L.A. Emergency Budget to Defund the Wildlife Pilot Study
From Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife:
Last month, Mayor Garcetti proposed an Emergency Budget for Los Angeles in response to the impact that the COVID-19 crisis has on the City's economy. CLAW was deeply concerned to learn that this budget completely defunds the Wildlife Pilot Study, which addresses open space habitat and future development of the Santa Monica Mountains. At a time when the state is actively considering our regional mountain lion's threatened status, the Mayor's proposed budget, which prioritizes temporary economics over permanent environmental protections, is unacceptable.
CLAW sent a letter addressed to Mayor Garcetti, the City Council President, and the City Council's Budget and Finance Committee urging the reinstatement of funding for this critical program. You can read our letter here.
We urge you to do the same!
Please click on this pre-addressed link to the Mayor's office and the Budget and Finance Committee to let them know you oppose defunding the Wildlife Pilot Study. We can not afford to let short term decisions set us back ten years in the long term. It is urgent that the city receives your message by May 11.
Some talking points may include:
The Wildlife Pilot Study should continue to be funded in LA's emergency budget.
Los Angeles is a biodiversity hotspot that includes endemic plants and animals, as well as endangered species such as the iconic mountain lions of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Just one development in the Santa Monica Mountains has the potential to sever miles of habitat connectivity.
The Wildlife Pilot Study will ensure that as we continue to grow as a city, we will do so in a way that benefits both people and wildlife.
Below are the individual email addresses as well.
Mayor Garcetti's Office: mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org
City Council President: councilmember.martinez@lacity.org
City Council Budget and Finance Committee: councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org, councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org, paul.koretz@lacity.org, councilmember.price@lacity.org, councilmember.bonin@lacity.orgYou may also review the City Council File of the Budget Proposal HERE, and submit comments through its online public comment portal by clicking on the "NEW" icon.