Issues
Homelessness
Adrin goes all over this city, and the number one issue he hears the most about is the crisis of homelessness on our streets. Adrin will help us tackle this crisis head-on by…
- Cleaning up our streets - It is not humane to let people die on our streets. Adrin will work to restore Los Angeles as a world-class city.
- Getting people the help they need - Organized, urgent, and well-conducted outreach and collaboration with our unhoused neighbors is a critical tool that improves the quality of life for both unhoused and housed people in our communities. As a Councilmember, Adrin will work closely with Mayor Bass and our Federal, State, and County partners in conjunction with our community partners around this humanitarian crisis.
- Urgent Action - Urgent action is crucial. Adrin will make sure that we don’t wait for permanent housing to save lives. We must use every tool available to build or convert existing space into emergency shelters. Mayor Bass has endorsed Adrin and strongly supports his candidacy because they both understand that a safe place to sleep and access services is the first step toward permanently getting people off the streets.
- Preventing Homelessness - Adrin will make sure that we can fight every day to get people off our streets, but it will only be a pyrrhic victory if we don't prevent the number of people falling into homelessness. Adrin will raise wages, build more housing, and protect renters as we recover from one of the most difficult last decades in the City’s history.
- Adrin’s Sacramento Results - Adrin achieved significant results in Sacramento. In the State Assembly, he secured $2.1 million for the San Fernando Valley Mental Health Center. This funding created a pilot program in the East Valley, enabling the support of social workers and mental health specialists to provide crucial services in encampments. He wrote the law to use State Armories as temporary emergency homeless shelters.
Corruption and Government Transparency
Recent political scandals in Los Angeles have underscored the systemic challenges of corruption and scandal that Adrin will address.
- City Charter Reform - City Charter Reform is imperative. As a Councilmember, Adrin pledges to spearhead a comprehensive review of the City's Charter. This top-to-bottom assessment will identify areas for reform, particularly focusing on land use, political structure, and other facets that require in-depth analysis. By studying past scandals, Adrin aims to implement amendments that promote transparency and accountability.
- Concrete steps to address corruption - Combating corruption requires tangible steps. Adrin advocates for robust avenues for whistleblowers and honest public servants to report and counteract corruption and graft. He will implement measures like a whistleblower protection bill or offer incentives to expose corruption that will empower city workers to contribute to combating these issues.
- Land Use Reform and Oversight- Ensuring effective oversight in land use is crucial. Adrin will explore the establishment of an Inspector General, overseeing land use matters and an independent body to address conflicts of interest. Additionally, he will implement time limits for project deliberations within planning and land use committees which are essential for preventing projects from stagnating.
- Create a Culture of Reform- Reform efforts should stem from diverse sources, not solely from within political circles. Adrin will embrace collective action and insights from external entities, including academic institutions and transparency non-profit organizations, which is crucial to drive meaningful change. Encouraging reform efforts beyond traditional political actors is vital for comprehensive change.
- Independent Redistricting - Adrin advocates for independent redistricting in the City. Moving toward an independent model, which has been implemented successfully at the State and County levels, will restore trust in civic institutions. This shift away from politicians choosing their constituents aims to counter the problems prevalent in our national political climate.
Public Safety
As a Councilmember, Adrin’s foremost duty is to cultivate a city and communities where safety is felt by all Angelenos. Unfortunately, many individuals don’t experience this, and our first responders are facing overwhelming demands.
- Focus on Community-Based policing- Adrin will emphasize that community-based policing is paramount. Across every neighborhood, most residents don't advocate defunding the police but demand respectful treatment. Adrin recognizes systemic issues in Latino and Black communities, and will restore trust through effective practices like community policing.
- Expand the Police Force - Adrin will bolster our police force. As one of the most under-policed major cities globally, a 9,000-person police force for a city of 4 million people and 500 square miles is insufficient. Adrin stands behind the Mayor's initiative to offer incentives for LAPD recruitment, aiming to keep pace with attrition and expand the force as required.
- Continued Progress and Reform at LAPD - While the LAPD has made strides in reform over the past decade, including reducing pretextual stops and complying with federal consent decrees, there's much more work ahead. Adrin endorses specific, well-intentioned reforms to enhance the training and tools of our first responders. Not every 911 call necessitates a police response; Adrin will work with the LAPD to aim for safer public encounters, ensuring everyone walks away unharmed.
- Fund the LAFD - Adrin will allocate sufficient funding to the LAFD. Our first responders have faced significant challenges, including increased fires, pandemic response, and frequent extreme weather incidents. Despite a population tripled in size and a call load ten times greater, the LAFD operates with fewer stations and less staff than 40 years ago. Adrin knows modernizing LAFD funding is crucial to meet the demands of the 21st century.
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Keeping illegal guns off our streets - Adrin has worked to keep our communities safe which is why he has won a "Gun Sense Candidate" distinction from Moms Demand Action.
Affordability and Housing
Adrin knows we cannot solve the crisis on our streets without addressing the crisis of affordability. Los Angeles needs to produce approximately 57,000 units per year to meet housing demand. However, since 2014, it has been producing only about 16,700 units per year, according to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). This inaction exacerbates both the housing and homeless crises. This city is becoming excessively expensive, and Adrin is the leader to step up with bold solutions.
- We need to build more - Adrin will diversify our housing portfolio - by constructing various housing types, including affordable, low-income, market-rate, and middle-income housing. For too long, special interests have hindered development in Los Angeles, and the only ones suffering are Angelenos.
- Cut the red tape and make it easier to build- Reducing bureaucratic obstacles and streamlining the building process is crucial. A Councilmember's most impactful work involves land-use decisions. Adrin’s oversight over such decisions will determine where vertical development is viable. We need cohesive efforts among City Departments to expedite quality projects.
- Transit and Corridor-Oriented Development - Adrin is enthusiastic about initiating Transit-Oriented Development in our communities. Council District 2 boasts two Red Line stations in North Hollywood and Universal City. Adrin knows these stations could anchor new developments. Additionally, corridors like Lankershim and Vineland are primed for increased housing options. Adrin will rezone commercial corridors to attract new businesses and residences to these areas.
- Protecting Local Control and Renter Rights - Preserving local control and safeguarding renter rights are paramount. Regarding SB 8, 9, 10, and Costa-Hawkins Repeal: Adrin opposed SBs 8, 9, and 10 and supported repealing Costa-Hawkins. Adrin believes in maximizing local government's tools to shape development and protect tenants' rights. While there's been a push to centralize control, Adrin advocates allowing local governments to retain all necessary tools to address these issues nuanced and precisely.
Equity, Equality and Access
Los Angeles has made some reforms to increase equity, equality, and access to city services, but there are still entrenched biases that need to be addressed.
- Women-Centered Agenda - Adrin witnessed firsthand the challenges immigrant women face in Los Angeles. As a father to a daughter, he passionately advocates for a women-centered agenda. Adrin proudly upholds a career track record of 100% support from Planned Parenthood, recognizing the paramount importance of women's access to healthcare. He has expanded paid family leave at the state level and aims to introduce this initiative to the City. Moreover, Adrin is fully committed to fostering increased gender diversity across all echelons within the City.
- Racial Equity - While in Sacramento, Adrin led policies addressing racial equity, acknowledging the ongoing need to confront systemic racism at the city and state levels. He authored AB 2547, establishing a definitive framework for "biased conduct" among peace officers, ensuring equitable and respectful treatment for all community members. Adrin is dedicated to augmenting racial diversity across various tiers of city governance.
- Protecting and Empowering the LGBTQ+ Community - Adrin has been a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, garnering widespread support in his City Council bid. His bill would have led to the abolition of harmful behavior therapy programs targeting young LGBTQ+ individuals, prioritizing their well-being and mental health. He successfully secured a $15 million budget allocation to identify and support undiagnosed AIDS/HIV patients, significantly expanding testing and treatment programs, ultimately saving lives and mitigating the impact of this devastating disease.
- Access to Healthcare- As a lead co-author of SB 562, Adrin advocated for the implementation of a Single-Payer-Health Care System in California. Despite the bill not passing the State Assembly, Adrin remains committed to addressing the plight of many Californians lacking reliable healthcare coverage. He also introduced AB1278, mandating doctors to disclose funding from pharmaceutical or medical companies, aiming for transparency in healthcare.
- Caring for our Seniors - Serving as the chair of the Aging and Long-Term Care Committee in the CA Assembly, Adrin established a reliable system catering to the needs of the elderly. He wrote the law to establish No Wrong Door systems for seniors, disabled community and caregivers, in obtaining accurate information, timely referrals and needed support. Adrin also wrote the law mandating certification of all medical directors at nursing facilities.
Jobs and Economic Development
The combined challenges of homelessness, affordability, and housing have significantly complicated the task of generating jobs and fostering economic development. Adrin’s bold leadership will provide the following steps:
- Grow the pot and grow revenues- Adrin will expand opportunities and increase revenue streams. Simplifying the process for starting and sustaining businesses in Los Angeles is imperative. For years, the City has posed obstacles to business development. Adrin will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and transform the City of LA into an efficient system that supports aspiring business owners. Streamlining, permitting and departmental approvals into a centralized hub is crucial. Businesses should not have to navigate complex systems or hire lobbyists to interact with various city departments. Adrin will be the first to roll out the red carpet for entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses in LA.
- Creating pipelines to the middle class- Creating pathways to the middle class is pivotal. Adrin will promote collaboration between the City of Los Angeles, public entities like LAUSD and LACCD, and private employers such as our studios. Adrin will help establish apprenticeship programs in partnership with labor organizations that will cultivate a new generation of workers, paving the way for meaningful middle-class careers.
- Raise wages - Adrin knows addressing wage levels is critical due to the high cost of living in Los Angeles. With the average home price at a million dollars and individual incomes averaging around $42,000 to $62,000 for families, living in Los Angeles is financially demanding. Adrin will work hard to attract businesses offering skilled jobs and higher wages. Many such jobs are leaving LA due to the challenging business environment. Additionally, Adrin will collaborate with employers to ensure that Angelenos earn a living wage. While $15 was a starting point, factors like inflation and the pandemic make it insufficient, particularly in one of America's most expensive cities. The goal is to enable Angelinos not only to survive but to thrive in LA.
The Environment and Greening Los Angeles
While Los Angeles stands as one of the nation’s greenest cities, our commitment to greening Los Angeles and championing environmental justice must persist.
- Renewable Energy - Renewable Energy is a cornerstone of our city's future. Adrin fully endorses the groundbreaking LA100 study, which charts a path toward 100% carbon-free electric power. To make this a reality for all Angelenos, not just the affluent, Adrin has comprehensive plans and resources. This means enabling broader participation in the renewable future through electric vehicles, electric appliances, and accessible upgrades such as solar panels and energy storage.
- Water - Water management is a critical facet. Los Angeles must significantly improve its utilization of local water sources while safeguarding investments in reliable water imports. Initiatives like Hyperion 2035 and Operation NEXT aim to enhance water recycling, ensuring that William Mullholland's vision of a sustainable city, initiated with the LA Aqueduct, endures for future generations. Adrin will promote collaborative efforts between the Metropolitan Water District, Sanitation, and LADWP which are essential for integrating LA into regional planning for a sustainable local water future.
- Waste/Trash - Addressing waste and trash is crucial in our environmental efforts. The mandate to divert 100% of organic waste from landfills, while costly, is essential to mitigate methane emissions from local waste facilities. Holding private haulers accountable for meeting diversion targets in commercial and multifamily facilities is necessary. Strengthening the Bureau of Sanitation's capacity to manage single-family home waste is imperative. Additionally, Adrin will pursue policies like zero-waste and producer accountability to ensure that plastic producers bear the responsibility of managing the waste they generate.
Transportation
Adrin is the only candidate to bring unmatched experience in delivering effective mobility solutions to Valley residents, setting him apart as the sole candidate in this field with a proven track record.
- Increasing transit options in the SFV - Expanding transit options in the San Fernando Valley was a priority during Adrin's tenure in the State Assembly. He authored and successfully passed legislation enabling the development of light rail infrastructure in the San Fernando Valley. This legislation paved the way for the funding and realization of the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor, aiming to establish a light rail line from Sylmar to Sherman Oaks.
- Conversion of the Orange Line to Light Rail - Advocating for the conversion of the heavily congested Orange Bus Line in the Chandler Corridor to light rail is a key initiative supported by Adrin. This conversion presents a transformative project, significantly enhancing mobility options for Valley residents. It's designed not only to link the current Red Line subway but also to connect with the proposed East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor, ultimately aiming for a connection to Burbank Airport.
- Transit Oriented Development - Adrin knows that building Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) is crucial, as mentioned in the housing section. With the potential development of the East SFV Transit Corridor, Orange Line Conversion, and the existing Red Line, creating walkable and livable communities centered around transit hubs is essential.
- A Commitment to Active Transportation - Adrin's commitment to active transportation was evident during his time in the State Assembly, securing a $1.9 million investment for the Chandler Bike Path. This significant contribution to a major bikeway underscores the importance of promoting biking and active transportation, making Council District 2 more livable and broadening mobility options. He also passed laws aimed at traffic calming and pedestrian safety.
Animal Welfare
Adrin has also been responsible for pursuing and passing some of the nation’s strongest animal protections into law, during his service in the legislature. Adrin’s animal welfare legislative portfolio reflected a broad exploration of the multi-faceted issues impacting animal welfare.
- Mandate reform within the Dept. of Animal Services - Adrin believes that a top down reform needs to be done of the Department of Animal Services. The department has lost trust with the animal rights advocates and the community and there needs to be reform in order to make sure we protect animals first and foremost.
- Fix our local shelters to protect animals - Los Angeles area shelters have become a national embarrassment and we need to do better. Adrin will force Animal Services to provide more accountability over the shelters. This will make sure animal welfare is the priority.
- Protecting animals from assault - Animals constantly face potential violence and mistreatment. Due to this Adrin wrote laws that empowered law enforcement to seize animals that were determined to be experiencing sexual assault.
- Plant based lunch options at schools - He worked for historic victories for animal welfare included: investments in school cafeterias to make plant-based school meals/meat alternatives could be prepared with greater ease.
Enhanced Constituent City Services
As someone that has worked at the Federal, State and Local office, Adrin knows how to deliver constituent service for the community. He knows that the City of Los Angeles needs to be better at delivering basic constituent service.
- Increased accessibility and delivery of City Services - Adrin will fight to enhance basic City services to all constituents. This means fixing potholes, tree-trimming, street repaving, trash collection and traffic safety improvements. The City for too long has neglected many constituent items and Adrin aims to fix that.
- Mandated Response in 24hrs to Constituents Issues - Adrin will mandate his staff respond to every constituent issue within 24 hrs. For Adrin, it is of the utmost importance that every constituent in his district receive “VIP service” and that means a response within 24hrs.
- Offering “Government at our Doorstep” - Adrin will bring his “Government at your doorstep program” to his City Council office. This program will make sure that local constituent service is taken to every doorstep of Council District 2 residents. This means reaching out to communities in cultural competent methods.
- Community-based continent service - Adrin will work with community groups, neighborhood councils and non profits to increase service to all parts of the district. It is important to empower groups that represent many communities to have a voice in City Hall and for service allocation.