Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky

I had the opportunity to stop by LA’s 9-1-1 dispatch center yesterday to thank the dispatchers who handle emergencies with skill and focus every day. They’re the first to answer the call—literally—and their work saves lives. I’m grateful for their dedication and am committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to keep our city safe.

I just left a roundtable hosted by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur to discuss how the state can help Los Angeles recover from the recent wildfires. Our focus right now has to be, first and foremost on rebuilding – and how we do that while protecting our City’s financial health.

But we also have to be thinking about recovery from a climate resiliency perspective. The Natural Resources Agency projects the cost of climate change statewide to reach $113 billion annually by 2050. Given the level of destruction caused by these fires, that number is probably conservative. Immediate action is needed to reform financing strategies and ensure equitable, effective recovery efforts.

Many of you have asked how you can help support relief efforts. Here are the best ways to make a difference:

-Check in with neighbors, especially those who are elderly, vulnerable, or may need extra support.
-Be prepared: Keep a “go bag” ready with essential supplies in case of future evacuation orders.
-Make a financial donation to trusted organizations like the LA Fire Foundation, LA Police Foundation, California Community Foundation, or the Red Cross.
-Get trained and vetted by the Red Cross to volunteer for future relief efforts.
A quick note: Non-financial donations are not being accepted at evacuation centers right now.

Thank you for stepping up to support our community—it’s what makes us stronger in times like these.

Hanukkah Sameach, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, and warm holiday wishes to everyone celebrating! I hope this season brings you joy, laughter, and time with the people you love. Wishing you a wonderful end to the year, and a bright start to the next!

Happy Veterans Day! Today, I’m especially grateful for veterans like Coast Guard vet Mitchell Jacoves. I had the opportunity to recognize him in City Council on Friday for his continued service to our community—supporting LAPD Wilshire Division and the Community Police Advisory Board, mentoring young cadets, and always leading by example. Veterans like Mitchell remind us that service doesn’t stop, and LA is stronger because of them. To all our veterans—thank you.

Just dropped off my ballot! Polls are open until 8 p.m.—if you haven’t voted in person or dropped off your ballot yet, be sure to get it in on time. With so many important issues on the ballot this year, it’s crucial that everyone’s voice is heard.

9 DAYS UNTIL THE PUMPKIN BASH!

You bring the pumpkins, we’ll bring the bats. Link in bio to sign up!

Last night, City Hall was lit in yellow in memory of the one-year anniversary of October 7th, and in solidarity with the hostages still in captivity. As we remember those we lost and stand with the survivors, we also reflect on the strength and resilience that has carried us through.

May we carry this moment as a reminder of our shared responsibility to fight against hate, support one another, and work toward a future where every community can live in peace.

Mayor Bass has made a strong choice in selecting Jim McDonnell as the next Chief of the LAPD. During my time working at the County of Los Angeles, I saw the leadership qualities that set him apart. Jim is committed to ensuring that public safety is balanced with accountability, and his focus on reform and building community trust makes him well-suited to lead the department. As Los Angeles prepares for significant events like the Olympics, his experience and approach will be invaluable in making sure our city is safe and prepared. I look forward to working with him to strengthen Los Angeles.