DISTRICT 4 Newsletters
Creating a resilient and affordable Hollywood! | 5/16/23
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Dear Friends, Earlier this month, the City Council voted to adopt the Hollywood Community Plan Update, setting the stage for the future of Hollywood. The Hollywood Community Plan was last updated in 1988 – 35 years ago! – when the City looked very different than it does now. Here’s a bit of context: the City of Los Angeles is geographically divided into 35 Community Plan Areas, with each Community Plan establishing neighborhood-specific goals and implementation strategies to achieve the broad objectives laid out in the City’s General Plan. The City’s General Plan provides the structure for all planning and land use activities in the City. Since taking office almost two and a half years ago, my team has had countless conversations about the Hollywood Community Plan with a number of engaged groups, including housing and transportation justice coalitions, various neighborhood councils and resident associations, historic preservation groups, production studios, business consortiums, and environmentalists. In these discussions, we came together around a shared goal – creating an inclusive, resilient, and affordable Hollywood for current and future generations. We put immense effort into making sure the new plan benefited the diverse needs of all our residents. Here are some of the changes we secured that will have significant impacts: ~ Hollywood and Los Feliz ~
~ The Hills ~
So, what can you expect next? City Planning will prepare a report as requested by my office, and will present the report to the PLUM Committee in the next few weeks. Following adoption of the Plan, the implementing ordinances will be reviewed and finalized by the City Attorney, to ensure clarity of regulations and consistency with state law, which can take approximately six months to a year. After this process is complete, the Plan will be brought into effect by the City Council. Waiting 35 years to update the Hollywood Community Plan has hurt current tenants and prevented the thoughtful management of development in our neighborhoods. With this historic vote, we are finally moving forward with a new plan to preserve affordability and accommodate smart growth in the greater Hollywood area for the years ahead. Warmly,
Nithya
I. Updates From City Hall — Housing And Homelessness Legislative Update II. In The District — Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month In The Community, Commemorating Bangladeshi Independence Day, Meeting With The Oaks School Parent Association, Sitting In On Wonderland Elementary School’s Student Council, Touring The Traffic Light Control Center At LADOT, Protesting Against Gun Violence With Moms Demand Action, Recognizing Honorary Valley Bureau Fire Chief Christy Adair III. Upcoming Events — HAPA Day at City Hall, AAPI Movie & Bento Box Night, Organics Recycling Pail Giveaways IV. Resources & Forums — LA Riverway Project Open House, Small Business Rental Assistance Grant Program, City Of Los Angeles Beautification Conference, May is Bike Month with Metro V. Job Opportunities — Join The Angeleno Corps VI. Construction & Closures — Killon Street Closure VII. Other Helpful Links
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Last week, City Council adopted FOUR key motions I introduced that aim to address the urgent housing and homelessness crisis. BRINGING MENTAL HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO CITY-FUNDED INTERIM HOUSING SITES
CREATING A HOLISTIC INVESTMENT STRATEGY FOR INTERIM AND PERMANENT HOUSING
OBTAINING DAILY SHELTER OCCUPANCY DATA AND MAKE IT PUBLICLY AVAILABLE
CREATING A COMPREHENSIVE, MULTILINGUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING DASHBOARD
CELEBRATING AAPI HERITAGE MONTH IN THE COMMUNITY
I joined the AAPI Equity Alliance to kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! AAPI Equity Alliance’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, safe, and welcoming LA for all is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful for our continued partnership. Congratulations to Hoang Nguyen on his recent appointment by Mayor Bass as the commissioner of the Civil & Human Rights Commission and Candice Cho for being appointed to the Board of Human Relations Commissioners! Our AAPI community is an integral part of the fabric of our city, and I am proud that Los Angeles is home to almost 500,000 AAPI residents. As City leaders, it is critical that we continue to provide opportunities for fellow AAPI leaders, community members, and elected officials to come together and uplift one another.
On Friday, my office also partnered with Councilmember John Lee to host an AAPI Reception at City Hall, where I was honored to present the City’s RISE award to AAPI run-non profit Vigilant Love and AAPI-led business Tea Drops. Vigilant Love was founded based upon the long-standing relationships of Los Angeles-based Muslim American and Japanese American leaders. They have been at the forefront of the fight against Islamophobia and anti-Asian hate, through actions, art, political education, and very intentional solidarity programming. Tea Drops was founded by Sashee Chandran, the daughter of immigrants from China and Sri Lanka who grew up steeped in the ritual of making tea. She has since raised millions in venture capital funding, and Tea Drops is stocked at retailers nationwide. On a personal note, Sashee and I used to work out of the same office and I am in awe of how much my friend has achieved! COMMEMORATING BANGLADESHI INDEPENDENCE DAY
It was an honor celebrating the 53rd Independence of Bangladesh at Bangladesh Independence Day Festival and Parade! Bangladeshi-Americans have and continue to contribute to our city through their vibrant arts, culture, and spiritual beliefs especially. As the first and only South Asian member of the LA City Council, this is an event I look forward to every year! MEETING WITH THE OAKS SCHOOL PARENT ASSOCIATION
I had the pleasure of joining the Oaks School Parent Association for their monthly meeting to address some of their community concerns. We discussed the immense progress we’ve made in helping individuals in the area get indoors, connecting our unhoused communities with housing opportunities, and paving the way for safer, more accessible public spaces near our schools. Thank you to Principal Hamory and the devoted families of the Oaks School for a productive conversation! I was also able to sneak in a classroom visit with some 5th graders for a quick lesson in local government! Hopefully it won’t be long before we see a few of their names on the ballot! SITTING IN ON WONDERLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S STUDENT COUNCIL
From Council Chambers at City Hall to the Classroom Council at Wonderland Elementary School in Laurel Canyon, I was excited to join a group of 4th and 5th graders at their student council meeting last week! These students asked their best questions about what it’s like to work with other elected officials, how my office prioritizes its policy initiatives, and how we can work together to make Los Angeles more affordable for everyone. I look forward to joining them for another meeting soon! TOURING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROL CENTER AT LADOT
Did you know that there are 4,851 traffic lights in the City of Los Angeles? This is equal to the entire number of traffic lights in 11 New Hampshires or 2 Utahs! I learned so much touring the Traffic Light Control Center at LADOT with my staff last week, and got to see an amazing map of traffic lights spanning the entire City of Los Angeles! Want more traffic light facts? Watch our Instagram Reel to find out how to make some traffic lights change faster! #themoreyouknow PROTESTING AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE WITH MOMS DEMAND ACTION
This Mother’s Day, I joined Moms Demand Action and Everytown For Gun Safety to rally for gun safety legislation that will keep all our children safe. The issue of gun violence isn’t just political — it’s personal. There have been at least 52 incidents of gunfire on school grounds this year, and all in less than 5 months. As guardians to our children, we know that we have to use our voice, organize our communities, and fight for the policies we need to bring about change. Thank you to Jessica Neyer for organizing this rally and to all the moms that are grassroots organizers, volunteers, advocates, and community leaders for the causes that matter to our children. RECOGNIZING HONORARY VALLEY BUREAU FIRE CHIEF CHRISTY ADAIR
This past Saturday was Fire Service Day and I’m proud to recognize CD4’s very own Christy Adair! She first joined the LAFD CERT Team in 2002 and served as the LAFD CERT Coordinator through 2017 when she took on new responsibilities as the LAFD CERT Valley Bureau Coordinator. As the former Chair of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council’s Public Safety Committee, Christy believes in empowering local communities to take care of themselves in disaster scenarios. Congratulations Christy on being named this year’s LAFD Valley Bureau Honorary Fire Chief!
HAPA DAY CELEBRATION AT CITY HALL | MAY 19 | MORE INFO
Join our office for a reception in honor of HAPA Day! In partnership with Councilmember John Lee, the Los Angeles City Council, and the 2023 Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Committee, we are officially declaring May 19th as HAPA Day in the City of Los Angeles, reflecting on the prevalence and modern evolution of HAPA Americans (Americans of partial Asian or Pacific Islander descent). DATE: May 19 TIME: 11AM – 1PM LOCATION: Tom Bradley Tower, Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N Spring St. Click HERE to RSVP! AAPI MOVIE AND BENTO BOX NIGHT | MAY 19 | MORE INFO
Join us in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a screening of Disney’s “Moana” at Wattles Garden Park! Please feel welcome to bring snacks, blankets, and chairs for the whole family. Plus, we will be giving away FREE BENTO BOXES to the first 100 guests! Don’t miss this family-friendly event! DATE: May 19, 2023 TIME: 6:00PM – 10PM LOCATION: Wattles Garden Park, 1850 N Curson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046 Sign up HERE! FREE ORGANICS RECYCLING PAIL PICKUP | MAY 19, 20, 21 | MORE INFO
To make the transition to organics recycling easier, LA Sanitation and LA City Council District 4 are providing FREE dishwasher-safe countertop pails! To reserve a pail in advance click HERE! Friday, 5/19, 6pm-10pm, HOLLYWOOD:
Saturday, 5/20, 3pm-5pm, RESEDA:
Sunday, 5/21, 8am-1pm, STUDIO CITY:
LA RIVERWAY PROJECT OPEN HOUSE | MAY 18 | MORE INFO
LADOT is extending the existing LA Riverway for one mile, from its current terminus at Riverside Drive/Zoo Drive to Forest Lawn Drive. The project is a key component of the City of Los Angeles’ effort to revitalize the Los Angeles River with increased access, amenities, recreational opportunities, and stormwater management. LADOT is working with partner agencies towards creating a continuous, paved bikeway along the entire length of the Los Angeles River, from the headwaters in West San Fernando Valley to the Long Beach Harbor. LADOT wants to hear from you on how this can impact your community. Please join one of these upcoming opportunities to give feedback: In-Person Workshop DATE: Thursday, May 18 TIME: 5 to 7PM LOCATION: Friendship Auditorium, 3201 Riverside Dr.,Los Angeles, CA 90027 RSVP HERE! Virtual Workshop DATE: Thursday, June 1 TIME: 6 to 7PM RSVP HERE! Online Survey
LADOT está extendiendo el LA Riverway existente por una milla, desde su terminal actual en Riverside Drive/Zoo Drive hasta Forest Lawn Drive. Actualmente estamos en la fase de diseño y queremos escuchar a los miembros de nuestra comunidad sobre cómo podría afectarles esta extensión. Únese a LADOT y comparta su opinión sobre la ampliación de El Riverway (Camina del río) de Los Angeles. Habrá traducción al español. Tres maneras de participar: Taller en Persona FECHA: 18 de mayo HORAS: 5 – 7PM UBICACIÓN: Friendship Auditorium, 3201 Riverside Dr.,Los Angeles, CA 90027 RSVP AQUÍ Taller Virtual FECHA: 1 de junio HORAS: 6 – 7PM RSVP AQUÍ Encuesta en Línea
SMALL BUSINESS RENTAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM | MORE INFO
Applications are now open for Round 4 of the City of Los Angeles Small Business Rental Assistance Grant Program. Grants from $2,500 up to $15,000 will be available to eligible businesses that need financial assistance to aid in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses must be located within the City of Los Angeles and use the grants to cover some or all of any outstanding location rental fees. The grant may be used for payments in arrears incurred on or after March 1, 2020 through April 30, 2023. To qualify, businesses must be for-profit and established by March 1, 2022 in a commercial location in the City of Los Angeles. Click HERE to apply. Applications are due May 24, 2023. CITY OF LOS ANGELES BEAUTIFICATION CONFERENCE | MAY 23 | MORE INFO
On behalf of the City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works, the Office of Community Beautification and Keep Los Angeles Beautiful, we would like to invite you to the 5th Annual Virtual Beautification Conference held Tuesday, May 23rd at 10:00AM. Please join for an opportunity to network and collaborate on topics focused around beautifying Los Angeles. Key topics will include Littering and Personal Responsibility, Organics LA, and Beautification Opportunities for Los Angeles residents. To register, please click HERE! *Register by Friday, May 19th for a chance to win a FREE rain barrel! Must be a City of Los Angeles resident to participate in the raffle giveaway. MAY IS BIKE MONTH WITH METRO
Get a 30-Day Pass for just $1! Use code BIKEMONTH23 in the app and online. Valid 5/1-5/31 for both Full Fare and Reduced Fare 30-Day Passes. Redeem online, in the app or at taptogo.net/metrobikeshare.
JOIN THE ANGELENO CORPS
Angeleno Corps is an intensive, paid 10-month program (from Sept. 2023 to June 2024) where 18-30-year-olds work at partner organizations and serve their community while attending school or an education program. Participants earn $1,000 monthly while gaining experience in one of six service areas:
To learn more about Angeleno Corps, register HERE for an informational webinar on Thursday, May 18 at 5:30PM! To apply, visit HireLA’s Youth and select ‘Apply Now.’ Applications are due by May 26, 2023.
To stay up to date on closures, follow @LADOTofficial on Twitter, and check out their updates page. ENCINO
Closure on Killion Street for Sidewalk Project Date/Time: Construction began April 10 and will run through the end of Spring 2023 from 7AM to 3:30PM. Location: Lane closure between Encino Avenue and Louise Avenue is scheduled from 9AM to 2PM Details: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is building sidewalks in coordination with the City of Los Angeles and the local community to enhance pedestrian access on Killion Street in the community of Encino. Residents and businesses located near the freeway are advised to anticipate noise, vibrations, and dust associated with construction activities. The schedule is weather-permitting, and all dates and times are subject to change. Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and “Slow for the Cone Zone.” Contact: Samantha Teves, (213) 793-9669
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Bike Month is a special time to celebrate biking in Los Angeles County. Bikes are a sustainable, healthy and integral part of making Los Angeles a greener place to live and Metro Bike Share is glad to be a part of that. Join in celebrating Bike Month however you can! 
