July 1, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Dramatic L.A. swearing-in ceremony for Congressman Ted Lieu as fire alarm forces evacuation

Zachary Garai and Congressman Ted Lieu (Dem-33rd District) at the Los Angeles swearing in at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Zachary Garai and Congressman Ted Lieu (Dem-33rd District) at the Los Angeles swearing-in at UCLA’s Royce Hall on March 1.

By Zachary Garai

“I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation, or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.”

So went the oath of office of Representative Ted Lieu at his Los Angeles swearing-in ceremony – but not before a fire alarm at UCLA’s Royce Hall on Sunday, March 1, forced nearly 1,000 people out into the rain while firefighters investigated.

Directly after “God Bless America,” the fire alarm went off and everyone was told to evacuate the building.

Firefighters eventually entered and announced that it was a false alarm, and that someone had pulled it from the basement. Audience members filed back into the hall in a mere 12 minutes.

Finally, the newly elected Representative Lieu and his family took the stage, where Circuit Court Judge Jacqueline Nguyen presided over his Oath of Office.

Perhaps the most important moments were those when Lieu was on the stage, sharing with the audience his beliefs, goals, and attitudes.

He discussed his views on climate change, and how he was at the front of the climate change issue in his time as State Senator, and how he will continue to fight for the planet. “There are a thousand issues Congress faces, but only one of them can kill the entire species – climate change.”

“I am confident that Congress will one day pass comprehensive immigration reform,” said Lieu, when speaking on one of the most critical issues of today’s political scheme.

The congressman also stressed the importance of the middle class. “We went into a recession because the middle class couldn’t buy anything,” he explained. “By increasing their purchasing power, we increase our GDP.”

He also said that there are “too many voices not included” in government, such as those of the middle and lower classes.

One of the most ambitious goals of the Stanford alum was to push for an amendment to the Constitution.

“I’m going to pass a constitutional amendment to repeal the Supreme Court decision,” he said, referring to the 2010 Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission decision that stated that “corporations are people.”

As for the difficulty of accomplishing this goal of his, other than the Bill of Rights, there have been only 17 amendments out of over nine thousand proposals.

The representative also spoke of his life, and how he has lived the American dream. Born in Taiwan, Lieu immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio.

His family operated a gift store and then expanded to six locations.

Following his relocating to California, the politician rose through the ranks of public service from a Torrance City Councilman to the steps of Congress as Democratic Freshman Class President of the House.

Ended by a thunderous applause, the ceremony marked a new political era in Lieu’s 33rd District.

The event began with the Nicholson Pipes and Drums, who played for the audience, followed by the Torrance Firefighters Honor Guard setting the three flags in place without missing a beat.

The ceremony was attended nearly a thousand people, including dozens of elected officials from various parts of the 33rd Congressional District. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Representatives Maxine Waters, Karen Bass, and Xavier Becerra, and actor Tim Robbins were present for the ceremony, each giving a speech in honor of Representative Lieu.

Speeches were also given by Rabbi Meyer May, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, and Father Sunwoo, while Manhattan Beach Council member Amy Howorth served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

The New Directions Veterans Choir performed by singing the “Military Medley” and “God Bless America.” Each speech and musical break paid tribute to Representative Lieu and the United States.

Tags: in News
Related Posts

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

Second Victim Killed Alongside LAPD Sergeant in Brentwood 405 Crash Identified

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Authorities Confirm Garcia, 34, Died at the Scene, GoFundMe Launched  Authorities have identified the civilian who was killed alongside a...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

Historic Sawtelle Nursery Site Could Become 40-Unit Townhome Complex

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Sawtelle Continues to Change as Nursery Site Faces Redevelopment Plans have been submitted to redevelop a nursery site, F.K. Nursery,...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

Overdose Deaths Drop 22% in Los Angeles County, Marking Largest Decline on Record

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Fentanyl Fatalities Fell 37% as County Ramps up Funding for Prevention, Treatment Drug overdose deaths in Los Angeles County declined...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Robbery Suspects Captured in Beverly Hills After License Plate Alert Triggers Pursuit

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Foot Chase Ends in Arrests After ALPR Flags Robbery Vehicle in Beverly Hills An alert from the Beverly Hills Police...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...

Supporters to Gather This Weekend for Longtime Culver City Paleta Seller Held in Detention

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Family and Neighbors Will Gather Sunday to Sell Paletas and Raise Funds Supporters will gather this Sunday at Veterans Park...