Celebrating UCLA-LAUSD partnership school
The UCLA Community School celebrated its 15th anniversary on March 27 with a quinceañera, honoring the local Latino community and showcasing its commitment to multilingual education through a biliteracy fair. The event featured presentations of student projects, family workshops, and programs from various UCLA initiatives. Chancellor Julio Frenk recognized the school's role in fulfilling UCLA’s mission of education, research, and service, noting the significant contributions from faculty, staff, and students over the years and also highlighted several partnerships with the school. The event included recognitions and commendations, including representatives from the Los Angeles city council and state legislative offices. The event included the presentation of a UCLA community
partnership banner, representing the strong collaborations between the university and the school.
Latino Bruins champion ‘a different kind of UCLA’
The opening of UCLA’s Latinx Success Center marks a significant step toward the university's goal of becoming a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, with Chancellor Frenk emphasizing the necessity of fostering an inclusive environment for students to thrive. This new center not only provides advising, mentorship, and career preparation but also strengthens community bonds among students, reflecting the university's commitment to enhancing student retention and graduation rates. As a grassroots initiative largely driven by student voices, the center serves as a vital space for cultural connection and support, advancing UCLA’s commitment to promote diversity and excellence in higher education.
MMR vaccine incredibly effective at blocking the virus
In light of recent measles outbreaks, many are questioning their vaccination status and what it means for their health. Learn about the effectiveness of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, the symptoms of measles, and the importance of immunity.
New initiative creates starter homes on vacant land
UCLA’s cityLAB, the City of Los Angeles, and LA4LA have joined forces in the initiative "Small Lots, Big Impacts," which focuses on transforming underutilized city-owned small lots into innovative, affordable housing tailored for first-time homeowners. This effort brings together architects, designers, and builders to creatively reimagine these spaces and create new housing in a city that desperately needs it. By streamlining housing developments and reducing regulatory barriers, the initiative empowers smaller developers and fosters resilient homes for working Angelenos. The project, supported by various city officials and agencies, seeks to create a new generation of compact "SoCal starter homes" that provide cost-effective housing while promoting sustainable
urban development.
Making progress on climate change: UCLA update
UCLA addresses climate change through initiatives that include clean energy adoption, plant-based meal options, and sustainable building practices, recently achieving significant milestones. The university reported a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to decreased fossil fuel use and increased use of renewable energy. It introduced healthier food options and received LEED certification for three new green buildings, including the all-electric Nimoy Theater. UCLA also cut total water usage by more than 76 million gallons annually and improved per capita water consumption by more than 15% through water reclamation and native landscaping. The campus eliminated single-use beverage bottles in dining facilities, transitioning to aluminum alternatives, and launched a
sustainable move-out effort, to repurpose gently used furniture and household items and reduce landfill waste.
The big picture: How UCLA is working toward a more sustainable planet
For more than 50 years, UCLA has led in environmentalism and sustainability, beginning with its groundbreaking environmental studies program in the early 1970s, the first in the UC system and among the first nationally. This initiative has evolved into a comprehensive, multidisciplinary effort across various schools and departments, impacting areas from campus operations to global policy. As Earth Month is celebrated this April, UCLA highlights its commitment to advancing sustainability, developing climate change solutions, promoting biodiversity, and educating future environmentally conscious leaders.
In 2024, UCLA recorded an average of 83,529 daily vehicle trips, a reminder of the campus’ place at the center of a car-oriented society. Yet, Bruins also made a significant shift toward sustainable commuting, with increased bus ridership and electric vehicle usage. Despite an increase in the university’s population of nearly 10,000 in five years, automobile commutes declined, reaching the lowest percentage in campus history. Three of the top ten cars for parking permits were electric or hybrid, and only 38% of employees drove to campus alone in a gasoline-powered vehicle. About 4,000 employees utilized zero-emission vehicles daily, supported by an expanded network of EV chargers, while 61% of staff and faculty chose environmentally friendly commuting methods. Student
bus trips surpassed solo driving, driven by the distribution of almost 19,000 U-Passes. Additionally, bike and scooter use increased, with more than 50,000 bicycle trips recorded and the introduction of Waymo's autonomous ride-hail service on campus.
Squandering the Colorado River
A report from UCLA and the Natural Resources Defense Council reveals that states in the Colorado River Basin, which supplies water to 40 million people, recycle only 26% of wastewater. Arizona and Nevada exceed 50% recycling rates, while states such as California, Colorado, and Utah fall behind, with some under 4%. Increasing reuse rates to 40% could provide nearly 900,000 acre-feet of new water annually, enough to supply water to 2 million homes. The report highlights significant barriers, including inadequate data and the absence of federal standards, and urges coordinated federal and state actions to enhance wastewater recycling. These findings are crucial as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation negotiates new Colorado River guidelines for the post-2026 period.
From brain to gut, Professor Wentai Liu engineers hope
For more than 40 years, UCLA bioengineering professor Wentai Liu has developed groundbreaking technologies that merge electronics and biology to improve patients' lives. Among his achievements: the first bionic eye to restore sight and a device to help paralyzed individuals walk again. His current research, funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, focuses on using electrical signals to ease chemotherapy side effects, detect Alzheimer’s disease early, and treat gastrointestinal issues.
In March, fifth-grade students from Monte Vista Elementary School participated in the Hammer Museum's classroom-in-residence program
at UCLA. This year, the program featured a new partnership with Lulu, a restaurant located in the museum’s courtyard and known for its sustainable and seasonal food, that provided the students with a healthy lunch on top of their artistic and creative play. Lulu's team shared insights about food preparation and the importance of farmers’ markets, reinforcing the connection between food and learning. The program, now in its eleventh year, engages students from Title I schools to explore art, develop critical thinking, and gain confidence about college life during their week at the museum and UCLA campus.
Experts consider Los Angeles wildfire recovery
Elected officials, community leaders, and policy experts convened on March 20 for UCLA’s Luskin speaker series to address wildfire recovery in Los Angeles. Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, interim dean of the Luskin School of Public Affairs, underscored the importance of ensuring that recovery efforts serve all residents. Panelists, including California state Assemblymember Isaac Bryan and Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, discussed the critical need to tackle root causes of wildfires, improve health outcomes for affected communities, and implement strategies for equitable rebuilding. They advocated for innovative uses of redevelopment law to foster disaster recovery and called for community participation. The event showcased a united commitment to transforming
challenges into actionable solutions for a more resilient and just Los Angeles.
For UCLA’s Steve Lurie, safety and community building go hand in hand
Steve Lurie has assumed the role of UCLA’s associate vice chancellor for campus and community safety, leveraging his extensive background in public safety and community engagement from his time with the LAPD and his academic experience in law. His appointment, influenced by Chancellor Frenk’s focus on a unified approach to campus safety, seeks to enhance community policing and foster a safe environment for all Bruins. Launched in the fall of 2024, the Four-Point Plan for a Safer, Stronger UCLA includes updating safety protocols, addressing hate and discrimination, and promoting open dialogue among campus groups. Lurie emphasizes the need for effective communication with stakeholders about safety issues and the importance of preparing for emergencies, ensuring that the diverse
voices within the community shape the safety efforts at UCLA.
The UCLA Voting Rights Project has appointed experienced California leaders Xavier Becerra and Anthony Rendon to its leadership team. Becerra, who previously served as U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services and California attorney general and who recently announced his campaign for governor, will take on the role of senior strategic advisor to address issues related to federal policies impacting voting rights, leveraging his background in defending civil rights. Rendon, the former speaker of the California Assembly, will serve as senior public policy advisor, focusing on the response to voter-access challenges. He will draw on his experience with initiatives such as universal vote-by-mail and restoring voting rights to individuals on parole.
In 2005, the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center was founded with an ambitious mission: to transform the future of medicine through stem cell science. Over the past 20 years, UCLA scientists have redefined what’s possible by pioneering therapies for once-incurable diseases and laying the groundwork for a new era of regenerative medicine. Their groundbreaking discoveries in foundational biology have led to life-saving treatments that benefit patients worldwide. With each breakthrough, they expand the promise and potential of regenerative medicine. Discover how their work continues to shape what comes next.
Supporting Communities: UCLA's Impact
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles through UCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
The UCLA Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP)is at the cutting edge of immigration scholarship and practice - developing bold legal, policy, and narrative change strategies that advance the way we think about immigration law and policy in the U.S. and beyond.
