It was a bittersweet week at City Hall as we bid farewell and happy retirement to LAPD’s 57th Chief of Police, Michel Moore. Chief Moore served our City for more than 40 years, and as our Chief for the last six, he led the department through enormous challenges with grace and integrity. He has been a welcome presence at events across the District, and while we will miss him dearly, we wish Chief Moore all the best in his future endeavors. 

On Friday, I was proud to witness Dominic Choi being sworn in as our new Interim Chief of Police. An LA native, Chief Choi joined the LAPD in 1995. He moved up the ranks throughout his career, serving as the Commanding Officer at Pacific Division back in 2016. He also worked with LAX Field Services Division and served as LAPD’s Homeless Coordinator. As the first Korean-American to hold the post of LAPD Chief, he truly represents the diversity of our police department. 

We’re really excited to hand the reins over to Chief Choi and excited to see more of him back on the Westside!

In The News:
Michel Moore to Spend Final Days as LAPD Chief 

Dominic Choi picked as interim LAPD Chief

It was a rough week on the public safety front. Among other things, numerous businesses in Venice and Del Rey were burglarized, and a video of two women fighting on the Venice boardwalk went viral. LAPD made three arrests in connection with the commercial burglaries, and they are investigating the incident at the boardwalk, which frustratingly, was video-taped by witnesses, but never reported to the police.

While we’ve made incredible progress on crime and homelessness, much work remains. This includes assistance from the County on mental health and addiction issues, which is desperately needed.

As I mentioned in my Legislative Minute (above), I’m working with LAPD and my Council colleagues to crack down on property crimes, like burglaries and retail theft. And, we continue to lobby the County for additional mental health and addiction resources for the most challenging cases remaining on our streets.

I also want to extend my personal gratitude to LAPD Chief Michel Moore and Assistant Chief Blake Chow of Special Operations Bureau for sending the LAPD Mounted Unit to patrol the Venice boardwalk. We appreciate the additional support following a difficult week!

In The News:
3 arrested after multiple businesses in West Los Angeles broken into within hours   

Two arrested in string of burglaries at Marina del Rey shopping center  

2 suspects arrested after wave of robberies in Marina Del Rey

Councilwoman Traci Park Calls for Plan to Implement Real-Time Crime Centers Following Surge in Los Angeles Property Crime 

Naked woman fights with spiked clubs at Venice Beach

With all of the storm damage to our canyon and hillside communities over the last several weeks, and with more rain on the way, my office and our partners at Bureau of Engineering, Recreation & Parks, and Emergency Management have actively engaged with residents and property owners to ensure that remedial steps are taken.

During a storm event, please report all non-life-threatening damage and request City services via 311. As always, report life-threatening issues immediately to 911.

We are so relieved that all nine of the firefighters injured in the explosion on February 15 in Wilmington are expected to make full recoveries. This week, firefighter Daniel Goen, the most critically injured, was released from the hospital. We thank him for his courage and look forward to his return to duty!

Not only is LAX at the forefront of some of the largest capital improvement projects in the country, but LAX offers incredible workforce training programs. Check out their upcoming construction career training!