Honor West Covina at the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend reunion, put on your boots for the Great L.A. River Cleanup, meet nocturnal plants and animals at the California Botanic Garden, catch a spooky poolside screening in Irvine and more of the best things to do this weekend.
Highlights:
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend creator Rachel Bloom and co. always put on a great show, whether it’s low-key jamming with friends at the Largo or in this bigger iteration at the Wiltern. Special appearances from former cast members are guaranteed, and this underrated gem will once again get its due on stage for its 10-year anniversary.
Bring your flashlight and get ready to uncover all the secrets of nocturnal plants and animals at Things That Go Bump in the Night at the California Botanic Garden in Claremont.
It’s the Great L.A. River Cleanup! Join Friends of the L.A. River at either Sepulveda Basin in Encino or Compton Creek in Compton to help clear trash and preserve the unique ecology of the L.A. River.
Only in Southern California can you watch Halloween movies and still be at the pool. Embrace the spooky spirit with a screening of Hotel Transylvania 2 with your whole family on the Hyatt Regency’s poolside screen.
It’s a big week, with some of us only able to focus on the Dodgers, others wrapping up a strong L.A. tech week and Morrissey fans gearing up for three local shows over the next week — ahem, assuming he doesn’t have to cancel.
Still, others will be marathoning Diane Keaton movies and mourning one of the greats. Fortunately, AMC is helping with this, so get out of the house and catch one of the rereleases of Annie Hall or Something’s Gotta Give. Keaton also played a huge role in preserving some of L.A.’s historic buildings through her work with the L.A. Conservancy, so another way to honor her is to visit places like Ennis House.
Our friends at Licorice Pizza have a ton of music picks this weekend, including Van Morrison at the Orpheum, Lorde at the Forum, Renee Rapp also at the Forum, '80s favorites the B-52s and Devo at the Hollywood Bowl, and indie rockers Tortoise at the Broad. It’s also the last weekend for the immersive Cortège project.
And if you need some brightening up in your home, swing by the free flower giveaway at That Flower Feeling at the STC Garden Walk in Anaheim from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday.
Friday, October 17, 8 p.m. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: 10(ish) Year Reunion Concert The Wiltern 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown COST: SOLD OUT (THIRD PARTY TICKETS MAY BE AVAILABLE), LIVESTREAM: $20; MORE INFO
Actress and series co-creator Rachel Bloom at the "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" season 4 premiere party at El Cid.
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Sarah Morris
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Getty Images
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The Crazy Ex-Girlfriend soundtrack is still on regular rotation on my Spotify, even nearly 10 years on. Creator Rachel Bloom and co. always put on a great show, whether it’s low-key jamming with friends at the Largo or in this bigger iteration at the Wiltern. Special appearances from former cast members are guaranteed, and this underrated gem will once again get its due on stage for its 10-year anniversary. Grab a pretzel and your favorite West Covina friends and enjoy, whether you head to the Wiltern or stream live at home.
Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 20th Annual Los Angeles Archives Bazaar Golden Eagle Ballroom at Cal State University Los Angeles 5151 State University Drive, El Sereno COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Conversations at this year’s L.A. Archives Bazaarrun the gamut from preservation following wildfire recovery to sci-fi fandom. Find your L.A. at the annual free-for-all love letter to the city at Cal State’s student union, and browse through booths from the L.A. Historical Society, the Television Academy Foundation, the Silver Lake History Collective and many, many more.
Saturday, October 18, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Angel Island’s Hidden History Japanese American National Museum Democracy Center 100 N. Central Ave., Downtown L.A. COST: FREE, MORE INFO
Journalists walk on the grounds of the Angel Island Immigration Station on December 9, 2008.
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Justin Sullivan
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Getty Images
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The Japanese American National Museum is closed temporarily for renovations, but they are keeping the programming coming despite it. Join historian and genealogist Grant Din, co-curator of the exhibit "Taken From Their Families," for a lecture on the experiences of the nearly 700 Japanese immigrants who were temporarily detained at Angel Island’s Fort McDowell before transfer to other camps during WWII internment.
Saturday, October 18, 7:30 p.m. Megan Mullally and her band, Nancy And Beth Largo at the Coronet 366 N La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Grove COST: $50; MORE INFO
Megan Mullaly, best known for her turn as Karen on Will & Grace, is one of the funniest people I’ve ever seen on stage. From her Broadway roles to even hosting awards shows with equally hilarious husband Nick Offerman (Parks & Rec), she steals the show every time. In her band, Nancy and Beth, alongside fellow actress and musician Stephanie Hunt, she revives old-timey music into a subversive stage show. Don’t miss her turn on the intimate Largo stage. For a preview, check out this interview with the band when they joined us on The Frame back in 2019.
October 17-18, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Things That Go Bump in the Night California Botanic Garden 1500 N College Ave., Claremont COST: $21 ADULTS, $15 KIDS; MORE INFO
Bring your flashlight and get ready to uncover all the secrets of nocturnal plants and animals at Things That Go Bump in the Night at the California Botanic Garden in Claremont. There’s a night hike led by the Sierra Club, a spider-themed comedy show, crafting booths, food trucks and more.
October 17-19 UnRavelled: A True Story of Transformation Wallis Annenberg Center for the Arts 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills COST: FROM $32; MORE INFO
Art meets neuroscience in this play by Jake Broder, which was nominated for five L.A. Drama Critics Circle Awards. The play looks at the relationship between scientist-turned-painter Anne Adams and Boléro composer Maurice Ravel, both of whom suffered from a type of dementia that the play posits fueled their creative spark. The performance is accompanied by a three-day brain health festival with speakers, artwork and more.
Outdoor Pick
Saturday, October 18 FoLAR’s 35th Annual L.A. River Cleanup Multiple locations COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Friends of the L.A. River
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It’s the Great L.A. River Cleanup! Join Friends of the L.A. River at either Sepulveda Basin in Encino or Compton Creek in Compton to help clear trash and preserve the unique ecology of the L.A. River. The Compton location in particular still has space for volunteers and is one of the easiest spots on the river to reach. Just take Metro’s A Line.
Viewing Pick
Saturday, October 18, 6 p.m. Spooky Splash Cinema: Hotel Transylvania 2 Hyatt Regency Irvine 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine COST: $12; MORE INFO
Only in Southern California can you watch Halloween movies and still be at the pool. Embrace the spooky spirit with a screening of Hotel Transylvania 2 with your whole family on the Hyatt Regency’s poolside screen. Join in with costumes and enjoy delicious seasonal offerings, including fireside s’mores and more.
Dine & Drink Deals
Saturday, October 18, 7 p.m. Good Things: An Evening with Samin Nosrat United Theater on Broadway 929 S. Broadway, Downtown L.A. COST: FROM $49.50; MORE INFO
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www.ayabrackett.com
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It’s here! Good Things, Samin Nosrat’s long-awaited follow-up to her groundbreaking cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, is in bookstores now, and she joins Song Exploder podcast host Hrishikesh Hirway to talk about the new book. LAist and Show And Tell are teaming up for this special live show where Samin will “share stories around the inspiration for the cookbook, her development and selection of the recipes, and the culinary rituals she shares with close friends.”
Saturday, October 18, 2 to 8 p.m. Pat’s King of Steaks x The Benjamin The Benjamin 7174 Melrose Ave., Hollywood COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
Who says you can’t get a good cheesesteak this side of the Mississippi? Iconic Philly establishment Pat’s is coming back to The Benjaminin Hollywood this weekend for two days of greasy goodness. Their martini and cheesesteak happy hour runs from 2 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 18, 2 to 6 p.m. CHAAK Mexican Wine & Food Festival: A Gastronomic Journey Through Mexico 215 El Camino Real,Tustin COST: $135.23; MORE INFO
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La Competencia Imports
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Taste food and wines from around Mexico at this festival from Gabbi’s Kitchen and CHAAK restaurants in Orange County. Expect plenty of diverse food and wine pairings, music and a cultural celebration of all things Mexico.
Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nékter Sip & Celebrate: South Pasadena grand opening Nékter 434 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Celebrate the newest Nékter location with $5 smoothies and juices and $8 bowls, available all day. Plus, spend more than $15 and you’ll get a free protein waffle.
Jorge "Coqui" H. Rodriguez speaks at a press conference outside Dodger Stadium on Wednesady to demand the Dodgers not visit the White House following their 2025 World Series win.
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J.W. Hendricks
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The LA Local
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Topline:
Less than 24 hours before season opener, longtime Dodgers fans demand the team divest from immigration detention centers and decline the White House visit.
More details: More than 30 people joined Richard Santillan on Wednesday morning for a press conference held near 1000 Vin Scully Drive to convey a message directly to the team. “We are demanding that the Dodgers stop participating in funding of inhumane treatment of families and do not go to the White House to celebrate with the criminal in chief,” Evelyn Escatiola told the crowd. “Together we have the power to make a change.”
Since 1977, Richard Santillan has been to every Opening Day game at Dodger Stadium.
“The tradition goes from my father, to me, to my children and grandchildren. Some of my best memories are with my father and children here at Dodger Stadium,” Santillan told The LA Local, smiling under the shade of palm trees near the entrance to the ballpark Wednesday morning. He was there to protest the team less than 24 hours before Opening Day.
Santillan, like countless other loyal Dodgers fans, is grappling with his fan identity over the team’s decision to accept an invitation to the White House and owner Mark Walter’s ties to ICE detention facilities.
More than 30 people joined Santillan on Wednesday morning for a press conference held near 1000 Vin Scully Drive to convey a message directly to the team.
“We are demanding the Dodgers stop participating in funding of inhumane treatment of families and do not go to the White House to celebrate with the criminal in chief,” Evelyn Escatiola told the crowd. “Together, we have the power to make a change.”
Escatiola, a former dean of East Los Angeles College and longtime community organizer, urged fans to flex their economic power by “letting the Dodgers know that we do not support repression.”
Jorge “Coqui” Rodriguez, a lifelong Dodgers fan, spoke to the crowd and called on Dodgers ownership to divest from immigration detention centers owned and operated by GEO Group and CoreCivic.
Jorge Coqui H Rodriguez speaks at a press conference outside Dodger Stadium on March 25, 2026, to demand the Dodgers not to visit the White House following their 2025 World Series win.
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J.W. Hendricks
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The LA Local
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In a phone interview a day before the protest, Rodriguez told The LA Local he did not want the Dodgers using his “cheve” or beer money to fund detention centers.
“They can’t take our parking money, our cacahuate money, our cheve money, our Dodger Dog money and invest those funds into corporations that are imprisoning people. It’s wrong,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez considers the Dodgers one of the most racially diverse teams and said the players need to support fans at a time when heightened immigration enforcement has become more common across L.A.
The team’s 2025’s visit to the White House drew ire from the largely Latino fan base, citing the Trump administration’s ongoing attacks on immigrants.
The team again came under fire after not releasing a statement on the impacts of ICE raids on its mostly Latino fan base at the height of immigration enforcement last summer. The team later agreed to invest $1 million to support families affected by immigration enforcement.
When he learned the Dodgers were pledging only $1 million to families in need, Rodriguez called the amount a “slap in the face.”
“These guys just bought the Lakers for billions of dollars and they give a million dollars to fight for legal services? That’s a joke,” Rodriguez said. “They need to have a moral backbone and not be investing in those companies.”
According to reporting from the Los Angeles Times, former Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershawsaid last week that he is looking forward to the trip.
“I went when President [Joe] Biden was in office. I’m going to go when President [Donald] Trump is in office,” Kershaw said. “To me, it’s just about getting to go to the White House. You don’t get that opportunity every day, so I’m excited to go.”
The Dodgers have yet to announce when their planned visit will take place.
Santillan sometimes laments his decision to give up his season tickets in protest of the team. His connection to the stadium and the memories he has made there with family and friends will last a lifetime, he said. On Thursday, he will uphold his tradition and be there for the first pitch of the season, but with a heavy heart.
“It’s a family tradition, but the Dodgers have a lot of work to do,” he said.
Destiny Torres
is LAist's general assignment reporter and brings you the top news you need for the day.
Published March 25, 2026 3:38 PM
The warmer weather and high water flow are causing an early outbreak of black flies in the San Gabriel Valley.
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Courtesy SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District
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Topline:
The warmer weather and high water flow are causing an early outbreak of black flies in the San Gabriel Valley, according to officials.
What are black flies? Black flies are tiny, pesky insects that often get mistaken for mosquitoes. The biting flies breed near foothill communities like Altadena, Azusa, San Dimas and Glendora. They also thrive near flowing water.
What you need to know: Black flies fly in large numbers and long distances. When they bite both humans and pets, they aim around the eyes and the neck. While the bites can be painful, they don’t transmit diseases in L.A. County.
A population spike: Anais Medina Diaz, director of communications at the SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District, told LAist that at this time last year, surveillance traps had single-digit counts of adult black flies, but this year those traps are collecting counts above 500.
So, why is the population growing? Diaz said the surge is unusual for this time of year.
“We are experiencing them now because of the warmer temperatures we've been having,” Diaz said. “And of course, all the water that's going down through the river, we have a high flow of water that is not typical for this time of year.”
What officials are doing: Officials say teams are identifying and treating public sources where black flies can thrive, but that many of these sites are influenced by natural or infrastructure conditions outside their control.
How to protect yourself: Black flies can be hard to avoid outside in dense vegetation, but you can reduce the chance of a bite by:
Wearing loose-fitted clothing that covers the entire body.
Wearing a hat with netting on top.
Spraying on repellent, but check the label. For a repellent to be effective, it needs to have at least 15% DEET, the only active ingredient that works against black flies.
Turning off any water features like fountains for at least 24 hours, especially in foothill communities.
See an uptick in black flies in your area? Here's how to report it
SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District Submit a tip here You can also send a tip to district@sgvmosquito.org (626) 814-9466
Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District Submit a service request here You can also send a service request to info@GLAmosquito.org (562) 944-9656
Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Submit a report here You can also send a report to ocvcd@ocvector.org (714) 971-2421 or (949) 654-2421
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Robert Garrova
explores the weird and secret bits of SoCal that would excite even the most jaded Angelenos. He also covers mental health.
Published March 25, 2026 3:28 PM
Jeremy Kaplan and Florence at READ Books in Eagle Rock.
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Courtesy Jeremy Kaplan
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Topline:
Local favorite mom and pop shop READ Books in Eagle Rock is facing displacement due to a steep rent hike. The owners say they’re just one of several small businesses along Eagle Rock Boulevard struggling to keep up with lease increases.
The backstory: Over the past 19 years, many in the neighborhood have come to love READ Books for its eclectic collection of used titles and their shop dog Florence.
What happened? The building where Kaplan and his wife Debbie rent was recently sold and the rent increased by more than 130% to $2,805 a month, Kaplan said. He told LAist it was an increase his small business simply could not absorb.
What's next? While he looks for a new spot, Kaplan says he’s forming a coalition of local businesses and activist groups to see what can be done to help other small businesses facing similar displacement. He wants to address the displacement issue for businesses like his, which have made Eagle Rock the distinctive neighborhood that it is today.
Read on... for what small businesses can do.
A local favorite mom-and-pop bookshop in Eagle Rock is facing displacement due to a steep rent hike. The owners say theirs is just one of several small businesses along Eagle Rock Boulevard struggling to keep up with lease increases.
Over the past 19 years, many in the neighborhood have come to love READ Books for its eclectic collection of used titles and shop dog Florence.
Co-owner Jeremy Kaplan said it’s been a delight to grow with the community over the years.
“Like seeing kids come back in, who were in grade school and now they’re in college,” Kaplan said.
But the building where Kaplan and wife Debbie rent was recently sold, and the rent increased by more than 130% to $2,805 a month, Kaplan said. He told LAist it was an increase his small business simply could not absorb.
Kaplan said he originally was given 30 days notice of the rent increase. After some research, assistance from Councilmember Ysabel Jurado’s office and some pro-bono legal help, Kaplan said he pushed back and got the 90-day notice he’s afforded by state law.
California Senate Bill 1103 requires landlords to give businesses with five or less employees 90 days’ notice for rent increases exceeding 10%, among other protections.
Systems Real Estate, the property management company, did not immediately respond to LAist’s request for comment.
What can small businesses do?
Nadia Segura, directing attorney of the Small Business Program at pro bono legal aid non-profit Bet Tzedek said California law does not currently allow for rent control for commercial tenancies.
Outside of the protections under SB 1103, Segura said small businesses like READ Books don’t have much other recourse. And even then, commercial landlords are not required to inform their tenants of their protections under the law.
“There’s still a lot of people that don’t know about SB 1103. And then it’s very sad that they tell them they have these rent increases and within a month they have to leave,” Segura said.
She said her group is seeing steep rent hikes like this for commercial tenants across the city.
“We are seeing this even more with the World Cup coming up, the Olympics coming up. And I will say it was very sad to see that also after the wildfires,” Segura said.
Part of Bet Tzedek’s ongoing work is to advocate for small businesses, working with landlords who are increasing rents to see if they are willing to give business owners longer leases that lock in rents.
While he looks for a new spot, Kaplan says he’s forming a coalition of local businesses and activist groups to see what can be done to help other small businesses facing similar displacement. He wants to address the displacement issue for businesses like his, which have made Eagle Rock the distinctive neighborhood that it is today.
Owl Talk, a longtime Eagle Rock staple selling clothing and accessories in a unit in the same building as READ Books, is facing a “more than double” rent increase, according to a post on their Instagram account.
Kaplan said he’s been in touch with the office of state Assemblywoman Jessica Caloza and wants to explore the possibility of introducing legislation to set up protections for small businesses like his, including rent-control measures or a vacancy tax for landlords. Kaplan said he also reached out to the office of state Sen. Maria Durazo.
By his count, Kaplan said there are about a dozen businesses within surrounding blocks that are at risk of closing their doors or have shuttered due to rent increases or other struggles.
When READ Books was founded during the Great Recession, Kaplan said he knew it was a longshot to open a bookstore at the same time so many were struggling to stay in business.
“It was kind of interesting to be doing something that neighborhoods needed. That was important to me growing up, that was important to my children, that was important to my wife growing up,” Kaplan said.
“And then somebody comes in and says, ‘We’re gonna over double your rent.”
Kavish Harjai
writes about infrastructure that's meant to help us move about the region.
Published March 25, 2026 3:12 PM
A field team member of the Bureau of Street Lighting installs a solar-powered light in Filipinotown.
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Mayor Bass Communications Office
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Topline:
The Los Angeles City Council approved a plan in a 13-1 vote on Tuesday to send ballots to more than half a million property owners asking if they are willing to pay more per year to fortify the city’s streetlight repair budget, most of which has essentially been frozen since the 1990s. The item still requires L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ signature, but her office confirmed to LAist on Wednesday that she’ll approve it.
Frozen budget: Most of the city’s Bureau of Street Lighting budget comes from an assessment that people who own property illuminated by lights pay on their county property tax bill. The amount people pay depends on the kind of property they own and how much they benefit from lighting. A typical single-family home currently pays $53 annually, and in total, the assessments bring in about $45 million annually for the city to repair and maintain streetlights. Changing the amount the Bureau of Street Lighting gets from the assessment requires a vote among property owners who benefit from the lights.
Ballots: L.A. City Council’s vote gives city staff the green light to prepare and send out those ballots. Miguel Sangalang, who oversees the bureau, said at a committee meeting earlier this month that he expects to send out ballots by April 17. Notices about the ballots will be sent out prior to the ballots themselves.
Near unanimous vote: L.A.City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez was the only “No” vote on Tuesday, saying she wanted to see a more current strategic plan for the bureau. Sangalang said the bureau developed a plan in 2022 that lays out how money will be spent. Councilmember Imelda Padilla was absent for the vote.
Vote count: Votes will be weighted according to the assessment amount. Basically, the more you’re asked to pay yearly to maintain streetlights, the more your vote will count. Ballots received before June 2 will be tabulated by the L.A. City Clerk.
How much more money: According to a report, the amount needed in assessments from property owners to meet the repair and maintenance needs of the city’s streetlighting in the next fiscal year is nearly $112 million.
Use of the money: Sangalang said at a March 11 committee meeting that the extra funds would be used to double the number of staff to handle repairs and procure solar streetlights, which don’t face the threat of copper wire theft. That would all potentially reduce the time it takes to repair simple fixes down to a week. Currently, city residents wait for months to see broken streetlights repaired.The assessment would come with a three-year auditing mechanism.
Topline:
The Los Angeles City Council approved a plan in a 13-1 vote Tuesday to send ballots to more than a half-million property owners asking if they are willing to pay more per year to fortify the city’s streetlight repair budget, most of which essentially has been frozen since the 1990s. The item still requires L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ signature, but her office confirmed to LAist on Wednesday that she’ll approve it.
Frozen budget: Most of the city’s Bureau of Street Lighting budget comes from an assessment that people who own property illuminated by lights pay on their county property tax bill. The amount people pay depends on the kind of property they own and how much they benefit from lighting. A typical single-family home currently pays $53 annually, and in total, the assessments bring in about $45 million annually for the city to repair and maintain streetlights. Changing the amount the Bureau of Street Lighting gets from the assessment requires a vote among property owners who benefit from the lights.
Ballots: L.A. City Council’s vote gives city staff the green light to prepare and send out those ballots. Miguel Sangalang, who oversees the bureau, said at a committee meeting earlier this month that he expects to send out ballots by April 17. Notices about the ballots will be sent out prior to the ballots themselves.
Near unanimous vote: L.A.City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez was the only “No” vote Tuesday, saying she wanted to see a more current strategic plan for the bureau. Sangalang said the bureau developed a plan in 2022 that lays out how money will be spent. Councilmember Imelda Padilla was absent for the vote.
Vote count: Votes will be weighted according to the assessment amount. Basically, the more you’re asked to pay yearly to maintain streetlights, the more your vote will count. Ballots received before June 2 will be tabulated by the L.A. City Clerk.
How much more money: According to a report, the amount needed in assessments from property owners to meet the repair and maintenance needs of the city’s streetlighting in the next fiscal year is nearly $112 million.
Use of the money: Sangalang said at a March 11 committee meeting that the extra funds would be used to double the number of staff to handle repairs and procure solar streetlights, which don’t face the threat of copper wire theft. That would all potentially reduce the time it takes to repair simple fixes down to a week. Currently, city residents wait for months to see broken streetlights repaired. The assessment would come with a three-year auditing mechanism.
