In the News
Boyle Heights Beat
March 4, 2025
California lawmaker seeks to protect street vendors’ personal data from ICE
“SB 635 will add necessary protections to ensure that California’s local street vending programs remain tools of economic inclusion and opportunity, not fear and division.”
Los Angeles Times
July 19, 2024
In a win for street vendors, L.A. agrees to lift restrictions and cancel fines
“The bans are gone and the vendors have been vindicated,” said Merlín Alvarado, a street vendor and plaintiff in the lawsuit who has been selling fruit and hot dogs on Hollywood Boulevard for 17 years.
Los Angeles Times
October 3, 2024
To renovate an apartment — and not jack up the rent: These property owners have found a way
The new owners, the nonprofit Little Tokyo Service Center Community Development Corp. and community land trust Fideicomiso Comunitario Tierra Libre, turned to a county pilot program that sought to support the community land trust model.
In the model, community organizations acquire land to keep it off the private market, then rent or sell the units on site at affordable prices.
The Daily News
March 28, 2024
Transit groups rally for more Metro Ambassadors and less armed police
“We are here today to demand Metro invests in care, not cops,” said Brenda Jackson, an organizer with Community Power Collective, a group based in Boyle Heights. Jackson spoke at a rally in front of Metro headquarters in downtown L.A.”
Street Vendors Successfully Sue City to Remove Illegal ‘No Vending’ Signs And Won
“For over a decade, street vendors have organized to build a powerful movement for dignity and respect and to advocate for their rights and livelihoods,” said Sergio Jimenez, senior organizer with Community Power Collective. “This victory is a testament to their strength, bravery, and commitment to organizing toward justice. Thanks to the relentless efforts of organized street vendors, we are building a more vibrant, inclusive, and thriving Los Angeles.”
How Los Angeles Tenants Beat the Landlords—for Now
Against the odds, and the deep pockets, pro-tenant candidates came out on top in several races. Longtime liberal Rep. Karen Bass defeated Caruso. Progressives beat incumbents for several council seats and the office of City Controller. And most significantly for tenants, voters approved Measure ULA, a new tax on real estate sales of $5 million or more, with the funds going to affordable housing and rent relief, plus legal counsel for tenants.
Editorial: Metro riders need safer trains and buses. That doesn’t necessarily mean more police
Now Metro is ramping up a more holistic approach to public safety that shows promise. This month, Metro put 300 ambassadors on the system to give customers directions or answer questions, and to call for security officers, service providers and law enforcement when necessary. The agency is also going to hire more security officers to check fares and enforce the code of conduct, contract with more homeless outreach teams, and add lighting and cleaning crews to stations. Advocates are also pushing for bathroom and elevator attendants, and more frequent service.