Dear Friends,
If you’ve spent time walking or driving around this city at night recently, you may have noticed that the streets seem unusually dark. You’re not imagining it.
The City of Los Angeles operates a network of over 200,000 streetlights covering about two-thirds of the city. Right now, across Los Angeles, thousands of streetlights are broken, and many neighborhoods are shrouded in darkness. What is going on? Why can’t LA keep the lights on?
The most obvious culprit is a sharp rise in copper wire theft, which went up when copper prices spiked during the pandemic years thanks to growing demand from data centers and renewable energy. Incidents of theft and vandalism went from just 9 in 2006 to *4,534* in 2021. But copper wire theft accounts for only 40% of our current outages. The other 60% are out simply because they need regular repairs and maintenance. Indeed, half of all our lights across the city are past their expected lifespan, and some of our poles are over a century old.
Combined, these two factors have caused a breakdown in our street lighting system: 311 service requests for streetlights have nearly tripled from 16,754 in 2020 to more than 45,000 in 2024.
A proactive fortification and maintenance program could have prevented this situation. Why didn’t the City of Los Angeles put that in place? As is so often the answer in this city: irresponsible budgeting driven by political considerations.
The Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) is primarily funded through an assessment — an annual fee paid by property owners to cover maintenance and repairs. However, that fee hasn’t been changed since 1996, when Proposition 218 passed requiring approval from property owners for any assessment increases. Since no politician wanted to ask their voters to pay more for services, that assessment has not been increased for 30 years. Today, the money collected from these assessments covers only about a third of what’s needed to maintain our infrastructure and make timely repairs.
Instead, the city made up shortfalls from the general fund, but these funds were the first to be cut when the city faced fiscal challenges. For example, the pole replacement program was eliminated during the 2008 recession and never restored. Last year, facing serious budget pressures from unsustainable new labor contracts, extraordinary liability payouts, and the impacts of the devastating wildfires, the city cut overtime for street lighting staff and stripped positions from BSL, increasing repair times even further. Average repair times for outages have now ballooned to almost a year, an outrageous amount of time.
At this moment, given the city’s fiscal realities, I believe that the only realistic option to ensure that we can maintain our street lights is to finally update the assessment fee. A new assessment can not only cover maintenance but also enable proactive fortification of street lights, which has a 90% success rate in preventing copper wire theft. I also believe that any new assessment must come with publicly reported metrics on outages and repair times so residents can hold the city accountable for results.
But I do think it’s important to underscore that we wouldn’t have to ask for so much more from LA residents if we were engaged in more fiscally responsible budgeting. During last year’s budget process, we declared a fiscal emergency, and barely avoided more than a thousand layoffs. The depleted budget we passed devastated our ability to not just keep the lights on, but to repave streets, repair potholes, or keep swimming pools open. Just three months later, the Mayor and the majority of the Council approved a $2.6 billion proposal to expand the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Convention Center expansion, which was supported by many of the vested interests who spend money to influence local elections, will add nearly $100 million in debt payments to our general fund obligations starting in 2028, further imperiling our services.
We need to stop cutting essential services like streetlights, trash collection, and public safety response during every fiscal crisis while approving billions for politically convenient projects. Our priorities must be those basic services that Angelenos depend on, not just what plays well in a press conference.
I have big dreams for Los Angeles, and I know you do too. But we can’t ask you to believe in our vision for the future while you’re literally left in the dark. We must do better.
Warmly,
|
- Updates From City Hall — Metro Board Approves Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project LPA, Introducing Legislation To Reform Measure ULA, Adjourning Council In Memory Of Beachwood Resident Leonard Efron
- In The District — Hosting A CD4 Conversation On The State Of Homelessness In LA, Supporting Valley Businesses Through The Council District 4 Small Business Fund, Completing The 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, Celebrating Indian Republic Day
- Upcoming Events — Eastside Kitchen Super Bowl Volunteer Event, Studio City Neighborhood Council Community Cleanup, Celebrate The Year Of The Horse At The LA Zoo
- Resources & Forums — Glendale Hyperion Bridge Improvement Project Virtual Information Session, Help Shape LA’s Transportation Future, Ride Free On Metro For Transit Equity Day
- Other Helpful Links
|
METRO BOARD APPROVES SEPULVEDA TRANSIT CORRIDOR PROJECT LPA
|
Sitting in traffic on the 405 is NOT our only choice anymore! In a unanimous vote, the Metro Board moved to approve the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project. For the first time, we are committing to a true heavy rail subway that will link the San Fernando Valley to the Westside – and eventually to LAX – via a high-speed, high-capacity, subway line.
This is the largest and most transformative transit investment in the country and will finally deliver a game changing project that matches the scale of our challenges and the ambition of our region. We can now expect to see less time spent in traffic (and more time living!), expanded access to opportunity from the Valley to the Westside, $25B – $40B in one-time economic output for the region, significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and over a billion dollars annually in spending by riders at local stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, and businesses.
I want to thank Councilmembers Imelda Padilla and Katy Yaroslavsky, and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath for their leadership on the Metro Board as well as the broad coalition of supporters who helped get this project over the finish line, including our Valley Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Adrin Nazarian, State Senator Henry Stern, Congressman Brad Sherman, SFVCOG Chair Mary Mendoza, LAEDC President & CEO Stephen Cheung, Executive Secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council Ernesto Medrano, Move LA Executive Director Eli Lipmen, VICA president Stuart Waldman and Vice Chair Coby King, environmentalist and activist Ed Begley Jr., everyone at UCLA, especially the students who continually showed up to fight for this, and so many more.
The Metro Board will now prepare design refinement for the LPA with additional community outreach, followed by the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to complete the environmental review process. During this process, there will be multiple opportunities for the public to review and comment on the environmental analysis.
|
INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO REFORM MEASURE ULA
|
In 2022, voters passed Measure ULA, creating a tax on all property sales above $5 million that would fund affordable housing construction, rent relief, and eviction defense. I introduced legislation to reform the Measure to ensure that it continues to meet its stated goal: protecting tenants and building affordable housing.
My effort to reform ULA, which was discussed in Council last week, came from the desire to protect this essential resource for Los Angeles. ULA is facing real threats, including through proposed ballot measures sponsored by business groups and state legislative action, that would either significantly undercut revenues generated by the measure or eliminate the tax entirely.
There is also research and data suggesting that the tax is creating unintended consequences for our city. When ULA was first proposed, research suggested that it would not have big impacts on apartment construction in LA. However, since going into effect, permits for multifamily and mixed-use housing production have seen big drops, even as other jurisdictions like San Diego have seen increases.
At its simplest: we cannot address the housing crisis with a policy that worsens our housing shortage. If Measure ULA is going to remain a durable source of funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention, we need housing projects that actually get built and house families. We must fix any unintended consequences of Measure ULA to remain in line with what voters expected and what this city needs.
My motion has now been referred back to the Housing and Homelessness Committee, and I welcome the opportunity to engage in further discussion. Any changes in the Measure will have to be put before voters, and I hope that we will be able to send a robust proposal to the November ballot.
|
ADJOURNING COUNCIL IN MEMORY OF BEACHWOOD RESIDENT LEONARD EFRON
|
I read about the passing of longtime Angeleno Leonard Efron in the Beachwood Canyon newsletter over the holidays and was struck by his remarkable life. With the permission of his wonderful wife Joy, I took the opportunity to adjourn Council in his memory.
Leonard Efron, affectionately known as Len, passed away on December 15th after a 12 year battle with Parkinson’s, at the age of 90. Len and his equally intrepid wife of 63 years, Joy, moved to Beachwood Canyon in 1994 after losing their home in the Northridge earthquake, and Council District 4 is all the better for it.
Born in the Bronx in 1935, Len’s star shone bright from the get-go with a natural proclivity for the sciences and an equally impressive athletic gift. He earned his Ph.D. in engineering from Michigan State University in 1964, and went on to earn multiple NASA awards for his contributions to space exploration, as well as numerous honors for being one of the best marathon runners in Southern California.
Len’s zest for life was unmatched. Not only was he a lauded rocket scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he “surfed the solar system for 37 years,” but Len and Joy traveled the Earth from end to end with a sense of boundless possibility.
He could tell you a story about scaling Mount Fuji, falling off the mountain and being rescued by a young Japanese couple who he later brought to America to thank, attracting local press wherever they went! He could tell you about swimming with sharks in Hawaii, adopting a pet duck affectionately known as “Chuck the Duck,” traversing by car from Los Angeles all the way to Managua, Nicaragua… you name it, Len has probably done it. And luckily Joy took to keeping a vivid diary filled with their adventures.
“While nobody is perfect,” Joy said, “Len sure came close.”
He was an advocate for social justice, an attentive father to sons Daniel and Neal (and grandfather to George, Jeffrey, Kethan and Kaimana), a gracious colleague, an insatiable learner, and a deeply loving husband. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Len myself, I have read many of Joy’s wonderful, humorous stories about their life together, and I know he was one of a kind.
One of Len’s JPL colleagues told Joy: “Len is one of the finest human beings to have ever been born on this earth.” May you rest in peace, Len.
|
HOSTING A CD4 CONVERSATION ON THE STATE OF HOMELESSNESS IN LA
|
Earlier this month, my team and I hosted a virtual town hall on the state of homelessness in Los Angeles. We hosted this event in order to provide our constituents – all of you – context for our work on homelessness and how we’ve managed to sustainably bring people indoors in CD4, including at sprawling encampments that existed when I first took office. Daniela Vieira from Healthcare In Action (HIA) also joined us, to share HIA’s work to provide healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness in our district. Additionally, we wanted to provide insight into how we are fighting for every dollar and every resource to be leveraged to the greatest extent possible using better data and oversight.
I want to thank the 200 of you who spent your Thursday evening with us. If you were unable to join us, you can find a recording of the event HERE, broken into chapters by topic. If you’re interested in attending more events like these, please let us know below!
|
SUPPORTING VALLEY BUSINESSES THROUGH THE COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE FUND
|
In 2024, my office teamed up with the Valley Economic Alliance to establish a dedicated Council District 4 Small Business Assistance Fund and was able to secure $25,000. I am so thrilled to announce that this year, we are dedicating another $25,000! These funds will help support Valley business through a myriad of services that include free consultations, guidance, and resources to improve access to capital, increase contracting and procurement opportunities, and become more sustainable and cost-efficient.
I had the pleasure of meeting with the Valley Economic Alliance in January to present a check and connect with leaders from the community. This meeting came on the heels of the Metro Board’s Planning Committee vote to move forward Modified Alternative 5 as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project, and everyone in the room was ecstatic. When built, this new transit line is going to be absolutely transformative for the Valley, with riders estimated to bring over a billion dollars annually in spending at local stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, and businesses.
|
COMPLETING THE 2026 GREATER LOS ANGELES HOMELESS COUNT
|
Over the course of three nights in January, volunteers set out across the city and county to count how many people are experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the region, as part of the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. I joined LAHSA staff, County representatives, and homeless advocates for a press conference at the Inner City Law Center to kick off the first night of the count, while over in the Valley, my team hosted the Studio City count site at the First Christian Church of North Hollywood for the 4th year running. We were joined by eager volunteers from across the district who fanned out across the neighborhood to do their part.
With a hostile federal government pulling significant funding from LA’s homelessness response, accurate data has never been more essential and this year’s count will be critical. The count helps inform policy, secure resources, and deliver services where they are most needed, ensuring that every dollar we invest is stretched to its fullest capacity to safely bring people indoors.
I want to thank every Angeleno who took the time out of their busy schedules to volunteer – the count could not have been done without you. The results will be released in late spring/early summer, and you can check back here for a thorough analysis of the data.
|
CELEBRATING INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY
|
Last month, I joined the newly established Los Angeles Consulate General of India in celebration of the 77th Republic Day in India. This holiday commemorates the signing of India’s constitution, officially turning the nation into a sovereign republic following independence from the British.
The evening was a beautiful celebration filled with history, tradition, food, and of course, dancing! I want to thank Consul General Dr. Srinivasa for inviting me to participate and for passionately uplifting the friendship between India and the U.S., and the City of Los Angeles in particular. I look forward to continuing our partnership and working together to support the Indian diaspora who call this city home.
|
EASTSIDE KITCHEN SUPER BOWL VOLUNTEER EVENT | FEBRUARY 8 | MORE INFO
|
Since the LA fires broke out in early 2025 Jewish Silver Lake (JSL) has embarked on a mission to provide thousands of kosher meals to anyone in need. Before Shabbat, holidays, and other times throughout the year, locals gather to pack food boxes for families in need, ensuring they can celebrate with love and dignity. Each package, often including notes of care, is then distributed throughout the community.
JSL invites you to join them Sunday, February 8th at 12:30pm for an afternoon cooking, prepping, and packing Super Bowl meals for local families in need. Click HERE to learn more and to RSVP.
DATE: Sunday, February 8
TIME: 12:30pm
LOCATION: Provided upon RSVP
|
STUDIO CITY NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL COMMUNITY CLEANUP | FEBRUARY 15 | MORE INFO
|
Join the Studio City Neighborhood Council for a community cleanup event Sunday, February 15 from 8:30-11am. Everything will be provided – grabbers, vests, gloves, and trash bags – just bring yourself! Refreshments will be provided after the event.
DATE: Sunday, February 15
TIME: 8:30 – 11:00am
LOCATION: Meet at Vitello’s Restaurant, 4349 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, 91604
Registration is mandatory – click HERE to RSVP!
|
CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE HORSE AT THE LA ZOO | FEBRUARY 21-22 | MORE INFO
|
The Los Angeles Zoo is thrilled to welcome members of our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and all Angelenos to enjoy special activities and performances honoring the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse.
Activities include traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese dance performances by Asian Arts Talents, a Year of the Horse photo op, a special Zoo-diac Tour of the Zoo, and so much more!
Click HERE for more info and to purchase tickets.
DATE: Saturday February 21 – Sunday February 22
TIME: 10am – 4pm
LOCATION: Los Angeles Zoo, 333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
|
GLENDALE HYPERION BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT VIRTUAL INFORMATION MEETING | FEBRUARY 11 | MORE INFO
|
The Bureau of Engineering, in partnership with our office and Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, invites you to a virtual information meeting regarding the Glendale Hyperion Bridge Improvement Project on Wednesday, February 11 at 6pm.
The Glendale-Hyperion Bridge Improvement Project, led by the Bureau of Engineering and in partnership with Caltrans, will upgrade the structure to better withstand seismic activity, restore the bridge’s historic appearance, and improve circulation and safety for people driving, biking, walking, and rolling. Construction for the project is set to begin this month. You can find more information regarding the project HERE.
The virtual meeting will provide a project update, project scope, timeline and allow community members to ask questions.
DATE: Wednesday, February 11
TIME: 6pm
LOCATION: ZOOM
Click HERE to join the meeting!
|
HELP SHAPE LA’S TRANSPORTATION FUTURE | MORE INFO
|
The City of Los Angeles is developing its first Mobility Action Plan (MAP), which will guide how LA invests in streets, sidewalks, transit, biking, and walking for the next 5-20 years. Your feedback will guide how the City prioritizes transportation investments. By sharing your experiences and priorities, you’ll help us plan for a safer, more accessible, and connected transportation system for everyone.
Click HERE to take the survey!
|
RIDE FREE ON METRO FOR TRANSIT EQUITY DAY | FEBRUARY 4 | MORE INFO
|
Transit Equity Day is observed each year on February 4, Rosa Parks’ birthday, honoring her courageous refusal to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. This was a pivotal moment in the fight to end segregation on public transit. Metro is committed to advancing equitable access to transportation for all Angelenos on Transit Equity Day and every day. Learn more about Metro’s equity initiatives HERE.
It’s Metro’s priority to ensure equitable access to transportation to everyone, every day. We’re happy this Wednesday, February 4 to make all Metro rides free. If you want to ride our bus or rail system, just board a train or bus and enjoy the ride. To plan a transit trip, you can use Google Maps, Apple Maps, the Transit or Moovit apps or the trip planner on metro.net
Use code 020406 for free rides on Metro Bike and code EQUITY26 for our on-demand service known as Metro Micro.
|
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.
|
|
.JPG)
.jpg "CD4 staff welcome people to the community hike")
.png)
.png)
