LA Mayor Karen Bass is set to give her state of the city address on Monday afternoon, providing an update on how LA is preparing to tackle the year ahead. 

It’s sure to be a busy one: Federal immigration raids and protests against them are continuing, the FIFA World Cup arrives this summer, and it’s a mad dash for LA to prepare for the Olympics in 2028. That’s on top of the question perpetually facing the city: How can leaders keep the budget balanced while also delivering on issues like housing, street maintenance and public safety?

According to the mayor’s office, her speech will “reflect this moment and serve as a unifying celebration of Los Angeles, the city that we love: its people, neighborhoods, and cultures.” But what’s on the minds of people from LA’s neighborhoods? We asked them.

Sunny Daze, South Central

Sunny Daze lives in South LA. (Isaiah Murtaugh / The LA Local)

“Some people are panicking. Not only just because of ICE. I mean as far as economy. It’s in everybody’s pocket to try and save their money.

Omar Medrano, Koreatown

Omar Medrano lives in South Central and previously lived in Koreatown. (Hanna Kang / The LA Local)

“The thing about K-town that needs to be fixed, I recommend, is going to be the homelessness. That’s the big issue right now.” 

Anthony Lee, Koreatown

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“Find ways to help out homeless people, to get them off the streets and make a more safe LA.”

Eztli De Jesus, Boyle Heights

Eztli De Jesus, 19, lives in Boyle Heights. (Laura Anaya-Morga / The LA Local)

“I think one of the biggest issues facing my neighborhood is the lack of voting centers around us. I think it is a little inaccessible to go and vote as community members of Boyle Heights, just because there are very limited options for us. And I think that is something that is super important because while some of us may not be able to vote, there are still some of us who are. And if it’s too inaccessible to go into a voting center nearby, it just makes it a lot harder for us to participate in important decision-making.” 

Rokky Lopez, Hollywood

Rokky Lopez lives in Hollywood. (Marina Peña / The LA Local)

“Well, to the mayor of this city, my respect to her because she defended us. Here in Los Angeles, they have supported us a lot. Like Central Americans, like the Caribbean, like Ecuador. They have supported us a lot in this country.” 

Kevin Gil, East LA

Kevin Gil, 27, grew up in East LA. (Laura Anaya-Morga / The LA Local)

“Listen to the people. Listen to our communities. Hear our needs and just try and put themselves in all of our shoes. The families, the kids, the workers. Stick to our humanity. We are all people. We deserve an equal way of living as everyone else.” 

Watch here:

My background: I spent my early years in downtown Los Angeles and lived the last decade between Pico Union and University Park. Before journalism, I spent stints as an after-school tutor and a housing social worker. I’ve covered immigration, religion, housing, local government and a little bit of everything else for outlets in Los Angeles and beyond.

What I do: I keep an eye on local institutions — like city governments, police departments and school boards — and an ear to the ground for the good, the bad and the weird things going on in South LA and Inglewood. I tell you what I find out on our website, in our newsletter and on social media.

Why LA?: This place is home. I love the people, the cultures, the hills and the Pacific Ocean.

The best way to contact me: My email is isaiah@thelalocal.org. Find me on Signal @isaiahembee.23.

My background: I’m originally from Fontana in the Inland Empire and have spent most of my career covering local news for Latino communities in Los Angeles. Most recently, I led coverage of the historic 2024 Latino vote in Nevada as editor of the Las Vegas Review-Journal en Español. Before that, I was the Bilingual Communities Reporter at the Long Beach Post, getting to know the city’s vibrant Spanish-speaking communities.

What I do: I cover topics that will help residents in Boyle Heights and East LA navigate and understand the issues they encounter in their everyday lives while also seeing themselves reflected in the stories we spotlight.

Why LA?: I have vivid memories of visiting El Mercadito in Boyle Heights with my family and indulging in gorditas, esquites and nieves de limón before our hour-long drives back to the IE. The struggles of underserved communities are felt across county borders and I’m eager to report on a community that reminds me of home.

The best way to contact me: My email is laura@boyleheightsbeat.org.

My background: I grew up in Mid-City before my family moved to the suburbs of San Bernardino County. I later returned to LA for college and grad school at USC (Fight on!) and eventually spent three years in nearby Orange County, where I covered everything from the 2024 election and immigration to local government.

What I do: I report on the vibrant, immigrant-centered communities of Koreatown, Pico Union and Westlake, focusing on the people who live and work in these neighborhoods.

Why LA?: LA is where my immigrant family was introduced to life in the US, a city that just happens to be one of the best places to eat.

The best way to contact me: My email is hanna@thelalocal.org. You can also find me on Signal @hannak.77.

My background: I immigrated to Los Angeles as a child from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and have spent many years working as a journalist in LA, covering a wide range of communities and issues.

What I do: I’m a reporter for The LA Local, focusing on Koreatown, Pico Union, and Westlake. Most days, you’ll find me out in the field, looking for stories that matter to the community.

Why LA: The vibrant immigrant communities, the food, the sense of belonging, and of course, the weather.

The best way to contact me: My email is marina@thelalocal.org.

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