Los Angeles

Commentary

With Measure A, Los Angeles voters embrace a bigger response to homelessness

As a red wave overtakes the nation's political system, Los Angeles County voters sent a signal that liberal policies to address homelessness are still desired with Measure A poised to pass.

By

Jim Newton

• November 7, 2024

Two men on stage at a podium. The one on the left is talking and gesturing to someone out of frame.

Commentary

How did Los Angeles voters get stuck with two distressing choices for district attorney?

Not long ago, the important work of prosecuting crime in Los Angeles County was managed by moderate, sober leaders. How, then, is it that voters face a choice between two dramatically less capable candidates than those who preceded them?

By

Jim Newton

• October 31, 2024

A person wearing blue and grey tie dye pants and black shirt puts on a red sweatshirt in front of a graffiti wall where a homeless encanmpment used to be.

Commentary

Newsom provides welfare to the wealthy, skimps on anti-homelessness programs

This week Gov. Gavin Newsom promised $750 million to a few already wealthy entertainment producers and $827 million to cities and counties helping homeless people gain shelter.

By

Dan Walters

• October 31, 2024

A person, wearing a bluew suit and white shirt, stands behind a podium with a small sign that reads "light, camera, jobs" while several people stand behind him.

Commentary

Why Newsom wants California taxpayers to spend millions more subsidizing Hollywood

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants the next state budget to more than double a tax credit for the entertainment industry, despite its overstated value to California's economy.

By

Dan Walters

• October 29, 2024

Building structures stand behind a chain-linked fence with barbed wire. Three signs are affixed to the fence. Two of the signs are yellow and warn of radioactive material, and the third, in black, white and red, warns of danger and a hazardous waste area.

Commentary

Californians must step up pressure to ensure a full cleanup of toxic Santa Susana lab

A plan by California regulators overseeing the long-delayed cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory fails to fully address soil contamination. Advocates hope residents take notice and ramp up public pressure while there's still time.

By Shawn Rostker • October 21, 2024

A homeless man wearing a white button up shirt and plaid shorts pushes a wheelchair next to a homeless encampment in Skid Row with the Los Angeles skyline in the background.

Commentary

How much would it cost to end homelessness in California? Try more than $100 billion

Extrapolating from a report on housing Los Angeles' homeless population, it could cost California $10 billion a year, for 10 years, to fix homelessness statewide.

By

Dan Walters

• October 18, 2024

A view of a person's back as they walk by gray and white tents on the sidewalk on a hot day in Los Angeles.

Commentary

Los Angeles County’s progress against homelessness faces a major test on the ballot

With Measure A, Los Angeles County voters will have a chance to express their view of the progress being made on homelessness and elected leaders like Mayor Karen Bass who have made it a defining issue.

By

Jim Newton

• October 17, 2024

A ray of light shines on the right side of a person's face as they stand in front of an American flag and California flag during a press conference.

Commentary

To restore morale, new pick for LA police chief embraces a strategy California desperately needs

As California law enforcement struggles with recruitment and poor morale, the new pick for Los Angeles police chief believes restoring relations between officers and the public is the solution. Departments across the state need his approach to community policing to work.

By

Jim Newton

• October 8, 2024

Tents line the curb at a homeless encampment in the Rampart Village neighborhood of Los Angeles on Nov. 17, 2021. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr./CalMatters

Homelessness

LA County voters face huge decision on homeless services funding

In Los Angeles County, where more than 75,000 people have nowhere to call home, voters will decide whether to tax themselves to help get people off the street.

By

Marisa Kendall

• October 8, 2024

LA City Hall is framed by lush green trees and a partly cloudy sky, standing tall in the center with a clear view of its tiered architecture. The foliage in the foreground adds depth and contrast to the modern lines of the building.

Commentary

Los Angeles nears an election full of political reforms. Do voters care?

Los Angeles voters will consider three ballot measures this fall that will bring notable reforms to their city and county governments, including how they represent constituents. So why is Los Angeles is not abuzz at the prospect of change?

By

Jim Newton

• October 3, 2024