Opinion – Citizens’ Coalition for Change, Compton: Los Angeles County faces a moral and fiscal crisis. After declaring “immigration raids” an emergency to fund rent for undocumented residents, the county now plans nearly $5 billion in payouts for unverified sexual-abuse claims—many under fraud review. Has the county found a hidden treasure—or are public coffers being plundered while ordinary citizens struggle with soaring costs?

LA County declared a “state of emergency” over immigration raids, diverting tens of millions in rent relief while California faces massive deficits and federal funding gaps. True emergencies are for disasters, not political gestures. Landlords bear financial risk, taxpayers foot the bill, and legal battles loom. The move risks worsening fiscal instability, creating moral hazard, and setting a dangerous precedent for government overreach.

MLK Community Hospital, South L.A.’s only full-service hospital, faces a funding crisis threatening lifesaving care for hundreds of thousands. Overcrowded ER visits, rising costs, and losses in maternity care strain resources. Emergency state and county aid is only temporary—permanent funding, federal support, and community action are urgently needed to keep this vital safety net open.

Six months after the Eaton Fire, Altadena’s rebuild is stalled—not from lack of effort, but by a broken permitting system. Fewer than 50 permits have been approved, while hundreds face delays from conflicting codes, redundant reviews, and outdated workflows. Despite publicized solutions, bureaucracy prevails. Without urgent reform, displaced families risk long-term homelessness—caused not by fire, but by government inaction.

Black Elders Appreciation Day is now celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May in Los Angeles County, beginning May 17, 2025. Led by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, this day honors the wisdom, rights, and legacy of Black elders. The Sankofa Elders Project and partners launched the Black Eldering Bill of Rights—a community-driven vision for aging with dignity, care, and belonging. Local churches and groups are encouraged to get involved in this intergenerational movement.

A Crisis You Can’t Ignore Since May 2022, the Chiquita Canyon Landfill —located near Val Verde , a community with deep roots as a safe...

Vote NO on Proposition 5! Avoid Increased Property Taxes! On the 2024 California ballot, if passed Proposition 5  has the potential to...