ONE BIG THING: CITY COUNCIL CAPS RENT HIKES AND ELIMINATES SURCHARGES
What Happened?
For the first time in 40 years, City Council voted to change LA’s rent-stabilization formula, which determines how much rent can increase for the majority of rental units in LA.
Why it Matters
80% of residents in District 13 are renters, and we receive 600-800 eviction notices every month for nonpayment of rent.
Even a 1-2% rent hike for utilities can have a huge impact:
- An estimated 238,000 Angelenos pay more than 90% of their income on rent.
- For someone making around $1,700 a month, a mere 1% rent hike could cut their post-rent income by 10% or more, putting necessities like food and medicine out of reach.
25 homeless service and housing providers wrote to City Council saying this is “one of the most impactful, non-monetary investments the City could make to reduce inflow into homelessness.”
What’s Next?
The City Attorney must now draft the official updates to the rent-stabilization law, which will return to City Council for a vote in the coming weeks.
The new formula is expected to take effect by February 1, when most tenants receive their annual rent increases.
Three More Quick Hits!
- LAPD Protest Response Motions Advance Through Public Safety Committee
Two motions we introduced passed through Public Safety Committee this week:
a. Our first motion looks to strictly enforce and build on existing state law banning the use of so-called “less lethal” weapons like tear gas and rubber bullets against crowds and allowing them only in rare, life-threatening situations against individuals.
B. Our second motion asks the Board of Police Commissioners to join major cities like New York and Boston in utilizing a “graded response” model during protests, where heavily armed officers are kept in reserve and only used if the situation escalates to violence.
Both motions will not move to the full City Council for a vote in the coming weeks.
- Larchmont Lot 694 Update
Great news for Larchmont! The central gathering place of Larchmont – Lot 694 – is here to stay!
Our office stood unequivocally with the community at the Board of Transportation Commissioners meeting on Thursday, opposing the proposed deal for the parking lot — and with over 450 emails received and dozens of residents showing up in person — your voices were heard loud and clear.
The Board may bring the item back to vote it down for closure, or it may take no further action, but either way, we’re proud to report that the Larchmont Farmer’s Market and the rest of the community events at Lot 694 are secure.
- Turkey Time!
We’re partnering with Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez to give away thousands of turkeys to help residents in our districts who are experiencing food insecurity.
Community is more important than ever, and we’re asking for your help! We're looking for volunteers on November 21 to ensure that every family can enjoy warmth, love, and a holiday meal.
Click here to sign up to volunteer on November 21, and check out details about turkey pickup below.
Rain and Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips
Here are some tips to keep your furry friends safe as Los Angeles braces itself for the stormy season:
- Stay indoors, keep pets inside: If you are not asked to evacuate, stay in and cozy up with your pets.
- Don’t leave your furry friends alone in cars: Leaving your pet in cars is ILLEGAL in California and can be deadly. Remember if it's cold for you, it is cold for them!
- Being prepared includes preparing your pets: Remember to include your furry one in your family emergency plan!
- Is your companion animal microchipped? Now is the moment to make sure all your pets are microchipped and/or your contact information is up to date to ensure the safety of your pets! Visit any LA Animal Service Shelter to get your pet microchipped for $15, no appointment needed!
