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. 243 - November 14, 2025

State Politics

• In an election cycle that broadly favored Democrats, California’s Proposition 50 passed with 64% of the vote. The victory means congressional district maps will be redrawn to favor Democrats in the 2026 mid-term elections. CalMatters writes up the immediate impact on the 2026 congressional elections.

City Politics

• The victory of DSA member Zohran Mamdani in New York City prompted coverage of DSA’s successes in Los Angeles, and what continued success could look like. To volunteer with DSA-LA to help elect socialist candidates in 2026, click here!

Police Violence and Community Resistance

• The Controller’s office released an assessment of the LAPD’s SMART program, which was implemented in order to divert mental health calls away from armed responders. However, the report indicates patrol officers remain first responders, and requests for assistance from mental health workers is at their discretion.

• The California Supreme Court has ruled 6–1 that the LAPD can no longer require citizens sign a waiver warning them of potential prosecution if they file complaints against officers.

• In a brazen denial of a public records request, an LAPD official stated the department will restrict public access to crime data, in order to prevent “misguided public policy discussions."

• A motion from Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez would prohibit the LAPD from using tear gas or “less lethal” projectile weapons on protesters, unless directly threatened with physical violence.

• After the LA Dodgers’ dramatic World Series win, mounted LAPD officers used tear gas and “less-lethal” munitions to disperse celebrants as well as random passersby.

Transportation

• The governing board of LAX has voted unanimously to proceed with a $1-billion freeway expansion at LAX. The project was first approved when the airport was planning to build two more terminals, and is proceeding even though those expansions have been indefinitely placed on hold.

• The City Council voted 12–1 to oppose plans to build a gondola connecting Union Station to Dodger Stadium.

Housing

• The LA City Council has passed a measure capping yearly rent increases! The new ordinance sets the annual permitted increase between 1% and 4%, depending on inflation–down from 3%-8%–and eliminates a 2% increase previously allowed to landlords who assume the cost of utilities. The reform is the first in the city since 1985, and was the result of significant organizing effort from DSA-LA and the Keep LA Housed coalition of tenant advocates. Statement from DSA-LA here!

   

• A motion passed by the LA City Council Transportation Committee would expand the city’s power to impound and destroy RVs being used for shelter.

Environmental Justice

• Atmospheric river conditions are forecast to bring several inches of rain to Southern California over the weekend and into next week.