Nithya Raman CD4

 

June 25, 2022 

Dear Friends, 

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you about a Supreme Court decision we hoped would never come. Friday, the Court struck down an  individual’s right to decide for themselves whether to bear a child. 

The dissenting opinion states: “…one result of today’s decision is certain: the curtailment of women’s rights, and of their status as free and equal citizens.” 

Taking away the right to abortion diminishes the opportunities of those who can get pregnant to participate fully and equally in the nation’s political, social, and economic life. Above all others, those lacking financial resources will suffer from today’s decision.

This brazen disregard for precedent sets the stage for a bitter fight for our civil liberties. From the right to same sex marriage to the right to obtain contraception, by the logic of the Court’s majority these rights are no longer guaranteed. 

This decision is a crushing injustice.

As we move forward in this new world, I remain committed to ensuring Los Angeles is a City that provides reproductive care to all. I introduced a resolution that was passed in Council last month in support of swift and immediate State and Federal government action to codify the right to abortion access into law, and my office is working on legislation to further bolster reproductive health rights in our city. 

This moment calls for all hands on deck — I invite you to find ways to get involved here.

In Solidarity,     

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe to future newsletters at bit.ly/cd4news !


calendar.png

GRIFFITH PARK PILOT ROAD CLOSURE | JUNE 27

This summer, you can ride car-free in Griffith Park! My office, in close partnership with the Department of Recreation & Parks (RAP), will be launching a groundbreaking pilot project in Griffith Park to close a 2/3 mile stretch of Griffith Park Dr. to car travel.

The pilot road closure is set to begin Monday, June 27th. The road will be closed to all personal vehicles from Travel Town to Mt Hollywood Drive to prioritize and incentivize the use of alternate means of transportation. Our partners at RAP will be managing the closure –  monitoring the gates, educating with signage and communication, working with our Rangers to enforce as necessary — and we will be with them every step of the way.

This pilot and the resulting feasibility study are the first steps toward increasing safety for everyone who uses the park and to expanding active transportation options. We look forward to keeping you updated along the way!

LEARN ABOUT & SHARE FEEDBACK ON THE WILDLIFE ORDINANCE | JUNE 28 + JULY 13

625wildlife.png

In April, the Planning Department released a revised draft of the proposed Wildlife District Ordinance, which aims to balance wildlife habitat and connectivity with private property development thereby achieving more sustainable outcomes in the hillsides and habitats of Los Angeles.This summer, City Planning will hold an information session and public hearing on the proposed ordinance before the intended consideration by the City Planning Commission in fall 2022. This is an important opportunity to learn more about the proposed regulations and share your input!

  • Virtual Information Session | Tuesday, June 28, 2022| 5-7 PM | RSVP

  • Virtual Public Hearing | Wednesday,, July 13, 2022| 5-7 PM | RSVP

The interactive map, draft ordinance, and more information can be found on the project webpage at planning4la.org/wildlifeMore CD4 Dates

Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce State of the Community | July 7 @ 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM | Registration Here

  • Join the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce for a luncheon opportunity with legislators and policy makers! I will be joining Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, Senator Bob Hertzberg, and Assemblymember Laura Friedman to discuss local issues and participate in a Q&A session with attendees.

CD4 Clothing Drive | July 9  @ 10 AM to 1 PM | Notre Dame High Woodman entrance

  • With our partners NoHo Home Alliance and Hope of the Valley, we’re collecting new and gently used t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts (men’s and gender-neutral clothing especially needed), belts, hats, sunglasses, and new socks, underwear, and new hygiene items like wipes, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste + toothbrushes, soap, and hand sanitizer.


thisweekincd4.png

SUPPORTING LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP
This week, the Council voted to adopt two motions from my office, in partnership with Councilmember Curren Price to support local economic development and small businesses! The first will implement a Community Development Tax Incentive for for-profit businesses which will make $100,000 available per year for 10 years to qualifying Community Development Organizations (CDOs). The second will facilitate the creation of more employee-owned enterprises, especially by enabling transitions to employee ownership for businesses operated by owners who will soon retire. Read more in our release HERE.

SUMMER SPIRIT IN CD4 

From concerts to hikes, this week has been a tour of some of the best summer activities CD4 has to offer.

625folar.png

Last weekend, we had quite the early-morning turnout to the Bette Davis Picnic Area in Griffith Park— over 200 volunteers came out to our LA River cleanup, hosted in partnership with FoLAR!

625layo.png

And I had an ideal Sunday afternoon in Encino at our free concert, hosted with and showcasing the talented LA Youth Orchestra!

625labonge.png

My team and I also joined the LaBonge family, City leaders, and community members to carry on the legacy and tradition of former CD4 Councilmember Tom LaBonge with his annual Summer Solstice hike. We trekked to the top of the Tom LaBonge Panorama — a stunning spot in the district to honor his memory and to mark the official start to summer.


jobs.png

CD4 IS HIRING! APPLY TO BE OUR NEXT HOMELESSNESS LIAISON

625liaison.png

Our team is looking for a Homelessness Liaison! Duties will include conducting outreach and field visits to people experiencing homelessness, facilitating service delivery, and working collaboratively with other governmental and nonprofit entities to ensure effective delivery — an ideal candidate will have a passion for and commitment to addressing homelessness. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

FIGHT THE CLIMATE CRISIS ON A  LOCAL LEVEL AS A CA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS FELLOW

625ccac.png

In May, we announced that CD4 will be hosting two California Climate Action Corps Fellows through AmeriCorps! Each Fellow will help lead on a different climate-related project in CD4 over an eleven month period starting in September — one focusing on composting and food recovery, and the other on wildfire prevention and preparedness.    

Fellows will receive a stipend and living expenses! Click on the links HERE and HERE to learn more about each Fellowship, and for information about how to apply.

THE LA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEEDS CROSSING GUARDS!

625_crossing.png

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation is hiring Crossing Guards! LADOT has several vacancies in the crossing guard program and is actively recruiting to fill these critical positions for enhancing the safety of students, specifically those walking and cycling in school zones. 

For more information on becoming a crossing guard, click HERE, and to apply, click HERE.


resource_reminde4r.png

GRAB & GO LUNCHES FOR CITY OF LA RESIDENTS

625lunches.png

Until August 9th, the City of LA and the Dept of Recreation & Parks (RAP) will offer FREE grab and go lunches to kids & teens ages 1 through 18. Parents are allowed to pick up meals for their children, and no application or proof of income is needed.

To find a location nearest you, visit RAP’s website HERE or call their office directly at 818-346-2700, or text “Summer Meals” to 97779

THIS FOURTH OF JULY, LEAVE THE FIREWORKS TO THE PROS! 

625fireworks.png

The best way to enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July is to attend a professional, public show! Not only is igniting fireworks dangerous — on average, 19,500 fires related to fireworks are reported to fire departments every year — it also ignores the people who live in your neighborhood. Improper use of personal fireworks can be upsetting for pets, babies and small children, elders, and veterans. Read more about how to stay firework-safe HERE, and check out our upcoming newsletters and our social media (@cd4losangeles) for upcoming public fireworks shows.


ENCINO, SHERMAN OAKS, & STUDIO CITY

Contour Drive Resurfacing 
Date/Time: Monday, June 27th
Location: Contour Dr. from Dixie Canyon Ave. to Sunnyslope Ave.
Details: For street resurfacing, “TEMPORARY NO PARKING” signs will be posted at least 24 hours prior to work. Vehicles parked on the street with a posted “NO PARKING” sign will be cited and towed. When work is not in progress, the signs will be reversed to allow for street parking.
Contact: George Watson, Paul Bingaman, Joseph Sewell or David Kempton at (818) 756-8651.

LOS FELIZ & GRIFFITH PARK

Griffith Park Drive Closure
Date/Time: June 27 to August 2
Location: Griffith Park Drive at Travel Town and the gate near Mt Hollywood Drive
Details: In collaboration with our office, the Department of Recreation & Parks is piloting this closure to observe the effects on eliminating cut through freeway traffic and excessive speeding, and work towards making roads safer for passive recreation. Any unforeseen impacts on park operations will be addressed immediately.
Contact: Tracy James with Recreation & Parks at 323 661-9465 / tracy.james@lacity.org.

Barham Blvd Mainline Improvement Project
Date/Time: NOW to early July 2022 / M-F from 7 AM to 7 PM at onset, occasional Saturday work 
Location: Barham Blvd. from just south of Craig Dr. to just south of Lakeside Plaza Dr.

Qs & Concerns:  Community Affairs Director Michael Ventre at 213-367-1381 or michael.ventre@ladwp.com

Details: With final work by LADWP connecting laterals to finish up, the mainline is otherwise complete with an expected end time of early July.

HOLLYWOOD + HOLLYWOOD HILLS

Selma Ave Resurfacing 
Date/Time: June 22, 6:30 AM to 4 PM
Location: Selma Ave, Crescent Heights To Sunset Blvd
Details: For cold milling and paving “TEMPORARY NO PARKING” signs will be posted at least 24 hours prior to work. Vehicles parked on the street with a posted “NO PARKING” sign will be cited and towed. When work is not in progress, the signs will be reversed to allow for street parking.

Contact: If you have questions or need to request an accommodation, contact the supervisor on the project site or call 213-847-3200. TDD users, please use 711. You may also email StreetsLA at BOSS.BSS@LACITY.ORG.

Mulholland Regulator Station Installation

FAQ + Further Info

Date/Time: February to June 2022 / Mon to Fri 8 AM to 6 PM
Location: Mulholland Highway @ Ledgewood Drive
Details: LADWP will build a new underground water pressure regulator station on Mulholland Highway at Ledgewood Drive in the Hollywood Hills. The regulator station reduces high pressure water to manageable levels for safe water delivery.

Mulholland Highway will be closed at Ledgewood Drive during construction working hours and opened at the end of each day. Lower Mulholland Highway at Durand Drive will remain open, but will only be accessible to local residents. On Ledgewood Drive, during construction hours, only local traffic will be allowed past Heather Drive. 

Contact: Construction Manager: Joe Powell | (818) 771-6288 Joe.Powell@ladwp.com

Project Engineer: Amgad Farag | (818) 771-6282 Amgad.Farag@ladwp.com

Community Liaison: Michael Ventre | (213) 367-1381 Michael.Ventre@ladwp.com

RESEDA

Bus Boarding Island Construction 
Date/Time: Spring to Fall 2022
Location: Reseda & Strathern / Reseda & Saticoy
Details: The City will construct eleven concrete bus boarding islands at nine intersections (platforms separated from the sidewalk by a bike lane) on Reseda Blvd. Boarding islands improve safety and transit efficiency. Impacts may include partial road closures, traffic delays during peak hours, and temporary bus stop relocation or closure. For more information, click HERE.
Contact: Eng.Reseda@lacity.org / (213) 978-0333 



Our Office:

Services + Resources

  • Food Pantry Locator — Get connected to food resources near you. 

  • SafePassLA — FAQs and guidelines for residents & businesses regarding COVID-19 vaccine requirements.

  • City of LA Vaccine Info Hub — Sign up to get your COVID vaccine today!

  • StayHoused LA — Workshops and resources to help renters stay in their homes. 

  • Workers First App —An app for California workers! Get in touch with a worker organizer in real-time to get the information you need to feel safe and respected on the job.

  • 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, 

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 neighborhood.