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With the holidays just around the corner, I want to wish you and your loved ones a meaningful and restful holiday season. This time of year offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate our progress, and look ahead to what’s next. I’d like to share some updates and a preview of what’s coming in 2025.
On Tuesday, I announced that Erin Bromaghim will join our office as my next Chief of Staff. Erin brings a wealth of experience from her time in City Hall, where she led Los Angeles’ preparations for the 2028 Olympics and drove major initiatives as Deputy Mayor of International Affairs. She’s a proven leader and problem-solver, and I’m so excited to work alongside her to deliver for Council District 5.
At the same time, I want to thank Gary Gero, who will be retiring early next year after serving as my Chief of Staff for the past two years. Gary’s leadership has been instrumental in achieving key milestones for our district—from reducing street homelessness by 15% year over year to securing historic funding for domestic violence survivors and advancing bold sustainability initiatives, including working to close the West Pico Oil Drilling site (more on that below). His impact on our community is immeasurable, and I wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.
In January, I’ll also begin new committee assignments, including serving as Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, Vice Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, and a member of the Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, the Board of Referred Powers, and the Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These roles are a chance to shape how the City allocates resources to address our most pressing challenges, from homelessness to climate action, while ensuring our neighborhoods remain safe and vibrant. With the City facing financial challenges, I’m committed to making responsible, community-centered decisions that reflect our shared priorities and needs.
Thank you for your partnership and support this year. I’m excited for what we will accomplish together in 2025.
All my best,
Katy |
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I’m excited to share that we’ve reached a landmark agreement to close and remediate the West Pico Drill Site, a longstanding source of health and environmental concerns in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood. Under this agreement, Pacific Coast Energy Company (PCEC) will end all drilling operations within the next few years, properly plug and abandon the wells, and fully remediate the site to meet safety and environmental standards.
This closure will bring long-overdue relief to the surrounding community, where residents have faced decades of health risks linked to oil drilling, including asthma and respiratory illnesses. It also opens the door to thoughtful redevelopment, such as housing, public space, and/or other community-serving uses—all guided by a transparent and inclusive public process.
This milestone reflects our broader efforts to phase out oil drilling in residential neighborhoods and demonstrates how we can prioritize public health while creating new opportunities for our communities. Thank you to the advocates and neighbors who worked tirelessly to make this possible. |
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Join us for Holidays in Harmony TOMORROW! This holiday season, we’re bringing the community together at LA High Memorial Park for a winter festival that celebrates the rich traditions and diversity that make our neighborhoods so special.
Come with your family and friends to enjoy:
- Live musical performances
- Snow slides and a rock climbing wall for all ages
- Holiday arts and crafts activities to create keepsakes and decorations
- A delicious lineup of food trucks offering something for everyone
- A holiday market with one-of-a-kind gifts from local businesses
- A chance to meet and talk with staff from Council District 5 and other local elected officials
📍 Where: LA High Memorial Park
🗓️ When: Tomorrow, December 22 from 1PM to 5PM!
🎟️ Cost: FREE for all! |
This free event is about more than celebrating the season—it’s about coming together as a community to share in the joy and harmony of the holidays. I hope to see you there for a day of music, food, creativity, and winter fun! |
Jewish Federation’s Annual Menorah Lighting
On Wednesday, I joined the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles to celebrate Hanukkah in Grand Park for their Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony. I was honored to stand alongside other elected officials to recite the blessing for the sixth candle. This year’s theme, “Our Diversity as Strength,” brought leaders and community members together to reflect on the importance of unity and the ongoing work to confront injustice and uplift one another. |
Touring CD5 with Council President Harris-Dawson
On Thursday, my team and I hosted Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and his team for a tour of Council District 5. The visit offered us a chance to show the Council President and his senior team the challenges and opportunities in our neighborhoods. I appreciate this thoughtful approach to leadership, and value his partnership as we tackle the challenges facing our district and the city. |
The City Council is on recess until January 6, 2025. Check back soon for more updates. |
This week, I’m highlighting Mayura Indian Restaurant, which I visited with Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and our respective teams during our tour of the district. Mayura is a long-standing personal favorite in Palms that has been serving South Indian cuisine for 19 years. Owned by Padmini Aniyan and Aniyan Puthanpurayil, Mayura specializes in dishes from Kerala like Appam with Fish Curry, Dosa, and Upma. Keralan cuisine is known for combining spices like cardamom and star anise with coconut. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend you do!
Opening a restaurant in a new country was a big leap for the Aniyans, who immigrated from Kerala two decades ago to pursue their American dream. But their hard work and determination have made Mayura a much-beloved heart of Palms’ local food scene.
As always, let me know if there’s another local business you’d like us to feature!
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PlayLA Winter Sports Leagues and Clinics – Registration Open
Get your kids active and engaged this winter with PlayLA Winter Sports Leagues and Clinics for youth ages 3-17. From exciting team sports to new adaptive programs, there’s something for everyone!
Highlights from PlayLA’s Offerings:
Goalball: A new addition to our adaptive program that builds strength, agility, and communication.
Water Polo: Dive into heated pools and enjoy this fast-paced sport.
Archery: Learn precision and focus in a fun, supportive environment.
Visit www.laparks.org or download the LA Parks app to register. Stay connected on Instagram: @laparks.playla and @lacityparks.
County Public Health Department Encourages COVID-19 and Flu Vaccinations
Stay healthy this respiratory virus season with the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines, tailored to target current strains. Vaccines are recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.
How to Get Vaccinated:
Visit: ph.lacounty.gov/vaccines to find vaccine locations.
Contact your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment if insured.
For assistance, call the Public Health InfoLine (open 8 AM – 8 PM daily): 1-833-540-0473.
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LADOT Transit's DASH Fares Returning on January 11, 2025
LADOT Transit depends on fares to operate your DASH service. We’re working to improve your DASH service with a new fleet of electric buses and improvements to bus stops. Across the City of Los Angeles, 29 neighborhoods benefit from the convenient, frequent, and affordable service provided by DASH. Help us to continue to provide all the value that DASH delivers to our city. Discounted passes are also available. Details at ladottransit.com/fares.
Bus Lane Enforcement on lines 212 & 720
Hey LA, get ready for more reliable, accessible buses: bus lane enforcement is happening on lines 212 and 720! Drivers who park in bus lanes or bus stops will receive warning notices in the mail. Citations will be issued starting early 2025. By keeping bus lanes and bus stops clear for buses – not cars -- we can keep Metro buses on-time and accessible for everyone. Go to www.metro.net/ble to learn more.
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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
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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