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Last week brought some very good news for City workers and for the services Angelenos rely on every day. The Engineers and Architects Association, one of the City’s largest unions, announced a labor agreement that will prevent most of the remaining employee layoffs. The most important outcome is that there will not be a single civilian layoff at LAPD. These are the people who keep the department running. Keeping them in their jobs means that sworn officers can stay focused on public safety, and won’t be stuck behind a desk.
When the Mayor first proposed this year’s budget back in April, it included 1,600 layoffs across city departments. That number reflected the scale of the fiscal crisis we are in. Through the budget process, the Budget and Finance Committee cut that number down by more than 1,000. Since then, City leaders and our labor partners have worked together to negotiate a deal that prevents most of the remaining layoffs.
Getting here took real partnership between City leadership, our labor unions, and the Police Department. It was never guaranteed, and it required collaboration and compromise at every step. But the outcome shows what’s possible when we focus on protecting jobs and preserving the core services that keep Los Angeles running.
While this is a major relief for this fiscal year, the City’s budget challenges are not over. We still face a significant shortfall next year, and it will take the same level of teamwork and tough decision-making to keep Los Angeles on stable financial footing. As Budget Chair, I remain committed to protecting essential services, supporting our workforce, and finding long-term solutions that prevent us from facing this type of crisis year after year. |
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Checking in with Businesses on Pico Blvd
Last week, I stopped by businesses along Pico Boulevard from Overland to Sepulveda, for one of my regular Business Walks. These visits are a chance to check in directly with business owners, hear how things are going, and learn how our office can be helpful.
I also shared updates on recent changes to Pico. As of August 6, LADOT removed the peak-hour travel lanes on the north side of the street and restored full-time parking along the corridor. This means more access for customers and safer conditions for people walking and biking. LADOT is now studying a second phase of the plan that could restore parking on the south side of Pico as well. They will be conducting community outreach before any decisions are made. |
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KYCC’s 50th Anniversary
On Thursday, I joined the Korean Youth and Community Center (KYCC) for their 50th Anniversary at Walt Disney Concert Hall. For five decades, KYCC has supported children and families in Koreatown through education, housing, health, and financial programs. I’ve been grateful to partner with them on cleanups, back-to-school events, and free tax clinics. It was an honor to celebrate all they’ve done for the community. |
New Stop Sign at Roscomare!
After more than two years of working with parents and school staff, our office was able to get a new stop sign installed at Roscomare Elementary. This has been a top safety concern for families and neighborhood residents. I’m grateful to everyone who advocated and stayed engaged throughout the process. |
New Concessionaire Coming Soon to Rancho Park Golf Course
At long last, the Department of Recreation and Parks has released a Request for Proposals for a new long-term concessionaire at the Rancho Park Golf Course clubhouse. Neighbors in Cheviot Hills and Rancho Park raised this concern early on, and our office worked closely with RAP to move the project forward. The City will now oversee a $4 million renovation, with a new operator expected to be selected in early 2026. |
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Council Resolution on SB 79
Last week, the City Council voted to formally oppose SB 79, a state housing bill that would override local planning and allow up to seven stories of housing near existing or even proposed transit stops. I strongly support building more housing near transit because it is essential for meeting our climate goals and addressing our housing shortage. But SB 79 takes a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the work Los Angeles has done to adopt one of the most ambitious housing plans in the state.
Through our Housing Element, known as CHIP, the City rezoned for hundreds of thousands of new homes near transit with built-in affordability requirements, environmental review, and displacement protections that SB 79 does not include. That plan was shaped by communities across Los Angeles and approved by the State earlier this year. We demonstrated through the CHIP process that we can add density in a thoughtful way that expands opportunity while protecting tenants and neighborhoods.
I voted to oppose SB 79 because I believe decisions about how we grow should be made here in Los Angeles, where we know our neighborhoods best, not dictated by Sacramento.
Single Stair
Last week, the City Council advanced a proposal I co-authored with Councilmember Nithya Raman to modernize our building code allowing apartment buildings up to six stories to include a single staircase. Most of the world already builds this way. The change will make it possible to design more family-sized apartments and build housing on smaller sites where a second stairwell takes up too much space.
The proposal will return for a final vote in the coming weeks after further review by the Fire Department and Building and Safety. Updating our outdated codes is about bringing Los Angeles in line with best practices so we can build more housing that is safe, livable, and affordable.
Verbal update on ICE raids
Last week, the City Council heard a verbal update on the ongoing ICE raids in Los Angeles, with presentations from CHIRLA, CARECEN, Public Counsel, and the ACLU of Southern California. Community organizations described how these raids are impacting immigrant families, including incidents where federal agents arrived without warrants and targeted workers in public spaces. The Council discussed proposals to increase transparency, such as requiring LAPD to verify the identity of masked agents, and to explore ways the City can support impacted families and small businesses. |
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Bibi’s Bakery and Cafe
If you take a stroll down Pico Boulevard any Sunday through Friday, you will see a line of people at Bibi’s Bakery and Cafe. Folks all over LA come for the tasty food and delicious baked goods. Many argue that their pitas are the best in the city. The owner, Dan Messinger, says one of the secrets to Bibi’s success is a domed oven called a Tabun, an ancient design that rises to a very high temperature and is used throughout the Middle East. The other secret is a real sense of community. You will always run into a friendly face when you walk through the door. Whether you are just grabbing lunch or buying food for a celebration, Dan and his team will be there to send you home with just the right thing.
Bibi’s Bakery and Cafe
8928 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035 |
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Legal assistance for FEMA appeals — ending soon
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) offers low-income wildfire survivors free legal assistance on the road to long-term recovery. Attached, please find flyers for LAFLA’s FEMA Appeals Clinic this Friday, August 26, on Zoom, as well as several other helpful events this month. Additionally, please visit www.lafla.org/fires for more resources, know-your-rights guides, and updates on upcoming clinics and workshops.
LA’s BEST Applications Now Open
Calling all parents, caregivers, and guardians. LA’s BEST is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year. Afterschool Enrichment Programs are free and offered at over 200 LAUSD elementary schools. Apply today: lasbest.org/application.
Wilshire Division Carnival | September 19–21, 2025
Join the Wilshire Station Boosters and LAPD Wilshire Division for a fun-filled weekend at the annual Carnival. Enjoy rides, games, delicious food, and live entertainment for the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to connect with neighbors and support the community while making great memories.
Location: Venice Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Rimpau Boulevard
Date: Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21, 2025
Presale Tickets: Available at the Wilshire Division Police Station; same-day tickets are available as well. |
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Extended Weekend Closure to Reduce I-405 to Three Lanes in Each Direction Through the Sepulveda Pass
Caltrans announced extended weekend lane reductions along Interstate 405 (I-405) through the Sepulveda Pass. The freeway will be reduced to three lanes in each direction, and motorists are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes and explore public transportation options to reach their destinations. The work will take place from 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, through 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8. Sign up for notifications about the project. For more information on the project, visit the project webpage.
Call to Artists: East San Fernando Valley and G Line Stations
Metro invites visual artists in Los Angeles County to apply for 12 public art opportunities connected to transit projects serving the San Fernando Valley. Artists will create 2D artwork for the East San Fernando Valley Project and G Line Improvements. Learn more and apply at Metro Art by Monday, September 22, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. |
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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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