Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

News You Might Have Missed 

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

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Mayor Karen Bass Takes Pro-Active Steps as Effort to Contain Fire Advances

Recovery efforts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties faced setbacks last week as powerful winds — up to 70 mph — created extreme fire danger through Wednesday. Red flag warnings, signaling high fire risks due to low humidity and dry conditions, were in effect, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported. Firefighters and officials also made urgent preparations, with resources positioned to mitigate the risks of new wildfires.

The Eaton and Palisades fires have claimed 27 lives and burned over 60 square miles, destroying over 12,000 structures, including homes and businesses. As of Jan. 19, the Eaton Fire was 81% contained, while the Palisades Fire was at 52%. Residents under evacuation orders have dropped to 92,000, but officials warn new orders may be issued.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized proactive measures, including strategic deployment of firefighters and water tankers.

“L.A. City firefighters and firefighters from across the county, state and nation and even overseas are in a proactive and strategic posture to save lives,” said Bass, reinforcing that city officials are making urgent preparations to mobilize resources.

 The L.A. Department of Water and Power has made over six billion gallons of water available for firefighting and addressed prior water supply issues. Meanwhile, drinking water advisories remain for affected areas, including northern Pasadena and Pacific Palisades.

Safety measures are in place, including a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in evacuation zones to prevent looting and burglaries. Officials have also warned against price gouging, with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman pledging legal action against violators.

Authorities are also addressing the health impacts of smoke exposure, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and use N95 masks or air purifiers. The NWS has labeled the current conditions a “particularly dangerous situation,” urging vigilance and evacuation readiness as high winds persist.

Search and rescue operations for missing persons continue, with 23 people unaccounted for in L.A. County. Officials remain focused on containment efforts, protecting communities, and preventing further destruction.

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Gov. Newsom, Legislature Reach $50 Million Deal to Counter Trump-Era Policies

California Democrats, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders, have reached a $50 million agreement to counter the impact of potential federal policies from the incoming Trump administration, including mass deportations. The deal, announced before President Trump’s inauguration, aims to protect immigrants and strengthen legal defenses against the White House.

Half of the funding, $25 million, will be allocated to the state Department of Justice to litigate against federal actions. The remaining $25 million will fund legal nonprofits and immigration support centers to defend immigrants against deportation, detention, and wage theft. Senate Budget Chair Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) praised the initiative, calling it a necessary step to counter “Trump’s extremist agenda.”

Republicans have criticized the move, accusing Democratic leaders of prioritizing partisan issues over addressing devastating wildfires in Southern California. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher called the fund a “slush fund” for government lawyers and expressed concern about the state’s focus during a crisis.

The funding proposal is part of a larger special session package, with floor votes expected this week. Newsom, while addressing criticism, has remained active in wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles and hinted at the possibility of a fire-focused special session.

The urgency of the immigration-related funding stems from Trump’s previous pledges to enact mass deportations. Under President Biden, immigration enforcement actions have intensified in California’s Central Valley, adding to the concern.

Democrats argue the funding reflects California’s leadership in resisting federal policies they view as harmful. Wiener highlighted the importance of supporting legal aid services that can effectively assist millions of vulnerable residents.

If approved, the deal positions California as a national leader in opposing federal actions and protecting immigrant communities, underscoring its role as a stronghold against Trump administration policies.

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Congresswoman Simon Ceremonially Sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris

On Jan. 7, 2025, Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), who succeeds former Congresswoman Barbara Lee, was sworn into office by former Vice President Kamala Harris in a ceremony held in the Vice President’s office in the U.S. Capitol. The event marked a significant milestone in Simon’s career, which has been closely influenced by her decades-long professional relationship and friendship with Harris.

Simon was accompanied by her friends and family, as she reflected on the moment’s significance. 

“I am so honored to have my mentor and former boss, Vice President Kamala Harris, administer this oath. She has been instrumental in shaping my public service career and paving the way for women like me to serve at the highest levels,” said Simon. 

The relationship between Simon and Harris began in the late 1990s, when Simon worked at the Young Women’s Freedom Center and Harris was an Assistant District Attorney in San Francisco. Their collaboration deepened in 2005 when then-District Attorney Harris tapped Simon to lead the “Back on Track” program. This initiative, designed to provide alternatives to incarceration for first-time, nonviolent offenders, gained national recognition and inspired similar programs across the country.

Simon serves a constituency that includes the cities of Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Piedmont, and parts of San Leandro. She has pledged to advocate for social justice, equity, and progressive policies as a member of Congress.

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“Marshall Plan”: Gov. Newsom Issues Executive Order to Streamline Rebuilding After Fires  

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to expedite the rebuilding process for homes and businesses destroyed by recent Southern California wildfires. The order temporarily waives certain environmental review and permitting requirements, including provisions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act, to help victims rebuild more quickly and avoid bureaucratic delays.

“When the fires are extinguished, victims must be able to rebuild quickly and without roadblocks. The executive order will cut permitting delays and help our communities recover faster and stronger,” said Newsom. 

“We are organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger, and we have your back,” Newsom also said last week. 

The executive order also directs state agencies to identify additional ways to streamline the rebuilding process, including possible changes to the Building Code to make reconstruction more affordable.

Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO of the L.A. Area Chamber expressed her support for the Governor’s action.  

“Governor Newsom’s swift action will accelerate recovery efforts across Los Angeles County. Suspending regulatory hurdles will help families and businesses rebuild their lives sooner,” said Salinas.

“This proactive measure reflects the Governor’s commitment to not only rebuilding infrastructure but also restoring hope and opportunity to those who have been impacted,” she added. 

In addition to the reconstruction measures, the order extends price gouging protections on essential goods and services related to rebuilding, including construction materials, storage, and other supplies, through January 7, 2026, in Los Angeles County.

Newsom’s administration says it has committed to collaborating with the Legislature to identify additional statutory changes that can further expedite rebuilding while enhancing resilience and safety against future wildfires. The order reflects the state’s commitment to swift and effective recovery for communities impacted by the fires.

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Ed Chief Thurmond Visits Southern California Schools Fires Impacted 

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond last week visited several school communities in Southern California that have been severely impacted by wildfires. 

His visit aimed to assess the damage, provide support, and secure essential resources for the recovery process. As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to various regions, Thurmond’s says his actions reflect the commitment of the California Department of Education (CDE) to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, educators, and their families.

“Schools are the heartbeat of any community’s ability to recover as they provide stable and safe learning spaces for children,” Thurmond said. “That’s why our team has had boots on the ground since the beginning of this tragedy, and we are committed to remaining side-by-side with local leaders to assist in the recovery.”

During his visit, Thurmond met with local school officials, teachers, and students to understand their immediate needs and long-term concerns. He expressed his commitment to fighting for people affected by the disaster and assured them of the state’s unwavering support. Thurmond also emphasized the importance of mental health services, particularly for students who have experienced trauma due to the wildfires.

Thurmond announced that he has secured financial and logistical assistance to aid in the rebuilding and restoration of school facilities. This includes funding for temporary classrooms, educational materials, and infrastructure repair. The CDE says its goal is expedite the recovery process and minimize disruptions to students’ education.

Earlier in the week, Thurmond finalized a partnership between the CDE and Airbnb to provide short-term housing for school staff in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). 

The CDE has also partnered with the SupplyBank.org to collect and distribute critical resources to school communities. A similar agreement with curriculum providers and tech manufacturers will lead on the replacement of school materials damaged by the fires.