June 2026 Club Newsletter
What’s In This Month’s Newsletter
Upcoming May Meeting: Palos Verdes Democrats will host our May Meeting at the Peninsula Center Library and on Zoom.… read more
President’s Report: Sixty days ago, the American people were promised a “swift, surgical strike” to bring stability to the Middle East. Today, as we look out across the peaceful cliffs of the Peninsula, it is impossible not to feel the weight of the chaos unfolding thousands of miles away.…read more
May Meeting Report: The Palos Verdes Democrats held our May meeting featuring four speakers covering environmental issues, public health, international relations, and local government… read more
From the Activism Chair: I watched the California Governor’s debate on the 28th. Boy, it was a hot mess. According to the following morning polls, Trump endorsed Fox commentator Hilton, who leads with 16%… read more
Call to Action: Take action to protect democracy. Check out these activism opportunities… read more
Nominating Committee Members Named:The Nominating Committee proposes the following slate of officers for 2026-2027… read more
Whale of a Day in Palos Verdes: The Palos Verdes Democrats had a wonderful day connecting with the community - sharing information about our club and listening to what matters most to people… read more
Meet and Greet with Dr. Sion Roy for SD 24: The Palos Verdes Democrats Club hosted a meet-and-greet in support of CADEM-endorsed SD 24 candidate Dr. Sion Roy… read more
LACDP March Meeting Recap: Chair Mark Ramos reported significant victories in recent municipal elections in Lancaster and Whittier … read more
May Meeting
May 17, 2026 @ 2:30 pm
Peninsula Center Library Community Room
By Louis Vandenberg
Palos Verdes Democrats will host our May Meeting at the Peninsula Center Library and on Zoom. This month we will have 3 wonderful speakers joining us via Zoom:
Heather Hargreaves is the Manager for Tom Steyer’s campaign for California Governor. She previously served as Steyer’s 2020 Presidential Campaign Manager and was field director for the 2008 Barack Obama campaign. Prior to joining the Steyer campaign, Hargreaves worked for NextGen America, a group founded by Steyer. Although well accomplished in political efforts, Hargreaves' experience comes primarily from advocacy work. From 2015 until joining the Steyer campaign in 2019, she worked for NextGen America in leadership roles: national advocacy director and national program vice president while the group was known as NextGen Climate, and executive vice president and executive director of NextGen America. NextGen America was founded by Steyer in 2013 as NextGen Climate and was renamed in 2017 to NextGen America when the group broadened its focus beyond environmental issues. The group's stated focus after the rebranding was "prosperity, health care, immigration, and equality." Hargreaves served as the General Election Director in Nevada for Barack Obama's (D) 2008 presidential campaign. She earned a B.A. in economics and political science from Stanford University.
Alfred Tom is a rising star -- an independent investigative researcher, producer and host of a political analysis and commentary series leveraging the reach and accessibility of social media to unmask the power, structures and dark money networks operating beneath the surface of the American political landscape. In his recent work, he illuminates the connections among the unelected ideologues who wrote and advanced Project 2025. Alfred Tom distills complex and often obscured political agendas into clear comprehensible truth, revealing a coordinated and deeply anti-democratic effort to reshape American government against the interests of its people. Driven by a mission to inform the public, Alfred’s rational evidence-based analysis has enjoyed a rapid growth—expanding his platform by 1,300% in ten weeks to reach more than 81,000 engaged followers. Based in New York City, Alfred Tom is a professional producer, director, and actor with a multidisciplinary background that includes 17 years in financial services and a Master of Arts from Fordham University. Tom’s presentation at the May 17 meeting will expand on the themes from his Project 2025 and “Book of Villains” commentaries.
Mikey Weinstein is an attorney, activist, former Air Force officer and founding President of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. He is the author of two books, With God on Our Side: One Man’s War Against an Evangelical Coup in America’s Military and No Snowflake in an Avalanche. Weinstein graduated with honors from the United States Air Force Academy in 1977. He spent over three years working in the West Wing of the Reagan Administration as Assistant General Counsel for Executive Office of the President of the United States. He founded the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) to ensure that all members of the United States Armed Forces fully receive the religious freedom granted by the Establishment Clause of the Constitution’s First Amendment. Nearly 100,000 active duty, reserve, National Guard, cadets and midshipmen, DoD and VA civilian personnel, veterans, clients among the 18 national security agencies, and related, have come to the MRFF for redress and assistance with their civil rights concerns. Hundreds more contact the MRFF each month. Weinstein has been named by The Jewish Daily Forward in the "Forward 50", a list of those it considers to be the most influential Jews in America. He received the Wings of Justice Award. Jews for Racial and Economic Justice awarded him its Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer Risk-Taker Award for taking extraordinary risks in pursuit of justice. In December 2012, Weinstein was named one of the "100 Most Influential People in U.S. Defense" by Defense News.
2026 Annual Picnic!
Our annual Palos Verdes Democrats Picnic will be Sunday, July 19th. Details are still being worked out, but we will have local elected officials and candidates on hand to speak.
Mark Your Calendar!!
President’s Report
By Tim Dixon
The 60-Day Quagmire: Trading Our Future for a War Without a Plan
Sixty days ago, the American people were promised a “swift, surgical strike” to bring stability to the Middle East. Today, as we look out across the peaceful cliffs of the Peninsula, it is impossible not to feel the weight of the chaos unfolding thousands of miles away. What was once billed as a short-term operation has descended into a bloody quagmire—a 60-day cycle of shifting goals, mounting tragedies, and a staggering drain on our nation’s soul and pocketbook.
The Human and Financial Cost
The numbers are chilling, yet they fail to capture the full scope of the heartbreak. To date, we have lost 13 American service members. Hundreds more have returned with life-altering injuries, and thousands of civilians have perished in a conflict that seems to have no defined finish line.
While the human cost is immeasurable, the fiscal cost is precise: $1 billion every single day.
To put that $60 billion into perspective: with the money spent in just two months on this unplanned war, we could have fundamentally transformed the lives of families across America. We could have provided universal childcare for every child and covered full college tuition for every student from a family making under $125,000 a year. Instead, we are burning our national wealth in the Iranian desert, choosing bombs over books and missiles over the middle class.
A War of Deception and Contradiction
The irony of our current situation is as bitter as it is dangerous. Months ago, the Trump Administration claimed that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure had been “obliterated” by initial airstrikes. If that were true, the rationale for this current 60-day war evaporates. By choosing to “hit them again” despite claims of total success, the President has not made us safer. Instead, he has radicalized a regime now more unified in its opposition to the United States than at any point in a decade.
The Hidden “War Tax” on American Families
The consequences of this planless war are hitting home here in the South Bay. By allowing the Strait of Hormuz to be effectively closed, the administration has choked a global artery that handles 20% of the world’s energy. This has triggered an economic shockwave felt at every gas pump, airport, and grocery store:
The Gas Crisis: The national average price for a gallon of gas has skyrocketed by 48% since the war began, jumping from $2.98 to $4.43. Here in California, prices have surged past $6.00, costing the average driver hundreds more each year just to get to work.
The Gas Crisis: The national average price for a gallon of gas has skyrocketed by 48% since the war began, jumping from $2.98 to $4.43. Here in California, prices have surged past $6.00, costing the average driver hundreds more each year just to get to work.
Sky-High Airfares: The global aviation sector is in a "perfect storm." Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled, forcing airlines to pass costs directly to travelers. Transcontinental U.S. fares have jumped from $167 to over $414 in just weeks, while international routes have seen surges of 200%.
The Grocery Surcharge: With 30% of the world’s fertilizer production stranded, we are facing a "grocery supply emergency." Costs are being passed on to you in the form of higher prices for everything from detergent to dairy.
The Cost of Abandoning Diplomacy
We must be clear: we would not be here if the Trump Administration had not torn up the international nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, negotiated under the Obama Administration. That agreement provided verifiable limits and a diplomatic pressure valve. By trading a working peace for “maximum pressure,” the President traded a stable world for a failing war. Today, we have no inspectors, no diplomatic channels, and no plan to end the hostilities.
Ending the Madness: A Call to the Ballot Box
Although some may find it incomprehensible that this war could continue for months more, the reality is stark: unless President Donald Trump decides to lie and declare victory and withdraw, this conflict could drag on indefinitely. It has become painfully clear that this administration had no plan when it started this war—and has no plan to end it. We are witnessing a leadership vacuum where impulsive strikes have replaced coherent strategy.
The Iranian regime remains entrenched, fueled by the very aggression this administration claimed would subdue it. Meanwhile, the Republican-led Congress has abdicated its constitutional duty, refusing to force a vote or demand a strategy for peace.
The only real check remaining on this madness lies with the American people. This is a war that should never have started in the first place, and since the administration refuses to end it, we must provide the intervention.
To win the midterms and restore sanity to our foreign policy, we need as many people as possible involved. Palos Verdes Democrats are organizing every day to place a firm democratic check on this administration, but we cannot do it alone. We need you to protest, phone bank, and knock on doors to ensure our message is heard. If you are able, we also ask that you make a financial contribution.
Every action counts. It is up to us to ensure that the march toward endless war is stopped at the ballot box this November.
May Meeting Report
By Zoom AI
The PV Democrats hosted our May meeting featuring three speakers. The first speaker was Heather Hargreaves, campaign manager for Tom Steyer's gubernatorial campaign, who presented Steyer's platform focusing on affordability issues, single-payer healthcare, climate action, and his experience in environmental advocacy.
Alfred Tom shared his journey from a lifelong New Yorker with no political background to becoming a content creator exposing political issues, particularly focusing on Leonard Leo's network of organizations.
Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, spoke about the organization's work protecting military personnel from religious extremism in the US military.
Heather Hargreaves, campaign manager for Tom Steyer's gubernatorial campaign
Heather presented Steyer's platform focusing on affordability, single-payer healthcare, and climate action. The meeting included questions about Steyer's government experience, single-payer healthcare implementation, housing policies, and his past investment in a private prison company, with Heather addressing these concerns during her response
Heather addressed questions about Tom Steyer's positions on key issues including gun control, abortion rights, and homelessness. She explained that Steyer strongly supports California's existing gun control laws and would oppose federal erosion of these protections, while emphasizing his long-standing advocacy for abortion rights and his commitment to addressing homelessness through affordable housing initiatives. When asked about Steyer's recent community involvement, Heather described his ongoing work with NextGen Policy, community bank, and clean energy venture capital firm, while clarifying that he does not serve on traditional nonprofit boards but actively engages with community organizations through roundtables and meetings.
Heather discussed Tom Steyer's qualifications and positions on key issues. She addressed concerns about his lack of government experience by emphasizing his business acumen and willingness to collaborate with legislative leaders. Regarding climate change and green initiatives, Heather explained that Tom had divested from fossil fuels over 15 years ago and focused on environmental issues. She also discussed the importance of standing up to Trump's administration and protecting UC funding, though she admitted limited knowledge on specific UC funding details.
Alfred Tom, Political Content Creator
Alfred shared his journey from a lifelong New Yorker with no political background to becoming a content creator exposing political issues, particularly focusing on Leonard Leo's network of organizations. He explained how he initially created a video in February after arguments with conservative friends, which led to his decision to continue making truth-focused content despite facing pushback. Tong described how his videos went viral, growing his following from 6,500 to over 91,000 followers across four platforms in just 90 days, and how he realized people were hungry for accurate information about political issues.
Book of Villains Investigation Series
Alfred discussed his investigative series "Book of Villains" which profiles people involved in Project 2025, including architects, executioners, and power brokers who are shaping American politics and the judicial system. He explained how Leonard Leo, who has operated in the shadows for decades, has significantly influenced the Supreme Court and democratic processes through strategic appointments and dark money. Alfred emphasized the importance of independent voices in exposing these issues and building coalitions rooted in timeless democratic values to counter the anti-democratic agenda being implemented.
Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation
Mikey spoke about the organization's work protecting military personnel from religious extremism in the US military. He explained that Christian nationalism has infiltrated all military branches, including the Air Force Academy, and described how the foundation has been fighting this issue since 2004. Weinstein shared personal experiences of threats and challenges faced by the foundation, including daily threats and security concerns, while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance against religious extremism in the military.
Mikey explained that most politicians avoid addressing Christian nationalism due to fear of losing evangelical support, though he noted exceptions like James Tallarico running for Senate in Texas. He described receiving daily threats and needing bodyguards due to their advocacy work.
From the Activism Chair
By Caryl Schwartz, Activism Chair
I watched the California Governor’s debate on the 28th. Boy, it was a hot mess. According to the following morning polls, Trump endorsed Fox commentator Hilton, who leads with 16%. Billionaire environmentalist, Tom Steyer, follows with 15%, and Becerra 13%. The May 4th Democratic party poll showed both Hilton & Becerra polling at 18% and Chad Bianco polling 13%. Like many of you, I will be voting closer to Election Day for the Democrat leading in the polls, either Steyer or Becerra.
Spoiler alert, Matt Mahan's “moderate” Democrat war chest is financed by billionaire Silicon Valley tech-bros, including Sergey Brin, Google co-founder, and Peter Thiel, partners in Palantir, Founders Fund, and his other Venture Capital funds. Rick Caruso and his wife contributed $1,000,000 to one of Mahan’s PACs. As reported in the NYT, Mahan has recently added a unique approach to fundraising, forming an escrow fund that shields donors’ names. The campaign is pitching that they need an additional 35 million to win; if the target isn’t reached, donors’ funds would be reimbursed and made public in a report with no tie to Mahan.
A general election for two Georgia State Supreme Court seats is under the radar since it’s on the same May 19th ballot as the Georgia primary. Currently, eight of the nine Justices were originally appointed by Republican Governors, and two of those appointees are being challenged by Democrats. To learn more about the race and candidates, please click on the link below. https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/meet-jen-jordan-and-miracle-rankin?utm_source=podcast-
In New Jersey’s April 17th special election, Democrat Analilia Mejia won the seat. Democrat Chris Taylor won a seat on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court on April 7th.
Midterms are coming up. The Republicans are nervous and feel the only way to maintain a majority is through voter suppression, gerrymandering, and allegations of voter fraud. Trump has issued multiple executive orders that are designed to instill fear about election integrity. The GOP House followed his orders by reintroducing a more voter-restrictive bill, the Save America Act, under the guise of non-citizen voting.
The Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act and opened the door for discriminatory redistricting. States are no longer required to guarantee black and other minority voters for Congressional Representation.
Trump’s DOJ has demanded confidential, sensitive voter information from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. At least 12 “Red “states have complied, and the DOJ, thus far, has sued 30 states to comply. Judges in five states (CA, RI, MI, OR, and MA) have dismissed DOJ lawsuits. The Federal government’s endgame is to conduct its own state-by-state voter list maintenance operation, creating a national voter database to compel states to purge eligible voters from their voter rolls. The DOJ would use third-party data contractors involved in mass surveillance to analyze your sensitive voters’ data and compile eligible voter lists. Common Cause, Protect Democracy, ACLU, Democracy and Rule of Law Clinic at Harvard Law School are among the organizations suing DOJ. The complaint argues the DOJ’s actions are unconstitutional, illegal, and part of Trump’s campaign to take over elections from the states.
President Trump promised his MAGA followers no new foreign wars, promoting himself as a “peace president.” Congressional testimony on April 29th - the official Pentagon estimate for the 60-day Iran War is approximately 25 billion. In March, the Pentagon asked the White House to approve a supplemental budget request of over $200 billion (about $620 per person in the US). The War has depleted our stores of missiles and munitions. Pentagon insists weapons production must increase to sustain military readiness. Independent analysts estimated Iranian costs at about 1 billion per day during periods of intense operations. A Harvard policy expert warns the true cost of war to U.S. taxpayers will exceed $1trillion (about $3,100 per person in the US).
How do we fight the Tyranny and corruption of the current Regime? The recent SCOTUS ruling demands that we get involved to do voter outreach locally and throughout the country to achieve a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate. Mark your calendars on Saturday, May 16th, we will join other Democrats for a Day of Action canvassing in Derek Tran's 45th District and again on May 23. Please join us!
Go to Call to Action for sign-up links:
PV Dems is a sponsor for May Canvassing Events for Derek Tran: CA Congressional District 45
Call to Action
By Caryl Schwartz, Activism Chair
The United States Congress, whose job it is to hold the President accountable, has done absolutely nothing to stop him. Trump is running the White House like a mobster.
That is why we MUST flip the House and Senate to the Democrats in November. It is the only way we can impose real oversight, force an investigation of the Regime’s corruption and hold him accountable for the illegal war in Iran.
Disaffected voters and Democrats not voting were a major factor in the 2024 Election results and they could hold the key to a Democratic comeback. Direct voter outreach through canvassing and phone banking is critical. I hope the recent SCOTUS ruling motivates you to get involved and focus on getting Democrats elected.
Join fellow PV Dems members for Canvassing for Derek Tran Congressional District 45
Those interested in carpooling: contact Carol Moeller 5/16 event @ rpvdem@gmail.com
Connie Sullivan 5/23 @ pvedems@gmail.com
Sign-up for Saturday, May 16: Day of Action https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/943839/
Sign-up for Saturday, May 23: Take Back the House, walk with Derek Tran
https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/877798/
Other Activism: Phonebanking
Georgia State Supreme Court Race May 19th
Opportunity to flip 2 State Supreme Court seats BLUE!
Most voters are unaware there is a general election for the Georgia State Supreme Court on their May 19th primary ballot.
Phonebank for Candidates Miracle Rankin and Jen Jordan
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/meet-jen-jordan-and-miracle-rankin?utm_source=podcast-
The phonebanks I suggest are utilizing predictive dialers (dial numbers for you) and provide training over Zoom. You can make a difference!
https://www.mobilize.us/standupamerica/event/942984/
https://www.mobilize.us/theunion/event/928817/
https://www.mobilize.us/nationalcenterforcivicempowermentinc/event/944426/
https://www.mobilize.us/nationalcenterforcivicempowermentinc/event/944434/
Upcoming In Person Rallies & Events:
Liberty & Justice for ALL, South Bay weekly Saturdays 11:30 am-1 pm
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/916557/
Manhattan Beach Protests: weekly Sundays 10:30 am-Noon
Sepulveda (east side) & 33rd Street, Manhattan Beach
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/814761/
Stand Up, Speak Out: El Segundo Monthly Rally
May 2 10:30 am- NOON https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/811189/
Election News:
LOCAL ELECTIONS MATTER: Torrance General Election June 2, 2026
Current Right-Wing Mayor George Chen will be running against City Councilmember Sharon Kalani
Aurelio Mattucci MAGA City Council Member is running for City Treasurer, no Democrat is running.
Democrats politically active in Torrance recommend supporting Sharon Kalani for Mayor and suggest supporting Griffiths City Treasurer to prevent a MAGA nightmare in the city.
City Clerk and Councilmembers for Districts 1, 3, 5
Betty Lieu has filed to run for District 5
Please support: Organizations Fighting to Protect Your Rights & Prevent Voter Suppression
Democracy Docket: https://www.democracydocket.com/about-us/
Fair Fight: https://www.fairfight.com/
Democracy Forward: https://democracyforward.org/
Common Cause: https://www.commoncause.org
Protect Democracy: https://protectdemocracy.org/
Other Organizations
Defending Our Neighbors: https://defendingourneighbors.org/
LA Regional Food Bank https://www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/
Senate Campaigns to Support:
Re-elect Jon Ossoff Georgia https://electjon.com/
James Talarico for Texas Senate https://jamestalarico.com/
Sherrod Brown for Ohio Senate https://www.sherrodbrown.com/
Chris Pappas for New Hampshire Senate https://chrispappas.org/
Mary Pelota for Alaska Senate https://marypeltola.com/
Roy Cooper for North Carolina Senate https://roycooper.com/
After Democratic primaries, the list will grow to include but not limited to Maine, Iowa, Minnesota. Michigan, Texas. We need to flip a minimum of five Senate seats. The goal for the House of Representatives is to have at least 25 seats. To end our accelerating slide into autocracy 2026 demands we become more effective at reining Trump-Miller-Vance agenda. Saving Democracy is hard work and requires mobilization
Immigrant Assistance
You can download a printable sheet that outlines what to do if ICE comes to the door here. These can also be ordered as “red cards”.
Here’s a sheet that explains how to identify ICE vehicles and what to do if you see them.
Here are more ways to help immigrants.
South Bay For All – Raising rental aid for immigrant neighbors and helping them run their businesses safely from home. Instagram | southbayforall@gmail.com
Gardena Guardians – Standing in solidarity with Gardena's immigrant community, providing resources and advocacy. Instagram
HILL – Supporting day laborers and immigrant families. Instagram | hillresponseteam@gmail.com
Harbor Area Peace Patrols – A collective of concerned Harbor residents patrolling neighborhoods to defend neighbors from ICE/DHS, sharing Know Your Rights information. Instagram
CHIRLA – A California leader advocating for immigrant rights since 1986, building a just society inclusive of immigrants. Website Please donate to our CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights - Los Angeles) fundraiser. Money raised will help this highly-regarded non-profit to help inform immigrants of their legal rights. We have raised just over half of our $5,000 goal.
CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) – Mobilizing the faith community to stand with workers and families for dignity and justice. Website
Immigrant Defenders Law Center – A social justice law firm defending immigrant communities from injustices in the immigration system. Website
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Training advocates, shaping policy, and empowering immigrants through civic.
Questions about Activism contact Caryl @pvcaryl@verizon.net or 310 897 021
Nominating Committee Members Named
By Connie Sullivan
The Nominating Committee proposes the following slate of officers for 2026-2027.
If you might be interested in one of the vacant positions or would like to know what the position entails, please contact Connie Sullivan at pvedems@gmail.com.
| President | Tim Dixon |
| 1st Vice President (President-elect) | Vacant |
| 2nd Vice President (Program Chair) | Louis Vandenberg |
| Corresponding Secretary | Ann Stahl |
| Recording Secretary | Vacant |
| Treasurer | Paul Klose |
| Parliamentarian | Connie Sullivan |
| Newsletter Editor | Jeannie Hahn |
| Activism Chair | Caryl Schwartz |
| Publicity Chair | Kara Kent |
| Social Media Chair | Casey Crowe |
| Electronic Media Chair | Reggie Jue |
| Membership Chair | Larry Donahue |
| Hospitality Chair | Vacant |
Whale of a Day in Palos Verdes
By Jeannie Hahn
The Palos Verdes Democrats had a wonderful day connecting with the community - sharing information about our club and listening to what matters most to people. Our prize wheel was a big hit, drawing in both children and adults who stopped by for a spin. Visitors also had the opportunity to vote on the issues that concern them the most. The top concerns expressed were saving democracy and getting back to normal.
Meet and Greet with Dr. Sion Roy for SD 24
By Jeannie Hahn
The Palos Verdes Democrats Club hosted a meet-and-greet in support of CADEM-endorsed SD 24 candidate Dr. Sion Roy. The event drew a strong turnout of elected officials and community members interested in learning more about his campaign. It was held at Mychal’s Café & Bakery, a unique space where young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities work as bakers and baristas - showcasing their talents and their valuable contributions to the community.
For more information, visit https://drsionroyforsenate.com & https://www.instagram.com/drsionroy/
LACDP April Meeting Recap
By Jon Munoz and Connie Sullivan
Election Results & Field Success
Chair Mark Ramos reported significant victories in recent municipal elections in Lancaster and Whittier. These areas have historically been difficult for the party due to off-cycle election scheduling.
Whittier: Voter turnout increased from 12% to 28% following LACDP field efforts. The incumbent mayor was unseated, and two Democratic candidates secured seats on the City Council.
Lancaster: Two Democrats were elected to the City Council—notably the first in recent memory.
Key Takeaway: Success in these regions serves as a proof of concept for the impact of donations to funds like the JFK Awards.
Ballot Measure Endorsements
The LACDP finalized positions on several key measures following recommendations from the Ballot Measures Committee:
Palos Verdes Estates Measure PF: The party officially ratified a Support position. Outreach and email campaigns regarding this endorsement may now proceed.
Measure TT (City of Los Angeles): This measure involves increasing the hotel occupancy tax from 14% to 16% to fund the upcoming Olympics.
Outcome: Despite being stalled in committee, it passed overwhelmingly on the floor.
Context: Supporters noted that the 16% rate is competitive with other major cities and includes a provision to drop the tax to 15% once Olympic costs are covered.