Dear friends,
One of the most urgent priorities of any city is making sure that when people call for help, the right person from the city shows up.
Historically, LA has relied on the Police Department to respond to just about every kind of service call from loud parties to homelessness to mental health crises to threats of real violence. But LA has struggled to hire officers for years now, and despite LAPD budgets and salaries getting significantly higher, the number of officers in the City has steadily fallen. This means that there are real gaps in the ability of the City to be able to respond to residents’ urgent needs – and people feel less safe as a result.
At the same time, since the murder of George Floyd led to widespread concern about police violence, LA has been piloting unarmed response programs for non-violent crises. In these pilots, the City now sends trained clinicians, social workers, and crisis specialists to 911 calls that don’t require armed police response. These programs, CIRCLE and UMCR, are effective: in just one recent month, these teams responded to over 4,500 incidents across the city. According to a recent City evaluation, they provided more appropriate care to people in crisis, and freed up thousands of hours of LAPD time to focus on traditional law enforcement work, including impactful investigative work that can target crime rings. They are also cost-effective. These programs have demonstrated that they fill gaps in our public safety response, and keep people safer.
It’s time to scale this up: I have been pushing for a single, citywide unarmed crisis response program for years, and in March I introduced another motion asking for citywide implementation.
Large parts of the City still have no unarmed response coverage whatsoever, which means that whether you get this kind of help depends on your zip code, not your need. And because these programs are fragmented, many residents don’t even know they exist or how they work! That means the system gets underused, and opportunities to provide better, more appropriate public safety responses are missed every day.
We can—and must—do better.
LA must be a city where, whenever you call for help, someone shows up, and it’s the right person to respond to your issue. That means we need officers available for urgent public safety threats, but also trained crisis responders that can respond quickly to calls in every neighborhood. That is how we build a sense of trust and safety in the City.
In 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, LA’s leaders promised to create a comprehensive unarmed response system. We took important first steps, but we haven’t finished the job. It’s time to deliver on that promise. Every neighborhood deserves access to this proven, effective approach to public safety.
Warmly,
Nithya
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Join us this weekend for a FREE Concert in the Park!
For the third year running, we’re partnering with the Valley Cultural Foundation for our FREE Concert in the Park series at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park.
Our first show is *this* Sunday, October 12 from 3 – 6PM at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park! In celebration of Latino Heritage Month, Adelaide Pilar will be performing Latin Top 40 hits!
Bring your friends, neighbors, and dancing shoes – this event is free and open to all! For more information and to RSVP, click HERE.
Adelaide Pilar: Latin Top 40
DATE: Sunday, October 12
TIME: 3PM – 6PM
LOCATION: Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park, 14201 Huston St., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
RSVP HERE
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- Updates From City Hall — Remembering The Late Umar Hakim-Dey, Taking The First Step To Update The City’s Rent Control Formula
- In The District — Paving The Way For Safer Streets In Griffith Park, Joining The Autry Museum’s Annual Block Party, Celebrating Disney Bros. Cartoon Studio Square In Los Feliz, Preparing For The Next Emergency With LAFD West Bureau
- Upcoming Events — Hispanic Heritage Month Business Mixer, Rebel Without A Cause At The Griffith Observatory
- Resources & Forums — CD4 Grant For Artists & Creatives, Small Business Resiliency Fund, LA City Park Needs Assessment Public Comment
- Other Helpful Links
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REMEMBERING THE LATE UMAR HAKIM-DEY
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Last week, we adjourned Council in memory of Umar Hakim-Dey, a deeply loved and revered community leader who was a tireless force for social justice in Los Angeles and beyond.
A proud native of Compton, Umar was a fixture in City Hall who fought the good fight to advance freedom, justice, and healing for all, especially the most vulnerable. He built bridges across divides, and frequently collaborated with faith leaders from different backgrounds seeking his guidance, calm temperament, and advice. In moments of deep pain across our communities, he reminded us of our shared humanity and collective liberation.
In a single day, you could find Umar hosting an interfaith breakfast in the morning, handing out meals on Skid Row at lunch, delivering a sermon in the afternoon, and marching against oppression by night. Over the years, he was a noteworthy champion for criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, interfaith dialogue, and affordable housing.
Among his many lasting legacies, Umar was the catalyst behind Humanitarian Day, one of the nation’s largest Muslim-led charity efforts during the Holy Month of Ramadan that provides food and supplies to the unhoused. Through this effort, and in his many other leadership roles, he very notably inspired younger generations to step into their power and purpose.
We join his family, loved ones, and countless community members in honoring his life, legacy, and memory.
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TAKING THE FIRST STEP TO UPDATE THE CITY’S RENT CONTROL FORMULA
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While we’ve taken considerable action to protect tenants, passing some of the strongest tenant protections since the Rent Stabilization Ordinance went into effect nearly 40 years ago, it is fair to say that the City of Los Angeles has changed dramatically in that time. What hasn’t? The Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (LARSO), which regulates how much rents can go up for nearly 74% of the City’s rental stock every year.
Last week in the Housing & Homelessness Committee, we began discussions to revise the methodology used to update the annual allowable rent increase for protected units under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), paving the way for an updated rent control formula. My goal is to ensure that any recommendations this Committee makes are done so with a thorough understanding of what our current framework is and the different pieces that make up our policy.
A plurality of the impacted units are owned by smaller landlords, and a large number of RSO tenants are long-term tenants, which means it’s imperative on us as policymakers to figure out a permanent common sense formula that works for LA’s market – both tenants and landlords – to keep people housed and our economy thriving.
Once equipped with this well-considered analysis, we will finally be able take a big leap forward to ensure our tenants stay housed and our communities remain stable.
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PAVING THE WAY FOR SAFER STREETS IN GRIFFITH PARK
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Earlier last month, my office and I joined Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) for their annual “Finish the Walk/Ride/Run” event in Griffith Park. We came together under the shared mission of advocating for street safety for all who walk, run, or ride on our city streets— an effort that rings especially true for Director of SAFE, Damian Kevitt.
Damian has always enjoyed biking, but his life took a sudden turn in 2013 when he was hit by a vehicle while bicycling in Griffith Park, ultimately resulting in the loss of his leg. Since then, Damian has become one of the strongest advocates for safe streets in our district and the city at large. Over the years, we’ve joined Damian and SAFE to fight for improvements and changes that can enhance the accessibility, safety, and enjoyability of our roads – and we’ve had some notable wins!
Our office installed the first protected bike lane in CD4 on Riverside Drive, and in 2022 we closed a ⅔ mile segment of Griffith Park Drive to personal vehicle use – opening it up to everyone else! We’ve also worked with the Department of Rec & Parks on making further safety improvements in Griffith Park, including installing speed humps on Zoo Drive and recently launching Phase 3 of our Griffith Park Safety & Active Transportation Improvements Plan, which will reconfigure Crystal Springs Drive with a protected bike lane from the Ranger Station to Los Feliz Blvd.
This work wouldn’t be possible without community advocates like Damian and SAFE. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to SAFE on 10 years of advocacy in service of our City! We look forward to continuing to work in lock step as we build a safer Los Angeles for all.
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JOINING THE AUTRY MUSEUM’S ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY
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The Autry Museum’s annual block party is always a joyous occasion, but this year’s event also served as an occasion to honor our first responders. Hundreds of Angelenos from across the city came out to thank our firefighters, police officers, and Rec & Parks staff who worked tirelessly during January’s wildfires to protect our communities.
From line dancing to live painting, there were activities for everyone, with kids particularly enjoying the opportunity to board a firetruck! Along with booths from a multitude of arts organizations, equine organizations, and the LA Zoo, my staff was on hand to connect with residents, share upcoming events, and distribute resources.
I want to thank the Autry Museum for bringing the community together after a year of real hardship for so many. My office was proud to help sponsor this event and join in uplifting those who served on the front lines during the wildfires.
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CELEBRATING DISNEY BROS. CARTOON STUDIO SQUARE IN LOS FELIZ
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Los Angeles – and Council District 4 in particular – is a city made for artists, by artists. It’s a city where people dream big and make those dreams come true! We got to bask in some of that magic at the first annual Disney Bros. Cartoon Studio Square celebration!
I joined the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council and the Los Feliz Business Improvement District in paying tribute to the legacy of Walt & Roy Disney and the original site of their very first cartoon studio, formed in 1923. Neighbors, artists, and friends from all around came together at the iconic Kingswell and Vermont Ave. intersection to celebrate with face painting, arts, crafts, trivia, and even to hear the legendary voice of Bill Farmer – the original voice of Goofy!
I was honored to also present Marine Ter-Pogosyan, owner of Los Feliz’s own Extra Copy, with a certificate in recognition of her work to support artists. Need a print? Extra Copy is the spot! Under Marine’s ownership, artists, screenwriters, and everyone in between have been able to get prints and copies of their next great idea– paving the way for even more creativity, imagination, and magic.
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PREPARING FOR THE NEXT EMERGENCY WITH LAFD WEST BUREAU
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Last week, staff from my office participated in a tabletop evacuation exercise conducted by the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) West Bureau. The objective of the exercise was to come together collaboratively to discuss agency specific roles for command, control, and coordination during simulation situations that could occur during a fast moving brush fire.
Joined by representatives from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Emergency Management Department (EMD), Department of Recreation & Parks (RAP), Department of Transportation (LADOT), Department of Disability, Beverly Hills Fire Department, and Cedars-Sinai, this three-hour drill ran through highly specific brush-fire scenarios in Council District 4. Our office was able to amplify concerns from January’s wildfires – including the need to strengthen and clarify departmental response to red flag warning days – and address these issues directly with our partner agencies.
The next fire emergency is not an if, it’s a when – and it is imperative that Los Angeles is prepared. Exercises like these that bring every department and agency together in one room to run through emergency protocols are necessary for understanding where there may be gaps in communication and to quickly address them. I want to thank LAFD West Bureau, and in particular Chief Peralta and Captain Riddall, for leading this tabletop exercise and ensuring LA stays alert and ready.
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HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH BUSINESS MIXER | OCT 15 | MORE INFO
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Join us Wednesday, October 15th, for a special free business networking event connecting Spanish-speaking and bilingual small businesses! Learn from successful business owners as they share growth tips and answer questions in both English and Spanish. Let’s celebrate Hispanic culture and business in the San Fernando Valley!
DATE: Wednesday, October 15
TIME: 4PM – 7PM
LOCATION: The Tango Room, 4346 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Click HERE to RSVP!
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REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE AT THE GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY | OCT 27 & NOV 3 | MORE INFO
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This year not only marks the 90th anniversary of the Griffith Observatory, it is also the 70th anniversary of the theatrical release of Rebel Without a Cause. One of the most iconic films ever filmed in Griffith Park, Rebel Without a Cause launched the career of legendary Hollywood star, James Dean. To celebrate this milestone, the Griffith Observatory invites you to attend a special presentation of the film in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater. Plus enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Observatory!
DATE: Monday, October 27 & Monday, Nov 3
TIME: 6PM – 10PM
LOCATION: Griffith Observatory
TICKETS: $45 Member Admission/$50 General Admission
Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets!
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CD4 GRANT FOR ARTIST & CREATIVES | DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCT 24 | MORE INFO
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Are you an artist or creative who lives or works in CD4? Or an arts organization based in the district? The City wants to fund your work!
Our office has partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs on a grant opportunity for artists and arts organizations headquartered in Council District 4.
If you’ve been impacted by the ongoing effects of the pandemic and/or recent wildfires, you may be eligible to apply! Individual artists will be eligible for awards up to $4,000, and arts organizations will be eligible for awards up to $11,000.
Click HERE more information and to see if you qualify! All submissions must be completed through SlideRoom by 11:59pm on October 24th!
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Are you a small business impacted by recent federal immigration enforcement activity? If so, you may qualify for $5k in financial assistance through DEO’s Small Business Resiliency Fund.
The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity has launched the Small Business Resiliency Fund, providing up to $5,000 in direct cash assistance to eligible small businesses in LA County experiencing financial hardship due to immigration enforcement activity beginning June 6, 2025.
Click HERE for more information and to apply! Applications are open now through Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM. *Multilingual application support is available to ensure all eligible applicants can access the program.
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LA CITY PARK NEEDS ASSESSMENT PUBLIC COMMENT | MORE INFO
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The City of Los Angeles is entering the third phase of The Park Needs Assessment and wants to hear from you! This Assessment will be a roadmap to just and fair capital investment in parks and recreation and equitable connections to quality parks and recreation, to meet current and future needs of residents!
The Draft Park Needs Assessment (PNA) was released this month and the Department of Recreation & Parks (RAP) wants to hear from you! Your feedback will directly inform how LA addresses park needs, today and in the future.
To provide public comment, click on the “Submit a Comment on the PNA” at the bottom right the Park Needs Assessment page. While all of the draft PNA content is on this website, if you would prefer to comment on a PDF instead, click here.
For more information, visit the Park Needs Assessment website, download the presentation slides, or watch a virtual meeting recording.
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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.
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