LOS ANGELES, CA — The race for mayor collided with the war in Gaza this week as Councilwoman Nithya Raman defended her decision to call Israel's actions in Gaza genocide, while Mayor Karen Bass says she disagrees with that assertion.
The exchange leads this week's roundup of decisions, debates and developments inside Los Angeles city and county government.
Raman, challenging Bass in November, faced questions about the remarks during a forum hosted by Jewish Federation Los Angeles. Raman stood by her use of the term genocide while saying she understands its weight for the Jewish community and arguing that candidates need to engage with audiences across the political spectrum.
Bass, who appeared separately, said she did not believe genocide was an appropriate description of Israel's actions.
Both candidates emphasized protecting Jewish Angelenos amid concerns about antisemitic violence.
A new City Council committee began work Wednesday on some of the biggest potential changes to Los Angeles government, including council expansion, police oversight and discipline, and allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections.
Other proposals previously set aside include ranked-choice voting, lowering the voting age to 16 and splitting the city attorney's job.
The committee expects to work through next summer, with any resulting charter amendments potentially headed to voters in 2028.
Los Angeles County officials say the region has a solid foundation for responding to a major earthquake — but warned that the scale of the disaster could overwhelm existing resources.
Seismologist Lucy Jones told the Board of Supervisors that fires following a powerful quake could destroy 10 times as many buildings as burned in the Palisades and Eaton fires combined.
County officials also warned there would not be enough first responders for an immediate response everywhere, putting more emphasis on household and neighborhood preparedness.
Los Angeles County estimates the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games will generate $19.2 billion in economic activity and support more than 88,000 jobs between 2024 and 2028, and local officials are trying to make sure more of that money reaches area businesses and workers.
The county has set targets for local hiring and contracting, while the city this week expanded a financing program designed to help small businesses cover the upfront costs of fulfilling government and major-event contracts.
And Los Angeles County is moving to quickly implement California's new "Hug Act," which gives incarcerated youth the right to physical contact with loved ones during visits.
Supervisor Janice Hahn said she will seek to expedite the change locally, calling the ability for detained children to hug their parents a small but meaningful way to bring more humanity to the juvenile justice system.
Rabid Bats Hit Record High In LA County, Public Health Warns
Officials have confirmed 69 rabid bats so far this year, tying last year's record while the annual peak season is still underway.
Supervisor Hahn Denounces Catalina Deer Ruling
The supervisor has continued to push back on a plan to systematically eliminate Catalina Island's entire deer population.
Effort To Save Nativity Display At El Pueblo Pays Off For Merchants
A federal appeals court has handed a win to a group of Mexican-American merchants who fought the city.
New LA Law Requires Police To Film Federal Immigration Enforcement
The ordinance requires officers to document federal immigration enforcement actions and preserve evidence of potentially unlawful conduct.
LA County Approves Final $54.2B Budget For FY2026-27
The spending plan is $3.9 billion higher than the initial budget adopted by the board in June.
$17M Park, Pavilion Project Moves Forward At Port Of Los Angeles
In a unanimous vote, the council backed a recommendation previously approved by the LA Board of Harbor Commissioners in late August.
LA Adds $50K To Reward In Killing Of Advocate Shot While Trying To Stop Violence
The 37-year-old community advocate was killed while trying to break up an altercation at a Compton apartment complex.
LA Dedicates Intersection To Honor Filipino Heritage
The intersection honors the Filipino community's longstanding presence and cultural contributions in the San Fernando Valley.
LA Looks To Extend Shelter Hours, Boost Security At 6 Animal Facilities
The city is looking into extending operational hours, improving security and planning building repairs or renovations.
Former LA City Councilman Woo Joins County Ethics Commission
The commission will oversee and enforce county laws governing campaign finance, lobbying, conflicts of interest and governmental ethics.
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