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I hope January is treating you well so far. My team and I have been taking stock of the progress we made last year and setting priorities for the months ahead. The goal stays the same: delivering a more vibrant, safe, and affordable Council District 5.
Last year, we made meaningful progress on housing stability, including a major update to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance that created clearer, more predictable rules for rent increases while ending add-on charges tied to utilities and family size. Those updates take effect February 2. On homelessness, the results were also measurable. Street encampments in CD5 are down twenty-seven percent since I took office, and we opened the Midvale and Pico interim housing site, which is already helping residents transition into permanent housing.
It was also my first year serving as Chair of the City Council’s Budget Committee. Faced with a proposed budget that solved for a $1 billion deficit with large-scale layoffs, we advanced a revised plan that protected core City services, strengthened oversight of homelessness spending, and created the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee to bring independent expertise into long-term financial planning.
As we look forward to the year ahead, a key near-term priority is to responsibly increase police staffing without creating budget problems down the road. At the same time, our budget work this year is focused on making City services work better at the neighborhood level. When we find efficiencies and grow revenue, that shows up in faster streetlight repairs, smoother roads, better-maintained parks, and more responsive basic services.
Across CD5, residents will also see progress on long-awaited district priorities. We are moving forward on a plan to revitalize Westwood Village, working toward launching new Business Improvement Districts, and preparing for upcoming Metro D Line station openings paired with local safety and street improvements. Work is underway on the next chapter for Rancho Park Golf Course’s clubhouse, along with new park investments and public-private partnerships that will support district projects across CD5.
There is so much more work to do. I remain focused on turning plans into results and making sure the Los Angeles City government delivers in ways people can see and feel every day.
All my best,
Katy |
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Honoring MLK Day
On Saturday morning, I joined labor leaders, community members, and advocates at the LA County Federation of Labor’s annual MLK Day celebration. The event honors Dr. King’s legacy and the ongoing work to advance civil rights, worker protections, and economic justice across Los Angeles. This MLK Day offers us all an opportunity to take up Dr. King’s call to service and the responsibility we all share to keep pushing for a more just and inclusive community.
Westwood Hills Property Owners Association (WHPOA)
I joined the Westwood Hills Property Owners Association for their annual meeting to discuss neighborhood priorities and ongoing concerns. We talked about recent progress on infrastructure priorities in the area, including tree trimming, flood mitigation, and sound wall improvements, as well as broader challenges around traffic, public safety, homelessness, and planning. I value these direct conversations and will continue working with WHPOA to push for accountability and results from City departments.
Temple Isaiah Board Meeting
Last week, I met with the Board of Directors at Temple Isaiah. We talked about my office’s work to address antisemitism and hate crimes, support the safety of Jewish institutions, and partner with faith communities on shared values like service and community care. I also heard directly from Board members about the priorities and concerns of their congregation, and the importance of strong relationships between local government and faith leaders. These conversations help ensure my office stays connected to the needs of religious communities across Council District 5.
Aidan’s Place Update
My team has been working closely with Park Rangers and LAPD to address recent camping issues at Aidan’s Place, the playground at Westwood Recreation Center. Camping is prohibited in City parks, and Park Rangers and the CD5 Outreach Team have been on site multiple times over the past week to gain compliance and restore access to the playground. We will continue to monitor the area to make sure this space remains open, clean, and usable for children and families. Keeping parks safe and accessible is a basic responsibility, and it matters in every neighborhood across CD5. |
Palm Frond Pickup
This time of year, wind and rain often bring down palm fronds that block sidewalks and create safety issues. Over the past few weeks, my team worked with LA Sanitation to clear fallen fronds in several locations, including in Beverlywood and Fairfax. If you see palm fronds, vegetation, or tree branches blocking sidewalks or the public right of way, please report it via the MYLA311 app, online at MYLA311 under “Trees/Vegetation” or dial 3-1-1. Then please reach out to our District Office with the Service Number so we can follow up on your request. |
ADA Upgrades at Fairfax Senior Center
My team has been working with the Fairfax Senior Center and the Department of Recreation and Parks to improve accessibility at the facility. Just before the new year, the City installed new railings to make it easier and safer for seniors to access the space. Additional ADA improvements are planned for the sidewalk and parking lot. These upgrades are part of ongoing work to make parks and recreation facilities across CD5 more accessible and welcoming for everyone. |
Potholes from Recent Storms
Recent storms created many, many new potholes across the City. Our office has been working with Street Services to address problem areas and make streets safer, including this recent doozy on La Brea at Melrose. If you encounter a pothole, please report it via the MYLA311 app, online at MYLA311 under “Street Pavement Issues” or dial 3-1-1. Then please reach out to our District Office with the Service Number so we can follow up on your request. |
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Westwood Village BID
Last week, the City Council directed the City Clerk to support the petition to renew the Westwood Village Business Improvement District for another ten years. A Business Improvement District, or BID, allows property owners within a defined area to fund services and programs that improve the neighborhood. In Westwood Village, BID funding supports graffiti removal, hospitality ambassadors, the weekly farmers market, and seasonal programming in Broxton Plaza, helping keep the area clean, active, and welcoming while supporting local businesses. |
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Sepulveda Transit Corridor Next Steps
Earlier this month, Metro released its recommended Locally Preferred Alternative for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor, known as Modified Alternative 5. Modified Alternative 5 is an underground heavy rail line between the Van Nuys Metrolink Station and E Line Expo/Sepulveda Station, modified to connect to the G Line on Van Nuys Boulevard. This recommendation was approved by the Metro Board’s Planning and Programming Committee on Wednesday, and a final vote will be taken by the full Board of Directors this coming Thursday. While this is an important next step for the project, I still have questions for Metro staff and will be focused on the Metro staff’s process by which this alternative was selected, what public input will look like going forward, and fully understanding potential impacts and ensuring they are clearly identified and minimized for surrounding communities.
Metro 2028 Mobility Funding Flexibility
Last week, the Metro Board discussed preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I co-authored a motion with Mayor Bass to give local jurisdictions more flexibility to use existing Metro funds for Games-related transportation improvements, especially first- and last-mile projects near venues and in surrounding neighborhoods.
The motion would allow cities to redirect previously approved but unspent Metro funding toward projects aligned with Metro’s 2028 Mobility Concept Plan. To help projects move faster, the proposal would streamline program requirements, temporarily delegate approval authority to the Metro CEO through 2027, and require regular progress updates to the Board through 2028. The goal is to deliver needed improvements on time while keeping oversight and transparency in place. |
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Eduardo’s Border Grill on Westwood Boulevard has been part of the neighborhood for nearly forty years, and it’s entering a new chapter without losing what made it special. Cofax Coffee, a locally owned LA business that first opened on Fairfax Avenue, has taken over ownership and operations with a clear goal: keep Eduardo’s the same place Westside regulars know and love. Many longtime staff members have stayed on, helping preserve the consistency, quality, and care that Eddie built over decades.
At a time when so many neighborhood institutions are disappearing, Eduardo’s is sticking around. That matters. It’s a reminder of what makes local businesses different from chains. Relationships, familiarity, and food that feels tied to a place. If Eduardo’s has been part of your routine, it still is. And if it hasn’t yet, this is a good moment to stop by.
Eduardo’s Border Grill
1830 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Cofax Coffee
440 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 |
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Santa Monica Blvd & Westwood Blvd |
This week, our office coordinated a longstanding encampment resolution with LAPD West LA Division, Los Angeles Sanitation (LASAN), Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and St. Joseph Center.
Prior to the cleanups, outreach teams connected individuals to housing, substance use treatment, and mental health services based on individual needs. The areas near Sepulveda Boulevard and the 10 Freeway, as well as Santa Monica Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard, received a comprehensive cleanup by LASAN and the CARE+ team.
Crews removed approximately 2 tons of solid waste, along with biological hazards, syringes, hazardous materials, and debris. This week, 23 individuals were successfully housed, and we will continue working to get folks off the street and keep them housed. |
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Community Tree Planting Celebration in Country Club Heights
Join Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, StreetsLA, and KYCC in celebrating 50 new street trees in Country Club Heights! Attendees will find community resources, giveaways, and refreshments, plus the opportunity to meet with the Councilwoman's team, connect with neighbors, and see the final tree planted as part of this investment in cooler, cleaner streets.
Event Details: Saturday, January 24 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Ceremony begins at 9:30 AM
Location: 1000 S Gramercy Place Los Angeles, CA 90019 (10 St between Gramercy Place and Wilton Place)
2026 Homeless Count
The 2026 Homeless Count will take place this coming week, from Tuesday, January 20, through Thursday, January 22. The count is a key tool for understanding how homelessness is changing and where resources are needed most. Accurate data helps guide housing placements, outreach efforts, and investments across the city and county. Volunteers make that work possible. Participating in the Homeless Count is a practical way to support solutions that are driven by evidence and focused on results. Sign up here: https://count.lahsa.org/ |
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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
District Office
5416 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 866-1828
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Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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