As Councilmember Traci Park settles into her term representing LA City Council District 11, the individuals she has chosen to advise her and manage daily operations reflect the perspectives and priorities of her office. The role of a council aide is crucial in addressing constituent services and facilitating communication between the council and the community. While the official roles of Traci Park’s staff center on constituent services, policy advising, and community outreach, their professional histories and prior affiliations and endorsements, including experience gained under Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, may shape how the office addresses pressing issues such as homelessness, public safety, housing, and economic development. Below is a brief overview of several known team members and the context they bring:
Lozada oversees the council office’s internal operations and guiding policy direction. Before joining Park’s team, she worked for former Councilmember Joe Buscaino, who advocated for outdated, punitive, law enforcement-driven approaches to public safety. Lozada’s background in a setting that emphasized traditional policing solutions may influence how the office balances enforcement with preventative or community-based strategies.
As District Director, Medina manages community outreach, handles neighborhood-level concerns, and coordinates local initiatives. Reports suggest Medina also has roots in prior city government roles where enforcement-oriented methods were standard. Her approach to constituent relations is likely informed by past experiences in city governance, where responsiveness often focused on maintaining order and addressing visible signs of neglect—sometimes at the expense of considering systemic factors behind neighborhood challenges. Medina mainly focuses on supporting vulnerable community members, ensuring that essential resources and programs are available to uplift those at risk, such as the homeless and older adults.
Fregoso’s role involves shaping the office’s homelessness policy and working closely with service providers and city departments. Senior centers are crucial in providing resources for older adults, including safe transportation, access to parks, and various services that support their well-being. Having previously served under council members associated with more conventional “cleanup” strategies, he may prioritize measures that rapidly clear encampments. While this could mean quicker responses to complaints about street conditions, questions arise about whether such strategies account for the underlying needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. The balance between short-term fixes, safe settings, and long-term solutions, including supportive housing and mental health services, will likely be tested under Fregoso’s guidance.
Silva’s conduct and interactions with residents can significantly influence the office’s local engagement as the direct liaison to the Venice community. Workforce development is crucial in creating economic opportunities for the community, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
While Venice is a diverse neighborhood with a long history of social activism and cultural vibrancy, Silva has reportedly been confrontational with community members at venues like the Venice Neighborhood Council, particularly with women criticizing Traci Park’s policies. Such behavior raises concerns about whether the office genuinely values inclusive dialogue and meaningful input from individuals and families directly affected by economic displacement, policing, or housing insecurity.
Kevin Brunke, Legislative Deputy
Kevin Brunke is the Legislative Deputy stationed at City Hall, focusing on policy development and legislative affairs. His role involves analyzing proposed legislation and advising on policy decisions that impact the district. Kevin Brunke has extensive public policy, communications, and organizational experience.
Jeff Khau, Planning Deputy
As the Planning Deputy stationed at Traci Park’s City Hall office, Jeff Khau oversees the district’s urban planning and land use matters. He works on zoning issues and development projects and ensures that planning initiatives align with community needs.
Jacob Burman, Senior Advisor
Jacob Burman is the Senior Advisor, providing strategic counsel on various initiatives and policies. His experience contributes to developing and implementing the council member’s agenda.
Dave Cano, Executive Assistant
As the Executive Assistant, Dave Cano manages the council member’s schedule and communications. He plays a key role in coordinating activities and ensuring efficient office operations.
William Ayala, Office Manager & Special Assistant
William Ayala oversees office administration and provides exceptional assistance on projects. His responsibilities include managing office resources and supporting staff coordination.
Grigor Choginyan, Special Assistant
In his role as Special Assistant, Grigor Choginyan supports various office functions and special projects, contributing to the effective execution of the councilmember’s initiatives.
Jonathan Davila, Communications Deputy
Jonathan Davila manages communications and public relations, informing constituents about district news and events. He handles media relations and disseminates information to the public.
Carol Williams, Homeless Outreach Liaison
Carol Williams serves as the Homeless Outreach Liaison, working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness. She collaborates with service providers to connect people with resources and support. Carol Williams was formerly homeless and worked at Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority before joining the CD11 Council office
Michael Amster, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and West Los Angeles Field Deputy
Michael Amster acts as the Field Deputy for Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and West Los Angeles, addressing community concerns and representing the councilmember in these areas.
Adam F. Acosta, Constituent Services Deputy
As a Constituent Services Deputy, Adam F. Acosta assists residents with city services and addresses their concerns, ensuring responsive and effective constituent support.
Trey Grogan, Airport Liaison
Trey Grogan serves as the Airport Liaison, coordinating between the council office and airport authorities to address issues related to airport operations and their impact on the community.
Lila Vandenberghe, Constituent Services Deputy
As Constituent Services Deputy, Lila Vandenberghe engages with residents to resolve issues and facilitate access to city services, enhancing community relations.
Dellarose Santos, Constituent Services Deputy
Dellarose Santos works as a Constituent Services Deputy, assisting constituents with their needs and addressing their concerns promptly.
Matt Halden, Mar Vista, Del Rey Deputy/Special Projects
Serving as the Deputy for the Mar Vista and Del Rey areas in West Los Angeles and handling special projects, Matt Halden addresses local issues and oversees initiatives specific to these communities.
Casey Pratts, Homelessness & Housing Coordinator
As the Homelessness & Housing Coordinator, Casey Pratts develops and implements strategies to address homelessness and housing challenges within the district, working towards sustainable solutions.
This team supports Councilmember Traci Park in serving the diverse communities of District 11, addressing constituent concerns, and implementing policies to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Jamie Paige of the Westside Current will serve as the communications deputy to Councilwoman Traci Park. Jamie comes to the team with more than two decades of college education, experience, and careers in communications. Jamie Paige has also served on the board of the Venice Neighborhood Council. Many consider the Westside Current the propaganda arm for Traci Park’s political moves.
The staff’s professional histories trace back to former council offices known for more outdated, punitive-centric enforcement policies— policies that the Traci Park campaign also ran on. A council aide plays a crucial role in addressing community needs by facilitating communication between the council and the community. While these approaches may bring efficiency to certain aspects of constituent service—like addressing immediate complaints about graffiti or illegal dumping—they have also, in some cases, been documented as ignoring root causes of issues related to poverty, mental health, and structural inequities, especially for vulnerable members of the community. The result may be quick but superficial improvements that do not fully consider the experiences of Black, Brown, and working-class residents and children who face disproportionate hurdles in housing, employment, and public space access.
The presence of women of color in the office could suggest a commitment to diversity and representation; however, observers have expressed concern that these staffers may be positioned as a buffer against criticism of the council member’s policies rather than empowered to shape policy in ways that advance equity. Authentic engagement would allow staff members to push for holistic solutions—such as expanding affordable housing, supporting renters’ rights, or enhancing language-accessible services—rather than merely reinforcing top-down strategies prioritizing aesthetics and property values over social cohesion.
As Traci Park’s office continues to develop its policies and engagements, we will see whether these staff members embrace broader, more inclusive approaches to governance. Will they advocate policies that address the root causes of homelessness or strengthen tenants’ protections, or will they maintain a narrower focus emphasizing order and compliance over long-term well-being?
In the coming months and years, constituents, activists, and local organizations will have opportunities to shape how the office evolves. The staff’s backgrounds do not necessarily predetermine their future actions. However, without transparent dialogue, accountability, and a willingness to incorporate varied perspectives, the approach to public safety, housing, libraries, and neighborhood and business improvement may remain limited—leaving critical questions about economic fairness, tenants rights, racial justice, and authentic community representation unresolved.
Councilwoman Traci Park’s staff addresses homelessness, community engagement, policy development, communications, and economic development.
The Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Traci Park is Star Parsamyan.
Traci Park’s team addresses homelessness through dedicated roles like the Homelessness Director, focusing on solutions and support for the homeless population.
Field Deputies in Traci Park’s office engage with the community, address constituent concerns, and support local initiatives.
Constituents can contact Traci Park’s office via phone, email, or visit the district office for assistance.