The recent indictment and arrest of Councilmember Jose Huizar by the Department of Justice was an important step in addressing a horrendous and disgusting breach of the public's trust. Two months ago, I was among the first city officials to demand Mr. Huizar's resignation from office. But as the legal process proceeds, and regardless of what happens to Mr. Huizar, City Hall needs to take much bolder steps to get to the root of corruption and hold accountable anyone who attempts to profit from it. Continue reading

In the past week, America yet again has been forced to confront the pernicious racial injustice that is our nation's ugly original sin.  Like all Americans, I was outraged by the horrific image of a so-called law enforcement officer in Minnesota callously and cruelly murdering George Floyd.  That officer's knee pressing down on the neck of an African-American man, face down on the street, handcuffed and unarmed, helpless and begging for his life, was the very symbol of the kind of abuse of power and injustice and oppression that too many have suffered for far too long.   Continue reading

For too many Americans, Memorial Day has become a day for barbecuing and beach trips - a day to shop for mattresses and appliances.  This year, our commitment to staying safer at home gives us an opportunity to focus on the real purpose of Memorial Day:  to remember and to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country so that all of us, and others throughout the world, might live in freedom. Continue reading

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all of our lives in countless ways. Too many in our community have lost loved ones. Too many have lost jobs or businesses. And too many have lost the opportunity to appropriately mark life's rites of passage and special moments. Continue reading

I've served as chair of the City Council's Budget and Finance Committee since 2012.  At that time the City was still reeling from the Great Recession, and our budget faced deficits of hundreds of millions of dollars.  Former mayor Richard Riordan even opined in the Wall Street Journal that Los Angeles would need to file bankruptcy by 2014. Continue reading

One of the distressing offshoots of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the rapid rise in food insecurity, particularly among isolated seniors. Throughout the city, there are thousands of seniors who are living alone, with no one to assist them with meals, who cannot leave home because they are at highest risk from the virus. That situation is even more heartbreaking when those seniors have limited financial resources, and thus often don't know where their next meal is coming from, or if it's coming at all.  In response, countless nonprofit organizations and their volunteers have redoubled their work to feed those in need, and their efforts have made an enormous difference and inspired us all.  Continue reading

The devastation that the COVID-19 pandemic has visited upon small businesses across the country is measured in mandatory closures, massive unemployment, and long lines at food pantries. For now, these drivers of the American economy are facing a situation as dire as any in the recent history of our country. Continue reading

The catastrophic loss of life from COVID-19 throughout our country and the world has been an immense tragedy that none of us will ever forget. Throughout the crisis, our Mayor and our Governor have shown tremendous leadership, which has been sorely lacking elsewhere in our national response.  Our "Safer at Home" policies unquestionably have saved countless lives here in Los Angeles. Continue reading

This week, Angelenos are celebrating Easter and Passover under the most extraordinary circumstances as we all continue to respect the Safer at Home edicts. Cherished family traditions, worship services and festive gatherings have been set aside, by necessity, in the interests of public health. For all of us, it will be a season unlike any we have experienced, or likely will ever experience again.  Continue reading

We are in the midst of an economic cataclysm the likes of which this country has not experienced for decades, perhaps ever. The effect on small businesses - the drivers of the American economy - has been devastating. Continue reading

Late last week, City employees worked tirelessly setting up emergency shelters to house people living on the streets during the COVID-19 crisis. By Friday evening, the shelter at the North Hollywood Recreation Center was ready to receive occupants. Continue reading

In times of crisis, it is the role of government to provide critical information, hope, leadership, and reassurance. The public should expect nothing less. Continue reading

There's obviously a lot of anxiety in our communities about the novel coronavirus outbreak. Everyone's feeling on edge, and at times like this, misinformation seems to spread like wildfire. I will be providing you with regular updates to ensure you have the information you need to be prepared and to keep safe, and to help limit and slow the spread of the virus. PLEASE do not rely on social media, much of which is baseless nonsense -- instead, here are some of the reliable sources for up-to-the-minute, accurate information that you should check regularly: Continue reading

As Chair of the Ad Hoc Jobs Creation Committee, I created the Jobs and Economic Development Incentive (JEDI) Zone Program. My intent was to put forward an economically advantageous plan for urban areas that would replace the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles, which was eliminated by then California Governor Jerry Brown in 2011. Continue reading

On Wednesday, my colleagues and I heard from a variety of experts regarding the city's preparation for the coronavirus. The agencies involved included Los Angeles County of Public Health, the Emergency Management Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, the Port of Los Angeles and LAX. Continue reading