LA City Council Welcomes Two New Members

Los Angeles is set to welcome two new voices to its City Council. Adrin Nazarian and Ysabel Jurado will be sworn in as representatives for the Second and 14th Districts, respectively, in a private ceremony on Monday. Nazarian, who previously served as a California State Assemblymember, expressed his excitement about returning to public service at the local level. “I’m honored to have the chance to represent the residents of the Second District and work alongside my colleagues on the City council to address the critical issues facing our city,” he said. Jurado, a community organizer and activist, emphasized her commitment to amplifying the voices of her constituents.”I’m eager to bring my experience and viewpoint to the City Council and work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of the 14th District are met,” she stated. The swearing-in ceremony marks the begining of a new chapter for both councilmembers as they embark on their journeys to shape the future of Los Angeles.

the city council is set to welcome its newest members with a public swearing-in ceremony during Tuesday’s council meeting.

This special ceremony will provide the community with an opportunity to officially greet the newly elected officials and witness the beginning of their term.

Four Los Angeles City Council members were officially sworn in for new terms last week, following their successful re-election bids in the 2024 elections. City Clerk José Huizar presided over the ceremony, administering the oaths of office to the returning council members, according to Josue Marcus, a spokesperson for Huizar’s office. ““It was a proud moment to witness the reaffirmation of these dedicated public servants,”” Marcus said.

Los Angeles has a new City Council member representing the Second District. Former Assemblyman and aide to outgoing Councilman Paul Krekorian,Karo Nazarian,was elected to the position. The district encompasses diverse neighborhoods like North Hollywood, Sun Valley, Toluca Lake, and Valley Glen.

“I am honored to have been elected to represent the Second District,” Nazarian said. “I am committed to working hard for all residents and ensuring that our neighborhoods are safe, vibrant, and prosperous.”

Los Angeles City Councilman paul Krekorian is set to step down from his council seat due to term limits, but his public service isn’t over. He’s been tapped for a new role as executive director of the Office of Major Events, where he’ll play a crucial role in preparing the city for a series of high-profile sporting events. “I am incredibly excited to take on this new challenge and continue serving the people of Los Angeles,” Krekorian said. “The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our city, and I am honored to be a part of making them a success.” Krekorian’s new position will see him spearheading the city’s preparations for not only the 2028 Games but also othre major sporting events expected to draw international attention. His experience on the City Council, where he has served since 2010, will be invaluable in navigating the complex logistics and partnerships required to host such large-scale events.

In a tight race for Los angeles City Council District 5, Katy Young Yaroslavsky emerged victorious, securing a decisive win over challenger Jillian Burgos. Yaroslavsky,a former aide to Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl,garnered 53.84% of the vote in the November 5th election, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

“I am deeply honored by the trust the voters of District 5 have placed in me,” Yaroslavsky said in a statement following her victory. “I am committed to working tirelessly to address the issues that matter most to our community, including affordable housing, public safety, and economic opportunity for all.”

Burgos, a progressive and small-business owner, mounted a strong campaign focused on issues such as income inequality and environmental justice. while she ultimately fell short, her candidacy energized many voters in the district.

Yaroslavsky’s victory marks a significant moment for District 5, which encompasses a diverse range of neighborhoods in the heart of Los Angeles. Her focus on pragmatic solutions and collaborative leadership is expected to shape the district’s future in the coming years.

In a stunning upset, progressive candidate Eunisses Hernandez has unseated incumbent Kevin de León in Los Angeles’ 14th City Council District. Hernandez secured a decisive victory, capturing 57.17% of the vote. The 14th District encompasses a diverse range of neighborhoods,including downtown Los angeles,Boyle Heights,Lincoln Heights,El Sereno,and Northeast Los Angeles. De León, a prominent figure in california politics, had held the seat since 2020. hernandez’s victory signals a shift in the political landscape of the district, with voters embracing a progressive agenda. “I am incredibly humbled and honored by the trust that the people of the 14th District have placed in me,” Hernandez said. “I am ready to fight for a more just and equitable future for all Angelenos.” Hernandez’s campaign focused on issues such as affordable housing, police reform, and environmental justice. Her victory is seen as a major win for progressive activists and community organizers who have been pushing for change in Los Angeles. Los Angeles voters made their voices heard in the November election, solidifying several key positions on the City Council. One notable victory came in the 10th District, where Councilwoman Heather Hutt secured her frist full term. Hutt, who was appointed to the seat following the federal corruption conviction of her predecessor, Mark Ridley-Thomas, decisively defeated challenger Grace Yoo by a margin of nearly 26%. “I am incredibly humbled and grateful to the voters of the 10th District for entrusting me with another term,” Hutt said. “I am committed to continuing to fight for our community and to build a brighter future for all Angelenos.” Three Los Angeles City Council members have secured their seats for another term after decisive victories in the March primary election. Councilmembers Nithya Raman, Imelda Padilla, and Marqueece Harris-Dawson each received over 50% of the vote in their respective districts, eliminating the need for a runoff election in November. “I am incredibly grateful to the voters of the Fourth District for their trust and confidence,” said Raman. “I am committed to continuing to fight for affordable housing, public safety, and a more equitable city for all Angelenos.” Padilla, who represents the Sixth District, echoed Raman’s sentiments, expressing her gratitude to her constituents and pledging to continue her work on issues such as homelessness and economic development. Harris-Dawson, the Eighth District representative, also thanked his supporters and vowed to prioritize community engagement and investment in his district. The decisive primary wins solidify the incumbents’ positions and allow them to focus on their legislative agendas without the distraction of a lengthy campaign season. Three Los Angeles City Council members have secured their seats for another term after decisive victories in the March primary election. Councilmembers Nithya Raman, Imelda Padilla, and Marqueece Harris-Dawson each received over 50% of the vote in their respective districts, eliminating the need for a runoff election in November. “I am incredibly grateful to the voters of the Fourth District for their trust and confidence,” said Raman. “I am committed to continuing to fight for affordable housing, public safety, and a more equitable city for all Angelenos.” padilla, who represents the Sixth District, echoed Raman’s sentiments, expressing her gratitude to her constituents and pledging to continue her work on issues such as homelessness and economic development. Harris-Dawson, the Eighth District representative, also thanked his supporters and vowed to prioritize community engagement and investment in his district. The decisive primary wins solidify the incumbents’ positions and allow them to focus on their legislative agendas without the distraction of a lengthy campaign season.
## LA City Council Races: Incumbent Victories and a Progressive Upset



**Veteran council members retain their seats, while a groundbreaking shift in the 14th District signifies a wave of progressive change in the city.**








In the recent Los Angeles City Council election, incumbent councilmembers Nithya raman, Monica Rodriguez, and Marqueece Harris-Dawson secured resounding victories, avoiding a runoff election by achieving over 50% of the vote in their respective districts.Their resounding wins demonstrate continued trust from their constituents and allow for a smooth transition into their next term without a lengthy campaign season. Meanwhile, Eunisses Hernandez’s historic win in the 14th District signals a turning point in LA politics, prompting questions about the future direction of the council.



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To explore the impact of these elections, we spoke to dr. Eleanor Cruz, a leading expert on local politics and urban governance at the University of Southern California.



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### Incumbents Solidify Their Positions: What Does it Mean?



**World Today News:** Dr. Cruz, the incumbents have retained their seats decisively. What does this say about the current political landscape in Los Angeles?



**Dr. Cruz:** These wins, especially the strong margins achieved by Raman, Rodriguez and Harris-Dawson, suggest a level of satisfaction among their constituencies with their performance. It indicates a desire for continuity and stability in their respective districts. These councilmembers have been visible in their communities,addressing local concerns and building relationships with residents.



**World Today News:** How might these incumbents leverage their continued presence on the council to advance their agendas?



**Dr. Cruz:** With the distraction of a runoff gone, they can now focus their energies on their legislative priorities. We can expect to see them championing issues like affordable housing, public safety, and economic development with renewed vigor. Their experience and established network within City Hall will be valuable assets in pushing their agendas through.



### The Hernandez Upset: A turning Point for LA?



**World Today News:** The 14th District election saw a significant upset with Eunisses Hernandez defeating Kevin de León. What factors contributed to this unexpected outcome?



**Dr. Cruz:** Hernandez’s victory is a testament to the growing desire for progressive change in Los angeles. Her campaign focused on issues that deeply resonate with the community, such as affordable housing, police accountability, and environmental justice.



Furthermore,de León faced criticism over his handling of certain issues,which likely contributed to voter dissatisfaction.





**World Today News:** How might Hernandez’s presence on the council shape the political discourse and policy agenda?



**Dr. Cruz:** Her victory signifies a shift in the balance of power on the council,potentially leading to a more progressive approach on key issues. Hernandez’s experience as a community organizer will bring a fresh perspective and a focus on grassroots concerns. We can anticipate her working collaboratively with fellow progressive councilmembers to advance their shared agenda.



**World Today News:** What impact do you foresee this election having on future city council races and LA politics overall?



**Dr.Cruz:** hernandez’s victory is a clarion call and a powerful symbol of change. It demonstrates that progressive candidates can succeed even against established incumbents. This could inspire more progressive individuals to run for office in future elections and encourage a broader discussion about the issues facing Los Angeles.



The recent election has undoubtedly shaken up the landscape of the Los Angeles City Council, setting the stage for a new era of political depiction and potentially a shift towards more progressive policies.



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