As we work to bring more people indoors and reduce the impact of homelessness on our communities, I want to share an update on what we’ve achieved together and where our efforts are heading.

Homelessness is a complicated issue, and there’s no single solution. However, thanks to focused initiatives like Inside Safe and our other housing programs, we’ve successfully brought hundreds of people off the streets in Council District 5 and into interim housing. This past year alone, our district has seen a 15% reduction in street homelessness—progress we haven’t seen in nearly a decade. While these numbers are encouraging, we know we have so much more to do, and to do it quickly.

Recently, we helped bring about 40 people indoors from Cotner Avenue, resolving a significant portion of an encampment that had been there for decades. Additionally, we addressed an encampment on Olympic Boulevard, moving 10 individuals into safe housing. These successes are just a small part of a larger picture, and we know there is more work ahead to ensure lasting change.

One of our biggest challenges has been a lack of interim housing within Council District 5 itself. We currently have just 99 beds available—fewer than one percent of the nearly 17,000 across the City of Los Angeles. To address this gap, we’re on track to triple our available beds within the next ten months, allowing us to expand our efforts to bring even more people indoors. Right now, we rely on our neighboring council districts to house many individuals in need; while this collaboration is critical, we know that lasting change requires resources here in our own district. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s also required as part of a court settlement that each council office create a certain number of interim homeless beds in each of our own districts. In Council District 5, we’re required to create approximately 350 beds. By creating more housing options locally, we’ll be able to increase the speed and effectiveness of our interventions, all while relieving pressure on surrounding areas and complying with this federal court order. Note that this court order requiring each Council office to create beds in their own district stands despite the recent Supreme Court decision that allows municipalities to clear encampments.

At the same time, ensuring our public spaces remain safe and welcoming is essential, especially around sensitive sites like schools and daycare centers and in parks. My office takes our policy of enforcing 41.18 around these sensitive use sites seriously, and we’re committed to maintaining these protections. Families and children deserve to feel and be secure, whether on their way to school or at a neighborhood park, and keeping these areas clear of encampments is a non-negotiable part of our approach.

Addressing homelessness requires determination, patience, and a deep commitment to both accountability and compassion. I am grateful for your continued support and partnership as we make tangible, steady progress. Together, we can create a district where every individual has the opportunity for a stable home and every neighborhood remains safe and accessible for all.

All my best,
Katy

One Week Until the Great Pumpkin Bash!
We’re bringing the Great Pumpkin Bash back on Sunday, November 3rd, from 11 AM to 3 PM at Pan Pacific Park—and it’s going to be even bigger and better than last year! This family-friendly event is the perfect way to give your post-Halloween pumpkins a second life by turning them into nutrient-rich compost for our gardens and green spaces. It’s fun, it’s sustainable, and it’s something the whole community will enjoy.

This Sukkot, I was honored to join neighbors across our community for celebrations that brought the spirit of the holiday to life. Among many other gatherings, I joined Rabbi Cunin and hundreds of community members for the Grand Citywide Simchas Beis Hashoeva on Pico Boulevard, celebrating in unity and joy.

Earlier that day, I joined IKAR for a thoughtful panel on the role faith-based organizations can play in working with public and private sectors to address our housing crisis. 

Sukkot calls us to reflect on the values of community, diversity, and shared purpose— values beautifully represented in story of Sukkot. It was especially powerful to discuss solutions within the Sukkah itself, a symbol of togetherness and temporary shelter, reminding us of our collective responsibility to build a community where everyone has a safe place to call home.

It was a real honor to be recognized by Emerge California as an Outstanding Alumni at their Women Making History event. Reflecting on my journey—from my first job in government working for Sheila Kuehl to serving on the L.A. City Council—I’m reminded of the incredible women who shaped my path and the community that continues to support me. It was inspiring to stand alongside leaders like Mayor Helen Tran of San Bernardino and Lateefah Simon who is running for Congress to replace Representative Barbara Lee up north, and to celebrate Emerge’s role in empowering and training women to run for office with purpose and authenticity.

This week, my team and I honored The Groundlings Theatre & School at City Hall to celebrate their 50th anniversary and declare October 19th as "The Groundlings Day" in Los Angeles. Founded in 1972, The Groundlings have been a cultural cornerstone, shaping comedy and launching the careers of countless performers. Their commitment to creativity and community shines through in their work—both on stage and in supporting local causes. We’re grateful for their contributions and thrilled to celebrate their legacy in our city!

This week, the City Council approved a new process to quickly install protective bollards along pedestrian areas. These barriers help keep streets and sidewalks safe by preventing traffic-related death or injury. This new process is a small but important step toward making our public spaces safer and more secure, so residents and visitors alike can enjoy our neighborhoods with greater peace of mind.

This week, we’re highlighting Holy Grill, a popular restaurant located at 8975 W. Pico Boulevard, right in the heart of Pico Robertson. Holy Grill has been serving up delicious Kosher fare at this location for the past seven years, but its journey began even earlier—as a humble food truck founded by Adiel Nahmias 11 years ago in downtown LA.

What I love about Holy Grill is its dedication to bringing fresh, quality Kosher food to our neighborhood. Adiel’s story and commitment to our community are felt in every dish, and it’s a go-to spot for everything from classic wraps to Mediterranean-inspired options. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend stopping by to support this local gem and enjoy a great meal.

Stay tuned for more highlights of our local businesses, and let us know if there’s a favorite spot you’d like to see featured next!

Join your neighbors for trick or treating around the neighborhood, games and more between Foster, Schumacher, Commodore Sloat & Moore Dr. For more information or to volunteer email CARTHAYHALLOWEEN@GMAIL.COM

Bring your questions, concerns, and ballots to Government Under One Roof! Join us for a unique chance to connect with city, county, and state representatives, all in one place, ready to help with any issues or services you need. Taking place the day before Election Day, this event also makes it easy to drop off your ballot at our convenient voting center. Make your voice heard, and get the support you need from your government—all in one stop.

Date: Monday, November 4, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: LA High Memorial Park, 4625 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Join LAPD West LA Division officers for coffee and conversation on Wednesday, November 13 at the 7-Eleven on 8500 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035.