April 21, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

LA City Council Unanimously Approves Motion for Fire Department Upgrades

Councilmember Park: ‘We Need a 21st-Century Fire Department’

The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved a motion to explore a proposed bond measure for the June 2026 election that would potentially provide funding for fire station maintenance and the construction of new fire stations to meet the city’s need for repairs of firefighting equipment and infrastructure. 

NBC 4’s news chopper found a yard of unusable fire engines in January while the fires were raging. Reportedly, the equipment was not in use because the LAFD lacked the funds or maintenance workers needed to put the equipment and vehicles back into service. 

Councilwoman Park said, “Simply put, we need a 21st-century fire department that can tackle 21st-century problems. Too many stations past their originally intended life stamps. We have leaky roofs, broken staircases, and PFAS extractors that we can’t plug into the wall because we don’t have the right electrical equipment to support the equipment.” She added that Pacific Palisades has not had a new fire station added to the community since 1967. 

The motion, introduced by City Councilmember Traci Park and co-sponsored by Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, aims to address critical infrastructure needs within the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Councilmembers John Lee and Imelda Padilla seconded the motion, reinforcing the urgency of investing in public safety facilities.

Under the motion, the City Administrative Officer (CAO), in collaboration with the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA), City Attorney, Bureau of Contract Administration, and LAFD, has been directed to present recommendations within 60 days. 

The report will outline the potential structure of a bond measure that would allocate funds for long-overdue fire station maintenance and the development of new stations designed to meet the department’s operational demands for the next 50 years.

However, the measure would not fund LAFD staffing, which is another issue.  

After the destruction caused by the Palisades and Eaton Fires in January, better funding and maintenance of fire equipment for the Los Angeles Fire Department has become a top priority for members of the LA City Council. Obviously, approval and passage of a bond measure would help the LAFD in general and in all parts of the city.

in News
<>Related Posts

Pali High Students to Resume In-Person Classes at New Downtown Santa Monica Campus

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Santa Monica Welcomes Students With Transportation Help, Safety Measures Santa Monica is preparing to welcome Palisades Charter High School students...

Debris Cleared from Palisades Library in Six Days: Mayor Bass

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

The library, along with the nearby Recreation Center and playground, were prioritized in the city’s debris removal operation The site...

LA Women’s Fashion Brand Opens New Store on Abbot Kinney

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

The Venice opening follows the success of the brand’s first permanent store, which debuted in 2023 in the Arts District...

(Video) Malibu Discovery Party at Santa Monica Place

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

Desserts by Copenhagen Bakery. North Italia Restaurant. Rosenthal Winery. Bristol Farms. Beautiful Sea Creatures. Chrysalis. Desserts by Copenhagen Bakery. North...

Film Review: The Friend

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE FRIENDRated R120 MinutesReleased March 28th   The Friend is a rarity in today’s cinematic landscape, a heartfelt story of...

Newsom, Bonta Seek Court Ruling to Void Trump’s Tariffs and Economic Crisis

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

Economic Fallout Prompts California Lawsuit Against Trump’s Tariffs California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit...

Input Sought on Future of Santa Monica Airport as Planning Enters Key Phase

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

The final phase of the planning process is expected to conclude in late 2025 The City of Santa Monica is...

Film Review: The Shrouds

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Canada’s cinematic maestro of body horror’s newest film is The Shrouds. While it is not a traditional...

Brazilian Steakhouse Fogo de Chão Opens in Santa Monica With Ocean Views

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

Santa Monica’s Newest Restaurant Serves Steak With a Side of Charity Fogo de Chão, the Brazilian steakhouse known for its traditional...

Over $2.4M in Recovery Grants Available for Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

To qualify, restaurants must have no more than five locations, generate less than $5 million in annual revenue, and be...

(Video) Matū Kai Brentwood Friends and Family Dinner

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

Matü Old Fashioned: Bourbon, Maple Syrup, Bitters, and a Burnt Orange Peel. Amazing 24-Hour Bone Broth. Look at that steam....

(Video) Nonprofits Break Ground for 78-Unit Affordable Housing Complex on 20th St.

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

Projected for a 2027 completion, half its units are reserved for those experiencing homelessness at the time of move-in Projected...

Santa Monica Police Identify Dog Owner in Fatal Poodle Attack

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

Authorities released surveillance footage of the man walking the dog and asked the public for assistance Police have identified the...

Malibu Discovery Celebrates 15 Years With Seaside Wonderland Bash in Santa Monica

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

Cocktails, Community, and a Cause: Seaside Wonderland Arrives April 17 Malibu Discovery will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a community-focused...