rosemead, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Alhambra Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES016581 City of Alhambra, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Baldwin Park Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number KS017174 City of Baldwin Park, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Burbank Independent has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES016728 City of Burbank, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Glendale Independent has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES016579 City of Glendale, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Monterey Park Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES016580 City of Monterey Park, County of Los Angeles, State of California. The West Covina Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number KS017304 City of West Covina, County of Los Angeles, State of California. The San Bernardino Press has been adjudicated as a

California joined several other states in restricting an option they say is no longer affordable as they confront soaring pharmaceutical costs and steep Medicaid cuts under the Trump administration, among other financial pressures. Despite negotiated price reductions announced in November that the White House said would make the drugs available at a “dramatically lower cost to taxpayers” and enable Medicaid to cover them, states are going ahead with the cuts, which providers say may undermine patients’ health.

“It will be quite negative for our patients” because data shows people typically regain weight after stopping the drugs, said Diana Thiara, medical director of the University of California-San Francisco Weight Management Program.

While California, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina stopped covering adult GLP-1 prescriptions for obesity on Jan. 1, they continue to cover the drugs for other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

Michigan, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin are planning or considering restrictions, according to KFF’s most recent survey.

That reverses a trend that saw 16 states covering the medications for obesity as of Oct. 1. Interest in providing the coverage “appears to be waning,” the survey found, likely due to the drugs’ cost and other state budget pressures. North Carolina pulled back GLP-1 coverage in October, but Gov. Josh Stein reinstated it in December,

Catherine Ferguson, vice president of federal advocacy for the American Diabetes Association and its affiliated Obesity Association, said it’s not clear how states will adjust to the White House plan to lower the cost of several of the most popular GLP-1s through TrumpRx, an online portal for discounted prescription drugs. The price of Wegovy, for example, will be $350 per month for consumers, versus the current list price of nearly $1,350, and Medicare and Medicaid programs will pay $245, according to the plan.

“Many states are facing budgetary challenges, such as deficits, and are working to address the impacts of the changes to Medicaid and SNAP,” Ferguson wrote, referring to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “As more details become available for the Administration’s agreements, we will see how state Medicaid responds.”

The Department of Health and Human Services referred questions to the White House, which did not respond to requests for comment on states’ termination of Medicaid coverage for the weight loss drugs.

California projected its costs to cover GLP-1s for weight loss would have more than quadrupled over four years to nearly $800 million annually if it didn’t end Medi-Cal coverage for that use. Medi-Cal has covered weight loss drugs since 2006, but use of GLP-1s soared only in recent years. By 2024, more than 645,000 prescriptions were covered by Medi-Cal across all uses of the medications. The California Department of

Health Care Services could not readily provide a breakdown of whether the drugs were for weight loss or other conditions.

When asked whether the state would reconsider its plans in light of the announced price cuts, Department of Finance spokesperson H.D. Palmer said it had no plans to do so. California’s cut is written into the state’s budget law.

California officials would not say how much it could save under the TrumpRx plan, citing federal and state restrictions on disclosing rebate information.

Health providers don’t expect the Trump administration’s negotiated price cuts to make much difference to consumers, because pharmaceutical companies already offer some discounts.

“The out-of-pocket costs will still be very cost-prohibitive for most, especially individuals with Medicaid insurance,” Thiara said.

New Hampshire is among the other states that ended their coverage Jan. 1. Officials with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.

About 1 in 8 adults are now taking a GLP-1 drug for obesity, disease, or both, up 6 percentage points from May 2024, according to KFF poll results released in November. Over half of users said their GLP-1s were difficult to afford, and many who had stopped the treatment cited the cost.

Public and private payers have been trying to wean patients off to save costs.

California health officials said Medi-Cal members and

their health care providers should consider “other treatment options that can support weight loss, such as diet changes, increased activity or exercise, and counseling.” That echoes advice from the New Hampshire Medicaid program.

California Department of Health Care Services spokesperson Tessa Outhyse said in an email that the official advice to try those other approaches now “is not meant to dismiss any past efforts, but to encourage Medi-Cal members to take a renewed, proactive, and medically supported approach with their healthcare provider that may appropriately include these additional options.”

But that may be unrealistic, said Kurt Hong, founding director of the Center for Clinical Nutrition at Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

“We definitely want patients to do their part with the diet and exercise, but unfortunately, and from a practical standpoint, that itself frequently is not enough,” Hong said, adding that usually by the time patients see doctors they have already failed at achieving results through those means.

Hong understands why Medicaid programs, as well as private providers, want to cut back on covering the drugs, which can cost thousands of dollars per patient per year. However, they can produce twice the weight loss as the medications typically used previously, he said.

A school of medical thought supports patients’ gradually ending their use, but

bowing to court orders despite a lingering budget shortfall.

| Photo courtesy of Haberdoedas Photography/Pexels

Trump administration requests immigration data from Medi-Cal

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service

The Trump administration is now demanding immigration data for all Medi-Cal recipients.

The feds just sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom, citing concern that undocumented immigrants may be receiving full-scope Medi-Cal, and alleging fraud in home care and hospice programs.

Last spring, California officials sought answers after the administration allegedly turned over some Medi-Cal data to immigration enforcement.

Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children & Families, said these moves – plus widespread ICE raids –mean undocumented parents may be too scared to bring their American-born children to the doctor.

“Mixed-status families

are not going to want to be sharing any information with the government,” she said. “These, in most cases, are citizen children who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. And that’s what is known as the ‘chilling effect.’”

One in four American children lives in a mixedstatus family.

In December, the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families submitted public comment on the administration’s new “public charge” rule, arguing that it gives the government virtually unlimited discretion to decide whether a prospective immigrant is likely to need social services such as Medi-Cal or Cal Fresh benefits, and reject asylum or citizenship applications on that basis.

Alker said Georgetown estimates the number of

TrumpRx plan

Hong said obesity is generally considered a chronic condition that requires indefinite treatment.

“Once they reach their target weight, a lot of people will try to see whether or not they can wean off,” Hong said. “We do see a lot of patients — when they try to get off, unfortunately, then the weight comes back.”

Medi-Cal members under age 21 remain covered for purposes including weight loss, California officials said, citing a federal requirement.

Medi-Cal members are able to keep their GLP-1

coverage if they can demonstrate it is medically necessary for purposes other than weight loss, the department said. Members who are denied coverage can seek a hearing, the department said in a letter to members. Members will still be able to pay for the prescriptions out-of-pocket and may be able to use various discounts to lower costs.

Another option is new pills to treat obesity, which will be cheaper than their injectable counterparts. The FDA approved a pill version of Wegovy on Dec. 22, which will likely run $149 per

children with health insurance could drop as much as 25% in the near future.

“If we see the numbers rise when we get the data this fall, and certainly next fall,” she said, “we believe that the extraordinary campaign by the Trump administration to intimidate, deport, harass and terrify immigrant families will be a main cause for that.”

The administration is also moving on several fronts to cut federal funding. Weeks ago, it announced a review of federal funding to 14 states –all led by Democrats – including California. On Jan. 6, the feds moved to freeze $10 billion in child-care grants in five “blue” states, including $5 million for California, citing concerns about fraud. California’s attorney general sued, and a judge ordered the funds unfrozen.

month for the lowest dosage, and similar weight loss pills are expected to be available in the first half of the year.

While Cardenas said his husband, Jeffer Jimenez, 37, uses GLP-1s primarily for weight loss, Jimenez’s prescription is for his diabetes, so the couple hoped to continue receiving coverage through Medi-Cal.

“He tried a thousand medications, pills, natural teas, exercise program, but it doesn’t work like the injections,” Cardenas said. “You need both.”

Don Thompson wrote this story for KFF Health News.

Three Los Angeles City Council members and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn were among the elected officials Tuesday calling on LA 2028 Olympics committee chair Casey Wasserman to resign over a string of racy emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, who’s been convicted of sex trafficking for her role in a widespread sexual abuse scandal involving the late Jeffrey Epstein.

Hahn, who is among the Los Angeles County and city officials working with LA28, the organizing committee for the Games, told the Los Angeles Times Tuesday that Wasserman needs to step down.

“Having him represent us on the world stage distracts focus from our athletes and the enormous efforts needed to prepare for 2028,” Hahn told The Times.

Los Angeles City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez issued a statement Tuesday echoing Hahn’s sentiments.

“At the same time as Ghislaine Maxwell was orchestrating one of the most notorious sex-traffickingoperations in our country’s history, she was allegedly romantically involved with the person now serving as chair of LA28,” Soto-Martinez said in a statement.

“Casey Wasserman should step aside immediately. Anything less is a distraction and undermines efforts to make sure the Games truly reflect the values of a city that is for everyone,” Soto-Martinez added.

CityCouncilwoman Monica Rodriguez in a statement said the Olympics represent an opportunity and requires organizers to be

Hahn, other officials call for LA28 Olympics Chair Casey Wasserman to resign

By City News Service

stewards of the games.

“The failure to complete a robust human rights plan, coupled with the revelations from the newly released Epstein files, makes clear that no one associated with Epstein and his associates can provide credible leadership in the planning of these games, which now includes Casey Wasserman,” Rodriguez said in her statement.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Imelda Padilla said in a statement that “the concerns surrounding Casey Wasserman are serious and part of a troubling pattern that cannot be ignored. In Council District 6, we confront the realities of human trafficking and exploitation every day, and that work demands leadership held to the highest ethical standards.

“At this point, it would be

a distraction for Mr. Wasserman to continue in his role. For the integrity of the work and public trust, it is time for him to step aside.”

On social media, City Controller Kenneth Mejia wrote that “Los Angeles cannot trust our financial future to someone connected with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.”

Sen. Lena Gonzalez, D-Long Beach, also called on Wasserman to resign.

Los Angeles is scheduled to host the most Olympic events, with Long Beach hosting the second most.

Wasserman’s name surfaced when the latest batch of Epstein documents were made public Jan. 30 by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of its investigation into Epstein, who died in a jail cell in August 2019 of a reported suicide as

he awaited trial on federal charges.

The former financier was accused of procuring underage girls to perform sexual favors for various highly influential millionaires and billionaires at a private island.

The documents revealed

multiple salacious email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell, Epstein’s associate who was convicted in 2021 on federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy for helping Epstein procure girls and young women.

In a statement to various

media outlets, Wasserman said, “I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light. I never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. As is well documented, I went on a humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 on the Epstein plane. I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”

The newly released emails are from 2003. They feature flirtatious remarks from both parties, including Wasserman writing that he wanted to see Maxwell in a “tight leather outfit,” and Maxwell offering to give him a massage that can “drive a man wild.”

The 51-year-old Wasserman is the founder and CEO of Wasserman, a sports marketing and talent agency, and grandson of legendary Hollywood agent Lew Wasserman. He was in Milan, Italy, last week with the LA28 delegation for the Winter Olympics.

Casey Wasserman with President Donald Trump in August 2025. | Photo courtesy of The White House / Facebook

CA private practice doctors press for fairness in reimbursement rates

Doctorsinprivate practice,especially those who perform procedures in their offices, are asking Congress to revamp the Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rules so they can afford to keep their doors open.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently boosted reimbursement rates for office-based services but federal data show in 2025, doctors were not getting enough to cover the cost of medical equipment and supplies.

Jason McKitrick, executive director of the OfficeBased Facility Association,

said many private practices have shut down over the last decade, forcing patients to travel farther for more expensive, hospital-based care.

“The office-based setting is just as safe but often a fraction of the cost in a hospital, so patients are paying more,” McKitrick pointed out. “They’re driving farther, and their outcomes are worse, because if you’re missing a treatment because you just can’t make it to the place to get treated, your outcomes are going to be worse.”

Financial pressures mean fewercommunity-based providers, especially in fields

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service

like interventional cardiology and radiology, pain medicine, physical therapy, radiation oncology, urology and vascular surgery. A study by the Physicians Advocacy Institute found the number of independent physicians in rural areas fell 43% between 2019 and 2024.

Dr. Devin Zarkowsky, an office-based interventional cardiologist in Fallbrook, north of San Diego, said he knows of a case where a woman with a small diabetic ulcer had to have her leg amputated and ended up in assisted living because she didn’t see a specialist in time.

“That is the fundamental

issue for me,” Zarkowsky stressed. “I want to be able to keep my doors open and take care of this community, who otherwise do not have a vascular surgeon.”

The Office-Based Facility Association is urging Congress to pass reform bills later this year to take supplies and medical equipment out of the Physicians’ Fee Schedule and reimburse for them through a separate mechanism. They argued it will ultimately save money because in-office care is much less expensive and better at catching patients’ issues before they become medical emergencies.

Clippers shave ‘beard,’ trade Harden to Cavs for Darius Garland

By City News Service

The Clippers have traded guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick, the Clippers confirmed Wednesday.

The move signals a shift for the Clippers toward a younger core, as the 26-yearold Garland comes in for the famously bearded 36-yearold veteran Harden.

“We are trying to get younger while continuing to win, and Darius allows us to do both,” Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, said in a statement confirming the

“Darius is an adept shooter and passer, a quick decision-maker and a respected teammate who has shown the ability to run an elite offense. We are excited to win with him and grow with him,” Frank added. Garland, a 6-foot-1 guard, is averaging 18.0 points, 6.9 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 26 games this season with Cleveland. Originally selected fifth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Vanderbilt, he is a two-time NBA All-Star and has appeared in 22 postseason games.

Frank praised Harden’s

impact during his tenure with the Clippers.

“I can’t overstate what James has meant to our organization in the past two-anda-half years,” Frank said.

“He exceeded every expectation and met every challenge. He put us on his back for long stretches, doing whatever was necessary to win. He’s an all-time great who delivers on a nightly basis. We benefited from his talent, his durability, his competitiveness and his leadership. We’ll always consider him a Clipper.”

Harden, a Los Angeles native, averaged 21.1 points,

8.5 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 195 games with the Clippers. This season, he became the franchise leader in triple-doubles and set a team record with a 55-point performance.

Across his career with Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and the Clippers, Harden has averaged 24.1 points, 7.3 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 1,195 games.

He is an 11-time NBA All-Star, the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player, a threetime scoring champion and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Union Station, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes to be World Cup 26 Fan Zone

By Staﬀ

Historic Union Station, in partnership with LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, has been selected by the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee as a Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone, joining a regionwide celebration as Los Angeles prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2026. The Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones will extend the reach of live match viewing and interactive fan-focused experiences across the greater Los Angeles region. Throughout the 39-day competition, the Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones will transform select destinations into watch events for some of the

world’s biggest matches.

“The Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones are about bringing the World Cup into the heart of our communities,” said Kathryn Schloessman, president & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee. “These locations will play an important role in welcoming fans, creating shared moments, and ensuring that the excitement of FIFA World Cup 2026 is felt across Los Angeles County.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome tens of thousands of fans to the Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone at

historic Union Station—an iconic venue and the perfect launching point to experience the energy, culture, and neighborhoods that will be celebrating across the region,” said Metro Board

Chair and Whittier City Councilmember Fernando Dutra.

“We’re excited that LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will serve as a Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone,

creating a welcoming space for our community to come together. As a cultural hub dedicated to celebrating the stories, heritage, and contributions of Latino communities, LA Plaza is a fitting home for fans from across Los Angeles. Located in the heart of the city, steps from Union Station and Olvera Street, visitors can celebrate the global spirit of soccer while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture and energy that define Los Angeles,” said Leticia Rhi Buckley, CEO of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

The Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones include: -The Original Farmers Market - June 18-21

- City of Downey - June 20

-Heart of the City: Union Station & LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes - June 25-28

- Hansen Dam Lake - July 2-5

-LA County’s Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park - July 4-5

-Los Angeles County Whittier Narrows - July 9-11

- Venice Beach – July 11

-Fairplex - July 14-15 & July 18-19

- West Harbor - July 14-15 & July 18-19

For more information about Los Angeles World Cup 26 at the Heart of the City: Union Station and LA Plaza de Cultura de Artes, visit LosAngelesFWC26. com.

| Photo courtesy of National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

James Harden is now a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the Clippers traded him last week. | Photo courtesy of the NBA

| Graphic courtesy of Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission

LEGALS

ERT LUM AKA ROBERT S. LUM

AKA ROBERT SG LUM.

Rosemead City Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ON MARCH 2, 2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Rosemead Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM, at Rosemead City Hall, located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead. Comments may be submitted in person, virtually, or via email at publiccomment@ cityofrosemead.org. Emailed comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on March 2, 2026. All comments are public record and will be recorded in the official record of the City. If you have a request for an accommodation under the ADA, please contact Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk, at (626) 569-2100.

CASE NO.: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT 25-01 (MCA 25-01) – MCA 25-01 is a City initiated amendment intended to bring Chapter 17.54 (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) up to compliance with Federal and State laws. The amendment would allow greater flexibility and responsiveness to Federal and State laws while still preserving the City’s traditional land use authority to the maximum extent practicable.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: MCA 25-01 will not authorize any changes to the environment and will have no impacts to properties in the City or their surrounding environment. This Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.

Pursuant to Government Code Section 65009(b), if this matter is subsequently challenged in court, the challenge may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Rosemead at, or prior to, the public hearing.

For further details on this proposal, please contact Annie Lao, Senior Planner, at (626) 569-2144 or alao@rosemeadca.gov. In addition, the Planning Commission Agenda and Staff Report will be available on the City’s website under “Meetings & Agendas” (www.rosemeadca.gov) at least 72 hours in advance of the public hearing. Any person interested in the above proceedings may appear at the time and place indicated above to testify in support of, or in opposition to, the item(s) indicated in this notice.

Notice and Publication Date: February 9, 2026

ROSEMEAD READER

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

PAUL CURTIS OHRTMAN

CASE NO. 26STPB00718

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of PAUL CURTIS OHRTMAN.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SHOUSHAN MOVSESIAN in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SHOUSHAN MOVSESIAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/24/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the

court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner VIKRAM BRAR - SBN 162639 LAW OFFICE OF VIKRAM BRAR 700 N. BRAND BLVD., SUITE 970 GLENDALE CA 91203

Telephone (818) 242-9240 2/5, 2/9, 2/12/26 CNS-4007983# EL MONTE EXAMINER

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARY FRANCES WALTERS AKA MARY F. WALTERS AKA MARY WALTERS AKA FRANCES WALTERS CASE NO. 26STPB01081

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MARY FRANCES WALTERS AKA MARY F. WALTERS AKA MARY WALTERS AKA FRANCES WALTERS.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JOHNATHAN WATSON in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JOHNATHAN WATSON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with limited authority. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 03/05/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 4 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MELANIE OUYANG LUM in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MELANIE OUYANG LUM be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 03/05/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 79 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

Attorney for Petitioner

LINDA M. VARGA - SBN 149988 AND HENRY J. MORAVEK IIISBN 149989

MORAVEC, VARGA & MOONEY

2233 HUNTINGTON DRIVE, STE. 17 SAN MARINO CA 91108

Telephone (626) 793-3210

2/5, 2/9, 2/12/26

CNS-4010072# MONROVIA WEEKLY

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

ROBERT SING GHUN LUM

AKA ROBERT LUM AKA

ROBERT S. LUM AKA

ROBERT SG LUM

CASE NO. 25STPB05997

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ROBERT SING GHUN LUM AKA ROB-

February 2, 9, 2026 SAN GABRIEL SUN

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITION OF Han Ze Lee FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 25PSCP00654 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 400 Civic Center Plaza , Pomona, Ca 91766, East Judicial District TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Han Ze Lee a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name a. OF Han Ze Lee to Proposed name Leon Lee 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reason for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 03/06/2026 Time: 8:30AM Dept: G. Room. 302 The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: El Monte Examiner DATED: January 05, 2026 Salvatore Sirna JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Pub. January 19, 26, February 5, 12, 2026 EL MONTE EXAMINER

furniture, fixtures, equipment and goodwill of that certain business located at: 8547 Valley Boulevard Suite C, Rosemead, CA 91770 (6) The business name used by the seller(s) at

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

Attorney for Petitioner

WILLIAM F. KRUSE - SBN 90231

EDWARD W. GOODSON - SBN 181250 LAGERLOF, LLP 155 N. LAKE AVENUE, FLOOR 11 PASADENA CA 91101

Telephone (626) 793-9400 BSC 228015 2/9, 2/12, 2/16/26 CNS-4010456# ARCADIA WEEKLY

Public Notices

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITION OF Anndrea Kensi Ortega by and through Ethelbine Cisneros Ortega FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26NNCP00019 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 150 West Commonwealth Avenue, Alhambra, Ca 91801-3787, Northeast Judicial District TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Ethelbine Cisneros Ortega filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name a. Anndrea Kensi Ortega to Proposed name Anndrea Kensi Cisneros Ortega 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reason for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 03/25/2026 Time: 8:30AM Dept: 3. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Gabriel Sun DATED: January 9, 2026 Roberto Longoria

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITION OF Vincent Renee Ballesteros Jr FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26NNCP00030 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 300 East Walnut St, Pasadena, Ca 91101, Northeast Judicial District TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Vincent Renee Ballesteros Jr filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name a. OF Vincent Renee Ballesteros Jr to Proposed name Fine Line Ballesteros 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reason for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 03/27/2026 Time: 8:30AM Dept: P. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Rosemead Reader DATED: November 15, 2025 Robert Longoria JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Pub. January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 2026 ROSEMEAD READER

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITION OF Nicholas Gabriel Lopez-Moreno FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26NNCP00005 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 150 West Commonwealth Avenue, Alhambra, Ca 91801, Northeast Judicial District TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Nicholas Gabriel Lopez-Moreno filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name a. OF Nicholas Gabriel Lopez-Moreno to Proposed name Nicholas Gabriel Moreno 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reason for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 03/18/2026 Time: 8:30AM Dept: 3. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Monrovia Weekly DATED: January 5, 2026 Roberto Longoria JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Pub. January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2026 MONROVIA WEEKLY

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE

(Division 6 of the Commercial Code) Escrow No. 003411-AP

(1) Notice is hereby given to creditors of the within named Seller(s) that a bulk sale is about to be made on personal property hereinafter described.

(2) The name and business addresses of the seller are: Cuzzos Group Inc., 8547 Valley Boulevard Suite C, Rosemead, CA 91770

(3) The location in California of the chief executive office of the Seller is: Same as Above

(4) The names and business address of the Buyer(s) are: Westliner Group Inc., 1325 Beech Hill Avenue, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

(5) The location and general description of the assets to be sold are all stocks in trade,

Brokers Escrow

#100 Burbank,

2918 W.

91505,

No. 043850-ST, Escrow Officer: Stephanie Toth. (8) Claims may be filed with Same as “7” above. (9) The last date for filing claims is February 25, 2026. (10) This Bulk Sale is subject to Section 6106.2 of the Uniform Commercial Code. (11) As listed by the Seller, all other business names and addresses used by the Seller within three years before the date such list was sent or delivered to the Buyer are: NONE. Dated: February 2, 2026

Transferees: AP Investments, a California Corporation By: Maria Paredes, Chief Executive Officer/Secretary By: Melissa Arellano, Chief Financial Officer

TRANSFERORS: A&L Investments, a California Corporation By: Lisa Diane Smith, Chief Executive Officer 2/9/26 CNS-4010147# AZUSA BEACON

CASE NUMBER: (Numero del Caso): 23STCV22182 SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL)

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): GUILIN ZENG, an individual; NBK ENTERPRISE, LLC, a California limited liability company; SAICP, LLC, a California limited liability company; and DOES 1 through 50 Inclusive Plaintiff’s Title Thereto. YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Ling Liu, an individual

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your

Probate Notices

LEGALS

Email: fbeshir@glendaleca.gov

Pasadena City Notices

NOTICE OF SOLICITATION OF APPLICATIONS TO FILL A VACANCY OF A TENANT MEMBER POSITION

REPRESENTING COUNCIL

DISTRICT 4 FOR AN UNEXPIRED TERM ON THE PASADENA RENTAL HOUSING BOARD

In accordance with Pasadena City Charter, Section 1811, a Pasadena Rental Housing Board has been established to administer and enforce Article XVIII of the City Charter, “The Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment”. The Board is comprised of eleven (11) members consisting of seven (7) Tenant Members, and four (4) At-Large Members. In addition, there are two (2) alternates, one serving as the alternate for the Tenant Members and one serving as the alternate for the At-Large Members.

Notice is hereby given that there an unscheduled vacancy has occurred in the Tenant Member seat representing Council District 4 resulting from the resignation of Barbara Pitts. The Pasadena City Council will begin soliciting applications from individuals seeking to fill this vacancy on Thursday, February 5, 2026 to serve the remaining balance of the unexpired term, with the term set to end on May 24, 2027.

Pursuant to City Charter Section 1811(k), an unscheduled vacancy for a Tenant Member seat shall be appointed by the Councilmember representing the vacant District seat on the Pasadena Rental Housing Board. Applicants interested in serving as the Tenant Member to represent Council District 4 shall reside in Council District 4, and shall be a Tenant. Tenant members, and members of their Extended Families, may not have owned, managed, or had a 5% or greater ownership stake in rental units in Los Angeles County in the three years before they apply.

The Board’s duties include making rules and regulations to implement Article XVIII of the City Charter, setting allowable rent increases, determining and publicizing the Annual General Adjustment in rents, appointing hearing officers, conducting hearings on petitions for rent adjustments for individual properties, establishing a budget, pursuing civil remedies against those who violate Article XVIII of the City Charter, holding public hearings, establishing a schedule of penalties for violations of Article XVIII of the City Charter, and establishing and maintaining a registry of rental housing in Pasadena.

The City encourages interested residents to apply for appointment to the Board. In addition to a completed application, applicants must circulate a nomination petition and gather a minimum of 25 qualified signatures from residents living in the same Pasadena Council District as the applicant. A declaration of financial interests of the applicant, and of their Extended Family members (related to interests in real property), is also required and will be a public record. Nomination petitions and application materials are available in the City Clerk’s Office.

The application period for this appointment will open on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. with a deadline to submit forms by Monday, March 9, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. Application forms can be obtained by contacting the Pasadena City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (appointments recommended):

City of Pasadena, Office of the City Clerk 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S228 Pasadena, California 91101 (626) 744-4124, cityclerk@cityofpasadena.net

Mark Jomsky City Clerk

To be Published and Posted: Monday, February 9, 2026 PASADENA PRESS

Glendale City Notices

NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS

April 13, 2026

Proposal Submission: Email proposals to: fbeshir@glendaleca.gov

LATE PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED Proposal Documents Available: Monday, February 09, 2026, via computer download only. See Item 1. Proposal

Project Description: The City, through Glendale Water and Power, is soliciting proposals for the Mobile Substation Procurement Project, in accordance with RFP No. 3941 from interested Engineering, Procurement and Construction Entities (EPCE). An Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract will be awarded to the most qualified EPCE. The scope of work includes the engineering, procurement, and construction of a 15 MVA mobile substation with 69 kV / 34.5 kV high-side to 12.47 kV / 4.16 kV low-side dual-voltage system, capable of operation at all twelve (12) substations within Glendale’s power system. The mobile substation shall be provided on a single highway-legal trailer configuration and designed such that all equipment can be transported on public highways without requiring over-width or over-height permits. The mobile substation will support temporary service restoration, planned outages, and emergency response.

Other Proposal Information:

1. Proposal Documents: Proposals must be made on the Proposal Forms contained herein. Proposal Documents will be made available for download at City of Glendale’s RFP/RFQ/Bid Page website: https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/finance/purchasing/rfp-rfq-bid-page

2. Acceptance or Rejection of Proposals: The City reserves the right to request additional information from any proposing EPCE and to consider information about a proposing EPCE other than that submitted in the Proposal. The City reserves the right to waive any informalities, irregularities, or technical defects in such Proposal as the best interests of the City may require. The City also reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals, to award all or any individual part/item of the Proposal and shall not be liable for any expenses or costs incurred by the proposing firms in preparing and submitting their Proposals. No late Proposals will be accepted, nor will any oral, facsimile, or electronic Proposals be accepted by the City.

3. Completion: This Work must be completed within Seven Hundred Twenty (720) calendar days from the Date of Commencement as established by the City’s written Notice to Proceed. If a Bidder requires a different completion period due to manufacturing lead times or other substantiated factors, the Bidder shall clearly state the proposed completion period in its Bid Proposal, together with supporting justification. The City reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to accept or reject any proposed alternative completion period. Failure to state an alternative completion period shall be deemed the Bidder’s agreement to complete the Work within the City’s baseline period of 720 calendar days.

4. Liquidated Damages: Liquidated damages are to be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per Calendar Day. See Section 4 of the Contract between City and Contractor for terms and conditions relating to contract time and liquidated damages.

5. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held at the date and time specified above in the section titled “Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting” in this Notice Inviting Proposals. If one has access to a computer with microphone, camera, and speakers or if one possesses a smart phone, one may participate in the meeting with both video and audio interaction. If one only has access to a telephone, then one may participate in the meeting with audio interaction only. Meeting codes, passwords and phone numbers needed to join the meeting are provided on the first page of the Notice Inviting Proposals.

6. Contractor’s License: At the time of the Proposal Deadline and at all times during performance of the Work, including full completion of all corrective work during the Correction Period, the Contractor must possess a California Contractor’s License or licenses, current and active, of the classification required for the Work, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9, Division 3, Section 7000 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code. In compliance with Public Contract Code Section 3300, the City has determined that the Proposer must possess the following license(s): “Class C10 –Electrical Contractor”. The successful Proposer will not receive a Contract award if the successful Proposer is unlicensed, does not have all of the required licenses, or one or more of the licenses are not current and active. If the City discovers after the Contract’s award that the Contractor is unlicensed, does not have all of the required licenses, or one or more of the licenses are not current and active, the City may cancel the award, reject the Proposal, declare the Proposal Bond as forfeited, keep the Proposal Bond’s proceeds, and exercise any one or more of the remedies in the Contract Documents. 7. Subcontractors’ Licenses and Listing: At the time of the Proposal Deadline and at all times during performance of the Work, each listed Subcontractor must possess a current and active California Contractor’s license or licenses appropriate for the portion of the Work listed for such Subcontractor and shall hold all specialty certifications required for such Work. When the Proposer submits its Proposal to the City, the Proposer must list each Subcontractor whom the Proposer must disclose under Public Contract Code Section 4104 (Subcontractor Listing Law), and the Proposer must provide all of the Subcontractor information that Section 4104 requires (name, the location (address) of the Subcontractor’s place of business, California Contractor license number, and portion of the Work). In addition, the City requires that the Proposer list the dollar value of each Subcontractor’s labor or services. The City’s disqualification of a Subcontractor does not disqualify a Proposer. However, prior to and as a condition to award of the Contract, the successful Proposer shall substitute a properly licensed and qualified Subcontractor— without an adjustment of the Proposal Amount.

8. Proposal Forms and Security: Each proposal must be made on the proposal form obtainable at the Offices of Glendale Water and Power, Engineering Public Counter. Each proposal shall be accompanied by a cashier’s check or certified check drawn on a solvent bank, payable to “City of Glendale”, for an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total maximum amount of the Proposal. Alternatively, a satisfactory corporate surety bid bond for an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total maximum amount of the bid may accompany the Proposal. Said security shall serve as a guarantee that the successful proposer will, within fourteen (14) calendar days after the City’s Notice of Award of the Contract, will execute the Contract and furnish the bonds and insurance to the City for said Work in accordance with the Contract Documents.

9. Proposal Irrevocability: Proposals shall remain open and valid for ninety (90) calendar days after the Proposal Deadline

10. Substitution of Securities: Pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 22300, substitution of securities for withheld funds is permitted in accordance therewith.

11. Prevailing Wages: This Project is a “public work” subject to the provisions of California Labor Code Section 1720. The EPCE that is awarded this Contract and all Subcontractors of any tier shall not pay less than the minimum prevailing rate of per diem wages for each craft, classification, or type of worker needed to perform the Work. The Director of Industrial Relations of the State of California, pursuant to the California Labor Code, has determined the general prevailing rates of wages in the locality in which the Work is to be performed. The rates determined by the California Director of Industrial Relations are available online at www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD/.

12. Evaluation of Engineering, Procurement and Construction Entity’s (EPCE’s) Qualifications: The Statement of Qualifications, which is required to be submitted by each Proposer, will be reviewed and evaluated by a review group comprised of GWP staff to determine if the Proposer’s qualifications meet the required criteria for experience and qualifications stated in the RFP. If the City determines that the Proposer does not meet these requirements, and/or if it is believed that the Proposer will not be able to competently do the work required for successfully completing the project, the Proposer will be disqualified and will not be given further consideration for continuing with the Proposal evaluation process and such Proposer will receive a “Fail” score. This is a Pass/Fail score evaluation.

13. Evaluation of Engineering, Procurement and Construction Entity’s (EPCE’s) Proposal: Those Proposers that successfully meet the required qualification’s criteria and that receive a “Pass” score, per Item No. 12 above, will continue with the Evaluation process of their submitted Proposals in conjunction with their submitted Qualifications. The Proposals and Qualifications will be reviewed and evaluated by the same review group of GWP staff discussed in Item No. 12 above, to determine the best qualified EPCE. Each Qualifications/Proposal will be evaluated on the basis of the EPCE’s experience and qualifications as measured by:

 45% Price and fees (hourly personnel rates and billing unit charges). While price and fees are important, they will not be used as the sole determinant in the selection process. Prices and fees for the project in its entirety– Base &

All Alternate Proposal Items– will be included in the evaluation. It is the City’s preliminary assumption that the entire project will be built.

 15% Description of project approach and schedule. Demonstrated understanding of the project’s nature and GWP’s needs. Provide detailed plans on how to deliver the project timely and efficiently.

 30% EPCE’s response to the Request for Qualifications; demonstrated EPCE experience on similar (Scope & Dollar amount) electric projects that include designing and constructing a mobile substation. The Proposer must submit information and references for only three (3) of its most recently completed projects where the Proposer acted as a EPCE. At least two (2) previous engineering, procurement and construction projects with a Municipal or Investor-Owned electric utility provider is preferred.

 10% Completeness and quality of the response.

14. Project Funding: This project is funded by City of Glendale Water and Power Department funds.

15. California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) – Public Works Contractor Registration: Under the Public Works Contractor Registration Law (California Senate Bill No. 854 - See Labor Code Section 1725.5), contractors must register and meet requirements using the online application https://efiling.dir.ca.gov/PWCR/Ac tionServlet?action=displayPWCRegistrationForm before proposing on public works contracts in California. The application also provides agencies that administer public works programs with a searchable database of qualified contractors. Application and renewal are completed online with a non-refundable fee of $300. More information is available at the following links:

http://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/PublicWorksSB854.html http://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/PublicWorks.html

The City must award public works projects only to EPCE’s, contractors and subcontractors who comply with the Public Works Registration Law. Notice to EPCE’s, Contractors, and Subcontractors: a. No EPCE, Contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a Bid proposal for a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 [with limited exceptions from this requirement for bid purposes only under Labor Code section 1771.1(a)]. b. No EPCE, Contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5.

c. This Project is subject to

Watch and listen to the meeting via Zoom Webinar as follows: Zoom Webinar direct link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82735405361 Webinar ID: 827 3540 5361

Or by telephone by dialing (833) 548-0276 (Toll Free) or (833) 5480282 (Toll Free) or (877) 853-5257 (Toll Free) or (888) 475-4499 (Toll Free) or +1(669) 900-9128 or +1(253) 215-8782 or +1(346) 248-7799 or +1(301) 715-8592 or +1(312) 626-6799 or +1(646) 558-8656 and entering Webinar ID: 827 3540 5361. Please Note: All members of the public calling or logging into the meeting will be muted so that the meeting can proceed. If there are technical difficulties with Zoom during the meeting, the meeting will proceed regardless.

Addressing the Commission:

In person: Any person wishing to address the Commission during the meeting is asked to complete a Speaker Request Card and submit it to the Secretary. When called upon by the President, please step to the podium and give your name, address and organization or other party you represent, if any, in an audible tone of voice for the record.

Via Zoom or Telephone: “Raise your hand” - Members of the public may speak by using the “Raise Hand” function during the public comments portion, if on Zoom or telephone. Staff will unmute speakers participating via Zoom or telephone and announce your name when it is your time to speak.

Comments are limited to 5 minutes; however, the presiding officer may either extend or reduce the maximum time to such period of time as the Commission may determine.

All comments shall be addressed to the Commission as a body and not to any member thereof. No person, other than the Commission and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through a member of the Commission, without the permission of the President. No question shall be asked a Commissioner except through the President.

Any member of the public who needs accommodations or who needs their comments translated should email or call the Community Development Department at mmccurley@alhambraca.gov or (626) 570-5034. All requests for accommodations or translation services shall be made by 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to the Planning Commission meeting. If accommodation or translation is not requested by 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to the Planning Commission meeting, staff will try to accommodate the request to the best of their efforts to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety. All participants are encouraged to email their comments prior to the beginning of the meeting, but are not required to do so. All written comments received prior to the meeting will be entered into the record and distributed to the Planning Commission for their review.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular meeting of the Alhambra Planning Commission will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard, in the Council Chambers of the Alhambra City Hall, 111 South First Street. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the

Alhambra City Notices

MMore than 160 lending institutions to provide mortgage relief for ﬁre victims

ore than 160 lending institutionsmade a commitment to provide mortgage relief for fire survivors whose homes were damaged or lost in the destructive January 2025 wildfires, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.

Fire survivors can verify at dfpi.ca.gov/lafires/ which lenders may provide additional mortgage forbearance of up to 90 days, subject to investor approval such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and consistent with terms of the Newsom’s January 2025 agreement with banks.

Other aid lenders may provide includes payment options that do not include lump-sum,orballoon payments, waiving any mortgage-related late fees that accrue during the forbearance period, and not reporting late payments on forbearance amounts to credit reporting agencies.

“Ensuringhousing stability is essential. This commitment from financial institutions will help provide homeowners the time and flexibility to focus on their families, safety and rebuilding -- with California continuing to work alongside survivors through every step

of the recovery process,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement.

Lenders have agreed to streamline the process for requesting at least one additional forbearance period of up to 90 days for qualified borrowers, beyond the 12-monthcommitment required by AB 238, which Newsom signed into law last year.

Impactedborrowers may request this additional forbearance by contacting their servicer and providing verbal rationale -- no paperwork or forms required.

Thursday’s announcement builds on Newsom’s efforts nearly one year ago.

Newsom secured commitments from five major lenders such as Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan Chase, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo, as well more than 420 other financial institutions to offer forbearance for impacted customers.

The governor later signed AB 238, which extended forbearance for up to a maximum of 12 months from the date of request for borrowers experiencing financial hardship.

Any customers who believe their mortgage servicer is not complying with the law or their commitments can submit a complaint to

blackened with age. The older mummy, Nes-Min, was draped in a garment of heavily beaded net over his torso, and wore several strands of colorful beads.

It’s not easy to get into USC, no matter how old you are, but these relics didn’t even have to sit for their SATs.

A state-of-the-art, 320 slice CT scanner revealed small details about their bodies that seemed to humanize them, including facial features such as eyelids and lower lips. The images also held cryptic clues about their health, life experiences and lifespans that might resonate with the living.

USC said analysis of the

scans shows that Nes-Min probably suffered from an aching lower back like many of Tuesday’s humans who just don’t know how to unwind. His spine showed a collapsed lumbar or lower back vertebrae likely due to natural aging and wear and tear.

The mummy was buried with several artifacts, representing several scarab beetles and a fish.

Nes-Hor’s scan revealed dental issues and a severely deteriorated hip, and that he was older at the time of death than Nes-Min.

“These scans provide a treasure trove of information made possible by Keck Medi-

Light energy is one of the most pervasive forms of energy in our universe, and photonics is the science and technology of light and the study of how it behaves and can be utilized. At the next meetup of MADIA Tech Launch (www.MADIAtech.org) on

By City News Service

the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation at dfpi.ca.gov/ submit-a- complaint/ .

To help more homeowners qualify for construction loans, the governor is exploring new ways to address the residential rebuild funding gap through private lenders, according to Newsom’s office.

In his message, Newsom once again called on the federal government to be a partner with California in their efforts to recover. Newsom has requested $34

million in federal aid for the communities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, among other fire-ravaged communities.

On Wednesday, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler came to Pacific Palisades, toured the community and spoke with local representatives such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who repre-

Mummies

cine’s access to the latest in high-level scanning, coupled with the team’s expertise,” said Summer Decker, who leads 3D imaging for Keck Medicine and serves as director of the USC Center for Innovation in Medical Visualization.

After scanning the mummies, Decker and colleagues used the scans to create 3D digital models of the men. They also printed out life-size reproductions of the men’s spines, skulls and hips, as well as artifacts found with Nes-Min, using medical-grade 3D printers.

sents Altadena.

Federal officials described the meeting as “nothing but productive.”

In a statement, Barger said she appreciated the meeting, also describing it as a “productive, solutionsoriented conversation.”

She emphasized the county’s efforts to streamline the permitting process, noting take it takes 31 business days to complete permit reviews.

“Both administrators were engaged-sharing the President’s concerns while also listening to what I am seeing on the ground in Altadena. I emphasized that 53 percent of impacted residents have taken no action to rebuild, not because of permitting delays, but because they lack the capital to move forward -- an issue exacerbated by delayed insurance payouts. Many families have not submitted plans or entered the County’s rebuilding pipeline and are now facing a serious financial crisis,” Barger said in her statement.

The federal officials’ visit came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to bypass local and state permitting process

and requirements in order to expedite construction of these fire-torn areas.

Trump has criticized Newsom, Bass and California democrats for their policies, which he said have slowed down the recovery of Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

L.A. County and city officials have implemented measures to streamline the permitting process, among other measures to ensure fire survivors can rebuild their homes quickly, efficiently and safely.

Earlier this week, the Los Angeles City Council approved a $90 million program to waive fees associated with permits and other planning requirements for individuals seeking to rebuild in Pacific Palisades. The matter requires a final vote before it is enacted, which is likely to occur in February.

The county Board of Supervisors approved a motion Tuesday, instructing staff to monitor the Trump administration’s actions related to the president’s executive order. The board’s motion additionally instructed staff to prepare legal action if local land-use powers are overridden by the federal government.

The mummies, along with the 3D digital models and 3D prints of select parts of their bodies, are on

MADIA Tech report: Photonics: Let there be light

Wednesday, there will be a presentation on “Photonics - How Light is Powering Modern and Future Technology” presented by Dr. Bahram Jalali. Jalali is a globally recognized innovator enjoying his space at the intersection of science and real-world

By Brenda Trainor

products. His work has led to companies acquired by Intel and BD Biosciences, and his breakthroughs have been featured in Scientific American and MIT Technology Review. He holds more than 70 U.S. patents and somehow still finds time to be an avid sailor.

The meeting will take place at SiLC Technologies, a global leader and innovator in silicon photonics delivering coherent vision and chip scale LiDAR solutions that help machines see like humans.

SiLC is located at 181 W. Huntington Drive in

Monrovia. The meeting will go from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available through Eventbrite for $12 if ordered by Tuesday, or $20 at the door; they include pizza and a beverage; the meeting will have a Zoom option available with free registration. Student pricing is also an option. MADIA Tech Launch is an educational nonprofit organization supporting the community of technology entrepreneurs in the region between Arcadia and Glendora. For more information visit: www.MADIAtech.org.

Gov. Newsom and an Altadena resident in April 2025. | Photo courtesy of Governor Gavin Newsom / Facebook

display at

“Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” — an exhibit at the California Science Center that opened Saturday.

Radiologists Jonathan Ford, at left, and Summer Decker examine a more than 2,200-year-old mummy before sending it through a CT scanner. | Photo courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC

CA nonprofit helps Eaton Fire victims recover, one year later

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service

The Eaton Fire burned throughAltadena aboutayearago, leaving behind properties contaminated by toxic pollutants. Local groups continue to help families pick up the pieces.

The fire displaced more than 22,000 people and destroyed close to 10,000 structures, many in historically Black neighborhoods.

HeavenlyHughes, co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit My Tribe Rise, said their bridge financing program has been a lifeline.

“We have given out

nearly $1 million directly to survivors to help them have some sense of stability when it comes to housing after losing their homes and livelihoods,” she said.

She said 60% of the community is still displaced, and things are chaotic because many families have exhausted the aid from FEMA and insurance settlements, but still can’t afford soaring rent prices.

In addition, many people can’t rebuild because their insurer dropped their policy.

Hughes said her own family home survived the

fire but is unlivable because of all the toxic residue from burned plastics. She added that her family is still trying to get insurance to cover it, and thinks the electric company that owns the poles that started the blaze should step in.

“Edison International, we believe they should be the ones paying to do adequate testing, removing all the poisoned soil, contaminated structures that still stand,” she said.

Advocates say they’re also concerned by instances where contaminated soil has been used in new builds.

Also Wednesday, former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso -- who lost to Bass four years ago and announced recently he would not challenge her as she seeks a second term in June -- blasted Bass on X following Wednesday’s Times story.

“Today’s @latimes report is an absolute outrage,” Caruso posted on X. “Karen Bass actively covered up a report meant to examine the most significant disaster in Los Angeles history. When it comes to life safety matters, this is no longer a matter of making poor judgment, apologizing and moving forward. This is a complete loss of public trust and an intentional act of covering up the actions that led to people dying. Everyone should read this article and consider what action is warranted. She has completely failed us.”

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents Pacific Palisades and Malibu, sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom on Jan. 28, calling on him and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to fully investigate the true cause of the Palisades Fire.

“The city’s diluted report

has lost all credibility,” Horvath wrote on a social media.

Horvath wrote in her letter that questions about the indicated cause still exist and deserve answers.

“As Cal OES prepares its final `2025 Wildfires, Winds, and PSPS After Action Report’ (State AAR), you have a unique and critical opportunity to ensure accountability,” Horvath wrote in her letter

“I respectfully request that the state AAR include an investigation of the circumstances that led to the ignition of the Palisades Fire, including review of the federal government’s findings, and whether appropriately sufficient resources were deployed to fight these fires.”

In January, LAFD Chief Jaime Moore, who replaced Villanueva in November, acknowledged the afteraction report was edited to reduce criticism of LAFD’s leadership.

Moore previously said he ordered a separate independent investigation into the Lachman Fire -- a holdover fire that later erupted into the Palisades Fire -- to

closely examine the department’s decisions and procedures and determine where improvements are needed.

He formally asked the Fire Safety Research Institute to include the Lachman Fire as part of its broader analysis of last January’s fires. The institute conducted an independent analysis of the L.A. fires, as ordered by state leaders.

The Times first reported the after-action report was altered after reviewing seven drafts before the final report was issued on Oct. 8, 2025.

Among the changes, according to The Times:

-- LAFD officials removed language saying that the decision not to fully staff and pre-deploy all available crews and engines ahead of the historically strong winds that were forecast for the day of the fire “did not align” with the department’s procedures during red flag days, and said instead that the number of engine companies put in place “went above and beyond the standard LAFD pre-deployment matrix.”

-- A section on “failures” was renamed “primary challenges.”

-- An item saying that

Redistricting Fire report

personnel violated national guidelines on how to avoid firefighter deaths and injuries was scratched.

-- A passage alleging that some crews waited more than an hour for an assignment on the day of the fire was removed.

-- An early passage containing the following language was removed: “If the Department had adequately augmented all available resources as done

of Governor Newsom and Secretary of State Weber on seven occasions — and we stand ready to continue defending it as necessary,” Bonta said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Jan. 14, a threejudge panel in Los Angeles federal court ruled against Republicans’ request to block the redistricting. The court’s 2-1 decision upheld the new districts, rejecting claims that the maps had been redrawn to favor Latino voters over other groups.

Judge Josephine Staton, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, wrote the ruling, with Judge Wesley Hsu, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, agreed. Judge Kenneth Lee, a President Donald Trump appointee, dissented.

“We find that Challengers have failed to show that racial gerrymandering occurred, and we conclude that there is no basis for issuing a preliminary injunction,” Staton wrote. “Our conclusion probably seems obvious to anyone who followed the news in the summer and fall of 2025. In the summer of 2025, the Trump administration began pressuring Texas to redistrict for the purpose of picking up

five more Republican seats in Congress. The Texas Legislature obliged. In August 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California would “fight back” with its own Election Rigging Response Act.”

In his dissenting opinion, Lee wrote, “This court should have acted to prevent California from following an unlawful path that will inevitably sow racial divi-

in years past in preparation for the weather event, the Department would have been required to recall members for all available positions unfilled by voluntary overtime, which would have allowed for all remaining resources to be staffed and available for augmentation, pre-deployment, and pre-positioning.” The final report said the LAFD “balanced fiscal responsibility with proper preparation for predicted weather and fire behavior by following the LAFD predeployment matrix.”

sions and upset the melting pot that makes California great.”

According to Lee, “The Democratic supermajority in the California state legislature wanted to curry favor with Latino groups and voters — and to prevent Latino voters from drifting away from the party. One way to do that was to accede to Latino organizations’ request for Latinomajority

The fire erupted on Jan. 7, 2025, driven by hurricaneforce Santa Ana winds. One of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history, it burned 23,448 acres and destroyed much of the exclusive Pacific Palisades community, destroying about 6,800 structures and killing 12 people.

congressional districts.” Prop. 50 establishes new congressional district maps for the 2026 midterm elections, as well as the 2028 and ‘30 elections. The measure passed with over 64% of the statewide vote.

According the election news website Ballotpedia, the redistricting would move five Republican-held congressional districts to the Democrats’ side of the aisle.

| Photo courtesy of Cal Fire / Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0

Activists with My Tribe Rise and the Dena Rise Up Coalition pleaded with local leaders for more help after the Eaton fire last spring. | Photo courtesy of Mykle Parker Photography