The 45th Annual General Meeting of the South Brentwood Residents Association will be held via Zoom. Details including speakers and subjects to follow. Interested in volunteering or advertising? Please contact (310) 281-8566 or fill out the form and you’ll be contacted. Thank you!
I hope that you enjoyed the holiday weekend! Here are some of the latest updates on important news for our community.
Included in this week’s Westside Bulletin: COVID-19 Updates; State Tenant Protections Extended; Westside Redistricting Commission Hearings; Updates from Department of City Planning, L.A. Optimized Accelerator Academy; HCIDLA SCEP Webinars; Earn, Learn, Play; Fireworks Safety Survey; No Place for Hate Training Series; Wildfire Preparedness Resources; LAHSA State of Homelessness Series
COVID-19 UPDATES
Danger of COVID-19 Delta Variant
With more circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant, the L.A. County Department of Public Health issued a recommendation this week urging all residents, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors in public places as a precaution. Per the CDC, the Delta variants are now responsible for 1 in 5 new cases across the country.
Reopening and Mask Guidance
On June 15, L.A. County joined the state in lifting most COVID-19 restrictions and all capacity limits and distancing requirements as most businesses returned to full operations. Click here for guidance, effective June 15, 2021, on mask wearing in California.
All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must continue to wear a mask in a limited number of places, such as public transit/transportation hubs, schools, health care settings, detention facilities, shelters, and cooling centers.
People who are not fully vaccinated, including everyone from 2 to 11 years old, must continue to wear masks in indoor public settings and are recommended to wear masks in outdoor public settings if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Businesses have the ability to require that all patrons wear masks.
COVID-19 Still Threat to Unvaccinated
Last week, the L.A. County Department of Public Health revealed that since the vaccine became available in December 2020, nearly all cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in Los Angeles County have been occurring in our unvaccinated population. From December 7, 2020 to June 7, 2021, 99.6% of the County’s nearly COVID-19 cases, 98.7% of the hospitalizations, and 99.8% of the COVID-19 related deaths were among unvaccinated people. To read more, click here.
There are over 800+ vaccination sites across L.A. County. 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.
STATE TENANT PROTECTIONS EXTENDED
On June 29, emergency tenant protections were extended by the State Legislature and Governor Newsom through the passage of AB 832. Here’s what you need to know:
If you lost income due to COVID-19 and you cannot pay rent, keep submitting a written declaration to your landlord every month. If you submit a declaration, your landlord cannot evict you for not paying rent before October 1, 2021, without a “just cause.”
Tenants have until September 30, 2021, to pay 25% of the rent owed from September 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021.
Collection actions for COVID-19 rental debt cannot begin before November 1, 2021.
Rental relief is available to eligible tenants and will cover 100% of their past-due rent back to April 2020 and until the eviction protections expire.
From October 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022, an eviction cannot be issued for nonpayment unless the landlord can prove that a tenant applied for rental assistance and the application was denied.
If you receive a 15-day notice, you MUST respond within 15 days.
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 5 will be held on Wednesday, July 7th at 6:00pm via Zoom.
A public hearing for Council District 11 will be held on Monday, July 12th at 6:00pm via Zoom.
A public hearing for Council District 4 will be held on Wednesday, August 4th at 6:00pm via Zoom.
A public hearing for Council District 10 will be held on Saturday, August 28th at 10:00am via Zoom.
Over the next few weeks the City will release a draft of the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Safety Element Update. Save the date to attend one of two webinars to learn more about the drafts and participate in a Q&A session.
Tuesday, July 13th, 12:00- 1:30 p.m. – REGISTER HERE
L.A. OPTIMIZED ACCELERATOR ACADEMY
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.
HCIDLA SCEP WEBINARS FOR LANDLORDS
Please join the Housing & Community Investment Department for an informational presentation on the recent changes to the Systematic Code Enforcement Program (SCEP) fee adopted by the Los Angeles City Council on June 23, 2021. The SCEP fee applies to all multifamily housing properties in the City of Los Angeles. The presentation will include information on routine inspections, the upcoming supplemental 2021 bill, the allowable 50% passthrough surcharge to tenants, and an update regarding the current Covid-19 SCEP inspection protocols. This month’s webinars will be presented by the Compliance & Code Division staff of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA).
Join Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles County Superintendent of Education Debra Duardo to ensure that all youth have opportunities this summer to Earn, Learn, and Play as they get ready for the academic school year. Highlighted below are opportunities listed that include both virtual and in-person activities and will follow proper COVID-19 health and safety protocols. There are also subsidized and low-cost options:
EARN
Career exploration and paid internships for young Angelenos between the ages of 14 to 24: Students can find summer job placements in their career fields of interest and earn a paycheck while learning valuable skills. Applications are available here.
LEARN
Opportunities to learn beyond the classroom: Through a range of learning enrichment programs offered both virtually and in-person, students can catch up and prepare themselves for the 2021-22 school year. From STEM to literacy and more, these programs will turn Los Angeles into an academic playground for young people.
PLAY
Sports, arts, and day camps to explore and play: Young Angelenos of all ages can enjoy the great outdoors, play recreational sports, and discover new worlds through engagement in the arts.
The issue of illegal fireworks use is an important community safety issue. It is also a complex issue, as fireworks (any and all types) are illegal to possess, sell, or use within the City limits. In order to evolve and improve policy and statues on fireworks and fire safety, it is critical to gather quality data from the public. I encourage you to take this anonymous survey and share your opinions and concerns, which will help identify possible steps that may have a positive impact on reducing illegal fireworks and increasing fire safety. You can access the survey here.
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.
WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS
Summer is here! The weather conditions may cause fires to spread rapidly. It is critical we act thoughtfully to reduce the risk in our communities. Check out the new LAFD ‘Wildfire’ page on the LAFD website for tips on hardening your home, preparing for an evacuation order, and viewing safety videos on wildfire in the City of LA: https://www.lafd.org/wildfire
Ready, Set, Go – Have a plan in place to prepare your family and property for the wildfire season. More at: https://www.lafd.org/ready-set-go
Downed Power Lines: Never touch a downed or dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized. Report any downed power lines immediately by calling the LADWP at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397). If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
Downed trees, tree limbs, or tree emergencies: Report any tree emergency via MyLA311
LAHSA’s STATE OF HOMELESSNESS PANEL SERIES
Registration is now open for LAHSA’s State of Homelessness Panel Series. This quarter, LAHSA’s panel will focus on addressing visible homelessness through outreach. Join LAHSA and an expert panel on Monday, July 12 at 6:00 pm for an hour-long conversation on how outreach teams address homelessness for our unsheltered neighbors.
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
—
Brad Fingard West Area Representative & Citywide Interfaith Liaison Mayor’s Office of Legislative & External Affairs p. (213) 309-2116 | e. brad.fingard@lacity.org coronavirus.lacity.org
From my family to yours, I wish you a happy and healthy 4th of July holiday! We’ve made incredible progress on vaccinations but our community still needs to remain vigilant about the ongoing pandemic. This week, due to increased circulation of the Delta variant in Los Angeles County, public health officials recommended that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors in public places as a precaution. It’s important that we all follow the guidance of public health professionals to keep our community safe. For more information on the LA County Department of Public Health’s recommendation, please click here. This week in Congress, the House voted to advance the INVEST in America Act, a bold, five-year, $715 billion surface transportation reauthorization and water infrastructure bill that will create good-paying jobs, support American workers, and tackle the climate crisis – all while rebuilding our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. I’m glad that six of the Member Designated Projects I submitted to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for CA-33 were included in this legislation, which, if signed into law, will result in $20 million in funding for key infrastructure projects in our district.
I’m also pleased that, this week, the House passed my bill, the Inspector General (IG) Protection Act, as part of a larger IG reform package. Inspectors General are crucial to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse in our government. However, the work of IGs has been hindered by persistent vacancies and underfunded budgets, particularly under the former Administration. The former President also tried to circumvent IGs. My bill helps address these issues by requiring that Congress be notified before a personnel change is made, and that the President report to Congress if an IG hasn’t been nominated to fill a vacancy after 210 days.
Finally, I voted to pass H. Res. 503, which will establish a select committee to investigate the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, report on the facts and findings, and make recommendations to prevent similar domestic terrorist attacks. January 6th was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Nobody should forget or try to whitewash what happened that day. I support a January 6th Committee because we need to defend our democracy by investigating how such an egregious act of domestic terrorism happened at the Capitol. The American people deserve to know the truth.
REMINDER: Please renew your passport at least six months before it is set to expire. The State Department is processing an unprecedented number of passport applications and renewals. If you plan to travel abroad, please ensure your passport is up to date. To renew, please visit travel.state.gov. REP. LIEU REMINDS CONSTITUENTS TO RENEW THEIR PASSPORTS BEFORE BOOKING TRAVEL Get Vaccinated! Please get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Everyone age 12 and older who lives or works in LA County is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Please check VaccinateLACounty.com for updated information on walk-in vaccinations or to book an appointment ahead of time. To find a vaccination site near you, please visit corona-virus.la/VaxSites. Minors must be accompanied by an adult and bring a signed consent form to receive the Pfizer vaccine. If you 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 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also call this number if you or a family member need to be vaccinated at home. Want to stay informed about vaccine rollout, locations, and more? You can sign up for email updates from the LA County Department of Public Health here. Additional Resources As temperatures rise, it’s important to stay cool to beat the heat. To find your local LA County cooling center, please click here . Need to apply for a new passport? USPS is holding a passport acceptance fair at the Pacific Palisades Post Office tomorrow, July 2nd and Saturday, July 3rd. To renew your passport, please click here. If you require assistance in contacting EDD regarding a pending unemployment claim or the processing of your benefits, you may contact your California state legislators to seek assistance. To find your state legislators, please visit findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. As the 4th of July holiday approaches, the USDA is reminding people to stay safe. Please follow the latest CDC guidelines and remember your food safety practices, such as cooking food to proper temperatures and refrigerating promptly.Applications for the California COVID-19 rent relief program have been simplified to help residents access rent relief more easily. Now, fewer documents are required and you can apply regardless of your citizenship status. Please visit HousingIsKey.com or call 833-430-2122 to learn more and apply. California and LA County’s eviction moratoriums for tenants who’ve been impacted by COVID-19 has been extended through September 30th, 2021. To speak with a rent counselor or to receive more information, please call 833-223-RENT, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The West LA VA is offering walk-in vaccinations veterans of ALL ages and their spouses or caregivers. Please call 310-268-4900 for information about walk-in times and locations. If you need someone to talk to, please call the LA County Department of Mental Health hotline at 800-854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741.If you are in need of food assistance; housing relief; information about COVID-19; and more, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org. For more information, please visit my website at lieu.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I look forward to updating you again soon. Happy 4th of July! Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Ted W. Lieu Member of Congress
Washington, DC 403 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3976
Los Angeles Office 1645 Corinth Ave., Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: (323) 651-1040
Manhattan Beach Office 1600 Rosecrans Ave., 4th Floor Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Phone: (310) 321-7664
Real-Time Look Inside City Finances L.A. Controller Ron Galperin released a new online dashboard that tracks the City’s most important financial information in real time. “Inside L.A. City Finances” enhances the Controller’s groundbreaking open data portal by giving Angelenos a more transparent picture of where the City’s money comes from, and how it is kept and spent.
The dashboard is the first of its kind at the City of Los Angeles, and contains datasets and visualizations showing the current balance in each of the city’s 800+ funds — including the General and Reserve Funds, charts City salaries and overtime, and tracks budget revenues and expenditures. Information is updated regularly: daily (M-F) for all City fund balances, bi-weekly for payroll, and monthly for revenue and expenditures. Budget data will be updated after the beginning of the next fiscal year in July.
“Until now, there hasn’t been a simple way for Angelenos to track the City’s complex and constantly changing finances in real time,” said Controller Galperin. “This dashboard makes it easy for everyone to see how much money is in each of the City’s hundreds of funds daily, what revenue is coming in and where it’s coming from, and the current state of department spending. It gives residents a better understanding of L.A.’s financial health and encourages even greater accountability for public dollars.”Explore the dashboard Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth Controller Galperin’s LGTBQ+ Information Hub includes resources to help the LGBTQ+ community get vaccinated, along with an interactive guide that can be used by LGBTQ+ youth and anyone in the L.A. area in need of housing and supportive services. The map lists resources in the City and beyond, with descriptions of services and contact information. Users can click a dot on the map or enter an address to find help near them.
“Behind the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness remains the number one crisis in Los Angeles,” said Controller Galperin. “A map alone will not end homelessness, but it will help young people find service providers they trust as they seek a better future.” Find supportive services Tonight: Join the Conversation To commemorate Pride Month, Controller Galperin is hosting a discussion in his “Conversations with the Controller” series featuring civic, business and nonprofit leaders in the LGBTQ+ community. The event will address issues facing LGBTQ+ employees and practical ways to address them. Catch this discussion tonight, June 24, on Zoom and Facebook Live at 5:00 p.m. PST.
“I’m proud of how our LGBTQ+ community has been at the forefront of the struggle for a more just and equitable world, but there is still so much work that needs to be done to create more opportunities for everyone,” said Controller Galperin. “I am looking forward to hosting this conversation and hope you will join us.” RSVP here New Mask Guidance The City of Los Angeles has updated mask guidelines to align with the State of California and L.A. County. Masks are still required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in the following settings: on public transit; in transportation hubs; indoors in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings; healthcare settings; state and local correctional facilities, and detention centers; and homeless shelters, emergency shelters, and cooling centers. Mask mandates also remain for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses.
With over 70% of adults over 30 with at least one shot, more than 2 million jobs created since the president took office, and unemployment claims cut in half, the American Rescue Plan is working. This week, I was proud to join President Biden and my congressional colleagues in spreading the word about the Child Tax Credit, a provision in the American Rescue Plan that will provide tax relief for roughly 39 million American households and help set children up for success.
Starting July 15th, nearly all working families across the country will receive monthly Child Tax Credit payments (via direct deposit or mail) of up to $250 per child between the ages of 6 and 17, or up to $300 per child under the age of 6. If you filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020, or if you signed up to receive a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service, you will receive the payments automatically. If you did not file tax returns for 2019 or 2020, you can still sign up to make sure you get your Child Tax Credit payments by going online and using the IRS Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool. For more information, please visit childtaxcredit.gov. Click to learn more about the Child Tax CreditReminder: As places open up and more people begin to think about travel, the State Department is processing an unprecedented number of passport applications and renewals. If you plan to travel abroad, please make sure to check your passport to ensure it is up to date and won’t expire within 6 months of your trip. To renew your passport, please visit travel.state.gov. If you need to apply for a new passport, USPS is holding multiple passport acceptance fairs in Los Angeles County in the coming weeks to help people apply in person. The dates, times, and locations for the upcoming fairs are below. For additional details, please click here. Sunday, June 27, 2021 from 8AM-2PM USPS Main Office Los Angeles 7101 South Central Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90001
Friday, July 2, 2021 from 9AM-3PM Saturday, July 3, 2021 from 9AM-2PM Pacific Palisades Post Office 15243 La Cruz Drive Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Saturday, July 10, 9AM -3PM Santa Fe Springs Post Office 11760 Telegraph Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Separately, I’m pleased to report that this week, President Biden signed my bill with Senator Feinstein, the West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act, into law! Our legislation will expand the West LA VA campus’s ability to provide housing for homeless veterans. The enactment of this law is a success for our Los Angeles veterans, especially those who are experiencing homelessness. No one who served our country should ever go without housing. Get Vaccinated!If you haven’t already, please get vaccinated to help our community recover. If you or someone you know is looking for an extra push to get their vaccine, the White House COVID Response Team has compiled a list of all the ways businesses and companies are encouraging folks to get vaccinated. Please visit vaccines.gov/incentives to learn more. Everyone age 12 and older who lives or works in LA County is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Please check VaccinateLACounty.com for updated information on walk-in vaccinations or to book an appointment ahead of time. To find a vaccination site near you, please visit corona-virus.la/VaxSites.If you 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 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also call this number if you or a family member need to be vaccinated at home. Additional ResourcesLearn more about LA County’s COVID-19 reopening and read the new county Health Officer Order.Unemployment Update: As California reopens, most people on unemployment will be expected to search for work to maintain their eligibility for benefits starting on July 11th, 2021. The California Employment Development Department will send a notice to claimants informing them of the reinstatement of this requirement. For more information and job search resources, please click here.If you require assistance in contacting EDD regarding a pending unemployment claim or the processing of your benefits, you may contact your California state legislators to seek assistance. To find your state legislators, please visit findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov.USPS is now hiring city carrier assistants! Apply today at usps.com/careers.
Applications for the California COVID-19 rent relief program have been simplified to help residents access rent relief more easily. Now, fewer documents are required and you can apply regardless of your citizenship status. Please visit HousingIsKey.com or call 833-430-2122 to learn more and apply.
The LA County eviction moratorium for tenants who’ve been impacted by COVID-19 has been extended through September 30th, 2021. To speak with a rent counselor or to receive more information, please call 833-223-RENT, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.The West LA VA is offering walk-in vaccinations veterans of ALL ages and their spouses or caregivers. Please call 310-268-4900 for information about walk-in times and locations. If you need someone to talk to, please call the LA County Department of Mental Health hotline at 800-854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741.If you are in need of food assistance; housing relief; information about COVID-19; and more, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org.My staff and I will continue to keep you updated on key developments as California reopens. For more information, please visit my website at lieu.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Ted W. Lieu Member of Congress
Washington, DC 403 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3976
Los Angeles Office 1645 Corinth Ave., Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: (323) 651-1040
Manhattan Beach Office 1600 Rosecrans Ave., 4th Floor Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Phone: (310) 321-7664
This week marked the long-anticipated reopening of our state, a moment made possible by all of you who did your part to follow public health guidance during the pandemic and then got vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Feelings of relief and excitement at this milestone are, of course, understandable and common. But I want to take a few moments to strongly caution against adopting a “pandemic is over” mentality. Responsible reopening has to be our first priority, always mindful that many of the activities we are excited to resume can actually lead to higher risk for those who have not, or are unable to choose to be, vaccinated, such as young children, immunocompromised people, and cancer patients. Be mindful and cautious.
For all your reopening questions, check out the Department of Public Health’s website here! 8.6.0 HAPPY JUNETEENTH!8.7.3 Happy Juneteenth! Now it’s official!
Juneteenth celebrates the too-long delayed emancipation of enslaved people, who learned of their freedom while living in the far reaches of the Confederacy a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
And, at long last, this historic milestone is finally a federal holiday! Just this week, Congress passed, and the President signed, a bill officially recognizing it as such, finally honoring this significant moment in American History. It’s a big step, and one that I hope cultivates a wider awareness and acknowledgement of what Black Americans have had to endure and overcome.
Within the joyful story of Juneteenth is a cautionary tale. Why did the people of Galveston have to wait so long for the freedom that they were rightfully owed? Juneteenth serves as a reminder that even as laws and standards change, there will always people willing to take up the mantle of enforcing and preserving systemic racism. Liberation on paper is not the same as true freedom in practice, and it takes good people making good trouble to see it through and ensure that it reaches each and every one of us. 8.5.7 CLIMATE VULNERABILITY WORKSHOP8.7.3 Extreme heat, drought, wildfires and flooding…. Climate change is here, and it’s up to us to build climate-resilient communities that can weather whatever is coming our way.
The Chief Sustainability Office is hosting an online workshop on Thursday, July 1, 2021 from 1pm – 2:30pm to share findings from the countywide Climate Vulnerability Assessment. Join the workshop to learn about the risks that climate change presents to communities and infrastructure and explore ways you can use the assessment to empower your community to be climate resilient.
Across the country we have witnessed again and again the drastic consequences of ignoring climate change and its effects of critical infrastructure. Be a part of the solution and register for the Countywide Climate Vulnerability Workshop today! 8.5.7 BEYOND BOOKS: LA COUNTY LIBRARIES LA County Libraries are so much more than meets the eye. This summer, we’ve been featuring some of the lesser-known resources at your local library so can more people take advantage of the in-person and digital services available to them. This week is for the job-seekers and career-launchers: get to know Work Ready.
Work Ready is a virtual professional development training series for adults who want to sharpen their professional skills, from resume writing and job search best practices, to interview techniques. And if you’re looking for a job but don’t have the device or internet connection to make that happen, Work Ready is here to help with Work Ready kits including a laptop and wireless hotspot.
This six week program starts soon, so be sure to learn more here! 8.6.0 RIDE THE BEACH BUS! Heading out to the beach this weekend? The perfect beach day, free of traffic and parking headaches, is just one dollar away!
On LA County’s Beach bus, for just one dollar and one hour, you can get from the Valley all the way to the Santa Monica Pier, with stops at Topanga Beach and Will Rogers State Beach. The Beach Bus service runs three times a day, departing the Warner Center in Woodland Hills (Orange Line Connection) at 9:30 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:35 PM. Return trips from Santa Monica Pier (Expo Line Connection) depart at 10:45 AM, 2:15 PM and 4:50 PM. A complete schedule of stops and pick up times can be found here.
Plan your trip at beachbus.org!8.6.0 Have a happy and safe weekend!
This is Odin and what a stunningly handsome dog he is!
This 9-year-old German Shepherd mix walks nicely on a leash and knows basic commands. He’s so smart! He was tolerant and social with other dogs in playgroups. The shelter is recommending calm dogs and middle school age kids and up.
From the first moments of the pandemic, our City has kept our focus on two key priorities: saving lives and supporting our hardest-hit families, businesses, and workers.
That effort continues today, as more Angelenos get vaccinated, as more shops and workplaces reopen, and as our recovery begins. We have to bring the same strength, resilience, unity of purpose and spirit that got us through the COVID-19 crisis to the task of restoring everything we love about L.A. — and reimagining a future of prosperity and possibility for all.
We need to make it clear: hope is on the horizon, and help is on the way.
A Helping Hand for Small Businesses Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities, and through L.A. Optimized, we have already connected hundreds of local stores, restaurants, and merchants to free resources to help them get online, optimize their sales, and ramp up their marketing efforts.
On June 15, we will launch the next step of this program: the Accelerator Academy, a free webinar series that will equip businesses with the tools and support to grow their digital presence, connect with customers, and increase their online sales. These webinars will be open to anyone and held on the first Tuesday of every month. For more information, visit LACityOptimized.org.
Tapping into L.A.’s Creative Spirit There’s far more ahead with L.A. Optimized. The next step is the establishment of the Los Angeles City Creative Taskforce. This collection of creative professionals is ready to step to the plate to lend their expertise in developing branding kits, marketing tools, and materials to help our businesses attract and retain customers.
Taskforce members receive a $500 grant for every small business they assist. Applications are now open. Visit LACityOptimized.org/creativetaskforce to learn more.
Lifting Up Our Seniors Few populations were hit harder by the pandemic than L.A.’s seniors, and we took steps from the beginning to make sure our older neighbors received meals, support, health care, housing — and never lost hope.
Now, we will keep following through on our promises to our seniors through the L.A. ADU Accelerator Program, where older adults facing housing insecurity are being paired with existing homeowners willing to rent out their ADUs. Participating in this initiative will deliver critical benefits for homeowners, such as qualified long-term tenants, landlord support, and stable rental payments.
Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply by June 27 for priority reivew. If you have any questions, you can reach out to ADU@LACity.org. We are almost there, Los Angeles.
We have reached this point by sacrificing, by listening to the experts, and by working together. We have made tough decisions and taken actions big and small to look out for each other. And we will continue to do so. Because that is who we are. That compassion, that empathy, that unified front make up the essence of the Angeleno spirit.
So let’s keep doing our part to build a safer, stronger, healthier future together.
As always, strength and love to all of you. Eric Garcetti Your Mayor Share Tweet Forward
Last week, I shared the sad news of the loss of the Third District’s own Col. Dick Littlestone — a hero on battlefields abroad who never stopped fighting for his fellow service members after returning home. Below is a link to a video chronicling his amazing and determined fight to build the West LA VA Columbarium, so that more veterans could rest in peace and honor right here in LA.
This Memorial Day weekend, let us take time to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. We honor their memory and are eternally grateful for their service. 8.6.0 COVID-19 UPDATE 8.7.3 As of this week, more than 9.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to people across LA County! This means that half of our County residents 16 and over and 72% of seniors 65 and older are fully vaccinated. Happily, and, no doubt, relatedly, cases and deaths are going down, bringing reduced fear, grief, and hardship, and much more hope for our communities who have endured so much under the burden of this virus.
This is really great progress, but what’s bugging me is this: is LA really a 50/50, wishy-washy kind of place? No! Los Angeles is a full-throttle, everyone-at-the-table, “let’s do this!” kind of place. So let’s pump those numbers up, hey?
Your one-stop-shop for vaccination info and appointments is VaccinateLACounty.com, so, if you haven’t done it yet, make your appointment there today, and get your family and friends to do it too!8.5.7 WDACS HOME SAFE 8.7.3 Over the past few years, homelessness among seniors has grown alarmingly. For elderly adults, I can’t think of a worse situation than to be pushed out of your home in the middle of a pandemic that has disproportionately killed seniors. With a constantly growing aging population in LA County, our safety net for seniors, in particular, needs to be stronger. Part of the answer? Home Safe from LA County’s Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services.
Through Home Safe, older adults may qualify to receive rent relief and assistance with:
Security deposits ️Essential furnishings ⚖Legal fees Past due bills & more
Have questions? Call 213-610-1589 or email apshomesafe@wdacs.lacounty.gov by June 15th. For anyone else needing rent relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic, help remains available at HousingIsKey.com. 8.5.7 BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE The COVID-19 pandemic brought LA County’s digital divide to everyone’s attention. This kind of inequity threatens to slow down our recovery efforts unless we seriously deliver on our commitment to bridge the divide.
A recent LAEDC Pathways for Economic Resiliency report found that, across large portions of Los Angeles County, about 20% of the population have no reliable access to the internet. In today’s world, so much of our day to day is online, and unreliable access means getting left behind in critical areas like education, finances, healthcare and career.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched the Emergency Broadband Benefit program to assist households struggling to connect with reliable, high-speed internet. Eligible households are now invited to apply to receive a discount of up to $50 per month, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a device from participating providers. I urge anyone eligible to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for federal assistance, because it won’t be around for much longer.
For more information, click here. 8.6.0 TAKE A HIKE! LA is famous for urban sprawl, but, honestly, a day spent walking through some beautiful natural settings is just a few miles away. You just have to know where to look!
Whether you are looking for an intense workout or a low-key dog-friendly stroll, loving the ocean or craving mountain views, hankering for horseback riding or some eagle-eyed birdwatching, LA County has over 550 miles of stunning public trails uniquely suited for your perfect day.
Trails LA County is a partnership led by the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation in collaboration with the National Park Service, California State Parks, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the Mountains Restoration Trust and the Catalina Island Conservancy. The goal is simple: make it easy and convenient for people to find the exact trail that fits their desired outdoor recreation so that everyone can enjoy the beauty and grandeur of LA County’s open spaces.
Plan your next hike at trails.lacounty.gov! 8.6.0 Have a happy and safe weekend!
This is Neo, a stunning 5-year-old Siberian husky and our newest transfer.
Neo seems mellow, walks nicely on leash, knows basic commands and takes treats gently. He is very attentive, affectionate and loves belly rubs! His ideal forever home would require older kids (middle school and up) and other calm dogs.
Sing it loud now, you Hamilton groupies: “I am not throwin’ away my shot!” Closer and closer to recovery and it’s easier and more convenient than ever to claim your vaccine shot.
In fact, today at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, (until 6 pm) you can drop in for a free COVID-19 vaccination AND a chance to win a pair of tickets to Hamilton! More on that at www.broadwayinhollywood.com/vaxup.
Outside of the obvious health benefits and pride in protecting your community from COVID-19, proof of vaccination is turning out to be this summer’s VIP Pass! Not only our Dodgers, but also long-shuttered concert venues like the Hollywood Bowl are offering priority seating to vaccinated patrons, and a number of not-to-be-missed upcoming events and concerts throughout the country are requiring proof of vaccination. So get the shot—it’s a one way ticket back to summer fun!
If sports are more your speed, get vaccinated at select sites this weekend for the chance to win a pair of Los Angeles Lakers season tickets! See the official rules here!
And for any parents seeking to do as much research as possible before getting their children (12 and older) vaccinated, we’ve got you covered. Check out the Department of Public Health Parents’ Vaccine Town Hall here!
And if you have been vaccinated (yay!), please take a minute to share your experience and encourage those in your circle to follow your lead. 8.6.0 BOARD MEETING: OVERDOSE PREVENTION 8.7.3 A recent Department of Public Health (DPH) report analyzed the bases for mortality among people experiencing homelessness and found a whopping 84% increase in fatal overdoses in the last few years. We have to take action to save lives.
The Board passed a motion I co-authored with Supervisor Hilda Solis to increase harm reduction strategies, including expanding the provision of Naloxone (Narcan), needle exchange programs, and medically assisted treatment, as well as strategizing expansion so that we more effectively reach people experiencing homelessness.
For years, The County has operated life-saving, harm reduction services, but we have never targeted people experiencing homelessness. The DPH report made clear that drug overdoses have a devastating impact on one of our most vulnerable communities. This motion will expand proven programs and make sure that our unhoused residents can access them. It represents another step forward as we build a ‘care first’ system for all of our residents.
Read about that, paid leave for vaccination appointments, saving LA County trees, and more, in this week’s Board of Supes’ Take 5! 8.5.7 GUARANTEED BASIC INCOME PILOT 8.7.3 I’m really excited that the Board approved a motion I co-authored with Supervisor Holly Mitchell asking our CEO to explore the establishment of a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program and report back in the next 60 days. The pilot will identify 1,000 County residents (primarily women living at or below poverty level who were released from incarceration in the last 7 years, Transition Age Youth (TAY) head of households, and/or Domestic Violence Survivors) to receive $1,000/month for three years.
The concept of Guaranteed Basic Income has been gaining a lot of ground, and with good reason. Initial findings from pilot programs in Finland and the California city of Stockton indicate that people who participated spent the money on basic needs, including food, merchandise, utilities, and auto costs, and, given help to tide them over life’s low points, experienced better ability to seek and gain employment and decreased feelings of anxiety and depression.
LA County has the highest poverty rate in California, and we need to look to ambitious and innovative solutions to give our residents a hand up and break generational cycles of poverty. Hopefully, this pilot will give us a deeper insight into how we can do just that. 8.5.7 LEADING FOR EQUITY MASTERCLASS A lot of the policies we enact in the Board room, especially the forward-thinking, progressive ones, begin with grassroots organizing, much of which is initiated by young people who care a great deal about building a brighter future for their communities.
This summer, the Social Change Institute and the California Endowment are seeking young activists (16-18 years old) to participate in a Leading for Equity MasterClass, a series of learning modules that address the core competencies needed to support aspiring activists in leading activities that are authentic, inclusive, sustainable and designed to achieve a more equitable future. All participants will earn a certificate from Pacific Oaks College, which is an accredited institution, along with a $1,000 stipend funded by the California Endowment.
I know from my own life experience that young people who are informed, inspired, and armed with the tools to organize have immeasurable power to make a difference. To apply for the Leading For Equity Masterclass, click here! 8.6.0
COLONEL DICK LITTLESTONE It was bound to happen to an incredible man who was only three years shy of his hundredth birthday, but I am still heartbroken to report on the passing of Colonel Dick Littlestone, the first-ever recipient of the County Board of Supervisors’ Veterans Lifetime Achievement Award and a thoroughly admirable, dedicated, and decent man.
Colonel Littlestone served in the Army for 33 years and his valor and skill earned him a number of decorations including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and more than a dozen other medals. After his service, he became a persistent and tireless advocate for veterans in LA County, and for their ability to finally rest in peace and honor. Please read more about this remarkable man’s life and advocacy below.
It was a privilege and an honor to have known and stood alongside Colonel Littlestone, a shining example for all of us of patriotic duty and service, love of country and dedication to the people of Los Angeles County.8.6.0 Have a happy and safe weekend!
This is Otto!
Otto is a 2 year old Pitbull mix that came into the shelter as a stray. Otto is full of personality and charm. This cutie would make a great family dog, loves to play, easy to walk, and just look at him!
He is available now for adoption from Castaic Animal Care Center, please email castaic@animalcare.lacounty.gov to make an appointment to meet Otto!
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