During the 2022 elections, Californians voted to keep many incumbent statewide officials in office.
But at the local level, many new leaders are at work to serve their constituents.
On this week's "In Focus SoCal," host Tanya McRae sits down with new Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, who formerly served as vice mayor and represented the 9th District. He is the first Black mayor of Long Beach and made history in 2014 when he became the youngest person to be elected to the Long Beach City Council.
Richardson discussed parts of his "Opportunity Beach" agenda, including ways to invest in the future of his city.
"That's a commitment to our future and a commitment to expanding access to the resources that all families need to thrive," he said.
Long Beach also declared a state of emergency on homelessness earlier this month, just weeks after the city of Los Angeles announced its plan. Recent data shows homelessness increased a staggering 62% in Long Beach between 2020 and 2022.
"You won't resolve homelessness in a six-to-nine-month emergency," said Richardson. "We have to remain focused on root causes and make sure that everyone's going all in and doing their part."
McRae also sits down with Spectrum News 1's Kate Cagle to discuss new leadership at the LA County Sheriff's Department, including Sheriff Robert Luna and the first female undersheriff in department history, April Tardy. Cagle said Luna is focused on rebuilding the department's reputation and relationship with the LA County Board of Supervisors.
"At the end of the day, putting all politics aside, the Board of Supervisors set the budget for the Sheriff's Department," said Cagle. "And he said it's in their best interest, in the best interest of community safety, to have a good relationship."
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