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Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky Faces Housing Policy Criticism in District 5 Race

Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky Faces Housing Policy Criticism in District 5 Race

Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky is defending her seat in the 5th District against two challengers, Henry Mantel and Morgan Oyler, who criticize her stance on housing policies. The district, which includes affluent areas like Bel Air and middle-class neighborhoods such as Palms, is at the center of a debate over housing density. Mantel, a tenants' rights lawyer, and Oyler, an accountant, argue that Yaroslavsky's decision to delay the implementation of Senate Bill 79, aimed at increasing housing density near transit hubs, is a setback for addressing housing shortages and homelessness. Yaroslavsky contends that the bill is flawed and is working to mitigate its negative impacts.
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Los Angeles City Council Proposes Measure CB to Tax Illegal Cannabis Businesses

Los Angeles City Council Proposes Measure CB to Tax Illegal Cannabis Businesses

The Los Angeles City Council has introduced Measure CB, a proposal to tax illegal cannabis businesses at the same rate as legal operators. This measure, set to appear on the June 2 ballot, aims to generate an estimated $30 million to $35 million annually for city services. The proposal seeks to address the competitive advantage illegal cannabis businesses have by not paying taxes or fees, which proponents argue undermines the legal market. Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who chairs the budget committee, has emphasized the need to close this 'loophole' and reinvest potential revenue into shutting down more illegal operations. Despite the potential financial benefits, opponents express concerns that the city lacks effective enforcement mechanisms to collect taxes from illegal operators and worry that the city might become reliant on revenue from the illicit market.
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LA Mayoral Candidate Spencer Pratt Criticizes Opponents in New Attack Ad

LA Mayoral Candidate Spencer Pratt Criticizes Opponents in New Attack Ad

Spencer Pratt, a candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral race, has released a new attack ad targeting his opponents. The ad, which has been reported by CBS News, marks a significant escalation in the campaign as Pratt seeks to differentiate himself from other candidates. The content of the ad and the specific criticisms levied against his opponents were not detailed in the report, but the move suggests a strategic shift towards a more aggressive campaign style. This development comes as the mayoral race intensifies, with candidates vying for voter attention and support in a crowded field.
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Qatari Royal Family Lists Bel Air Estate for $400 Million Amid California Tax Concerns

Qatari Royal Family Lists Bel Air Estate for $400 Million Amid California Tax Concerns

Qatari Royal Family Lists Bel Air Estate for $400 Million Amid California Tax Concerns
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L.A. Marathon Seeks Financial Relief from City Amid Contract Dispute

L.A. Marathon Seeks Financial Relief from City Amid Contract Dispute

L.A. Marathon Seeks Financial Relief from City Amid Contract Dispute
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L.A. City Controller Race: Kenneth Mejia Faces Challenger Zach Sokoloff

L.A. City Controller Race: Kenneth Mejia Faces Challenger Zach Sokoloff

Kenneth Mejia, the current Los Angeles City Controller, is facing a challenge from Zach Sokoloff in the upcoming election. Mejia, a certified public accountant, became the first Asian American to hold citywide elected office in Los Angeles in 2022. He is known for his audits of city spending on various services and his efforts to provide financial transparency. Sokoloff, a Westwood resident with a background in education and business, emphasizes his experience managing large-scale projects. He aims to bring accountability and collaboration to the city's budget management. The election will determine who will oversee the financial operations of Los Angeles, impacting how city funds are managed and allocated.
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Spencer Pratt Enters Los Angeles Mayoral Race, Discusses Motivation for Candidacy

Spencer Pratt Enters Los Angeles Mayoral Race, Discusses Motivation for Candidacy

Spencer Pratt, known for his previous television appearances, has announced his candidacy for the Los Angeles mayoral race. In an interview with CBS LA's Tom Wait, Pratt discussed his motivations for entering public office. The conversation took place at the Pacific Palisades lot where his home once stood, providing a personal backdrop to his political ambitions. Pratt's decision to run is driven by a desire to address local issues and bring about change in the community. His entry into the race adds a new dimension to the political landscape of Los Angeles, as he joins a field of candidates vying for the mayoral position.
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Kenneth Mejia and Zach Sokoloff Compete in L.A. City Controller Race Amid Calls for Accountability

Kenneth Mejia and Zach Sokoloff Compete in L.A. City Controller Race Amid Calls for Accountability

Kenneth Mejia, the current Los Angeles City Controller, is facing a challenge from Zach Sokoloff in the upcoming city elections. Mejia, a certified public accountant, made history in 2022 by becoming the first Asian American to hold citywide elected office in Los Angeles. He is known for his audits on city spending related to homelessness, police, housing, and animal services. His work has led to significant investigations, including a federal probe into Alexander Soofer, who was charged with wire fraud for allegedly misappropriating $23 million intended for homeless services. Mejia emphasizes financial transparency and accountability as key achievements of his tenure. His opponent, Zach Sokoloff, is a Westwood resident with a background in education and business. Sokoloff has managed large-scale projects for Hackman, a major Hollywood landlord, and advocates for a collaborative approach to city governance, focusing on delivering tangible results rather than just reports.
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Los Angeles Mayor Proposes Expansion of Airbnb-Style Rentals Amidst Housing Concerns

Los Angeles Mayor Proposes Expansion of Airbnb-Style Rentals Amidst Housing Concerns

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has proposed a new initiative within the city's budget to allow owners of second homes to rent them out on a short-term basis, a move currently prohibited. This proposal aims to generate additional tax revenue and provide more accommodation options for visitors during major events like the 2028 Summer Olympics. The initiative, however, faces opposition from hotel workers' unions, hotel companies, and affordable housing advocates who argue it could exacerbate the city's housing shortage. The proposal is part of a broader budget plan that requires approval from the City Council, which is set to consider a related vacation rental ordinance on May 12. The mayor's office suggests that the measure could lead to prepayments of transient occupancy taxes by companies like Airbnb, potentially raising significant funds for city infrastructure projects.
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NAMIC Next Vision Awards Honor 'Abbott Elementary', 'Bel-Air', and John Quiñones

NAMIC Next Vision Awards Honor 'Abbott Elementary', 'Bel-Air', and John Quiñones

NAMIC Next Vision Awards Honor 'Abbott Elementary', 'Bel-Air', and John Quiñones
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Los Angeles Rental Market Sees Decline, Yet Affordability Remains Elusive for Many Residents

Los Angeles Rental Market Sees Decline, Yet Affordability Remains Elusive for Many Residents

Rents in Los Angeles County have decreased to their lowest levels since early 2022, with the median asking rent dropping to $2,520 in the first quarter of 2026. This represents a 3.7% decrease from the previous year and a 10.6% drop from the market's peak in summer 2022. The decline is attributed to a surge in new multifamily construction, which has increased the supply of rental units. Smaller units, particularly those with zero to two bedrooms, have experienced the most significant price reductions. Despite the decrease, rents remain high, requiring an annual household income of over $107,000 to afford a typical rental. The city of Los Angeles has also implemented a new Rent Stabilization Ordinance, capping annual rent increases at 4% for a significant portion of its rental stock.