Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Jackie Goldberg Reelected As LA Unified Board President

Topline:
The seven-member Los Angeles Unified board unanimously reelected Jackie Goldberg as president and Scott Schmerelson as vice president Tuesday.
What does the board president do?: The role is mostly symbolic. The president runs the board meetings and their vote has the same weight as any other member. They represent the board at public functions. As a whole, the board shapes policy for the 400,000-student district, steers the spending of a nearly $14 billion operating budget, and hires the superintendent.
Leading a collaborative board: There’s been little public disagreement among the LAUSD board over the last year, even as a teacher and support staff strike shut down schools for three days in March. “Whether we agree or not on every issue has become unimportant in the fact that this is a collaborative board,” Goldberg said in accepting the election results. “I am very proud to represent all of you as its president, thank you so much.”
Change is coming: Goldberg announced earlier this year that she will retire next December. Her seat representing much of north-and-southeast Los Angeles is one of four up for election in 2024.
-
LAUSD board members can amplify concerns from parents, students, and educators. Find your representative below.
-
District 1 map, includes Mid City, parts of South LA
Board Member George McKenna
Email: george.mckenna@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6382 -
District 2 map, includes Downtown, East LA
Board Member Rocío Rivas
Email: rocio.rivas@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6020 -
District 3 map, includes West San Fernando Valley, North Hollywood
Board Member Scott Schmerelson
Email: scott.schmerelson@lausd.net
Call: (213) 241-8333 -
District 4 map, includes West Hollywood, some beach cities
Board Member Nick Melvoin
Email: nick.melvoin@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6387 -
District 5 map, includes parts of Northeast and Southwest LA
Board President Jackie Goldberg
Email: jackie.goldberg@lausd.net
Call: (213) 241-5555 -
District 6 map, includes East San Fernando Valley
Board Member Kelly Gonez
Email: kelly.gonez@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6388 -
District 7 map, includes South LA, and parts of the South Bay
Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin
Email: tanya.franklin@lausd.net
Call: (213) 241-6385
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.