What John Lee and Serena Oberstein think about crime and homelessness in Los Angeles
As part of this newspaper’s endorsement process, our editorial board has surveyed and interviewed candidates for public offices. Surveys were sent in December 2023. Here, we present the responses of two candidates for Los Angeles City Council in District 12, which is located in the San Fernando Valley.
We asked the candidates: Polling last year by our newspaper showed more than half (58%) of Los Angeles residents said the city is headed in the wrong direction, with majorities citing a perception of rising crime and homelessness. What do you think?
John Lee: If residents are perceiving an increase in crime, they are correct. Data provided by CalMatters shows that specific crime sectors are increasing, specifically the crimes that are far more likely to impact everyday LA City residents.
Increasing public safety and restoring morale among LAPD rank-and-file officers is critical to improving the City. That is why I opposed the “defund the police” cuts that had a damaging impact on officer morale. I also secured additional funding for the LAPD Divisions that patrol Council District 12 such as LAPD’s Devonshire Division, Topanga Division, and Valley Traffic Division.
I am committed to building on my strong public safety record and will to do what it takes to keep our neighborhoods safe.
A recent City Controller report shows that under my leadership, Council District 12 has the most enforcement of 41.18 anti-camping zones near sensitive areas like interim and permanent housing, schools, daycare centers, and parks.
While these efforts are outreach-led, I firmly believe that enforcement of these rules are necessary and show my commitment to keeping promises made to my community. Under my leadership, CD12 boasts the most robust enforcement in the entire city, working closely with LAPD to ensure our residents feel secure.
Serena Oberstein: There is no denying that homelessness, public safety, and housing affordability must all be met with urgency in a way they currently are not. Between families struggling to get by while not feeling safe in their communities, and continued corruption and ethics scandals plaguing our local government, it’s time for change in Council District 12. We deserve ethical leadership from someone our community trusts to put their needs and priorities first. That is exactly what I will do as their next councilmember.