Great news for Westside families! This week I helped lead an effort to secure free, unlimited transit passes for K-14 students in Los Angeles County.
Working with Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Mayor Eric Garcetti, we led the board of LA Metro in the groundbreaking action, which will benefit more than 750,000 students across Los Angeles. Beginning in October, it will apply to all LAUSD students, students in 40 other school districts, and most community college students. Here’s how it will work: if you have a student enrolled in LAUSD, they’ll be given a TAP card at school, along with instructions to create a corresponding account online, and… that’s it. No complicated verification processes, no weeks of waiting for approval. (For participating non-LAUSD districts, check with your school administrator for signup process.) Plus, it’s not just Metro: Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and Culver CityBus are in as well, ensuring seamless Westside fareless transit for students, no matter their route.
There are so many benefits to making Metro fareless for students. Educationally, it removes mobility as a barrier to student success. It will also untap unquantifiable benefits in personal growth, as these students will now be able to use Metro to get to parks, museums, lessons, and jobs without a second thought. And it doesn’t just improve their lives today, it makes them safer tomorrow: increasing use of public transportation gets cars off the road and helps prevent pollution and climate change.
To find out more about the program, click here. To check if your school district is participating, click here.
Warm regards, Pedestrian Improvements for Palisades Schoolgoers Pacific Palisades parents and students have safer walks to and from school, thanks to improvements near Corpus Christi School. The neighborhood now boasts more effective stop signs and curb extensions. Bulky Items Removed in SawtelleA team coordinated by Mike’s office removed a pile of illegally dumped items in Sawtelle this past week. If you would like to report bulky items for pickup, download the MyLA311 app, which makes it easy to do so. Council Unanimously Supports Housing NowMike has often been a lonely legislative voice calling for faster, urgent, more cost-effective solutions to homelessness, but this past week the City Council unanimously approved a quick and nimble solution he has been championing for years.
The council approved the Housing Now legislation, co-introduced by Mike and his colleagues Councilmembers Mark Ridley-Thomas and Curren Price. It will build on successful models that get people off the streets and out of encampments quickly and permanently. We need quick action with tangible results to address homelessness. With the Venice Beach Encampments to Homes effort, we showed that with real, dedicated resources we can move people out of encampments, indoors, and on a path to permanent housing. #HousingNow Is how we do that all around LA.
The plan directs city staff to work with the County to expand one of the most successful homeless solutions — the Flexible Housing Subsidy program, which provides rent subsidies and master leased units to house people quickly, with needed services. The county has pioneered the approach with Housing for Health, which has been incredibly effective in that arena for just shy a of a decade, placing more than 14,000 people in long-term housing with an over 92% retention rate – particularly impressive given that this program was built to support some of the most extreme cases, including repeat emergency room visitors.
Mike has been pushing for the City to partner with with the County on this program since 2015. It is smart, effective, cost-effective – likely less expensive than shelters, tiny homes, or other interventions – and fast, allowing people to get off the streets almost as quickly as they say yes, and get access to services that help with any significant health, mental health and other needs.
Following the council vote, city staff will begin negotiating with LA County to enter into the program in an effort to rapidly house 10,000 people. Reimagining Public Safety: Mental Health ResponseIn order to improve public safety and emergency response to people experiencing mental health episodes, the City is piloting a new program that will deploy teams of trained mental health staffers to mental health emergencies, much like the celebrated CAHOOTS program in Oregon.
Under the program, specialized teams comprised of a Clinical Driver, a Peer Support Specialist, and a Licensed Psychiatric Technician that will be on call 24/7. These teams will operate out of LAFD stations, and one of the five stations in the pilot is Fire Station 59 in West LA, which will serve the Westside.The type of program was a key element of the “reimagining public safety” discussions that followed the murder of George Floyd. Mental health experts and law enforcement officials agreed he first response to a mental health crisis should be people with specific training and an ability to de-escalate situations.
More details on the program and its launch date coming soon. Real Stories of Encampments to Homes: Jimmy Jimmy’s ardent love for fashion and music is only outweighed by his desire to give back and work with the homeless community. After growing up in foster care, he found himself homeless and living in a tent on Venice Beach. He looks back upon his hardship and experience as lessons that enable him to work with the unhoused population. The stability and resources provided by moving indoors through the Encampments to Homes program has allowed him the freedom to see his future in a hopeful and positive light. Thanks to St. Joseph’s Center and LAHSA for their continued hard work. Housing – how much, what kind, and where we build (or don’t build) – touches just about every aspect of our lives here in Los Angeles, and particularly on the Westside. Every eight years, Los Angeles revises what’s known as the Housing Element, a legally required planning document that guides the next eight years of planning in the city. Currently, city planners are finalizing the 2021-2028 Housing Element, the most recent revision of which is available online. To learn more about “The Plan to House Los Angeles,” click here. Assistance for Renters AvailableThe City of Los Angeles is partnering with the State of California to allow Angelenos to access additional state and federal rental assistance funds. Under a new framework, the State will be responsible for processing applications and distributing relief funds for Angelenos. Eligible LA renters and landlords can apply for emergency assistance at HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122. Additional information is also available at HCIDLA.lacity.org. HAWK at Venice and Shell Nearing CompletionThe intersection of Venice Boulevard and Shell Avenue is getting a lot safer for pedestrians, thanks to sophisticated new crosswalk improvements.HAWK beacons – High-Intensity Activated Crosswalks – emit multiple flashing red lights that send motorists an unmistakable signal that they need to slow to a stop and allow pedestrians to pass. They also feature significantly more effective signage and pavement markings. The new beacon in Venice is slated for activation in the coming week. Safer Streets in Mar VistaWestside Fast Forward continues to deliver safety, efficiency and mobility. This week, Mar Vista got a new left-turn signal activated at Inglewood and Washington Boulevards. The signal will create a better traffic flow for drivers, safer crossing for pedestrians, and ease of mind for everybody. Thanks to LADOT, as always, for the great work! People Mover Progressing As seen above, the automated people mover – an elevated tram – at LAX is starting to take shape. It will make getting in and out of LAX signficiantly easier, and it is just one part of a series of projects that will improve the passenger experience, and reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Universal Fareless Transit in LA? With the launch of fareless passes for K-14 students, LA Metro has taken a major step, but Mike and some of his colleagues are continuing to push for the big picture item: an entirely fare-free transit system for everyone in Los Angeles County.
At this week’s Metro meeting, the board approved Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s motion to enhance the agency’s low-income fare program, simplifying the application process and attempting to double enrollment. It is a vital action for LA Metro, given that 70% of passengers are low-income and transit-dependent. (The median income of a Metro passenger is $18,000 per year.)Mike and Supervisor Mitchell are laying the groundwork for a universal fare free transit system, which is the fastest and most impactful way to make serious progress on improving ridership, mobility, equity, and efficiency – all deeply held Metro goals – and fighting climate change.
To apply for the low-income fare program, click here. But please note that the application is going to get a lot simpler in the next few weeks, as a result of the board action. California Climate Action WeekIt is California Climate Action Week.
All week, the California Volunteers Office has been sharing useful and actionable tips on greening our individual lives. Recently released data showed that as a state, there’s much more we can do to conserve water. There are detailed resources for planting trees, diversifying your energy consumption and production, reducing organic waste, preparing for and preventing wildfires, and conserving water – click through for these resources and chip in for a greener California. Live Theater Lives in WestchesterChristopher Durang’s hilarious classic, Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike, is currently in production at the Westchester Playhouse, presented by the Kentwood Players. Head to kentwoodplayers.org for tickets and more information.
At the Getty, In Focus: ProtestThe Getty’s powerful exhibit of protest photography is coming to a close on October 10. Featuring work from Dorothea Lange, Robert Mapplethorpe, John Simmons, Robert Flora, William James Warren, An-My Lê and Kris Graves. Redistricting: Time to Make Your Voice Heard Every ten years, following the results of the census, Los Angeles modifies the shape of its city council districts to maintain their balance. Right now, crucial decisions are being made about how representation works in Los Angeles, and it is time to weigh in. New draft maps have been released, and they will be discussed this week and throughout October before being presented to City Council, which must accept new boundaries by December. Here is exactly what happens between now and then:This Monday, September 27, the Redistricting Commission will meet to discuss the existing draft maps and the feedback they’ve received on them.This Thursday, September 30, the Commission will meet to adopt a draft map. On October 6, 9, 13, and 16, the Commission will present the draft map.On October 21, the Commission will adopt the final map.Finally, on October 28, the Commission will adopt its final report.The current map drafts under consideration by the Redistricting Commission are available here.
Here are some of the latest updates on important news for our community.
Included in this week’s Westside Bulletin: COVID-19 Updates; Updates on City’s Tenant Protections; Updates from LA Metro; Angeleno Connectivity Trust; Updates from LADWP; Updates from Rec & Parks; City of LA Redistricting Commission Hearings; L.A. Optimized Accelerator Academy; No Place for Hate Training Series; DCA Cultural Grants; Job Opportunities
COVID-19 UPDATES
Under Mayor Garcetti’s updated Safer L.A. Public Order, all Angelenos working in the City of Los Angeles, no matter the size of their employer, are now afforded four hours of paid time-off for each shot, and if there is a need for time off due to any ill effects from the vaccination, employers are to provide up to eight hours recovery time which can be split up as needed. This was an amendment to the Mayor’s Order for Supplemental Paid-Time Off for Sick Leave Due to COVID-19 to ensure our most vulnerable communities, and Angelenos who are juggling work, school, and childcare during this pandemic are afforded the protections they deserve to keep their families safe.
Angelenos can get vaccinated free of charge at any of more than 800 vaccination sites across L.A. County and many sites are open until 8 p.m. so that everyone — no matter their schedule — can get the vaccine. Find a site near you by visiting Coronavirus.LACity.org/GetVaccinated. Appointments are not required but if you’d like to register for your vaccine ahead of time or need help, you can reach out to the County’s Call Center between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. daily at (833) 540-0473. Remember to bring proof of age to the site.
CITY OF LOS ANGELES COVID-19 RESIDENTIAL TENANT PROTECTIONS
Join the Housing + Community Investment Department at an upcoming webinar to discuss the City’s “COVID-19 Residential Tenant Protections.” This webinar will provide an overview of the City’s current tenant protections, and an update to the State of California COVID-19 eviction protections. The webinar will also include a brief overview of the City’s newly adopted Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance, and a summary of the legal services that will be provided by the new COVID-19 Eviction Defense Program (EDP). Sessions will be via Zoom. Register to attend.
AUGUST 2021 – English AUGUST 2021 – Spanish
3:00 PM, Tuesday, August 10 3:00 PM, Tuesday August 17
Sign up here to be notified when the Emergency Renters Assistance Program (ERAP) application reopens. You can check the status of an existing application here. Application processing including payments has begun for approved applications. For already submitted applications, processing and payments will continue through the end of December 2021. This dashboard provides data on applications and other information regarding the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and is updated weekly.
UPDATES FROM LA METRO
Metro is conducting an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed 1-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes project. They are exploring ways to improve traffic flow and increase vehicle pass on the 405 through the Sepulveda Pass, which could include adding a dynamically-priced high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane–like the ones on the 110 and 10 Freeways–and/or converting the existing carpool (HOV) lane to a HOT lane. Your feedback is needed on the project alternatives and to identify issues that may need to be addressed. Please submit comments here or join a virtual meeting.
ACT or Angeleno Connectivity Trust is a program that provides free WiFi hotspots for eligible K-12 students in LA. It provides 100 GB per year of free Internet access for K-12 students for five years. Eligibility includes foster youth, students with a disability, students experiencing housing insecurity and any other at-risk students. To learn more, visit lamayor.org/connectivity.
UPDATES FROM LADWP
The LADWP 2020-2021 Briefing Book is now available. Published annually since 2013, the Briefing Book highlights LADWP’s accomplishments, operations, programs and policies. This year’s publication includes a financial summary covering the past four fiscal years. The publication serves as a communication tool to build customer confidence and share LADWP’s successes as the department executes its mission, goals and objectives.
UPDATES FROM DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
The Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to introduce the new Adaptive Youth Sports Program. What are Adaptive Sports? These are sports programs that have been adapted/modified to offer sport opportunities for participants with disabilities. We are working in collaboration with LA28 and our Universal Play Program (YSP) to create a successful Adaptive Youth Sports Program for children between 5 years – 17 years of age. We will be programming Adaptive Youth Sports Classes, Clinics and Events at sites across the City of Los Angeles and we need your help. We invite you to participate in this survey so that we may better serve you and all of our communities.
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission (LACCRC) has developed a calendar for Public Hearings that will provide residents across our vast and diverse City the opportunity to talk about their “communities of interest”, a fundamental component of drawing new Council District boundaries.
A public hearing for Council District 10 will be held on Saturday, August 28th at 10:00amvia Zoom.
A Citywide public hearing will be held on Saturday, September 11th at 10:00amvia Zoom.
The L.A. Optimized Accelerator Academy provides businesses e-commerce growth and marketing support through its educational programming with the collaboration of corporate donors, non-profit partners, and subject-matter experts. The Accelerator Academy is made possible in partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) Sol Price School of Public Policy Center for Economic Development. ALL businesses are welcome to join us for this monthly free webinar every FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Registration is required.
NO PLACE FOR HATE TRAINING SERIES
LA Civil Rights, in partnership with city agencies and community partners, is launching the No Place for Hate Training Series to share information and resources on hate crimes, including knowing your rights, bystander intervention training, and in-language reporting tools. Trainings will take place on the last Tuesday of every month from June through October. Click here to sign up for virtual trainings.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a hate crime or incident, please report them by calling 211, 311, or 911. If you are an ally looking to help, click here for additional resources.
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS GRANTS
The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is now accepting applications for its Cultural Grants Program. DCA supports creative projects that reflect the core values of inclusion, diversity, equity, excellence, and access. Nonprofit organizations and festival producers offering free and/or low-cost cultural events taking place between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 can apply.
If you’re between the ages of 18-25, you can join the LA Conservation Corps. The LACC can help you earn your high school diploma, get career certifications, explore job opportunities, and identify the career pathway that is right for you through their paid job training program. Click here to learn more.
LADOT Crossing Guard Applications Open
Applications are now open for the City’s Crossing Guard Program. Crossing guards are a valuable engineering and education resource, and they enhance the safety of students, specifically those walking and cycling in school zones. For additional information and an application click here.
Please forward this along to anyone who may find it useful. As always, if you have questions about anything mentioned in this email––or if the Mayor’s Office can help you with something else––please don’t hesitate to be in touch.
Best,
Brad
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Brad Fingard West Area Representative & Citywide Interfaith Liaison Mayor’s Office of Legislative & External Affairs p. (213) 309-2116 | e. [email protected] coronavirus.lacity.org
Here are some of the latest updates on important news for our community.
Included in this week’s Westside Bulletin: COVID-19 Updates, HCIDLA Renter Protections Webinars, Street Sweeping Changes, Free Tax Prep Information, Business Relief, Youth Opportunities, and Upcoming Community Events
COVID-19 UPDATES
Here are the facts you need to know:
ELIGIBLE NOW: On Monday, teachers and workers in education and childcare, food and agriculture, and emergency servicesbecame eligible for vaccination at City of Los Angeles sites. Vaccinations remain open for those who were already eligible: residents 65 and older, healthcare workers, certain essential frontline workers, and residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities.
FREE RIDES TO USC: Tonight we launched a new partnership to give Angelenos a ride to our newest vaccination site at USC. We’re starting with an extraordinary contribution from Uber, which will provide 15,000 free rides –– and another 20,000 rides half-off –– to pick up residents in South L.A. and take them to get vaccinated. This is the largest commitment of its kind anywhere in the country.
‘MOVE’ VACCINE EQUITY PROGRAM: Our MOVE initiative is deploying mobile vaccination clinics to the most vulnerable parts of Los Angeles. We’ve partnered with trusted community organizations to administer over 11,500 shots –– 93.5 percent of which have gone to people of color.
VACCINE ACCESS FOR ALL ABILITIES: This week, Mayor Garcetti announced a new program to get life-saving vaccines to L.A. residents who are homebound due to chronic disease, disability, or other reasons. This initiative builds off our other successful efforts to bring critical COVID-19 services to vulnerable communities –– and aims to vaccinate 300 homebound seniors in the coming week and soon reach residents of public housing, senior centers, and other long-term facilities.
EXPRESS LANE: Additionally, an express lane at Dodger Stadium is serving customers of Access Services, the agency that provides transportation to Angelenos with disabilities. Access riders can book their appointment (pending availability) as well as a round-trip ride to Dodger Stadium by calling (626) 532-1616
BY THE NUMBERS: To date, the City of Los Angeles has administered 495,610 vaccine doses (93% of doses received) at our City-run vaccination sites and mobile clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and fire stations. Since last Monday, our centers have provided 126,642 life-saving vaccinations despite supply and weather challenges.
VACCINATION SITES: More than 500 locations are currently vaccinating people in L.A. County. As more doses become available in the coming months, more sites and providers will administer shots. When your turn arrives, you can make an appointment through the County hub and bring your ID to the site. If you are 65 or older, have a disability, or do not have access to the internet and need assistance making your vaccination appointment, you can contact the County’s Call Center –– open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated.
AVOIDING VACCINE FRAUD AND SCAMS: There have been reports of fraudsters impersonating vaccination workers and setting up fraudulent sites to steal peoples’ money and personal information. Remember: no one legitimate will ever try to sell you the vaccine –– online, over the phone, or in person. Learn more about protecting yourself against vaccine scams.
NOTIFY LA: The City will occasionally send targeted text updates about new appointment availability to communities with high cases of COVID-19. To receive text updates, sign up forNotify LA.
STAY INFORMED: It can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing vaccine news. Get key information by signing upforemail updates from the L.A. County Department of Public Health. Tell your friends and family to sign up for this VaxFacts newsletter or follow us at @MayorOfLA on Twitter. You can check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
City of Los Angeles COVID-19 Residential Tenant Protections Webinar
Join the Housing + Community Investment Department at one of their weekly webinars to discuss the City’s “COVID-19 Residential Tenant Protections.” This webinar will provide an overview of the City’s current tenant protections and the State of California’s COVID-19 eviction protections. These workshops are for landlords, property managers, and renters in Los Angeles who want to know their rights and responsibilities. They are also recommended for landlords and their family members who assist them in managing their properties, banks, lenders, trustees, servicing companies, listing agents, and anyone contemplating buying or selling rental property in the City of Los Angeles.
The workshops will be presented by HCIDLA’s Rent Stabilization Division staff.
MARCH 2021 – English MARCH 2021 – Spanish
3:00 PM, Wednesday, March 17 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 10
3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 24
Click here to register or call 213-928-9075 to sign up to attend.
Sweeping Changes – Street to Be Swept Every Other Week
Staff shortages due to the financial crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting Citywide hiring freeze necessitate that StreetsLA reduce the frequency of street sweeping: routes that had received weekly sweeping will now be swept biweekly, meaning on either the first and third weeks of the month or the second and fourth weeks of the month.
Sign up for notifications when your street will be swept! Notifications will be sent 24 and 48 hours before we sweep the location that you register for. Fill out the form on this page, or use the map to explore other streets where you commonly park and to register for multiple locations.
We encourage all residents to be mindful of street signage to avoid being ticketed. Vehicles will be cited if they are parked in restricted areas on days when street cleaning is scheduled. The Street Sweeping Near Me webpage and notification system will let you know when sweeping is planned for your street so you can plan accordingly. For more information about parking and parking enforcement, please visit the LA Department of Transportation’s parking information pages.
FREE TAX PREP L.A.
The 2021 tax-filing season is here, and Los Angeles is excited to launch its fifth year of the Free Tax Prep LA program at FamilySource Centers and other locations across the city. The idea is simple: every Angeleno deserves the chance to access any tax credits available to working families, even if you can’t afford to hire an accountant. So, we have experts and volunteers ready to offer free tax help to individuals and households who make less than $57,000 a year and qualify for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit. For a list of locations and hours, visit FreeTaxPrepLA.com. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Persian, Armenian, and Korean.
BUSINESS RELIEF
U.S. SBA Paycheck Protection Program
President Joe Biden announced changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer PPP loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable and borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.
Small Business Stabilization Loan Program
Los Angeles County has launched the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program designed to provide eligible businesses with a competitive interest rate for loans ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. The Small Business Stabilization Loan Program application portal will remain open indefinitely. The Program offers technical assistance from partners who offer complementary online webinars, one-on-one financial consultations, application assistance, and an evaluation of a business’ readiness to submit an LACDA loan application. For more information on the requirements to apply for the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program, please visit BizStabilization.lacda.org.
Technical assistance is available in various languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), and Korean.
Free PPE for Small Businesses
The PPE Unite™ program is a joint effort to give small business owners and their employees access to much-needed personal protective gear. This public and private partnership program creates access to PPE, promotes PPE use, and provides additional resources for businesses. We need to work together to safely reopen our local economy for the health of our businesses and the general public. Get your 30 day supply of free Personal Protective Equipment to keep your business compliant and employees safe. Sign up now to get PPE while supplies last.
L.A. Optimized
LA Optimized provides individualized tech support to help small businesses adapt to the digital marketplace. The program helps businesses create or optimize websites, increase online sales, create business listings, and access branding and marketing help.
Open For Business
Open For Business is designed to support local restaurants and stimulate economic activity in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Open For Business provides Los Angeles restaurants commission-free digital ordering tools to expand contactless options for customers, as well as access to an over $1 million marketing budget to incentivize customers to order.
BusinessSource Centers
Technical assistance for COVID-19-related business loans and grants. Click here for more information.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
EWDD & Facebook Career Connections
Facebook’s Career Connections program, in partnership with Hire LA’s Youth, is seeking to train digitally-minded youth for paid internships with local LA businesses. Participating youth will receive training, resources, and support from a Facebook employee mentor and will receive a Facebook Digital Certification. Participating businesses will benefit from a Facebook trained and vetted intern who will help amplify your online presence. Interested youth can apply by contacting your local YouthSource Center no later than Friday, March 12, 2021. See attached flyers for details.
USC Annenberg Youth Academy for Media & Civic Engagement
The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is accepting applications for the Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA), a three-week online summer intensive academy for 28 talented high school students from Los Angeles County and beyond. AYA strengthens students’ skills in writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing and ethnography — all essential competencies required for excellence in and out of the classroom in the 21st century. For more information please visit this website. To complete the application click here. Application closes on Friday, March 19, 2021.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Youth Advisory Council
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking dedicated, enthusiastic and motivated youth to join its 3rd cohort of the Youth Advisory Council. The DPH Youth Advisory Council will serve as an advisory board to identify, discuss, and inform DPH leadership on youth issues and programming. The mission of the DPH Youth Advisory Council is to raise awareness of health issues affecting our communities, while working in collaboration with DPH leadership to advise on public health solutions that improve the health and well-being of youth in Los Angeles County. Visit the MCAH website and download an application here. Submit application to [email protected] by Friday, April 2, 2021.
Latino Equality Alliance’s (LEA) LGBTQ+ Youth College Scholarship
The Latino Equality Alliance Scholarship program supports LGBTQ+ students who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the mission of the LEA and the LGBT movement. Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to participate in a series of Career and Professional Development workshops led by Latinx LGBTQ+ Leaders. Scholarship application is available here. Applications are due Friday, April 2, 2021 at 11:59 PM. Awardees will be informed by April 29th, 2021. For more information and questions, please email [email protected].
EVENTS
3rd Annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair
Sunday, March 7th, 2021 from 11am-3pm
The Westside Neighborhood Council is excited to be a sponsor of the 3rd Annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair which is an important and highly informative community preparedness event. There will be a terrific line-up of keynote speakers, presentations and training such as Hands-Only CPR, Stop the Bleed, and Pet First Aid and CPR. With this event being entirely virtual, you can learn important safety and disaster preparedness topics from the comfort of your own living room. Bring the kids too — there will be presentations just for them! See attached flyer for more details and register via the Event page.
Let’s Chat About the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 and DACA
Monday, March 8th at 6pm
On behalf of the Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, in collaboration with Clark Hill and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), we would like to invite you to “Let’s Chat About the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 and DACA” webinar on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 6pm. You will learn about the latest immigration changes under President Biden. We will discuss the U.S. Citizenship Act, Executive Orders, and DACA. Panelists will also share information on how to protect yourself from immigration fraud and obtain free legal services among other services for immigrants.
This webinar will be in English and Spanish, and is open to all. To register and submit your questions to speakers, visit clarkhill.zoom.us/webinar/register.
Department of City Planning: Supporting Economic Recovery Through Planning
Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Department of City Planning is hosting a town hall to apprise local business owners, groups and individuals of current policy efforts. We invite you and your members to attend, and look forward to creating a forum for future discussions on how best to engage with a broad cross section of business interests within the City. Register here. Meeting materials: Agenda, Processes & Procedures Ordinance, Restaurant & Beverage Program, and Local Emergency Ordinance.
LAHSA: 2021 State of Homelessness Town Hall
Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
You are invited to join LAHSA for a town hall on the system’s efforts to end homelessness. During the event, they will provide an update on their COVID-19 response, the rehousing system, and host a Q&A discussion about the system’s 2020 performance and their goals for 2021. Registration link: The State of Homelessness
Brentwood Community Council Food Drive
Saturday, March 27th from 10am-2pm
The Brentwood Community Council is hosting a food drive benefiting the Westside Food Bank. Westside Food Bank has specifically requested non-perishable items including canned goods, dry foods, pasta, peanut butter, etc. Folks can drop off these items on Saturday, March 27th from 10am-2pm in front of the Brentwood Science Magnet School, located at 740 S Gretna Green Way, Los Angeles, CA 90049. See attached flyer.
Please forward this along to anyone who may find it useful. As always, if you have questions about anything mentioned in this email––or if the Mayor’s Office can help you with something else––please don’t hesitate to be in touch.
Here are some of the latest updates on important news for our community.
Included in this week’s Westside Bulletin: COVID-19 Updates, Free Tax Prep Information, Business Relief, a Department of Cultural Affairs Survey, Youth Opportunities, and Upcoming Community Events
COVID-19 UPDATES
Here are the facts you need to know:
STAY INFORMED: It can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing vaccine news. Get key information by signing up for email updates from the L.A. County Department of Public Health. Tell your friends and family to sign up for this VaxFacts newsletter or follow us at @MayorOfLA on Twitter. You can check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
NOTIFY LA: The City has also sent targeted text updates to communities with high cases of COVID-19. In just the first three weeks of these joint vaccine equity efforts, appointments booked by Black Angelenos increased by nearly a third. To receive text updates, sign up for Notify LA.
‘MOVE’ VACCINE EQUITY PROGRAM: Our new MOVE initiative is deploying mobile vaccination clinics to the most vulnerable parts of Los Angeles. So far, mobile teams have administered over 5,351 doses across sites in South and East L.A., and each clinic has the capacity to vaccinate 200 people per day. This week, MOVE expanded operations to include two additional mobile teams –– and we administered doses across locations in Vermont Square, Pico-Union, Chinatown, Van Nuys, and Boyle Heights.
VACCINE ACCESS FOR ALL ABILITIES: This week we’re opening an express lane at Dodger Stadium for customers of Access Services, the agency that provides transportation to Angelenos with disabilities. Access riders can book their vaccination appointment pending availability and a round-trip ride to Dodger Stadium by calling (626) 532-1616.
BY THE NUMBERS: The City of Los Angeles has administered 367,206 vaccine doses at our six City-run vaccination sites, skilled nursing facilities, and fire stations. Since last Monday, our centers have provided 40,107 life-saving vaccinations despite supply and weather challenges.
ELIGIBLE NOW: All L.A. residents 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine in L.A. County, in addition to healthcare workers, certain essential frontline workers, and residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities.
UP NEXT: L.A. County announced those who are in Phase 1B, Tier 1 –– including teachers and workers in education and childcare, food and agriculture, and emergency service and law enforcement –– will become eligible for vaccination on March 1st. In addition, the State announced that vaccinations will open to residents between 16 and 64 years old who have certain disabilities or severe underlying medical conditions on March 15th. Sign up to be automatically notified when you become eligible for the vaccine. You can also check what phase you’ll be in.
VACCINATION SITES: More than 488 locations are currently vaccinating people in L.A. County. As more doses become available in the coming months, more sites and providers will administer shots. When your turn arrives, you can make an appointment through the County hub and bring your ID to the site. If you are 65 or older, have a disability, or do not have access to the internet and need assistance making your vaccination appointment, you can contact the County’s Call Center –– open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated.
FREE TAX PREP L.A.
The 2021 tax-filing season is here, and Los Angeles is excited to launch its fifth year of the Free Tax Prep LA program at FamilySource Centers and other locations across the city. The idea is simple: every Angeleno deserves the chance to access any tax credits available to working families, even if you can’t afford to hire an accountant. So, we have experts and volunteers ready to offer free tax help to individuals and households who make less than $57,000 a year and qualify for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit. For a list of locations and hours, visit FreeTaxPrepLA.com. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Persian, Armenian, and Korean.
BUSINESS RELIEF
U.S. SBA Paycheck Protection Program
President Joe Biden announced changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer PPP loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable and borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.
Small Business Stabilization Loan Program
Los Angeles County has launched the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program designed to provide eligible businesses with a competitive interest rate for loans ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. The Small Business Stabilization Loan Program application portal will remain open indefinitely. The Program offers technical assistance from partners who offer complementary online webinars, one-on-one financial consultations, application assistance, and an evaluation of a business’ readiness to submit an LACDA loan application. For more information on the requirements to apply for the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program, please visit BizStabilization.lacda.org.
Technical assistance is available in various languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), and Korean.
Free PPE for Small Businesses
The PPE Unite™ program is a joint effort to give small business owners and their employees access to much-needed personal protective gear. This public and private partnership program creates access to PPE, promotes PPE use, and provides additional resources for businesses. We need to work together to safely reopen our local economy for the health of our businesses and the general public. Get your 30 day supply of free Personal Protective Equipment to keep your business compliant and employees safe. Sign up now to get PPE while supplies last.
City of Los Angeles Business Tax Renewal Season
The Office of Finance is currently in the midst of its Business Tax Renewal season. Customers must renew by March 1 to avoid penalties and take advantage of possible EXEMPTIONS. All businesses are required to file an annual tax renewal regardless of whether or not the business generated revenue for that tax year. Filing the renewals timely avoids late penalties and fees and also ensures that businesses can take advantage of all available tax credits and incentives.
To assist business owners with renewals, the Office of Finance has created a Business Tax Renewals FAQ found here: English or Spanish. It provides information regarding our public counter hours, making appointments and completing the renewals. For more information please visit: City of Los Angeles Office of Finance
L.A. Optimized
LA Optimized provides individualized tech support to help small businesses adapt to the digital marketplace. The program helps businesses create or optimize websites, increase online sales, create business listings, and access branding and marketing help.
Open For Business
Open For Business is designed to support local restaurants and stimulate economic activity in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Open For Business provides Los Angeles restaurants commission-free digital ordering tools to expand contactless options for customers, as well as access to an over $1 million marketing budget to incentivize customers to order.
BusinessSource Centers
Technical assistance for COVID-19-related business loans and grants. Click here for more information.
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS SURVEY
The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is launching a survey to assess the demand for arts and cultural experiences in our city during this pandemic and beyond. This survey is only for those who reside within the geographic limits of the City of Los Angeles. The survey is available in English and Spanish and will inform a comprehensive report on access and the need for cultural services in communities throughout the city. We invite you to join this effort. The survey will be available until March 5.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
USC Annenberg Youth Academy for Media & Civic Engagement
The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is accepting applications for the Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA), a three-week online summer intensive academy for 28 talented high school students from Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and San Diego County. Students are exposed to the equivalent of first-year college-level courses and develop a rich conceptual understanding and practice of the necessary role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators. AYA strengthens students’ skills in writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing and ethnography — all essential competencies required for excellence in and out of the classroom in the 21st century. For more information please visit this website. To complete the application click here. Application closes on Friday, March 19, 2021.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Youth Advisory Council
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking dedicated, enthusiastic and motivated youth to join its 3rd cohort of the Youth Advisory Council. The DPH Youth Advisory Council will serve as an advisory board to identify, discuss, and inform DPH leadership on youth issues and programming. The mission of the DPH Youth Advisory Council is to raise awareness of health issues affecting our communities, while working in collaboration with DPH leadership to advise on public health solutions that improve the health and well-being of youth in Los Angeles County. The application for the DPH Youth Advisory Council is attached. You may also visit the MCAH website and download an application here. Submit application to [email protected] by Friday, April 2, 2021.
EVENTS
3rd Annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair
Sunday, March 7th, 2021 from 11am-3pm
The Westside Neighborhood Council is excited to be a sponsor of the 3rd Annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair which is an important and highly informative community preparedness event. There will be a terrific line-up of keynote speakers, presentations and training such as Hands-Only CPR, Stop the Bleed, and Pet First Aid and CPR. With this event being entirely virtual, you can learn important safety and disaster preparedness topics from the comfort of your own living room. Bring the kids too — there will be presentations just for them! See attached flyer for more details and register via the Event page.
Brentwood Community Council Food Drive
Saturday, March 27th from 10am-2pm
The Brentwood Community Council is hosting a food drive benefiting the Westside Food Bank. Westside Food Bank has specifically requested non-perishable items including canned goods, dry foods, pasta, peanut butter, etc. Folks can drop off these items on Saturday, March 27th from 10am-2pm in front of the Brentwood Science Magnet School, located at 740 S Gretna Green Way, Los Angeles, CA 90049. See attached flyer.
Please forward this along to anyone who may find it useful. As always, if you have questions about anything mentioned in this email––or if the Mayor’s Office can help you with something else––please don’t hesitate to be in touch.
Our Department has completed the traffic engineering study for installation of all-way stop sign control at the intersection Amherst Avenue and Gorham Avenue. The installation should take 10 to 12 weeks depending on our field crew’s schedule.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Rudy Guevara, P.E.
Transportation Engineer
LADOT Western District Office
310/575-8138
For the many neighbors who asked for this:
Although the DOT approved a left turn signal at Barrington and Wilshire, they needed to find funding for it….and now they have it. Thank you, Mo!
Happy Holidays!
For your information, the proposed mix-used project at 11660 W. Santa Monica Blvd will fund the installation of left-turn signals at Barrington Av and Wilshire Blvd.
Sincerely,
Mo
Mohammad H. Blorfroshan
Senior Transportation Engineer
Southern and Western Districts
SBRA meetings with the Dept of Transportation and CD11 have resulted in DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION signs at Wilshire Boulevard at Barrington in response to requests from the community. Hope it will ease the traffic gridlock there. See below.
Marylin Krell, Past President SBRA
June 13, 2017
TRAFFIC CONTROL REPORT
11 – Western SR# 80354
Barrington Av & Wilshire Blvd
REGULATORY SIGN
DETERMINATION
That “DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION” signs be authorized for eastbound and westbound traffic on Wilshire Boulevard at Barrington Avenue. (Section 80.07 (d) L.A.M.C.)
DISCUSSION
A request was received from Marylin Krell of South Brentwood Residents Association, on behalf of the area residents, for the installation of “DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION” signs for eastbound and westbound traffic on Wilshire Boulevard at Barrington Avenue due to concerns with gridlock at this intersection.
A traffic engineering study of this location has been completed. The study included an investigation of the physical conditions and existing traffic controls, and field observations of traffic movement through this intersection.
In the Mobility Plan 2035 of the City ‘ s General Plan Transportation Element, Wilshire Boulevard is classified as “Boulevard II” with an average daily volume of 50,000 vehicles , and Barrington Avenue is classified as “Avenue II” with an average daily volume of 20,000 vehicles. The study revealed that eastbound and westbound motorists on Wilshire Boulevard at times block this intersection, especially during the weekday peak periods.
The installation of “DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION” signs, as described in the Determination, is justified to discourage motorists on Wilshire Boulevard from stopping within the intersection and interfering with the movement of traffic in and out of Barrington Avenue.
Approved by:
Mohammad H. Blorfroshan, P.E.
Senior Transportation Engineer Southern and Western Districts
cc: Councilmember Mike Bonin, 11th Council District (Attn: Debbie Dyner Harris, Jessie Holzer, Len Nguyen)
213.922.7375
metro.net/sepulvedacorridor/
[email protected]
losangelesmetro
@metrolosangeles
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