No one should have to choose between staying with an abuser or having nowhere to go. But right now, that’s the reality for too many survivors of domestic violence in Los Angeles. Last year, nearly 16,000 people in Los Angeles called domestic violence hotlines looking for shelter. Only 10% were able to access a safe bed. Meanwhile, domestic violence remains one of the leading causes of homelessness, and every year, people in our city lose their lives at the hands of an abuser.

That’s unacceptable, and this week, the City Council took action to change it. We passed the largest expansion of domestic violence services in Los Angeles history—adding shelter beds, legal aid, and housing support to make sure survivors have real options when they leave an abuser. And just as importantly, we launched the Domestic Violence Restraining Order Enforcement Task Force, bringing together LAPD, the City Attorney, and other key partners to ensure restraining orders are enforced and firearms are proactively removed from abusers before another tragedy happens.

These changes will save lives. And they wouldn’t have happened without the tireless advocacy of survivors, service providers, and so many people who have been working on these issues for years. I’m proud to stand with them in making sure Los Angeles does more than just talk about supporting survivors—we take action.

All my best,
Katy

Meeting with CD5 HOA Presidents
On Monday, I hosted a roundtable with leaders from homeowners associations and the Park La Brea Residents Association, bringing together community leaders from across the eastern part of the district. These conversations are so important—not just to discuss issues like infrastructure, public safety, and homelessness, but to share ideas and solutions across neighborhoods. Every community faces unique challenges, but many of the concerns are the same. By connecting these leaders, we’re building stronger networks and making sure everyone possesses the tools and resources they need to advocate for their neighborhoods.

Celebrating 30 years at Fu’s Palace
This Thursday, I stopped by Fu’s Palace in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood to congratulate them on an incredible milestone—30 years in business. Founded by Margaret and Gary Fu, who immigrated from China in the 70’s and opened the restaurant in the 90’s, Fu’s Palace has been a staple in the Pico-Robertson community ever since. For three decades, they’ve served up great food and created a space where neighbors gather and celebrate. Small businesses like Fu’s Palace are what make our communities special, and I’m grateful for all they do to bring people together and add to the vibrant diversity of this neighborhood.

This week, the City Council took urgent action to support Angelenos affected by the January wildfires, passing three key ordinances to provide tax relief, protect renters, and prevent price gouging during emergencies.

As we continue to recover from the devastation of the wildfires, these policies will help ease the financial burden on impacted residents and ensure that no one is unfairly pushed out of their home or community.

As part of our Black History Month series, we’re highlighting the incredible legacy of Alexander Hamilton High School in West LA. Known for its diverse and talented alumni, Hamilton  counts among its alumni many trailblazing African Americans, including Mayor Karen Bass, aerospace scientist Olympia LePoint, musician Nipsey Hussle, jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, boxer Laila Ali, and NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon.

But Hamilton’s story isn’t just about the notable names—it’s also about how the school became a model for racial integration and community building during a pivotal time in LA’s history. In 1969, Hamilton High became one of the first schools in Los Angeles to integrate through LAUSD’s Project APEX. It wasn’t an easy transition—tensions were high, and some families pulled their kids out. But Hamilton’s faculty responded with determination. They brought students, parents, and community leaders together in regular convocations and facilitated real conversations about race and division. It wasn’t perfect, but it made a difference, and Hamilton became a model for how schools across LA and beyond could tackle these issues head-on.

Hamilton’s story is a reminder that when communities come together with intentionality, even in difficult times, they can build something stronger and more connected.

This week, Mayor Bass opened the L.A. One-Stop Rebuilding Center to help Palisades homeowners and business owners rebuild faster. The LA One-Stop Rebuilding Center creates a single place for Palisadians to go for anything they need from the City when rebuilding their homes or businesses under the expedited and streamlined process created under Mayor Bass’ emergency executive order. 

While homeowners and business owners may not require action from multiple City departments, Mayor Bass’ executive order directed 10 City departments to come together at the One-Stop Rebuilding Center so that questions or needs can be addressed under one roof. The  emergency executive directive on streamlined rebuilding directs City departments to expedite all building permit review/inspections, bypasses state CEQA discretionary review, allows rebuilding “like for like” and waives City discretionary review processes. 

The One-Stop Rebuilding Center is located at 1828 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025, and is open Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 8 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM.

The Disaster Recovery Center is open to assist residents affected by the wildfires. Located at 10850 Pico Blvd at the UCLA Research Park, this center – a joint operation of the City and County of Los Angeles and FEMA – operates daily from 9 AM to 8 PM, providing resources and support for individuals and families impacted by the Palisades Fire. 

For more information on available services, please visit the city's official recovery website at emergency.lacity.gov/recovery. This site offers comprehensive details on assistance programs, safety guidelines, and steps for rebuilding. If you or someone you know has been affected, don't hesitate to utilize these resources to aid in the recovery process.

Los Angeles Black History Month Festival | Sunday, February 23
Join us for the Los Angeles Black History Month Festival on February 23, 2025, from 11 AM to 6 PM at Pan Pacific Park! This inspiring event, co-hosted by my office and Open Arms Food Pantry & Resource Center will feature powerful keynote speakers, community leaders, and engaging activities that celebrate Black history, culture, and resilience.