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When Los Angeles passed a ban on oil drilling in 2022, and then a ban on gas hookups in new construction not long after, it felt like we were at a turning point. We were stepping away from decades of policies that prioritized fossil fuel profits over public health, and stepping toward a future defined by cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and sustainable infrastructure.
Then came the lawsuits, bankrolled by the fossil fuel industry.
The courts struck down the City of LA’s oil drilling phaseout late last year, after lawsuits claimed the City lacked the authority to act. The new construction gas ban has now met a similar fate, after federal judges ruled in a case against the City of Berkeley that local governments could not regulate the infrastructure that delivers gas because it conflicts with federal energy policy around appliances.
These outcomes followed a familiar playbook: Fossil fuel companies are counting on delay. They want us to lose momentum. They want to drag this out as long as possible so they can keep making money while communities live with the consequences.
We’re not letting that happen. We’re staying focused, and we’re getting creative.
In the case of oil drilling, we partnered with legislators in Sacramento and secured a change in state law that affirms our local authority. The City Attorney has already laid out the steps we’ll take to reintroduce the policy, this time on solid legal ground. At the same time, we’ve kept moving forward on the amortization studies needed to shut down oil sites, and are on the precipice of a major step forward. Information on how to stay involved in this work is included in the “Community Resources” section below.
With natural gas, the path is different. Federal preemption limits what cities can do directly. So we’re focusing on what we can control to effect the same outcome: emissions standards, performance targets and air quality rules that make outdated fossil fuel systems harder to justify in new construction. These aren’t stopgaps or watered down compromises. They’re a different route to the same goal: modernized building practices that don’t make us sick and don’t make our climate warmer.
Making meaningful progress in sustainability often means having to wage the same fight more than once. Not because we failed the first time, but because some industries will resist change all the way. They have the money and the lawyers to do so. But we have persistence, collaboration, and a clear understanding of what our communities deserve.
All my best,
Katy |
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Shine LA – AAPI Heritage Month Community Clean Up Event
Over the weekend, I joined Mayor Bass in Koreatown for the Shine LA AAPI Day of Service, celebrating AAPI Heritage Month through community service across Los Angeles. Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who joined us in celebrating the diversity of Los Angeles and showing the impact we can make when we come together in service. |
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Protecting Sensitive Sites in CD5
This week, the City Council approved a resolution to designate twelve locations in Council District 5 as “no camping zones” under Los Angeles Municipal Code §41.18. These are locations that are either near sensitive sites like parks and interim housing, or have faced serious public safety concerns over the past year.
I’ve been consistent in saying that 41.18 should be used to protect sensitive spaces and should be paired with a credible offer of housing. Included in the council file is a letter from my office detailing the outreach that’s already taken place and making clear that credible housing offers will be part of any future enforcement. This is about balancing the need to keep public spaces safe with our responsibility to offer real housing solutions.
Final Council Approval of the City Budget
On Friday, the City Council voted to adopt the final budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year. As Budget Chair, I’ve spent the past six weeks working closely with departments, my colleagues on the council, and community members to make sure this budget protects core City services while putting us on a path towards fiscal solvency. The budget now heads to the Mayor’s desk for final approval.
Tackling Hillside Erosion and Flooding Risks
The Council also advanced a motion by Councilmember Nithya Raman—one I was proud to second—calling for a report on how we can strengthen the City’s ability to prevent erosion and flooding in hillside areas. With more intense storms and shifting climate patterns year after year, our existing rules aren’t keeping up. This motion will help identify where the code needs to change so we can better protect hillside communities before the next rainy season.
Planning for What Comes After the Emergency Order on Homelessness
On Tuesday, we voted to re-approve the Mayor’s ongoing Declaration of Local Emergency on homelessness and housing. There was a thoughtful discussion about what it would mean to sunset the emergency—and how to ensure critical programs that bring people inside can continue. I supported an amendment by Councilmember Blumenfield that directs staff to report back in 30 days with a plan for how we can keep interim housing open and operational even if the declaration ends. If we’re going to wind down the emergency framework, we need to do it responsibly and with a clear path forward. This homelessness crisis is far from over, but as we look ahead, we also need to make sure the Council regains appropriate oversight. |
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First Stakeholder Meeting for Oil and Gas Drilling Ordinance | Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Following the recent court ruling and the City Council’s action to rescind the citywide Oil and Gas Drilling Ordinance No. 187,709 (adopted in 2022, Council File No. 17-0447-S2), Los Angeles City Planning invites you to attend a stakeholder meeting to discuss the reinstatement of oil and gas drilling policies for the City of Los Angeles, informed by Assembly Bill (AB) 3233.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Enter Webinar ID: 896 9610 0579 and Webinar Passcode: 161331
Join Us for “Paws in the Park”
Bring your furry friends and join the fun at “Paws in the Park,” a joyful community gathering for pets and the people who love them! Find a new furry companion through pet adoptions, explore products and services from local vendors, enjoy free giveaways and treats, and participate in activities that the whole family will love!
Where: Cheviot Hills Park
When: Saturday, June 22
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
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Wilshire/Fairfax Closure Discussion Zoom | Thursday, June 5, 2025
On June 5th, 2025, at noon, the D Line Extension Project’s design-builder and Construction Relations team will hold a Zoom meeting to discuss the upcoming weekend closures. The focus will be on the Wilshire/Fairfax intersection closure slated for Friday, June 13th, through Monday, June 16th.
Detours and work zones for the Wilshire/La Brea and Wilshire/Western intersections will also be presented; however, separate Zoom meetings will be held for each intersection.
RSVP Today to Meet the Artists: Century City Station | Thursday, June 5, 2025
Creative Artists Agency, the Century City Chamber of Commerce, its Arts Council and Metro Art invite you to a special evening featuring the artists behind the future Century City Station on the D Line Subway Extension.
Join moderator Thao Nguyen (CAA) in conversation with Metro Art–commissioned artists Analia Saban, Eddie Rodolfo Aparicio, Oscar Magallanes, Phung Huynh, and Sarah Cain as they share insights on their upcoming artworks and creative process.
Registration is required and closes Tuesday, June 3 at 5pm. RSVP today!
Temporary Service Suspension: May 17 – July 25
Starting Saturday, May 17, Metro’s D Line is temporarily out of service between Union Station and Wilshire/Western for a total of 70 days. Service is suspended at all eight D Line stations along this stretch to allow for major construction work. Riders can still access the B Line, which will operate normally between Union Station and Wilshire/Vermont before continuing north to Hollywood. Please plan ahead and consider alternate routes during this time.
Westbound Wilshire Boulevard Lane Closure Between Westwood and Veteran
The Wilshire Boulevard westbound 3 and 4 lane between Westwood Boulevard and Veteran Avenue are closed from Monday, May 26 through Friday, June 27. This closure is from 8am to 4pm. The temporary traffic control plan will allow concrete pours in tunnels and cross passages as part of Metro’s construction work.
Date: Monday, May 26 through Friday, June 27
Work Hours: 8am through 4pm; weekdays only
For information on changes to Metro service, please call 323.GoMetro. Passengers are encouraged to use the Transit App to plan their travels. |
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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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