As rainstorms approach this weekend, the City of LA is taking proactive steps to prepare and protect neighborhoods, especially those most vulnerable to flooding and debris flows. Following the recent wildfires, many hillsides are at a heightened risk for landslides and hazardous runoff, as burned soil is far worse at absorbing water into the earth.

To address these challenges, city crews are working around the clock to reinforce hillsides, install barriers, and clear debris from burn areas. Mayor Bass recently issued an emergency order to prioritize these efforts, including shoring up erosion-prone slopes and deploying protective measures like sandbags and K-Rails. These actions not only safeguard homes and infrastructure but also prevent hazardous materials from entering our stormwater systems and impacting our beaches and ocean.

For residents living near burn areas, on steep slopes, or in areas prone to flooding, preparation is key. Please keep the following information in mind this weekend:

Stay Prepared:

By staying ahead of the storm and taking precautions now, we can help protect our homes and neighborhoods in the days ahead.

All my best,
Katy

This week, I chaired my first meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee, a role that comes at a pivotal moment for Los Angeles. The City faces significant financial challenges, from a Reserve Fund that has dipped below the recommended five percent minimum, to growing concerns about how we’ll meet the demands of major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the same time, we’re grappling with immediate recovery needs from the Palisades Fire, which requires urgent funding to support impacted residents and rebuild communities.

As we navigate these challenges, it’s clear that we need to rethink how the City approaches its budget. In the coming weeks and months, the committee will focus on finding greater efficiencies and smarter financial strategies. This includes exploring how we can better manage City assets, improve revenue collection, and overhaul contracting processes to ensure we aren’t overpaying for goods and services. By optimizing these systems, we can better align our spending with the priorities that matter most to Angelenos.

These proactive steps will help position the City for long-term financial health and resilience. My focus as Chair is to ensure that every recommendation we make is rooted in common-sense decision making that creates meaningful and positive change for our communities. I look forward to digging into these issues with my colleagues in the weeks and months to come.

This week, the City Council approved a motion to hold oil well operators accountable for the full cost of their operations, including proper closure of idle wells. The motion directs city departments to review existing fees and bond requirements for oil wells, propose adjustments, and recommend stronger enforcement mechanisms for wells that have been idle for more than a year.

These changes are long overdue. Current bond requirements often fall short of covering the actual cost of plugging and abandoning oil wells, leaving the city—and ultimately taxpayers—responsible for the difference. By raising these requirements and implementing stronger enforcement, we can protect both the environment and public health while ensuring operators—not Angelenos—bear the financial burden of oil extraction.

This week, the Metro Board approved a motion to purchase over 480 non-revenue vehicles, including electric and hybrid models. Our office successfully amended the motion to require a report in 120 days on adopting a zero-emission vehicle purchasing policy aligned with City and County standards.

With over 1,000 vehicles set for replacement in the coming years, transitioning to a sustainable fleet is critical. However, Metro must also address the need for charging infrastructure at nearly 25 facilities to avoid delays. My amendment and the subsequent policy will ensure that we transition to a more sustainable fleet in a way that is both well-thought-out and ambitious.