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Janice Journal: Trump’s cutting services—but not your taxes

County of Los Angeles, California sent this bulletin at 08/16/2025 09:00 AM PDT

Trump's cutting services—but not your taxes

At this week’s board meeting, we discussed how the White House’s plans to cut SNAP food assistance benefits will impact residents here in LA County—and the outlook is grim.

Starting Oct. 1, 2026, the federal government has announced it will cut SNAP benefits in half. When that happens, LA County may be forced to cut our CalFresh program, which serves 1.6 million residents—500,000 of whom are children—by one third.

These are draconian cuts, aimed at ripping the safety net away from our most vulnerable residents. And to be clear—everyday taxpayers are not paying less in federal taxes. We are paying the same amount we always have, but we are getting less in return.

Meeting with Mexican Consul Carlos González Gutiérrez

Here in LA County we are doing everything within our power to protect our immigrant neighbors amid the brutal actions of our own federal government.

This week I met with Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in LA, to explore ways we can support each other in that work.

During our meeting, he told me about the overcrowded and inhumane conditions he saw when he visited an ICE processing facility in downtown LA—the same facility that Congress members had been barred from visiting until this week, after it had been cleared of all but two people.

ICE is hiding the truth from these lawmakers.

The actions of our federal government make it clear just how important it is to have a strong network of leaders supporting our immigrant communities here in LA County, and I am glad to have Consul González Gutiérrez as a partner in that effort.

Leading with purpose: A fireside tribute to women trailblazers

This week I joined the League of California Cities Women’s Caucus for a fireside chat at the Cerritos Library, where they presented me with the “She Builds Communities Award.”

Together we talked about what it means to be a leader, and how we can make sure we are helping younger generations climb the ladder. It was an honor to be a part of this event and receive this award—especially coming from a group of such talented, trailblazing leaders.

3-month closures near Vincent Thomas Bridge

This week Caltrans and the Port of Los Angeles announced a three-month closure of the northbound 110 on-ramp at Harbor Boulevard and the southbound SR 47 off-ramp at Harbor Boulevard near the Vincent Thomas Bridge begins Monday, as part of a construction project to improve the SR 47 interchange.

Commuters should use Gaffey Street in San Pedro to access the northbound 110, and drivers exiting the southbound SR 47 will be rerouted via Pacific Avenue to Harbor Boulevard.

More info

Join Metro’s Public Safety Advisory Committee

Metro is looking for transit riders who use the system regularly to join the Public Safety Advisory Committee, where they can share their perspectives on Metro and help ensure it is a safe system for all. Metro is working to ensure that the perspectives of youth, women, seniors and those with disabilities are represented.

PSAC meetings are expected to occur in-person monthly over a two-year term, with the potential for additional outreach and engagement and subcommittee meetings.

Apply by Sept. 16

LB-ELA corridor mobility investment plan meeting

The next meeting to hear updates on Metro's Long Beach-East LA Corridor Mobility Investment Plan is coming up next week, on Aug. 20.

You can attend in person or on Zoom.

Register to attend virtually

If you have 3 minutes, you can help Metro identify new projects to improve the 105 corridor.

The 105 ExpressLanes Project Travel Survey will help inform how toll revenue should be invested—and everyone who fills it out will be entered to win a $25 gift card.

Fill out the survey

Our Los Angeles County Fire Department is hosting a Community Emergency Response Team training in San Pedro next month. Sign up to learn about basic safety and life-saving skills that you can use in the event of an emergency.

Register

I have a soft spot for the senior pets in our shelters—and Linx here is a special one. He is a beautiful 10-year-old Egyptian Mau, a rare breed known for being smart, playful and loyal.

Linx is at our Downey Animal Care Center, just waiting to find his forever home.

If you think Linx could be the one to complete your family, you can find out more about him here or visit him during the Downey Care Center's open hours.

Find your friend here

Whether you take home Linx or you find another furry friend, please do your part to help control the pet population and have your pets spayed or neutered.