More housing. More accountability. More transparency.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive bipartisan housing package to build on California’s long-term strategy to help address homelessness and housing scarcity. The Governor also announced the release of guidance on up to $2.2 billion in funding for HomeKey+ permanent supportive housing — with half reserved for veterans — to be made available ahead of schedule through Proposition 1.

Citing a continued deficit in housing across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday that will expand a ban on local governments requiring parking spaces at developments near transit areas.

Authored by Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, Assembly Bill 2553 builds on preceding legislation from 2022 that did away with parking minimums in residential, retail and commercial development within a half mile of major transit stops.

This past week, the Burbank Community YMCA celebrated its centennial anniversary at the Colony Theatre with a special event titled “Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring the Future.”

“Tonight, we recognize the Burbank YMCA’s accomplishments,” said Board Chair Chris Weber, citing the “outstanding work of our staff and volunteers, the generosity of our sponsors, the collaboration of our partners, the support of our members and the engagement of our program participants.”

 Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a new bipartisan legislative package to strengthen California’s laws addressing the housing and homelessness crisis. The laws represent a comprehensive effort to streamline housing production, and hold localities accountable to state housing law.

• AB 2553 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman — Housing development: major transit stops: vehicular traffic impact fees
• AB 2801 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman — Tenancy: security deposits

2024 has been an exciting and bittersweet year for me. It’s my last year in the California Legislature. While I’m excited for what Congress will bring, and the real change I will be able to make in those hallowed halls, I am so proud of the things I have been able to accomplish during my time in the California State Assembly.

In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 15-21), on Saturday Assemblymember Laura Friedman partnered with California Highway Patrol (CHP) to educate people on the correct way to install in vehicles child car seats. Spots for installing seats at the event quickly filled up with a total of 36 installations requested.

Each installation is only one car seat that is inspected and installed, according to CHP Officer Shanelle Phillips.

“Assemblymember [Friedman] reached out to the Altadena CHP Area Office to collaborate on this event,” Phillips added.

Leads California Legislature Calls for Azerbaijan’s Release of Armenian Hostages; Advocates for Right of Return of Artsakh’s Forcibly Displaced Armenian Population

"We need to do more to protect our vulnerable community members — particularly our agricultural workers."

California is considering banning a dangerous chemical already outlawed in other countries with similar thriving agricultural economies. 

Wildlife in California — such as northern spotted owls, mountain lions, and the San Joaquin kit fox — will soon be safer from dangerous and deadly rat poisons, thanks to the passing of legislation banning several rodenticides.