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On Thursday, we officially cut the ribbon at the new Paul Koretz Westwood Neighborhood Greenway, a project many years in the making. This space represents something meaningful for Westwood and for our city. The greenway diverts and cleans stormwater from nearby streets before it reaches Ballona Creek and the Pacific Ocean, while also creating habitat for native plants and wildlife and a place for neighbors to walk, learn, and spend time outdoors. |
Los Angeles spent decades designing infrastructure to move water away from us as quickly as possible. Rivers were straightened, creeks were lined with concrete, and storm drains carried runoff directly to the ocean. We now understand the consequences of that approach. When rain falls on city streets, it carries oil, trash, and other pollutants into the storm drain system and out to our waterways. Projects like the Westwood Greenway take a different approach by slowing, capturing, and filtering stormwater before it reaches the ocean. |
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Westwood Greenway Inc. and neighborhood volunteers spent years pushing for this space, planting native species, organizing cleanups, and keeping the vision alive. Former Councilmember Paul Koretz was a champion for this idea and secured early support to move the project forward, which is why it is fitting that the greenway now carries his name. His dedicated staff, some of whom are still a part of my team, LA Sanitation, and other city departments, worked hard to bring this vision to reality.
When I took office, community members made clear that the work was not over. My office worked with the Mayor’s Office to secure the final $400,000 needed to fund Phase Two and bring the greenway to completion. Today, the Westwood and Rancho Park communities have a new public space that improves water quality, supports local habitat, and gives the community a place to connect with nature right in the middle of the city.
All my best,
Katy |
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41st Annual LA Marathon
This morning, I had the honor of helping hold the finish line banner at the 41st Annual LA Marathon in Century City as thousands of runners crossed after making their way through neighborhoods across Los Angeles. The sold-out marathon showcases the diversity and energy of our city while bringing significant economic activity to the Westside. I was especially inspired to see the women’s winner cross the line, a fellow 45-year-old mother of three. I fear that is where the similarities end, because I do not see a marathon victory in my future anytime soon! |
Bhatia Family Village Opens
Last weekend, my team and I joined Cornerstone for the grand opening of Bhatia Family Village in Pico-Robertson, a new residential community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 64-unit development will allow residents to live independently while remaining connected to their families, jobs, and the surrounding community, with services provided by ETTA. Projects like this are critical because too many families struggle to find long-term housing and support for their loved ones close to home in Los Angeles. |
Community Investment for Families Department - 2026 Making LA Affordable for All Summit
On Monday, I joined leaders and community partners at the CIFD 2026 - Making LA Affordable for All Summit to discuss the rising cost of living in Los Angeles. I spoke about how affordability is tied to stability, and how housing stability often determines whether families are able to plan for the future or remain in their communities. We also discussed the role of the City’s budget in supporting prevention strategies, including investments that help families avoid eviction or homelessness before a crisis begins. |
Century City, State of the City
On Thursday, I joined the Century City Chamber of Commerce for its annual State of the City event. We discussed the future of Century City, including the arrival of the Metro D Line, opportunities for adaptive reuse of office buildings, and how the neighborhood continues to grow as both a commercial center and a place where people live. |
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of LAPD Pacific Division
Last week, my District Director, George Hakopiants, represented our office at the 100th anniversary celebration of the LAPD Pacific Division in Del Rey. Our office presented a City Council resolution recognizing the Division’s service to the communities it protects. We are grateful for the partnership we share with the Pacific Division, which serves Palms and Westside Village in Council District 5. |
Women’s March Westside Hub and Coffee Shop Opens
On Saturday, I joined Emiliana Guereca and her team for the grand opening of the Women’s March Westside Hub and Coffee Shop on Overland Boulevard. The new space brings together organizing, community building, and a welcoming place for conversation. The hub will help connect women across Los Angeles as they work together to advance civic engagement and voter participation. |
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Mid-Year Financial Status Report
This week in the Budget and Finance Committee, we reviewed the City’s Mid-Year Financial Status Report, which provides an update on spending and revenue for the current fiscal year. The report projects the City will spend about $209 million above budget, driven largely by police and fire overtime costs, wildfire response, litigation expenses, and other operational pressures. At the same time, revenues to date have come in slightly above projections for this year. This discussion also comes as the City Controller released a new revenue forecast showing General Fund revenues are expected to be slightly below projections by the end of the fiscal year, a reminder that careful budgeting and close oversight will be critical as we prepare the City’s next budget.
Supporting the Entertainment Industry
This week, the City Council unanimously adopted a package of motions aimed at supporting film and television production in Los Angeles. The actions focus on modernizing the City’s permitting process, reducing unnecessary fees, and removing outdated regulations that have made it harder for productions to film here.
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Women of Impact Awards
On Friday in Council, in anticipation of International Women’s Day, we honored the women who have advanced equity and opportunity across Los Angeles through the work of the Los Angeles Commission on the Status of Women, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, I recognized CD5’s honoree, Emiliana Guereca, CEO of the Women’s March Foundation. You read earlier in this newsletter about the opening of the Women’s March Westside Hub, one example of the work Emiliana has helped lead to mobilize tens – if not hundreds of – thousands of women to participate in civic life and build stronger networks of advocacy across our city. Her leadership continues to expand opportunities for women to engage in public life and shape the future of Los Angeles. |
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Metro Special Board Workshop
On Friday, the Metro Board of Directors held a budget workshop to review Metro’s financial outlook, structural challenges, and potential solutions to continue delivering reliable service while responsibly managing resources. The discussion focused on strategies to strengthen the agency’s long-term financial stability. I remain focused on identifying revenue-generating solutions that avoid raising fares on transit riders, including exploring ways to better leverage Metro’s assets to generate additional revenue. You can participate in the Metro budget process by completing the online My Metro Budget Activity and sharing your perspective on how Metro should prioritize its spending. |
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This week, our office collaborated with the LAPD Wilshire and Pacific Divisions and the Bureau of Sanitation (LASAN) to address encampments in the Carthay area and other locations on the Westside. Prior to the cleanups, the CD 5 outreach team worked closely with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to connect individuals at these sites with housing and services.
Two individuals accepted placement and were moved into interim housing, where they now have access to additional support and resources. My office will continue monitoring these locations with the support of LAPD to help maintain the areas and ensure people experiencing homelessness are connected to the assistance they need.
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Wilshire Boulevard & Crescent Heights Boulevard |
Tuller Avenue & Venice Boulevard |
800 North Sepulveda Boulevard |
Vegan Street Fair - March 28 & 29 in Westwood Village
The Fair is fun for vegans & non-vegans alike! Discover plant-based food, sustainable brands & live entertainment in the heart of Westwood. The World's Largest Vegan Festival is back for its eleventh year and promises good food and great vibes. Come as you are, vegan or not, you will be welcome here!
Location: Broxton Plaza, 1036 Broxton Avenue
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
MyLA311 WEEK!
This week is 311 week! The MyLA311 platform improves accessibility so more Angelenos can connect with City services. The updated app and website support assistive technology, multiple ways to report issues, and expanded language options for a more inclusive experience.
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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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