On Wednesday, Congressman George Whitesides (CA-27) announced that he secured more than $3 million for local law enforcement and public safety initiatives across the Santa Clarita, Antelope, and San Fernando Valleys.

“This year, I was proud to advocate for important community projects that will keep families in our area safe and supported,” Whitesides said. “From strengthening emergency response capabilities for first responders, to ensuring local law enforcement has the tools they need on the ground, to investing in prevention programs that help young people before crises begin, these funds reflect the real public safety priorities of our communities. I’ll continue working to make sure federal resources are used responsibly to support local partners, protect families, and build safer, more resilient communities across our district.”

The funding Rep. Whitesides secured in the House passage of the CJS–Interior–Energy and Water appropriations package last week includes:

• $1,000,000 for a mobile command center for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Santa Clarita Valley Station

“The funding for a new mobile command post for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station is critically important for enhancing emergency response capabilities, particularly in the wake of recent large-scale natural disasters like the Eaton, Hughes, Canyon, Palisades, and Ridge Route fires,” said LASD Captain Brandon Barclay. “The existing mobile command post is described as antiquated, implying it lacks the technological advancements necessary for effective modern incident management. A new, technologically advanced mobile command post would provide several key benefits. It would offer a centralized, robust communication hub, essential for coordinating multiple agencies—fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and other support organizations—during complex incidents. This improved coordination is vital for efficient resource allocation, timely information dissemination, and overall strategic decision-making, which directly impacts public safety and property protection during wildfires and other emergencies that frequently affect the Santa Clarita Valley region.”

• $1,031,000 for the Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Clubs’ Opioid and Substance Use Prevention Initiative

“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Whitesides for championing this critical investment in prevention and public safety,” said Matthew Nelson, CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club, and Jay Duke, CEO of the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club. “The Opioid & Substance Use Prevention Initiative will allow the Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Clubs to reach young people early with education, mentorship, and supportive programming that reduces risk before it becomes a crisis. This funding represents a proactive approach to public safety — one that strengthens families, empowers youth, and builds healthier, safer communities for the long term.”

• $1,000,000 for advanced equipment for the Lancaster Police Department

“This funding represents a major step forward for public safety in Lancaster, and we are grateful for Congressman Whitesides’ leadership in securing this critical investment,” said Lancaster Mayor Rex Parris. “We made a deliberate decision to build a modern police department powered by technology, intelligence, and accountability and the results are already clear. Crime is down, response is faster, and our officers are better equipped to protect every corner of our City. This support allows us to accelerate what’s working and continue delivering real, measurable safety for our community.”

The appropriations package now heads to the Senate for final passage.

Ed. Note: The above information was provided to KHTS by the office of Rep. Whitesides.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.