Nick Gerda
is an accountability reporter who has covered local government in Southern California for more than a decade.
Published October 15, 2025 5:00 AM
California's biggest food assistance program is at risk starting in November if the federal shutdown continues, officials warn.
(
urbazon/Getty Images
/
E+
)
Topline:
People with low incomes who rely on California’s largest food program will likely be affected starting next month if the federal shutdown continues, officials warn. It’s one of several safety net programs facing a funding cliff if the shutdown — which has shown no sign of ending — drags on.
Who could be affected: Well over 1 million people in L.A. County get food benefits from CalFresh — the state’s implementation of the federally funded SNAP program. It provides monthly food benefits to low-income people through debit cards that can be used at grocery stores and farmer’s markets that accept them. Another million people receive CalFresh benefits across Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
What’s expected: “Should the shutdown continue, our beneficiaries will definitely be impacted starting November…That impacts over 1.6 million individuals that we have on CalFresh,” said Michael Sylvester, who oversees administrative operations for the L.A. County department that administers the food program.
The backup plan: If Congress doesn’t strike a deal by the end of this week to extend funding, Sylvester said officials are preparing public messages to alert CalFresh recipients of the anticipated impacts and “start to refer them to other resources such as food banks.”
People with low incomes who rely on California’s largest food program will likely be affected starting next month if the federal shutdown continues, officials are warning. It’s one of several safety net programs facing a funding cliff if the shutdown — which has shown no sign of ending — drags on.
Well over 1 million people in L.A. County get food benefits from CalFresh — the state’s implementation of the federally funded SNAP program. It provides monthly food benefits to low-income people through debit cards that can be used at grocery stores and farmer’s markets that accept them.
Those benefits are secured for October. But if Congress doesn’t reach a deal, funding for those benefits will be disrupted starting next month, according to the county. Federal authorities told states last week that there’s not enough money to pay full SNAP benefits for November if the shutdown continues, and to not load money onto recipients' cards for November until further notice.
“Should the shutdown continue, our beneficiaries will definitely be impacted starting November…that impacts over 1.6 million individuals that we have on CalFresh,” said Michael Sylvester, who oversees administrative operations for the L.A. County department that administers the food program.
If Congress doesn’t strike a deal by the end of this week to extend funding, Sylvester said officials are preparing public messages to alert CalFresh recipients of the anticipated effects and “start to refer them to other resources, such as food banks.”
He was speaking during a public update last week to county supervisors about the effects of the shutdown.
“ That is cause for panic to me and devastating,” said Supervisor Holly Mitchell, referring to CalFresh and other federally-funded programs expected to be affected.
The other major SoCal counties — San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange — each have more than 300,000 people on CalFresh, according to state data.
State officials who oversee the program echoed L.A. County’s concerns about what would happen if the shutdown continues past October.
“If a budget agreement is not reached soon…CalFresh benefits in the future could be at risk for the more than 5.5 million people served by the program,” according to a statement from the California Department of Social Services.
And it’s not the only effect on low-income SoCal residents that’s expected from the shutdown halting federal dollars.
Other expected impacts
If it continues, federal funding is expected to dry up in mid-November for about 30,000 households who get rental subsidies through an L.A. County agency, said county housing executive Emilio Salas. If the shutdown continues for a prolonged time, he said the county will be unable to make rent payments for those households.
L.A. County officials also said all of the county health department’s information-sharing calls with the CDC about measles and emerging diseases are canceled during the shutdown.
County officials said Social Security and veterans benefits will still be paid, but staff may not be available to answer questions from recipients.
Impacts in OC
Officials at Orange County’s public health agency say the shutdown has a range of impacts, including slowing down how long it takes for people to get enrolled in social security and Medicare.
“The federal workforce that administers these programs is being downsized during the shutdown, so new enrollments in Social Security and Medicare, for instance, may take longer than usual,” said O.C. Health Care Agency Director Veronica Kelley in response to LAist’s questions. “Health and human services programs may be particularly vulnerable in a prolonged shutdown. While Medicaid and SNAP are funded for several weeks, we could see increased demand for local safety-net services if families experience benefit delays or uncertainty about future support.”
Kelley added that the health agency is also grappling with cuts to federal funding since earlier this year, separate from the shutdown, including $13 million for infectious disease prevention and vaccination assistance and a $4.4 million cut to nutrition education.
“These reductions, paired with the state’s budgetary issues, local budgetary issues, and now the Federal shutdown, are concerning,” Kelley wrote.
A spokesperson for Riverside County told LAist officials there are currently reviewing potential impacts to federally funded programs, including CalFresh and the Women, Infants & Children program (WIC).
Riverside County spokesperson Brooke Federico said federal funding was secure for the near future, but could run out for some programs if the shutdown continues beyond early November..
“Our focus is on identifying the potential impacts an extended shutdown could have on all of our residents, including the most vulnerable in our community who are dependent on health and human services funded by the federal government, and to work with our federal and state partners to ensure that the negative impacts are minimized,” Federico said in written responses to questions from LAist. “Hundreds of thousands of residents in Riverside County are relying on all levels of government to find a solution and find it fast.”
And if you're comfortable just reaching out my email I'm at ngerda@scpr.org
A spokesperson for San Bernardino County reiterated that CalFresh benefits are secured for this month, but that continued federal funding will be needed to keep providing uninterrupted benefits past the start of next month.
WIC — short for Women, Infants & Children — is a federal program for low income families with children under age 5 that provides baby formula, debit card money to buy food and nutrition education.
More than half of all babies born in California each year are eligible for WIC, according to the state. In L.A. County, about 217,000 babies and young children were on WIC last year, according to the county.
LAist reached out to the state agency that oversees WIC to ask how and when people could be affected by the shutdown if it continues. No responses have been provided so far from the California Department of Social Services.
A sign on Atlantic Boulevard welcomes drivers into East L.A.
(
Kate Valdez
/
Boyle Heights Beat
)
Topline:
An overwhelming majority of East Los Angeles residents who participated in a series of community forums support creating a local community council, according to an interim report released this week that details the community’s priorities.
Why now: The report, produced by the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship (LEEAF), summarizes six community meetings held between February and June as Los Angeles County explores new forms of local governance for the unincorporated community of nearly 120,000 people.
More details: Across more than 300 participants and 200 written comments, transparency and trust were the most frequently raised concerns. Issues around public safety, including homelessness and police reform, ranked as the second most common concern from the thousands of conversations prompted by the report’s research. Uplifting East L.A.’s residents’ political voice and influence was also among the top concerns.
An overwhelming majority of East Los Angeles residents who participated in a series of community forums support creating a local community council, according to an interim report released this week that details the community’s priorities.
The report, produced by the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship (LEEAF), summarizes six community meetings held between February and June as Los Angeles County explores new forms of local governance for the unincorporated community of nearly 120,000 people.
Among the findings, 93% of participants supported establishing a community council, either a town council or Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), to give residents a stronger voice in county government. Another 95% said council members should be elected rather than appointed.
Across more than 300 participants and 200 written comments, transparency and trust were the most frequently raised concerns. Issues around public safety, including homelessness and police reform, ranked as the second most common concern from the thousands of conversations prompted by the report’s research. Uplifting East L.A’.s residents’ political voice and influence was also among the top concerns.
The report also details several governance models, including a county-recognized MAC or an independently organized town council. LEEAF estimates a startup cost of a community council to be around $13,500 with an annual, running cost of about $33,000 a year.
“Founding a community council that genuinely serves the people of East L.A. would be a major step toward advancing political voice and equitable power in East L.A. – and putting East L.A. in the lead of a movement to open opportunity and amplify voice throughout the county and beyond,” the report reads.
Visions for a community council
Community members also suggested alternative models, The Republic of East Los Angeles and Neighborhood Councils for East L.A.
The Republic of East Los Angeles calls for an elected town council with authority over local infrastructure, services, and development and was framed as a first step toward full incorporation as an independent city.
The proposal also called for community control of the Sheriff’s office serving East L.A. and an annual itemized budget detailing tax sources, county contracts or associated salaries with a council of its type.
Neighborhood Councils for East L.A. proposes a system of multiple advisory councils, each with 15 to 21 members, modeled on the existing Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils system. Participants consistently emphasized the need for neighborhood-based representation to address each community’s unique needs.
Representing the community
Residents also emphasized accountability. More than half of participants said any future council should have regular and responsive public oversight.
More than half also said “an effective council should bring real resources to East L.A., with programs like youth activities and public health support mentioned roughly twice as often as funding alone.”
About 61% of community members suggested that members of a council should be residents, while another 22% noted a “long term connection to the community” should be a characteristic of any council member.
One community member quoted in the report said they want to see the next generation of leaders in East L.A. include a wide demographic of residents.
“I want to make sure groups that know about the area…are included in conversations. There is so much talent and so many people who want to be involved.”
What’s next?
LEEAF will hold two public feedback meetings next month before submitting a final report to L.A. County. The meetings will be held on:
Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. at Garfield High School, 5101 E. 6th St., East Los Angeles.
Aug.15 at 10:30 a.m. at Salazar Park, 3864 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles.
The meetings will sharpen the results from the report while offering a chance for community members to refine and guide its priorities, according to an email from a LEEAF representative.
A virtual question and answer session about the interim report will be held July 29 at 4:30 p.m. RSVP here.
Two pedestrians walk near the Lineage fire site in Boyle Heights on June 22, 2026.
(
Isaac Ceja
/
Boyle Heights Beat
)
Topline:
Neighbors near the Lineage warehouse in Boyle Heights continue to report concerns about air quality more than a month after the June fire, according to a new survey by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released Monday.
Why now: The department conducted door-to-door outreach on July 15 and 16 to assess community needs, identify health concerns and connect residents with resources, including air purifiers, masks and health information.
The backstory: The warehouse fire began on June 17 and burned for a week, but residents say its impacts have continued. Many residents and small business owners have complained of foul odors and pests after tons of food was left rotting inside the cold storage facility.
Read on... for more on the results from the new survey.
Neighbors near the Lineage warehouse in Boyle Heights continue to report concerns about air quality more than a month after the June fire, according to a new survey by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released Monday.
The department conducted door-to-door outreach on July 15 and 16 to assess community needs, identify health concerns and connect residents with resources, including air purifiers, masks and health information.
The warehouse fire began on June 17 and burned for a week, but residents say its impacts have continued. Many residents and small business owners have complained of foul odors and pests after tons of food was left rotting inside the cold storage facility.
Among 240 households that completed the survey, 90% reported a constant odor, 82% said they noticed very strong odors, and 85% said they were concerned about air quality.
Public health teams visited 650 households within the area bordered by Calzona Street to the west, the 5 Freeway to the north, South Herbert Avenue to the east, and Noakes Street to the south. Residents were invited to participate in the voluntary survey and 633 households received resource packets, the agency said in a news release.
The survey also found that 84% of respondents reported an increase in pests, while 74% were concerned about health symptoms. In addition, 79% of public health field staff reported a strong odor during the home visits.
The L.A. County Public Health Department has cited Lineage Logistics for unsanitary and nuisance conditions related to rodent and pest control violations following a complaint investigation on July 15. The department said it will continue to monitor corrective actions and conduct regular reinspections to verify compliance.
Resources and information
Find nearby clinics or doctors:
Call the L.A. County Public Health Department at (833) 540-0473, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How to report odors:
Call South Coast AQMD
Dial (800) CUT-SMOG / (1-800-288-7664)
Submit a complaint online
File a report through South Coast AQMD’s complaint form at aqmd.gov/complaints.
If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.
The U.S. Open of Surfing is happening this week and weekend, with special concerts two nights in a row.
(
Robert Gauthier
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
In this edition:
This weekend and beyond, check out line dancing at the zoo, a burger-eating contest, the U.S. Open of Surfing and more of the best things to do.
Highlights:
Head south to Huntington Beach for the annual U.S. Open of Surfing. Watch the world’s best surfers take to the waves or grab a ticket for the music stage where the Allah-las and Local Natives will play this weekend.
Burgers Never Say Die is hosting six contestants to see who can devour 20 burgers in just 10 minutes. The winner will be crowned the “Shmasters Champion” and be escorted in a limo to Dodger Stadium for the Red Sox vs. Dodgers game that same night. If one burger is plenty for you, a spectator ticket ($15) gets you a burger, fries and unlimited Skyduster Beer during the two-hour competition — pretty good deal!
Put on your cowboy boots for a line dancing night amongst the animals at the L.A. Zoo. The Zoo’s regular after-dark events this week feature music from Pulp Vixen, food trucks, lawn games, and a silent disco.
This is not a drill. The Cinerama Dome is reopening. I repeat, the Cinerama Dome is reopening! Could 2028 get more exciting for this town? I don’t think so.
Thanks for bearing with us this week as we transition Best Things to Do to once a week, which we hope will give you more time to plan your weekend and the week ahead. Let us know if you have feedback or event suggestions at bestthingstodo@laist.com
In music this week, we are spoiled for choice. Licorice Pizza’s picks include the Violent Femmes’ residency at the Bellwether every night through Friday. Let me go on!
On Wednesday, Tower of Power and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band get horny at the Hollywood Bowl, while Cypress Hill is with Ozomatli at the Pacific Amphitheatre.
Thursday, the Fixx is at the Belasco, Sublime plays the Grammy Museum roof and Flyleaf begins their three-night run at House of Blues Anaheim. Friday, Motionless In White plays the Forum, the Pretty Reckless with special guest Paris Jackson play the Wiltern, and Black Moth gets their freak on at the Pacific Amphitheatre.
Saturday, K-pop girl group Ive is at the Forum, Of Montreal is at the Regent, John Legend is at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and Lil Wayne with 2 Chainz and The Game play Long Beach F&M Bank Amphitheater.
Rock Goddess Kim Gordon plays two nights at Pacific Electric this weekend, and another rock goddess, St. Vincent, takes on the Hollywood Bowl with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Anoushka Shankar on Saturday. Plus, Death Cab for Cutie and Nation of Language are at the Greek. Looking ahead to next week, Sarah McLaughlin will take the Greek stage on Tuesday.
Below are the rest of the events you should know about this weekend and beyond.
Events
The People of Pompeii
Through Sunday, Oct. 4 Theatricum Botanicum 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga COST: FROM $40; MORE INFO
(
Ian Flanders
/
Lucy PR
)
A new (and timely!) comedy by award-winning playwright Bernardo Cubría, The People of Pompeii opens this weekend at Theatricum Botanicum and runs through the fall.Set in a far-far-away land — ok not really, it’s Topanga — the play takes place in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire as evacuated residents return home and try to regain a sense of normalcy. Cubría, who moved to Topanga five years ago, addresses issues of “performative progressivism, gentrification, race, class and the uneasy social dynamics between longtime canyon residents and wealthy newcomers” in the show, which features characters based on his real life (Cubría co-stars alongside his wife, Lauren Saffa). Plus, Saturday — opening night — is also taco night!
Surf Guitar 101 Festival
Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2 Garden Grove Elks Lodge 11551 Trask Ave., Garden Grove COST: FROM $44; MORE INFO
(
Courtesy Surf Guitar 101 Fest
)
Grab yourself a tiki drink and groove on down to the Surf Guitar 101 Festival in Garden Grove. Southern California’s own invention, surf guitar bands like the Bomboras, Los Straitjackets and Slacktone will play the annual event; plus, you can stick around for a vintage swimsuit contest, guitar seminars and more.
Burger-Eating Competition
Saturday, August 1, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Burgers Never Say Die 2388 Glendale Blvd., Silver Lake COST: FROM $15; MORE INFO
Why should Joey Chestnut have all the fun? Watch or eat (or both) at the first-ever Burgers Never Say Die Burger-Eating Competition. The local spot is hosting six contestants to see who can devour 20 burgers in just 10 minutes. The winner will be crowned the “Shmasters Champion” and be escorted in a limo to Dodger Stadium for the Red Sox vs. Dodgers game that same night. If one burger is plenty for you, a spectator ticket ($15) gets you a burger, fries and unlimited Skyduster Beer during the two-hour competition — pretty good deal!
MVMTFest LA
Through Sunday, August 9 2245 E. Washington Blvd., West Adams COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
If you've been hesitant to get involved in the dance community in LA, MVMT Fest is your chance to take a drop-in class, catch a performance, check out a dance party or watch a screening. With events going almost a full two weeks, there is something for everyone
U.S. Open of Surfing
Through Sunday, Aug. 2 Huntington Beach COST: VARIES, CONCERTS START AT $73.20; MORE INFO
Sawyer Lindblad jumps from her board after finishing a ride during last year's US Open of Surfing.
(
Robert Gauthier
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
If you didn’t get enough surf at the Surf Guitar fest, keep heading south for the annual U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. Watch the world’s best surfers take to the waves, or grab a ticket for the music stage where the Allah-las and Local Natives will play this weekend.
L.A. Stone Fruit Festival
Sunday, August 2 through Saturday, 8 Various local farmers market locations COST: FREE; MORE INFO
I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox. And now I have to go to the L.A. Stone Fruit Festival to buy more. Going all week at many farmers markets around the area, Food Access LA is hosting special events featuring all the plums, peaches and nectarines the area is famous for this time of year.
Movies at the Steps: Wicked
Friday, July 31, 8:30 p.m. Culver Steps 9300 Culver Blvd.,Culver City COST: FREE; MORE INFO
(
Courtesy The Culver Steps
)
What better place to watch Wicked than at the doorstep of where The Wizard of Oz was filmed? Sunset movies on the Culver Steps happen every Friday in the Summer. This week’s pick is sure to be a popular one.
Madonna: The Rise of the Material Girl (1980-1985)
Opening Saturday, August 1, 6 p.m. Musichead Gallery 7420 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood COST: FREE; MORE INFO
(
Musichead Gallery
/
Eventbrite
)
It’s always been Madonna’s world; we’re just living in it. The Queen of Pop is back with Confessions II on the charts, but you can relive her early days at a new photography exhibit, Madonna: The Rise of the Material Girl at the Musichead Gallery.
Country Line Dancing
Friday, July 31, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. L.A. Zoo After Dark 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, Los Feliz COST: $30; MORE INFO
Howdy! Put on your cowboy boots for a line dancing night amongst the animals at the L.A. Zoo. The zoo’s regular after-dark event this week features music from Pulp Vixen, food trucks, lawn games and a silent disco.
Frank Stoltze
is a veteran reporter who covers local politics and examines how democracy is and, at times, is not working.
Published July 28, 2026 5:35 PM
The Jail complex in downtown Los Angeles
(
Robert Garrova / LAist
)
Topline:
A proposed charter change aims to ensure that a portion of the Los Angeles County budget be set aside for programs that fund alternatives to jail. The measure, approved Tuesday by the county Board of Supervisors, would restore funds accidentally removed under a previous charter measure. The measure is headed to the ballot in November.
The backstory: In 2020, voters approved Measure J, which required dedicating at least 10% of locally generated, unrestricted general funds to alternatives to incarceration, including job training, mental health treatment and youth development. It explicitly banned the use of those specific funds for prisons, jails or law enforcement agencies.
What happened: A clerical error in 2024 at the county led to the inadvertent repeal of Measure J. It happened when voters approved Measure G. That measure included language that had the unintended effect of making Measure J null and void starting in December 2028.
The details: The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Tuesday to put on the November ballot a measure that would “continue uninterrupted the County's commitment to community investment and alternatives to incarceration.” Supervisor Holly Mitchell was absent from the meeting.
