July 8, 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

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...

Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Former Foundation CEO Dies in Malibu ATV Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

ATV Plummeted 350 Feet After Rear-Ending Vehicle in Malibu Sophia Hutchins, former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation and longtime...

New SaMo Bridge Program Refers 56 People in First Month; 37 Connected to Services

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

According to city officials, the program is on pace to meet its goal of serving 260 individuals annually Santa Monica’s...

Multi-Family Venice Property on Rare Double Lot Lists at Over $5M

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

In total, the four units provide 5,398 square feet of living space A multi-family property located one block from Venice...

Hama Sushi Hosts Weekly Music and Comedy Open Mics

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The venue, a Venice Beach staple since 1979, has recently expanded its legendary happy hour to the entire patio Hama...

Connections Breakfast to Network Local Business Professionals in Malibu

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The event, sponsored by Malibu Country Mart, will feature a breakfast mixer where attendees can meet new contacts  A Connections...

12th Annual Gopher Scramble Golf Tournament to Benefit Venice Heritage Museum

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The museum opened to the public in March 2024 at the Main Street Design Center with its inaugural exhibition, “This...