Dear friends,
Since 2020, Los Angeles’ homeless response system has operated under a federal settlement — LA Alliance for Human Rights v. City of Los Angeles — requiring the City to deliver accurate data and significant investments to address homelessness. These obligations are serious, and our responsibility to meet them is non-negotiable. However, the litigation is now dragging on in ways that feel very removed from the goal of providing shelter and housing to people living on LA’s streets.
The Alliance case began when a coalition of mostly downtown business owners sued the City and County over the growing homelessness crisis. Their argument was that government inaction on this issue violated both state and federal obligations.
Under an initial agreement in the case in the early stages of the COVID pandemic, the City built 6,700 new beds, including shelter beds and permanent supportive housing units. In 2022, after many more court hearings and negotiations, the City entered into a formal settlement agreement that set new requirements for how many encampments would be removed from the streets, how many additional shelter beds and housing units we would build, and what kind of reporting we needed to do.
Initially, many of the outcomes of the case seemed positive to me: the agreements forced the City to invest more in desperately needed housing and shelter for people on the streets. It also forced the construction of these beds across the entire City, even in council districts that had resisted building shelter in the past. To me, the infusion of investments mandated by the case played a part in the City reducing unsheltered homelessness for the first time after many years of increases.
Since then, Judge Carter has overseen compliance closely, but the case has moved in far more confusing ways. After an external assessment ordered by the Judge raised concerns about fiscal oversight and data transparency in the homelessness system, the Court held a nearly two-week evidentiary hearing to determine whether to place the City under receivership in June of this year. The Court ultimately found that the City was not in breach of its settlement obligations and declined to appoint a receiver. Last month, Judge Carter instead appointed a monitor for the settlement that the City had already rejected because of concerns that the monitor proposed a very large and expensive team while also declining to provide a scope or any budget for his work. When the City pushed back, the Judge scheduled yet another evidentiary hearing which started Wednesday.
The litigation continues under the management of the City Attorney’s office, but these repeated evidentiary hearings and resource-intensive data requests go far beyond our reporting obligations in the original settlement agreement. They are taxing an already strained system, and adding confusion and significant cost. In a city with limited funding and capacity, the Court’s demands are now actually taking away from the work of housing as many people as possible.
What has been particularly frustrating for me is that the court case is happening parallel to important and long-overdue changes that the City is finally making in its management and oversight of the homelessness crisis. In this year’s budget, the City Council established a Bureau of Homelessness Oversight within the Housing Department. Now, for the *first* time, the City will have staff explicitly tasked with ensuring that our homelessness investments are working efficiently to get people off the streets and into safety.
While this Bureau is still in the process of staffing up, our improved efforts at data collection have already yielded dividends. In the last few months, we have identified and filled hundreds of vacant PSH units, meaning that hundreds more people have been able to move indoors. We are monitoring vacancy rates across shelter sites, and filling empty beds. And, using this data, we are now actively advocating for the County resources we desperately need and are simply not getting at our shelter sites and on our streets – mental health care, health care, and substance abuse treatment. This oversight work has become all the more important given that the federal government has announced it will be pulling significant funding out of LA’s homelessness response: we have to now use this information to keep thousands of formerly homeless people off the streets as they lose their federally funded housing and support.
The City must comply with the terms of the Alliance settlement agreement — but increasingly, I have felt that the transparent and fiscally responsible oversight that Angelenos deserve for our homelessness system will not be found in Judge Carter’s courtroom. I remain deeply committed to building that system, and to bringing more people on our City’s streets indoors into safety.
Warmly,
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Updates From City Hall — Updating LA’s Rent Stabilization Formula For The First Time In 40 Years, Prioritizing Shade Infrastructure Across Los Angeles, Adjourning Council In Memory Of Melanie Winter, Swearing In New Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore
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In The District — Uplifting The Arts At The Reseda Rising Arts Walk, Speaking With Housing Advocates at VICA’s Annual Business Forecast Conference, Joining The Franklin Hills Residents Association For ‘Coffee With Your Councilmember’, Racing To Great Heights At The Franklin Elementary Pinewood Derby
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Upcoming Events — American Red Cross “Sound The Alarm” Event In Encino, Big Sunday’s Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, Community Compost Day LA, L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
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Resources & Forums — Received An Unwanted Green Bin? Reach Out To LASAN, South Coast AQMD Young Leaders Advisory Council
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Other Helpful Links
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UPDATING LA’S RENT STABILIZATION FORMULA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 40 YEARS
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Last week, we stood up as a Council to say “our people are our City.” In a historic vote, the Los Angeles City Council moved to amend the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) for the first time in 40 years. Stemming from an amendment I introduced in 2023 to analyze updates to the RSO, this long overdue update significantly decreases the burden on renters to meet the economic realities of our time.
Following last week’s vote, the following updates to the RSO were adopted:
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Establish a floor of 1% for annual rent increases
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Establish a ceiling of 4% or 90% of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower
- Delete the provision for 1-2% increases for gas and electricity
- Ensure that additional dependents do not trigger a rent increase of 10%
Right now, one in three renters in LA spends over half their income on rent. Many renters have been forced to leave LA entirely, and we’ve lost workers who are essential to our City’s economy and character. While only increasing our housing supply will sustainably reduce costs across LA, this update to our rent stabilization formula is long overdue to adjust costs to be less punishing for renters. Because here’s the truth: when people can afford to stay in LA, we *all* thrive.
The City Attorney has now been instructed to draft the revised Rent Stabilization Ordinance, which will return to Council for final ratification. The new formula is expected to take effect by February 1, 2026.
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PRIORITIZING SHADE INFRASTRUCTURE ACROSS LOS ANGELES
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It is no secret that LA is getting hotter. Extreme heat is already the deadliest climate-related hazard in Los Angeles, and deadly heatwaves are our new reality. In a city notorious for its lack of shade at transit hubs, public transit riders are among the most vulnerable to heat exposure. Facing prolonged sun exposure at bus stops and transit stations while simply going about their daily lives—commuting to work, picking up their kids from school, grocery shopping—these are the Angelenos who need our protection most.
Last month, Council adopted a motion I introduced with Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky to address this crisis. Our motion authorizes the City’s participation in ShadeLA, a collaborative effort led by the City, County, LA Metro, LA28, and community partners to expand shade in public spaces across Los Angeles. ShadeLA offers a critical opportunity to combat extreme heat and close the gap in shade infrastructure, making public spaces accessible to all Angelenos.
This effort extends beyond transit riders. Over the next few years, LA will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Millions of residents and visitors—including people with disabilities—will gather in outdoor spaces during peak heat periods. Without adequate shade and cooling infrastructure, we’re putting public health and safety at serious risk.
ShadeLA will accelerate deployment of both natural and built shade through collaboration, preparing us for these major events while delivering lasting benefits to the neighborhoods and communities most vulnerable to heat. The program will unlock new funding opportunities through civic partnerships, building on successful models where nonprofit partners have secured external grants, philanthropy, and LADWP support for tree planting in the public right-of-way.
The environmental benefits are significant: expanded urban canopy reduces surface temperatures, cleans our air, and makes transit and walking safer and more enjoyable—essential for transforming our transportation system to meet the challenges of this century.
A city with more shade is a more just city—one focused on meeting basic human needs with dignity. We must make it easier, not harder, to protect Angelenos from deadly heat.
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ADJOURNING COUNCIL IN MEMORY OF MELANIE WINTER
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Last week, joined by her friends and colleagues, we adjourned Council in memory of a true Angeleno — Melanie Winter. Melanie passed away last month after a battle with lung cancer, leaving behind a hole as wide as the river she loved so dearly.
For nearly three decades, Melanie Winter preached as an evangelist for the LA River – spreading a big, bold vision for what this asset could be for the City of Los Angeles. Through The River Project, which she founded in 2001, she championed the idea of “unbuilding” the River—removing concrete where possible and restoring natural floodplains that support vibrant ecosystems. This vision – one we’re now pursuing in places like the Sepulveda Basin and the Glendale Narrows – was revolutionary at the time.
Melanie and her dog Maisie were fixtures at meetings and public forums. She made sure the River’s future was never discussed without considering its ecological restoration. Her comments and questions challenged all of us in government and advocacy to think bigger and bolder.
But Melanie understood that creating change required more than policy—it required hearts and minds. She used art to inspire connection to the river in young people. At the Valleyheart Greenway in Studio City, she worked with fourth and fifth graders from Carpenter Elementary School to create frog gates, a snake wall, and a butterfly bench—permanent reminders of what’s possible when we engage the next generation.
She organized communities, challenged developers, and fought for what became Rio de Los Angeles State Park, which opened in 2007. Her friend Shawn Scudder, who knew her since childhood, said that Melanie embodied the spirit of caring deeply enough to make change happen—a spirit perfectly summed up by the final line in the children’s book, “The Lorax”: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.“
Melanie lived and breathed Los Angeles. She saw its potential, its beauty, and its need for healing. She taught us that the river isn’t just infrastructure—it’s our largest natural asset, a source of life and community connection.
The work continues. The vision endures. And we honor Melanie Winter by carrying forward her bold dream of an LA River restored, accessible, and alive—a river that serves all Angelenos, just as she did. Rest in peace, Melanie. Los Angeles has lost a true champion.
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SWEARING IN NEW LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF JAIME MOORE
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Last week, Mayor Bass officially swore in Jaime Moore as the new Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department. At a time when public trust in government feels fragile, Chief Jaime Moore has stood out for his steadiness, diligence, and honesty. Angelenos deserve public servants they can count on, and I know Chief Moore will continue to embody that ethos as he steps into his new role.
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UPLIFTING THE ARTS AT THE RESEDA RISING ARTS WALK
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It has been an undeniably tough few years for the arts community in Los Angeles, but across the City, creatives of every stripe continue to show up for one another. This year’s Reseda Rising Arts Walk was no exception, showcasing the vibrant arts scene thriving in the San Fernando Valley!
Thanks to our partners in Council District 3, the LA Rams, and community organizations like 11:11 Projects, the Valley came out in full force to celebrate the healing power of creativity and innovation in the heart of Reseda. Families and friends from around the neighborhood enjoyed crafts, live installations by local artists, interactive activities, food trucks, and a perfectly warm fall evening.
I believe deeply in our artist community here in Los Angeles, and my office will continue partnering in the effort to uplift our creatives and support the revitalization of arts spaces—in the studio, on our streets, and beyond.
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SPEAKING WITH HOUSING ADVOCATES AT VICA’S ANNUAL BUSINESS FORECAST CONFERENCE
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Last month, I had the opportunity to join fellow housing advocates at the Valley Industry & Commerce Association’s (VICA) 37th Annual Business Forecast Conference. Speaking with experts in the field including Jeff McConnell, Shane Phillips, and Nate Scholz, we narrowed in on how we create a “culture of yes” when it comes to building housing and how we as a city can facilitate the housing production we so desperately need.
Since first being elected to office more than four years ago, I have been laser focused on creating a city that enthusiastically says yes to housing. We can do this by creating more trust, more transparency, and more predictability for both developers and residents. As we navigate a tumultuous economy, it is our responsibility as housing leaders to make it not just enticing but also sustainable for investors to want to take on projects that can address our City’s housing needs.
I want to thank Jim Thiering – soon to be VICA president – for moderating this discussion, and my fellow panelists Jeff, Shane, and Nate for a lively chat!
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JOINING THE FRANKLIN HILLS RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION ‘COFFEE WITH YOUR COUNCILMEMBER’
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Connecting with you in living rooms, backyards, or even local theatres, is one of my favorite parts of the job, allowing me the opportunity to share our Office’s work and hear directly from you about the issues that matter most. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of joining the Franklin Hills Residents Association (FHRA) for a “Coffee with Your Councilmember” event at the Lyric Theatre.
We covered a lot of ground, from housing and homelessness to public safety. I was candid about the challenges we face, including limited resources and an often overcomplicated City bureaucracy that can slow progress. But we also discussed the innovative systems already making a difference, like CIRCLE, our unarmed crisis response program, and the vital role 311 plays in connecting residents to City services.
Thank you to FHRA leaders Alison Wallace, Caroline Bubnis, and Mary Frances Smith-Reynolds for co-hosting this event and fostering these important conversations. Events like these remind me why direct dialogue with constituents is so essential—your voices shape the work we do every day.
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RACING TO GREAT HEIGHTS AT THE FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY PINEWOOD DERBY
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Every year, Franklin Elementary School students put on their racing caps for the annual Pinewood Derby organized by the Friends of Franklin. From designing their pinewood derby cars from the wheel up to the great race itself, kids are given the opportunity to engineer, build, and decorate their cars, showing off their ingenuity and creative spirit!
I stopped by to help award the “Best in Show” for the most stylish car, and boy was it! A garden-themed scene, complete with a gnome in the driver’s seat, this year’s winning car was a sight to behold!
Extracurricular activities like these not only provide kids the chance to exercise their imaginations, but to build camaraderie, community, and memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you to Friends of Franklin co-presidents Megan Shuhan and Jennifer Wagner for making this a day to remember and letting my team and I join the fun!
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AMERICAN RED CROSS “SOUND THE ALARM” EVENT IN ENCINO | NOVEMBER 22 | MORE INFO
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The American Red Cross in Encino needs your help to install free smoke alarms and help make our community safer. Volunteers will work alongside fire departments and other local groups, canvassing at-risk neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, and educate families about fire prevention and safety.
Experience a rewarding day connecting with other volunteers and the families you’ll help – join us to volunteer to install free smoke alarms and wildfire safety education to residents of Encino and Reseda!
DATE: Saturday, November 22
TIME: 9AM – 2PM
LOCATION: Encino Park, 16953 Ventura Blvd, Encino CA 91316
Click HERE for more information and to sign up to volunteer!
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BIG SUNDAY’S ANNUAL THANKSGIVING TURKEY GIVEAWAY | NOVEMBER 26 | MORE INFO
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Join Big Sunday for their 14th annual Thanksgiving stuffing event on Wednesday, November 26 from 9AM to noon! Volunteers will help fill 4,500 (!) bags full of food, helping to feed 18,000 people from more than 125 different nonprofits and schools throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
This event is a particularly fun and memorable opportunity for families, friends and groups to get together, assemble bags, help others, enjoy one another and meet all kinds of wonderful new people – while listening to an awesome bluegrass band. Of course, all ages are welcome!
DATE: Wednesday, November 26
TIME: 9AM – 12PM
LOCATION: Radford Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
Click HERE for more information and to register to volunteer!
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COMMUNITY COMPOST DAY LA | DECEMBER 6 | MORE INFO
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Join LA Compost and community partners for their new quarterly event series: Community Compost Day LA! This all-ages event connects community members with valuable resources, including compost, trees, native plants, seeds, and mulch, while promoting environmental education, soil stewardship, and deeper community connection.
Attendees will receive tools to support sustainable and regenerative gardening practices, including one bag of compost, one bag of mulch, and additional giveaways from our partners.
*Free resources guaranteed for the first 100 attendees – additional resources available while supplies last.
DATE: Saturday, December 6th
TIME: 9 AM – 1 PM
LOCATION: Sepulveda Basin Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91436
Click HERE to RSVP!
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L.A. ZOO LIGHTS: ANIMALS AGLOW | NOW – JAN 11 | MORE INFO
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Tickets are now on sale to L.A. Zoo Lights – L.A.’s wildest holiday tradition! This year, the event brings guests through a holiday themed wonderland; the weird and wonderful world of plants and pollinators featuring larger than life birds, butterflies, insects and flowers; glowing lanterns depicting wildlife of Southeast Asia; and an African landscape that includes representation of the continent’s iconic regions and wildlife, all illuminated by spectacular sculptural lights!
Your L.A. Zoo Lights ticket purchase supports the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife, enrich communities, and create connections to nature.
DATES: November 13 – January 11 *holidays excluded
TIME: 6PM – 10PM
LOCATION: L.A. Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets!
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RECEIVED AN UNWANTED GREEN BIN? REACH OUT TO LASAN | MORE INFO
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In an effort to comply with California Senate Bill 1383 requiring all single-family residences and apartments/multi-family properties to participate in organics recycling services, the Los Angeles Department of Sanitation (LASAN) has been deploying 90-gallon green bins in neighborhoods across the City. Residents must place food waste, food-soiled paper, and yard waste in the green bins, which will be picked up weekly on the standard collection day. The collected material will then be transported to a facility that recovers organic waste, as required under SB 1383.
However, if you are already in possession of a green bin or would like to request a smaller container (30 or 60 gallons) please click here and complete this form to alert LASAN.
If you have additional questions, please call LASAN’s 24-hour Customer Care Center at 800-773-2489.
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SOUTH COAST AQMD YOUNG LEADERS ADVISORY COUNCIL | APPLY BY NOV 21 | MORE INFO
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The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is currently accepting applications for its Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC)! YLAC was established in 2017 to identify the air quality issues and concerns of young adults (aged 18-35) in the region. Through YLAC, South Coast AQMD seeks to educate and engage young adults regarding the region’s clean air issues and garner greater insight into youth’s concerns, values, and priorities about air quality. This group seeks to engage this generation specifically, and to benefit from their passion, commitment, and urgency to help improve our air.
Click HERE for more information, eligibility criteria, and to apply!
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Our Office:
Services + Resources
- Food Pantry Locator — Get connected to food resources near you.
- StayHoused LA — Workshops and resources to help renters stay in their homes.
- MyLA311 — Submit a request for services including graffiti removal, pothole repair, and bulky-item pickup.
- LA-HOP Homeless Outreach Portal — Assist or self-input an outreach request from the LA Homeless Services Authority to unhoused residents.
- LA City Sanitation — Submit a service request for metal/household appliance disposal.
- MyChildCarePlan — Free resource website for childcare providers and families listing every licensed provider in California.
- Adopt or Foster a Shelter Pet — Find pets for adoption and a list of local shelters.
- Gas Assistance Fund – The Gas Assistance Fund (GAF) offers a one-time grant to help customers pay their natural gas bills.
- Ready Your LA Business Workbook — City of LA’s FREE workbook to help business owners prepare their business for any emergency. Available in English and Spanish.
Alerts
- NotifyLA — Sign up to receive urgent notifications about local emergencies by phone, email, and/or text message.
- LAFD Alerts — Sign up for alerts on fires and evacuations in your area.
- LADWP Outage Info — Sign up for outage alerts in your area.
- StreetsLA Street Sweeping — Register for notifications about sweeping in your neighborhoods.
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