Posted on 12/09/2024
ONE BIG THING: JACKIE GOLDBERG DAY
What Happened?
After more than six decades of service to our community, Jackie Goldberg — former CD13 Councilmember, State Assemblymember, and LAUSD President — is retiring from public office.
To honor her unparalleled legacy of organizing for justice, we celebrated Jackie in City Council and declared yesterday “Jackie Goldberg Day” in the City of Los Angeles.
Six Decades of Relentless Activism
Jackie’s activism began in the 1960s, when she was arrested multiple times for leading movements against nuclear testing, advocating for free speech on campus, and demanding racial desegregation.
In 1964, following “Freedom Summer” in the south, her classmate was arrested on UC Berkeley campus solely for advocating for justice on campus. In response, Jackie refused to allow her classmate to be taken to jail, and she organized thousands of students to surround him until he was released 32 hours later.
Her arrest record meant she began her teaching career in Compton rather than LAUSD, but it didn’t stop her from driving meaningful change in Los Angeles, and eventually leading LAUSD as Board President.
Why it Matters
Jackie’s work reshaped District 13 and Los Angeles.
As the first openly gay elected official in LA, she passed groundbreaking legislation giving same-sex couples nearly all the rights of marriage — years before marriage equality became law.
She also rebuilt Hollywood after the Northridge Earthquake, created parks in working-class neighborhoods, and led the passage of the city’s first Living Wage Ordinance, a transformative victory for working families.
Her bold leadership reminds us that progress comes from taking risks and making “good trouble.” Jackie’s legacy will continue to inspire as we fight for working Angelenos.
What's Next?
We introduced a motion to rename “Sunset Junction” as the “Jackie Goldberg Sunset Junction” to honor her contributions to LA’s queer and progressive history.
This iconic intersection, where Santa Monica meets Sunset Boulevard, has long been a hub for activism, including the historic Black Cat protests and the Sunset Junction Street Fair, which united LGBT+, immigrant, and communities for thirty years.
Stay tuned for the unveiling of “Jackie Goldberg Sunset Junction” in the coming months!
Two More Quick Hits!
1. Sanctuary City Law Finalized
This week, the Sanctuary City Ordinance we introduced with Councilmembers Nithya Raman and Eunisses Hernandez passed unanimously in City Council! With the Mayor’s signature, the law will take effect, officially making Los Angeles a true Sanctuary City.
One in ten Angelenos are undocumented, and this law ensures they can access critical services and trust their local government without fear of deportation. At a time when Trump and his allies are ramping up their dehumanizing attacks on immigrants, we’re refusing to back down and doubling down on our commitment to protect our neighbors.
2. Join Our Team!
We’re hiring for 3 new positions:
✨ Field Deputy - Work directly with neighbors to empower community-based solutions, build connections, and bring positive change to our district.
🌟 Bilingual Case Manager - Help residents navigate the government process so they can access services.
📢 Part-Time Communications Intern - Help us share our work through social media, writing, and creative outreach. Build your skills while amplifying community voices!
Check out the full job descriptions at cd13.lacity.gov/join-our-team and this with friends and neighbors who may be a good fit!