Photo credit: Office of Los Angeles County 4th Supervisorial District
Left to Right: Malik Singleton, Damani Singleton, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Supervisor Hilda Solis, Helen Singleton, Dr. Robert Singleton, Robert Farrell, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Supervisor Janice Hahn
Bruin alumni recognized at L.A. County Black History Month celebration
On February 24, UCLA alumni Robert and Helen Singleton and Robert Farrell (also a former L.A. city council member), were honored by Los Angeles County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Janice Hahn for their leadership during the 1960s Civil Rights movement. In 1961, the three joined several other alums and more than 400 civil rights activists in a national challenge to segregation in interstate travel. Participating in the Freedom Rides, these students faced arrests and violence in the fight for civil rights. Dr. Robert Singleton, a UCLA NAACP leader, went on to serve as founding director of the UCLA Center for Afro-American Studies (later renamed the UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies). A resident of San Pedro, Robert Farrell served as Los Angeles city council member
for the 8th District from 1974 to 1991. As a council member, he championed affordable housing, economic development and expanded transportation access.
► VIDEO: Recording of the County’s celebration. Black History Month celebration starts at 18:47, with Supervisor Hahn’s presentation to Robert Farrell starting at 33:40 followed by Supervisor Mitchell’s presentation to the Singletons starting at 42:15.
U.S. economy poised to grow, California to lead in 2026
The spring 2026 UCLA Anderson Forecast presents an optimistic outlook for the U.S. and California, driven by income tax cuts and significant investment in artificial intelligence, both of which position the economy for reacceleration. Still, despite expected GDP growth, challenges remain in the labor market, with job gains primarily concentrated in healthcare and the unemployment rate experiencing only a modest decline. While California is expected to outpace national growth, it still grapples with subdued payroll employment and ongoing structural imbalances as the state emerges from the impacts of previous tariff shocks and supply chain disruptions.
► VIDEO: Anderson Forecast – Los Angeles on the global stage: World Cup, Super Bowl & the Olympics
UC President urges lawmakers to spur growth by investing in universities
In his remarks to the California State Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, UC President James Milliken highlighted the importance of Governor Newsom’s January budget proposal, which includes significant funding for the University of California system. He stressed that public higher education is crucial for linking talent to opportunity, and he emphasized UC's role in propelling social and economic mobility. Milliken pointed out the ongoing challenges posed by declining federal support, while celebrating UC's record enrollment of more than 200,000 California resident undergraduates. He expressed gratitude for the state’s commitment to education and called for continued state support for the University and its contributions to California’s economy.
► VIDEO: UC President Milliken announces UC sponsorship of SB 895
Father and daughter rooted in Homeboy Industries, connected to UCLA
Cianna and Cesar Ulloa’s story provides an inspirational example of connection between Homeboy Industries and UCLA. Cianna is a third-year sociology student at UCLA, and she draws inspiration from her father's transformative journey from gang involvement to a fulfilling career at Homeboy. Their bond highlights the impact of Homeboy's programs on education and personal growth, as Cianna credits the organization for her opportunities at UCLA. The growing partnership between the two institutions reflects a commitment to community transformation and social service. The Ulloas’ story helps to demonstrate that past experiences shape future aspirations.
UCLA in the community
On February 25, UCLA campus partners came together in person and online to learn how to support the university’s commitment to serving diverse communities, deepening engagement, and strengthening UCLA’s ties with L.A. through the UCLA Community Partner Banners effort. With more than 400 programs across the greater Los Angeles area reaching approximately 1,400 community partner collaborations, UCLA Community Partner Banners provide visibility to these partnerships and help connect communities with free resources and services listed on the
UCLA Community Partnerships website. For more information, please contact
advocacy@support.ucla.edu.
Women’s History Month
A curated selection of stories from across campus spotlighting women’s voices, histories and research.
A new era for Los Angeles art
The Mohn Art Collective (MAC3) is a groundbreaking initiative that unites the Hammer Museum at UCLA, LACMA, and MOCA to collect and support Los Angeles art. This innovative partnership emphasizes long-term stewardship, focusing on curatorial collaboration that centers on local artists, including UCLA alumni. The initiative aims to enhance visibility and opportunities for emerging talent, as reflected in its recent acquisition of works from the Hammer's Made in L.A.
biennial, which showcases influential artists, including Jackie Amézquita and Mohn Award winners.
Altadena rentals stagnate one year after Eaton Fire
A February 2026 report from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute reveals that 74% of rental units damaged in the January 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena show no signs of rebuilding. The research also finds that Altadena’s tenants entered the disaster with fewer economic protections than homeowners. Before the fire, tenant households had substantially lower incomes, higher poverty rates, and significantly higher rent burdens. Without targeted policy intervention, researchers warn that displaced tenants may face long-term or permanent displacement from the community.
No such thing as free parking
The cost of construction in Los Angeles is driven in part by parking, a new report by the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies has concluded. Building on the work of the late Professor Donald Shoup, the report reveals that parking construction costs have risen about 50% faster than inflation since 2012. Excluding land costs, underground parking averages $73,000 per space, while aboveground averages $52,000. These mandates often discourage new projects and inflate existing property prices. In response, many cities are moving to reduce or eliminate parking requirements to ease financial burdens and promote development.
Engineering dean and professor recognized for their contributions to society
Dean Ah-Hyung “Alissa” Park and Professor Aydin Babakhani from the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have been named senior members of the National Academy of Inventors for their impactful research that translates into technologies benefiting society and advancing the economy. Dean Park focuses on sustainable energy solutions, while Professor Babakhani specializes in integrated systems and sensor technologies. They are among 230 honorees from 82 institutions who will be inducted at the academy's annual conference in Los Angeles this June.
Nobel laureate Fred Ramsdell returns to UCLA
Chancellor Julio Frenk welcomed back alumnus and 2025 Nobel Prize laureate Fred Ramsdell during a seminar titled “From the Manhattan Project to Autoimmune Therapy.” Ramsdell, who earned his doctorate in microbiology and immunology from UCLA in 1987, shared insights on his groundbreaking research regarding regulatory T cells, opening up new therapeutic pathways for cancer, autoimmune disease and stem cell transplantation.
UCLA Law students gain work experience in D.C.
The UCDC Law Program, directed by former federal prosecutor Nicole Lehtman, offers law students from five UC institutions a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Washington, D.C. Through full-time, semester-long externships, participants work 40 hours a week, while engaging in a seminar on government law and public policy. Students get the chance to work with various governmental and nonprofit organizations, tackling issues from civil rights to environmental regulation. Financial support is available through the Jonathan R. Yarowsky Fellows Program, aimed at making the program more accessible for those committed to public service. Many former participants credit the program's networking opportunities and the exceptional guest lecturers, including Supreme Court justices and
prominent legal figures, as benefits that significantly influenced their careers.
Supercharging immune cells and protecting them from tumors
Researchers at UCLA have developed a groundbreaking method to enhance the performance of immune cells against solid tumors, supplying them with an energy source that tumors cannot access. Using cellobiose, a non-toxic sugar from plant fiber, the researchers engineered T cells to convert this sugar into glucose inside the cells. This approach helps T cells thrive in low-nutrient environments typically dominated by aggressive cancer cells. In mouse models, these modified T cells not only survived better but also displayed improved activity against tumors, leading to slower tumor growth and even complete regression in some cases. This innovative strategy holds promise for enhancing the effectiveness of CAR-T and other T cell-based therapies in treating solid tumors.
How this Bruin doctor is working to end health disparities in Los Angeles
The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA collaborates with Charles R. Drew University in South Los Angeles to train doctors dedicated to serving underserved communities. Active since 1981, the partnership emphasizes the importance of providing healthcare to those who need it most; it has successfully graduated more than 40 classes, with many alumni choosing to practice in these underserved communities. Dr. David Carlisle, president and CEO of Drew and a long-time affiliate of the UCLA Department of Medicine, emphasizes that students are driven by a sincere desire to enhance health outcomes, prioritizing community well-being over economic gain.
L.A. civic leaders donate to address mental health crisis
UCLA Health announced its largest-ever gift for mental health care, a transformative $100 million donation from philanthropists Stewart and Lynda Resnick. This funding will significantly expand mental and behavioral health services, including the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital and a comprehensive mental health campus. The expansion will add a specialized unit for acute behavioral health crises. The Resnicks’ generous support strengthens community connections and enhances access to high-quality mental health services in Los Angeles, addressing the pressing mental health challenges that many families and individuals face. The new facilities are set to open soon.
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 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a UCLA student organization that provides free federal and state income tax filing services to low and moderate income individuals in Los Angeles, including those who are disabled and elderly. VITA services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns.
Upcoming events: ► Saturday, April 4: Community Resource Center in West L.A., 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ► Saturday, April 11: Baldwin Hills Branch Library, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
