Janice Journal: Banning law enforcement from concealing their identities

Over the past couple of months, we have seen federal agents—with no identification, faces covered by masks, in vehicles with hidden license plates—chase people down and kidnap people off our streets. This is not how law enforcement behaves in a democracy. 

This week, the Board of Supervisors approved my motion, co-authored by Supervisor Hilda Solis, to direct our County lawyers to write an ordinance banning law enforcement from concealing their identities in unincorporated LA County. 

I understand that some law enforcement agents are afraid of being targeted or doxxed—I have been protested at my own house over votes that I have made, so I know what it feels like. But people have a right to know who is detaining them. 

LAPD officers don’t wear masks to make an arrest. Our LA County Sheriff’s deputies don’t hide their badges to make an arrest. We need to hold ICE agents to the same standard. 

This week the Board of Supervisors approved my motion to establish a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible for the September 27, 2024 hit-and-run death of 42-year-old Elijah Long in the Lynwood. 

Elijah was killed when he was riding his motorcycle northbound on Atlantic Avenue at about 9:20 that morning, when a silver/light blue Toyota sedan driving southbound on Atlantic made a left turn onto Arlington Avenue, causing Elijah to collide into the car.

Elijah’s death has left his dad and siblings shattered. We need the public’s help to identify this driver and bring them to justice. 

Anyone with information should call Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Detective Conner Eitner at 323-568-4796 or anonymously send a tip to L.A. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at lacrimestoppers.org.

This week I had the honor of joining the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates for their Vocational and Occupational Learning in Technology (VOLT) Scholarship Luncheon, where we celebrated the students who completed the program this summer. 

This program prepares high school graduates for careers in advanced manufacturing and design, and I was so impressed by the determination and resilience that these students embody. 

Thank you to the Kiwanis Club, to our educators and families, and most importantly, congratulations to these students. I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish. 

We hosted our annual Back to School Bash in South Whittier this week, and it was great to see how excited these students were to get their school supplies to prepare for this upcoming school year. 

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over—but we are making sure these students get their school year off to a good start.

Tonight I am joining the Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce in Torrance for their Pakistan Independence Day Festival. 

Come enjoy food, music, games and more as we celebrate Pakistani independence.