DISTRICT 4 Newsletters

In need of good news? LA’s new Homeless Count results are out. 

The data from LA’s 2024 Homeless Count was released yesterday – and the results are major news! The big headline: The number of people living on the streets went down a lot. In fact, the City of LA saw the biggest drop in the number of people living on the street since we started gathering data in 2013.

Let’s get into the details! 

Compared to last year, unsheltered homelessness in the City of LA is down 10.4% – a huge drop. A double-digit reduction in the number of people living on our city’s streets is really wonderful news for LA — and our prospects for ending the most pressing crisis we face. In Council District 4, we saw an approximately 38% drop in unsheltered homelessness as well as the lowest raw numbers of cars, vans, RVs and tents in the entire city.

My staff and I are very excited and grateful to see so much improvement in just one year – especially because our district did not accomplish this decrease by moving people to remain on the street in other parts of the city. Our focus has always been on bringing people indoors into shelter and into safety, and it’s wonderful to see that approach getting results.  

So, what did LA do differently to reduce homelessness after so many years of increases? 

The numbers show that the citywide drop in the numbers of people living on the street was driven by bringing more people indoors into shelter and housing, including many into new units and shelter beds that we added in the last year. 

How do we know that? Sheltered homelessness rose significantly – by 18% – as we added many new shelter beds, and the numbers of people placed into permanent housing increased significantly. 

Los Angeles had virtually no city-run shelter options as recently as 2018. This past year we got many new housing units and shelter beds online, especially through Inside Safe, the Mayor’s signature initiative. In addition, many new HHH units came online, and we also matched about 3,000 voucher holders to housing. The lessons are clear: when you create places for people to live, you have fewer people on the street.

Because sheltered homelessness grew as unsheltered homelessness fell, the city’s overall reduction in total homelessness was 2.2%. That may not seem like much, but it’s a big deal in the context of many consecutive years of increases. We’re finally moving in a different direction.

I first ran for office after seeing street homelessness grow in my district for four straight Homeless Counts. The number of unsheltered people in our district has fallen in every single count since then. It’s been a lot of work! But it’s also been very rewarding to see it pay off.

I’m delighted that LA’s Homeless Count showed more people indoors and fewer people on our streets. But this is not a moment to rest on our laurels. We need to react to this news by doing more than ever – to take everything that worked, double down on it, and do better next year. I’m excited to do that in my role as the Chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee. 

With hope,

Nithya

I. Updates From City Hall — Reducing Permit Fees For Street Vendors, Unveiling The New STAP Bus Shelters 

II. In The District — Enjoying The Summer Solstice At Griffith Park, Celebrating 75 Years Of The Sherman Oaks United Methodist Church, Launching Our Summer Movie Series In Sherman Oaks

III. Upcoming Events – 30th Anniversary Of The Encino Farmers Market, Wildfire Safety Fair, Sherman Oaks Community Cleanup, Free Summer Movie In The Park

IV. Resources & Forums — LA City Youth Council Applications, Survey: Sherman Oaks Van Nuys Park, Federal Aid For February Storm Damage, Application For Permanent Al Fresco Permit, Support For Proposed Sewer Service Charge Rate Increase

V. Construction & Closures — Crystal Springs Drive Bike Lane Closure, LADWP Laurel Canyon Blvd Power Pole Replacement, Metro Line 217 Route And Timetable Updates

VI. Other Helpful Links 

REDUCING PERMIT FEES FOR STREET VENDORS 

We’ve taken major steps to bring street vendors into the formal economy by removing barriers to obtaining permits, particularly with the passage of SB972. However, the costs of a vending permit were so high that they prevented most vendors from being able to operate legally. 

This week in Council we took a critical step to reversing that trend, lowering the permit fee from $541 to $27.51, significantly reducing the financial burden placed on vendors.

The new ordinance was initiated via a motion I introduced along with my colleague Councilmember Curren Price in June 2022, requesting the City Administrative Officer to conduct a new fee study to determine the appropriate annual cost of a permit that allows for sidewalk and park vending for street vendors that covered the costs of issuing those permits. The new rate of $27.51 will help bring thousands of vendors into compliance with City regulations.

UNVEILING THE FIRST NEW STAP BUS SHELTERS

We have a huge shortage of bus shelters here in the City of Los Angeles – and in a city that gets this hot, that is outrageous. We cannot ask people to take public transit in order to meet our climate goals unless they can expect to be safe and comfortable. The city must uphold its end of the bargain and upgrade our public transit infrastructure.

This week, we celebrated just that with the completion of the first set of new shaded bus shelters made possible through the STAP Contract! After years of a slow and cumbersome process that hobbled our efforts to expand our network of bus shelters, this new contract sets us on a path to build 3,000 new bus shelters across the city. The new STAP shelters provide the shade, lighting, seating, and real-time transit information that riders need, with options to add even more features as we start to build out our network. 

I want to extend a special thank you to Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Board of Public Works President Aura Garcia, StreetsLA General Manager and Executive Director Keith Mozee, Senior Executive Officer of Service Development at Metro Joseph Forgiarini, and Tranzito-Vector President Gene Oh. And of course, to all our community partners and advocates who helped make the STAP contract possible. 

As we move forward, I stand ready and committed to building *at least* 3,000 new structures and to help improve the program as needed to continue developing high-quality street furniture for Angelenos! 

ENJOYING THE SUMMER SOLSTICE AT GRIFFITH PARK

Summer has not officially begun until we’ve hiked to the top of the Tom LaBonge Panorama in Griffith Park! 

The late Tom LaBonge was famous for his annual summer solstice hikes to take in the sunset from the top of Griffith Park on the longest day of the year. Since taking office, it’s been an honor to join the LaBonge family, City leaders, and community members to continue the tradition. 

This year was especially meaningful for me as I was joined by members of my family who had traveled from across the world to visit LA for the first time! It was a joy to share this moment with them and a reminder of how beautiful this city is when surrounded by loved ones on a warm summer’s evening. We miss you so much, Tom! 

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF THE SHERMAN OAKS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

This past Saturday, the Sherman Oaks United Methodist Church celebrated a whopping 75 years! This remarkable achievement symbolizes decades of nurturing and uplifting our community here in Sherman Oaks and beyond. 

The Sherman Oaks United Methodist Church has contributed to our city in countless ways, and in particular their dedication to serving our unhoused population has been unwavering. For years, the congregation’s member’s have been putting together and distributing compassion packs to people experiencing homelessness. These packs demonstrate the collective effort of our City and community to step up and offer critically-needed support and care.

I want to thank the entire Sherman Oaks United Methodist community for all that they do to uplift the lives of our fellow Angelenos, Lee Owens for inviting me to celebrate this momentous occasion, and to the twins that came up to me and my twins to chat! And a very special thank you to Reverend Poole, Reverend Gilliam, Reverend McKinnon, Pastor Guevara, Pastor Porter and Elder Bruce Gridley for continuing to serve our community.

LAUNCHING OUR SUMMER MOVIE SERIES IN SHERMAN OAKS

We celebrated the official start of the summer season last weekend at the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park for another FREE movie in the park.

Hosted in partnership with the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council and @rap, this showing of Pixar’s “Elemental” was the first of three movie nights we’re hosting at VNSO Park this summer!  Seeing so many smiling faces was a wonderful reminder that summer always provides a welcome opportunity to roll out our picnic blankets, play in the grass, and connect with friends old and new. 

Thank you to Christina Henry of Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park and Jeffrey Hartsough and Kylee Pena from the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council for helping to make these movie nights every year. 

And if you missed us this weekend, don’t fret, we’ll see you at our next movie night on July 20th!

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENCINO FARMERS MARKET | JUNE 30TH 

We are thrilled to invite the community to join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Encino Farmers Market! This milestone event promises to be a joyous occasion filled with vibrant activities, delicious local produce, and a sense of togetherness that defines our community. 

Meet our beloved vendors, who have been the heart of the market for three decades, and discover new favorites among the fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal goods, and crafts. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to share in the festivities, create lasting memories, and support our local farmers and artisans. Mark your calendars for this special celebration; we look forward to seeing you there!

WILDFIRE SAFETY FAIR | JULY 14 

Our office has partnered with MySafe:LA to host a one-day wildfair safety fair in Griffith Park on Sunday, July 14th from 11AM – 2PM. With wildfire season officially upon us, we hope you’ll join us to learn about wildfire preparedness and prevention from expert speakers, and ask your questions to representatives from organizations including MySafe:LA, LAFD, LAPD, LADWP, LA’s Emergency Management Department, and the California Department of Insurance. There will also be free food, while supplies last!

  • DATE: Sunday, July 14
  • TIME: 11AM – 2PM
  • LOCATION: Parking Lot F of The Greek Theatre

SHERMAN OAKS COMMUNITY CLEANUP | JULY 20

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, July 20th 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
  • RSVP: email h.jaffee@sbcglobal.net by 7/10! 

SONC MOVIE NIGHT | JULY 20

We had a spidey-good time at our first summer movie night this June, and we’re looking forward to our next event on July 20th! Join our office and the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council for a FREE screening of BARBIE at VNSO Park! Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy sunset in the park before the film begins at dusk. 

  • DATE: Sunday, July 20
  • TIME: 6PM – 10PM
  • LOCATION: Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park – Hazeltine Fields

LA CITY YOUTH COUNCIL APPLICATIONS | MORE INFO

The Youth Development Department is accepting applications for the 3rd cohort of the Olivia E. Mitchell LA City Youth Council. This youth-led council will comprise of 30 young Angelenos ages 16-25 from all over the City of Los Angeles. If you or a young person you know has been looking for an opportunity to amplify youth voices and are a resident of the City of LA, please consider applying on the LA City Council website: youthcouncil.lacity.gov.

Applications close June 30th! 

SURVEY: VAN NUYS SHERMAN OAKS PARK & REC CENTER | MORE INFO

VNSO Park and Recreation Center is a jewel of our Recreation 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 ballfield, 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! 

FEDERAL AID FOR FEBRUARY STORM DAMAGE | MORE INFO

Federal aid is now available for Angelenos and businesses impacted by the historic early February storms. After calling for federal assistance, Mayor Bass is encouraging residents, small business owners and other Angelenos who were impacted to apply for the low-interest disaster loans with the federal government. 

DISASTER LOAN OUTREACH CENTER:

The Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center opened Monday, May 20th. The Center will be open weekdays 8:00 AM PT – 4:30 PM PT. Angelenos can call (916) 735-1501 for direct assistance or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. The deadline to apply for property damage is July 16, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Feb. 18, 2025.

WHO CAN APPLY: 

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, most private nonprofit organizations of any size, and other qualifying entities, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. The deadline to apply for property damage is July 16, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Feb. 18, 2025.

APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT AL FRESCO PERMIT | MORE INFO

L.A. Al Fresco launched in May 2020 as a temporary program to promote the economic vitality of our City’s restaurants during the COVID-19 emergency. The program created a new, streamlined process for restaurants to obtain approvals for outdoor dining on private property, sidewalks, and in the streets adjacent to their establishments. It also temporarily relaxed regulations that would otherwise govern outdoor dining, including zoning regulations, fees, and permitting procedures.

In response to the success of the temporary program, the City is now offering permits for businesses that would like to offer Al Fresco dining permanently.

*** All businesses operating with temporary permits issued during the COVID-19 emergency period MUST COMPLETE their transition to a permanent permit by July 31, 2024. Moreover, if they have temporary authorization on the public right of way, they will only qualify for fee subsidies if they apply prior to the deadline. ***

RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

The hub for information on how to transition can be found at the Build LA Al Fresco Website. The Website contains recordings and slide decks from all our previous webinars on this topic, links to requirements, step-by-step instructions, and an extensive FAQ section with questions asked by constituents during the webinars. 

Additionally, all Los Angeles BusinessSource Centers are available to help businesses apply, with language assistance available. 

SUPPORT FOR PROPOSED SEWER SERVICE CHARGE RATE INCREASE | MORE INFO

The City is proposing to resume Sewer Service Charge rate increases that were paused in 2020 because of the pandemic. This is necessary to protect Angelenos’ public health and the environment. Please know that assistance will be available for households in need.

LA Sanitation is conducting public outreach efforts to inform communities across Los Angeles about the proposed Sewer Service Charge rate increase and to give them a chance to ask questions and get information on available funding assistance for those in need. 

There is financial assistance available for Angelenos. You and your household may be eligible for financial assistance to offset the impacts. The City currently offers financial assistance for the Sewer Service Charge to households in need through the EZ-SAVE Program. This assistance will continue for eligible households. You will also be able to pay your bill monthly instead of bimonthly and this option is available to all ratepayers through the Level-Pay Program – there is no income eligibility requirement. 

To find out if you are eligible for the EZ-SAVE program or to change your billing schedule through the Level-Pay program, visit: www.ladwp.com/financialassistance.

To stay up to date on closures, follow @LADOTofficial on Twitter, and check out their updates page.

LOS FELIZ

CRYSTAL SPRINGS DRIVE BIKE LANE CLOSURE

The Office of Councilmember Nithya Raman and the Department of Recreation and Parks would like to inform you about construction for an active transportation and roadway safety project scheduled during July and August. During construction hours, the conditions along Crystal Springs Dr. from Los Feliz Blvd. to Griffith Park Dr. will be unsafe for biking or pedestrian travel.

  • From July 9th – August 30th, during construction hours, detours will be posted for people biking or on foot for the direction of travel affected by active construction. 

We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.

LADWP LAUREL CANYON BLVD POWER POLE REPLACEMENT PROJECT 

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is currently engaged in a critical initiative to replace power poles situated along Laurel Canyon Blvd, slightly north and south of Gould Ave and Honey Dr. This time-sensitive project is essential to enhance the reliability of the power system and bolster fire safety measures.

We expect the project to be completed by the end of the month:

  • During work hours (Monday-Saturday, 8:30am to 3:30pm), Laurel Canyon Blvd will be reduced to one lane for alternating traffic flow in both directions.
  • Flaggers will be present to direct traffic safely.
  • Motorists will be informed of the lane closure through CMS message boards.

For more information, please visit www.ladwp.com.

METRO LINE 217 ROUTE AND TIMETABLE UPDATES

Beginning Sunday June 23, 2024, to provide more convenient direct access between Mid-City, Hollywood and Glendale, Line 217 will be extended from East Hollywood to Glendale and Eagle Rock Plaza. The extension route will include various stops and adjustments to service frequency, coordinating with Line 180 for increased efficiency. The extension will operate on weekdays and weekends, with modifications to the schedule during late-night hours. This marks the initial phase of merging Line 217 into Line 180.

For more information, please contact Metro customer service center at 323.GO METRO or at www.metro.net and also look for brochures on this bus titled “Metro is making changes to bus and rail service.”

Our Office:

Services + Resources

  • Food Pantry Locator — Get connected to food resources near you. 
  • StayHoused LA — Workshops and resources to help renters stay in their homes. 
  • MyLA311 — Submit a request for services including graffiti removal, pothole repair, and bulky-item pickup.
  • LA-HOP Homeless Outreach Portal — Assist or self-input an outreach request from the LA Homeless Services Authority to unhoused residents.
  • LA City Sanitation — Submit a service request for metal/household appliance disposal.
  • MyChildCarePlan — Free resource website for childcare providers and families listing every licensed provider in California.
  • Adopt or Foster A Shelter Pet— Find pets for adoption and a list of local shelters.
  • 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.

Alerts

  • NotifyLA — Sign up to receive urgent notifications about local emergencies by phone, email, and/or text message. 
  • LAFD Alerts – Sign up for alerts on fires and evacuations in your area.
  • LADWP Outage Info — Sign up for outage alerts in your area.
  • StreetsLA Street Sweeping — Register for notifications about sweeping in your neighborhoods.