Dear Friends,
Last year, more Angelenos were killed in traffic fatalities than in homicides. And while that number is trending down slightly this year, the reality remains: in one of the most car-centric cities in the world, the risk of serious traffic violence is far too high. A Washington Post investigation published this week into traffic deaths in Los Angeles found that over the last decade, annual pedestrian deaths have climbed by more than 60%. Furthermore, according to LAPD data, in 2024 alone, over 1,500 people suffered severe injuries in collisions. Last year, 302 lives were lost to traffic violence. This year, we’ve already lost 257.
Here’s what makes this crisis so frustrating: we *know* how to prevent traffic violence. Better street design, more appropriate road speeds, and incorporating safety features into vehicles – encapsulated in the Safe Systems Approach – are all proven methods.
However, the political will to implement measures that would save lives has been missing.
A vehicle’s size, weight, and how fast it can go are regulated at the state and federal levels. And we have seen that vehicles have been growing steadily heavier and—crucially—taller, with no regulation to counter these trends. At the federal level, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) is stepping back from its dedication to the Safe Systems Approach, and is making no moves to reverse the increase in size of vehicles. At the state level, we’ve seen some progress—like last year’s passage of AB 645, which created a pilot program for Automated Speed Enforcement. However, there remains a troubling reluctance at the state level to make vehicles themselves safer and to invest in systems that hold dangerous drivers accountable, such as multiple bills related to the installation of speed assistance systems in vehicles stalling or being vetoed by the Governor.
But we can control what happens on our streets.
Speeding kills – we know this. According to the City’s own Vision Zero Safety Study, speeding is a factor in 35% of all fatal collisions citywide. We also know that 70% of crashes resulting in death or severe injury occur at intersections, many controlled by traffic signals that could be upgraded to enhance safety.
Two years ago, I introduced legislation, alongside Councilmember Blumenfield, to directly combat traffic violence in our City by managing speeds on arterial streets. As a result, LADOT incorporated adding speed tables on larger arterials near schools into its existing school speed hump program, which was previously only focused on small local streets. While this was a great start, the department also laid out the need for resources to take on more intensive arterial speed management efforts.
Councilmember Blumenfield and I also co-presented a motion directing the City to implement a pilot automated speed enforcement program, enabled last year through AB 645. LADOT and their consultant are now working on identifying appropriate locations. With funding allocated in this year’s budget, I am pushing for quick implementation so we can see results.
In partnership with Councilmember Hernandez, I’ve also advanced a motion to upgrade traffic signals citywide where needed, instructing the Department of Transportation (LADOT) to revisit its policies and practices related to signal phasing and timing so as to minimize conflicts between people walking and people driving, and minimize wait times for people walking. These signal-focused safety enhancements can include: Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI’s), which give pedestrians the opportunity to enter a crosswalk at an intersection 3-7 seconds before vehicles are given a green light, making intersections No Right Turn on Red to reduce conflicts, and Scramble Intersections, which allow people walking to safely cross in ALL directions, even diagonally, without the interference of turning cars, as seen at Hollywood & Highland. We are now waiting for a report and actions by the Department of Transportation.
In the meantime, I continue to implement safety upgrades across the district, using both money already allocated to us and by securing new external funding. This year alone, we’ve been able to achieve a lot, including:
-
Installing a new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon(PHB)/HAWK signalized crossing at Franklin Ave & Harvard Blvd in Los Feliz, completed in October.
-
Finalizing designs for a new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon(PHB)/HAWK signalized crossing at Magnolia Blvd & Tyrone Ave in Sherman Oaks. We are now working on moving funding to LADOT to start construction.
-
Securing funding with the help of Rep. Brad Sherman through Federal earmarks for additional Valley traffic signal improvements including upgrading the crossing at Ventura Blvd & La Maida St, Ventura Blvd & Hayvenhurst Ave, White Oak Ave & Valerio St, and Balboa Blvd & Addison St and installing completely new signalized crosswalks at Kester Ave & Weddington St near Kester Ave Elementary, and the aforementioned intersection of Magnolia Blvd & Tyrone Ave.
-
Installing new speed tables on Hyperion Ave in Los Feliz, completed in March.
-
Funding and installing new speed humps at schools across the district. This year we have been able to install new speed humps at Bertrand Ave Elementary, Newcastle Elementary, on Strathern St on the school route to multiple schools, and on Stansbury Ave near the Buckley School. We hope to install the rest of our first round in 2026!
Our City’s Vision Zero initiative, launched in 2015 with the goal of eliminating traffic deaths, was supposed to serve as a lens through which all transportation decisions would be made. Unfortunately, traffic deaths have risen from 241 in 2015 to 302 last year. While we’ve seen a reduction from the peak of 368 deaths in 2022, it is clear that Vision Zero has not achieved its goals.
But failure demands reflection, not abandonment. Right now, the City is evaluating recommendations from two comprehensive audits of our Vision Zero initiative. These audits provide us a path for improvement, and I remain committed to an ambitious vision for safer streets in LA.
Every life lost is one too many, and every family grieving is a reminder of our collective responsibility to act. I will continue to fight for our streets to be safe places for all Angelenos.
In solidarity,
|
- Updates From City Hall — Advancing The South Griffith Park Master Plan
- In The District — Opening The Doors To Learning And Innovation At The Curtis School, Giving Thanks At The North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry Annual Thanksgiving Service, Distributing Thanksgiving Meals Across The District
- Upcoming Events — Community Compost Day LA, Restoration Day At Runyon Canyon Park, Los Feliz Holiday Market, L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
- Resources & Forums — Virtual Community Meetings For Federal Community Development Funding, LASAN S.A.F.E. Centers For Holiday Waste Now Open, Received An Unwanted Green Bin? Reach Out To LASAN, City Trash Fees Now In Effect For Ratepaying Residents, LASAN’s Los Angeles Green Business Online Directory
- Other Helpful Links
|
ADVANCING THE SOUTH GRIFFITH PARK MASTER PLAN
|
In 2023, I introduced legislation to launch a community-driven master plan focused on southern Griffith Park — the area south of Los Feliz Boulevard along Riverside Drive. That set in motion a comprehensive planning and visioning effort to determine new recreational, cultural, and educational uses for this portion of our park and the best sites for them.
The South Griffith Park Master Plan is currently in the bid-and-award phase, after which the selected consultant will begin the planning and engagement process in earnest. But, while funding for the South Griffith Park Master Plan has been secured through the Department of Recreation & Parks as well as a federal earmark, front-funding is needed to fully cash-flow the Master Plan before the Federal earmark is reimbursed. This week, Council adopted my motion to move the South Griffith Park Master Plan forward with the help of front-funding from Council District 4.
Griffith Park is one of the largest and most beloved municipal parks in the United States, serving everyone from international visitors to local community members. The Southern portion of Griffith Park is due for a revamp and holds enormous potential to become a vibrant, multifunctional and intergenerational community space. Local residents have a deep connection to this area, and they deserve a space that reflects their vision. A vision that brings this corner of Griffith Park back to life with amenities and programming that serve the whole community.
The approved funding transfer now brings us one step closer to making this community-driven vision a reality, ensuring we can move forward without delay, advancing a Master Plan to invest in and revitalize Southern Griffith Park.
|
OPENING THE DOORS TO LEARNING AND INNOVATION AT THE CURTIS SCHOOL
|
Joined by hundreds of students and their parents, I was overjoyed to celebrate the official unveiling of the recently completed Curtis School Collaborative Learning & Innovation Center (CLIC). This new building is not only a beautiful architectural addition to the Encino campus and to the wider community, it is a physical embodiment of the Curtis School’s bright future. Housing all arts, science, and technology classrooms under one roof, the new CLIC provides ample space and opportunity for students to follow their passions, whatever they may be.
As we come up on 100 years of education at the Curtis School, with the centennial celebration next spring, I truly want to commend the Curtis community on its contributions to Los Angeles. For a century, you have nurtured countless children who have gone on to be leaders and visionaries, shaping the city we know and love today. In particular I want to thank Dr. Ratnesar, Head of the Curtis School, for her inspiring vision and dedication to opening doors for the next generation.
To the students, teachers, parents, board members, donors, and every member of the Curtis School community, congratulations on this feat! Go Cougars!
|
GIVING THANKS AT THE NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY’S ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE
|
Fueled by food and fed by compassion, the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry (NHIFP) held its 44th Annual Thanksgiving Service ahead of the holiday, in partnership with the First Christian Church, our Office, and other community organizations. An extension of their work to put compassion into action, the NHIFP’s Thanksgiving Service is a festive fête, complete with a costumed “Turkey Squad” on site providing gobblefuls of joy! This year, over 4,500 meal bags were packed for community members in need.
The impact of NHIFP’s daily work cannot be overstated. Since 1983, they’ve worked to advance human dignity among recipients and volunteers by distributing food bags every Monday and Friday, every week of the year. The pantry regularly distributes 500-600 bags of weekly groceries but has seen a significant increase in need this year, with distribution up 26% from last year. In response to the increase in need, our Office committed $25,000 from Council District 4 discretionary funds to support their efforts.
Thank you to all the volunteers and service regulars who joined us to make an impact this Thanksgiving, ensuring no family went without.
|
DISTRIBUTING THANKSGIVING MEALS ACROSS THE DISTRICT
|
Turkey giveaway in Reseda with MTO Shahmagsoudi and the Child Development Institute
|
Every year, our Office joins forces with community partners across the district to distribute all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal for anyone in need.
We kicked off the season of giving with a turkey giveaway in Reseda, distributing over 100 full turkey meals, aka turkey and all the fixings (even pie!), in partnership with MTO Shahmagsoudi and the Child Development Institute.
|
Turkey giveaway in Encino with She Is Hope LA
|
On a beautiful Sunday morning ahead of the holiday, we gathered in Encino Park with volunteers and community organizers to distribute meals to families – complete with a whole turkey, precooked sides, and delicious pumpkin pie – in partnership with She Is Hope, a local nonprofit uplifting single mothers and their families.
|
Meal packing in Studio City with Big Sunday
|
And last but certainly not least, we joined Big Sunday at their 14th Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event, hosted by Radford Studios. With support from our office, hundreds of volunteers came together to pack over 4,500 meal bags for families across the city.
Thanksgiving is not only a time for gratitude, but a time for reflection. After the year we’ve had in Los Angeles, it was inspiring to see so many people take the time to ensure someone’s holiday would be a little brighter.
|
COMMUNITY COMPOST DAY LA | DECEMBER 6 | MORE INFO
|
Join LA Compost and community partners for their new quarterly event series: Community Compost Day LA! This all-ages event connects community members with valuable resources, including compost, trees, native plants, seeds, and mulch, while promoting environmental education, soil stewardship, and deeper community connection.
Attendees will receive tools to support sustainable and regenerative gardening practices, including one bag of compost, one bag of mulch, and additional giveaways from our partners.
*Free resources guaranteed for the first 100 attendees – additional resources available while supplies last.
DATE: Saturday, December 6th
TIME: 9 AM – 1 PM
LOCATION: Sepulveda Basin Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91436
Click HERE to RSVP!
|
RESTORATION DAY AT RUNYON CANYON PARK | DECEMBER 6 | MORE INFO
|
The Department of Recreation and Parks invites you to join Jr. Urban Ecologist Ryan Kinzel on Saturday, December 6th for a restoration day at Runyon Canyon Park! We will be planting native plants, removing invasive species, and cleaning up trash and debris. Please wear closed-toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty!
DATE: Saturday, December 6th
TIME: 9AM – 12PM
LOCATION: Runyon Canyon Park, 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
*meet at the Smokey the Bear sign by the Fuller St entrance
Click HERE to RSVP!
|
LOS FELIZ HOLIDAY MARKET | DECEMBER 7 | MORE INFO
|
Kick off the holiday season with the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council, The Los Feliz Business Improvement District, and Friends of the Los Feliz Library, at the 2025 Los Feliz Holiday Extravaganza! There will be performances throughout the day, a market with local vendors hosted by the Los Feliz Improvement District, family-friendly activities, and a tree lighting outside the Los Feliz library.
DATE: Sunday, December 7
TIME: 11AM – 6PM, *tree lighting at 5:30PM
LOCATION: Los Feliz Library, 1874 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
|
Tickets are now on sale to L.A. Zoo Lights – L.A.’s wildest holiday tradition! This year, the event brings guests through a holiday themed wonderland; the weird and wonderful world of plants and pollinators featuring larger than life birds, butterflies, insects and flowers; glowing lanterns depicting wildlife of Southeast Asia; and an African landscape that includes representation of the continent’s iconic regions and wildlife, all illuminated by spectacular sculptural lights!
Your L.A. Zoo Lights ticket purchase supports the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife, enrich communities, and create connections to nature.
DATES: November 13 – January 11 *holidays excluded
TIME: 6PM – 10PM
LOCATION: L.A. Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets!
|
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETINGS FOR FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDING | DECEMBER 9 & 11 | MORE INFO
|
Every year, Los Angeles receives over $100 million in federal grant funds to benefit low-income
neighborhoods through housing, parks, shelters, small business loans, and more. The Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) is hosting two upcoming virtual community meetings to share how these funds can support your neighborhood!
DATE: Tuesday, December 9
TIME: 5:30PM – 6:30PM
ZOOM LINK
DATE: Thursday, December 11
TIME: 5:30PM – 6:30PM
ZOOM LINK
Unable to attend a meeting? Provide your feedback via the Community Needs Survey HERE!
Your input is essential to help CIFD understand the needs in your neighborhood and this survey is an opportunity for you to comment on how the federal funds will be invested.
|
LASAN S.A.F.E. CENTERS FOR HOLIDAY WASTE NOW OPEN | MORE INFO
|
The holidays bring joy, good food, and exciting gifts – but also the potential for waste. To keep it sustainable throughout the festive season, LASAN’s S.A.F.E. Centers are open for LA City and LA County residents to drop off household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronics free of charge.
Holiday HHW/E-Waste includes (but is not limited to) the following items:
- Battery Operated Candles
- Pre-Lit Christmas Trees
- Holiday String Lights
- Musical Greeting Cards
- Drones and Electronic Toys
- Video Game Consoles
Visit lacitysan.org/safecenters for more information or call the LASAN 24/7 Customer Care
Center at 1-800-773-2489.
|
RECEIVED AN UNWANTED GREEN BIN? REACH OUT TO LASAN | MORE INFO
|
In an effort to comply with California Senate Bill 1383 requiring all single-family residences and apartments/multi-family properties to participate in organics recycling services, the Los Angeles Department of Sanitation (LASAN) has been deploying 90-gallon green bins in neighborhoods across the City. Residents must place food waste, food-soiled paper, and yard waste in the green bins, which will be picked up weekly on the standard collection day. The collected material will then be transported to a facility that recovers organic waste, as required under SB 1383.
However, if you are already in possession of a green bin or would like to request a smaller container (30 or 60 gallons) please click here and complete this form to alert LASAN.
If you have additional questions, please call LASAN’s 24-hour Customer Care Center at 800-773-2489.
|
CITY TRASH FEES NOW IN EFFECT FOR RATEPAYING RESIDENTS | MORE INFO
|
LASAN implemented new trash fees for ratepaying residents in November, affecting both the Solid Resources Fee and the Multi-Family Bulky Item fee. This increase will appear on LADWP bills.
Financial assistance may be available to offset these fees. Residents who are already enrolled in either the Low Income Financial Assistance program (EZ-SAVE) or Lifeline program will automatically have those discounts applied to the new rates. Residents who are not yet enrolled but want to explore assistance options can visit the DWP website at ladwp.com/financialassistance to see if they qualify.
|
LASAN’S LOS ANGELES GREEN BUSINESS ONLINE DIRECTORY | MORE INFO
|
The Los Angeles Department of Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) aims to connect businesses, consumers, and residents throughout the City of Los Angeles with certified Los Angeles Green Businesses contributing to a cleaner future with its new online green business directory. Exhibiting local restaurants, retailers, service providers, and professional firms, eco-conscious shoppers can quickly search and support businesses committed to a greener Los Angeles this holiday season.
To learn more about the LA Green Business Program (LAGBP), please visit greenbusinessca.org. You can also view their recent feature on channel 35 news!
|
Our Office:
Services + Resources
- Food Pantry Locator — Get connected to food resources near you.
- StayHoused LA — Workshops and resources to help renters stay in their homes.
- MyLA311 — Submit a request for services including graffiti removal, pothole repair, and bulky-item pickup.
- LA-HOP Homeless Outreach Portal — Assist or self-input an outreach request from the LA Homeless Services Authority to unhoused residents.
- LA City Sanitation — Submit a service request for metal/household appliance disposal.
- MyChildCarePlan — Free resource website for childcare providers and families listing every licensed provider in California.
- Adopt or Foster a Shelter Pet — Find pets for adoption and a list of local shelters.
- Gas Assistance Fund – The Gas Assistance Fund (GAF) offers a one-time grant to help customers pay their natural gas bills.
- Ready Your LA Business Workbook — City of LA’s FREE workbook to help business owners prepare their business for any emergency. Available in English and Spanish.
Alerts
- NotifyLA — Sign up to receive urgent notifications about local emergencies by phone, email, and/or text message.
- LAFD Alerts — Sign up for alerts on fires and evacuations in your area.
- LADWP Outage Info — Sign up for outage alerts in your area.
- StreetsLA Street Sweeping — Register for notifications about sweeping in your neighborhoods.
|
|
