David Zahniser
@davidzahniser.bsky.social
To wage a competitive campaign, each of Mayor Karen Bass’ challengers will need to make the fire "a reflection of what’s wrong with city government," said political science professor Fernando Guerra.
w/@noahgoldberg.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
w/@noahgoldberg.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
As L.A. mayor's race takes shape, Palisades fire is a defining issue
The catastrophic Palisades fire has redefined the L.A. mayor’s race, creating a political minefield for incumbent Karen Bass as she seeks a second four-year term.
www.latimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM
To wage a competitive campaign, each of Mayor Karen Bass’ challengers will need to make the fire "a reflection of what’s wrong with city government," said political science professor Fernando Guerra.
w/@noahgoldberg.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
w/@noahgoldberg.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by David Zahniser
The Department of Homeland Security released a Maryland woman who was held for 25 days despite evidence that her lawyers say proves she was born in the United States and is a citizen.
After 25 days, ICE releases Maryland woman who says she is a U.S. citizen
Dulce Consuelo Diaz Morales was detained in December despite her legal team’s claims that she was born in the United States.
wapo.st
January 8, 2026 at 2:15 AM
The Department of Homeland Security released a Maryland woman who was held for 25 days despite evidence that her lawyers say proves she was born in the United States and is a citizen.
Reality television personality Spencer Pratt, who lost his home in the Palisades fire, announced he is joining the growing field of candidates running for L.A. mayor
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Spencer Pratt announces run for L.A. mayor on anniversary of Palisades fire
“We’re going to expose the system. We’re going into every dark corner of L.A. politics and disinfecting the city with our light,” he said.
www.latimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:08 AM
Reality television personality Spencer Pratt, who lost his home in the Palisades fire, announced he is joining the growing field of candidates running for L.A. mayor
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Homicides have dropped in L.A. by roughly 43% since 2021, according to a Los Angeles Times review of crime stats. The LAT's @liborjany.bsky.social & Richard Winton have details:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
L.A. sees lowest homicide rate in decades — but why killings are down is up for debate
Theories about why killings were near historic lows last year include greater investment in community programs, a push by the LAPD to target repeat violent criminals and fallout from the Trump adminis...
www.latimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:15 AM
Homicides have dropped in L.A. by roughly 43% since 2021, according to a Los Angeles Times review of crime stats. The LAT's @liborjany.bsky.social & Richard Winton have details:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
L.A. has a lot going on this year, including elections for mayor, eight city council seats and several other high-voltage contests. Here's what we're tracking in 2026:
www.latimes.com/california/n...
www.latimes.com/california/n...
Here are six L.A. political stories we're tracking in 2026
Voters will be casting ballots this year for L.A. mayor, city attorney, eight City Council seats and several other offices, along with tax hikes and reform proposals.
www.latimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
L.A. has a lot going on this year, including elections for mayor, eight city council seats and several other high-voltage contests. Here's what we're tracking in 2026:
www.latimes.com/california/n...
www.latimes.com/california/n...
Reposted by David Zahniser
Jury acquits L.A. man who towed immigration agent's car during TikTok influencer's arrest
Jury acquits L.A. man who towed immigration agent's car during TikTok influencer’s arrest
A federal jury has acquitted Bobby Nunez, who was charged with stealing government property by towing an immigration agent’s vehicle during the arrest of a TikTok influencer in Downtown L.A.
www.latimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Jury acquits L.A. man who towed immigration agent's car during TikTok influencer's arrest
Reposted by David Zahniser
LAPD used to be a model of providing the public granular data that showed residents where crime was happening in their neighborhoods. That data stopped updating nearly two years ago and there's no ETA for when it will become available again. www.golden-state.org/why-wont-the...
Why won’t the LAPD give the public usable crime data?
Police officials promised that the public would get even better data when the department upgraded its reporting system. Nearly two years later, residents are still in the dark about crime happening in...
www.golden-state.org
December 19, 2025 at 5:21 PM
LAPD used to be a model of providing the public granular data that showed residents where crime was happening in their neighborhoods. That data stopped updating nearly two years ago and there's no ETA for when it will become available again. www.golden-state.org/why-wont-the...
Reposted by David Zahniser
“If it’s 100 mile an hour winds and it’s dry ... there’s going to be a fire.”
“But if you look at the response in Palisades and the county,” Bass replied, “neither side —”
The mayor paused for a moment. “Both sides botched it.” www.latimes.com/california/s... via @davidzahniser.bsky.social
“But if you look at the response in Palisades and the county,” Bass replied, “neither side —”
The mayor paused for a moment. “Both sides botched it.” www.latimes.com/california/s... via @davidzahniser.bsky.social
'Both sides botched it.' Bass, in unguarded moment, rips responses to Palisades, Eaton fires
Bass, in an interview with The Times, said she made her remarks during a "casual conversation" with a podcast host — after the program was over.
www.latimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
“If it’s 100 mile an hour winds and it’s dry ... there’s going to be a fire.”
“But if you look at the response in Palisades and the county,” Bass replied, “neither side —”
The mayor paused for a moment. “Both sides botched it.” www.latimes.com/california/s... via @davidzahniser.bsky.social
“But if you look at the response in Palisades and the county,” Bass replied, “neither side —”
The mayor paused for a moment. “Both sides botched it.” www.latimes.com/california/s... via @davidzahniser.bsky.social
Reposted by David Zahniser
Rob Reiner was known to millions as a TV actor and film director. But he was also an outspoken supporter of progressive causes and a Democratic Party activist who went beyond the typical role of celebrities who host glitzy fundraisers.
Rob Reiner used his fame to advocate for progressive causes. 'Just a really special man. A terrible day'
The Hollywood director known for 'Stand by Me' and 'When Harry Met Sally' was also a political force and an outspoken voice for same-sex marriage and early childhood education.
www.latimes.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Rob Reiner was known to millions as a TV actor and film director. But he was also an outspoken supporter of progressive causes and a Democratic Party activist who went beyond the typical role of celebrities who host glitzy fundraisers.
Reposted by David Zahniser
NEW: 9 ex-DOJ lawyers who resigned from antisemitism investigations into UCLA and other UC campuses say they were pressured to find UC guilty of violations in a rushed and politically motivated process.
One called it a "fraudulent and sham investigation."
www.latimes.com/california/s...
One called it a "fraudulent and sham investigation."
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Times Investigation: Ex-Trump DOJ lawyers say 'fraudulent' UC antisemitism probes led them to quit
The Times spoke to nine former Department of Justice civil rights attorneys tasked with investigating antisemitism complaints at the University of California. They all resigned during their invetigati...
www.latimes.com
December 13, 2025 at 10:53 PM
NEW: 9 ex-DOJ lawyers who resigned from antisemitism investigations into UCLA and other UC campuses say they were pressured to find UC guilty of violations in a rushed and politically motivated process.
One called it a "fraudulent and sham investigation."
www.latimes.com/california/s...
One called it a "fraudulent and sham investigation."
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by David Zahniser
L.A. City Councilman John Lee violated gift laws on lavish Vegas jaunt, judge says
L.A. City Councilman John Lee violated gift laws on lavish Vegas jaunt, judge says
In her 59-page proposed decision, Administrative Law Judge Ji-Lan Zang sided with city investigators on five of 10 counts, recommending that Lee pay a $43,730 fine.
www.latimes.com
December 13, 2025 at 2:25 PM
L.A. City Councilman John Lee violated gift laws on lavish Vegas jaunt, judge says
Reposted by David Zahniser
L.A. City Council president moves to delay full Olympic wage boost for tourism workers
L.A. City Council president moves to delay full Olympic wage boost for tourism workers
L.A. City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson has introduced a motion that would phase in the increase over a longer period of time — delaying the full $30 hourly minimum wage until 2030.
www.latimes.com
December 6, 2025 at 11:15 AM
L.A. City Council president moves to delay full Olympic wage boost for tourism workers
Reposted by David Zahniser
This rural hospital closed, putting lives at risk in Northern California. Is it the start of a ‘tidal wave’? www.latimes.com/california/s... by @jessicagarrison.bsky.social
This rural hospital closed, putting lives at risk. Is it the start of a 'tidal wave'?
Glenn Medical Center in Willows closed Oct. 21 after losing 'critical access' status. Many other California hospitals face the threat of a similar fate.
www.latimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:14 PM
This rural hospital closed, putting lives at risk in Northern California. Is it the start of a ‘tidal wave’? www.latimes.com/california/s... by @jessicagarrison.bsky.social
Reposted by David Zahniser
Annnnddd more issues with emergency alerts in LA...
It took 6 hours for officials to send out a shelter-in-place order for residents near a toxic fire burning at the port of Los Angeles, via Clara Harter
www.latimes.com/california/s...
It took 6 hours for officials to send out a shelter-in-place order for residents near a toxic fire burning at the port of Los Angeles, via Clara Harter
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Toxic L.A. port fire burned for hours before emergency alerts were sent
Time lags and errors in the issuing of shelter-in-place alerts during a massive hazardous materials fire at the Port of L.A. have, once again, raised concerns about the effectiveness of regional emerg...
www.latimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Annnnddd more issues with emergency alerts in LA...
It took 6 hours for officials to send out a shelter-in-place order for residents near a toxic fire burning at the port of Los Angeles, via Clara Harter
www.latimes.com/california/s...
It took 6 hours for officials to send out a shelter-in-place order for residents near a toxic fire burning at the port of Los Angeles, via Clara Harter
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by David Zahniser
NEW: The LAFD union plans to propose a ballot measure to increase sales tax a half cent — in perpetuity — to fund 30 new fire stations, buy new rigs, and add more than 1,000 firefighters and civilians to the force. It would raise about $10 billion by 2050
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
L.A. firefighters propose hike in sales tax to pay for new stations, equipment and more
“This is the most important thing for the LAFD really ever,” said Doug Coates, acting president of the city firefighter union.
www.latimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:45 PM
NEW: The LAFD union plans to propose a ballot measure to increase sales tax a half cent — in perpetuity — to fund 30 new fire stations, buy new rigs, and add more than 1,000 firefighters and civilians to the force. It would raise about $10 billion by 2050
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia loves his corgis so much that he puts them on his website, his financial reports and his campaign signs.
Now, his 'Sherlock Corgi' images are part of an unusual ethics complaint lodged by one of his rivals.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Now, his 'Sherlock Corgi' images are part of an unusual ethics complaint lodged by one of his rivals.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
L.A. city controller's race gets ruff, as a candidate targets Kenneth Mejia's corgis
A former state lawmaker questioned whether Mejia's logos, corgi images and other graphics violate a law barring the use of city resources for election campaigns. Mejia's team disputed the claims.
www.latimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:39 PM
L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia loves his corgis so much that he puts them on his website, his financial reports and his campaign signs.
Now, his 'Sherlock Corgi' images are part of an unusual ethics complaint lodged by one of his rivals.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Now, his 'Sherlock Corgi' images are part of an unusual ethics complaint lodged by one of his rivals.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
In Koreatown, city crews delivered 13 green bins to the apartment building that Scott Lyness manages on New Hampshire Avenue. Three more were left at the building he manages right next door.
“Our neighborhoods are being inundated with green waste bins,” he said.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
“Our neighborhoods are being inundated with green waste bins,” he said.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Green bins clog L.A. curbs as city’s organic waste program goes into overdrive
L.A. residents are seeing a glut of green bins invading their neighborhoods. The city says they're vital to keep up with laws on diverting organic waste.
www.latimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:15 AM
In Koreatown, city crews delivered 13 green bins to the apartment building that Scott Lyness manages on New Hampshire Avenue. Three more were left at the building he manages right next door.
“Our neighborhoods are being inundated with green waste bins,” he said.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
“Our neighborhoods are being inundated with green waste bins,” he said.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Huang could complicate Bass’ reelection bid, luring away left-of-center voters at a time when the mayor faces criticism over the Palisades fire, the budget and several other issues.
The larger the pool of candidates, the more work Bass will have to do to avoid an expensive runoff campaign.
The larger the pool of candidates, the more work Bass will have to do to avoid an expensive runoff campaign.
Could she be LA's Mamdani? Rae Huang, a community organizer, announces her mayoral campaign.
with @davidzahniser.bsky.social
with @davidzahniser.bsky.social
She's challenging Bass from the left. Could she become L.A.'s Mamdani?
Rae Huang, a 43-year-old community organizer and democratic socialist, is waging a long-shot campaign for L.A. mayor, focusing on free buses, public housing and police abuse.
www.latimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Huang could complicate Bass’ reelection bid, luring away left-of-center voters at a time when the mayor faces criticism over the Palisades fire, the budget and several other issues.
The larger the pool of candidates, the more work Bass will have to do to avoid an expensive runoff campaign.
The larger the pool of candidates, the more work Bass will have to do to avoid an expensive runoff campaign.
Some L.A. neighborhoods are being bombarded by 90-gallon green recycling bins, as the city scrambles to comply with the state's organic waste rules
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Green bins clog L.A. curbs as city’s organic waste program goes into overdrive
L.A. residents are seeing a glut of green bins invading their neighborhoods. The city says they're vital to keep up with laws on diverting organic waste.
www.latimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Some L.A. neighborhoods are being bombarded by 90-gallon green recycling bins, as the city scrambles to comply with the state's organic waste rules
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by David Zahniser
Six candidates attended a recent District 1 City Council forum. When the moderator announced “We have not heard from Councilperson Eunisses Hernandez,” the crowd booed. Hernandez team said she had “previously scheduled commitments.” @theeastsiderla.bsky.social www.theeastsiderla.com/neighborhood...
L.A. City Council District 1 candidates unite in critique of incumbent Eunisses Hernandez
Lincoln Heights—The six candidates on the stage of the Sacred Heart High School gymnasium last week offered different ideas about how they would operate if elected to represent L.A. City
www.theeastsiderla.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Six candidates attended a recent District 1 City Council forum. When the moderator announced “We have not heard from Councilperson Eunisses Hernandez,” the crowd booed. Hernandez team said she had “previously scheduled commitments.” @theeastsiderla.bsky.social www.theeastsiderla.com/neighborhood...
Reposted by David Zahniser
In a major win for UC faculty groups and unions that sued, a federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump from imposing a $1.2-billion fine on UCLA along with stipulations for deep campus changes in exchange for being eligible for federal grants: www.latimes.com/california/s...
Judge blocks Trump administration push to fine UCLA $1.2 billion for alleged antisemitism
A federal judge late Friday issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from imposing a $1.2-billion fine on UCLA for alleged civil rights violations over antisemitism, its recog...
www.latimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:12 AM
In a major win for UC faculty groups and unions that sued, a federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump from imposing a $1.2-billion fine on UCLA along with stipulations for deep campus changes in exchange for being eligible for federal grants: www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by David Zahniser
A major shift in where L.A. gets water: The city will double the size of a project to transform wastewater into purified drinking water, producing enough for 500,000 people. The recycled water will allow L.A. to stop taking water from creeks that feed Mono Lake. www.latimes.com/environment/...
Los Angeles will nearly double recycled water for 500,000 residents
Los Angeles is set to double the size of a planned facility that will transform wastewater into purified drinking water, recycling enough water to meet the needs of 500,000 people.
www.latimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:27 PM
A major shift in where L.A. gets water: The city will double the size of a project to transform wastewater into purified drinking water, producing enough for 500,000 people. The recycled water will allow L.A. to stop taking water from creeks that feed Mono Lake. www.latimes.com/environment/...
Mayoral candidate Austin Beutner criticized Mayor Karen Bass over the rising cost of city services this week, saying higher rates for trash pickup, sewer service, water and electricity are contributing to an “affordability crisis” in L.A.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Austin Beutner assails Karen Bass over rising city fees he says are 'crushing families'
L.A. mayoral candidate Austin Beutner, standing in front of Van Nuys City Hall, said Mayor Karen Bass has contributed to a cost-of-living crisis that is “crushing families.”
www.latimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Mayoral candidate Austin Beutner criticized Mayor Karen Bass over the rising cost of city services this week, saying higher rates for trash pickup, sewer service, water and electricity are contributing to an “affordability crisis” in L.A.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Bruce Reznik, who heads the environmental group LA Waterkeeper, said he's convinced that Barbara Romero, the head of the city's sanitation bureau, is being forced out of her position. Romero has been a crucial voice on the environment at City Hall, he said.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
With L.A.'s mayor focused on trash-strewn streets, her top sanitation official moves on
Barbara Romero told sanitation employees in an email on Monday that she will leave at the end of the year. She did not say what prompted her departure or whether she has another job lined up.
www.latimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Bruce Reznik, who heads the environmental group LA Waterkeeper, said he's convinced that Barbara Romero, the head of the city's sanitation bureau, is being forced out of her position. Romero has been a crucial voice on the environment at City Hall, he said.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Is @austinforla.bsky.social preparing a run against L.A. Mayor Karen Bass in June 2026? It sure looks that way!
@sherlyholmes.bsky.social & I break it down
www.latimes.com/california/s...
@sherlyholmes.bsky.social & I break it down
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Is Austin Beutner preparing a run against Mayor Karen Bass? It sure looks that way
The message 'Austin Beutner for Mayor' popped up on Beutner's social media accounts on Saturday, only to be removed by 1:30 p.m. So far, he's not talking.
www.latimes.com
October 11, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Is @austinforla.bsky.social preparing a run against L.A. Mayor Karen Bass in June 2026? It sure looks that way!
@sherlyholmes.bsky.social & I break it down
www.latimes.com/california/s...
@sherlyholmes.bsky.social & I break it down
www.latimes.com/california/s...