In what has been a challenging week for Californians and the rest of the nation, I want to share some joy from around the district. We must celebrate what is good in the world today.

This week, I got to witness first hand the pride of accomplishment when the owners of The Mexican Village celebrated 50-years of dedicated service in the community. In Atwater Village, we saw the holidays through the eyes of children as hundreds of families gathered for the annual tree lighting ceremony [founded 24 years ago by Brigid LaBonge, pictured left with me]. In Hollywood, actress Amy Poehler brought joy and laughter to the Walk of Fame as she received the latest star on the historic sidewalk. And finally, I witnessed dozens of neighbors near Lemon Grove Park making a difference in their community by participating in a cleanup, planting trees, installing art, and picking up debris inside the nearby tunnel under the 101 Freeway.

I am so honored and humbled to serve as your representative on the Los Angeles City Council, because events like these remind me that there is good in the world. Everyday, I meet people who love their community, and everyone in it. I look to these people for inspiration when life gets a little dark.

Folks, as we move forward this holiday season,  let us remember to counter darkness with illumination, and let peace on earth begin with each and every one of us.

Warm regards,