This installment of the Signal Tribune’s monthly series covers actions taken and statements made by Long Beach and Signal Hill’s federal and state representatives throughout October.
Elected officials were involved in discussion and legislation surrounding transportation, pollution, the anniversary of the Israel-Palestine War and more. The purpose of this ongoing series is to help the public stay abreast of their elected officials and hold them accountable before and beyond election day.
Robert Garcia – U.S. Representative for California’s 42nd Congressional District
ICE Reform: Garcia introduced the ICE Security Reform Act on Oct. 2, which would make Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) an independent agency under the control of the Department of Homeland Security. HSI is currently a part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to a statement by Garcia’s office, the change would allow HSI to focus solely on law enforcement, public safety and national security. The bill would also shrink the size of ICE if passed.
“The Department of Homeland Security must always uphold our values and protect our country. Separating HSI from ICE would allow HSI to focus on fighting crimes like illegal trafficking and arms smuggling without being tied to ICE, increasing oversight and accountability all around,” Garcia said in a public statement. “I will always fight for the critical reforms that make our agencies more efficient and that make our country safer.”
In Support of DEI: Garcia, joined by another 49 Democrats from the House of Representatives, urged CEOs of Fortune 1000 companies to continue their diversity initiatives. According to a statement by Garcia’s office, this letter is in response to several major corporations rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the wake of outcry against them from some conservatives. The letter cited studies that show evidence that such programs can improve workplaces by enhancing revenue, innovation and more.
“Employees deserve to work in environments that are free from discrimination and that are welcoming to Americans from all backgrounds,” Congressman Garcia said in a press release. “Corporations must stand up to groups that aim to bring our country backward. Supporting programs that foster inclusivity in the workplace is good for business and benefits employees, customers, and the bottom line.”
Pollution Remediation: Garcia sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan on Oct. 28, encouraging the inclusion of the Exide Technologies site in Vernon, California, to the list of sites that have been prioritized for clean up by the federal government. The former battery recycling plant left behind dangerous pollutants in the area, including lead.
Garcia emphasized the need for federal resources to support a full cleanup of lead and other toxic contaminants affecting Southeast Los Angeles communities, especially underserved Latino neighborhoods. Garcia’s letter referenced past failures to decontaminate the area and stressed the importance of addressing soil, air and groundwater pollution.
Garcia wrote a similar letter to the EPA in February 2023, and addressed the issue with the Oversight and Accountability Committee in July.
In September, the EPA announced it would be accepting public comments for 60 days on the decision to allocate federal resources to clean up the former Exide plant. The EPA will make its final decision in Spring 2025.
“The time has come for decisive federal action to rectify these long-standing environmental injustices,” Garcia said in a public statement. “I stand ready to collaborate with the EPA to ensure a comprehensive resolution to this crisis and to help bring about a future where every resident can live without the threat of pollution in their homes, air, and water.”
Public Benefits: Garcia wrote a letter to Commissioner Martin O’Malley of the Social Security Administration (SSA) asking the department to adjust its rules to allow recipients of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) to benefit from guaranteed income programs without risking their SSI eligibility. Garcia emphasized the need for clear guidelines so that low-income households benefiting from other government programs can access additional financial support without penalty.
While Garcia was mayor, the City of Long Beach launched a universal basic income pilot program. Garcia also recently helped introduce the Guaranteed Income for Foster Youth Act, which would provide $1,000 a month to youths as they transition out of the foster care system.
“These programs are designed to complement—not undermine—the existing social safety net,” Garcia said in a public statement. “However, many SSI beneficiaries cannot participate in these programs without jeopardizing their benefits. SSA has yet to provide clear and comprehensive guidance on how to treat these cash transfers under SSI income determinations.”
Harris Campaign: Garcia has been campaigning in support of Kamala Harris as the presidential election draws close. He traveled to Nevada and Arizona in October to assist in rallying voters to her side.
Lena Gonzalez – California State Senator for the 33rd District
Attack Anniversary: Gonzalez made the following statement on the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas:
“Today marks a horrific moment in time for our Jewish communities across California and the globe. The deep pain that is felt by many of my residents in Senate District 33, whether Jewish, Muslim or any other faith, as well as the pain felt by many of my colleagues and friends, is profound. I reflect with them today and always, in ensuring October 7th is never forgotten yet never repeated. Together in unity, I know we can all work together for a future rooted in understanding and peace for the people of Israel and Gaza. We must all do our part today and every day to end hate and discrimination.”
Mexican Repatriation Memorial Project: Gonzalez joined Senator Josh Becker, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Latino community leaders to announce the launch of the Mexican Repatriation Memorial Project in Los Angeles on Oct. 24. The initiative aims to create a statue at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes honoring the 2 million Mexican and Mexican-American citizens deported during the 1930s.
“The forced deportation of Mexican and Mexican American families, and the lasting repercussions those actions have had on our communities, cannot be ignored, or forgotten,” Gonzalez said in a public statement. “It’s my hope this memorial will serve as an educational tool about the forced repatriation of the 1930s to promote healing and justice, and as a reminder that we must never repeat the mistakes of the past.”
California Latino Legislative Caucus: On Oct. 1, the California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC) announced that Gonzalez has been elected as its new Chair. The CLLC, now comprising 37 legislators and three auxiliary members, focuses on issues and policies that impact Latino communities.
“As we reflect on the foundational work of those who came before us this Hispanic Heritage Month, I am truly honored and humbled to be entrusted by my colleagues with the responsibility to carry forward the remarkable legacy of the Latino Caucus,” Gonzalez said in a public statement. “As Chair, I remain committed to advancing policies that support our communities and uplift future generations on such seminal issues as health equity, climate action, worker’s rights, economic opportunity and more. I look forward to working with our new Vice Chairs and my colleagues to create meaningful change on the issues that matter most to all Californians.”
Climate & Youth: Gonzalez went around Los Angeles County talking to youth about environmental issues and current bills as part of her office’s Youth Environmental Champions Program from Oct. 24 to Oct. 26.
Nanette Díaz Barragán – U.S. Representative for California’s 44th Congressional District
Equal Pay for Latinas: Barragán helped introduce the Latina Equal Pay Day Resolution on Oct. 3 to recognize the wage gap experienced by Latinas.
“Pay disparities experienced by women, and especially Latinas and women of color, show that the contributions we make to society are consistently undervalued,” Barragán said in a public statement. “In many Latina families, the women of the family are the sole economic providers. It takes several additional months for a Latina woman to make the equivalent of a white man – which puts them behind in their pursuit of their American Dream. I am proud to lead on this resolution that reaffirms Congress’ commitment to closing the pay gap. Ha llegado el momento de que las latinas reciban igualdad de salarios!”
Transportation Grant: Barragán announced on Oct. 25 that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has received a $36.5 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant to replace 10 diesel locomotives with nine zero-emission battery-electric locomotives and one hydrogen fuel cell locomotive. Barragán advocated for this funding earlier this year, writing to Federal Rail Administrator Amit Bose. Five of these locomotives will operate through the Pacific Harbor Line in Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. This project aims to improve air quality in impacted communities by eliminating an estimated 28.5 tons of nitrogen oxide and 590 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
“We all know rail has a critical role in moving goods through our ports and limit[s] the number of drayage trucks on our highways. However, it is also a major source of the air and noise pollution that causes significant harm to frontline communities like Wilmington and Long Beach,” Barragán said in a public statement. “I applaud CARB, as well as PHL (Pacific Harbor Line) and the other industry partners for their leadership as early investors in this zero-emission locomotive technology. They have responded to the calls of frontline residents and Members of Congress to reduce their pollution and expedite the transition of a rail zero-emission future. The health of our communities is worth every dollar of this investment.”
Zero-Emission Tech Grant: Barragán announced a $411 million grant from the EPA for the Port of Los Angeles to replace diesel equipment with zero-emission technology. This grant is funded through the Climate Smart Ports Act introduced by Barragán. The investment includes over 400 zero-emission cargo-handling machines, 250 electric trucks, solar power and more, reducing emissions by 41,500 tons of carbon dioxide and 55 tons of nitrogen oxides annually. The project aims to achieve 100% zero-emission operations at the port by 2030.
“This grant is a game-changer for the Port of LA and our port communities,” Barragán said in a press release. “Today’s funding announcement is the direct result of a five-year effort by my office to work with labor, environmental justice groups, industry, and ports, to secure billions of dollars to clean up ports across the country. It will help the Port of LA and ports across the country transition to zero-emission, human operated equipment. This investment will significantly reduce pollution from ports and help our nearby port communities breathe cleaner air.”
Barragán was also at the Port of Long Beach on Oct. 17 to celebrate the grand opening of a charging facility for electric trucks
Attack Anniversary: Barragán made the following statement on the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas:
“One year ago, we were horrified as Hamas brutally attacked Israel and killed nearly 1,200 people and took over 200 hostages, including Americans,” Barragán said in a public statement. “Today we mourn the lives lost, stand with Israel to defend herself, and continue to call for the release of the hostages and a lasting ceasefire.”
DACA: On Oct. 10, Barragán made a post on social media addressing the legal battle over the existence of the DACA program, which allows hundreds of thousands of immigrants that were brought into the nation as children to receive social security numbers and the ability to work legally.
“The stakes are so high, hundreds of thousands of people who have built their lives here over decades and contribute in countless ways to our society could lose the ability to live and work here,” Barragán said. “I’ll continue to work in Congress to pass long-term protections for DREAMers & ensure they feel safe and secure in the only home they’ve ever known.”
Josh Lowenthal – U.S. Representative for California’s 69th Assembly District
Jewish New Year: Lowenthal wished the public a happy Jewish New Year on social media Oct. 3.
“In the midst of trying times, division and conflict- we celebrate our resilience as we feel compassion and seek unity,” Lowenthal posted on X. “From my family to yours- wishing you good health, happiness and peace. May it be the best year [of] our lives!”
Attack Anniversary: Lowenthal made the following statement on the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas:
“Today is a somber day. I am heartbroken for the many beautiful souls lost in the terror attack a year ago, and certainly for any innocent lives lost or injured in the ensuing war. It’s unfair and unspeakably tragic,” Lowenthal posted on Instagram. “So is the ongoing plight of the remaining hostages, and as is the nightmare subjected to countless others suffering immeasurably by a war they didn’t choose.
I reflect on how much a war across the world has upended my life locally in California. I find myself having to explain, over and over again, what it means to be Jewish and what antisemitism is and what it isn’t. I’ve had to defend myself for saying too much or saying too little. I’ve lost friends and allies, at times simply because of my culture but also at times because I’ve been unwilling or uninterested in being empathetic to antisemitic views. I’ve lost faith in institutions that project our California culture as tolerant, while witnessing some of the wildest intolerance in my lifetime. At times I’ve felt unsafe.
I’ve also built connections and friendships I never imagined would exist. I’ve gained energy by the resilience of others, and strength by the stories of solidarity. I’m invigorated by like-minded people who envision and will work toward a lasting peace, with dignity and security for all peoples in the region and across the world. Despite the pain, we remember the tragedy of October 7, and we never forget where the dark, slippery slope of intolerance takes us in the absence of justice.”
Plane Crash: Lowenthal posted the following statement on X on Oct. 9 in response to a deadly plane crash that occurred on Catalina Island:
“A tragic loss of life, sending my condolences to the families and individuals impacted. Thank you to the Avalon and Los Angeles County First Responders for your quick assistance and ongoing investigation.”
Nonprofit Anniversary: Lowenthal celebrated the 25th anniversary of the nonprofit Children Today in October, where he has been on the board of directors since its inception. Children Today aids children suffering from homelessness and mistreatment.
Cleanup: Lowenthal’s office helped host a volunteer litter cleanup in Carson on Oct. 26.
