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. 187 - January 12, 2024

State Politics

• Governor Newsom has released a draft of the state budget (here) for the upcoming fiscal year. The governor’s office projects a deficit of $38 billion (far less than the $63 billion projected by the state’s legislative analysts). The governor’s budget closes the gap by drawing on the reserve fund, borrowing out of special funds, and making cuts to some climate and housing programs.

City Politics

• The city ethics department has released the most recent campaign fundraising reports, covering the fourth quarter of 2023. Kevin de León’s donors include Daniel Nogueira — the son of Michael Nogueira, longtime KDL ally and head of Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce — who intentionally set fire to a homeless encampment. Additionally, the Los Angeles Police Protective League has received $400,000 from corporate landlord Douglas Emmett — responsible for the largest mass eviction in LA history, at Barrington Plaza — to oppose Councilmember Nithya Raman.

Housing Justice

• The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to Martin v. Boise, the landmark civil rights 9th Circuit Court ruling that held that it was cruel and unusual punishment for municipalities that lacked adequate shelter space to displace unhoused people from their encampments. The challenge arose from the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, but Governor Newsom and LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein-Soto have (disgracefully) signed on to an amicus brief in support of the petitioners.

• A November statewide ballot measure, currently being challenged in the California Superior Court, would raise the passing threshold to 66% for any ballot measure that increases local special tax. Measure ULA, the Los Angeles ballot measure that raises money for affordable housing and tenant protections through a transfer tax, would be retroactively nullified. Councilmember Nithya Raman explains more.

• Today the Los Angeles City Council heard a presentation from the mayor’s office on the progress of the mayor’s Inside Safe program. Video here. Comprehensively live-tweeted by Knock LA here.

Labor

• The mayor’s office has reached a tentative agreement with the Coalition of LA City Unions, which represents thousands of city workers. The new contract offers a series of raises through 2028. It still needs to be ratified by membership and approved by the city council.

• This week, Unite Here Local 11, which represents thousands of striking hotel workers, secured tentative agreements with four more Los Angeles County hotels: the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica on Monday, Sheraton Universal, Line Hotel and 1 Hotel West Hollywood.

Police Violence and Community Resistance

• L.A. Taco continues its coverage of the preliminary hearing of the “Justice 8,” a group of activists who continue to be held without bail in San Bernardino County.

• Police Chief Michel Moore announced today that he will resign at the end of the month.