L.A. Needs a Permanent Reconstruction Committee, not Isolated Efforts

You come for one, you come for all:

This month, we were surprised to learn that the L.A. City Council would be taking a recess during the month of July. On the 30th, they will reconvene their sessions at City Hall at 10 a.m.

Great! Could they extend the same invitation to ICE? That they suspend raids and deportations until that same day? Because we all need to rest, catch our breath, and come back to discuss what to do about the thousands of problems plaguing this city.

For those who don’t have the luxury of a recess, every day means facing unemployment, rent payments, ICE terrorism, an uncertain future—and it seems there is no government body working 24/7 to address these issues.

There are numerous organizations feeding Angelenos every day. They are exhausted, lacking resources, scraping together whatever aid they can provide to the most in need. Many city residents are seeking the same support. But just like the mainstream media, it seems that when there aren't scandalous headlines about raids and deportations, nothing is happening.

Los Angeles and the state of California are facing something unprecedented in their history. The federal government walks the streets, does whatever it wants, and the Trump administration has already declared that California is the perfect testing ground for its anti-immigrant agenda.

These attacks have paralyzed the economy, left many without jobs or immediate ways to solve their problems. Children can't enjoy summer camps, and it's unclear how LAUSD will handle the school absenteeism it will face when the new academic year starts.

California hasn’t suffered “the Big One” or a tsunami, but it is facing an indiscriminate attack that demands a committee capable of assessing and taking daily action. We need a community-based authority to discuss and address how to respond to Washington’s attacks. The raids won’t stop, neither will the detentions. The demands we see in protests and media to get rid of ICE won’t happen. What can happen is for the establishment of public policies to address each community’s local problems.

We can’t continue expecting everyone to fend for themselves. The emergency isn’t over—and although L.A. councilmembers may have their offices open, there doesn't seem  to be neither an action plan nor any sign of one that addresses the needs of the population, regardless of immigration status.

This discussion needs to happen—and not wait until July 30 at 10 a.m.