The Thorn West is a state and local news roundup compiled by members of DSA-LA. Our goal is to provide a weekly update on the latest developments in state and local politics, and to track the issues that are most important to our membership.

Issue No. 182 - November 10, 2023

City Politics

• Los Angeles Councilmember John Lee has sued the City Ethics Commission, related to the commission’s recent accusation that Lee committed multiple ethics violations. Lee is seeking reelection in 2024, and his first challenger declared only just last month: former Ethics Commission president, Serena Oberstein.

• The city of Cudahy, in southeast Los Angeles Coumty, has become the first city in Los Angeles to officially call for a ceasefire in Gaza after passing a resolution on Tuesday. LA Public Press covers, and also provides a recap of local Palestinian solidarity protests, while providing information on some upcoming actions.

Labor

• After a 118 day strike, SAG-AFTRA has reached a tentative agreement with the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers! The SAG-AFTRA National Board has voted to ratify the agreement by a vote of 86%. Starting Tuesday, voting will begin for rank and file membership.

Police Violence and Community Resistance

• There was substantial media coverage this week over a deployment of the LAPD’s new “robot dog,” acquired earlier this year despite widespread public opposition. Though initial coverage of the deployment reported that the robot dog had been instrumental in resolving a “standoff” with an armed passenger on a city bus, further reporting from LA Taco revealed that the man was only in possession of a BB gun, and had fallen asleep. Streetsblog LA has the full media critique.

Housing Rights

• Consideration of a motion to allow rent increases of 4%–6% on rent-stabilized units in Los Angeles was postponed until Tuesday. If the motion does not pass, then rent increases as high as 7%–9% will be allowed. Los Angeles Tenants Union, with the support of DSA-LA Housing and Homelessness Committee, continues to rally support for a full freeze in rent increases: toolkit here.

Transportation

• Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to take the next step on implementing a speed camera pilot program, with the goal of reducing automobile violence against cyclists and pedestrians. Motion here. The passage of AB 645 in September enabled these pilot programs to begin in several large cities across California.