DISTRICT 4 Newsletters

Who is really in charge of homelessness programs at City Hall? 

Dear friend,

Last year, we saw a 10% reduction in unsheltered homelessness in the City of Los Angeles – the first significant headway we’ve made in reducing the number of people living on the street since the City began conducting its annual homeless count in 2013. That historic reduction resulted from many new investments in shelter and housing – including Prop HHH, Roomkey and Homekey, Inside Safe, and emergency housing vouchers provided by the Biden administration during COVID – which helped us to move thousands more people indoors into safety. 

Now, the city has a bigger challenge ahead of it: during a time when our city’s finances are limited and when federal support has become unreliable, we must continue to make progress on homelessness with far fewer resources than we had before. 

One big factor that stands in our way? The lack of data about outcomes and the lack of clarity in city hall about who is really responsible for overseeing the entire system. 

The City is spending over $1 billion this fiscal year in our regional homelessness response, funding thousands of shelter beds, new permanent housing units, rental subsidies, and outreach teams. But basic questions about outcomes from this spending remain very difficult to answer. How regularly are outreach workers visiting people living on our city’s streets? How long are people staying in our shelters, and are they getting the case management and services they need to resolve homelessness? How long are vacant permanent supportive housing units taking to fill? 

More troublingly, in City Hall right now, there is no person, no office, and no department who is tasked with monitoring the outcomes of our investment citywide, and ensuring that our dollars are being spent to help the largest number of people move indoors into safety. 

Why is this the case? Historically, work on homelessness has been fragmented across multiple city offices, departments, and jurisdictions, often with complex contracting that has limited data sharing with homeless service providers. As our homelessness response system has grown – from a time when we were only spending $10M to now – neither our data and information sharing nor our oversight system have grown accordingly. 

I am determined to change that. 

Last week, I introduced a motion to establish a group within the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) that – for the first time in LA – will be explicitly tasked with oversight and performance management of our whole system, ensuring that the City of Los Angeles is spending every dollar put toward homelessness as effectively as possible to help as many people as possible.   

This motion builds on months of work I’ve been leading as Chair of the Housing & Homelessness Committee to improve data collection and data sharing between LAHSA, LAHD, HACLA, the County, and other entities involved in homelessness response across the city. Because of this work we now have data – available to the City for the first time – showing that nearly 20% of shelter beds are vacant on any given night, and that vacancies in permanent supportive housing units are taking months to fill. That is unacceptable!

While many on the City Council have been calling for greater oversight over homelessness spending for years – including potentially creating a new department – this work could take years to negotiate and resource. 

My hope is that we can immediately create a division within LAHD, which holds most of our contracts for homeless services already, that convenes city staff already working on homelessness under one umbrella who will be charged with overseeing the City’s programs, using regularly updated data to identify and address challenges in program implementation, make real improvements in performance, and help more people experiencing homelessness get the care and support they need. 

Warmly, 

Nithya

I. Updates From City Hall — Moving Forward After The Fires, Remembering Professor Donald Shoup, Improving LA’s Red Flag Warning System, Revised Departure Procedures At Van Nuys Airport

II. In The District — Coming Together For The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, Connecting With Leaders In Hospitality To Support Recovery, Joining San Fernando Valley Representatives In Conversation With East Valley Indivisibles, Celebrating New Speed Tables On Hyperion Avenue

III. Wildfire Recovery Resources — Upcoming Deadlines For Wildfire Recovery Resources, LA County Eviction Protections For Renters Impacted By Wildfires, Worker & Family Relief Centers Now Open, Extended Open Enrollment For Covered California, Wildfires Business Impact Survey

IV. Upcoming Events — Tacos & Taxes, CERT First Aid Workshop

V. Resources & Forums — LA2050 Youth Ambassador Program, Los Angeles Zoo Youth Conservation Symposium, LA Public Library Nowruz Celebration, Home Electrification Rebates Webinar, Hire LA’s Youth Job Fair, City of Los Angeles’ Annual TGI2+ Job Fair

VI. Construction & Closures — Kingswell Ave.

VII. Other Helpful Links 

MOVING FORWARD AFTER THE FIRES

This has been a difficult few weeks in Los Angeles, as we’ve worked to find a path forward after the cataclysmic fires. Unfortunately this conversation quickly became politicized, taking away focus from the real work ahead of us: rebuilding our beautiful city.  

I have the deepest gratitude for the Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters whose valiant efforts ensured that Council District 4 residents were protected during the wind and fire emergency, and for Chief Crowley, a pathbreaker and courageous leader who I admire deeply. 

However, in a city where the Mayor and the Fire Chief must work closely together for effective response, especially during emergencies, it is imperative for our collective public safety that she be able to have a strong working relationship with the Fire Chief. That is why I voted in Council yesterday to uphold the Mayor’s decision to remove Chief Crowley from her position – we need to be able to govern the city effectively. 

There are many critical and unanswered questions about emergency deployment, staffing, wind storm preparations, water shortages, and our city’s response to these fires. I will be ensuring that these questions are answered, so that we can be better prepared to protect Angelenos going forward. 

We are in an existential moment in LA, a moment that calls for accountability and good governance. I remain committed to that ideal.

REMEMBERING PROFESSOR DONALD SHOUP

In February, I joined Councilmember Yaraslovsky to adjourn Council in memory of the beloved UCLA professor, economist, urban planner, and transportation advocate, Donald Shoup.

Shoup was born in Long Beach in 1938 and attended Yale University, first studying electrical engineering and then graduating with a doctorate in economics. Returning to Los Angeles in 1968, Shoup quickly became an esteemed Professor of Urban Planning at UCLA, where he taught until his retirement in 2015 and then stayed on to continue lecturing.

Professor Shoup extensively studied parking as a key link between transportation and land use, with important ramifications for cities, the economy, and the environment. His work was so deeply consequential, he inspired a generation of us to follow in his footsteps. In fact, his own students and those across the world affectionately referred to themselves as “Shoupistas” and were known to lovingly refer to him as “Shoup Dogg.”

I read Professor Shoup’s work when I was in planning school, and his research on parking completely opened my eyes. Now, I have the privilege of working on policy directly related to parking, transportation, and land use in Los Angeles with a handful of Shoupistas on my own staff, some who studied directly under him. 

I would be remiss not to note that so far in LA we have failed to fully implement his big ideas: to use parking revenues for local returns, and to fix our terrible sidewalks through a point-of-sale system, which he and I spent hours talking and emailing about last year. Moving forward, I commit to honoring his memory by working toward fixing our sidewalks – a goal I think everyone in Los Angeles can agree on! 

Thank you Professor Shoup for the indelible mark you left on this city and a generation of urban planners. You will be sorely missed. 

IMPROVING LA’S RED FLAG WARNING SYSTEM

In February, Council adopted my motion – introduced in partnership with Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky – to improve and expand the City of Los Angeles’ Red Flag warning system to ensure that our neighborhoods in very high fire hazard severity zones are secured adequately during periods of risk. 

As mentioned in our last newsletter, my team and I were on the ground before and during the fires, personally coordinating park closures and traffic enforcement resources in an effort to limit any non-essential activity in these areas, including in Griffith Park and across the Hollywood Hills. This work should not be left up to individual council offices to plan for, coordinate and fund – we need crystal clear protocol and formalized practices for implementing precautionary measures, closures, and restrictions, and coordinated operations for relaying these messages to the public. 

Our motion directs relevant city departments to develop a comprehensive response plan when Red Flag Warnings are issued or Particularly Dangerous Situations (PDS) are declared by the National Weather Service, including: 

  • Temporary closures of all parks in high risk areas during Red Flag Warnings
  • Suspension of construction, debris hauling, and film permits in these areas
  • Notification to all residents in Red Flag Warning areas to cease all outdoor activities that increase risk of fire, such as use of outdoor barbecues or fire pits
  • Increased fines for violation of any existing or future Red Flag Warning ordinances

REVISED DEPARTURE PROCEDURES AT VAN NUYS AIRPORT

After years of collaboration and advocacy with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), I am excited to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revised and redesigned departure procedures for the Van Nuys Airport. These revised procedures restore flight paths closer to their original alignment, alleviating noise impacts and providing relief to our hillside communities in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and other hillside communities near VNY.

The update took effect February 20th and data collection and ongoing dialogue with the community will be crucial to ensure that noise concerns continue to be addressed proactively. Click here for more information about the revised procedures and their anticipated benefits.

COMING TOGETHER FOR THE GREATER LOS ANGELES HOMELESS COUNT

We kicked off the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count earlier last month at the First Christian Church of North Hollywood, where our office helped run Studio City’s count location. Our entire CD4 staff showed up to help, joined by folks from LAHSA and community volunteers ready to do their part to help end homelessness in Los Angeles. 

Our office also helped lead counts in Sherman Oaks, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake as part of the annual three-day effort to count people experiencing unsheltered homelessness across the City and County. While the results won’t be available until later this summer, the data obtained from the annual homeless count is critical to help inform policy, secure resources, and deliver services where they are most needed. 

CONNECTING WITH LEADERS IN HOSPITALITY TO SUPPORT RECOVERY

In February, my team and I sat down with Giancarlo Pagani, Chef Wes Avila, and Trent Lockett, leaders in the restaurant and hospitality industry to talk about how businesses are struggling as the City recovers from the devastating fires. With reservations and events cancelled throughout January, many of our favorite places to eat and gather are finding it difficult to keep their doors open. 

The ripple effect? Lost jobs and hours for the chefs, bussers, dishwashers, caterers, event producers, photographers, florists, and so many more who contribute to our local economy. All of this comes on top of an already tough year for restaurants, with 2024 seeing the closure of dozens of beloved institutions across the city. 

Our local food culture is one of the most remarkable things about Los Angeles – this is hands down the best city to eat out in the country. And despite the challenges the sector was facing, in the immediate aftermath of the fires, I saw so many restaurants that stepped up to feed our first responders and event spaces that quickly transformed into donation sites.

As we navigate one of LA’s most trying moments, it’s time to support our restaurants and local businesses whenever we can!

JOINING SAN FERNANDO VALLEY REPRESENTATIVES AND EAST VALLEY INDIVISIBLES IN CONVERSATION

Last week, I joined San Fernando Valley representatives Laura Friedman, Nick Schultz, Caroline Menjivar, and Lindsey Horvath for an evening of conversation with local community group East Valley Indivisibles about how we are showing up to meet this political moment.

At a time when the federal government has doubled down on fear-mongering, we at the City are focused on protecting all Angelenos, no matter your race, gender, or identity. This is not radical politics – it’s common sense. 

In fact, policies that protect our immigrant community from federal immigration enforcement are not new. Since 1979, when then Police Chief Daryl Gates issued Special Order 40, LAPD has maintained a policy of not arresting people on the basis of their immigration status or taking any actions to determine people’s immigration status. 

Why has the LAPD maintained this policy for so long? If people in this city don’t feel like they can call the LAPD for help when they need it because they fear that immigration enforcement will follow, it makes EVERYONE in this city less safe.

In November, we enacted the Sanctuary City Ordinance to ensure that those very sanctuary policies which have been in place for decades are now enshrined into municipal law. This includes prohibiting the use of City resources, such as property and personnel, from being utilized for immigration enforcement or to cooperate with federal immigration agents engaged in immigration enforcement. Critically, the Ordinance also prohibits the direct and indirect sharing of data with federal immigration authorities – an important gap to close in our city’s protections for immigrants. 

As your representatives, our role is to make sure that no policy coming from Washington undermines your safety and well-being. That means fighting against harmful policies that target immigrant families, defending workers rights, and ensuring access to healthcare, housing, and legal resources for those who need them most. 

Los Angeles is proud to be home to a diverse tapestry of communities and identities, and we will continue to fight to keep it that way.

NEW SPEED TABLES ON HYPERION AVENUE

Notice calmer traffic on Hyperion Avenue this week? I am thrilled to share that LADOT has completed the installation of four new speed tables along Hyperion Avenue!

In support of long-time community advocacy for traffic calming measures, our office allocated $90,000 to fund speed tables to mitigate reckless speeding along the stretch of Hyperion Ave between Fountain Ave and Lyric Ave and between Lyric Ave and Tracy Ave. Despite being an area heavily frequented by people walking, this stretch of Hyperion Ave is a notorious speedway for drivers, where people behind the wheel often exceed the speed limit by 10 miles or more. The four new speed tables can be found on Hyperion Avenue near Scotland St, Fernwood Ave, Udell Ct, and Entrance Drive. 

On Monday morning, my team and I joined staff from Council District 13 and LADOT, as well as members of the Hyperion Street Safety Coalition to see these speed tables in action. We spoke with business owners along the corridor who all say they’ve seen a noticeable improvement since the speed tables were installed last week. But, as we think about how we transform this area into a destination for people to come and enjoy their weekend – dining at a local restaurant or shopping at a local business – we know we have more work to do. 

I am grateful to the Hyperion Street Safety Coalition, including Siobhan Burke, Tyler Simmons, and Kari Durden for their ongoing advocacy and look forward to continuing our partnership with the shared goal of making Hyperion Avenue a coveted and *safe* destination for Angelenos. 

UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR WILDFIRE RECOVERY RESOURCES

Financial support is available to LA residents, business owners and nonprofits impacted by the wildfires. Please see below for important upcoming deadlines this month:

Monday, March 10 – 

  • SBA Physical Disaster Loan Application: Provides assistance for homeowners, renters, private nonprofit organizations – including faith-based groups – and businesses of all sizes impacted by the wildfires.
  • FEMA Financial Assistance Application: Provides financial and other assistance for eligible individuals who incurred damage or losses due to the wildfires to help meet their basic needs.

Applications can be completed online or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center, where FEMA and SBA staff are available to help answer questions and guide you through the process.

Wednesday, March 12 –

Monday, March 31 – 

  • Right of Entry & Opt-Out Forms: The Right of Entry form must be completed for the free debris removal program available to residents impacted by the wildfires. This form is required for Phase 2 of the debris removal program led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

LA COUNTY EVICTION PROTECTIONS FOR RENTERS IMPACTED BY WILDFIRES

On 2/25/25, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a countywide eviction moratorium in response to the January wildfires, prohibiting evictions for qualifying tenants through July 31, 2025. 

The Resolution enacts Countywide temporary eviction protections for qualified* tenants facing eviction for non-payment of rent due between February 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025.

*A Qualified tenant must meet the following requirements: 

  • Have lived in the rental unit since before January 7, 2025;
  • Have earned a 2024 household income equal to or less than 150% of the Area Median Income; and
  • Have begun “Income Replacement Efforts,” which means enrolling in or applying for: 
    • Enrolling in or applying for a relief program for County Wildfires; 
    • Unemployment benefits or other qualifying income assistance; or, 
    • Be actively seeking employment.

Tenants seeking protections must submit a Self-Certification Form to their landlord within seven days of rent being due each month. 

  • For more information, please visit the LA County Consumer and Business Affairs website HERE. 

WORKER & FAMILY RECOVERY CENTERS NOW OPEN


The City of Los Angeles has opened four Worker and Family Recovery Centers across the city, a one-stop shop to support wildfire-impacted workers and families. This initiative will leverage existing resources and partnerships to create a coordinated system of support, where those affected can access services such as job training and placement, income support, grants for small businesses, and educational services for youth.

EXTENDED OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR COVERED CALIFORNIA

In recognition of the state of emergency caused by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, Covered California has opened a special enrollment period for residents of Los Angeles and Ventura counties which runs through March 8th. With the tremendous loss and devastation faced by communities in this region, Covered California hopes to ensure that enrollment into healthcare is not a hurdle when it’s needed the most.

Those signing up for 2025 coverage will be eligible for more financial help than ever before due state and federal investments. Thanks to the State’s enhanced cost-sharing reduction program, consumers will see lower out-of-pocket costs when seeking care, and will not see deductibles in all three Silver cost-sharing reduction plans.

Consumers can get help with enrollment by visiting CoveredCA.com or using Covered California’s online calculator tool.

For one-on-one help, consumers can have a certified enroller call them to assist for free or speak to a service center member at (800) 300-1506.

WILDFIRES BUSINESS IMPACT SURVEY

If you are a business that has been impacted by the LA wildfires, please fill out the LA Region Wildfires Business Impact Survey. This survey will serve to track, monitor, and quantify business losses in the LA Region. Losses will be totaled and shared with federal and state agencies in the efforts of seeking further support for the impacted business community.

To complete the survey, click HERE. 

TACOS & TAXES | MARCH 8 | MORE INFO

It’s tax time! Our office, in partnership with Senator Caroline Menjivar and CAL EITC, will be providing tax help (and tacos!) for eligible individuals on Saturday, March 8 in Reseda. Appointments are required! 

  • DATE: Saturday, March 8
  • TIME: 9AM – 2PM
  • LOCATION: Magnolia Science Academy1, 18238 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91355
  • Make an appointment HERE!

CERT FIRST AID WORKSHOP | MARCH 9 | MORE INFO

Join the City of Los Angeles Emergency Response Team (CERT) for a hands-on refresher course to brush up on your first-aid skills in Sherman Oaks on Sunday, March 9. Whether you’re a seasoned first-aid user or just starting out, this refresher will help you stay sharp and ready to respond in emergencies. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and practice life-saving techniques with fellow community members. 

  • DATE: Sunday, March 9 
  • TIME: 1PM – 3PM
  • LOCATION: Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center, 5056 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
  • Click HERE to register!

LA2050 YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM | MARCH 12 | MORE INFO

LA2050 is looking for young Angelenos (ages 14 to 24) who are passionate about making an impact and interested in community engagement, philanthropy, and service to participate in their 2025 Youth Ambassador Program! 

LA2050 Youth Ambassadors will ask friends, family, and neighbors to share which local issues matter most to them through voting in the 2025 LA2050 Grants Challenge. Voting will take place online from March 12th to April 18th, 2025 and LA2050 will dedicate $1 million in grant funding to the top-voted issues.

Youth Ambassadors will have the opportunity to:

  • learn about the social impact and philanthropic landscape in Los Angeles and educational/career opportunities in these areas,
  • receive training in community outreach and engagement,
  • make a real impact on their communities by helping determine what local issues will be funded through the grants challenge,
  • be awarded a certificate honoring their service and naming them an LA2050 Youth Ambassador that can be added to their resume or applications, and
  • join a LA2050 Youth Ambassador e-newsletter with job and internship postings, volunteer opportunities, local resources, and more.

To learn more and to apply, click HERE.

LA ZOO 2025 YOUTH CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM | MARCH 15 | MORE INFO

Join the LA Zoo for the 2025 Youth Conservation Symposium: Conservation is M.A.G.I.C. on March 15, 2025, from 9AM. to 4PM. This full-day symposium invites young leaders aged 13-24 to explore how conservation is transformative, inspiring, and achievable. Through interactive workshops, engaging speakers, and collaborative activities, participants will learn about promoting sustainability, protecting biodiversity, and becoming conservation advocates.

Click HERE to register!

LA PUBLIC LIBRARY NOWRUZ CELEBRATION | MARCH 16 | MORE INFO

Join the Los Angeles Public Library in celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, and the respective cultural heritage of LA’s Persian community. This year’s festival includes a “Dance to Liberty” Show featuring performances by community members and a folk dance ensemble, with storytelling by Shally Zomorodi, author events for children, teens, and adults in English and Farsi, a Persian book fair, poetry workshops, and more! 

  • DATE: Sunday, March 16
  • TIME: 1:15PM – 4:15PM
  • LOCATION: Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium

HOME ELECTRIFICATION REBATES WEBINAR | MARCH 16 | MORE INFO

Michael A. Krause, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer, South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), will join the Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance to present the AQMD’s Go Zero pilot incentive program, which should be available in early 2025. The rebates for heat pump space and water heaters will not require income qualification, and are stackable with HEEHRA rebates.

Tami Chipeco, Community Outreach Associate with the Building Decarbonization Coalition, will also talk about how you can access the HEEHRA rebates, whether you are a homeowner or a renter.

Fernando Gaytan, Senior Attorney of Earthjustice, will also discuss some proposed amendments to the rules that are funding the Go Zero pilot incentive program, how the amendments would help us electrify our homes and clean our air, and how you can get involved.

  • DATE: Sunday, March 16
  • TIME: 6:30PM – 8:30PM
  • LOCATION: Zoom 
  • Click HERE to register

HIRE LA’S YOUTH JOB FAIR | MARCH 25 | MORE INFO

The Office of Mayor Karen Bass and Economic & Workforce Development Department, in partnership with Los Angeles Southwest College, are proud to present Hire LA Youth Job Fair Day on Tuesday, March 25th 2025.

Join Hire LA to meet employers & learn about internship opportunities in public service for LA City residents ages 14-30! Job opportunities include education, climate, and other community service roles, with summer and year-long options available. 

Don’t miss this chance to explore new career pathways and sign up for a fun internship while serving your community! Food, swag, and on-site application assistance will also be provided.

  • DATE: Tuesday, March 25
  • TIME: 3PM – 7PM
  • LOCATION: Los Angeles City College, Multipurpose Room, 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles CA 90029
  • For more information and to register, click HERE!

CITY OF LOS ANGELES’ ANNUAL TGI2+ JOB FAIR | MARCH 27 | MORE INFO

LA Civil Rights, in collaboration with the Transgender Advisory Council, and in partnership with Los Angeles City College, is proud to host the second Annual TGI2+ Job Fair on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

This Job Fair aims to create a welcoming space where job seekers can connect with inclusive and affirming employers, join free workshops, and get resources to support their journey. The event is open to all Angelenos, primarily to our trans, gender-expansive, and intersex residents!

  • Spots are limited, so sign up now! Registration is FREE.

Kingswell Ave. from Hillhurst Ave. to Vermont Ave.

  • Dates: Thursday, March 13 – Friday, March 14
  • Times: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM

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.