LOS ANGELES — Facing a growing budget deficit made worse by the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Eric Garcetti surprised many people last week when he proposed cutting the Los Angeles Police Department’s budget by between $100 million and $150 million.

Garcetti’s action came the same day three City Council members directed staff to identify up to $150 million in cuts to the police department’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

“To the men and women of our Los Angeles Police Department, we ask so much of you, and never more than in these days,” Garcetti said June 3.

People’s Budget LA, a coalition of 100 organizations including Black Lives Matter, is calling for a 90% reduction in police funding to be reallocated to social services, such as housing for homeless people.

“What is also mind blowing to me is that police in Los Angeles are being asked to cover everything from mental health services, gang prevention and intervention services, animal control, and other services that can be done by licensed professionals.