Barger Amendment Passes 3-2, Preserving Existing Density Caps
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R-Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Antelope Valley) won a narrow 3-2 vote yesterday on an amendment to the county’s updated housing ordinance that preserves existing density bonus caps in unincorporated areas rather than adopting higher percentages proposed by the Department of Regional Planning — a victory for communities concerned about oversized developments and parking challenges.
The broader ordinance, which passed unanimously 5-0 after Barger’s amendment was adopted, makes several significant updates to local housing regulations. It strengthens protections for existing affordable housing by requiring like-for-like replacement when affordable units are removed or demolished, broadens eligibility for density bonus projects to include shared housing and residential care for the elderly, and creates a new “Acutely Low Income” category for households earning less than 15% of the Area Median Income — the county’s most housing-vulnerable residents.
“I recognize that families across Los Angeles County are struggling with the high cost of housing, so I fully support increasing density bonuses that produce units that will be affordable to residents who need it most,” said Barger. “Yet many communities are also frustrated by oversized developments and growing parking challenges in neighborhoods that already have limited street parking. We must strike a balance between building much-needed housing and preserving the quality of life in existing communities. My amendment helps move us in that direction.”
County Counsel will now prepare final ordinance documents for a final Board vote at an upcoming meeting.
Bass Hosts Latino Business Procurement Summit
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass hosted the city’s first Latino Business Procurement Summit yesterday, bringing together more than 350 Latino business owners and entrepreneurs for a free event designed to connect them with contracting opportunities tied to the FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The summit, hosted by the Mayor’s Office, drew participation from a cross-section of major institutional players, including Los Angeles World Airports, the Port of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, U.S. Bank, Square, Verizon, Meruelo Enterprises, and construction joint venture PCL-Webicor.
“As our city prepares for some of the world’s biggest events, we must ensure that LA’s small businesses are the first to benefit from these opportunities,” said Bass. “Latino-owned businesses are vital to our growth, and when you succeed, our entire city thrives. Every contract secured is money going back into the community, supporting jobs, schools, housing, and neighborhoods.”
The summit marks a direct push by Bass to ensure Latino-owned businesses are positioned to compete for billions of dollars in contracts as they become available across the three major events. Participants attended expert-led panels, received technical assistance, and networked with representatives from leading sports, entertainment, and government organizations.
Mitchell Moves to Double Fines for Street Takeover Organizers
LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (D-Inglewood, Hawthorne, Culver City) won a 4-0 Board vote yesterday, advancing proposed amendments to the county’s street takeover ordinance that would double fines for organizers and promoters from $500 to $1,000, expand enforcement authority to off-street parking facilities, and create diversion opportunities for eligible first-time offenders.
The amendments come despite a promising trend — Acting CEO Joseph Nicchitta noted the county has reduced illegal street takeovers by 33% over the last year through coordinated community efforts.
“Even though we are seeing a promising decrease in illegal street takeovers across the County, this remains an urgent safety and quality of life issue for far too many of my constituents, especially in our unincorporated communities,” said Mitchell. “These proposed amendments provide us with stronger tools to address organizers and promoters so we can stop these dangerous events while maintaining opportunities for rehabilitation and diversion for first-time offenders.”
The revised ordinance reflects legal guidance following a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Garcia v. County of Alameda, which found portions of a similar spectator ordinance unconstitutional under the First Amendment.
In response, the county narrowed its enforcement focus to individuals who knowingly organize, promote, facilitate, or aid illegal street takeover activities — rather than spectators.
The vote moves the proposed amendments forward for a second reading before the Board takes a final vote. If adopted, the ordinance will take effect 30 days after passage.
Rodriguez Takes 500 Northeast Valley Families to Discovery Cube
Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando, Sylmar, Pacoima, Arleta, Panorama City, Sun Valley) hosted 500 community members from across the Northeast San Fernando Valley for a free Mother’s Day celebration at Discovery Cube LA last Thursday, chartering three buses to remove transportation barriers for families in her district.
The “Mommy and Me Northeast Valley Night at Discovery Cube LA” connected families with hands-on STEM exhibits and interactive science-based activities, while local organizations offered resources for caregivers, including early childhood development programs, family counseling services, and financial empowerment tools. Transportation support came through LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath.
“This event is about more than a celebration — it’s about access and belonging,” said Rodriguez. “We were intentional about creating a space where families from our community could experience Discovery Cube as their own — without any barriers of transportation, entry fee, or food. At a time when costs are rising and immigration actions have impacted our district, we wanted to bring joy.”
Horvath, whose office provided the chartered buses, called it a meaningful example of community partnership.
Rodriguez, the youngest mother in the California Legislature, represents a district that spans some of the Northeast Valley’s most working-class communities — many of them immigrant families for whom a free, accessible cultural event carries particular weight.
