ONE BIG THING: REAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE POLICE

Last week, we introduced a motion to remove a loophole that currently allows police officers who have committed serious misconduct to evade responsibility and stay on the job. Let’s break it down:

THE PROBLEM

In 2017, voters approved an "all-civilian" Board of Rights to determine police discipline. You would think that an “all-civilian” oversight board would provide more accountability for police misconduct, but it's actually had the opposite effect. 

Right now, 91% of officers accused of misconduct choose the “All Civilian” Board of Rights, as opposed to the traditional Board of Rights which has been in place since before 2017.

Why? Because the “all-civilian” board consists solely of people nominated by the police commission. And 77% of the time, officers in front of the “civilian” board receive either zero punishment or less punishment than recommended by the Police Chief.

THE SHORT-TERM FIX

First: We want to eliminate the more lenient Board of Rights. Why should someone accused of grave misconduct be “punished” by a panel that overwhelmingly lets them off the hook?

Second: Instead of just having people with ties to the LAPD on these “civilian” boards, we want to include people with diverse perspectives, nominated by civil rights groups, who are actually representative of LA residents.

THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION

The motion we introduced last Friday was a huge first step to achieving change, but we need to totally rethink this system. 

Our motion also directs the city's Civil Rights and Equity Department to provide a report to City Council on the best steps we can take to further real accountability for officers who commit misconduct. That could even include a City Charter Amendment, where residents would be able to vote and choose a system that has been proven to work better.

Two More Quick Hits!

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1. Winter Weather in LA

With winter weather sweeping across Southern California (and even snow at the Hollywood sign!), we are still expected to experience frigid temperatures and more rain throughout this week. 

In addition to staying off the roads during dangerous conditions and preparing for power outages by charging your devices, you can check in on your unhoused neighbors and offer blankets, warm food, and other resources to make sure they stay safe during this cold spell.

2. Street Vendors at Los Angeles City College

We’re happy to report that the illegal boulders preventing street vendors from setting up outside of the LACC Swap meet have finally been removed! 

Street vendors are LA’s culture, and we are proud to stand up for their rights as small business owners and members of our community who make our streets safer and more vibrant.

Meet Our Team

Homelessness Director Patrick Mooney

We are delighted to welcome Patrick Mooney as our office’s Homelessness Director. Patrick comes to our team from People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), where he organized 64 homeless outreach teams in Metro LA while coordinating with The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA),The People’s Concern, Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, and more. Prior to that, Patrick spent multiple years as an Outreach Worker with LAHSA right here in CD13.

Homelessness Deputy Michael Batistick

A proud resident of CD 13, Mike worked as a Program Director and outreach volunteer with SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition before joining our team. He’s lived in Atwater Village since 2013, building a wealth of experience connecting our unhoused neighbors to services.

Homelessness Deputy Kylie Jansen

After working as Deputy Field Director on our campaign for City Council, going out into our neighborhoods everyday and building relationships with both housed and unhoused neighbors –  we are thrilled to have Kylie join our office, and begin to turn our campaign goals into a reality.

CD13 In The News!

LA Times Editorial: LAPD’s broken discipline system doesn’t hold officers accountable

LAist: Long Invisible In LA Politics, Renters Are Now Winning Major Elections