ONE BIG THING: RESTRICTING MILITARY WEAPONS AT PROTESTS
What Happened?
On Tuesday, we forced a City Council vote on restricting LAPD’s use of two specific kinds of military equipment:
CS gas, known as “tear gas,” is classified as a chemical weapon under the Geneva Conventions and banned even in warfare. Prior to June 8, the LAPD had not used tear gas in crowd-control settings in almost 50 years.
40-millimeter launchers, which fire hard-foam projectiles the size of mini soda cans over 200 mph. Houston and the LAPD are the only two of the nation’s top five largest police departments that assign patrol officers the 40mm launcher.
Our motion to restrict the use of these weapons failed 4-8, with three councilmembers absent.
Why it Matters
As peaceful protestors march against the rise of authoritarianism in our country, our city cannot echo the same intimidation tactics we condemn in ICE Raids.
On a single day in June, we saw over 1,000 projectiles fired at over 6,000 people — including 20 rounds of chemical agents. That’s not a response to just a few bad actors.
We’ve witnessed a reporter get shot by a “less lethal” projectile on live TV, firing at a woman walking home at point-blank range, and indiscriminately firing at civilians and violating use-of-force policies.
We still haven’t seen any accountability or answers for these abuses as we await the LAPD “After-Action” Report, but we appreciate the opportunity to have an important public conversation about these weapons with the Chief of Police and City Council.
Deep Dive
LA’s City Charter (our city’s constitution), doesn’t give the City Council power to set LAPD policy — but rather to the unelected Board of Police Commissioners.
The reason we were able to force a City Council vote on this issue is because of state law AB 481, which mandates that City Council renew LAPD’s authorization to use military equipment, ensuring it complies with state and local laws.
Click here to view the full City Council discussion
What’s Next?
Our effort to use AB 481 to restrict the use of these weapons failed; City Council can still return to this issue to revoke authorization if we continue to see further abuses.
The Board of Police Commissioners also has the authority to set LAPD policy, and they hold public meetings to consider policy issues weekly on Tuesdays.
If you’re wondering why our City Charter gives the power to make LAPD policy to an un-elected body, or if you have any interest in how the city government works (if you’ve made it this far, this is you) — we invite you to the LA Charter Reform Commission's information session and town hall at Echo Park Lake on the northeast side from 10am-1:30 pm so we can build a more just and representative city.
Four More Quick Hits
- Legislative Updates
This week, we had four big items move through the Economic Development and Jobs Committee:
Wage Theft Enforcement
Our priority motion to enforce wage theft would allow the city to investigate and enforce laws that are already on the books but can currently only be enforced at the state level — specifically Overtime, Meal Break, Rest Break, and Late Pay Violations –- which make up most wage theft cases.
The motion passed through the Economic Development & Jobs Committee with a 3-1 vote and is headed to the full council.
Coupons for All
We seconded a motion from Councilmembers Heather Hutt and Curren Price to require stores to offer in-store, paper, or automatic discounts so seniors, low-income shoppers, and people who just don’t want to download another app aren’t left paying more.
The motion passed unanimously through committee and will move to the full City Council.
Cash Discrimination
Another initiative that moved forward this week is our motion with Councilwomen Heather Hutt and Eunisses Hernandez to require that all businesses in the City of Los Angeles accept cash.
My own dad doesn’t use a credit card, and that’s true for many Angelenos — especially immigrants, seniors, and low-income residents. This effort is about making sure everyone in our community can fully participate in our local economy.
Ghost Kitchens
Our motion to establish a dedicated land-use definition for ghost kitchens also cleared the Economic Development & Jobs Committee and is headed to the full Council.
If it’s approved, the Planning Department will prepare a report outlining possible guidelines — including things like parking requirements and limits on where these facilities can operate near residential areas.
- It’s Raining Bins
Have you noticed these big green compost bins everywhere?
Composting shouldn’t be so complicated – and it definitely shouldn’t be wasteful.
Luckily, it’s easy to get extra bins picked up or swapped for smaller ones. Just visit lacitysan.org/greenbindeployment to request removal or a smaller bin.
- No More Coal in LA
Los Angeles is officially coal-free!
Coal supplied over 50% of our city’s energy as recently as 2003, and 11% last year, but as of this week, LA has kicked coal for good!
- 40th Anniversary of Hollywood Boulevard’s inclusion in the National Public Registry
We were proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hollywood Boulevard’s National Register designation with Hollywood Heritage at their Preservation Resource Center!
We’re committed to breathing new life into Hollywood while protecting the history that makes it one of the world’s most iconic neighborhoods.
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Pound Cake, our pet of the week!
In need of a sweet treat this holiday season? We know just the girl!
This beautiful Doberman Pinscher pup is still just a baby, and she’s hoping to find her forever family in time to celebrate the holidays surrounded by love and a warm bed.
Open your heart and home this season, Pound Cake is ready to make your days merry and bright! If you are looking to adopt her, please email ani.foster@lacity.org!