ONE BIG THING: INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT OF LAPD
What Happened?
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of waking up to see my face on the cover of the Right-Wing Tabloid, The California Post:
So… what is this “secret socialist plot”? It’s two common-sense reforms with widespread support.
- Empower Elected Officials to Set Police Policy - Right now, City Council – the people voters elect to make laws – can’t set LAPD policy. Instead, that power is given exclusively to the Board of Police Commissioners, an unelected body appointed by the Mayor.
No other city prevents their legislators from making policy like LA, so our proposal is simple: allow the people elected by the voters to make the laws.
Click here to read a full breakdown from our recent newsletter.
- Independent Auditing of LAPD - This motion, which passed unanimously through City Council, would explore moving LAPD auditors out of the department and into the City Controller’s office.
Why it Matters
The fact that MAGA tabloids are already grasping at straws to stop us shows that we are fighting for something worthwhile, and we’re winning.
This is what they’re scared of:
Meanwhile, LAPD largely audits itself right now, which means we don’t even know where all our tax dollars are being spent. Auditing should be independent. That isn’t radical. It’s fiscally responsible.
What’s Next?
To give City Council the authority to set police policy, Council will need to vote to place the reform on the ballot – and then voters will finally have the final say in November.
In the coming months, Council will also receive recommendations from the City Controller and other city staff on how to move LAPD auditing out of the department, followed by additional Council votes on how to implement those changes.
Three More Quick Hits!
- Potential LAUSD Strike
Starting Tuesday, teachers, educators, and administrators are set to go on strike as they fight for better wages and respect on the job. We stand in solidarity with all our education workers fighting for a fair contract, and we’ll be alongside them on the picket lines.
For parents of LAUSD students, go to schoolupdates.lausd.org for updates and information. Schools will be open on Monday, April 13.
- Hollywood Business Community Mixer
We’re teaming up with LA Pride and the Hollywood Partnership to bring together local businesses from across Hollywood for an evening of connection and conversation.
Meet LA Pride leadership, connect with fellow business owners, and learn how to get involved in this year’s Pride celebrations!
Join us on Wednesday, April 15th – Click here for more information & to secure your spot today!
- Women Leading the Labor Movement
This month’s Lens on Life film series features a special screening of Norma Rae (1979), the award-winning story of a textile worker who organizes her workplace in the face of unsafe conditions.
Following the film, we’ll host a powerful panel featuring labor leaders including Teamsters Local 399 Secretary-Treasurer Lindsay Dougherty, LA County Federation of Labor President Yvonne Wheeler, and legendary labor leader for Los Angeles garment workers, Cristina Vázquez.
Tickets are free but RSVP is required. Reserve your seat today at bit.ly/lensonlife13