Amid reports of huge house parties where attendees violate coronavirus restrictions, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has decided to play hardball.
Starting Friday, the L.A. Department of Water and Power will cut off electricity and water service to homes hosting large parties, Garcetti says.
The order goes into effect two days after Councilman David Ryu introduced a motion to make penalties for house party violations more severe. "Despite a pandemic that has killed thousands in Los Angeles, some homeowners are choosing to put everyone at risk by renting out their homes to massive house parties," Ryu says. "Whether it takes shutting off utilities or revoking their permits, we must do what it takes to shut these party houses down."