Los Angeles News & Updates from EKA – September 4, 2026
EKA Spotlight
Amity Foundation’s CEO Doug Bond was a panelist at last week’s Voices of Change event, organized by the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership (LARRP) in partnership with Californians for Safety and Justice and Brilliant Corners.
Doug brought his expert insights as a reentry advocate to the “What Actually Keeps Us Safe?” panel, where he spoke on what effective public safety looks like.
Key Updates
Los Angeles County Opens $73M+ for Reentry, Housing and Workforce
Los Angeles County opened the fifth round of its Care First Community Investment program, making more than $73 million available for community services. The funding covers 30 service areas, including reentry, housing stability, behavioral health, employment, youth development, and other community-based programs. The Board of Supervisors approved the Year 5 funding in December 2025, and applications have been open from July 24 through the extended deadline of September 8. The program reflects the County’s continued focus on funding prevention and community support services and represents a major opportunity for nonprofits and other organizations that provide public services.
Measure E would change how Los Angeles County manages and approves major spending decisions
Los Angeles County voters will consider Measure E, which would change how some major County spending decisions are approved. The measure would require voter approval for certain spending actions instead of leaving those decisions entirely to the Board of Supervisors through the normal budget process. Supporters argue that the change would increase accountability over County finances, while critics say it could make it harder for the County to respond quickly to changing budget needs. The measure could affect how future funding is approved for public services, contracts, infrastructure, health programs, and other County priorities.
What's Happening in LA
LA County Supervisors Hope to Bolster Protections for Wildfire Survivors
RAND Study Finds Street Tents Dropped by Half but Displaced into Vehicles and Off-Street Pockets
L.A. City Council repeals homeless camping bans in Echo Park, Silver Lake, Hollywood
Homeless count review – LAHSA to investigate possible errors
Raman gets key labor endorsement in mayor’s race, although most unions are backing Bass
LA County rolls out revamped public comment system for Board of Supervisors meetings
Spotlight Item
Democratic Socialists endorse Raman in L.A. mayoral race
The Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America has endorsed Nithya Raman for Mayor ahead of the November runoff against Mayor Karen Bass. Raman received more than 60% support in the group’s endorsement vote and is expected to benefit from DSA LA’s volunteer and door to door campaign efforts. The organization also endorsed candidates in several other local races, showing its broader effort to influence the November election. The endorsement could help Raman strengthen support among progressive voters and increase grassroots turnout in the mayoral race.
What We're Reading
SB 79 Explained: Why Santa Monica May Upzone 89 Homes To Delay Housing Law
Tribes could co-manage ancestral forests under bill heading to Newsom’s desk
Metro Awards $1.9B Light Rail Deal
One Beverly Hills short-term-rental proposal heads toward City Council
New digital billboards spark controversy after Santa Monica’s nearly 40-year ban
Is Long Beach ready for a floating nuclear power plant? Here’s what to know
Federal Transit Administration Awards $150 Million for Metro’s Vermont Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Line
Revised design advances for 26-story Builder’s Remedy tower on Burton Way

