Dear neighbor,

Earlier this week, shocking reporting revealed that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recklessly texted extremely sensitive operational information to a group chat on an unsecure, commercial messaging app. This serious breach of national security protocol endangered American troops, our national security, and our allies’ willingness to share information with us.

The White House and Secretary Hegseth have tried to downplay this epic screwup, claiming the information shared was “not classified.” National security and military experts disagree. The information sent was classified, the group chat was not an approved form of secure communications, and there was an unknown journalist in the chat.

Secretary Hegseth must go. I'm calling on Republicans to join Democrats in conducting investigations to get to the bottom of this misconduct. We need to know how regularly classified information is being shared recklessly, and whether our enemies can or have accessed that sensitive data. There must be accountability.

TSUNAMI PREPAREDNESS WEEK: Tsunami Preparedness Week 2025 is March 22 – 30. It’s important for Californians to understand the hazards of living at or visiting the coast. I encourage you to become better tsunami aware by visiting tsunami.ca.gov. NOAA’s National Tsunami Warning Center also offers tsunami information, including the current status of warnings, advisories and watches, as well as frequently asked questions. More information relevant to Californians, plus resources and activities this week can be found here.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters at Santa Monica Beach and near the pier. More information can be found in the advisory here.

FINAL DEADLINES FOR FIRE RECOVERY: This is your last chance to submit the Right of Entry form to participate in the government debris removal program—at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Opting in keeps your debris removal options open. Form and more info here. Due March 31. FEMA and SBA assistance applications must also be submitted by Monday, March 31.

These are increasingly confusing and stressful times. My staff and I are here to assist. If you need help with a federal agency, please feel free to contact my LA office at (323) 651-1040.

I look forward to updating you again soon.

Warmly,

Ted