Category: Los Angeles city council

LA Council Meeting Again Devolves Into Chaos as Kevin de León Attends

Embattled Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León sat by himself in the council horseshoe Dec. 13, talking to staff and mulling over his options after he made his second consecutive appearance at a council meeting despite protesters and some of his colleagues making it known that he was unwelcome. Tuesday’s council meeting devolved into…


Karen Bass Takes Oath as Los Angeles’ New Mayor

LOS ANGELES—Karen Bass was sworn in as the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles Dec. 11 at the Microsoft Theater. Bass was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris, a former California senator. Nearly every major city official, along with Gov. Gavin Newsom, attended the ceremony. “Making history with each of you today is a monumental…


Kevin de León Fights With Activist at Christmas Event

LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles police have launched an investigation into an altercation between Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León and a community activist who have accused each other of assault during the embattled councilman’s appearance at a Christmas tree lighting in Lincoln Heights. De León—who has refused intense pressure to resign from colleagues and activists…


Kevin de León Shows Up at LA City Council Meeting, Leaves After Protests Erupt

LOS ANGELES—Embattled City Councilman Kevin de León attended Dec. 9’s council meeting, but his appearance was brief as protesters immediately shouted for him to leave, and he was no longer present after a recess of around 45 minutes. De León had not attended a council meeting since Oct. 11. He has defied widespread calls to…


Los Angeles Bans Gas in New Buildings

LOS ANGELES—New buildings in Los Angeles will be required to be all-electric under a policy approved by the city council Dec. 7 as part of a movement to reduce carbon emissions in the city. The requirement applies to buildings approved after April 1, and affordable housing projects approved after June 1 of next year. Accessory…


California Bill Aims to Eradicate Los Angeles’ Redistricting Power

In the aftermath of the leaked audio scandal that included Los Angeles city councilors in October behind closed doors discussing redistricting and making racially charged statements, a new state bill could curtail the council from making final decisions that delineate their districts. Redistricting, which takes place every decade following U.S. Census data, requires the Los…


LA Restore Indicted Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas’s Salary

LOS ANGELES—Suspended City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas—who is facing federal corruption charges for misdeeds allegedly committed while he was a member of the county Board of Supervisors—had his city salary and benefits reinstated by the council Dec. 7 after he reached an over $360,000 settlement in his lawsuit against City Controller Ron Galperin and the city….


Los Angeles Restores Indicted Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas’s Salary

LOS ANGELES—Suspended City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas—who is facing federal corruption charges for misdeeds allegedly committed while he was a member of the county Board of Supervisors—had his city salary and benefits reinstated by the council Dec. 7 after he reached an over $360,000 settlement in his lawsuit against City Controller Ron Galperin and the city….


Los Angeles to End COVID-19 State of Local Emergency in February

LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles’ state of local emergency due to COVID-19 will end in February after a City Council vote Dec. 7. The state of local emergency has been in place since March 4, 2020. The council has voted to extend it each month since then. Council President Paul Krekorian introduced an amendment to Wednesday’s item…


Recall Petition Against Kevin de León Approved by LA City Clerk

LOS ANGELES—A recall petition against embattled City Councilman Kevin de León was approved by the Los Angeles City Clerk Dec. 6, allowing organizers to begin collecting signatures. Organizers must collect 20,437 signatures from registered voters of the 14th District by March 31, according to the city clerk’s office. An intent to recall de León was…