With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
LA City Council Meetings Canceled Over COVID-19 Safety Concerns
Nury Martinez represents the 6th District in the Los Angeles City Council. On Dec. 3rd, 2019 she was elected to succeed Herb Wesson as Los Angeles City Council President. (Libby Denkmann/LAist)
The Los Angeles City Council has a lot on its plate: trying to contain the health risks of an aggressive and deadly virus while mitigating the economic effects of a widespread shutdown on L.A.’s people and businesses.
But for now, that work will have to wait: Council President Nury Martinez is canceling council meetings while staff and members work out the logistics of holding them safely.
Calling the coronavirus threat “uncharted waters,” Martinez said in a letter, “We have a collective responsibility and obligation to the people of Los Angeles government operating while protecting the safety and welfare of its employees, the public and the media.”
Martinez added she would convene an emergency meeting to address any emergency items requiring council action “once all safety and logistical concerns have been met.”
Sponsored message
Agenda items that were expected to be addressed tomorrow will be rescheduled.
In an email, spokesman Rick Coca said Martinez wants the meeting “rescheduled as soon as humanly possible given the important items we need to address to assist the residents and stakeholders of Los Angeles during this crisis.”
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
