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Over the past few weeks, communities across Los Angeles have been marking a number of important holidays. Passover began Wednesday night. Easter is being celebrated today. Eid marked the end of Ramadan just a few weeks ago. Holi was celebrated last week. And Nowruz, which marks the new year in Iran, began on March 20 and concluded this past Thursday with Sizdah Be-dar. Each of these traditions carries its own history and meaning. They are rooted in community, family, and reflection. They also create moments to come together, to pause, and to think about what lies ahead.
In that spirit, my office partnered with leaders in the Iranian American community to honor Nowruz last week. This year, the holiday came at a complicated and emotional moment. We’ve heard from community members who are navigating a range of feelings about what is happening in Iran and what it means for their families and their futures.
For months, my office had been working with the community to plan a large celebration in Westwood Park. When that was no longer possible due to security concerns, we worked with our partners to bring a version of that gathering to City Hall. We honored cultural advisors who helped guide the event, recognized Iranian American City staff members, and welcomed performances by Mamak Khadem and Omid Arabian that reflected some of the depth and richness of Iranian culture.
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That reality shaped how we approached the gathering. We focused on creating space for connection, recognition, and being together. The result was deeply meaningful. Community leaders, artists, and families came together to honor a tradition that stretches back thousands of years. It was a reminder that even in difficult moments, showing up for one another and continuing traditions matter. That sense of connection and community sits at the heart of Nowruz, and it carries through Passover, Easter, Eid, and Holi as well.
As we move into spring, I hope you have a chance to spend time with loved ones and connect with your community.
All my best,
Katy |
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A Clean Start for Passover
On the morning of Erev Passover, my team partnered with LA Sanitation to organize a special chometz collection to help Jewish families remove all bread and leavened foods from their houses. In ancient times, when the Hebrews fled Egypt for freedom, their bread did not have time to rise, and so on Passover, we eat Matzah, a flat cracker. We saw an overwhelming response, with nearly 1,500 pickup requests. Many community members reached out to share how much this support meant and how it helped make preparations easier during an already busy holiday time. I’m grateful to the LA Sanitation team and the Council Offices, who worked together to make this effort possible.
We also partnered with several local synagogues to support the annual Pico-Robertson community chometz burning, a ceremony to signify that all bread has been cleaned from our houses. It’s one of my favorite traditions and a chance to spend time with neighbors and local rabbis as everyone prepares for Passover. |
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UCLA Extension Success Academy Culmination Ceremony
Earlier this month, my office recognized the latest graduates of the UCLA Extension Success Academy, a partnership between UCLA Extension and the VA Greater Los Angeles. This program helps veterans translate their military leadership into civilian careers through coaching and professional development.
UCLA Chancellor’s LINK Program at City Hall
Last Tuesday, I welcomed the 2026 cohort of the UCLA Chancellor’s LINK Program to City Hall. Standing for Leadership, Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge, this program offers undergraduate Bruins the tools and experience to lead after graduation. I had the chance to meet with 25 students in Council Chambers and share what public service looks like day to day. It’s always energizing to spend time with students who are thinking seriously about how they want to lead and contribute in their communities. |
Debris Removal in Palms, Mid City West & Country Club Heights
This week, my team worked closely with LA Sanitation to keep our public rights-of-way clean and safe. We removed debris and bulky items along National Boulevard in Palms; Beverly Boulevard, Melrose Avenue, and Burton Way and Willaman Drive in Mid City West; and Manhattan Place in Country Club Heights. These efforts help maintain cleaner streets and improve safety for everyone who lives, works, and travels through these neighborhoods. |
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Mid-Year Financial Status Report
The City Council received the Mid-Year Financial Status Report, which provides an update on the City’s budget, revenue trends, and projected expenditures.
At this time last year, the City was facing a roughly $1 billion deficit. This year, we are still dealing with a shortfall, but it is much smaller. There is about $38 million in spending that still needs to be addressed this year, and we are also facing a projected $263 million structural deficit next year that will need to be accounted for in the upcoming budget.
We are in a more stable position than we were a year ago, but there is still work ahead to close the remaining gap and prepare for next year’s budget. We need to stay disciplined as we head into the next fiscal year while continuing the long-term work to put the City on a more sustainable financial path so we can begin restoring services.
Speed Safety System Pilot Program
The City Council advanced a Speed Safety System Pilot Program in Los Angeles, allowing the City to begin planning for automated speed enforcement cameras in areas with a history of severe traffic collisions.
Cars are the leading cause of death for children in Los Angeles, and speeding is the primary factor in fatal crashes. Even small speed increases significantly reduce the chances of survival. Revenue from the program will help fund street safety improvements, which have been severely underfunded in Los Angeles for decades.
Initial Phase of SB 79 Implementation
Last month, the City Council unanimously approved a plan to begin implementing SB 79, a state law that requires cities to allow more housing near transit. The phased plan allows for three-story to four-story housing in roughly 55 half-mile areas near transit, including neighborhoods that have long been limited to single-family homes. Because we are adding capacity now, we are able to delay implementation in lower-income neighborhoods, high fire severity zones, and historic districts to allow time for planning around displacement protections, fire safety, and design.
What we passed was Phase 1, which will take effect July 1. Phase 2 is just as important. By 2030, cities must either implement the law as written or adopt a local alternative that allows for the same amount of housing with more flexibility as to where it goes. I believe we should focus density near transit corridors and step down into surrounding neighborhoods. When we passed Phase 1, I also introduced motions to accelerate planning for a local alternative and to address barriers that make it difficult to build the type of three-story to four-story and “missing middle” housing we just legalized. These are the types of homes that can expand opportunities for ownership and help support family-sized housing, but they only work if we make them feasible to build. |
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Purple Line Section 2 - Deck Removal - April 6th - April 19th
Construction on Phase 3 of deck removal will take place from April 6 through April 19. During this time, the intersection of Constellation Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars will be fully closed, with no through access or turns in any direction. Constellation Boulevard will also be closed east of Solar Way.
U-turn access will be available to help reach local businesses. For updates or questions, call Metro’s 24/7 hotline at 213-922-6934. |
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K Line Northern Extension LPA Approved
Last month, the Metro Board approved the San Vicente–Fairfax alignment as the Locally Preferred Alternative for the K Line Northern Extension. The project will deliver a new underground rail line connecting Crenshaw/Expo to Hollywood, with stations serving key destinations including Cedars-Sinai, the D Line, and major job and cultural centers across the Westside.
For a long time, this part of our city has been difficult to access without a car, even as it has grown into a major hub for jobs, healthcare, and culture. This project changes that by connecting people to opportunity in a way that reflects how people actually live and work. Alongside the D Line extension opening soon and the Sepulveda Line moving forward, this is part of a broader effort to build a real transit system that truly serves Los Angeles.
Expanding Opportunities for Retail at Metro Stations
The Metro Board approved my motion to begin activating both new and existing stations with retail and mixed-use opportunities.
Metro staff will report back with a plan to evaluate where retail and other revenue-generating uses are feasible, support small business activity around stations, and identify next steps for implementation. This effort is focused on making stations feel safer by fostering more foot traffic while also generating revenue without increasing costs for riders. |
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Eighty Eight Studios LA recently opened a new location on Melrose Avenue, led by founders Caoife Coleman and Nick Gilligan, both professional dancers and choreographers. The studio offers classes for all levels and has quickly become a welcoming space for people to connect through movement.
7454 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046 |
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Parking Enforcement Adjustments for Upcoming Jewish Holidays
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation will relax enforcement of street sweeping, time limits, and preferential parking restrictions in observance of the upcoming Jewish holidays. Please note that meters, tow-away zones, and other safety violations will continue to be enforced.
Passover: April 1 at 12:00 PM through April 10 at 11:59 PM
Shavuot: May 21 at 5:00 PM through May 24 at 11:59 PM
These adjustments will apply to designated areas across the city. Residents are encouraged to review posted signage and plan accordingly during these observance periods.
City of Los Angeles Office of Public Accountability Community Solutions Summits: Learn about LADWP Programs and More!
The Office of Public Accountability (OPA)/Ratepayer Advocate is hosting 3 public Solutions Summits for you to learn more about LADWP resources and to continue our conversation with you about how LADWP can help keep your bills affordable. For in-person events, sign up here. For community members who are not able to attend in person, surveys are available here.
Free Green Jobs Fellowship for LA Residents
This spring, LACI is launching a Free eight-week Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) Fellowship open to Los Angeles residents. As the region prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and accelerates its clean energy transition, DERMS is one of the fastest-growing fields in energy management. This fellowship offers participants a direct pathway into that workforce. Applications are open now through April 17, 2026. An optional in-person applicant information session will be held on April 8, 2026 (4:30–6:30 PM) at La Kretz Innovation Campus. All information, including the application link, can be found at: https://events.laincubator.org/derms-fellowship-2026
FREE CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK – SAVE THE DATE
Keeping children safe on the road starts with making sure car seats are installed and used correctly. Sign up for a free community safety event offering expert car seat inspections conducted by certified CHP technicians.
WHEN: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMWHERE: Culver Palms Church of Christ (9733 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90034)
City of Los Angeles Office of Public Accountability Community Solutions Summits: Learn about LADWP Programs and More!
The Office of Public Accountability (OPA)/Ratepayer Advocate is hosting 3 public Solutions Summits for you to learn more about LADWP resources and to continue our conversation with you about how LADWP can help keep your bills affordable. For in-person events, sign up here. For community members who are not able to attend in person, surveys are available here.
Free Concert Series at the Westwood Branch Library
On Saturday, April 18, the Friends of Westwood Library and the L.A. Musical Salon will host the next performance in their 2026 Season of the Free Concert Series at Westwood Library. They are thrilled to welcome the Montreal-based Trio Fibonacci for a special program featuring a vibrant adaptation of Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony and Smetana’s lyrical Piano Trio in G Minor.
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM.
Where: Westwood Branch Library, 1246 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
Admission is FREE, with free parking available in the library garage.
Get ready to rediscover our streets! On Sunday, April 26, CicLAvia returns to our district, transforming miles of roadway into a massive, car-free zone from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This event is a unique invitation to leave the car behind and enjoy our neighborhood through people-powered transit, whether you’re biking, walking, skating, or jogging.
This route is a highlight for our district, specifically opening up Westwood Boulevard and leading directly into the heart of Westwood Village. As you enjoy the open streets, we encourage you to shop and eat local at the many incredible businesses along the way. Be sure to explore the corridor south of Wilshire Boulevard, home to the historic Persian Square, and continue into the Village to support all of our local merchants and eateries. We look forward to seeing the community come together for CicLAvia-West LA! |
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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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