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Last week, Westwood experienced a devastating act of traffic violence. A driver struck a cyclist and crashed into the 99 Ranch Market at Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue. Three people died. Several others suffered serious injuries. My heart is with the victims, their families, and everyone who witnessed what happened.
Investigators believe the driver did not act intentionally, but when a single moment of error results in this level of tragedy, it raises serious questions about how our streets function.
Traffic safety on Westwood Boulevard has been a concern for years. That is why, two years ago, my office secured ten million dollars in funding to support long-term safety improvements along this corridor. This week, I urged LADOT to move faster on this work and to explore near-term, quick-build safety measures while the full project advances.
What happened in Westwood reflects a broader challenge across Los Angeles. The city relies on systems that move slowly and operate in silos. Departments struggle to align. The city patches problems instead of systematically fixing them. Street paving has stalled. Speed cameras remain uninstalled. Sidewalks continue to buckle. Over time, those delays compound risk and leave people exposed to injury or worse.
The City has to change course. I am calling for a clear accounting of what slows safety and repair projects across Los Angeles, followed by a plan to remove those barriers. Streets need to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Faster action saves lives. |
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Olympic Division Rank and File Meeting
On Thursday, I visited the Olympic Community Police Station and joined the Olympic Division’s Rank and File meeting. It was a valuable chance to hear directly from officers about what they are seeing on the ground and to share priorities, including enforcement of 41.18 at sensitive sites and consistent neighborhood patrols to deter burglaries. I appreciated the candid conversation about staffing, response, and streetlight outages. Thank you to Captain Rachel Rodriguez, Lieutenant Jose Robledo, Senior Lead Officer Harris Cho, and the officers who serve our community every day. |
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Cornerstone Site Visit
On Thursday, I joined Cornerstone and ETTA senior leadership for a tour of their forthcoming Village, a 64-unit development serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Los Angeles has not historically delivered housing like this at scale, and families often face the painful reality of having to look outside the city for appropriate long-term care for their loved ones. This project offers a different path, one that allows adults with I/DD to live with dignity in their own community, close to family and support networks. The Cornerstone Village will be a national model for how cities can better meet the needs of the I/DD community through thoughtful, long-term planning. |
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Tu B’Shevat Festival
Last Sunday, we celebrated Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish holiday marking the beginning of the agricultural season, at the J Los Angeles in Mid City. The event highlighted traditions centered on renewal, sustainability, and care for the environment. It was great fun to gather as a community around shared values tied to stewardship and responsibility, and for the kids to enjoy climbing walls, roller skating, and bouncy houses, all in support of the J Los Angeles, an important, longstanding community resource.
Charter Reform Committee Meeting
This weekend, I participated in the Charter Reform Commission’s Ad Hoc Committee meeting at UCLA Extension. The committee discussed potential charter amendments related to governance structure, budgeting, planning, and infrastructure. I urged the commission to focus their work on making the Charter make sense. I shared perspectives shaped by my role as Budget Chair, including the need for clearer long-term planning, stronger capital oversight, and flexibility to modernize how the City operates. |
New RRFB at Pico Blvd & Fox Hills Dr
LADOT recently installed a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (aka, a safer crosswalk) at Pico Boulevard and Fox Hills Drive. The signal uses high-intensity flashing lights activated by pedestrians to improve visibility and alert drivers at the crosswalk. This upgrade helps make crossing Pico safer for people walking in the area. |
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2028 Games-Related Project Exemptions
On Tuesday, the City Council voted on exemptions for certain Games-related projects from planning and zoning requirements to support preparations for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics. I support moving efficiently to deliver the Games, but those exemptions need clear rules and strong oversight. That is why my office introduced a motion asking the Office of Finance to report back on a potential revenue-sharing agreement, so the City and taxpayers see a direct benefit from Games-related advertising activity. Next week, I will also introduce a motion to strengthen regulations on signage, with a focus on clearer standards and meaningful enforcement against illegal signs.
Budget and Finance Committee Update
This week, the Budget and Finance Committee heard a report from the Chief Administrative Officer on the impacts of H.R. 1 on the City’s finances, including risks to federal funding. The Committee also received a briefing from the City Attorney on affirmative litigation aimed at protecting City grants and challenging recent federal actions. In addition, we considered a staffing plan for the City Attorney’s Office and reviewed a report on the Department on Disability fee structure as part of this year’s budget instructions. These discussions are part of ongoing work to protect City resources and improve how Los Angeles delivers core services. |
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Wilshire Boulevard & Curson Avenue |
Robertson Avenue & Pickford Street |
This week, my office worked with LAPD’s Wilshire, Pacific, and West LA Divisions, Los Angeles Sanitation, LADOT, and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority on a coordinated cleanup led by LASAN and the CARE+ team. Crews removed about one ton of solid waste, including biological hazards, syringes, hazardous materials, and debris. Outreach teams connected two people to housing, and work continues to help people move off the street and stay housed. Our teams will keep monitoring these locations to prevent re-encampment and maintain clean, accessible public spaces for everyone. |
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Free Tax Preparation Services
Residents can access free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. This service helps eligible individuals and families file taxes at no cost and claim credits such as the CalEITC, Federal EITC, and Child Tax Credit.
WHEN: Thursday, February 26, 2026, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
WHERE: Iman Cultural Center, 3376 Motor Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034
Appointments are required. Call 323-909-1975 or book online at imancenter.youcanbook.me.
Free Concerts at Westwood Library l March 14 l 3:00 PM
Friends of Westwood Library and Los Angeles Musical Salon present free monthly concerts designed for children and teens. The series introduces young audiences to live music in a fun and engaging setting.
WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 3:00 PM
WHERE: Westwood Library, Upstairs, 1246 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Admission and parking are free. For ADA accommodations, call 213-228-7430 at least 72 hours in advance.
Community Beautification
Residents can request free tools for neighborhood cleanups through the City’s Community Beautification program. Request cleanup supplies here.
Residents can also register for a free rain barrel through the Office of Community Beautification to help conserve water and manage storm runoff.
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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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