Supporters rally for Sepulveda Transit Corridor on day of historic vote
On January 22, the Metro Board of Directors unanimously approved a high-capacity transit connection between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of L.A. through the Sepulveda Pass. One of the most significant transit projects in the country, this project aims to reduce traffic congestion in one of the busiest areas of the region. Mayor Karen Bass said, “Today’s vote is a vote for Los Angeles’ future.
By investing in faster, more reliable transit connections, we don’t just move people more efficiently, we give students and working parents back time – including those commuting to and from UCLA and other colleges and universities throughout the region – we reduce financial strain for families, and we make it easier for Angelenos of all incomes to access education and employment opportunities that help them get ahead.”
UCLA community work honored by the Carnegie Foundation
UCLA has been recognized for the third time with the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification in recognition of the university’s commitment to community engagement and service. Through initiatives like UCLA Connects
, the university brings its research and teaching to real-world issues, collaborating with local and global partners on projects that address challenges such as health care access, education support, and environmental sustainability. This recognition underscores the significant impact that UCLA’s faculty, staff, and students have on improving lives in Los Angeles and beyond.
Bruins turn out for annual Westwood homeless count
On January 22, more than 100 volunteers gathered late into the evening for the 2026 Westwood Homeless Count. This annual point in time tally helps the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority determine the estimated population of people experiencing homelessness and helps direct services to where they are needed most. Volunteers included UCLA students, staff, and faculty, along with Westwood residents, and civic and community leaders. UCLA Associate of the Chancellor Felicia Knaul and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath provided opening remarks before volunteers were trained and deployed to their census tracts.
Governor Newsom proposes strong support for UC in state budget
UC President James B. Milliken expressed gratitude to the governor for his support of a proposed 2026-2027 state budget that would allocate $5.3 billion to the University of California, a 5% increase from last year. This funding helps maintain student access, affordability, and academic excellence, contributing to a record enrollment of 200,000 undergraduates and allowing 64% of students to graduate debt-free. The budget addresses rising costs and federal challenges, with the goal of providing students with the resources they need to succeed.
Proposed state legislation seeks to augment federal research funding
California lawmakers recently introduced Senate Bill 895 to establish a $23-billion state bond-funded research program through a proposed California Foundation for Science and Health Research. The bill responds to substantial disruptions and reductions in federal research funding under the Trump administration. According to its backers, the measure would sustain scientific efforts, maintain California's position in research leadership, and require that discoveries funded by the program result in discounted drugs for California residents. If passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Newsom, the proposal would appear on the ballot for voters to consider in November.
After the fires: a way forward
UCLA hosted the first annual L.A. Fire Research Conference to address the potential health impacts of urban wildfires. The conference drew upon a nine-university consortium to share research and develop coordinated responses for future disasters, and it highlighted the ways that urban fires differ from wildland fires. The event also aimed to share new knowledge related to outdoor and indoor chemical exposures, including clean up and recovery efforts. Addressing the conference, UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk emphasized the importance of mission-driven research that connects disciplines, communities, and policymakers to translate discoveries into actions that protect public health.
Sharp rise in ICE detentions of noncriminal immigrants
A recent report from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs reveals a sharp increase in immigration detentions of Latinos with no criminal convictions under the Trump administration. The report, which uses data from the Deportation Data Project, shows that monthly detentions of noncriminal Latinos increased sixfold compared to the last year of the Biden administration, primarily due to aggressive arrests in workplaces and public spaces. It also documents longer detention periods and frequent transfers between facilities, with nearly 90% of these detainees facing deportation instead of released into their communities.
Celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at UCLA
Nearly six decades after his death, the civil rights icon’s legacy lives on in Westwood through archival materials and courses inspired by his social justice teachings.
The 360: Greenland, Europe, NATO and a new world order
UCLA professor Stella Ghervas explains the broad shift in the U.S. approach to NATO and Greenland, including a movement in U.S. foreign policy. This shift emphasizes power over alliances, prompting European leaders to enhance their defense strategies and rethink their dependence on the U.S.
Some California homeowners dropping insurance after fires
A new UCLA Luskin California poll has found that more than 20% of California homeowners have dropped their home insurance, largely due to rising costs and policy cancellations. Most of these uninsured individuals prefer to stay in their communities despite the risks of wildfires, which respondents identified as their top climate-related worry. The survey also examined financial vulnerability, ballot access, and the need for air conditioning amid rising temperatures. Directed by Martin Gilens, this inaugural poll is intended to help policymakers understand the pressing challenges Californians face today.
How race and policy direct access to homeownership
At UCLA, Professor José Loya studies how race and policy affect access to homeownership, emphasizing the growing barriers faced by communities that need it most. He highlights the disparities in homeownership rates among different racial groups and argues that homeownership, a key wealth-building tool, is increasingly out of reach due to rising prices and financial risks. Loya encourages his students to understand the complexities of housing inequality and the importance of thorough research in addressing these issues for the future.
Ongoing health risks in California from methyl bromide
Researchers from UCLA and UC Irvine found that methyl bromide, a harmful pesticide, is still widely used across California, particularly in port cities such as Long Beach, Wilmington and San Pedro. The pesticide is linked to respiratory issues, especially in children. Despite the phaseout of its use in agriculture in 2015, exceptions for fumigating shipping containers continue, exposing nearby communities to dangerous levels of the chemical. The study highlights the urgent need for safer alternatives and better monitoring of air quality around high-usage areas.
Widely used pesticide linked to heightened Parkinson’s risk
A UCLA study reveals that long-term exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos significantly increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers found that people exposed to this chemical had more than a 2.5 times higher chance of the disease compared to those without exposure. The study combined human data with experiments on mice and zebrafish, showing that chlorpyrifos damages critical brain cells and disrupts processes that protect neurons. These findings highlight chlorpyrifos as a specific environmental risk factor for Parkinson’s and suggest that people with known historical exposure to chlorpyrifos might benefit from closer neurological monitoring.
Exploring mental health through ecological practices
The UCLA Ecological Medicine & Psychedelic Studies Initiative, part of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, investigates the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. Led by Dr. Helena Hansen and Landon Pollack, the initiative combines psychedelic studies with ecological medicine, emphasizing forest bathing, community gardening, and animal therapy, among other practices. It creates green spaces in urban areas and develops community projects, such as
gardens in Compton
, to foster connections that benefit diverse groups, including mental health patients and individuals trying to live in healthier ways.
Young people rank safety over wealth or celebrity
UCLA's Center for Scholars & Storytellers conducted a survey revealing that safety, kindness, self-acceptance, and fun are the top values for young people aged 10-24. Despite global conflicts and economic strain and other broad concerns, today's youth prioritize stability and connection over fame. The findings highlight their desire for empathy, authenticity, and enjoyment as essential tools for coping with stress and forming meaningful relationships.
Pull up a chair: Chancellor Frenk reaches out to students
UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk launched UCLA Connects: Chancellor’s Office Hours,
which allows students to schedule one-on-one meetings with him starting this winter. Frenk’s open door policy is part of his broader work to engage with the community and gives more students a chance to share their ideas and concerns directly with university leadership. Students can sign up on the chancellor’s website, and participants will be chosen randomly each quarter. Frenk emphasizes that student voices are crucial in shaping UCLA’s future.
New dean of the UCLA Anderson School of Management
Gareth James has been appointed the new dean of UCLA Anderson School of Management, starting July 1. With nearly 25 years of experience in various leadership roles, James brings educational experience and research credentials to UCLA Anderson's unique position in Los Angeles, where the school serves as a hub for technology, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. He plans to strengthen the school’s influence both locally and globally while fulfilling its essential role in shaping the thinkers and innovators of tomorrow.
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UCLA Health
New neuropsychiatric hospital will expand UCLA’s capacity for those in crisis
UCLA Health is set to open the new UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital in late summer 2026, dedicated entirely to mental health care. The facility will expand its capacity to 119 inpatient beds and include a 20-bed outpatient unit for acute behavioral health crises. Designed with input from staff and patients, the hospital will feature a healing environment with plenty of natural light, outdoor spaces, and areas for group therapy. The all-electric facility emphasizes sustainability with modern building materials and energy-efficient systems.
Overprescription of risky meds in dementia care
Researchers at UCLA found that one in four Medicare beneficiaries with dementia receives brain-altering medications that can lead to falls, confusion, and hospitalization. Despite a slight overall decline in prescriptions for these drugs from 2013 to 2021, many individuals with cognitive impairment still lack documented medical reasons for their prescriptions. The study urges better prescribing guidelines for safer care.
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
Since 2000, the student-run Mobile Clinic Project at UCLA aims to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations in the greater Los Angeles area by connecting them to the existing continuum of care.
