Sharla Steinman

My Recent Work

Medium •

Kicking Off Change: Edafe Okporo’s Community-Centric Campaign for City Council

By Sharla SteinmanAt 6:45 a.m., Edafe Okporo jogs in circles and smiles at Booker T. Washington Playground. On the soccer field, he is taking a strategic approach to his City Council District 7 campaign by turning his weekly pickup game into opportunities to connect with locals. He glad-handed his fellow teammates — and potential voters — while balancing the game with his goal to win the race against his opponent, incumbent Sean Abreu.In 2016, Okporo was granted asylum in the U.S. due to the dan...
Medium •

New York’s District 7 Grapples with Escalating Housing Affordability Crisis Amid Soaring Rents

By Sharla SteinmanResidents of Manhattan’s 7th District face a severe and surging housing affordability crisis, with nearly half of all renters burdened by excessive housing costs. The increasing demand for affordable housing is outpacing the available supply, leading to a surge in rental prices. This growing financial strain jeopardizes their ability to maintain stable housing and threatens the community’s diversity and cohesion.The average resident would need to make $140,000 or more annually...
The New York Times •

Columbia Bars Vocal Pro-Israel Professor From Campus

Columbia University has temporarily barred a vocal pro-Israel professor from campus, saying he repeatedly harassed and intimidated the school’s employees.Shai Davidai, an assistant professor in the business school, has been a polarizing presence on campus since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas led an attack on Israel that has turned Gaza into a battlefield. He has accused Columbia of not doing enough to crack down on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which he says are broadly antisemitic and support terro...
The New York Times •

Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestinian Students at Columbia Hold Side-by-Side Protests

Columbia University has been a focal point of anger and tensions over the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7 last year and the war in Gaza that has followed. On Monday, the anniversary of the attack, it took on that role once again, as students and faculty held rallies, class walkouts and vigils to mourn the lives lost in both Israel and Gaza.Outside the university gates, about 100 members of the Jewish community gathered holding Israeli flags and posters showing the faces of people kidnapped...

Past Work

Daily Bruin •

Former UCLA child care teacher charged with sexual battery, cruelty to a child - Daily Bruin

This post was updated June 2 at 9:47 p.m.
Editor’s note: The following article contains a description of reported sexual crimes against a child.
A former UCLA early child care education teacher was charged with multiple counts of sexual battery, false imprisonment, battery on a person, cruelty to a child and sexual penetration by a foreign object Tuesday. 
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office filed the charges Tuesday against Christopher Rodriguez – who worked in various UCLA ECE centers, incl...
Daily Bruin •

UCLA contracts with CHP, LAPD reveal costs associated with police on campus - Daily Bruin

For the Daily Bruin’s full coverage on the UC Divest Coalition and Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA encampment, see here.
Contracts obtained by the Daily Bruin outlined costs associated with policing on campus.
Outside police forces were used as part of policing in response to the April 30 attack on pro-Palestine protesters and in the May 2 police sweep of the Palestine solidarity encampment. Former UCPD Chief John Thomas had previously told the Daily Bruin his department was understaff...
Daily Bruin •

Law enforcement leadership structure at UCLA faces scrutiny in wake of encampment - Daily Bruin

This post was updated June 2 at 9:27 p.m.
For the Daily Bruin’s full coverage on the UC Divest Coalition and Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA encampment, see here.
Municipal leaders, policing experts and documents acquired by the Daily Bruin outlined and discussed the law enforcement leadership structure on campus.
On the night of April 30, aggressors attacked the Palestine solidarity encampment with fireworks and tear gas, with no arrests being made that evening. On May 2, over 200 ind...
Daily Bruin •

UCPD makes 1st arrest related to attacks on pro-Palestine encampment at UCLA - Daily Bruin

This post was updated May 29 at 5:43 p.m.
Editor’s note: This article was updated to reflect a change in the court date for the arrested individual. At the time of this article’s publication, the arrested individual was set to appear in court on May 28. He will now appear in court on June 21.
UCPD made its first arrest Thursday in relation to the April 30 counter-protester attack on the first Palestine solidarity encampment at UCLA.
The arrested individual, 18-year-old Edan On, was booked for fe...
Daily Bruin •

UCLA Police Chief John Thomas 'temporarily reassigned' from duties - Daily Bruin

This post was updated May 24 at 2:21 a.m.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information. 
UCLA named Gawin Gibson as acting chief of the UCPD on Wednesday after former Chief John Thomas was “temporarily reassigned” Monday.
Gibson has worked in UCPD for over 28 years, most recently as UCPD’s operations bureau captain. He also received his doctorate in education from the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education in 2021.
Thomas’ reassignment comes as UC...
Daily Bruin •

Former UCLA dentistry student pleads guilty to charges of shooting Jewish victims - Daily Bruin

Former UCLA School of Dentistry student Jaime Tran agreed to plead guilty Tuesday to all charges related to him shooting two Jewish men in February 2023 as they left religious services. 
Tran, who was last enrolled at UCLA in 2018, pled guilty to two counts of hate crimes with intent to kill and two counts of using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, according to a Tuesday press release from the United States Department of Justice. 
Tran is expected...
Daily Bruin •

UCPD responds to counter-protesters' midnight attempt to breach encampment - Daily Bruin

Around 60 counter-protesters attempted to breach the entrance of the encampment in Dickson Plaza around midnight Tuesday morning, drawing the presence of six UCPD officers in riot gear.
The confrontation began at 11:30 p.m. on Monday between Powell Library and Kaplan Hall after counter-protesters used a megaphone to shout and play music in front of the encampment’s barricade in Dickson Plaza earlier in the night.
A fight between members of both sides broke out around 11:40 p.m., leading the six...
Daily Bruin •

Thousands of pro-Israel, pro-Palestine protesters demonstrate outside encampment - Daily Bruin

This post was updated April 28 at 11:45 p.m.
For the Daily Bruin’s full coverage of the UC Divest Coalition and Students for Justice in Palestine encampment, see here.
This story is developing. Follow along for updates.
Thousands of people demonstrated in Dickson Plaza after a convergence of four protests began Sunday morning, days after a pro-Palestinian encampment started in front of Royce Hall on Thursday.
The Israeli American Council led the main counter-protest in front of Haines Hall, faci...
Daily Bruin •

Protesters, counter-protesters clash as they converge upon UCLA encampment - Daily Bruin

This post was updated April 28 at 11:37 p.m.
For the Daily Bruin’s full coverage of the UC Divest Coalition and Students for Justice in Palestine encampment, see here.
Various groups of protesters demonstrating for Palestine and Israel clashed Sunday, leading to riot police lineups and several injuries in Dickson Plaza – where an encampment in support of Palestine has entered its fourth day.
The encampment, led by Students for Justice in Palestine and the UC Divest Coalition at UCLA, faced count...
Daily Bruin •

Q&A: John Thomas shares lessons from past careers, goals as new UCLA police chief - Daily Bruin

This post was updated Feb. 13 at 10:27 p.m.
John Thomas was appointed as UCLA’s police chief Jan. 11 after serving as interim chief since December 2022.
Thomas, who attended UCLA from 1980 to 1984, previously served at the University of Southern California, holding positions including police captain, assistant chief, executive director and chief. He was also a special advisor to the senior vice president for administration.
Thomas sat down with Sharla Steinman, the Daily Bruin’s city and crime e...
Daily Bruin •

Over 150 community members volunteer in annual Westwood Homeless Count - Daily Bruin

This post was updated Jan. 29 at 3:27 p.m.
Over 150 volunteers gathered Wednesday night at the Westwood Presbyterian Church for the annual Westwood Homeless Count.
The count is part of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s Greater LA Homeless Count that took place Jan. 23 to 25. Volunteers arrived at the church around 9:30 p.m. and listened to speeches by staff and community leaders before beginning the count. Local businesses donated dinner and refreshments to support the count. 

Patri...
Daily Bruin •

Independent redistricting commission plan unanimously approved by LA City Council - Daily Bruin

This post was updated Dec. 6 at 11:55 p.m.
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a proposal Nov. 29 that, if approved by voters in 2024, will allow an independent redistricting commission to redraw council districts for future elections.
The proposal was the first assignment the Ad Hoc Committee on City Governance Reform worked on following its creation last November, after three councilmembers made racist remarks in a leaked recording discussing methods to redraw districts in their...
Daily Bruin •

99 Ranch Market officially opens doors for business in Westwood - Daily Bruin

This post was updated Nov. 30 at 9:58 p.m. 
UCLA students and community members have long awaited the opening of 99 Ranch Market.
A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the end of the three-year wait Wednesday. 99 Ranch Market corporate employees gathered for the ceremony, speeches and an exclusive tour of its new location.
Alice Chen, CEO of 99 Ranch Market, said at the event that she was grateful for all the partners who helped stock shelves, city officials who assisted in its opening, and customers...
Daily Bruin •

Ahead of pandemic-era freeze expiration, LA City Council approves rent increases - Daily Bruin

This post was updated Nov. 26 at 11:23 p.m.
The Los Angeles City Council signed a compromise proposal Nov. 14 to allow rent increases in the city, ending a pandemic-era ban that has stood since 2020.
The council approved the proposal by a 10-2 vote, allowing landlords to raise rents by up to 4% next year. The plan will only apply to units under the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance – rental properties that were built on or before Oct. 1, 1978 – which covers around three-quarters of all multifa...
Daily Bruin •

November Bruin Flea market caters to college student audience - Daily Bruin

Attendees and vendors say the market is a well-needed addition to the community.
Bruin Flea, Westwood’s monthly flea market featuring student-owned and community-based businesses, food trucks and music, took place Friday. The flea market, which debuted in October, was founded by UCLA alumnus Luis Lopez. He said he started a flea market called the 629 Market at the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and has since expanded to Westwood Village with Bruin Flea.
Lopez, who is also the Bruin Flea event direct...
Daily Bruin •

UC Regents file lawsuit against Mattel for alleged violation of $50M contract - Daily Bruin

The UC Regents filed a lawsuit against Mattel, Inc. last week in light of a $50 million pledge to the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital that was allegedly never fulfilled.
In 2017, Mattel – the creators of Barbie, Hot Wheels and American Girl – pledged $50 million in annual installments over the span of 12 years in exchange for UCLA renaming the hospital with the corporation’s name and including its logo in the hospital’s signage.
“Mattel’s gift was expected to enhance and expand pediatric care...
Daily Bruin •

Q&A: Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky discusses past, present goals for Westwood - Daily Bruin

This post was updated Nov. 15 at 12:25 a.m.
Katy Yaroslavsky, the District 5 Los Angeles City Council member, sat down with the Daily Bruin to discuss her achievements in the first year of her four-year term, as well as share insight on what Westwood can expect in the future.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Daily Bruin: A year into your term, what goals do you have for Council District 5 during the rest of your term?
Katy Yaroslavsky: There’s really four buckets of work th...
Daily Bruin •

Double Bruin Ysabel Jurado runs for LA City Council 'to represent my community' - Daily Bruin

This post was edited Oct. 8 at 10:01 p.m.
Double Bruin Ysabel Jurado is running to become District 14’s representative on the Los Angeles City Council.
Jurado received her bachelor’s in political science from UCLA in 2012 and eventually returned to earn her J.D. in UCLA’s public interest and policy and critical race studies programs in 2019. She is currently a housing rights attorney who fights against tenant evictions and assists small businesses at risk of losing their leases. Jurado sat down...
Daily Bruin •

Wolfsglen embraces restaurant rebrand geared toward Westwood community - Daily Bruin

This post was updated Oct. 3 at 11:45 p.m. 
Wolfsglen, an American-style cuisine restaurant, has changed its menu since opening a year ago and is now ready for the community to visit.
The restaurant, which is located on Glendon Avenue, has been open since late 2022 but recently revamped its menu and weekly events, which include jazz night, blues night and college night.
Wolfsglen was named after the ranch previously at the location, Wolfskill, and the street it is located on, Glendon Avenue. Sin...
Daily Bruin •

Los Angeles arrest map shows disproportionate rates of arrests for people of color - Daily Bruin

The map presents data collected by LAPD on arrests between 2019 and 2022. Outlined is Westwood. Sources: UCPD. Graphic reporting by Sharla Steinman, Daily Bruin contributor. Interactive by Junwon Choi, Data editor.
This post was updated Oct. 1 at 6:32 p.m.
Editor’s note: This article’s headline was updated to avoid the implication that the Hispanic/Latino community in Los Angeles represents a minority of the population.
City Controller Kenneth Mejia released a map of LAPD arrests between 2019 an...
Daily Bruin •

SB 411 brings possibility of virtual option for neighborhood council meetings - Daily Bruin

Senate Bill 411, which would allow neighborhood council meetings to be held with a virtual option, passed through the California State Senate earlier this month.
The bill was approved in the Senate on Sept. 6 and has yet to be approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom. If signed, neighborhood councils will have to individually approve whether to use the teleconferencing option with two-thirds majority vote.
Thomas Soong, the director of policy and government relations in the Department of Neighborhood Empow...
Daily Bruin •

Broxton Nights debuts in Westwood with roller disco-themed pop-up - Daily Bruin

Broxton Nights, a new monthly event on Broxton Avenue, launched Sept. 9 with an evening market and roller skating.
The pop-up, which will occur on the second Saturday of each month, will have a different theme, vendors and activities each time, according to a Westwood Village Improvement Association newsletter.
For the first Broxton Nights, the WVIA partnered with the LA Skate Hunnies—a female-founded skate community, to bring free roller skating lessons and skate rentals from The Basics of Happ...
Daily Bruin •

With quality in mind, TK Nails brings Russian manicures to Westwood - Daily Bruin

TK Nails, a new nail salon on Westwood Boulevard and Lindbrook Drive, opened near campus Saturday.
The nail salon, which specializes in Russian manicures and pedicures, had an opening party Saturday, where they provided discounted treatments, beverages and food. The event also featured a DJ playing music outside the salon.
Hope Kim, the co-owner of TK Nails, said she didn’t initially plan to open a nail salon when she moved to the United States earlier this year, but did so once she saw the lack...
Daily Bruin •

Hotel workers march across LA in ongoing strike for increased wages, benefits - Daily Bruin

This post was updated July 16 at 5:25 p.m.
Thousands of hotel workers on strike across Los Angeles marched from the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel to the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel on Thursday.
The march follows the hotel worker strike that began July 2 as thousands of hotel workers call for higher wages and increased contractual benefits. Some of their demands include an immediate $5 hourly wage increase and changes in health care, workload and pension that they believe will make thei...
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