ONE BIG THING: LAPD TO EXPAND SURVEILLANCE NETWORK
What Happened?
This week, a majority of City Council voted 9 to 6 against LAPD’s new Axon Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Pilot Program, which we broke down in last week’s newsletter.
But because we needed 10 votes to block it, the program is still moving forward.
Why it Matters
Every month, thousands of LAPD cameras scan vehicles more than 100 MILLION times. Now, that surveillance network is expanding without basic privacy safeguards like:
- Independent, outside audits.
- Approval of data-sharing agreements with other police departments.
- Stricter limits on how many LAPD personnel can access ALPR searches
Across the country, this technology has been used to help ICE’s mass deportation campaign, track women seeking abortions, and even stalk ex-girlfriends.
Here in LA, we've never had an independent, outside audit of how LAPD uses this technology.
The fact that this program is moving forward despite opposition from a majority of City Council sends an extremely troubling message to Angelenos.
Recent polling shows that nationally, 54.4% of Americans oppose ALPR cameras in their communities while 34.6% support them. At Tuesday’s council meeting, hundreds of Angelenos came to speak out against the technology. Not a single community member spoke in favor of expanding the ALPR program.
What’s Next?
Believe it or not – City Council doesn’t have direct authority over LAPD policy. Instead, that power rests with the unelected Board of Police Commissioners. Council can only block the Board's decisions with a supermajority vote, which is why we lost this vote even though a majority of Council opposed the program.
But this isn't the end of the fight.
Because this is a pilot program, it will go back before the Police Commission for review before any potential expansion. That will give the public another opportunity to weigh in and push for stronger safeguards.
It's not too late for the City to do the right thing.
Three More Quick Hits
- Over 5,000 Solar Streetlights in 7 Months!
We joined Mayor Bass this week in Hollywood to announce that over 5,000 solar streetlights have been installed across the city over the past seven months, with an additional 55,000 scheduled for installation.
These solar lights are:
🔒Impervious to copper wire theft because they don’t rely on copper wiring
☀️More energy-efficient and better for the environment
🔧More reliable, meaning faster repairs across the entire system
This is the kind of investment that makes an immediate difference in people’s everyday lives while building more sustainable infrastructure for future generations.
- Council Passes Two ‘Film-Friendly Measures’
City Council approved two motions this week from Councilmember Adrin Nazarian aimed at making filming in LA more affordable. The city will now look at:
- Free permits for small productions with 10 or fewer people.
- $1-a-day parking on city-owned properties for film and TV productions.
This would mean fewer costs for independent filmmakers, student crews, and documentary projects — while helping bring more production, jobs, and economic activity back to Hollywood and communities across LA.
- Exploring ‘Entertainment Zones’ in Hollywood & Downtown
City Council approved a motion this week that will explore the possibility of creating ‘Entertainment Zones’ in Hollywood and Downtown LA, where participating businesses could offer designated outdoor areas for customers to enjoy food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages purchased from local businesses.
While no immediate changes are on the horizon, this concept has been successful in San Francisco and other cities across the country to help revitalize entertainment and tourist districts. In Hollywood, it could be another way to help the Walk of Fame live up to its potential as a world-class tourist destination.
Happy Halloween from CD13!
CD 13 Halloween won’t be the same if we cannot celebrate it witch YOU! 🧙♀️
Luckily, we have spooktacular events at rec centers all over the district! 💀🎃👻
Don’t forget to bring all your boos, ghouls, and costumes. We look forward to a fang-tastic time with you.
Click here to view today’s Rec & Parks Halloween events across the city!
Save the Date – Organizing & Civic Engagement
Monday, November 2nd – LA28 Business& Vendor Procurement Clinic (Workshop for small businesses)
Tuesday, November 3rd – Street Vending in Unincorporated Los Angeles County (Workshop on sidewalk vending resources)
Thursday, November 5th - Citizenship Education Workshop (Workshop on recent changes to the United States citizenship process and pre-screening clinic to determine naturalization eligibility)
Save the Date – Community Events
Sunday, November 1st -Community Green Day at Barnsdall(Community Clean up at Barnsdall Park)
Sunday, November 1st – The 4th Annual Great Pumpkin Bash (A fun way to compost your pumpkin!)
Saturday, November 7th - Barnsdall Community Ofrenda(Día de los Muertos workshops)
CD13 Pet of the Week!
Meet Thalia, our pet of the week!
This sweet girl has been waiting for the cold to kick in! With that BIG warm heart she has, the end of year chills are her favorite.
Although Thalia loves the cold, she is currently looking for a warm loving friend. Visit her at North Central today!
