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This week, my team and I took concrete steps to address public safety concerns in Council District 5, including the appropriation of an additional $200,000 for LAPD overtime. This funding will go directly to increasing patrols in areas where we’ve seen a rise in crime, especially around schools and daycare centers, and in parks, where no-camping laws are being enforced to keep our kids safe. With Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur upon us, this boost in resources also ensures we can protect synagogues and other places of worship during the High Holy Days. We’ve heard from residents that more police presence is needed, and this overtime funding serves as a short-term solution to bolster patrols while we work to rebuild LAPD staffing. The recently-approved rank and file contract, which significantly raises salaries for officers, is a critical part of this effort to attract and retain officers and ensure we have the resources to meet our long-term public safety needs.
Public safety concerns were further heightened after an incident at a 7-Eleven in Pico-Robertson on Friday night, when a large group of young people ransacked the store, damaging property and stealing items. This was an alarming incident that shook the community, and I understand the frustration and anger many of you feel – I feel it too. We’re working closely with LAPD to ensure those responsible are held accountable, and we’re coordinating with local business owners to enhance safety measures in the area. This is why our investment in public safety and ensuring a fully staffed police force is so critical.
On Thursday, I met with residents of Beverly Grove to hear firsthand their concerns about property crime in the neighborhood. We were joined by Wilshire Division Captain Julie Rodriguez and Senior Lead Officer Ian O'Brien, who provided updates on current investigations and patrol strategies. Residents spoke about their experiences with break-ins, thefts, and the unsettling feeling that safety has been slipping in the area. I want to thank everyone who participated—your voices are essential in shaping the way we respond to these challenges. We’ve already taken steps to bring additional patrols into the area, and I’ll keep working with LAPD to ensure we are addressing both the break-ins and the root causes of crime.
At the same time, we’re working to free up police resources for these patrols by expanding programs like CIRCLE and the Unarmed Crisis Response pilot into Council District 5, which both send trained professionals to respond to non-violent, non-emergency calls. This allows LAPD officers to focus on crime while ensuring an appropriate response.
Long-term, we’re pushing for broader structural changes that will make neighborhoods safer for everyone. This includes rebuilding our police force, enhancing street lighting, installing security cameras where neighborhoods want them, and investing in community-driven safety initiatives. At the same time, we’re coordinating closely with LAPD to increase their responsiveness and transparency, ensuring residents feel heard and that their concerns are being acted upon swiftly.
I want to be clear: true public safety is about more than just responding to crime. It’s about creating livable communities where people feel secure walking to school, visiting the park, or spending time with their families outdoors. We’re tackling this from multiple angles—whether it’s through our ongoing efforts to address homelessness or working with residents on neighborhood improvements and with LAPD on prevention measures—and we won’t stop until we see real results.
All my best,
Katy |
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For the past month, our office has been focused on resolving the long-standing encampment on Cotner Avenue through a housing-led approach. This week, our office completed a multi-day operation that brought people indoors, offering housing to over 70 people. During the operation, tents and illegally parked oversized vehicles were removed from the area, including 10 RVs. Now that the encampment has been cleared, we are focused on making sure the site does not repopulate with tents or vehicles. We will continue to monitor the area and work with our partners to support those who have accepted housing. This operation reflects my ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion, while also upholding our responsibility to maintain clean and safe public spaces for everyone in our community. |
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Women, Life, Freedom Square Los Angeles in Memory of Mahsa Amini
Last weekend, I joined the Women’s March Foundation, Women’s Intercultural Network, Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, LA City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Beverly Hills Vice-Mayor Sharona Nazarian, acclaimed Iranian actress and activist Nazanin Boniadi, West LA Chamber of Commerce CFO Elham Yaghoubian, West LA Chamber of Commerce CEO Roozbeh Farahanipour, and activist Afsoon Najafi at the official unveiling of Women, Life, Freedom Square, dedicated in memory of Mahsa Amini. This significant event, made possible through the collaboration between our office, the West LA Chamber of Commerce, the Women's Intercultural Network, and the Women’s March Foundation, served as a powerful tribute to Mahsa Amini’s life and legacy while celebrating the resilience of women worldwide. The dedication of the intersection at Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue as Women Life Freedom Square is a true testament to our community’s collaborative spirit and commitment to justice and equality. |
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Westwood Community Council Board Meeting
At the Westwood Community Council's Special Board meeting, I met with residents and community leaders on several key issues impacting Westwood. We discussed the importance of siting a Metro station near the UCLA campus along the Sepulveda line, strategies to address homelessness, and the ongoing planning for pedestrian enhancements and bike lanes that balance safety with community and small business needs. I’m grateful for the thoughtful questions and input from everyone, and my team and I are committed to working closely with all of you as we move forward on these important projects.
During the meeting, we also took the opportunity to honor Belmont Village Senior Living, in recognition of their 15-year anniversary. Belmont Village not only provides excellent care to its residents, but is also a true community partner in Westwood, offering its community room for frequent use by Westwood organizations. |
Off the Sidewalk Summit
On Wednesday, I joined the Off the Sidewalk: Pre-Olympic Sprint to Halve Street Homelessness in LA summit, hosted by Hollywood 4WRD and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The summit brought together local businesses, service providers, and community leaders to explore fast and supportive ways to help individuals move off the sidewalk and into housing ahead of the 2028 Olympics. With recent changes like the Supreme Court ruling and the Governor’s Executive Order, it’s clear that we need a proactive, thoughtful approach to prevent cities from simply pushing the crisis into Los Angeles. Part of that approach includes building interim housing, which helps move people off the streets and into stability. But more than just providing shelter, we must ensure we’re protecting the safety and quality of life for all Angelenos. Finding this balance will require all of us—government, businesses, and residents—working together to create lasting solutions. |
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New Leadership on the City Council
This week, the Los Angeles City Council officially welcomed new leadership with the swearing in of Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson as Council President, and Councilmember Bob Blumenfield as President Pro-Tempore. Councilmember Harris-Dawson has long been a champion of coalition-building and community leadership, and I know he will do an outstanding job guiding the Council through the challenges ahead. Together, their leadership will help the Council continue to tackle critical issues like homelessness and public safety.
Unarmed Crisis Response Expansion
On Friday, the City Council voted to extend the Unarmed Model of Crisis Response (UMCR) Pilot Program for another year, and expand its current scope to include an additional area. This program has been very successful in our efforts to divert more non-emergency 9-1-1 calls to train unarmed responders, freeing up police officers to focus on fighting crime and improving overall public safety. The expansion will allow the program to reach more communities while continuing to offer specialized crisis support. We’re advocating hard for an expansion into Council District 5.
Support for the Climate Bond (Proposition 4)
On Friday, I introduced a motion for the City Council to officially support Proposition 4, the statewide climate bond on the ballot this November. If passed by voters, this measure will allocate State funds to protect our drinking water and other natural resources, protect residents and businesses against wildfire, flooding, extreme heat, and drought, and strengthen California’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. |
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This week, we’re highlighting A Food Affair French Restaurant, located at 1515 S. Robertson Blvd. Chef Christian Royere and his partner Babette started their catering business here in 1997, and opened the restaurant in 2012. Known for its classic French cuisine and intimate setting, A Food Affair has become a fixture in the neighborhood. As they approach 30 years in business next year, it’s clear their commitment to quality and community has made a lasting impact.
If you haven’t yet, stop by and enjoy their thoughtfully crafted dishes. Stay tuned for more local business highlights, and let us know if you have a favorite we should feature next! |
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PST Art: Art & Science Collide l Open Now
Southern California’s landmark arts event, PST ART, returns to LA, presenting 70+ exhibitions at museums, art galleries, parks, and other venues across the Los Angeles region exploring the intersections of art and science, both past and present. Project topics range from climate change and environmental justice to the future of artificial intelligence and alternative medicine. For more information about PST ART: Art & Science Collide, please visit pst.art
Wilshire Station Boosters / LAPD Wilshire Division Carnival l September 27 - 29, 2024
Join the LAPD Wilshire Division for this year’s carnival, including a lineup of exciting games, delicious food, and tons of fun activities for all ages. Bring your friends and family for a fantastic time! On Venice Boulevard between La Brea and Rimpau Boulevard. Presale tickets will be sold at Wilshire Division Police Station. |
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6th Annual Los Angeles Libros Festival at the Central Library l September 28, 2024
The free event, emceed by Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arrellano, will feature Spanish and bilingual storytelling, performances, art workshops and authors for all ages. Please reserve your free ticket here.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Central Library
630 W. 5th St.
Library parking is accessible at the 524 S. Flower Street Garage. Parking is $1.00 with validation on Saturday (9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.) |
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
6380 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 866-1828
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Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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