Beutner questions validity of L.A. fee hikes
Los Angeles Times
|November 01, 2025
Mayoral hopeful targets incumbent Bass over costs. She stands firm on need.
MAYORAL HOPEFUL Austin Beutner wants a special session of the City Council to discuss the fees.
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Austin Beutner took aim at the rising cost of basic city services Thursday, saying Mayor Karen Bass and her administration have contributed to an affordability crisis that is “crushing families.”
Beutner, appearing outside Van Nuys City Hall, pointed to the City Council's recent decision to increase trash collection fees to nearly $56 per month, up from $36.32 for single-family homes and duplexes, and from $24.33 for threeand four-unit apartment buildings.
Since Bass took office in December 2022, the city has also hiked sewer service fees, which are on track to double over a four-year period. In addition, Beutner said, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has pushed up the cost of water and electric service by 52% and 19%, respectively.
"I'm talking about the cost-of-living crisis that's crushing families," he said. "L.A. is a very, very special place, but every day it's becoming less affordable.”
This story is from the November 01, 2025 edition of Los Angeles Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
Winter rains fall, and so do the records
Another major storm is forecast, bringing threats of more flooding and slides.
5 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
As billionaires, will the Beyoncés and the Taylor Swifts stand up to tyranny?
The reluctance of the 1% to protect democracy has left many of us feeling hopeless
3 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Back from the dead, a legacy paper adopts startup mindset
It’s a rare, hopeful reversal for Santa Barbara. New editor calls it 'greatest role.'
3 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Why Japandi Is the Style Everyone Wants in 2026
For 2026, interior design is shifting from pure aesthetics to emotional well-being.
1 min
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Parting words of wisdom from the legendary investor Buffett
The advice that legendary investor Warren Buffett offered on investing and life over the years helped earn him legions of followers who eagerly read his annual letters and filled an arena in Omaha every year to listen to him at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meetings.
2 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Grandmother, boy killed in Gaza tent fire
A grandmother and her 5-year-old grandson burned to death in Gaza when their tent caught fire, as thousands of Palestinians battle harrowing winter conditions in flimsy makeshift housing and the humanitarian crisis persists.
3 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
UCLA’s Chesney rounds out his coaching staff
Bob Chesney's initial UCLA football staff is going to have a familiar feel to anyone who follows James Madison.
3 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Faith leaders gird for year of tougher immigration issues
They offer support to anxious migrants who fear president’s wrath in their communities.
5 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
‘Stranger Things’ series finale pulls estimated $25 million at box office
The finale of Netflix’s blockbuster series “Stranger Things” gave movie theaters a much needed jolt, generating an estimated $20 to $25 million at the box office, according to multiple reports.
1 min
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
What we get from newspapers
Re “As newspapers fade, a useful physical object disappears too,” Dec. 29
4 mins
January 03, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size