What to expect: Overall rainfall amounts will be under an inch today according to the National Weather Service, but there will be some pockets of heavy downpours.
Read on ... for more details.
The next winter storm is here, but the National Weather Service says we should get under an inch of rain, even with small pockets of heavy downpours.
The big story is that our local mountains will get covered in more snow today. Elevations above 6,000 feet could get up to a foot of snow and lower elevations around 3,000 to 4,000 feet also could see a couple inches of snowfall.
As for temperatures, it's looking pretty chilly out there. Temps at the beaches will range from the mid-50s to around 60 degrees. High surf will continue to hit the coast from Malibu to Orange County until Friday evening, with waves reaching anywhere between 6 to 10 feet high.
L.A. County valleys will see temperatures from 51 to 57 degrees. Meanwhile, in the Inland Empire, it will be cooler, with highs from 48 to 55 degrees.
In Coachella Valley, expect temperatures from 63 to 68 degrees.
Topline:
At least six people have been arrested in connection with student walkouts this month protesting immigration raids, as local and federal authorities warn of potential legal consequences ahead of additional demonstrations.
LAPD statement: In a Feb. 16 statement, the LAPD states it’s unlawful for minors under 18 to be in public places, streets, or amusement spots during school hours. Exceptions include emergencies or being with a parent. The department cited state education code requiring that children between the ages of 6 and 18 “must attend a full-time public day school for the full designated day.”
ACLU responds: Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel and First Amendment Rights attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, called Bill Essayli's, the first assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, comments “disgusting.” “To be posting and suggesting that they are criminals, on Twitter or X, is just completely inconsistent with the kind of protections that juveniles are supposed to have in the criminal justice system,” Eliasberg said.
Read on... for more about the local and federal authorities' warning.
At least six people have been arrested in connection with student walkouts this month protesting immigration raids, as local and federal authorities warn of potential legal consequences ahead of additional demonstrations.
Five people were arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism and one on suspicion of battery on a police officer during the week of Feb. 2, according to Los Angeles Police Det. Meghan Aguilar. For several days that week, thousands of LAUSD students walked out and marched to downtown LA to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The LAPD didn’t respond to questions about whether those arrested were minors or adults.
In a Feb. 16 statement, the LAPD states it’s unlawful for minors under 18 to be in public places, streets, or amusement spots during school hours. Exceptions include emergencies or being with a parent. The department cited state education code requiring that children between the ages of 6 and 18 “must attend a full-time public day school for the full designated day.”
Legal consequences for violating daytime curfew are a possibility, LAPD said.
In the statement, the LAPD warns that any adult “who collects or picks up a child and transports them to participate in any illegal activities may be responsible for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and is subject to arrest and prosecution.”
“This law applies to actions like providing drugs/alcohol to minors, promoting truancy, and for parents failing to exercise reasonable supervision,” the LAPD continues.
The warning follows clashes at recent student demonstrations that, according to the LA Times, injured three federal agents.
A day later, Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, condemned the walkouts in a post on X, saying, “The only thing they will accomplish is ensuring violent agitators will be criminally prosecuted, juveniles included.”Essayli also posted photos of youth he said were sought in connection with a “violent attack on [Federal Protective Service] at our downtown Los Angeles property.”
In a statement, LAUSD said it “supports the rights of our students to express themselves and to advocate for causes that are important to them. Civic engagement is a vital part of education in a democracy.”
However, it added, “our foremost responsibility is student safety. Schools remain the safest place for students during the instructional day, and we are concerned about the potential risks associated with off-campus demonstrations.”
LAUSD did not specifically comment on the statements from Essayli and LAPD.
Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel and First Amendment Rights attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, called Essayli’s comments “disgusting.”
“To be posting and suggesting that they are criminals, on Twitter or X, is just completely inconsistent with the kind of protections that juveniles are supposed to have in the criminal justice system,” Eliasberg said.
Eliasberg found it “revolting” that Essayli is choosing to go after juveniles at a time when there have been cases of Department of Homeland Security agents “using lethal force, shooting people in the head with tear gas canisters and other weapons.”
While schools can enforce truancy rules, Eliasberg said, “bringing students into the criminal justice system is not to anyone’s benefit.”
“All it will do [is] actually cause kids to have to miss more school while they deal with criminal charges,” Eliasberg said.
Eliasberg said schools cannot punish students for missing class to engage in political protest more harshly than they would for skipping school for any other purpose.
For example, a student can serve detention for being away from school to attend the protest if that is how the school typically deals with unexcused absences, according to the ACLU’s “My School My Rights” website.
“Turning this kind of thing into a criminal matter is just a real misuse of the criminal system,” Eliasberg said.
Topline:
L.A.’s Charter Reform Commission on Wednesday recommended 16-year-olds and noncitizens be able to vote in municipal elections. They are among the first — and least controversial, commissioners say — proposed changes to the city charter that voters may see on their ballots in November.
Some background on the commission: First approved in July 2024 after a series of scandals at City Hall, the Charter Reform Commission was tasked with suggesting changes to the city charter — a foundational city document, similar to a constitution. The commission had a slow start, facing a number of challenges, and is now pressed to finalize its recommendations on some of the city’s most consequential issues with less than two months left.
What else is moving forward: Recommendations to require a multi-year capital infrastructure plan, remove limits on building height, simplify the process for candidates to get on the ballot for municipal elections, and allow the Recreation and Parks Department to sell land that can't be used as a city park.
Not on the ballot yet: There is still a lengthy process before Angeleos can vote on any of the commission’s recommendations, which need to be written in official charter language and passed again by the commission before being sent to the City Council for approval.
What else may be coming: Commission Chair Raymond Meza said Wednesday’s vote was a big step forward, and votes will be moving faster in the coming weeks. Here are a few significant recommendations the commission is expected to vote on soon:
What's next: The commission is scheduled to meet every Tuesday and Thursday in March in order to get final recommendations to the City Council by April, Meza told LAist.
Topline:
Here are the local run and walk clubs on the Eastside you can be a part of, almost every day of the week.
Why it matters: Have you been wanting to join a running or walking club on the Eastside but don’t know where to start? For many people, run clubs can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to running or getting back into movement. But Eastside crews offer more than just miles, there’s also community.
Cafecito Runners: The Cafecito Runners was founded by community members in February 2025 to create a safe space in Boyle Heights for those who share a love for movement and are “committed to collective care, joy and social justice.” Participants can enjoy a free cafecito after their monthly Sunday runs at Picaresca.
Read on... for more running and walking clubs in the Eastside.
This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Feb. 17, 2026.
Have you been wanting to join a running or walking club on the Eastside but don’t know where to start?
For many people, run clubs can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to running or getting back into movement. But Eastside crews offer more than just miles, there’s also community.
Whether you’re training for your next marathon, keeping it to a no-frills walk, or simply looking to meet new people, Boyle Heights, East L.A. and other neighboring communities have options.
Here are the local run and walk clubs on the Eastside you can be a part of, almost every day of the week.
The Cafecito Runners was founded by community members in February 2025 to create a safe space in Boyle Heights for those who share a love for movement and are “committed to collective care, joy and social justice.” Participants can enjoy a free cafecito after their monthly Sunday runs at Picaresca.
Location: Picaresca Barra de Cafe (2931 East 4th St.)
When: Every Monday and first Sunday of the month
Time: 6 p.m. on Mondays, 8 a.m. on Sunday
Instagram: @cafecitorunnersla
The Boyle Heights Walking Club is a family-friendly neighborhood walk that brings the community together. The group also emphasizes the importance of standing up for their community and spreading “Know Your Rights” information during their walks.
Location: Cafe Niña (3264 East 4th St.)
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 5 p.m.
Instagram: @bhwalkingclub4
The Boyle Heights Bridge Runners have been part of the community for more than 12 years. What began as a small group of local runners has grown into a community of more than 50 members. Their route starts at the corner of 1st Street and Boyle Avenue at Mariachi Plaza and crosses the Sixth Street Bridge. They offer both 2- and 3-mile running groups
Location: Mariachi Plaza (1831 1st St.)
When: Wednesdays
Time: Meet at 7:45 p.m., start running at 8 p.m.
Instagram: @boyleheightsbridgerunners
The East LA Runners have been around the community for over eight years. They strive to be “a positive, safe space for community friendships, support, safety, and running,” according to their Instagram. Parking is available in the East L.A. Civic Center lot. Runners of all paces are welcome.
Location: Belvedere Park Lake (4837 E 3rd St.)
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Instagram: @eastlarunners
The East LA Walking Club launched last year and meets weekly on Wednesdays with a new walking route every month. At the beginning of each month, a new route is posted on their Instagram account. Expect to walk about 45 minutes to an hour, covering roughly 2 miles.
Location: Different locations around East LA
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 6 p.m.
Instagram: @eastla_walkclub
The iconic El Pino tree serves as the home base for the 323 Runners, who started their club in 2024. They offer a 4-mile run or a 2-mile walk, and runners of all ages and paces, including fur babies, are welcome.
Location: El Pino (523 N Indiana St.)
When: Every Thursday
Time: 7 p.m.
Instagram: @323runners
The El Sereno Runners started in June 2025 “to provide an opportunity for runners in El Sereno to connect” after organizers noticed their neighborhood didn’t have a running club. They run 4.5 miles around El Sereno but also offer a 3-mile option for beginners or people who enjoy a walk/run mix.
Location: Holy Grounds Coffee (5371 Alhambra Ave.)
When: Every Monday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Instagram: @el_sereno_runners
The El Sereno Walking Club launched earlier this year with the goal of helping people “build community through movement.” The club also supports local businesses. At a recent walk, Raiz Pressed Juice provided wellness shots. All ages and paces are welcome.
Location: Different locations around El Sereno
When: Every Sunday
Time: 8 a.m., start walking by 8:15 a.m.
Instagram: @elserenowalkingclub
Running Mamis was created in 2018 to offer a safe space for mothers and women on the Eastside. They organize activities such as short-distance runs, self-care activities and full marathon training. Side note: You don’t have to be a mom to join!
Location: Typically runs are in Boyle Heights, Little Tokyo, downtown and Chinatown
Instagram: @running.mamis
Topline:
California Democrats this weekend in San Francisco have an opportunity to set the tone in a pivotal election year when their voters could decide control of the U.S. House.
The context: As Democrats across the country push to harness dissatisfaction with the Trump administration into a transformative November midterm, all eyes are on the nation’s largest state party as it chooses who to support in California’s June primary.
The outlook: Party leaders are riding high after voters backed Proposition 50, the ballot measure to gerrymander congressional districts in favor of Democrats. The three-day gathering gives it an early opportunity to build on that momentum for the upcoming elections.
The background: For years, young Democrats in particular have urged the party to embrace bolder, more progressive ideas such as universal health coverage, tuition-free college, banning the sale of arms to Israel and eschewing the Democratic Party’s longstanding deference to seniority and incumbency through term limits. The brashness of the second Trump administration has given new urgency to those demands as the Democratic base tires of what activists call a milquetoast “radical civility” approach.
Read on... for more on the state of political pay heading into the next election cycle.
California Democrats this weekend in San Francisco have an opportunity to set the tone in a pivotal election year when their voters could decide control of the U.S. House.
As Democrats across the country push to harness dissatisfaction with the Trump administration into a transformative November midterm, all eyes are on the nation’s largest state party as it chooses who to support in California’s June primary.
Party leaders are riding high after voters backed Proposition 50, the ballot measure to gerrymander congressional districts in favor of Democrats. The three-day gathering gives it an early opportunity to build on that momentum for the upcoming elections.
The state’s marquee race this year is the one to succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom, a national Democratic star with presidential aspirations who terms out at the end of this year. But don’t expect a rousing party endorsement there: With nearly 10 candidates, it’s unlikely any of them will attract enough of the 3,500 expected Democratic delegates to secure the nod. Newsom himself won’t attend, a spokesperson said.
Instead, one of the biggest questions will be whether California Democrats continue to anoint establishment candidates — those with backing from elected party leaders, high-dollar donors and powerful lobbying groups — or if political newcomers can convert their grassroots support from the party into actual endorsements.
For years, young Democrats in particular have urged the party to embrace bolder, more progressive ideas such as universal health coverage, tuition-free college, banning the sale of arms to Israel and eschewing the Democratic Party’s longstanding deference to seniority and incumbency through term limits. The brashness of the second Trump administration has given new urgency to those demands as the Democratic base tires of what activists call a milquetoast “radical civility” approach.
“The fact that we’re in a national emergency means there’s no time for incrementalism or moderation,” said Heidi Hall, a Nevada County supervisor and the first Democrat to announce she is challenging incumbent GOP Rep. Kevin Kiley to represent a competitive district east of Sacramento.
“Any Democrat in office who’s not willing to fight this hard should get out, should step aside and let someone else in who is going to fight it,” Hall said. “Or they’re going to be complicit in what’s happening.”
Kiley has since said he will run for Congress again, but not in his current district, which has changed dramatically since the passage of Prop. 50.
Early signs suggest there’s at least some appetite for new blood in California’s overwhelmingly Democratic congressional delegation of 52 members. In January, local delegates blocked five sitting Democratic congressmembers — Reps. Ami Bera, John Garamendi, Doris Matsui, Brad Sherman and Mike Thompson — from securing endorsements that incumbents typically receive by default. Those members instead have had to court delegates to earn the party’s nod as they face challenges from further left-leaning, and mostly younger, candidates.
And while Thompson, Garamendi and Sherman were able to amass enough support from local delegates in a pre-convention endorsement vote, Matsui must continue seeking support at the convention. Bera was iced out of an endorsement entirely since he was unable to secure even a simple majority of votes from delegates in his district.
“People on the ground are tired of insider politics like this,” Hall said. “They want to be heard and they want the opportunity to choose the candidate they want.”
Hall’s team spent more than a month calling delegates and gathering petition signatures to deny Bera an automatic endorsement. She criticized the seven-term congressman from Elk Grove, who represents the Sacramento-based 6th Congressional District, for jumping into the race in the neighboring 3rd District where she is running after the new Prop. 50 maps made the seat far more favorable to Democrats.
In a preliminary endorsement vote, Hall placed third behind Bera and fellow grassroots candidate Chris Bennett, who also switched districts in November.
Another endorsement fight to watch is in the 22nd Congressional District, where two Central Valley Democrats have embraced different tactics to win swing votes as they vie for the chance to topple incumbent GOP Rep. David Valadao, a top target for Democrats nationally this cycle.
Randy Villegas, a community college professor, Visalia school board trustee and political newcomer, is hoping to win his party’s endorsement over establishment-favorite Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, who is endorsed by the powerful Service Employees International Union of California.
Villegas is campaigning on the economic populist message popularized by progressives such as U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, while Bains, a physician from Kern County, portrays herself as a moderate “Valleycrat” who isn’t afraid to buck party leadership.
Winning the party endorsement over the incumbent or establishment favorite will still be an uphill battle, said Mai Vang, the progressive Sacramento city council member challenging Rep. Matsui in the 7th Congressional District. To her, the party’s endorsements signify more than just an infusion of campaign money and volunteer door-knockers.
“It’s about the future of this country and what kind of Democratic Party we want to be moving forward,” Vang said. “In this moment, we have to ask ourselves, ‘What type of leaders do we want to send to the halls of Congress to fight this authoritarian administration?’”
One race in which there will almost certainly be no endorsement is the wide-open governor’s race.
It’s typically hard to secure the party’s endorsement in any race without an incumbent, requiring a candidate to get 60% of delegates’ votes. This weekend, a whopping eight Democrats running for governor will give speeches before delegates on Saturday — and that doesn’t even include all the Democrats in the race.
Those vying for the endorsement include former Rep. Katie Porter, a consumer attorney who made her name in Congress challenging corporate executives; Rep. Eric Swalwell, a former prosecutor known for playing a role in the second Trump impeachment; and the self-funding billionaire Tom Steyer, who has poured some of his hedge fund-gained wealth into environmental activism.
Lagging them in campaign cash and polls are former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, former state Controller Betty Yee, state public schools chief Tony Thurmond and former Assemblymember Ian Calderon.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan was the latest to enter the race last month, missing a party deadline to seek the endorsement. But the moderate, who is not well known outside of the Bay Area, has quickly raised millions of dollars in campaign donations from tech executives like Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, making him a formidable opponent.
Still, all the candidates will work the crowds this weekend. The gathering, which will feature both official work like voter registration training and boozy schmooze-fests hosted by interest groups and campaigns, represents the highest concentration of the most active party loyalists in the state. It’s a chance for the candidates to win the attention of potential organizers, volunteers and benefactors.
Failing to secure a sizable number of delegates could ramp up pressure on some candidates to drop out, as poll after poll points to the wide field of Democrats splitting voters’ support and putting Republicans in the apparent lead. In California’s top-two primary, the two candidates who receive the most votes move on to the general election, regardless of party, leading some Democrats to be anxious that two Republicans could advance.
For months, polling has shown the top two Republican candidates, former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, besting most Democrats. In the latest poll by Emerson College, published Wednesday, the top-polling Democrat was Swalwell, with 14% of likely voters supporting him. He was sandwiched between top-polling Hilton and Bianco, meaning the three are statistically tied. No other Democrat got more than 10% of surveyed voters’ support.
Party Chair Rusty Hicks dismissed the concerns that there are too many little-known Democrats in the race, and would not say whether he or the party would intervene to prompt candidates to drop out and consolidate support.
“I’m committed to doing what’s required to ensure we win in November of 2026, period,” he said. “The reality is, by the time you get to the end of March and beginning of April, you’re likely to see the field naturally thin itself out.”
