Monterey Park moves to give voters the power to ban data centers amid public outcry City leaders are drafting a ballot proposition that could ban data centers because of environmental concerns, a move that prompted one developer’s attorney to accuse them of bowing down to “mob rule.”

LA San Fernando Valley students are walking out of school to protest ICE raids. Students from more than 100 schools are expected to participate on Friday morning. lapublicpress.org/2026/02/la-s...

Protesters Turn to Economic Disruption to Fight ICE A nationwide shutdown, inspired by a one-day general strike in response to the killings of two US citizens in Minneapolis last month, shows the evolving tactics of groups from Minnesota to LA mobilizing against Trump’s immigration agenda.

LA County leaders want to make it harder to evict tenants targeted by ICE. But they can’t agree on how The Board of Supervisors passed a motion to raise the rent debt threshold in unincorporated areas and could extend protections countywide.

For my latest story, I spoke to LA residents about what safety means to them after recent ICE shootings in their communities, and what they think elected officials should do to hold federal agents accountable locally as other DHS shootings dominate national headlines.

After ICE shootings in LA, residents want accountability for agents, safety for neighbors. Residents say they’ll feel safe when ICE agents face consequences for violence and operate under stricter standards when opening fire in LA neighborhoods. lapublicpress.org/2026/02/ice-...

Amid Climate Crisis, Insurers’ Increased Use of AI Raises Concern For LA Policyholders States and consumers accuse insurance giants of using technology to slow payouts and drop homeowners.

We will not be intimidated. The federal arrest of two journalists defies the First Amendment.

These LA businesses are closing in solidarity with the nationwide anti-ICE strike: From bakeries to bars, businesses are denouncing the increase in violent federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and LA. lapublicpress.org/2026/01/la-s...

LA residents protest new battery storage facility, fearing fire risk and a link to AI data centers The City of Industry has invited commercial and industrial development for decades. But locals said there’s a lack of transparency around the impacts of environmental pollution.

LA and other CA cities just saw their lowest homicide rates in decades. It’s not clear why Homicides in California surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, killings are down to historic lows across the state.

Can’t protest? Here are other ways to get involved in LA There are lots of other ways to make a difference during Los Angeles ICE raids. “We need you, the people, to stand with immigrants.”

If you live in California, you can now tell data brokers to delete your personal information. Here’s how to do it A new law service called DROP could help curb spam phone calls and emails.

With one vote today, LA elected officials moved the region closer to realizing a 40-year dream of a public transit line operating between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside. lapublicpress.org/2026/01/la-m...

Federal agents descended on a quiet Willowbrook block shortly after 7 a.m., startling residents in the unincorporated Los Angeles community.

Nearly one person died every week in LA County jail custody last year Deaths jumped 44% from 2024 to 2025 as Proposition 36 brought an older, sicker population into already crowded facilities the county promised to reform.

As Altadena’s trees fell, so did the roots of a Black LA neighborhood Once known for its trees and community, Altadena is now a test of who – and what – gets to return from disaster.

A data center boom is coming to the San Gabriel Valley. Residents had no idea LA County residents are being blindsided by proposals that may drain massive amounts of electricity and water. In Monterey Park, a single facility would use more power than the entire city.

My latest report for LA Public Press looks at solutions to declining enrollment in LA schools and asks what officials can be doing to make immigrant families safer.

LAUSD enrollment is dropping. Here’s what staff say students need to get back in classrooms. ICE raids haven’t stopped and educators say schools need more attendance counselors, mental health and legal training.

LA County’s mask ordinance is now in effect, but who’s enforcing it against ICE? The Jan. 8 ordinance aims to increase transparency during enforcement encounters, but law enforcement and LA officials are declining to enforce it.

SBLA catches up with @lapublicpress.bsky.social reporter Phoenix Tso to discuss the aftermath of the Altadena fire la.streetsblog.org/2026/01/09/s...

New year, new you? Here’s where to donate the stuff you don’t need to your LA neighbors Donate lightly used clothing and other household items to your neighbors in need this year. lapublicpress.org/2026/01/dona...

ICE killed a legal observer in Minneapolis. LA organizers say they won’t stop

LA continues to protest against ICE in our city and beyond. About 150 people went to Placita Olvera yesterday to mourn Renee Nicole Good and Keith Porter of Northridge, who were both shot and killed by ICE agents roughly a week apart. 📹: @papayathemariah.bsky.social

6 new laws affecting LA County students, from ICE raids to cell phones Schools must now follow new state rules on immigration enforcement, LGBTQ+ privacy, antisemitism, cell phones, bathrooms and drug education. Here’s what families need to know.

One year after the Eaton and Palisades Fires, we honor those we lost, those displaced, and those still working to rebuild. ❤️ A special thank you to first responders, including incarcerated firefighters who helped save lives. 🫂 🤝 Let's share some memories from Altadena or the Pacific Palisades here.

California educators challenged AB 715, arguing it would restrict teaching about Palestinian history and Israel’s apartheid policies. Now, they have no free speech rights in class, according to an antisemitism case ruling. lapublicpress.org/2026/01/cali...

One year later, LA’s red tape is stalling Palisades recovery Despite streamlining, construction still bogged down by LA’s lengthy permitting process.

One year after Eaton Fire, Altadena’s small businesses fight to survive From buying burned lots to securing grants and reopening storefronts, Lake Avenue entrepreneurs are rebuilding — even as thousands of displaced residents remain unable to return.

How Vietnamese Americans built Southern California’s massive nail industry Fifty years after the Vietnam War, these immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs are redefining the beauty industry.

Avocado Heights won’t let ICE or zoning laws stop their Guadalupe celebration In the San Gabriel Valley, hundreds gather every December 12 for a Virgin of Guadalupe procession with horses, banda and danza azteca that brings neighbors together.

More animals than ever are dying on Los Angeles streets Abandoned pets, increased urban sprawl are causing roadkill numbers to spike.

ICE took their family members. The holidays aren’t the same "The days are coming where family gets together with pozole, enchiladas, but we don’t know what we’re going to do.” lapublicpress.org/2025/12/ice-...

LA County buried 2,308 unclaimed Angelenos last week — nearly 500 more than the year before. Since 1896, LA has held an annual ceremony in Boyle Heights to honor those who died without next of kin to claim their remains. bit.ly/4oY1b1z

Hey, Los Angeles! LA County's rent relief application for tenants affected by the ICE raids opened this morning. But tenant advocates question how effective the program will be in protecting tenants from eviction. Learn more here: lapublicpress.org/2025/12/la-r...

A refugee-run kitchen is bringing LA together with food At Flavors from Afar in East Hollywood, a Palestinian holiday dinner becomes an act of cultural preservation — complete with tableside maqlubeh flips and a DJ playing sounds that “heal you on a molecular level.”

Who is Rae Huang, the challenger seeking to oust Karen Bass from the left? I get into the meat and bones of her campaign promises and whether she can actually meet the moment that LA is in right now. More in my latest for @lapublicpress.bsky.social and @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/12/rae-...

This single mom is squeezed by LA’s cost of living. Now she’s running for mayor. Progressive housing advocate Rae Huang is challenging Karen Bass for Los Angeles mayor, promising free transit and social housing.

Huntington Park just gave renters more time to pay rent amid ICE raids. Housing advocates call the eviction ordinance “bare minimum” as federal immigration enforcement threatens to displace families across Southeast L.A. lapublicpress.org/2025/12/hunt...

Metro made Open Streets permanent but tied most funding to Olympics, World Cup. The decision ties popular programs like Ciclavia to upcoming major sporting events but advocates are hopeful the agency will free up funding for events outside that timeframe. lapublicpress.org/2025/12/metr...

On Tuesday night, the City of Huntington Park passed an amendment to the rent stabilization ordinance to allow renters to be up to one month behind on rent before facing eviction. Housing organizers in SELA said they believe this threshold is a first step in the right direction.

How to report foul odors in your LA County neighborhood to air quality officials. Southern California residents can submit complaints about odors, asbestos, dust, gasoline dispensing and other air quality concerns to the district. If the air outside smells like rotten eggs, call the AQMD.

LA rent relief is coming. But as immigration raids continue, it might not close the gap. Tenant organizers are still pressuring County leadership to pass an eviction moratorium. lapublicpress.org/2025/12/la-r...

The LA County Board of Supervisors voted today to approve the mask ordinance, requiring law enforcement — including federal agents — to show their faces and visible identification during most public encounters. Whether the measure can be enforced is now expected to be decided by the courts.

California’s farmworkers face ICE raids, deadly heat and pollution all at once. Volunteers now deliver food directly to SoCal trailer parks because families are too afraid to leave home. lapublicpress.org/2025/12/cali...

California launches online portal to report federal agent misconduct The reports will be collected by the California Department of Justice to create a record of unlawful contact by federal agents and inform legal action the state may take to defend Californians’ rights.

Metro board approves Dodger stadium gondola despite heavy protests. Protestors temporarily shut down the Thursday board meeting after the gondola vote was placed on the consent agenda, which would have prevented public discussion by agency directors. lapublicpress.org/2025/12/metr...

The coalition of LA residents who oppose the Dodger Stadium gondola shut down the Metro board of directors meeting Thursday. They forced the meeting into recess and demanded that officials at minimum allow public discussion on the project. This is a developing story.

LAPD can continue to use military weapons, foam bullets and tear gas after City Council vote. The LA City Council voted 8-4 to let LAPD keep using foam bullets and tear gas despite documented misuse during this summer’s anti-ICE protests and over $50M in civil rights violation payouts last year.