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.
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Interested in copy editing? Have some free computer time on Friday afternoons? The Thorn West is looking for copy editors (and, as always, writers)! Write to us at [email protected].
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Issue No. 62 - June 4, 2021
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Los Angeles Magazine has some aimless speculation as to who would step in as interim mayor if Mayor Garcetti is appointed as ambassador to India. Meanwhile, Garcetti has officially signed what is possibly his last city budget — and hopefully the last city budget drafted without community participation.
- The city of Compton concluded municipal elections this week; the office of the mayor, the city treasurer, and two open city council seats were on the ballot. Knock-LA covered the candidates.
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Police Violence and Community Resistance
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- SB 98, a bill originally intended to protect journalists covering protests and demonstrations, was hijacked by a last-second amendment requiring members of the press to obtain permission from a police commander to access demonstration areas. An open letter from a coalition of California journalists states that the amendment would “actually restrict existing press freedoms rather than expand them.” The bill passed through the State Senate, and now heads to the Assembly, where lawmakers (following an outcry) have promised to fix the bill. It is still unknown how the amendment came to be added!
- The LA County Democratic Party’s Resolutions Committee unanimously passed a motion calling for the resignation of Sheriff Alex Villanueva, citing the deputy gang problem within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the killing of Andrés Guardado by LASD deputies. Next week the motion will proceed to a larger body of LACDP members. The Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission as well as two LA County Supervisors have also called for his resignation.
- Meanwhile, Sheriff Villanueva this week denied a permit for a protest against police brutality, vowed to impose “tough love” on the county’s unhoused population, and announced that LASD will be expediting the process of obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
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- The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) revealed that the organization has begun to lose track of the members of the displaced unhoused community at Echo Park Lake, many of whom LAHSA had originally provided temporary shelter. Inevitably, no one from Echo Park has been provided any form of permanent housing.
- The LA Times followed up with other displaced members of Echo Park, who were arrested after trying to establish an encampment in Griffith Park.
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- Knock-LA breaks down how and why the LA100 Study, an initiative aiming to put Los Angeles on an “equitable” and “community-driven” path to 100% renewable energy, failed in its mission of engaging with communities.
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- Last month the Los Angeles Daily News ran a very good editorial written by three members of West Valley Homes Yes — regarding their takeaways and policy recommendations following a year of conducting unhoused outreach during the pandemic. This week one of the authors, Pilar Schiavo, announced her candidacy for State Assembly in District 38.
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