ONE BIG THING: AXON OR AX-OFF
What Happened?
Two weeks ago, we told you that City Council had paused LAPD’s planned pilot program for automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) to take a closer look at privacy concerns before moving forward.
This week, the Public Safety Committee took up the issue. LAPD outlined several newly implemented safeguards, including automatically flagging repeat searches and suspending data sharing with outside agencies.
But we also uncovered new information that gave us even more reason to pause. LAPD revealed that more than 4,000 officers currently have access to ALPR searches, without a regular review process to determine who actually needs that access to do their jobs. We also learned that sharing access with other police departments required nothing more than a verbal agreement with the Chief of Police, and that we have never audited how those agencies use our ALPR technology.
We’re also pushing for independent, third-party audits to make sure these safeguards are actually followed. Right now, there’s no independent outside auditor responsible for verifying that LAPD is complying with its own rules.
That’s why a majority of the Public Safety Committee joined us in voting to veto the Axon pilot program until additional safeguards are in place.
Why It Matters
Across the country, ALPR data has been used to track people’s movements and enable abuses, from immigration enforcement to stalking.
At the same time, we’re making progress in pushing for additional restrictions and safeguards to protect our communities. We’re exposing real problems that need to be addressed thoughtfully and intentionally.
That’s why we’ll keep pushing for independent, third-party audits of ALPR use, stricter limits on access for both LAPD officers and other departments, and meaningful accountability to ensure these safeguards are enforced.
ALPR’s in 2025
| State of Play Today
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What’s Next?
The Axon ALPR pilot was originally scheduled for a full City Council vote on Wednesday. After the Public Safety Committee voted 3–2 to veto the proposal, the Council vote was postponed until Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Ten votes are needed to veto the contract and send it back to the Board of Police Commissioners for additional work. We’ll keep pushing for stronger safeguards before this technology moves forward.
Four More Quick Hits
Transforming Storefronts from Vacant to Vibrant
The full City Council has approved a motion from Councilmember John Lee, which we seconded, directing City staff to explore establishing an “LA Vacant to Vibrant” Storefront Activation Program.
Modeled after San Francisco’s Vacant to Vibrant initiative, the program would explore ways to turn empty storefronts into pop-ups, galleries, restaurants, studios, and other community spaces. With a pilot already underway in Downtown LA, this motion will help us understand what it would take to expand the approach citywide.
By helping entrepreneurs and creatives get started without the upfront burden of a long-term lease, we can put vacant storefronts to use and create more opportunities for local businesses and artists.
Now that the motion has passed, City staff will move forward with a report on what a citywide program could look like.
CD 13 Halloween Festivities
Boo! It is time for Halloween with CD 13. No matter where you are in the district, there’s a boo-nanza at a rec center near you that will be frighteningly fun. 💀🎃👻
Please remember to come in your spookiest costumes and bring the whole family, we'll see you there!
Help Make LA More Accessible
The City of LA is updating its citywide ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan and looking to hear from people with disabilities and others who experience accessibility barriers. Your feedback will help the City identify what needs to improve across its programs, services, facilities, and information.
Take the survey by October 30: https://tinyurl.com/la-adasurvey
Help Improve Long COVID Support in Los Angeles
If you live in LA County and have Long COVID, care for someone with Long COVID, or are a Long COVID community organizer or advocate, take this anonymous survey to help inform how the County supports people affected by Long COVID.
Your responses will help identify unmet needs and service gaps, inform the LA County Department of Public Health’s Long COVID Workgroup, and shape a public report and virtual town hall.
Small Business Spotlight: Herbalaria Celebrates 10 Years
Our staff recently joined Councilmember Ysabel Jurado to celebrate Herbalaria’s 10th anniversary in East Hollywood! Founded in 2016, Herbalaria is the first Filipina American-owned company of its kind, blending Filipino plant-healing traditions with modern skin and spiritual care products.
A certified LA Green Business Innovator, Herbalaria supports local businesses, sources from Philippine farms, and incorporates ingredients from its own urban gardens.
Learn more about Herbalaria’s products, services, and classes at herbalaria.com.
Save the Date – Organizing & Civic Engagement
Tuesday, October 27th – Legal Clinic for Commercial Tenants(FREE Legal Clinic for Commercial Tenants and connect one-on-one with an attorney to learn about legal protections and resources available to local businesses.)
Save the Date – Community Events
Friday, October 30th – Practical Magic Movie Night(Screening of Practical Magic in Culver City)
Friday, November 6th - Free Salsa Pop-Up Class(Outdoor class hosted by Metro & CD5)
National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
Meet Benji, our pet of the week!
This boy is a STAR! Ready for all the fetch, fun, and runs you can imagine! This young boy is coming in at a slight 24 lbs, light as a feather.
Close out National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month strong and visit Benji at North Central!
