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!
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. Movies in the Sand, Every WeekThis week saw the kickoff of Venice Beach Movies by the Sea! Hosted by the Washington Square Business Investment Group and the Venice Beach Recreation Center, every Thursday night through the end of October you can enjoy great films and a seaside breeze at the same time. Movies start at 6:30 and seating’s on the sand, so bring a beach chair or a blanket. Here’s the upcoming programming schedule:September 30: The Blues BrothersOctober 7: CoCoOctober 14: The Big LebowskiOctober 21: GreaseOctober 28: The Nightmare Before Christmas 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. Venice Heritage Museum Showcases Boardwalk HistoryTake a walk through Venice history! The Venice Heritage Museum ishosting a group photo exhibition and silent auctionoutdoors at VICE Media in Venice on Saturday, September 25 from 3 pm – 9 pm. The auction’s already begun online, but show up in person for music, food trucks, and more. 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.
Your update on our historic effort to get all Angelenos vaccinated against COVID-19 and end the pandemic.
This week, the City of L.A. began administering third dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
Anyone who qualifies should check with their healthcare provider to make sure that receiving a third dose is the best option. Moderna or Pfizer third doses will be administered at least 28 days after receiving the second dose. An additional dose is currently not recommended for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
On Monday, LAUSD schools reopened their doors to students for in-person instruction. To keep children and school staff safe, the District has COVID-19 protocols in place, such as requiring masks, practicing social distancing, encouraging frequent handwashing, providing COVID-19 testing and vaccines at school-based community vaccination centers, and much more.
Right now, it’s especially important that we do everything possible to reduce the transmission of this virus. The Delta variant has caused a rise in COVID cases and hospitalizations and is still here, but we have tools to protect ourselves and others: masks and vaccines.
As one of the largest employers in the City of Los Angeles, we will continue doing our part to slow the spread of this virus. Our City Council voted to require all City employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine — unless a medical condition or religious beliefs prohibits vaccination. Exempt, non-vaccinated employees will be required to get tested regularly for COVID-19. As the Council President and I said last month, this move will help protect the health and safety of those who keep L.A. running, as well as the Angelenos we serve.
The vaccine remains free and available to anyone age 12 and older without proof of insurance or immigration status.
If you’re fully vaccinated, consider encouraging your family, friends, and neighbors. If you have children who are 12 and older, you can take them to more than 800 vaccination sites across L.A. County to receive the vaccine and give them the extra protection they need to have a healthy, fun, and safe school year.
Here are the facts you need to know:
VACCINATION SITES: With more than 800 vaccination sites across L.A. County, it’s never been easier to get the vaccine. You can visit drive-thru, walk-up, and pop-up sites near you — or get vaccinated during your commute at L.A. Metro transit stations. L.A. County’s Call Center can also help you find vaccination sites in your area and help you register ahead of your visit. You can call (833) 540-0473 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. daily. Remember to bring proof of age to the site and if you are between 12 and 17 years old, bring this form.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING: Many vaccination sites are also offering free COVID-19 testing. Testing is recommended if you have COVID-19 symptoms — even if you are fully vaccinated — and if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. You can find a list of testing sites at Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing.
IN-HOME VACCINATIONS & FREE RIDES: If you are homebound, you can request an in-home vaccination. You can also request a free ride through Uber or Lyft. For more information about in-home vaccinations and free rides, contact L.A. County’s Call Center at (833) 540-0473 or fill out an online form.
BY THE NUMBERS: The City of Los Angeles has administered 1,388,600 vaccine doses at our City-run vaccination sites and mobile clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and fire stations.
PET ADOPTION FEE WAIVER: Saturday, August 21 is National Pet Adoption Day and L.A. Animal Services is offering discounted adoption fees at all of its pet shelters between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. for people who show proof of vaccination. If you’re unvaccinated and looking to adopt, L.A. Animal Services is offering the vaccine for free at their East Valley, North Central, and South Los Angeles pet shelters. For more information, visit LAAnimalServices.com.
STAY INFORMED: As we continue expanding our vaccination efforts, it’s important to get the latest news.
You can sign up for Notify LA to receive text alerts from the City about vaccine rollout, locations, and more.
Sign up for email updates from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
P.S. As we move towards recovery, the City continues to provide testing, vaccines, economic relief, and other measures. For more information, visit our website.
Since mid-June, COVID-19 cases in the United States have increased by almost 550%. Deaths, on the other hand, have barely increased. At face value, this is perplexing. But, in reality, it’s simple: Vaccines work. Getting vaccinated remains the single most effective way to prevent death and severe illness.
Supervisor Janice Hahn and I believe LA County can’t just talk about the importance of vaccinations, we need to walk the walk. That’s why we’ve introduced a motion for next week’s Board Meeting that will require LA County’s over 100,000 employees to provide proof of vaccination or receive weekly COVID-19 testing. It also asks our CEO to report back on steps we can take with our workforce to push strongly for them to be vaccinated and meet the October deadline in Board Chair Solis’ executive order. It’s a strong message that we intend to protect our workforce and the public they serve with the best defense against COVID-19.
Last week, my office partnered with Pacoima Beautiful, Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, State Assemblymember Luz Rivas, and several healthcare sponsors for a pop-up vaccination clinic at Pacoima City Hall. I’m very happy to report that 277 people got their shot. Every person who gets vaccinated lessens transmission, new variants, and more suffering from this virus, so I’m sincerely thankful to everyone who helped put on the event and to all those who showed up to get their vaccination.
We live in a country with an abundance of vaccines available to everyone. LA County has developed a simple search tool to help those wanting to be vaccinated find the most convenient way to do so, including pop-up or drive-thru locations, locations at school or public transit stations, and walk-in options. And it’s free!8.6.0 VENICE BEACH ENCAMPMENT TO HOMES8.7.3 As of this week, 211 people experiencing homelessness have moved from encampments on Venice Beach and into interim housing.
A strategy based on compassion and backed by research that rejects both shortsightedness and indifference is always the right way to go, even when it’s unpopular. No one gains when we punish people for experiencing homelessness, it simply further complicates their already challenging circumstances and cuts them off from the services they desperately need.
We can move mountains when we work together. I’m very very grateful to St. Joseph’s Center, Safe Place for Youth, PATH, the LA County Department of Mental Health, Venice Family Clinic, LAHSA, Mayor Garcetti, and Councilmember Mike Bonin. I look forward to continuing our collaboration on this effort, because, unlike some others, we understand that moving people off the streets or the boardwalk doesn’t mean the job is done. We have to continue to work together until everyone has a place to call home and the support they need to stay there. 8.5.7 LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: MEET YOUR NEW PET! He or she is out there, you know: the one. So let LA County’s Department of Animal Care & Control be your matchmaker and help you find the perfect pet!
Love At First Sight is a streamlined adoption process designed to improve customer experience, reduce wait times, decrease the length of shelter stay for adoptable animals, and optimize the use of staff time.
With Love At First Sight, members of the public are able to self-schedule appointments on DACC’s website to visit one of its seven animal care centers. During their visit, potential adopters will be able to view all the available pets and adopt on a first-come, first-served basis. Animals that are spayed or neutered and available that day are listed as “Ready to Go Home.”
Whether you’re smitten with kittens, dying for a dog, or even heart-eyed for horses, our shelters have a variety of adorable, adoptable animals just waiting for their love connection. See them all here! 8.5.7 HUNGRY? WE’RE HERE TO HELP. The pandemic isn’t over, and neither is the food aid provided by LA County and our charitable partner, the LA Regional Food Bank. To date, we’ve provided over 6 million meals to the residents who need them, and we’re not stopping any time soon.
Just this week, Team Kuehl was in Santa Monica and served over 724 households!
Need help? You can check out a calendar for upcoming giveaways in your area here and find additional resources or ways to get involved at covid19.lacounty.gov/food. 8.6.0 A TREASURE TROVE IN THE TAR The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is home to evocative sculptures, bold paintings, riveting photography, and…. Ancient fossils?
That’s right, with the excavation of the David Geffen Galleries underway, fossils have been uncovered and turned over to LACMA’s neighbor and resident expert on the topic, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum. Learn more about the significance of these discoveries from curators, archaeologists, and project managers in this informative interview!
And remember, both LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits are once again open to the public, so plan your day to wander and wonder at these fascinating LA County destinations!8.6.0 Have a happy and safe weekend!
Meet Lilly, a lovable calico in need of a forever home after being fostered by a member of Team Kuehl. The vet says she’s in great health and is around six years old. Great with dogs and non-aggressive cats.
Enjoys sunbathing, chasing toys and treats, and snuggling in the early morning to let you know it’s breakfast time.
This past Saturday, the L.A. County Department of Public Health implemented new guidance requiring masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
We’ve made much progress towards recovery, but clearly the work isn’t over. We’re seeing a surge in COVID-19 infections in our county and state due to the Delta variant, and the majority of those cases are within our unvaccinated population.Lea este boletín en Español We have to stay vigilant if we’re going to beat this virus, and it’s proven that wearing a mask when indoors reduces the risk of both getting and transmitting the virus. That’s why my office partnered with the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles this week to distribute 324,000 N95 masks to more than 100 community organizations at the L.A. Convention Center to help ensure that every Angeleno is protected against the virus. The vaccine is the best tool you can use to protect yourself and your loved ones.
And with more than 800 vaccination sites across L.A. County — it’s never been easier to get vaccinated. You can get vaccinated from your car, or walk up to any clinic without an appointment or insurance. You can even get vaccinated during your daily commute, because L.A. Metro is offering the vaccine at transit stations across the County.
Once you’re fully vaccinated, you have the upper hand against the virus. And if you’re already vaccinated, urge your friends and family to do their part, too.
All of the actions we take right now will determine how quickly we recover from this pandemic. And if everyone masks up indoors and gets vaccinated, we can beat this virus.
Here are the facts you need to know: VACCINATION SITES: There are more than 800 vaccination sites across L.A. County, including drive-thru, walk-up, and pop-up sites at community events. Many sites are open until 8 p.m. to make it convenient for everyone to 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 and if you are between 12 and 17 years old, bring this form. IN-HOME VACCINATIONS & FREE RIDES: If you are home-bound you can request an in-home vaccination. You can also request a free ride through Uber or Lyft. For more information about in-home vaccinations and free rides, contact the L.A. County Department of Public Health Vaccine Call Center at (833) 540-0473 or fill out an online form. BY THE NUMBERS: The City of Los Angeles has administered 1,370,724 vaccine doses at our City-run vaccination sites and mobile clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and fire stations. VACCINE SWEEPSTAKES: If you have not received the vaccine, you could enter for a chance to win tickets to see your favorite sports teams, musicians, and more. Right now, anyone 18 years and older who books an appointment to get vaccinated at select sites can enter to win grand prizes for STAPLES Center performances. The sweepstakes are running until today, Thursday, July 22. Visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov for the latest information. STAY INFORMED: As we continue expanding our vaccination efforts, it’s important to get the latest news.You can sign up for Notify LA to receive text alerts from the City about vaccine rollout, locations, and more. Sign 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.Stay healthy and be safe. Eric Garcetti Your MayorP.S. As we move towards recovery, the City continues to provide testing, vaccines, economic relief, and other measures. For more information, visit our website.ShareTweetForward
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
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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
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