Lifeguard

Los Angeles County's Measure A, on the Nov. 3 ballot, would amend the county charter to require that labor disputes with roughly 17,000 public safety employees—including sheriff's deputies, firefighters, lifeguards and coroner's office staff—go to a binding, three-member arbitration panel if negotiations stall. Currently the county can impose its own final offer. Backed by public safety unions and four of five county supervisors, the measure is framed as leveling the playing field since these workers cannot legally strike. There's no organized opposition, though accountability advocates and county finance officials have warned that mandatory arbitration could strain the county's budget and reduce transparency.

Nassau County police have begun testing water rescue drones near Island Park on Long Island, aiming to reach swimmers and boaters in distress faster than marine units can respond. The drones carry rescue equipment and deploy a beacon that activates on contact with water, potentially closing the critical gap—5 to 10 minutes, officials say—before first responders arrive. They are expected to help with rip tide incidents and shark sighting monitoring on South Shore beaches during peak season.

Beyond water rescues, officials say the drones will support broader law enforcement functions, including monitoring crime scenes, road rage incidents, street takeovers, and threats at places of worship, sometimes covertly. The county is funding the program with money seized from drug dealers, currently operating eight drones with plans to expand to 24 by spring. Long Beach police also see potential for crowd monitoring at large gatherings. Officials highlighted the drones' rapid deployment, thermal imaging, and collision-avoidance sensors as key advantages for both emergency response and policing.

The California legislature has approved Senate Bill 1330, sending it to Gov. Gavin Newsom for signature. Authored by State Sen. Jesse Arreguín (D-Oakland) and passed in a bipartisan vote, the bill would classify utility workers alongside other protected public service professionals, including peace officers, health care workers, nurses and lifeguards. If signed into law, assault or battery against a utility worker would carry penalties of up to one year in county jail, a $2,000 fine, or both.

The measure follows a string of violent attacks on crews from major utilities. In March, PG&E contract workers in El Dorado County were shot at while replacing a power pole, injuring one worker and two sheriff's deputies. Last month, a Southern California Edison crew came under fire in San Bernardino County's Mentone community. Arreguín's office reports at least 450 violent incidents or threats against California utility workers since 2024, prompting the push for stronger legal protections.