Zev's blog

Welcome to my new website

Welcome to my new website

More than three decades ago, in my mid-20s, I took my first oath of office as a member of the Los Angeles City Council. Today, I’m 60, and one of our county’s longest-serving elected officials. I’d like to think that constituents have given me the privilege of serving them on the council and the... [Read more]

For our state, a time for statesmanship

For our state, a time for statesmanship

Construction was halted in February on the Valley Performing Arts Center. After decades of dreaming and planning, girders now rise from the dirt on the campus of Cal State Northridge—the steel bones of what promises to be the region’s next cultural landmark, the Valley Performing Arts Center. But... [Read more]

The wreckage beyond the crash

The wreckage beyond the crash

It’s been more than a week since the Metrolink crash and I’m still haunted by Beckie Pompel. I met her at Chatsworth High School well past midnight on that horrible Friday night, September 12. She was among more than 100 people who’d gathered there in gut-wrenching uncertainty, awaiting... [Read more]

Why I pushed for fast-food calorie counts

Why I pushed for fast-food calorie counts

For me, this is personal. Eight years ago, before I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I was a reckless eater. I loved burgers and fries and strawberry shakes. But then, like now, I was also a runner whose weight would often creep upwards. So sometimes I’d pass on the fries to ease back on the calories. What... [Read more]