Dear friends,
If there’s one thing everyone in LA can agree on, it’s that the rent is too high, and many Angelenos are struggling to stay housed.
Like many cities in California, Los Angeles has a local version of rent control, called the Rent Stabilization Ordinance or RSO, passed in 1985. But LA has not updated the rent adjustment formula in the RSO since its passage. We’ve been stuck in the ‘80s— until now. In this week’s Housing & Homelessness Committee meeting, we put forward the first changes to the RSO’s rent formula in 40 years.
LA’s RSO covers all rental housing built before 1978 – more than two-thirds of our rental housing stock – and regulates how much landlords can raise rent each year through a formula that sets a cap on annual increases tied to inflation. The RSO was created during a time of double-digit inflation in the late ’70s and early ’80s. At the time, newspapers reported on the most egregious cases of rent gouging, including some senior citizens who faced 100% increases in their rent. Angry renters marched on City Hall demanding rent control, and City Hall obliged, passing a temporary rent cap in 1979, followed by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance in 1985.
At the time of its passage, the RSO set a cap of 8% for rent increases— and that felt like real relief for tenants at the time. But that annual rent cap is now higher than almost any other jurisdiction in California. The RSO also includes additional fees that landlords can charge for utilities, even when utilities cost much less to provide. And it even allows for a 10% additional rent increase for every child you have after your first.
What does this mean in practice? It means that if you live in a rent stabilized unit in LA, and your landlord charges for utilities and inflation is high: you could get an 8% rent increase, a 2% charge for utilities and if you have a second child, your rent would go up another 10% over that for a total of 20%. Keep in mind, this is in a state where 10% rent increases are the state standard for rent gouging. For working families barely getting by, even a small rent increase can be devastating.
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What’s more, because we have a 3% floor for RSO rent increases, landlords have been allowed to raise rents even when inflation was much lower. In fact, that 3% floor has meant that allowable rent increases have outpaced inflation in LA for over 20 of the past 40 years!
An update to our RSO formula is long overdue to make it less punishing for renters. I introduced updates to the Ordinance, including removing the floor, removing unfair charges for utilities and for growing your family, and lowering the cap. The Housing & Homelessness Committee adopted my proposal, which now moves to the full Council for a vote.
Overall, only increasing the supply of housing can truly make this city more affordable. But changes to the RSO don’t impact the economics of new construction, because units built after 1978 are not covered by this law.
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 talented workers who are essential to our City’s economy and character. We can build a system that actually works— for renters, for landlords, and for the future of our City. Because when people can afford to stay in LA, we all thrive.
Warmly,
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Congratulations to the LA Dodgers – World Series Champs! With Los Angeles still reeling from January’s devastating fires and this summer’s surge in ICE raids, this was a much needed win for our City. It was an honor to join the boys in blue on the field earlier this week to celebrate this historic win and joyous occasion!
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- Updates From City Hall — Preparing The City For Federal Cuts To Our Homeless Response System, Honoring Jane Poole For Clergy Appreciation Month, Supporting The North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry Ahead Of SNAP Delays
- In The District — Completing A New Signalized Crosswalk At Franklin Ave & Harvard Blvd, Celebrating P-22 Day With A Special Announcement, Closing Out Our Fall Concert In The Park Series
- Upcoming Events — Veterans Day Parade, L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow, Hollywood Hills Fire Safety Resource Session, Emergency Preparedness Fair, American Red Cross “Sound The Alarm” Event In Encino
- Resources & Forums — Metro Business Interruption Fund Virtual Webinar, Metro G Line Improvements Project Community Meeting, South Coast AQMD Young Leaders Advisory Council
- Other Helpful Links
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PREPARING THE CITY FOR FEDERAL CUTS TO OUR HOMELESS RESPONSE SYSTEM
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Right now, we are facing what may be one of the most consequential funding cliffs for homelessness programs in Los Angeles’ recent history. Between County shortfalls, potential federal reversals, and state funding delays, our homelessness response system is staring down the barrel of an almost $600 million reduction in funds next fiscal year.
I introduced a motion in September to ensure the City understands and prepares for the full impacts of these funding cuts, which will affect thousands of units of permanent supportive housing, hundreds of interim beds, and the critical services that help keep people housed. In fact, the County Department of Homeless Services and Housing has already projected a $303 million shortfall next year for Measure A and related funding streams. On top of that, the Trump Administration has signaled an effort to divert federal Continuum of Care (CoC) funds— money that currently supports over 8,000 units of permanent supportive housing in Los Angeles. That’s $220 million at risk. Add in the delayed state disbursement of HHAP funds, and the math is devastating: more than half a billion dollars in potential losses for housing, services, and retention.
These aren’t “programs” in the abstract— they’re homes, case managers, rent subsidies. The scaffolding that keeps tens of thousands of Angelenos from sliding back into homelessness. If we fail to respond, not only do we lose progress, we risk violating our obligations under the LA Alliance settlement, and undoing years of hard-fought gains in housing stability.
My motion is about urgency and coordination, and directs City departments to report back within 30 days with the current costs of maintaining our housing interventions, the extent of the expected funding cuts, and the potential impact on the people we serve. It also ensures we’re aligning with the County on strategy and compliance, while launching a unified state and federal advocacy plan.
The City of Los Angeles can’t solve homelessness alone, but we also can’t stand still while others pull funding out from under us. This motion ensures that we know the full scope of the challenge, that we move in lockstep with our regional partners, and that we fight – at every level – to protect Angelenos who’ve already made it home.
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HONORING JANE POOLE FOR CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH
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It is with great joy that I was able to uplift Jane Poole, Youth Minister Emeritus for the Church of the Chimes as Council District 4’s honoree for Clergy Appreciation Month. For nearly a quarter century, Jane Poole has been a steady, joyful presence at Church of the Chimes— a source of guidance, warmth, and faith for generations of families.
Throughout her time at the church, Jane served in many roles— each with the same generosity of spirit and tireless devotion. But her greatest joy was always in working with young people— and I’ve met some of these young people, and they are remarkable! As Youth Minister, she built a ministry grounded in empathy, curiosity, and joy. Her approach was simple but profound: meet kids where they are, remind them they matter, and show them that faith is something you live, not just something you speak.
When she retired, the celebration was a living reflection of her impact. The event was filled with faces who had once sat in her youth group and learned from her. Seeing multiple generations gathered together, Jane said it gave her so much hope. Hope that these young people – now adults – would carry forward the same work of compassion, service, and faith that has guided her own life.
It has been my personal privilege to represent the Church of the Chimes and I’ve spent several joyous occasions with them, including at their now annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event, where the entire community is invited to take “A Seat at the Table”— a celebration of Dr. King’s work, life and message, an event I’ve never left without feeling moved.
For Jane – and so many in CD 4 – Church of the Chimes isn’t just a place of worship, it’s family, and it is Jane’s work that has made it so.
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SUPPORTING THE NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY AHEAD OF SNAP DELAYS
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As the federal shutdown continues into its second month, 42 million Americans – and 5.5 million Californians – are expected to lose federal food assistance benefits through SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. We’re seeing the consequences of this in real time here in Los Angeles, where thousands of people lined up at food banks across the region this past weekend, coinciding with the first day of the lapse in funding. While a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to continue funding SNAP through the shutdown, it is still unclear if they plan to comply, and in the meantime families are going hungry.
Ahead of the expected cut off on November 1st, my office announced a $25,000 donation from Council District 4 discretionary funds to support the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry (NHIFP). The North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry (NHIFP) is a non-profit organization that provides free food to people experiencing food insecurity in the Los Angeles area. The pantry regularly distributes 500-600 bags of weekly groceries, but has seen a significant increase in need this year, with distribution up 26% from last year. Following the federal government shutdown and threat of SNAP funding ending, the pantry has seen an additional uptick of 33%.
With about 1.5 million Angelenos relying on food assistance from programs like SNAP, I’m grateful we can provide the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry with additional funds as they step up to meet this surge in need among our most vulnerable communities. But, we know it’s not enough. The federal administration *must* use its contingency funding to reinstate SNAP benefits.
NHIFP distributes bags of weekly groceries Mondays and Fridays from 7:30AM – 11:00AM at 11634 Moorpark St, Studio City, CA 91604.
If you or your family are in need of immediate food assistance, please visit LAFoodBank.org to find your local pantry, dial 2-1-1, or visit 211la.org. LA City Family Source Centers are also providing FREE weekly food distributions for low-income individuals and families at 19 sites across the City. To find a Family Source Center near you, visit LA4Families.org.
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COMPLETING A NEW SIGNALIZED CROSSWALK AT FRANKLIN AVE & HARVARD BLVD
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We recently celebrated the completion of a new signalized crosswalk at Franklin Avenue and Harvard Boulevard in Los Feliz on a brisk Friday morning, joined by Congresswoman Laura Friedman, leadership from the Department of Transportation (LADOT) and Bureau of Street Services (BSS), and members of the community.
This half-mile stretch of Franklin is notorious for its lack of crosswalks, posing a serious hazard for kids walking to school, residents jogging, or anyone engaged in daily life in the neighborhood. Improvements like these are not only critical for making Los Angeles more accessible, they quite literally save lives.
Bringing long-awaited safety improvements to the neighborhood, the new crossing fills a critical gap along a half-mile stretch of Franklin Avenue between Western and Normandie Avenues that previously had no marked crosswalk. The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)/HAWK signal now provides a controlled, ADA-accessible connection linking residents south of Franklin to Griffith Park via the Fern Dell entrance and residents north of Franklin to businesses on Hollywood Boulevard, while also improving safety and access for riders using the DASH stops at the intersection.
Our office partnered with then-Assemblymember Laura Friedman to include the project in a $4 million State Earmark package secured in 2022. I am so grateful that we were able to install this new signalized crosswalk in record time with the help of our incredible partners, including Congresswoman Laura Friedman, the City staff who prioritized the project, and residents and stakeholders who kept up the pressure.
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CELEBRATING P-22 DAY WITH A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
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This year marked the 10th annual P-22 Day Festival, and in loving memory of our beloved mountain lion, we took the opportunity to announce our artist selection for the permanent P-22 memorial sculpture!
While we received so many incredible submissions in response to our artist’s call, one proposal stood above the rest and we are thrilled to announce local artist Adam Matano has been selected to bring his rendering to life. Showcasing P-22 bridging both the natural and man-made world, and navigating the space and dangers in between – Matano’s design is a beautiful ode to the improbable life led by our beloved mountain lion.
Our office, in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation’s #SaveLACougars campaign, Friends of Griffith Park, and the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, will install the memorial in Griffith Park, inviting communities to reflect on how the mountain lion’s legacy forever changed conservation in Los Angeles and around the world.
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CLOSING OUT OUR FALL CONCERT IN THE PARK SERIES
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Two weeks ago, we held our second Fall Concert in the Park— welcoming the community to the grassy field at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks (VNSO) Park to enjoy free music, arts & crafts, and a gorgeous fall day!
Children and families from across the Valley came together to dance and sing to an incredible live performance by New Romantics, a Taylor Swift tribute band. Young kids showed up in their best Swiftie stylings with homemade friendship bracelets and Taylor trivia at the ready as they rocked out to some of the biggest pop hits, belting along to every lyric.
I was especially impressed by the artistry of some of our youngest attendees! Even Picasso couldn’t replicate the work done on the small painted pumpkins, just in time for decorating porches for Halloween.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in the festivities, to the community partners that provided free resources and goodies, and to the Valley Cultural Foundation, Department of Recreation & Parks, and VNSO Park for their continued partnership to create lasting memories for all.
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VETERANS DAY PARADE | NOVEMBER 11 | MORE INFO
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Join us in celebrating our veterans and honoring their sacrifices, contributions, and courage with a Veterans Day Parade this Tuesday, November 11th! We’ll be gathering at the corner of San Fernando Mission Blvd. and Laurel Canyon Blvd. in the San Fernando Valley, and heading south on Laurel Canyon Blvd. toward Paxton Street.
DATE: November 11
TIME: 11AM – 2:30PM
LOCATION: Corner of San Fernando Mission Blvd. and Laurel Canyon Blvd.
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L.A. ZOO LIGHTS: ANIMALS AGLOW | NOVEMBER 13 – JANUARY 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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HOLLYWOOD HILLS FIRE SAFETY RESOURCE SESSION | NOVEMBER 13 | MORE INFO
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In partnership with the Hollywood Hills Fire Safe Council, join us for their 2nd annual Life in the Hills: A Fire Safety Resource Session— a free, informative evening designed to help residents stay safe and prepared for wildfire season. Expect an engaging session featuring short films from recent wildfires, valuable preparation tips, and resources to help you protect your home and community.
DATE: Thursday, November 13
TIME: 7PM – 8:30PM
LOCATION: First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, 1700 N Gower, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Click HERE to RSVP.
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR | NOVEMBER 16 | MORE INFO
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In partnership with the Office of Supervisor Horvath, you’re invited to join us to Get Ready, Stay Ready: An Emergency Preparedness Event at the Skirball Cultural Center on Sunday, November 16. Meet your first responders, learn from experts on the ground, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and take home free supplies to ensure you are prepared and safe ahead of an emergency.
DATE: Sunday, November 16
TIME: 9AM – 2PM
LOCATION: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Click HERE to reserve a spot!
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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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METRO BUSINESS INTERRUPTION FUND VIRTUAL WEBINAR | NOVEMBER 12 | MORE INFO
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Attention small business owners impacted by Metro’s East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project (ESFV): You’re invited to join one of Metro’s upcoming virtual info sessions— one offered in English and one offered in Spanish— to learn how Metro’s Business Interruption Fund (BIF) can help support your business during construction.
Metro’s BIF program staff will be available to provide detailed information on how to apply for BIF, share helpful tips on preparing a strong application, gathering the necessary supporting documents, and answer any questions small business owners may have ensuring they are fully supported throughout the process.
Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply— it’s free and could make a big difference for you and your business operations!
DATE: Wednesday, November 12
TIME: 12 – 1:30PM
LOCATION: Zoom
Click HERE to register!
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METRO G LINE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT COMMUNITY MEETING | NOVEMBER 18 | MORE INFO
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Join Metro for a Community Meeting on Zoom! Earlier this year, Metro’s contractor, Valley Transit Partners (VTP), began construction to build two new bridges at Van Nuys Bl and Vesper Av, along with a new aerial station at Van Nuys Bl. You will hear from the Metro Project Team about the latest updates on the Metro G Line Improvements Project.
Come to learn more about the:
- Construction progress on the bridges at Van Nuys Bl and Vesper Av, as well as the new aerial station.
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Upcoming construction of the Sepulveda Bl Bridge and the new Metro G Line Bus Detour.
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Installation of railroad-style four-quadrant gates at 13 intersections.
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Construction timeline for the Metro G Line
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Bike Path improvements.
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Business Solutions Center
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Outreach efforts
DATE: Tuesday, November 18
TIME: 6:00 – 7:30PM
LOCATION: ZOOM
Click HERE for more information and to register!
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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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