Local congressman Xavier Becerra (Echo Park, Silver Lake, K-Town, Lincoln Heights, Eagle Rock etc) turned down President-Elect Barack Obama's offer to be U.S. Trade Representative last month because he did not want to give up his House seniority. But he may actually be interested in leaving congress to head the Commerce Department after Bill Richardson stepped down yesterday. "Even though he turned down the trade representative slot, Becerra is not only Hispanic, but he has the skill, talent and experience to do the Commerce job," a source told the San Antonio Express-News. "Xavier's name has gone to the top of the list of potential replacements in part because he is a member of the House leadership, he is well liked, he has very good credentials, and, of course, he was an early Obama backer." more ›

US Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA 13) has turned down an offer to serve as United States Trade Representative in President-elect Barack Obama's new cabinet. According to ABC News blog The Note, Becerra "has come to the realization that trade is not a priority for the incoming Obama administration." more ›

Although he's not well known internationally, Los Angeles congressman Xavier Becerra is rumored to be President-Elect Barack Obama's choice for the U.S. trade representative. If said rumor is true and he takes it, he would be "responsible for negotiating trade deals and overseeing trade policy," says the Associated Press. more ›

As one of the most heavily traveled pedestrian and automobile intersections in the city, Santa Monica and Western is thought to be a dangerous one. That's why today some new features were unveiled thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration secured by Rep. Becerra with the help of Councilman Garcetti, who represents the 13th District, which includes Hollywood and Melrose Hill where the intersection splits the two neighborhoods among others. more ›

Thank you in advance for any improvements here: "L.A. Council President Eric Garcetti and Rep. Xavier Becerra are holding a news conference this a.m. to tout improvements at Western and Santa Monica, including left-turn lanes that can accommodate more cars." (thanks Bottleneck blog!). more ›