Most renters are rent burdened and barely surviving. In this case, a “no” would’ve resulted in an automatic 8% rent increase which would’ve been unacceptable. Ideally, the proposed motion to lock increases at 3% should’ve passed. Even the 4% and 6% rent increases are still too high. I would have voted for this compromise. As a lifelong renter, I understand what it’s like to pay more than 30% of your income towards rent. I have seen multi-generational families sharing a small apartment. I also understand that inflation affects landlords and increases their costs. However, minimum wage has not kept up with inflation. We need to address tenant harassment, reform our RSO, pass TAHO 2.0, Renter’s Right to Counsel, lower rents, and stop the loopholes in our system that result in evictions.

LAPD has been unable to hire to capacity. Financial incentives for new recruits have failed to address LAPD’s staffing shortages. Wage increases would put a massive strain on our city budget, which cuts services and puts public safety at risk. Our safety is about more than just the number of police officers we have. When we can’t make safety improvements to our streets, install street lights, or invest in alternatives to policing, we put constituents at risk. We could’ve expanded our Unarmed Model of Crisis Response Program, which would free up police officers to answer more emergency calls instead of non-emergency calls. Instead of investing on what hasn’t been working, we had a unique opportunity to invest in a whole variety of tools to address systematic problems in our city.

There’s too little study on the impacts to street safety and health. We need to reduce the number of traffic accidents and vehicular deaths, not take risky, unresearched steps that could increase them. These billboards also impact potential sites to build new housing, which should be our city’s primary concern. It’s also worth noting that digital billboards could adversely affect our film industry which has not recovered from the pandemic or recent strikes.

It also disturbs me how much money so many of our councilmembers and council candidates take from these billboard companies, and how many of these billboard companies advertise on these candidates' behalf. Not one recused themselves from this vote despite many members having close donor relationships with these billboard companies.

1,533 units per year

If CD2 had taken on its share to meet that goal since the Housing Element revision was announced in 2021, we would build 1,533 units a year (about 1/15th of the yearly goal for 15 districts). Instead, we were in the bottom three of districts for affordable unit production. My goal is to make up for this deficit. To address the housing crisis, we need to build our fair share, and make-up for previous leadership failures by building more. We’re going to have to reexamine our zoning and really search out opportunities, look at vacant lots to build on, or office buildings we can convert. We must prioritize building truly affordable housing to keep artists, young people, families, and essential workers in District 2.

Homeowners have considerable protections enshrined in federal law. Renters deserve equivalent protections. In 2023, for every 100 people that left homelessness, 125 fell into it. More than half of LA residents are rent burdened and pay more than 30% of their income towards rent. 96% of evictions are due to unpaid rent. The average rent in LA has gone up nearly 100% in ten years while inflation has only increased 33%. Rent-controlled units account for an estimated 50-70% of rental housing, so allowable rent increases have a huge impact.

I understand the need to balance the rights and obligations of landlords and renters. A 3% annual rent increase seems fair to me. The Federal Reserve works to keep inflation around 2%, which is already higher than many Angelenos receive in annual raises.

Out of 3,000 41.18 sweeps in 3 years, we only housed 2 people. Our leaders know these failed policies waste taxpayer money and temporarily displace encampments. These sweeps cause individuals to lose documentation, medication, and can lead to trauma, medical emergencies, and even death. We need to repeal 41.18 and measures that criminalize poverty.

I want to focus on proven, effective strategies: consistent and friendly outreach to unhoused individuals, opening more shelters, and building more permanent supportive and affordable housing. CD2 had one of the smallest decreases in homelessness last year and was third in building affordable housing. My plan will create access centers and support existing programs that help people get housed. People need to be treated like people, not problems.

Transportation infrastructure is good for business, safety, and community building.

I want to reinvigorate thoroughfares like Lankershim Boulevard, adding enhanced bus features like dedicated lanes for the 7+ bus routes that already operate there.

I would prioritize remedies to areas on the High Injury Network, like 5-way intersections (including Camarillo/Vineland/Lankershim). We need to create permanent roadway changes to avoid speeding and takeovers, including curb bulb-outs and raised crosswalks, especially near schools.

Streets like Laurel Canyon Boulevard stretch the length of CD2. I plan to focus any repaving projects on streets in need along Mobility Plan networks, which through Measure HLA, will provide amenities like protected bike lanes to give bicyclists a better north/south connection.

I want to rebuild our sense of community here in the valley. I would use this money to host community cleanups (like Tom LaBonge day) but more often and in all neighborhoods. I want to host volunteer days with our great local non-profit organizations like making lunches with NoHo Home Alliance or planting trees with Tree People. We will host resource fairs in the parks where people can get food, get access to city resources and apply for city jobs. Hosting events like NoHo Summer nights is very nice, but why do we do it six weeks in a row in the same park? There’s more to CD2 than the arts district. Our outgoing council office has spent very little of the $2 million that was available to us, per the City Controller. I will not leave money on the table for the people of District 2.

Many Angelenos must work multiple jobs to survive. This causes stress and a poor quality of life. Meeting our neighbors’ housing needs will help alleviate these problems. We must create more affordable housing by increasing the housing supply while focusing on affordability, building near transit, investing in social housing, and creating community land trusts. We must protect renters. We would crack down on illegal short-term rentals by enforcing existing ordinances, holding predatory landlords accountable, and expanding renter protections like the rent stabilization ordinance, universal just cause, and right to counsel to achieve this. We would assess current zoning regulations, cross-reference what exists with the needs of the community and update outdated regulations.

We would encourage equitable development by allowing a variety of housing types like multi-family and mixed-use construction and by removing parking minimums. We would push to implement vacancy taxes on empty commercial spaces and ensure that revenue is dedicated to help fund low income housing. We would seek to add new density bonuses for developers that agree to have at least 50% affordable units in their buildings. For many, owning a home feels out of reach. We must rebuild the “missing middle" by creating housing at all levels. We can't just build five-over-ones or single family homes. Let’s build duplexes, triplexes, and garden apartments. Let’s let young families build their dreams in L.A.

Our office understands that we must work towards making Vision Zero a reality. This year is on record to have over 300 fatalities. We support the Healthy Streets L.A. ... and will implement the Mobility plan throughout our district. My team and I will work to create true protected bike lanes across well-tread corridors with curbs, bollards or flex posts at minimum. Major intersections must be upgraded with curb extensions (bulb-outs), protected by bollards as well. Sidewalks need to be widened, proactively repaired and built where missing, using accessible-first design, as with other public spaces.

I would additionally push for dedicated bus lanes and improved bus shelters in a broader Metro expansion to make our transit system even safer and more efficient, accessible, and comfortable than driving currently is. Fewer vehicles and car lanes, especially with traffic calming measures, are shown to slow speeds and reduce fatalities for all road users.

We believe that public safety issues are the failure to address the socio-economic disparities in our city. When it comes to public safety, we resort to excessive force and incarceration rather than harm reduction and restorative solutions. Universal basic income (UBI) for those below the poverty level would provide a safety net and is the most effective means of getting people off the streets and on their feet. We additionally need to remove law enforcement from situations that they are not needed in or adequately trained for such as mental health crises. Broader state and federal funding will bring all of these alternatives to scale.

The fact is, in Los Angeles, overall crime has decreased. Most 911 calls categorized as criminal have nothing to do with crime, but instead relate to poverty, homelessness, mental health and substance abuse which pose no danger to the public. I believe that police can be removed from those situations and replaced with Unarmed Crisis Response. This alternative would utilize trained civilians, mental health therapists and paramedics. These programs cost a fraction of the police budget and result in more positive outcomes, where those experiencing a mental health crisis can be de-escalated and receive treatment. Our office would also establish overdose prevention centers with full-time addiction treatment professionals and build integration programs for formerly incarcerated Angelenos to break the cycle of recidivism.

First off, restoring the public’s trust is of the utmost importance. After so many corruption scandals, making public comment even less accessible by moving general comment to the END of meetings will not restore public trust. I would advocate for its return to the beginning, as well as allowing virtual attendance and comment by phone at all public council and committee meetings. The City Council charter is long overdue for expansion to at least 29 seats.

We can give the public a say in elections by implementing democracy vouchers, independent redistricting, making the ethics commission truly independent, capping election costs to no more than $200,000, and barring the use of special interest money in elections. Our office believes that one council meeting a week should be moved to an evening or weekend so the working-class public has the opportunity to engage with their government. Finally, we need to change the schedule of city council meetings that coincide with the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and the L.A. Police Commission. These meetings should never conflict.

We need to reinvest in our community with services. We can start by ending harmful city ordinance 41.18, the anti-camping law. It causes trauma, displacement from services, contributes to climate change by overfilling our landfills, is a waste of taxpayer money and fails to provide a solution. We need a housing first approach, transparency on available shelters, housing and a tailored supportive program. We support expanding our green spaces, tree canopy, and removing hostile architecture. For clean transportation I support the high speed rail. It’s imperative that we create programs to improve energy efficiency for all homes while retrofitting older homes. Expanding water capture programs to send water into the San Fernando aquifer, not into our streets, is key to solving water shortages.

For green jobs, it’s time to invest in programs that transition our workers out of the fossil fuels industry. Furthermore, employers engaging in wage theft and discrimination must be held accountable; the underfunding of departments tasked with investigating these practices must end. Our office will expand supportive services, re-entry, and housing for BIPOC women, marginalized genders and LGBTQ+ residents, while also expanding access to reproductive and gender affirming care. We must discontinue cooperation with ICE/DHS, including all city vendors. I will establish programs that buy back and forgive medical/credit card debt. A well-loved and invested community will thrive.

I have a degree in forensic anthropology and theater which I am putting to good use as I co-own an interactive murder mystery theater company. I was an avid weightlifter and used to compete online.

I would have voted against this increase because it places an additional burden on tenants who are already struggling with the high cost of living. With Los Angeles facing an affordable housing crisis, we must protect our most vulnerable residents from significant rent hikes, especially as they recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.

I agree with Mayor Bass in supporting our public safety pay increases. Ensuring public safety is one of my top priorities, and I believe that increasing officer pay is necessary to retain and attract quality personnel. This contract helps improve morale within the LAPD and ensures that we can recruit the best of the best while maintaining a strong, community-oriented police force to better serve all Angelenos. However, I would also advocate for budgetary oversight to make sure these funds are spent effectively and transparently.

This plan should have had additional community outreach to the communities where the signs were being placed into and those communities should have a direct benefit from the revenues that the signs in the communities generate. Additionally, the Metro position of the funds should be locked down for service enhancement or fair reductions.

1,533 units per year

I plan to streamline the approval process for affordable housing projects and prioritize transit-oriented developments. Los Angeles has not historically met its RHNA housing goals and as a council member for District 2 I will make sure our district leads the way. I’ll work closely with developers and community stakeholders to ensure that projects are both feasible and beneficial. I’m also committed to protecting renters' rights to prevent displacement and ensure that existing residents can remain in their homes.

I support lowering the maximum rent increase to 3% because it provides necessary relief to tenants in rent-controlled units. With the cost of living rising and many residents facing financial strain, it’s essential to limit rent increases to prevent further hardship and displacement.

I don’t support criminalizing homelessness. Instead, I believe in a comprehensive approach that prioritizes providing shelter, supportive services, and long-term housing solutions. Enforcement should only be used as a last resort and only when absolutely necessary to protect the public and the individuals in question. My focus will be on expanding access to housing and services to reduce homelessness in a compassionate and effective way.

I would prioritize the conversion of the Orange Line to light rail, the building of heavy rail in the Sepulveda Pass and the completion of the NE SFV Transit Corridor light rail. These huge transit investments can reshape the SFV and increase mobility options of millions of Angelenos. I also secured $1.9 million funding to expand bike paths like the Chandler Bike Path, and would move to enhance transit-oriented development around the Red Line stations in North Hollywood and Universal City. These improvements are crucial for increasing mobility, reducing congestion, and supporting sustainable growth in the San Fernando Valley.

I would allocate discretionary funds towards projects that directly improve the quality of life in our district, such as expanding affordable housing, enhancing public safety through community policing and unarmed response programs, and investing in infrastructure improvements like bike lanes, pedestrian safety, and public transit. I’d also prioritize funding for social services, including programs that support the unhoused population and low-income families.

I understand our street crisis hinges on affordability. Los Angeles falls short, producing 16,700 units annually against a need for 57,000, per Regional Housing Needs Allocation. I’ll diversify housing types, from affordable to market-rate, ending hindrances for Angelenos. Streamlining bureaucracy is key; my oversight of land-use decisions will drive viable vertical development. Coordinated city efforts will speed up quality projects.

Transit-oriented development is a priority, using Red Line stations in North Hollywood and Universal City as hubs. Corridors like Lankershim and Vineland will see rezoning for housing and business growth. Local control and renter rights matter most. I opposed SBs 8, 9, and 10, supported Costa-Hawkins’ repeal, and stood for local tools to shape development and protect tenants’ rights. I advocate nuanced, precise solutions rather than centralized control.

My priority is ensuring the safety of every Angeleno and addressing the strain on our first responders. Fixing LAPD staffing shortages is crucial; with under 9,000 officers for 4 million people and a massive area, we're significantly under-policed. I support boosting LAPD recruitment efforts to match attrition and expand the force as needed. Community-based policing is key. Residents want respect, not defunding the police.

Acknowledging systemic issues, especially in Latino and Black communities, I'm focused on rebuilding trust through practices like community policing. Though the LAPD has made progress in reform, there's more to be done. I endorse targeted reforms to improve training and tools for first responders. Not every 911 call needs a police response; I aim for safer public encounters through collaboration with the LAPD. Updating LAFD funding is crucial to meet 21st-century demands.

I'm committed to tackling the systemic challenges of corruption and scandal in Los Angeles with decisive action. Firstly, City Charter Reform is a priority. I'll lead a comprehensive review to identify areas needing change, particularly in land use and political structure. Learning from past scandals, I aim to introduce amendments promoting transparency and accountability. To combat corruption, I'll champion concrete measures like robust whistleblower protections and incentives for reporting graft. Empowering honest public servants to combat corruption is crucial.

Effective oversight in land use is essential. I'll explore creating oversight bodies like an Inspector General for land use and independent groups to handle conflicts of interest. Implementing time limits for project deliberations will prevent stagnation. Reform shouldn't solely come from political circles; I'll engage external entities like academic institutions to drive meaningful change. Embracing diverse perspectives is key to comprehensive reform. Advocating for independent redistricting is vital. Shifting towards a model free from political influence, as seen successfully at other city and county levels, aims to restore trust in civic institutions and counter the issues prevalent in our national political climate.

I stand as the singular candidate with unmatched experience in delivering effective mobility solutions to Valley residents, setting me apart with a proven track record. During my time in the state Assembly, expanding transit options in the San Fernando Valley was a priority. I authored legislation that facilitated the development of light rail infrastructure, paving the way for the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor, aimed at establishing a light rail line from Sylmar to Sherman Oaks.

Advocating for the conversion of the congested Orange Bus Line in the Chandler Corridor to light rail is a pivotal initiative I endorse. This transformative project will significantly enhance mobility for Valley residents by linking the current Red Line subway and connecting with the proposed East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor, with the ultimate goal of reaching Burbank Airport. Additionally, I've supported bike path construction and connectivity, securing $1.9 million from the State to link the Chandler Bike Path.

Soccer has been a constant love, particularly as a goalkeeper. Its accessibility is what I find truly remarkable — just a ball is all it takes, and no fancy gear or specialized venues are required. Music has been another profound passion, passed down from my father, a musician and composer.