This January, EKA’s client Framework celebrated the grand opening of Reframe Studios, its newest venue in Atwater Village. Known for producing world-class events in Los Angeles and beyond, Framework has built a global reputation for delivering cutting-edge experiences for leading house and techno artists. The new venue reflects that standard, featuring state-of-the-art sound and production, elevated VIP sections, table service, and a massive warehouse-style layout designed for immersive dance-music events.
Framework’s portfolio also includes Hollywood mainstays The Spotlight and Sound Nightclub, further cementing its influence in the city’s nightlife and electronic music scene. EKA has maintained a long-standing partnership with Framework, supporting permitting and regulatory approvals for new venues and large-scale shows. Most recently, EKA successfully facilitated the closure of Hollywood Boulevard for a Mochakk performance in December, an example of the scale and complexity of events the team regularly helps bring to life.
The Los Angeles City Council postponed a proposed ballot measure to amend Measure ULA, the city’s so-called mansion tax, delaying a vote that would have exempted newer apartment buildings from the tax amid claims it is stifling housing production. Supporters of the change, including Councilmember Nithya Raman and housing advocates, argue ULA has made many developments financially unviable and worsened the housing shortage, while labor unions and community groups counter that the voter-approved tax has generated $1 billion for tenant assistance and affordable housing and should not be weakened. By sending the proposal to committee past the June ballot deadline, the council ensured any rewrite would be delayed until at least November, prolonging a contentious debate as developers, unions and anti-tax groups continue to battle over the future of the measure.
President Trump signed an executive order seeking to transfer permitting authority for rebuilding homes destroyed in the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires from local and state governments to the federal government, an unprecedented move that drew swift criticism from Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. Legal experts say the order is likely unconstitutional under the 10th Amendment and longstanding precedent that reserves land use and permitting powers to states and municipalities, and they question how federal agencies like FEMA or the SBA could practically enforce local building codes. With roughly 16,000 structures destroyed and rebuilding already proceeding at a pace comparable to past California wildfires, critics argue the move is a political gesture that distracts from unresolved recovery challenges, including delayed federal disaster aid, insurance disputes and rebuilding costs that survivors cite as the primary barriers to recovery.
LA County Officials Propose Major Cuts to Homeless Programs
L.A. Council puts off yet another attempt to rewrite the city’s ‘mansion tax’
L.A. Metro Board approves new underground rail line through Sepulveda Pass
LA County Extends Price Gouging Protections Tied to Wildfire Emergency
2028 Olympics could bring big wins for Los Angeles labor unions
LA County considers plans to remove unhoused people and clear encampments around Olympic venues
Metro Board goes against staff recommendation for South Bay extension
The California Budget Center released its analysis of Governor Newsom’s proposed 2026-27 budget on January 22, highlighting that the near-term outlook is stronger than expected with additional revenues of $42.3 billion across fiscal years 2024-25 through 2026-27. The analysis projects the state will end 2026-27 with $23 billion in total reserves, including a Budget Stabilization Account (BSA) balance of $14.4 billion. The proposed budget reflects approximately $2 billion increase in General Fund spending for Medi-Cal compared to the 2025-26 Budget Act, mainly due to changes at the federal level and normal increased Medicare costs. The Budget Center notes that while the budget contains no major cuts to existing programs, it also proposes minimal new spending initiatives, with only $1.6 billion for baseline workload increases. The proposal includes $260.7 million for increased employee compensation and health care costs for state employees.
Santa Monica Council Explores Housing Standards Beyond State Law
Can AI help make homeless Californians healthier?
Heated debate over California water plan as environmentalists warn of ‘ecosystem collapse’
How past ICE funding votes are reshaping California’s race for governor
California counties must jump through new hoops to get homelessness funds
Port of Los Angeles plans for growth after ‘roller coaster’ year
