It was a pleasure to host Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman in Council chambers to celebrate his retirement after 38 years with the LAFD. As Commander of the Training Section, Chief Zipperman mentored hundreds of new recruits and improved firefighter strategy, tactics, and safety. His leadership was essential on major incidents, including the 1994 Northridge earthquake and the Devon-Wilshire residential high rise fire, and as a Strike Team Leader during the Woolsey fire, the Mendocino Complex fire, and many others.

Thank you, Chief Zipperman, for your outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to keeping Los Angeles safe!

Back in 2018, the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its decision in Martin v. City of Boise, which concluded that, under the federal Eighth Amendment prohibition against "cruel and unusual punishment," city governments could not enforce no-camping ordinances unless adequate shelter was available. As a result, most cities in the Western United States had to suspend their no-camping laws, which led to the proliferation of homeless encampments.

Then last year, a narrowly-divided Ninth Circuit affirmed the Boise decision in Johnson v. City of Grants Pass. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed that it would review the Grants Pass decision! This is a long overdue legal development that will (hopefully) clarify the rules and (hopefully) restore our ability to address the concerns to health and safety encampments pose to the entire community.

In the news: Supreme Court to rule on clearing homeless encampments in California and the West

Supreme Court to Hear Case over Homelessness

As we kick off the new year, I'm worried about troubling economic headwinds ahead. Although unemployment is back to pre-pandemic levels, business reductions, inflation, high interest rates, stagnant wages, and cost of living continue to hamper economic growth.

We will certainly feel these impacts at the city level as we head into the 2024-25 budget season, resulting in hard choices about where and how to allocate the city’s general fund dollars.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we launch a series about the City's finances, budget process, and what to expect as we work through competing budget priorities.

Wondering how to effortlessly make a service request for e-waste pickup? Take a look as our Venice Field Deputy, Sean Silva, guides you through a demonstration on recycling e-waste using the MyLA311 app.

Meet Gurtrude, a delightful 4-year-old canine companion weighing 47 lbs. Gurtrude is a wiggly gal who gracefully strolls on a leash, enjoys treats with gentle manners, and has demonstrated excellent social skills in playgroups with other dogs. If you're ready to welcome a furry friend into your home, Gurtrude is available for adoption at our East Valley Center. Don't miss the chance to make Gurtrude a part of your loving family!

You can email me at councilmember.park@lacity.org.