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Santa Monica company responsible for LA’s largest mass eviction donates $400,000
Douglas Emmett, a Santa Monica-based real estate investment trust, donated $400,000 to the Los Angeles Police Protective League. Police unions are backing a committee seeking to oust progressive lawmaker Nitya Raman, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Douglas Emmett’s donation is part of a larger effort totaling at least $789,000 in independent spending aimed at supporting Deputy City Attorney Ethan Weaver’s candidacy for City Council. Raman, who represents City Council District 4, which includes an area from Koreatown to the Hollywood Hills to North Hollywood, has come under fire for political attack ads that focus on homelessness and public safety.
This is not the first time the company has contributed to local political campaigns. Douglas Emmett also donated $400,000 to Tracy Park’s campaign in a highly contentious race for the 2022 CD11 City Council District election, leading him ahead of fellow candidate Erin Darling. won the race. The donation was donated to Park’s campaign in a similar manner through the Los Angeles Police Protective League.
The city council member opposed an ordinance banning homeless encampments near schools and daycare centers and voted against a significant pay increase for police officers.
The real estate investment trust is currently working to evict hundreds of tenants from Barrington Plaza, a major apartment complex in West Los Angeles. The property is at the center of a tenant lawsuit related to mass evictions.
As quoted by the Los Angeles Times, Police Protective League President Craig Lally expressed concern about Raman’s policy positions, saying he was “out of touch” with voters, especially regarding homeless camps near schools. . Raman defended his own record, citing a decrease in crime and homelessness in his district since taking office in 2020.
Mr. Raman’s opponent, Mr. Weaver, has received support from the Los Angeles Police Department union, defended support from various segments of the real estate industry and emphasized his role in addressing the housing crisis.
A spokesperson for Douglas Emmett responded to a request for comment with the following statement: “Douglas Emmett engages from time to time in public policy advocacy in support of our real estate business and office and multifamily real estate sector through ongoing and constructive interactions.” Government Officials, Policy Makers , with stakeholder groups. Our advocacy efforts are directed toward creating value for our shareholders and other stakeholders without regard to the political affiliations or views of any Douglas Emmett officer, employee, or board member. We comply with all laws governing political activities, including all lobbying registration and disclosure laws. Although we value transparency, we do not discuss the specific reasons for our contributions. Our complete policy can be found here.
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