Thanksgiving isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a moment to pause, breathe, and truly acknowledge the people and places that shape our daily lives. In a year filled with challenges, uncertainty, and constant demands on our attention, this season invites us to step back and recognize what matters most: each other.
As I reflect on the months behind us, I’m reminded that gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s an act of leadership. It’s the foundation of community. And it’s the fuel that keeps us pushing forward when the work is hard, the issues seem endless, and hope feels stretched thin.
Grateful for the Quiet Heroes Among Us
Every day, across our neighborhoods, we see the quiet heroes—the ones who show up without applause:
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The volunteers who give up their weekends to serve others
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The parents balancing work, life, and advocacy for their children’s schools
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The small-business owners still fighting to keep our corridors alive
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The first responders and frontline workers who continue to carry us through crisis after crisis
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The community organizers who never stop believing that change is possible
These are the people who embody the spirit of Thanksgiving: service, generosity, and resilience.
A Moment to Honor Our Shared Work
This year has tested all of us. We’ve faced complex policy battles, natural disasters, budget cuts, and a homelessness crisis that continues to demand real accountability. And yet, despite the exhaustion and frustration, our community continues to rise—again and again—with determination and conviction.
Thanksgiving gives us a rare chance to honor that collective effort. To say openly and loudly:
Thank you for caring. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for believing that our city can do better, and for doing the hard work to make it so.
What Gratitude Looks Like in Public Life
Gratitude in civic life means lifting each other up. It means recognizing that every voice matters, every email sent, every public comment delivered, every volunteer hour contributed—each of these actions strengthens the fabric of our democracy.
It also means acknowledging that none of us do this alone. We are a network of neighbors who want safer streets, cleaner air, better budgets, more transparency, and a city that works for everyone.
Thanksgiving reminds us that while the issues may be heavy, the community carrying them is strong.
Looking Ahead With Hope
As we head into the final stretch of the year, I hold deep gratitude for:
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The partnerships we’ve built
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The advocacy we’ve advanced
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The conversations that moved us closer to real solutions
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And the unwavering belief that Los Angeles is worth fighting for
The work continues—but today, we celebrate how far we’ve come.
Wishing You Peace, Rest, and Connection
Whether you’re gathering with family, spending time with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of rest, I hope this Thanksgiving brings you:
Thank you for being part of this journey—and for everything you do to make our neighborhoods stronger, safer, and more compassionate.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.
May the season bring you renewed strength and renewed hope.
