In 2017, DSA-LA mobilized over 200 members to join workers in the streets of our city to demand justice in our communities for all people, regardless of race, gender and gender identity, immigration status, sexual orientation, religious and political beliefs, class, or age, and against forces seeking to further disrupt our communities by continuing the entrenchment of wealth in the hands of too few. In recognition of the importance of International Workers Day in the long history of our movement, and as a major organizing milestone in our own chapter, we ask you to join us at 12 p.m. this Tuesday, May 1 at the Northeast Corner of S Hill St & W 6th St (near Pershing Square), even if you are scheduled to work. Click here to RSVP. Continue reading

Why is there an election on April 3? This special election was triggered when former AD-45 Assemblymember Matt Dababneh stepped down from office in December 2017, after details of past allegations of sexual harassment (specifically, allegations of chasing a Sacramento lobbyist into a bathroom and masturbating in front of her during a group trip to Las Vegas) came out in the press. Dababneh denied the allegations, but still stepped down. Continue reading

The Assembly District 54 Special Election is on Tuesday, April 3! Are you ready to vote? DSA-LA formally endorsed Steve Dunwoody in the race for the 54th Assembly District in February. Now the time has arrived to endorse Steve at the polls: Vote on Tuesday, April 3! Continue reading

The #BoycottLAWeekly Campaign Is Only Beginning Last year, the LA Weekly — one of America’s most read and highly acclaimed alt-newspapers — was purchased by a shadowy cabal of right-wing developers and businessmen from Orange County called Semanal Media. The new owners decimated the staff, firing 90% of their employees and busting their union. They also destroyed the Weekly’s reputation as a subculture news source by installing Brian Calle, a Trump supporting, self-described “free market enthusiast,” as editor in chief. Continue reading

Summary The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Los Angeles Housing & Homelessness Committee, San Diego Housing & Homelessness Working Group, San Francisco Housing Committee and Climate & Environmental Justice Committee, Long Beach Housing Committee, and Sacramento Housing Committee oppose the proposed state-level legislation Senate Bill 827. Despite the most recent amendments (as of March 1, 2018), the bill continues to put forth a flawed market-based, trickle-down approach to housing production and allocation — predicated on the actions of developers and landowners whose profits depend on scarcity, class inequality, and racial injustice. We believe that this bill will intensify gentrification and displacement, and thus we join a growing movement of progressive grassroots organizations across the state that criticize SB 827. Continue reading

Today women from across the ideological spectrum proudly claim the mantle of feminism. The Sheryl Sandbergs of the world tell us to “lean in,” while Ivanka Trump proudly self-styles as a working woman committed to female empowerment. In a world where everyone from Fortune 500 execs to lifestyle internet hucksters are claiming female empowerment as their own, and McDonald’s inverts the trademark golden arches logo on social media to “honor” International Women’s Day, today is the perfect opportunity to offer millions of enthusiastic citizens an alternative vision of feminism that acknowledges how unchecked capitalism impedes the fight for a feminist future. By endorsing the second International Women’s strike, the Democratic Socialists of America join a global movement committed to ending gender violence in its countless manifestations. Continue reading

Recent advocacy and protest efforts in Hollywood such as #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo have led to an Academy that recognizes more diverse stories and highlights traditionally marginalized communities. We applaud the inclusion of films like Get Out, Lady Bird, and The Florida Project in this year’s Oscar field. However, behind the scenes, Hollywood still has a long way to go. Continue reading

What’s a corporation? Most basically, a corporation is a legal entity licensed by the state that allows a group of people to do things and pay taxes in a different way than they would as individuals, without being individually liable for the actions and debts of the group effort. For-profit corporations are required to pay taxes, while nonprofit corporations are eligible to be tax-exempt—DSA, as a membership organization working to improve society, is concerned with the latter. Continue reading

Today, the Supreme Court begins to hear oral arguments on the case Janus v. AFSCME, a case which could lead to the expansion of “Right to Work” laws for public sector unions nationwide. Just like the rest of the “Right to Work” movement, Janus is nothing but a smokescreen meant to obscure our glimpse into the unforgiving maw of American capitalism. As socialists and workers who share a common struggle in the workplace, it is our duty to oppose this transgression on working class power. Continue reading

After a candidate Q&A and seven thoughtful statements from members both for and against endorsement, we're excited to announce the chapter voted to endorse Steve Dunwoody in the race for California's 54th Assembly District, which includes Culver City, Baldwin Hills, Century City, Crenshaw, Leimert Park, Mar Vista, Mid-City, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Ladera Heights, View Park and Windsor Hills. Continue reading