[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6558512,"mediaKeyId","3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a","parentId",3242671,"title","Council hears plan to relocate two zoo elephants to Tulsa; members ask for committee briefing before move","audioSeconds",859,"startMs",22311000,"endMs",23170000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a&start=22311&end=23170","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a/thumbnail_22311000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6558512/California/Council-hears-plan-to-relocate-two-zoo-elephants-to-Tulsa-members-ask-for-committee-briefing-before-move","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558512-8457680ddd281fd2417d8c7a460abf55/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192482&Signature=iQRiTLd7mLF~elVXFY7woLWUINihS95R5rE-XksTDyTI59jDxI~3xmfaX5qNGEmpfgkmO4AQTvzxJB4J4gSkhKkF~eWv0A8nKL~61OS5oWge-vx7sQ2uJ4PCopsRhpJYdkJ7fA6EEIHR0TNpL7Y6geY~9YEVIzWwv1Y-Juu8y~c0jQtOkFqUCbC1xb4R4uHIFGNb~TYpE3X1ILBG1OK2dDoFlQ8FM~DGlk-j5pyFNP6NbLlp8zdyYr-VeQK2WjCz38M7HyTCbo9XrczzX1fZfTAfGd8n9lSLxUyGOipZlGqdarW89IgUuM3-lB-aJVE8iEXD1bGWjnisMy5B835vjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Los Angeles City","date","2025-05-09T04:53:52Z","article","Committee members discussed a proposed transfer of two elephants from the Los Angeles Zoo to the Tulsa Zoo, part of staff recommendations based on expert review of each animal\u000027s welfare needs and available care environments.

Why it matters: The proposed move raises animal‑welfare, accreditation and policy issues as well as modest budget implications; several councilmembers asked that the proposal be heard in the parks and recreation committee with full documentation before staff proceeds.

Staff briefing: Zoo managers said outside experts and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) review panels had recommended the Tulsa facility as better suited to the specific social and husbandry needs of the two animals. Staff emphasized the move is not imminent and would require transport preparations and socialization of the animals.

Council response: Several members asked for the full expert findings, comparisons between Tulsa and available sanctuaries, and time for the parks committee to deliberate because the move touches on policy and community expectations. Staff said financing would come from one‑time funds and that Tulsa would bear part of the cost; the CEO\u000027s office and the zoo agreed to return to the committee with more documentation.

Next steps: The committee did not approve any transfer in session. Members directed staff to schedule a parks committee briefing with written expert reports, accreditation implications and a logistics timeline before any transfer decision.

Ending: The committee emphasized transparency and asked for a public committee discussion before staff moves forward with transport planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Budget Hearings - SAP - 5/8/25","oneSentenceSummary","Budget hearing included a briefing on a recommended relocation of two Los Angeles Zoo elephants to the Tulsa Zoo. Committee members requested a dedicated policy hearing and more documentation on the accreditation and welfare analysis before any transfer proceeds.","taxTitle","Spanish, Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",80599,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6558517,"Council seeks tighter reporting on overtime, 3-1-1 spending and HIMS data funding",11727,8573000,20300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a&start=8573&end=20300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a/thumbnail_8573000.jpg","/articles/6558517/California/Council-seeks-tighter-reporting-on-overtime-3-1-1-spending-and-HIMS-data-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558517-3a3edcc3b9ffd204a6cf3663ea42c42f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192482&Signature=ZWToGfd-jY1hVLURDnG7GGtKypvXREYMJc-ByPZkvO5oFBluc~MKz6NDG74Y3Br-FG2LKsB8kDLm6pnSB9aGWQzRwEDmMquHVZ5HQS7lECqNWztQmTeZgu-poP1HaSMGkppcCwsoFeeUICxcWL7iZDPQYXxORuidIN79igQ66i7yW1-3yHkrN-LoiXf9ihDT~2ny3DdpKYygIte5JmkeS-TKqhmG~ef2HJo6qKEMDdCXAgMXwe12BBJJoyJftd2ZgZA-tRMLeItN5~0pMCAvUBDzWfBrVQqZX-P97vA1ruLnRwor4pKzWTq6m3qSFmnM2zW9qpqvKjbT99RYKmS8NQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmembers questioned departments about large overtime totals and the chain of accountability for discretionary overtime and call-center costs during budget hearings.

Why it matters: Committee members said the city spends significant sums on overtime each year and that the council needs better, timely reporting and triggers to flag unusually high expenditures before they blow budgets.

Overtime and accountability: Councilmembers requested quarterly reporting from departments on overtime and asked for a trigger that would require departments to brief the committee if overtime reached a threshold (members suggested a $50 million trigger as a discussion point). The committee discussed moving some overtime balances to the unassigned/general contingency until departments justify transfers.

3-1-1 and call center consolidation: The committee heard that 3-1-1 call handling is funded from mixed sources (general fund and special funds). Some members urged analysis to consolidate city call centers (including 3-1-1) to reduce duplication and save money; IT staff acknowledged scope and contractual licensing costs that limit immediate reductions.

HIMS and homelessness data: LASA and budget staff said the Homeless Management Information System (HIMS) and associated vendor fees cost the city roughly $4.2 million, with the city covering roughly 35% of that total; committee members urged CLA and CFO to confirm fund flows and asked that partner contributions and county funding be clarified before contemplating reductions.

Next steps: Departments were directed to return with quarterly reporting plans, recommendations for an overtime alert threshold and a plan to consolidate call-center functions where feasible.","Committee members pressed departments for greater transparency on overtime spending, 3-1-1 center costs and the HIMS homelessness data system after staff outlined large, recurring overtime and monitoring expenditures.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6558522,"Committee directs work on six-month funding plan for interim housing; LASA and county reimbursements under scrutiny",1065,16800000,17865000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a&start=16800&end=17865","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a/thumbnail_16800000.jpg","/articles/6558522/California/Committee-directs-work-on-six-month-funding-plan-for-interim-housing-LASA-and-county-reimbursements-under-scrutiny","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558522-4b3b360dc66156f87b4b71369fa40119/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192482&Signature=eYVlmfIXdF1s~Qdze57hPlGUleD3c~e3OK~fkGgEJFuaXv6RcEX78Q4n9uY6-IR~5-jp0e0KP1Qs7GILHGnl5lNX56kGNXNiSxg6Y2AoUXr2eOCrVbfjxxPnTlhSK7HwYRivBxFxtWJtulbV-5UNHNIN5Q8i0VnqOfscEZVA5NB-RmSYOzW2SMVptqlyg8JhdDhUS9KZx1-fc-p~uxr4ybrUtLxB3VXs5c8dHKVrXs27sOMVABRZrQaoBAIz3Zjx~q4FThnAiSz8FJzDyIExkxKEOdyxEUUAOpFTV5nXgRvVUSeOhAba1Nr6epwl~zZ6Onx8TWcnyIikSBRrvaWFMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee turned to homelessness response funding and interim housing after department and CEO staff presented competing priorities and a structural shortfall.

Councilmembers noted an obligation to preserve existing temporary shelter placements and avoid returning people to the street while the budget gap is addressed. The committee asked the legislative chief and CEO to return with a six-month financing plan for interim housing contracts to cover roughly 1,900 rooms that the city must sustain while longer-term solutions are developed.

Why it matters: Contracted interim housing is a time-sensitive service; interruptions in payments or contract authority risk evicting residents from programs intended as a step to permanent housing.

Key details: Committee members instructed the legislative chief to propose a six-month funding distribution and asked LASA (Los Angeles Service Authority for homelessness programs) and the CEO to work with the county and other partners to identify reimbursements and restructured flows. Committee members said they expect the plan to include options for 10–15% cost reductions through program efficiencies, double-occupancy where appropriate, and use of county reimbursements to preserve placements.

Funding and accounting: Staff clarified reimbursements from the county are currently captured in city accounts and that some revenue streams (including federal and grant dollars) have restrictions that complicate simply redirecting funds. Committee members asked CLA and CFO staff to confirm fund‑source constraints and whether reimbursements should be routed to the general fund and then allocated to interim housing programs.

Next steps: The committee asked staff to return next week with a cost analysis and concrete proposals for six-month bridge funding and measures that could reduce per‑unit operating costs while keeping service levels intact.","Committee asked the legislative and executive offices to craft a six-month financing plan to preserve interim housing placements, urged exploration of cost reductions and asked LASA and partners to clarify county reimbursement flows.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6558527,"Council debates police, fire trade-offs: hiring classes, emergency-incident technicians and proposed helicopter purchases",3325,5206000,8531000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a&start=5206&end=8531","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a/thumbnail_5206000.jpg","/articles/6558527/California/Council-debates-police-fire-trade-offs-hiring-classes-emergency-incident-technicians-and-proposed-helicopter-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558527-0c7f79551c6aaea522ea3e890b3228d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192482&Signature=gdYsfXOPITAyyCIsyMow2v4RA8e7Z-EN~dQ0y4NrfjwN8dvyUL5UbE7GMadF6Pj~bKeS7tR1GYeBluGeDlH6v-VnbJAWniYdVcs8JBN8xQr9eD5AClqGkXdVtNGGCKby15QfVyO0kCrAw~iQSXxymg-buhMKDvYa79tubBF4gXAbssRxlvEuN9DI3OX5sRgc0upwoON1rdDPIUxxHehZn129KdNyCDEIwI6nuNONm1JcEFs02mfAsiSx46XCo73TQRLyneienxkbkdHqkPDPdgCNAbVfBpY1NytabRH7xJJpRnDyPjpIwuLuJeSD2cqW7KzPs2g2U-k7HClCSWC7wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Los Angeles City Council members spent extended time reviewing proposed changes to Police and Fire budgets under the CEO\u000027s savings package, discussing how reductions and swaps would affect frontline services and specialized units.

The most contested items included: reductions of non-sworn police support positions, a plan that would cut roughly 403 non-sworn positions under one option, and a parallel proposal to reduce some Fire Department support roles (including 42 emergency incident technician positions) while preserving sworn firefighters.

Why it matters: Council members warned cuts to support staff can reduce the capacity of sworn officers and firefighters to operate effectively; several members urged caution and asked staff to calculate the operational impacts before approving reductions.

Police details: CEO materials identified up to 403 civilian positions proposed for elimination; the cost to restore those positions was presented by staff at about $64 million (including related costs). Councilmembers discussed an alternative to reduce the number of sworn new recruit classes or class sizes; one proposal recommended funding 240 new sworn hires while resisting cuts to civilian “recycling” or support programs used to keep uniformed officers on patrol.

Fire details: Fire Department leaders warned that proposed elimination of 42 emergency incident technicians (EITs) would remove a team-of-command capability used at complex incidents and increase safety risk for firefighters and the public. The department said many EIT slots are filled and that EITs perform command and incident-control functions that cannot be replaced by simple drivers or temporary assignments.

Helicopters and fleet: Councilmember Hernández and others pushed for a new, up-to-date cost‑benefit study before committing to an $18 million purchase of two police helicopters under the MICLA financing plan; staff said aging aircraft cost the city more to maintain, and newer aircraft can lower lifetime maintenance costs, but several members asked for an updated analysis that reflects current operational needs.

Process notes: Committee members asked the CEO and departmental leaders to return with detailed implementation schedules, vacancy counts (for example, the Fire Department cited about 15 of the 42 EIT slots as currently vacant), and risks to frontline service delivery. Several councilmembers called for delaying final votes until those data are provided.

Ending: The committee did not adopt final cuts in either department during the hearing; it directed staff to provide more detailed cost, vacancy and operational-impact analyses to inform later votes.","Budget hearings zeroed in on police and fire budgets, with sharp debate over proposed class sizes and cuts to support staff, elimination of emergency incident technician positions in the Fire Department, and a $18 million bond plan for two new police helicopters.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6558532,"Budget committee frames $60M–$100M in potential savings, asks staff to prioritize restorations",1021,4209000,5230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a&start=4209&end=5230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3242671-4c7f82b73c9b6a30c162855581932a3a/thumbnail_4209000.jpg","/articles/6558532/California/Budget-committee-frames-60M100M-in-potential-savings-asks-staff-to-prioritize-restorations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558532-2ddd12508892006f1e217d082f66916f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192482&Signature=J6n3tI4lHNAwYar2iMF0W3884zNBQBzE1YOvusZ3A8wBIqClnsgHVite9UZUwcjbM5gVUEMYuxcyatAb1ZSn0FwIL8Hn~Szh3BahzksnerT-IKNtUhPdtJHf1HRC5ykTyiPPSRiCb-oUwqdGiwvvmWUR0XI~H664IG3uVAfiZZ7C9~VL9DRTmdrP41WWdf-lKZ39qJhDsxqYvq~~AtncffQH6BjPk0G-GqykWQ3kKi~oRpYgXnCaDLo~Us44ohGPyziBHz8IjDeicvqKp~1VH4-AFWDJDpRjgtpUP0x1FOugFlpjRxgIZ4peIePvDHhRjnOGHxpQ3qiRGvPMz1gb0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Los Angeles City Council Budget and Finance Committee opened a days-long review of the mayor\u000027s proposed fiscal 2025-26 budget, with committee leadership asking the Chief Executive Office (CEO) and department staff to accelerate identification of structural savings and to prioritize restorations that protect core services.

The committee\u000027s chair began the session by telling members the CEO\u000027s team submitted dozens of memoranda (\"memos\") summarizing restoration and reduction options. The CEO staff framed the package around four categories: community/department requests for restorations, structural starting points, proposed one-time savings and further reductions that lack a clear structural offset.

Why it matters: Committee members said the city faces a continuing structural gap and must choose trade-offs that both restore critical services where possible and create a more solvent baseline for future years. The committee emphasized protecting public safety, core maintenance services and homelessness response where feasible.

Key details: The CEO\u000027s presentation highlighted a large set of departmental options and said Memo 82 could yield about $60 million in one-time reductions and roughly $100 million in ongoing savings if adopted in full; those numbers would then allow some restorations (the CEO noted an estimate that 650 positions could be restored if certain reductions and structural swaps are accepted). The CEO also said the recommendation package assumes staff will continue to review vacancies, fund-source swaps and labor concessions before final council action.

Process and next steps: The chair read a consent list of roughly a dozen memos and asked colleagues to pull items they wanted discussed. Several items were pulled for department-level hearings; the committee agreed to adopt the remaining consent memos as the start of its calendar and moved to detailed department reviews, instructing staff to produce more analysis on memos that propose structural changes.

Ending: The committee scheduled follow-ups with departments over the coming days and instructed the CEO and CLA to provide cost and implementation detail for memos that members flagged for later restoration or further negotiation.","City budget committee reviewed CEO memoranda and a package of potential cuts designed to close a structural deficit, instructing staff to prioritize restorations that protect core services while identifying structural savings under so-called \"Memo 82.\"","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears plan to relocate two zoo elephants to Tulsa; members ask for committee briefing before move

Council seeks tighter reporting on overtime, 3-1-1 spending and HIMS data funding

Committee directs work on six-month funding plan for interim housing; LASA and county reimbursements under scrutiny

Council debates police, fire trade-offs: hiring classes, emergency-incident technicians and proposed helicopter purchases

Budget committee frames $60M–$100M in potential savings, asks staff to prioritize restorations