South Park Political News

Just Vote!!!

The previous four SPNA newsletters have featured reasons why you should vote:

#1 your life is affected by those who enact the laws and spend taxpayers’ money,

#2 elected officials pay attention to those who vote,

#3 the more people vote, the more people are represented,

#4 it is your right to vote – and it is your responsibility to democracy.

You can check out past newsletter articles on the  #1 Reason, #2 Reason, #3 Reason and Reason #4 for more details.

For the 2020 election, 67% of registered voters voted which means that 33% did not vote.

But the number of eligible people who did not register to vote tells another part of the story. Of those 18-24 years of age, only 49% are registered while in the 65-74 age range, 78% are registered.  That is a lot of people not voting between those who are registered and don’t vote and those eligible but not registered.

My final thought – we are all in this together. We are one nation. We need to participate in the governing of our neighborhood, city, country. It is time to vote – by mail or in person. Exercise your right – let your voice be heard.

Political Advocacy

Note: Guide can be found at https://www.dtlara.org/2024  

2024 Digital

Voter Guide

2024 DTLA Residents Association Digital Voter Guide

The Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association (DTLA RA) created a 2024 DTLA Residents Association Digital Voter Guide “focused on the issues and races that matter most for our neighborhood.” 

The guide features video interviews from each candidate in races for CD14, LA District Attorney, State Assembly 54 and 57 (which is South Park), and Congressional District 34.

From DTLA’s email blast, “we encourage you to watch before you cast your ballot and share with friends, neighbors, and local businesses, too. Between now and election day, the most important thing you can do is cast your ballot for the future of downtown and get others to do the same! Thanks for showing up at the ballot box for our neighborhood.”

         For more information, check out their website www.dtlara.org.

         South Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA) echoes their proclamation – VOTE for the future of South Park and downtown LA.

Who Says What in the LA City Controller November Race
POLITICAL ADVOCACY Debra Shrout POLITICAL ADVOCACY Debra Shrout

Who Says What in the LA City Controller November Race

The heat is on for the LA City Controller’s race on the November ballot. The LA Times endorsed Kenneth Mejia for the June primary but has not endorsed anyone for the general election in November. A former LA City Controller wrote against Mejia while other past Controllers have supported Paul Kortez. Below is information from endorsements for both candidates. By the way, what are the controller’s responsibilities? General supervision over the accounts of all officers and departments of the City, including the independent departments of Airports, Water and Power, and Harbor. Under the Charter all City payments must be approved by the City Controller.

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California’s New Composting Law
POLITICAL ADVOCACY Debra Shrout POLITICAL ADVOCACY Debra Shrout

California’s New Composting Law

All Californians – both individuals and businesses – are now required to separate food waste and “compostables” from their recyclables and garbage. The new regulation (AB 827) is being rolled out slowly, but by end of year 2024 the new law will have taken full effect. After that date, those violating the law will find themselves fined. Plan on adding a “compostables” container to your recyclable and garbage bins under your kitchen sink.

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June 7th Primary Election Day: Who is on the ballot? What is on the ballot? We can help!

June 7th Primary Election Day: Who is on the ballot? What is on the ballot? We can help!

South Park residents are invited to a facilitated discussion regarding the June 7th Primary Election. The Salon-style format will be held on May 15 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm, hosted by the South Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA), and held at a convenient South Park location. The Salon is a gathering of neighbors who can ask questions, increase knowledge through a civil discussion, and listen to learn more about the June 7th Primary Election.

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Livability issues in South Park
POLITICAL ADVOCACY Debra Shrout POLITICAL ADVOCACY Debra Shrout

Livability issues in South Park

Drag racing and e-scooters are two issues the Livability Committee of Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC) has submitted requests for action to Council Districts 14 and 9 and LADOT. As one of the Resident Directors representing South Park on DLANC, I chair the Livability Committee, which covers all topics pertaining to quality of life and the delivery of city services – including but not limited to public spaces, public safety, emergency preparedness, mobility, public works, beautification, and sustainability. In the first quarter of 2022, we’ve acted on issues that impact South Park.

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