DRIVING THE DAY: An oppressive heat wave continues to bear down on communities up and down the state — and is running headlong into one of California’s most urgent crises. A federal judge on Monday barred the City of Sacramento from clearing out homeless encampments during periods of excessive heat, siding with advocates who said moving people under such conditions poses a serious risk to the vulnerable population. THE BUZZ — Los Angeles’ labor strikes represent an historic moment for workers — and an unexpected challenge for Mayor Karen Bass. The first-term mayor came into office at the start of the year with a determined focus on homelessness, but back-to-back-to-back strikes in the entertainment and hospitality industries this summer have dominated the city’s attention. And today, with thousands of city workers expected to strike, L.A.’s “Hot Labor Summer” has landed right on her doorstep. Sanitation workers, animal services, parks and street workers will stop working for 24 hours, in what SEIU 721’s executive director and president David Green said will “shut down the City of Los Angeles.” Bass is staying watchful but neutral — much like with the other strikes that have roiled the city in recent months. But as the leader of the city government, her role is less symbolic than other negotiations. In a statement, the mayor said the workers deserve fair contracts and that the city has been bargaining in good faith with SEIU 721 since January. “The city will always be available to make progress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” she said. Throughout the labor-laden summer, Bass has aimed to play the role of helpful observer rather than bombastic intercessor — but that doesn’t mean she’s not interested in the outcome. By staying away from the picket lines, Bass gives herself the flexibility to step in when the moment calls for it. That was her playbook earlier this year in helping schools and union leaders reach a deal after a strike. Green, the SEIU 721 leader, said he had been in direct contact with Bass and described the conversations as “very positive.” “She understands that all of us need to be in the same loop,” he said. L.A.’s labor movement presents serious stakes at play for both Bass and the city. Aside from the important political power that unions wield in Los Angeles, protracted strikes can cause serious disruption to L.A.’s main exports: entertainment and tourism. But even as the writers’ and actors’ strikes drag on, Bass has steadfastly avoided throwing herself into the public fray while staying engaged behind the scenes. It’s a calculated move from the mayor’s office, whose past occupants have had differing styles. Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who cut his teeth as a tough labor negotiator, was known to step in and mediate in union disputes. Garry South, a longtime Los Angeles Democratic consultant, said it’s up to officials to toe the line between critical competing interests. “It doesn't matter where your heart is at in terms of labor and unions. A public official has to be cognizant of the fact that there are sometimes unintended consequences and side effects from taking a real hard and fast position,” he said. “It's a balancing act.”
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