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One of the most important parts of my job is asking questions about what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s getting in the way of delivering the outcomes we all want. These questions drive a lot of the budget work we’re focused on right now. But that lens doesn’t just apply to how we spend money. It applies to how we govern across the board.
This week, the City Council took a step toward making it easier to build more efficient and attractive multifamily housing by beginning the process to remove an outdated requirement in our building code that’s been quietly holding back the kinds of housing our neighborhoods need: a blanket requirement for two staircases in almost all new apartment buildings. I co-authored this legislation with Councilmember Nithya Raman to bring our code in line with modern building standards and make it easier to design homes that actually work for families.
The double staircase rule dates back to the early 1900s, when safety standards were entirely different. But today, thanks to fire-resistant materials, mandatory sprinkler systems, and modern design, research shows that two staircases aren’t always necessary—especially in smaller multifamily buildings. Still, Los Angeles hasn’t updated the code. The result is that architects and builders are forced into awkward, inefficient layouts that make it nearly impossible to build larger, family-sized apartments with good light, airflow, and access to green space.
It’s also a big reason why so much new housing in Los Angeles ends up looking big, boxy, and out of step with what communities actually want. When the rules only allow for one kind of building form, that’s what gets built, regardless of whether it fits the neighborhood or meets Angelenos’ needs .
This change won’t fix everything, but it’s part of a bigger shift: making our city work better by aligning our policies with our values. If we want housing that’s more livable, more beautiful, and more affordable, we have to update the systems that are standing in the way. That’s the kind of practical, outcomes-driven work I’m focused on every day—and it’s how we start building a better Los Angeles.
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Connecting with Small Businesses on 3rd Street
This week, my team and I visited small businesses along 3rd Street between Crescent Heights and Orlando to check in, listen, and make sure they know how to reach our office if they need support. When our business corridors are strong, our neighborhoods are stronger too. Staying connected helps ensure city services support a flourishing local economy. We’ll be doing more of these business walks in other parts of the district in the coming months, so stay tuned! |
Jewish Federation Interfaith Passover Seder
On Thursday, I joined the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and the Museum of Tolerance for their annual Interfaith Passover Seder. This year’s theme, From Hardship to Hope: The Power of Collective Strength, focused on the need for communities to come together during difficult times. I spoke about the role our district played during the recent wildfires, opening doors for those in need. These gatherings help us build stronger relationships and deepen understanding across communities and faiths. |
West LA Little League Full Swing Ceremony
On Saturday, I joined families at Bad News Bears Field for West LA Little League’s Full Swing ceremony. West LA Little League fosters a space where kids grow, neighbors connect, and volunteers pour their time and energy into something bigger than themselves. The event also honored LAFD Station 37 for its work during the recent fires. |
Celebrating 40 Years of Delphi Greek
On Saturday, I stopped by Delphi Greek in Westwood to present a City plaque marking their 40th anniversary. This small business has been part of the neighborhood for decades, serving meals and building relationships. Their story reflects the role long-standing businesses play in shaping a community’s identity. If you haven’t been to Delphi Greek, come check them out! |
As part of our business walk along 3rd Street, my team stopped by Benny’s Tacos at 8250 W 3rd Street. Benny Borsakian opened the first location after two decades in the cosmetics industry, driven by a simple goal: to serve fresh, made-to-order food in a welcoming environment. That approach has grown into four locations across the LA region, including Santa Monica, Westchester, Culver City, and 3rd Street. Stop by next time you're in the neighborhood! |
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Tracking Progress on Homelessness Investments
This week, the City Council approved updated funding and oversight instructions for the Homelessness Emergency Account. The Council action moved forward with funding for critical interim housing and services, while holding back funding for a portion of Inside Safe beds that are both costly and do not count toward the City’s legal obligations under the Alliance settlement, pending additional information on the plan to transition those beds to less expensive, Alliance-compliant ones. If we’re going to meet our goals, we need to focus our resources on housing that is cost-effective, gets us closer to meeting our legal obligations, and is quickly moving people into permanent housing. This action also directs departments to improve transparency by reporting on vacant rooms, costs, and housing outcomes across the system. Every dollar we spend needs to bring us closer to real results—and that starts with better data and smarter choices. |
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Bloom-Fest Fundraiser and Bazaar for 211 LA Fire Relief | Sunday, April 6th, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Belmont residents are putting together a bazaar fundraiser on their beautiful pool patio to benefit victims of the recent L.A. wildfires. The residents of Belmont will be selling some of their own creations – jewelry, art, and apparel – as well as vintage designer clothing, knitting, shoes, textile ceramics, books, toys and games, and more. If you have any questions about this event, or need further information, contact Mark Salyer, Activity Program Director at Belmont Village Westwood at rsalyer@belmontvillage.com or at (310) 475-7501.
Wildfire Recovery + Rebuilding Guide Webinar | Wednesday, April 9
On Wednesday, April 9 at 5 PM, the California Office of Emergency Services will host a webinar introducing the Wildfire Rebuilding Guide, a resource to help communities and homeowners navigate the recovery and rebuilding process. The guide offers tools for making informed decisions and understanding available support. Register here.
LA County Post-Fire Assessment Virtual Town Hall | Thursday, April 10
Join LA County’s Department of Public Health for a virtual town hall on Thursday, April 10 at 6 PM to learn about the county’s post-fire assessment plan. The meeting will cover soil and water testing updates, next steps in the recovery process, and an opportunity to ask questions. Submit your questions here.
Celebrate Earth Day + Egg Hunt in Westwood | Saturday, April 19
Celebrate Earth Day in Westwood on Saturday, April 19 from 11 AM to 1 PM with a community plant-planting event. It’s a chance to give back to the planet and help beautify public spaces with neighbors of all ages. An egg hunt for kids will begin at 12:30 PM.
WHERE: Westwood Recreation Center (1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025)
Community Cleanup & Resource Fair | Sunday, April 27 at 9:30 AM
Join Keep Los Angeles Beautiful for a Community Cleanup and Resource Fair on Sunday, April 27, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Queen Anne Recreation Center (1240 West Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019). Volunteers are needed, and all are welcome. The event will feature free coffee and donuts, a rain barrel giveaway, and shade tree adoptions for LA residents. It's a great way to help care for our neighborhoods and connect with local resources.
Sign Up for CERT Training at Pan Pacific Park
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program offers free training to help residents prepare for emergencies. Participants learn basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, medical operations, light search and rescue, and team organization. CERT volunteers play a vital role during emergencies—especially when first responders may not be immediately available. Sign up here. |
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If you have any need pertaining to the City of Los Angeles, please reach out:
City Hall Office
200 N. Spring Street, Suite 440
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 473-7005
(323) 866-1828
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Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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