I wanted to share two updates from our work in Council Chambers this past week.
Four years ago, in response to the horrific murder of George Floyd, community members gathered in Silver Lake to install a monument commemorating the lives of Black people killed by police violence. The result was a striking visual display of colorful fabric woven into the 2.2 miles of fencing surrounding the Silver Lake and Ivanhoe Reservoirs, spelling out the names of more than 100 innocent unarmed Black individuals killed by law enforcement across the U.S.
Photo credit: Robert Gauthier, Los Angeles Times.
Unfortunately, over the years since its creation, this temporary monument has fallen into disrepair. Last Friday, I introduced a motion in Council to explore a permanent art installation. This is an opportunity to create a lasting memorial to the lives lost in collaboration with the local community, and to do this in partnership with the Department of Water and Power and the Department of Cultural Affairs.
In Council this week, we also did something rare: utilized our powers under Section 245 of the City Charter. Last year, a property owner building a new property in the hillsides cut down seven protected trees and a shrub without securing permits from the City. Concerned neighbors reported that the developer had violated the City’s Protected Tree Ordinance, and the Bureau of Street Services agreed. In fact, Street Services recommended a strong penalty: a four year moratorium on issuing any building permits for the developer. These moratoriums are powerful – they are designed to deter people from violating city law. Unfortunately, when the case was subsequently heard by the Board of Public Works, they significantly reduced the penalty.
On Tuesday, the Council asserted its jurisdiction over the Commission’s decision using Section 245, and set us on a pathway to send this decision back to the Board for their reconsideration.
For me, this was an important moment. I have long been an advocate for more housing in Los Angeles, and for making it significantly easier and faster to build new multi-family housing units, especially affordable housing units. But we must show residents of Los Angeles that new housing will not come at the expense of the things we love about our communities, like our protected trees and wildlife. Ensuring that our city actually uses its enforcement capacity will go a long way towards building much-needed trust and faith as we work to build the housing Los Angeles so desperately needs.
With love,
Nithya
P.S. Our previous newsletter on the Rodger Young Village inadvertently missed including hyperlinks to the text from historian Annie Murphy’s article where we learned so much of this incredible story! I encourage you to read more about this incredible piece of Griffith Park history HERE!
I. Updates From City Hall — Demanding Transparency On The Campus Protests, Bringing Independent Redistricting To The Voters Of Los Angeles, Repairing Our City’s Homeless Services Contracting System
II. In The District — Uplifting Safe Streets, Commemorating Renter’s Day, Celebrating Mothers At Our Interim Housing Sites, Joining The Los Feliz Library For Drag Story Hour, Demanding An Equitable Child Care System In California
III. Upcoming Events – Sherman Oaks Community Cleanup,Encino Neighborhood Council Disaster Preparedness Drill
IV. Resources & Forums — Survey: Sherman Oaks Van Nuys Park, Accessing:LA Business Networking Event, Join The Latino Theater Company Summer Youth Conservatory
V. Construction & Closures — Lakeridge Rd. Resurfacing, Thrasher Ave. Resurfacing
VI. Other Helpful Links
DEMANDING TRANSPARENCY ON THE CAMPUS PROTESTS
In the last few months, public demonstrations have emerged in the form of encampments on college campuses throughout the country, including in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In recent weeks, these protests have escalated, becoming the site of upheaval, including violence.
Following the events at UCLA on the night of April 29th, we as a city failed to uphold our responsibility to protect people from violence – and we have work to do to address these failures. I introduced a motion last week, co-presented with my colleagues Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Curren Price, requesting an After-Action Report of LAPD’s actions leading up to and during the college campus protests between April 24, 2024 and May 6, 2024 including disclosure and reporting of when the universities called on LAPD to intervene.
It is incumbent upon the City to be transparent and accountable to Angelenos about how their safety and civil rights are being protected, and for that protection to be equally provided regardless of one’s politics and identity.
BRINGING INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING TO THE VOTERS OF LOS ANGELES
I am thrilled to report that after a multi-year process to establish a truly independent redistricting system for the City of Los Angeles, Council has officially voted to approve the proposed charter amendment! The amendment will now be voted on by the people of Los Angeles in the upcoming November election!
Originally put forth in a motion I introduced in December of 2021 with my colleague Councilmember Paul Krekorian following our experience during the last redistricting process, this new system would replace the City’s current advisory redistricting commission with an independent commission authorized to adopt Council district boundaries every ten years *without* the involvement or approval of the City Council.
The proposed Charter amendment would establish a new independent redistricting commission composed of 16 commissioners and four alternates who will serve 10-year terms. A person will not be eligible to apply for or serve on the independent redistricting commission if they have been an employee of the City or a member of another City commission in the two years prior to application. Critically – after completing their service – commissioners will be ineligible to run for any council district seat whose boundaries they helped draw.
To give you a sense of how momentous this is – the last time the redistricting process for Los Angeles underwent any review was over two decades ago during the charter reform process of 1999! The changes that we’ve now put forth will help rewrite this city’s history from one of corruption and conflicts of interest to one that lives up to a higher standard and that all Angelenos can be proud of. For the first time, voters – not elected officials – will be responsible for determining council district boundaries.
REPAIRING OUR CITY’S HOMELESS SERVICES CONTRACTING SYSTEM
My office has been alerted many times over about the extreme situation several key homeless services providers are facing: not receiving timely payment from the City for the critical work they do. This week, Council adopted a motion I introduced to address this crisis.
We know that in some cases, larger service providers have taken out literally tens of millions of dollars in loans just so they can make payroll and pay their leases and keep the lights on. While they will ultimately recover the principal of these loans, they never recover the significant interest payments they must make while they wait, and wait, and wait for the City to pay LAHSA so that LAHSA can pay them. In fact, smaller service providers who do not qualify for large loans, literally cannot even afford to do business with the City for risk of not getting a check in the mail.
If you cannot pay your rent month after month, you face eviction. If you cannot make your car payment month after month, your car gets repossessed. For far too long the City has evaded payment and the consequences are now making themselves clear: we know that because of ongoing frustration regarding not getting paid, some service providers are choosing not to renew their contracts with the City. This could mean the end of critically important outreach and other services.
My motion calls for two equally important steps: (1) LAHD, CAO, CLA, the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and LAHSA, must report back to the Council within 30 days with recommendations on how to shorten homeless services provider contracting and invoicing processes so that payments will reliably be made on time, and (2) these same departments must also do whatever is required to ensure that in that same 30-day time period, all existing overdue payments have been resolved.
How can we expect to solve our homelessness crisis if we do not pay the very people on the ground doing outreach, casework, follow-up, and more day-in and day-out?
I had the pleasure of recently joining Streets For All for a panel discussion on the future of transportation in Los Angeles led by Michael Schneider from Streets For All. Alongside Tafarai Bayne, Chief Strategist at CicLAvia, and Yolanda Davis-Overstreet, founder of Biking While Black, we spoke about our collective vision for a city that encourages people to get out of their cars and where people feel safe doing so.
For years, even speaking about transit issues when running for or serving in office in Los Angeles was considered to be “third rail.” There are often political costs associated with improving our streets – which might necessitate taking away a lane of traffic for example – even though it results in a better, more functioning and safer city. However, with the passage of Measure HLA in March, we are in a unique moment in which Angelenos have given us a mandate to implement a long overdue comprehensive Mobility Plan for the City of Los Angeles, rather than the piecemeal infrastructure we have today. I am committed to this vision and to being the loudest voice in the room to push these projects forward, starting with working to secure funding for a fully uninterrupted bike lane along the LA River from the valley all the way downtown.
COMMEMORATING RENTER’S DAY
In a city where over half of all residents are renters, it is crucial we ensure renters are equipped with the resources they need to stay housed. In the past two years, we have passed some of the strongest tenant protections in the city’s history, including establishing universal just cause, approving a minimum threshold for eviction, and requiring landlords to provide a ‘Notice of Renters’ Protections’ to tenants who begin or renew their tenancy, so that everyone knows their rights!
None of this work would have happened without hearing from renters themselves. When tenant harassment was forcing people out of their homes, renters organized and made sure City Hall listened. We now have a stronger Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance with expanded definitions of harassment to protect renters from bad faith landlords. When it became clear that despite the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), rent increases were still higher than wage increases year after year, renters organized and made sure City Hall listened. In 2022, we kickstarted a study to look at what the allowable rent increases should be in RSO apartments.
The fight does not stop here! We need to do more to protect tenants and our critical housing stock – and I’m excited to continue working alongside my fellow leaders on this issue in City Hall, Councilmembers Hugo Soto-Martinez and Eunisses Hernandez, and the incredible coalitions we joined on Renter’s Day like Keep LA Housed.
CELEBRATING MOTHERS AT OUR INTERIM SHELTER SITES
Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate every mother, especially those who have shown immense strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Unhoused mothers face immense challenges, from the struggles of navigating a complex homelessness services system to grappling with an affordable housing shortage to making due with highly limited capacity at interim housing sites… all on top of the day-to-day difficulties of providing for their families and ensuring their children are cared for. Very often, the obstacles of motherhood leave very little, if any, room for self-care.
That’s why, with the generous donations of Peace Over Violence, my office put together care kits for moms in our interim housing sites. These kits were filled with mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick, and a few things that can help make moms feel beautiful and cared for during challenging times.
To all the biological mothers, foster mothers, adoptive mothers, immigrant mothers, and mother figures, Happy Mother’s Day!
JOINING THE LOS FELIZ LIBRARY FOR DRAG STORY HOUR
As part of this weekend’s Mother’s Day celebrations, my daughter Kaveri and I spent Saturday morning at the Los Feliz Branch Library for their Drag Story Hour, starring the fabulous miss Pickle!
Drag Story Hour is a nonprofit organization that brings the community together through the art of storytelling for diverse, accessible, and culturally-inclusive family programming. Drag queens like Pickle are given the opportunity to read uplifting and inspiring stories about kindness, friendship, and inclusivity– allowing us all to imagine a world where everyone can be their authentic selves.
The second Pickle walked in, every kid’s face in the room lit up, dazzled by her big shiny hair and rainbow dress. She gave a truly magical storybook reading that had everyone participating. It was such a joy to see all the kids dancing to “The Hips On The Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish,” a playful recreation of “All The Wheels On The Bus.”
Sitting on the colorful rug with my daughter, I couldn’t help but reflect on how wonderful it is to raise our next generation of leaders in a way that celebrates their creativity and identity. I am filled with hope over the possibilities the future brings– a future that empowers us and embraces us for who we are.
DEMANDING AN EQUITABLE CHILD CARE SYSTEM IN CALIFORNIA
On the heels of a day dedicated to uplifting mothers, I joined SEIU Local 99 and Child Care Providers United for National Day Without Child Care to demand a childcare system that is equitable, that provides living wages to child care providers, and that is affordable for working families.
As the mother of two second-graders, I know the struggle of child care intimately and I would gladly give up this one single day of recognition if my state government were to tell me that we are going to fully fund the cost of child care for every single working parent that deserves it here in the state of California. It is unacceptable that our child care providers live in poverty while caring for our children and that working parents are forced to choose between child care or remaining employed.
Wendy Bobadilla, who bravely led Monday’s day of action, reminded us that “childcare is not just a support system for families, it is critical infrastructure that supports a society.” This is nothing more than basic dignity and I join the call to demand Governor Newsom to expand access to quality, affordable child care for working families, and ensure that family child care providers are paid for the true cost of providing care.
SHERMAN OAKS COMMUNITY CLEANUP | MAY 18
Volunteers Cleaning Communities is teaming up with the Sherman Oaks Beautification Committee and Big Sunday to host a community cleanup at the Village at Sherman Oaks Business Improvement District. Join us Saturday, May 18th from 8:30AM – 10:30AM at Pineapple Hill Saloon – we’ll have hot coffee and pastries for volunteers at the end of the cleanup!
DATE: Saturday, May 18
TIME: 8:30AM – 10:30AM
LOCATION: Pineapple Hill Saloon, 4454 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
ENCINO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS DRILL | MAY 18 | MORE INFO
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake, we invite you to join us for a Disaster Preparedness Drill on Saturday, May 18th from 8AM to 12PM.
In partnership with the Encino Neighborhood Council, our office has teamed up with LAFD, CERT, the Sherman Oaks/Encino Chamber of Commerce, and other responders to ensure you are ready if and when the next natural disaster strikes. The drill will also include a “Stop the Bleed” training and all attendees and participants can sign up at the event for free smoke detectors and NOAA radios.
DATE: Saturday, May 18
TIME: 8:00AM – 12:00PM
LOCATION: Encino Park, 16953 Ventura Blvd, Encino, 91316
SURVEY: VAN NUYS SHERMAN OAKS PARK & REC CENTER | MORE INFO
VNSO Park and Recreation Center is a jewel of our Rec and Parks system, and of the South Valley in particular. Our office is working with the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) to make this space an even greater asset for the community and we need your input!
The proposed improvements will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 includes improvements to the ball field, the demolition of a dilapidated shack on the north side of the park, the restoration of a concession building and public restroom, a stormwater management area, and the addition of six new pickleball courts to be built between the basketball courts and the aquatics center.
Please fill out our survey HERE to provide your feedback and vision for the future of VNSO Park and Recreation Center!
ACCESSING:LA BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT | MAY 20 | MORE INFO
The 9th Annual AccessingLA: TeamWith event is aimed at providing small business owners who offer Personal and Professional Services to learn about Los Angeles area opportunities and receive valuable information about how to grow their businesses. This event is part of the City’s Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month celebration and National Public Works Week.
The day will consist of informational presentations and panel discussions, an exhibit hall with information booths from a variety of public and private agencies, and Koi Pond* – an opportunity for business owners to pitch their business to a panel of experts. The business owner with the highest score will be featured on our AccessingLA website for the next year!
*Koi Pond participants are chosen prior to the event based on an application process. If you are interested in applying to participate please apply HERE. The application site will close on May 1st, 2024 and participants will be notified a week prior to the event.
DATE: Monday, May 20
TIME: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
LOCATION: Japanese American National Museum, 100 North Central Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012
JOIN THE LATINO THEATER COMPANY SUMMER YOUTH CONSERVATORY | JUNE – JULY | MORE INFO
Are you a current high school student passionate about theater? Applications for the Latino Theater Company’s Summer Youth Conservatory are now open to students in the LA area who want to participate! No experience required! All students who apply and are accepted receive a full scholarship to the program which also includes lunch, snacks, and class materials *free of charge*. Slots are limited so we highly encourage students to apply as soon as possible.
Summer Youth Conservatory Info:
DATES: Monday- Friday (June 23rd- July 27th)
TIME: 9AM-5PM
LOCATION: The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA.
*Sunday, June 23rd (SYC Orientation)
*Saturday July 27th (SYC Showcase)
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The deadline to apply is Monday, June 17th, by 10PM (PST)!
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Click HERE to apply now, or visit latinotheaterco.org/conservatory for more information. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 17th, by 10PM (PST)!
DATE/TIME: May 29, 2024 through June 4, 2024, 6:30AM – 4:00PM
LOCATION: Lakeridge Rd. from Lakridge Dr. to Longdale Ln. / Lakeridge Road, north of Lakeridge Road to Dead end south of Lakeridge Road
DETAILS: The first phase will require the preparation of the existing roadway by cold milling the street. The final phase will require the paving of the existing roadway and resurfacing the street. While the project is in progress, “Temporary No Parking Signs” will be posted on the street. The signs will be posted at least 24 hours before the actual work begins to provide notice to residents and business owners. Please have all vehicles removed from the street to protect them from damage by construction debris and to prevent interference with the planned work. When work is not in progress between the preparation and resurfacing phases the signs will be reversed to allow for vehicular parking.
Vehicles will have access during the cold milling of the project. However, it is requested that driving be limited within the project area to avoid possible damage to your vehicle. The only time that access will be restricted within the project area is when the street is coated with liquid asphalt, prior to the resurfacing of the street. When the crews are working, there will be construction equipment and trucks in the area.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this project. Persons with mobility impediments and their caregivers can request assistance if the scheduled street work limits their use (including ingress or egress) of the public right of way. If you have questions or need to request an accommodation, contact the supervisor on the project site or call (213) 485-5561 or (213) 847-3200.
Thrasher Avenue, Resurfacing
DATE/TIME: June 4, 2024 – June 19, 2024, 6:30AM – 4:00PM
LOCATION: Thrasher Ave. from Rising Glen Road to Oriole Drive / Thrasher Ave. from Oriole Drive to Dead End west of Oriole Drive
DETAILS: The first phase will require the preparation of the existing roadway by cold milling the street. The final phase will require the paving of the existing roadway and resurfacing the street. If the project length is delayed, you will be notified of the reason for the delay and of the revised completion date.
While the project is in progress, “Temporary No Parking Signs” will be posted on the street. The signs will be posted at least 24 hours before the actual work begins to provide notice to residents and business owners. Please have all vehicles removed from the street to protect them from damage by construction debris and to prevent interference with the planned work. When work is not in progress between the preparation and resurfacing phases the signs will be reversed to allow for vehicular parking.
Vehicles will have access during the cold milling of the project. However, it is requested that driving be limited within the project area to avoid possible damage to your vehicle. The only time that access will be restricted within the project area is when the street is coated with liquid asphalt, prior to the resurfacing of the street.
When the crews are working, there will be construction equipment and trucks in the area. This equipment may be of interest to children. Remind residents to be careful and ask children to avoid the equipment and work-site area.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this project. Persons with mobility impediments and their caregivers can request assistance if the scheduled street work limits their use (including ingress or egress) of the public right of way. If you have questions or need to request an accommodation, contact the supervisor on the project site or call (213) 485-5561 or (213) 847-3200.
Gas Assistance Fund – The Gas Assistance Fund (GAF) offers a one-time grant to help customers pay their natural gas bills.
Ready Your LA Business Workbook – City of LA’s FREE workbook to help business owners prepare their business for any emergency. Available in English and Spanish.
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