What a new administration means for the neighborhood

The 2016 election took much of the nation by storm and the city of Los Angeles as well as the surrounding neighborhoods are no exception. Some politicians and stakeholders fear for the worst when President-Elect Trump takes office. However, others believe that California will remain a Democratic safe-haven unaffected by the incoming administration.

Former council woman and current manager of the Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department Jan Perry expressed her concerns about a Trump Administration and its impact on the local communities. Perry ran for the mayor of Los Angeles against current Mayor Eric Garcetti and was brought on board his staff following the mayoral race. Perry admitted that she was surprised Trump won the election and even more surprised that leading Republicans are agreeing to cabinet positions in the administration.

The biggest concern she has is for immigrants illegal and otherwise. She is not only concerned for their own personal well-being, but for the entire economy of the city. In an immigrant county board hearing on December 6th, Perry outlined several reasons why immigrants should be welcomed as contributing member of the surrounding neighborhoods. The Atlantic reports that in 2007 immigrants accounted for one third of the city’s economic output. Perry added that immigrants bolster the workforce and add to economic activity while not taking away large amounts of jobs for regular Americans. She added that many small business run by immigrants are vital for neighborhoods to grow and prosper. Perry asserts that by forcing a large portion of the population to leave, the city’s economy will suffer.

Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has clear policy goals on immigration. The first of which includes ending sanctuary cities, tripling the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents, and terminating President Obama’s executive amnesties. These policies spell trouble for the vast number of immigrants living in the city and its surrounding neighborhoods. Fifteen cities in Los Angeles County currently identify themselves as sanctuary cities that refuse to notify the federal government of illegal immigrants living in the country. The city of Los Angeles is among the cities listed that President Elect Trump has vowed to eliminate. Mayer Garcetti has spoken publicly that California will remain a sanctuary city.

Perry also expressed concern about new environmental policies nationally, but acknowledged that in Los Angeles it will likely be business as usual in protecting the environment here in this city and state.

Many of those affected include the residents of MacArthur and Jefferson Park. The 2000 Census reported that 70,181 of Westlake residents were born in another country. The Census has the policy of counting all residents regardless of citizenship so it is likely that not all residents are United States Citizens. If the Trump Administration follows through on its promises, this community may lose some of its residents. Proponents of Trump’s plan argue that these immigrants are stealing jobs from regular Americans and not paying their fair share of taxes while reaping rewards. Critics believe that immigrants are contributing members to the city of Los Angeles and the city should continue to allow these immigrants to coexist peacefully. The Public Policy Institute of California estimates that there are about 814,000 undocumented immigrants residing in Los Angeles County as of 2013. Mayor Garcetti says the Los Angeles Police Department will not check someone just to see their immigration status. This protocol is referred to as Special Order 40.

Perry believes that Los Angeles will not bend to Trump’s immigration policies. To force reluctant cities like Los Angeles to comply, Trump’s administration is considering a cut in funding for the city’s transportation and health programs. Despite the looming threat, Garcetti has pledged to remain firm on his promises while insisting that a cut in funding would be a bad idea.

Political strategist Darry Sragow believes that Trump may soften up on many of his prior policies. He asserts that no one knows what the President-Elect is thinking, including the President-Elect. Sragow said “If a Trump Presidency leads to a stronger economy, obviously that will help Los Angeles. If the Trump Presidency results in carting off a lot of immigrants undocumented or otherwise, to Mexico or Asia or wherever these folks are supposed to be sent…That will rip this place apart.” Sragow referred to the stock market’s performance and Trump’s more relaxed tone as signs that perhaps the new administration could be a success.

Sragow noted that this may set a new tone for Los Angeles Politics. “Political insiders are always prone to try to run the last race,” he said. A more abrasive and forward approach might become said Sragow.

Regardless, the entire city is buckling down and preparing for change. It’s doubtful this will be the change Barack Obama promised in 2008. The neighborhoods off the freeway will wait anxiously like the rest of us to see what happens next.

Perry describes the potential problems a Trump Administration will bring to Los Angeles