On Friday, April 11, the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, in partnership with UCLA Government & Community Relations and the Office of Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, hosted the 19th UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Day at City Hall. This annual event offers Luskin graduate students an opportunity to connect with city and county leaders and other experts in specific fields. This year, the day included a policy panel on housing, homelessness, sustainability, and transportation; a career panel focused on public service careers; and a roundtable discussion with Councilwoman Yaroslavsky. Representatives from the city’s Personnel Department also offered guidance on how to apply for city jobs. The day concluded with a networking mixer where students had the chance to meet
elected officials’ staffs, Luskin School alumni, and community leaders.
Quality of Life survey: High cost of living a growing concern for L.A. residents
A recent UCLA survey highlights deep-seated frustration among Angelenos regarding the high cost of living, now the most important category in the survey's ten-year history. The overall Quality of Life Index (QLI) remains stagnant at 53 on a scale of 10 to 100 (with a midpoint of 55), reflecting dissatisfaction across nine categories. The January wildfires intensified feelings of trauma, though also of determination: 89% of respondents supported rebuilding efforts for affected homeowners and 52% said they were willing to raise taxes for improved wildfire response. The survey reveals that job security and the economy are major issues, but cost of living dominates as the most significant factor influencing residents' quality of life, contributing to low satisfaction ratings.
U.S. Latino GDP hits high of $4.1 trillion, a “growth spot” for the nation
UCLA and Cal Lutheran's latest U.S. Latino GDP report reveals a record economic output of $4.1 trillion for Latinos in 2023, up from $3.7 trillion in 2022, making it effectively the fifth-largest economy globally if measured on its own. This growth outpaced the broader U.S. economy and underscored the resilience of the Latino population, which contributed 30.6% to national GDP growth. Key findings reveal that Latinos made remarkable gains in education, with a 125.3% rise in bachelor's degree attainment between 2010 and 2023, and showcased impressive consumer spending at $2.7 trillion, outpacing the economies of Texas and New York, two of the nations’ largest. Latinos bolstered the U.S. labor force by 726,000 workers on average annually and demonstrated improved health outcomes,
reflecting a return to the "Latino healthy lifestyle advantage." Overall, the report illustrates the vital role Latinos play in sustaining and driving the U.S. economy.
UCLA innovators tackle urgent climate challenges at Climate Action Day
Earlier this year, several of UCLA's brightest innovators came together to present their latest research and solutions for pressing climate issues at the UCLA Technology Development Group event. Keynote speaker Distinguished Professor Glen MacDonald emphasized California's crucial role in leading on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, an urgent mandate given the state's alarming climate impacts, including rising temperatures and increasing wildfire damage. Presenters showcased their work on innovative technologies such as supercool radiative cooling paints, fast-charging electric vehicle batteries, and carbon-negative water recycling, all funded by the Climate Action Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards. This event highlighted UCLA's commitment to transforming scientific
research into impactful solutions and technologies that can help vulnerable communities prepare for climate change.
UCLA Magazine: Walking Westwood
Westwood is not just home to UCLA. The village boasts a surprising number of sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and brims with rich history and vibrant culture. Come take a stroll with UCLA Magazine and experience all that Westwood has to offer.
UCLA School of Law students, including Maya Hernandez and Ian Bertrando, partnered with State Senator Caroline Menjivar to address air pollution from aggregate recycling facilities in the San Fernando Valley. Their research identified regulatory gaps that allowed these facilities to contribute to particulate-matter pollution. The findings led to the introduction of SB 526, Accountability for Aggregate Facilities, legislation which would mandate stricter monitoring and design standards for these operations. The bill, which seeks to protect communities near these facilities, is set for its first hearing on April 23.
The 2025 UCLA Awards celebrate outstanding achievements by alumni who have made significant contributions to society. Isaac Bryan, who earned a master’s degree in public policy from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, will receive the 2025 UCLA Award for Public Service for his impactful work as a member of the California State Assembly representing the 55th district. The UCLA Alumni Association will recognize him for uniting diverse groups to advocate for environmental justice, racial equity, housing reform, and criminal justice changes. While at UCLA, he led the Million Dollar Hoods project and the UCLA Black Policy Project. Now in his third term in the California legislature, Assemblymember Bryan champions policies for marginalized communities and chairs the Committee
on Natural Resources and the Select Committee on Poverty and Economic Inclusion. He will be honored alongside other distinguished UCLA alumni on May 17.
UCLA receives $6 million to expand stroke rescue program
UCLA Health has received a $6 million commitment from the Brett Torino Foundation to enhance its mobile stroke treatment program in areas of Los Angeles County with high stroke incidence. This funding supports the addition of a second mobile stroke unit, MSU2, which will serve the San Fernando Valley and enhance care at centers such as UCLA West Valley Medical Center. These units deliver advanced clinical care before patients reach the hospital, thus improving outcomes. Brett Torino highlighted the importance of this contribution in mitigating the devastating effects of strokes, while also advocating for children with cancer and disabilities through educational programs and camps.
Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders suffered during the pandemic, did not get care
A recent report by UCLA researchers underscored the urgent need for improved access to mental health resources for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) in California. According to the report, 34% of NHPI adults required care but 17% delayed reaching out for it because of costs and lack of insurance. Community engagement and expanded insurance coverage can help connect those in need with the care they are seeking, the report found. Additionally, nearly 75% of NHPI adults have never sought help for emotional issues, and more than 25% struggled to meet basic financial needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical assistant program creates pathway to new career
The UCLA Health Medical Assistant Program (MAP) plays a crucial role in workforce development, providing pathways for individuals to build careers while addressing community health needs. A partnership with UCLA Extension, MAP equips students with essential skills for roles within UCLA Health's clinics, exemplified by graduates such as Herbert Najera, who advanced from medical assistant to registered nurse at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. The program not only offers employment opportunities but also fosters the growth of dedicated healthcare professionals committed to improving patient care in Los Angeles. Since its inception in 2017, 115 of the 146 graduates have received job offers, and their work has helped to extend UCLA Health’s commitment to
community health and the creation of skilled healthcare professionals dedicated to patient care.
UCLA's Molecular Screening Shared Resource (MSSR), led by Robert Damoiseaux, plays a vital role in drug discovery and biological research by using advanced technology and encouraging teamwork among experts. Since opening in 2004, MSSR has built a strong reputation for helping identify new medicines, including a promising one for cancer and another for a serious infection caused by a resistant bacterium. The facility uses cutting-edge machines and smart data analysis, which help researchers work faster and more effectively. By offering unique training and collaborating with pharmaceutical companies, UCLA positions itself as a leader in addressing major global health challenges and preparing the next generation of scientists.
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles through UCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardenis a 7.5 acre public garden, outdoor classroom and research facility on the UCLA campus. It seeks to promote botanical knowledge and appreciation of nature to the UCLA community and public at large. Its diverse plant collections are designed to assist the teaching and research missions at UCLA while creating a tranquil environment within the urban surroundings. The Garden acts as a community gathering place for a wide variety of groups and through its own events promotes plant conservation, botanical research and horticulture.
