The Signal Tribune’s second installment of this new monthly series covers the actions taken by Long Beach’s federal and state representatives throughout December. The purpose of this ongoing series is to help the public stay abreast of their elected officials year-round and hold them accountable.
Robert Garcia – U.S. Representative for California’s 42nd Congressional District
- Santos Expelled: On Dec. 1, the efforts of Garcia and other members of congress to expel George Santos from office were finally successful. Members of the House of Representatives voted 311-114 to remove the proven charlatan, who was found to have lied about his background during his election campaign, and to have misused campaign funds, including to make purchases from Sephora and OnlyFans.
- Impeachment Criticism: Garcia has been an outspoken critic of efforts from members of the Republican Party to impeach President Joe Biden. Garcia wrote on X that “The impeachment inquiry is a political stunt with zero evidence.”
- Trump Criticisms: Garcia went on national news outlet MSNBC in December to criticize Trump’s re-election campaign, specifically speaking about Trump’s stance on abortion and his vow to get rid of the Affordable Care Act.
“This is an attack on healthcare, on working families, on programs that people across this country depend on for their survival and it’s shameful that Donald Trump now wants to go back to destroying Obamacare” Garcia said on MSNBC.
- $283 million for megaport: On Dec. 18, Garcia announced that the Department of Transportation will be granting $283 million to the Port of Long Beach for its Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility Program. The new rail facility at the port is meant to increase efficiency, reduce shipping costs and decrease the port’s carbon footprint.
Garcia wrote a letter to the Secretary of Transportation in August advocating for the port to receive this funding.
“This is a home run and significant investment for Long Beach and trade across the country. This grant will create over 1,000 local jobs and 13,000 jobs across the country. As the former Mayor of Long Beach I know how impactful this project will be to supporting the supply chain while reducing harmful pollution for families here at home.” Garcia said. “We are grateful to President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for their support and partnership.”
Lena Gonzalez – California State Senator for the 33rd District
- $10 million for MOLAA: On Dec. 6, Gonzalez and U.S. Representative Josh Lowenthal presented the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) with $10 million in funding.
“As Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus, it is a great honor to support The Museum of Latin American Art in their mission to uplift the unique history and culture of Latino communities from across the globe and to celebrate the diversity of our state,” Gonzalez said in a public statement. “For many years, MOLAA has provided valuable resources and opportunities for educators, artists and the public to learn and engage with Latino art, history and culture, and I look forward to seeing how their work and impact grows with this new funding, as they continue to serve our community.”
- High-Speed Rail: On Dec. 6, Gonzalez released a statement in support of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to grant the California High-Speed Rail Authority $3.1 billion in funding to help create the nation’s first electrified high-speed rail system, which will be capable of traveling up to 220 miles per hour.
“I commend the recent announcement of over $3 billion in federal funding toward the continued progress of the inaugural operating segment of California’s high-speed rail project,” Gonzalez said in a public statement. “I am grateful to President Biden and Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg for reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to this project.”
- Fiscal Outlook: On Dec. 7, Gonzalez released a public statement on the California Legislative Analyst’s Office fiscal outlook for 2024-25. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimated that in the following year, the state’s budget will experience a deficit of $68 billion. The state will have to plan a budget for the coming fiscal year by Jan. 10.
“As we begin discussions for a new budget where we will likely face significant challenges, our top priority must be to safeguard investments in critical services, essential programs, and priority areas that benefit the health and wellbeing of all Californians,” Gonzalez said in a public statement. “With strong budget reserves and various potential tools at our disposal, I am confident in our ability to maintain a balanced, thoughtful, and responsible budget. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor’s Administration to identify and implement the necessary solutions for the benefit of the Californians we represent.”
- $3.5 million for Long Beach ranchos: Senator Gonzalez advocated for funds to be allocated to Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos as part of the 2023 fiscal year state budget. On Dec. 8, Gonzalez presented the ranchos with $3.5 million in funding to help with public safety concerns, accessibility improvement, and restoration of historic ranch buildings and gardens.
“I am proud to lend my support for the preservation of Long Beach’s cherished landmarks, Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos,” said Gonzalez in a public statement. “This funding will provide our communities with better access to beautiful outdoor spaces and historical buildings, and educational resources, where visitors can learn firsthand about our state’s history and the importance of environmental stewardship.”
- $500,000 for ArtsLB: On Dec. 22, the Arts Council for Long Beach (ArtsLB) announced that Gonzalez’s office gave the local nonprofit a check for $500,000.
“Her recent investment of $500,000 will significantly impact our mission,” Arts LB posted on X. “Senator Gonzalez has always supported the arts & we are beyond grateful.”
Nanette Díaz Barragán – U.S. representative for California’s 44th Congressional District
- Croatian ambassador: On Dec. 6, Barragán, who co-chairs the Congressional Croatian Caucus, released a statement in support of the Senate’s decision to confirm Nathalie Rayes as the new ambassador to Croatia.
“Nathalie Rayes is a proven leader and public servant with extensive experience in the private and public sectors who is dedicated to building cross-cultural relationships and will be a great Ambassador to Croatia,” Barragán said in a public statement. “As a trusted EU ally and fellow NATO member, the United States and Croatia have deep economic, cultural, and security ties. Ms. Rayes’ years of expertise in international affairs will deepen partnerships between the two nations and build upon 30 years of diplomatic ties.”
- Palestine protest: Barragán held a private brunch for some of her constituents at a Long Beach restaurant, and was met with protesters demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine War. As reported by Caló News, Barragán stood firm in her stance against a ceasefire. Caló News also reported that Barragán has received campaign contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
- Expansion Of Capacity In Home & Community-Based Alternatives Waiver: Barragán signed a letter last month to Governor Gavin Newsom asking for the Home-and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver program to be expanded. This program functions as an alternative to nursing homes and other institutional care facilities, using public funding to provide the care disabled individuals need to continue living at home. This month, the State agreed to increase the number of beneficiaries for the program over the next four years.
Josh Lowenthal – U.S. Representative for California’s 69th Assembly District
- $10 million for MOLAA: On December 6, 2023, Gonzalez and Lowenthal presented the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) with $10 million in funding.
“Working with my colleagues to secure funding for MOLAA was a no-brainer,” Lowenthal said in a public statement. “Long Beach is a city rich in culture and we are so fortunate to be its home. This expansion will ensure that it remains at the intersection of the arts and culture for years to come.”
- Claims of antisemitic public comments: Lowenthal reposted a post on X originally posted by the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, of which he is a member, decrying alleged antisemitic public comments made during the Long Beach City Council’s decision to support a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine War.
While some commenters mentioned in the post’s video did mock Jewish fears of antisemitism and made stereotypical comments about Jewish people controlling the media, other commenters in the video were criticizing the Israeli government.
Among the examples of alleged antisemitic comments shown in the video reposted by Lownethal was a shortened and edited comment made by local Jewish activist Winston De Laurier.
The full public comment made by De Laurier on Dec. 19 is as follows:
“I’m a resident of Long Beach. I currently live in Cambodia Town I’ve been in Long Beach almost my whole life and I’m here to say, you know as a Jew, it really, you know, it makes me either want to laugh or want to puke when I hear the Zionists act as if they’re the protectors of Jewish people. The logic of Zionism— and I want to quote someone who I really don’t care for, but, as our senile President Joe Biden said, if there was not an Israel in the Middle East, America would have to invent an Israel to protect our interests in the region. So Zionism is not about protecting Jews. Zionism is a project to conscript Jews to act as human shields for the U.S. empire, which means U.S. corporate interests. So I don’t want to hear anything about how this is about defending my people. Thank you. And I want to add further, that if we included any language about, you know, denouncing Hamas, I think it’s utterly ridiculous for two reasons. For one thing, you know, like them or not, whatever you think about them, their armed forces are the forces on the ground who are fighting against the forces perpetrating this genocide. They are the ones fighting against the murderers who killed 10,000 children in Gaza.”
De Laurier ran out of time for his public comment and his mic was cut off before he could finish.
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A rah-rah section for those advocating for policies that will harm Long Beach and the residents. All political posturing for the leftist agenda. After shopping this AM, I can say with complete confidence that Joe Biden and the leftist agenda suck.