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.

Issue No. 241 - October 17, 2025

State Politics

• CalMatters details what laws Governor Newsom signed and vetoed, now that the deadline has passed. Signatures include legislation permitting denser housing near high-use transit stations and prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing masks. Notable vetoes include several AI regulation bills  and two bills authored by the state’s own Reparations Task Force.

• This election day, Los Angeles voters will vote on Proposition 50, which would redistrict the state congressional map to add Democratic seats. Ballots have been mailed. California DSA and DSA-LA have endorsed a yes vote, and will be canvassing in support of the measure.

City Politics

• The Los Angeles Fire Department has released an after-action review report on its management of the January fires that devastated the Palisades. The report includes details on the suspect who has been arrested and charged for starting the Lachman Fire, which rekindled into the Palisades Fire. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors also released a commissioned report on county management of the Eaton and Palisades Fires.

• The University of Southern California has joined a growing list of colleges to reject the Trump administration’s education compact, which provides federal funding in exchange for compliance with a laundry list of far-right demands.

• In opposition to the Trump Administration, millions are expected to attend “No Kings” demonstrations across the country tomorrow, with multiple protest locations in the Los Angeles area. DSA-LA is coordinating its members to attend together – see here for more info!

• In September, a district court order restricted the LAPD’s use of force on the press. In advance of Saturday’s planned No Kings demonstrations, the LAPD, with the support of the city attorney’s office, is requesting an emergency stay of that order. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, who has introduced a motion to further restrict the LAPD’s violence against the press, criticized the emergency stay request.

ICE in Los Angeles

• The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has declared a state of emergency, in response to indiscriminate abductions across Los Angeles by ICE and other federal agencies.  The move empowers the county to provide aid to residents economically impacted by immigration raids.

Labor

• AB 288, signed in September, opens a state level alternative for workers and organizers to bring labor complaints, in reaction to the Trump administration's neutering of the National Labor Relations Board.

Climate Justice

• After an uncharacteristic October rainstorm, La Niña conditions are leading many to predict a dry winter in California.