2021 Torch Awards

jobs and the local economy, protected renters and homeowners, championed civil, human, and animal rights, fought for environmental protection, and made West Hollywood a regional model for providing quality city services and city management. In 2000, Koretz was elected to the California State Assembly, representing the 42nd Assembly District that included much of the City of L.A.'s 5th Council District. Assemblymember Koretz authored dozens of bills to protect workers and their families, to establish LGBTQ equality, and to provide life-saving public safety and health care measures, including legislation to reduce gun violence.

​

As a member of the Los Angeles City Council, Koretz champions working to solve our city’s long-time homelessness problem, improving fire safety, supporting law enforcement, battling climate change, conserving water, protecting our natural resources, maintaining human-scale in development, fighting Sacramento to keep local control of the planning process, and protecting animals from cruel practices. Councilmember Koretz has worked hard to ensure our streets are paved, our trees are trimmed, and our parks are maintained. He also created the ACE program for greater enforcement of quality of life issues. A Sun Valley resident as a small child, Councilmember Koretz was raised and schooled in the 5th Council District, attending Canfield Elementary School, Palms Middle School, Hamilton High School, and UCLA, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

​

Councilmember Koretz’s father Erich escaped Nazi Germany in late 1939, eventually settling in Los Angeles. He became a waiter and a dedicated member of the hotel and restaurant employees union. From an early age, Koretz joined his father on picket lines and in other efforts aimed at improving the lives of working people. His mother, Doris, grew up in Everett, Massachusetts, during the Great Depression after her family fled the pogroms in Russia and emigrated to the U.S. It was the lessons learned from his parents’ experiences that shaped Councilmember Koretz’s philosophy of supporting working people, providing service and fighting for social justice. Councilmember Koretz lives with his wife Gail, and daughter Rachel, in the Beverly Grove neighborhood. A devoted husband and father, Councilmember Koretz strives to balance his council duties with his family life and apply the experiences of parenthood as a guide to inform his service to the public.