Records LA – City Hall Update

Good morning! In this edition, we bring you the latest from city and county government. We start with the unexpected encounter between Hugo Soto-Martínez and Colter Carlyle in their apartment’s laundry room.

It seems that, out of nowhere, Carlisle has officially challenged Soto-Martínez for his seat on the LA City Council. Carlisle, the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council’s vice president, isn’t too pleased about this sudden competition, jokingly reflecting on the laundry room clash as potentially the most troublesome moment of his life.

While council members typically face various challenges from neighborhood councils, this situation is unique—it’s the first time one council member is directly opposing their neighbor.

Carlisle insists his campaign has nothing to do with their neighborly relationship. Having been involved in legal sales and the Neighborhood Council since 2021, he really has his work cut out for him. Soto-Martínez, who made waves last year by ousting incumbents and advocating for left-leaning policies, represents a diverse area that includes neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Echo Park.

The support for Soto-Martínez is formidable, thanks to backing from significant unions and local democratic socialists. He stands out on the council, especially since he’s one of the few tenants there and hasn’t faced serious challenges until now.

Carlisle considers it an ironic twist of fate that both he and Soto-Martínez are both involved in East Hollywood’s governance due to their shared living situation. After Soto-Martínez’s election victory, Carlisle remembers thinking about maintaining a distance—like, how do you casually interact with a coworker who lives below you?

Interestingly, Carlisle, who had voted for Soto-Martínez in 2022, was spurred to challenge him by housing issues. He argues that the city’s housing initiatives are actually driving long-term residents away. There’s concern that the demolition of rent-controlled units isn’t helping to make LA more affordable.

Carlisle is particularly critical of Soto-Martínez’s support for Senate Bill 79, which aims to increase housing density near public transport. Carlisle fears these plans will come at the expense of existing rent-controlled apartments, noting that although the bill doesn’t apply to all rent-stabilized units, many are still at risk.

He also points out a specific apartment project on Carlton Way, which would replace small rent-controlled homes with new units, some of which would be allocated to low-income residents, but the majority would be at market rates. The spokesperson for Soto-Martínez defended the project, claiming it follows affordable housing guidelines, although skepticism remains.

In a broader context, Soto-Martínez indicated that renters, who represent a significant portion of the city, have historically lacked representation in crucial decisions. His office currently focuses on helping tenants facing eviction and addressing rent increases.

The State of Play

• Controversial Settlement: There’s a story circulating about seven individuals who claim to have been paid to sue Los Angeles County over sexual abuse at juvenile facilities. This is tied to a massive $4 billion settlement, marking one of the largest in U.S. history.
• Senate Bill 79 in Limbo: Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to decide the fate of SB 79, aimed at facilitating higher-density housing near transit. The bill’s future is muddied by various interests pushing for different modifications.
• Construction Decline: Construction of apartments in Los Angeles has dropped almost a third in the past three years due to unfavorable economics and regulatory uncertainty, according to real estate professionals.
• Wage Increase Proposal: Some city council members are looking into a plan to raise wages for construction workers, advocating for a minimum hourly wage combined with a healthcare credit.
• Controversial Reappointment: Notably, an appointee to the police commission secured another term without formal city council approval, leading to some public outcry.
• Staff Changes: The deputy mayor is leaving for a new role, prompting a reshuffle in the mayor’s communication team.
• Opposition to RV Park: A proposed RV park in Harbor City is facing strong backlash from local residents.
• New Tracking System: A new system aimed at modernizing shelter bed tracking in Los Angeles has faced criticism from non-profits managing those shelters, suggesting the data isn’t always accurate.
• Police Incident: LAPD officers apprehended a man who had been lingering in a vehicle on City Hall steps for several hours.

Quick Hits

• Homelessness Program: The mayor’s prominent initiative regarding homelessness hasn’t seen new operations launched this week.
• Upcoming Votes: The city council is set to vote on approving an increase in garbage fees targeted at single-family homes and smaller apartments, with some meetings on hold for California’s league meetings.

Let’s Stay in Touch

Thanks for tuning in this week! Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. If this email was forwarded to you, consider signing up for regular updates.