The Thorn West is a state and local news roundup compiled by volunteer 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. Writers and copy editors wanted! Email [email protected] if interested!

Issue No. 224 - January 24, 2025

City Politics

• President Trump visited Southern California today; he has implied that he plans to withhold federal disaster aid for wildfire recovery until the state government complies with a growing list of right-wing demands.

• In Altadena, the Eaton fire devastated one of Southern California’s most deeply-rooted Black communities; but locals have mobilized networks of mutual aid in response. The NAACP has initiated a lawsuit against SoCal Edison, alleging that sparks from the utility’s electrical equipment ignited the Eaton fire.

Housing Rights

• A previously-delayed motion, introduced by Councilmembers Soto-Martinez and Hernandez would temporarily halt all rent increases through January 2026 and ban eviction of tenants affected by the wildfires. It will be considered by the full council next week. Join DSA-LA and the Keep LA Housed coalition for a press conference before the meeting next Wednesday, January 29th, as well as to give public comment at the council meeting. Those who can’t attend can submit public comment with this toolkit.

• An executive order from the governor protects people whose homes have been lost or damaged in the LA wildfires from being targeted by real estate speculators.

• An attempt by the LA County Board of Supervisors to relax regulations on short term rentals received widespread public pushback; an amended version was passed as a temporary measure.

Immigration

• LAist spoke with several experts about how to assert your legal rights in the face of rampant abuse of power by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement under the Trump administration.

• CalMatters speaks with members of immigrant communities living under the shadow of the administration’s looming threats to their freedom.

• Trump has vowed to allow and encourage ICE to conduct raids in schools; California educational leaders have promised to fight back.

• California was one of many states to file a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s plan to stop recognizing birthright citizenship. This week, a federal district court temporarily blocked the order from taking effect.

Transportation

• Metro will extend eligibility for its reduced fare program to those who have been affected by the wildfires.

Environmental Justice

• From Torched, a deep dive on air quality in Los Angeles, and how to protect yourself from air pollution, particularly after a wildfire.

• Though new fires broke out during the week, across LA County firefighters have made significant progress on containment, with weekend forecasts showing a significant chance of rain.