Mayor Karen Bass has urged Governor Gavin Newsom to sign two state bills designed to increase accountability for cold storage companies and enhance community protection following the Lineage warehouse fire in Boyle Heights.
The proposed legislation includes AB 817, sponsored by Mayor Bass and introduced by Assemblymember Mark González, which mandates cold storage facilities maintain a contingency fund before receiving new building permits. Additionally, Mayor Bass supported SB 716, introduced by Senator María Elena Durazo, aimed at strengthening penalties for violations at large commercial buildings during serious incidents.
Mayor Bass's office recently testified in Sacramento in support of AB 817. "At every turn, Lineage has failed to meet its responsibility to Boyle Heights and East L.A. and to provide meaningful support to residents and small businesses," said Mayor Bass. She added, "We cannot change what happened in Boyle Heights, but we can change what happens next."
Bass emphasized that these bills will ensure communities are protected and urged Governor Newsom to sign them. She has also stated that Lineage and Chill Build should not rebuild and has directed City lawyers to explore litigation and other legal options for cost recovery and penalties.