Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Supervisors to Vote on Altadena Business Concierge Program

Supervisor Kathryn Barger speaks during a recent Board of Supervisors meeting [David Franco/LA County]

County supervisors to tackle law enforcement transparency, street racing, Supervisor Kathryn Barger yields Chair to First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on creating a Small Business Concierge Program specifically for Altadena to help local businesses navigate county permitting, licensing and fire recovery resources, while also considering an ordinance barring law enforcement officers from concealing their identities during operations in unincorporated areas.

The program, proposed by Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, would provide “designated staff that will seek to expedite permitting and provide personalized assistance to local small businesses and commercial property owners,” according to the agenda released Nov. 26.

The motion authorizes the Department of Economic Opportunity to waive competitive procurement requirements and execute vendor agreements to support rapid implementation. It also directs the department to coordinate with the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, Altadena Recovery Task Force and philanthropic partners for “comprehensive and effective outreach and resource distribution.”

Supervisor Barger said in an April press release, “Our small business owners are the backbone of Altadena’s economy, and we must do everything we can to help them recover. This motion provides much-needed financial relief and economic opportunities that will help rebuild and strengthen Altadena.”

The agenda item requires county departments to report back in 30 days with an implementation plan including staffing needs, timelines, funding and multilingual outreach strategies. A 90-day update must include recommendations for rebuilding commercial corridors.

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce has already distributed $148,500 in recovery grants to 99 businesses through two rounds of funding, with a third round accepting applications through Dec. 15, according to the chamber’s website. The county previously allocated $6.5 million for the Altadena Disaster Relief Small Business Loan Program.

The meeting, set for 9:30 a.m. in Board Hearing Room 381B at the Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, includes four other major items.

Supervisors Janice Hahn and Lindsey P. Horvath co-authored an ordinance that would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks or concealing their identities while interacting with the public in unincorporated areas, with exemptions for SWAT teams, undercover operations and medical masks.

“When law enforcement officers conceal their identities, they create confusion, incite fear, and undermine public trust,” Hahn said in a July statement.

The ordinance, which applies only to unincorporated areas, was drafted following reports of federal agents operating with concealed identities. The county acknowledges enforcement against federal agencies may require court resolution.

Supervisor Horvath said in a press release, “Adopting this ordinance is a direct response to the federal government’s shameful targeting of immigrant communities in Los Angeles County. No law enforcement officer should ever be allowed to hide behind a mask or conceal their identity while operating in our neighborhoods—not ICE, not anyone.”

The board will also receive a report on efforts to curtail street racing, requested 13 months ago in November 2024. The strategic plan includes community workshops, infrastructure solutions and safe alternatives development. A work plan published in February commits to at least 50 community workshops through June 2026.

A report on housing for pregnant youth in county probation facilities, requested Nov. 4, will be presented by the Chief Probation Officer. The probation department’s website indicates pregnancy is not a barrier to placement in transitional housing programs, but does not detail specific alternatives.

The board will vote on two lawsuit settlements totaling $3.8 million involving fatal deputy shootings. The settlements — $2.55 million for Regina Castro and $1.25 million for Salvador Garcia — would be paid from the Sheriff’s Department Contract Cities Trust Fund.

The meeting will be televised on KLCS Wednesday at 11 p.m. The full agenda is available at the county’s website.

First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis will assume the chair position during the meeting’s reorganization.