DISTRICT 4 Newsletters

Los Angeles after the fires

Dear friend,

It has been an incomprehensibly difficult start to the year here in Los Angeles, watching entire communities be destroyed and so many families displaced. I have such intense gratitude for our first responders who have been working around the clock to keep us safe and for every Angeleno who has shown up to help a neighbor in need. While the devastation has been overwhelming, I am reminded of why I love this city so much – its people are extraordinary.

As we look ahead, I have been thinking a lot about resiliency, for us as a city and for us as individuals. What do we need to do differently to ensure that we are more resilient against natural disasters – whether they come in the form of wildfires, earthquakes, intense rains, or winds? How can we plan better as a city for these events? How can we ensure that our city’s residents and small businesses are able to plan for and weather these events better? 

As a first step, we put forward a motion, in partnership with Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, that improves and expands 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. Before and during the fires, my team and I were on the ground 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

To me, this is simply non-negotiable for protecting our communities in high fire risk areas. With climate change increasing these risks for our hillsides, we must do more than we have done in the past. 

Another motion that we presented seeks to ensure that city departments who jumped into action to provide emergency services not accounted for in their annual budgets are properly reimbursed for any costs incurred. This includes the Department of Recreation & Parks which, as mentioned above, was instrumental in preventing further devastation by closing all of our parks in High Fire Severity Zones. The Department of Transportation and Bureau of Street Services also took action to keep our streets in compliance with Red Flag warnings in the event residents needed to evacuate, and the Los Angeles Police Department deployed additional resources when evacuations did occur. Our motion directs the City to outline what services may not be eligible for federal or state reimbursement and to identify potential funding sources so that we can ensure these agencies aren’t saddled with bills that impede their regular services. 

But there is so much more to think about as we move ahead. Have our building codes and our infrastructure plans appropriately accounted for fire resiliency? Can our plans to rebuild after the fires go hand in hand with increasing housing availability across the entire city, including in neighborhoods that have lower levels of fire risk? My office will continue to advocate for the resources necessary to keep our community safe and to build and rebuild stronger with climate resiliency in mind. We welcome your input on our needs as a City as we move ahead.

In the meantime, you can find the latest recovery resources on our website HERE, including a new FEMA resource center in Sherman Oaks at the Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center to provide navigation support for people applying for FEMA assistance. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office for additional assistance at contactcd4@lacity.org, or by calling us at 213-473-7004. 

Warmly, 

Nithya

I. Updates From City Hall — New Committee Assignments

II. Wildfire Recovery Resources — Red Cross Financial Assistance, New FEMA Resource Center In Sherman Oaks, Wildfire Job Loss Orientations, Relief Grants For Small Business & Workers Impacted By Wildfires, LA Regional Economic Recovery Weekly Business Webinars, BusinessSource

III. Upcoming Events — Dine LA Restaurant Week, Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count

IV. Resources & Forums — Metro Transit Equity Day, CERT Emergency Go Bag Workshop, Run For Los Feliz Neighborhood Council

V. Construction & Closures — Kingswell Ave Resurfacing, Kinglet Ave Resurfacing, Evanview Resurfacing, Pine Tree Pl Resurfacing

VI. Other Helpful Links 

NEW COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

With the start of a new term comes new committee assignments, and I am proud to share that I have been re-appointed as Chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee in addition to joining the City’s Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee. 

I have also been appointed to the newly formed Ad Hoc Committee on Unarmed Crisis Prevention, Intervention, and Community Services, as well as the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and will continue to serve on the Energy and Environment Committee. 

Our office’s goal has always been to address the needs of all communities, and at this critical juncture in our City’s history, I am eager to continue leading efforts towards improving our response to homelessness, creating an equitable and sustainable city, and building the housing we so desperately need, now more than ever.

RED CROSS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Red Cross is currently reaching out to wildfire survivors to discuss their eligibility for financial assistance.

To see if you qualify for financial assistance, please complete and submit this registration form. 

If you have received an invitation to apply for financial assistance, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to speak to an agent about completing your enrollment.

This round of the Red Cross Immediate Financial Assistance program will be concluding on Feb 14, 2025. You must complete your financial assistance application by February 14, 2025, to receive this assistance.

NEW FEMA RESOURCE CENTER IN SHERMAN OAKS 

In addition to the Disaster Recovery Centers, FEMA will be opening two new locations to provide support for people impacted by the recent fires – including the Hurst, Sunset, and Castaic fires – including at the Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center. 

New FEMA Resource Center Locations

Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center 

  • 5056 Van Nuys Blvd Building B, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
  • Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Ritchie Valens Recreation Center

  • 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
  • Tuesday- Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM & Saturday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Services at these locations are limited to assistance with FEMA applications. FEMA can provide the following types of financial assistance:

  • Special Needs Assistance Grants – $770 one-time payment to afford immediate needs like food, water, hygiene, and transportation.
  • FEMA Individual Assistance For Housing – Homeowners can receive FEMA Individual Assistance grants for home repair, replacement, and for temporary housing up to $43,600.
  • FEMA Individual Assistance For Other Needs – Another $43,600 is available in the form of a grant from FEMA to cover medical expenses, damage to a vehicle, household items/property, funeral expenses, moving/storage, and childcare expenses, etc.

*The Deadline to Apply For Federal Assistance is March 10, 2025.*

WILDFIRE JOB LOSS ORIENTATIONS

The City of Los Angeles is offering no-cost help for people who lost their jobs because of the recent fires. The Economic and Workforce Development Department’s (EWDD) Rapid Response team is hosting daily virtual Wildfire Job Loss Orientations where people can learn about how to access job opportunities, unemployment benefits and healthcare. 

The Wildfire Job Loss Orientations take place Monday – Friday at 10 AM and 6 PM, and on Saturdays at 10 AM. Orientations will be conducted in English and Spanish. Sign up for English orientations here and Spanish orientations here. 

Topics include: 

  • Job opportunities
  • Navigating the unemployment benefits portal and the application process
  • Understanding the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) requirements
  • Healthcare benefits
  • Training programs and other services offered by the City of Los Angeles

Additional City resources available:

  • The City’s 14 WorkSource Centers are available to help people who have lost income. Click HERE for location and contact information.
  • The City’s 10 BusinessSource Centers are available to help business owners. Click HERE for locations and contact information.
  • The City’s 14 YouthSource Centers provide Angelenos ages 14-24 support and resources through access to education, paid work experience, and occupational skills training. Click HERE to see a list of the YouthSource Centers and contact information.

RELIEF GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & WORKERS IMPACTED BY WILDFIRES

To aid in the financial recovery of small businesses and displaced workers affected by the wildfires, the City of LA, in collaboration with LA County DEO, has launched the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds. Through these funds, eligible small businesses and nonprofits can receive up to $25K in grants. Eligible displaced workers can obtain $2K in cash assistance. 

Applications for the grants will open February 2025. Impacted small business owners and workers residing in the City of LA, can receive application assistance through the WorkSource and BusinessSource Centers once applications open.

Philanthropic contributions are also being accepted towards the relief effort. To contribute funds, visit lacounty.gov/relief.

LA REGIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY WEEKLY BUSINESS WEBINARS

The LA Regional Economic Recovery is holding webinars to provide community and business providers with information, resources, and guidance for supporting businesses impacted by the LA Fires. To register for a webinar, click HERE. 

  • Feb 5, 12:00 PM
  • Feb 12, 12:00 PM
  • Feb 19, 2:00 PM
  • Feb 26, 12:00 PM

BUSINESS SOURCE CENTERS WILDFIRE WEBINARS

The city’s BusinessSource Centers are hosting webinars to assist businesses with the SBA Disaster Loan application and providing other resources for post-wildfire recovery. To register for a webinar, click HERE.

DINE LA RESTAURANT WEEK | JAN 24 – FEB 7 | MORE INFO

Dine LA Restaurant Week began Friday Jan 24 and ends on February 7. LA’s culinary community has stepped up the last few weeks to provide meals to first responders, support those impacted by the wildfires and offer spaces to the community to reconnect. We can now show support for our restaurants by dining out during Dine LA Restaurant Week. For every reservation, the LA Tourism & Convention Board will donate $5 to the American Red Cross to support wildfire relief efforts. Additionally, Banc of California will match each donation. Make a reservation today at one of the 420 participating restaurants.

2025 GREATER LOS ANGELES HOMELESS COUNT | FEB 18 – 20 | MORE INFO

Every January here in Los Angeles, we embark on a mission to count our homeless population across the city. Thousands of Angelenos take time out of their busy schedules to join us over the course of three nights to help identify how many people are experiencing unsheltered homelessness in their communities. This data is critical in informing policy, securing resources, and delivering services where they are most needed.

This year’s Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, postponed due the fires, has been rescheduled for February 18th, 19th, and 20th. We need a strong volunteer turnout to make this year’s count a success! Whether you are a first-time volunteer or an annual counter, I encourage you to join us. 

Click HERE to register to volunteer! 

METRO TRANSIT EQUITY DAY | FEB 4

Providing equitable access to high quality, reliable and affordable transit service for everyone is a civil right, so in honor of Transit Equity Day, Metro will offer free rides on all Metro buses, trains, Metro Bike Share and Metro Micro on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Users can redeem their Metro Bike Share 30-minute free ride by selecting ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app, and use code 020425. The code may be used multiple times throughout the day. To redeem a free ride on Metro Micro, riders can book their ride and use code EQUITY25. 

CERT EMERGENCY GO BAG WORKSHOP | FEB 9

Join the City of Los Angeles Emergency Response Team (CERT) for an emergency go bag workshop in Sherman Oaks on Sunday, February 9. Bring your go-bag and CERT will help review, update, and replace items to ensure you are prepared in the event of an emergency. 

DATE: Sunday, Feb 9 

TIME: 1PM – 3PM

LOCATION: Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Senior Center (Auditorium), 5056 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

RUN FOR LOS FELIZ NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL | FEB 18 DEADLINE | MORE INFO

In Spring 2025 Los Feliz stakeholders will vote to elect 10 members of the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council Governing Board for a term of four years. Anyone who lives or works in Los Feliz and is at least eighteen years of age at the time of the election can run for a seat on the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council Board. 

The Los Feliz Neighborhood Council advises on and influences City policy for delivering municipal services to Los Feliz, including police, fire, and public safety; parking and traffic; recreation and parks; land use, zoning, construction, and business permitting; education; public works projects; and other city-wide issues. The Board also decides whether, when, and where to fund initiatives it believes will benefit the neighborhood.

Candidates can fill out the candidate submission form HERE. Should you require a PDF in order to apply via mail, email Elections@LosFelizNC.org. The candidate filing deadline is 2/18/25. 

Interested in learning more? Attend a workshop! 

  • Monday, February 3rd, 6PM – 7PM
    Los Feliz Library – 1874 Hillhurst Avenue
  • Saturday, February 8th, 1:30PM – 2:30PM
    via ZOOM. Click HERE for the link.

HOLLYWOOD 

Kingswell Avenue, Resurfacing

  • DATE/TIME: February 6, 2025 – February 10, 2025, 6:30AM – 4:00PM 
  • LOCATION: Kingswell Avenue, Talmadge St to Vermont Ave

Kinglet Drive, Resurfacing

  • DATE/TIME: February 11, 2025 – February 12, 2025, 6:30AM – 4:00PM 
  • LOCATION: Kinglet Drive, Doheny Drive to Dead End west of Doheny Drive

Evanview Drive, Resurfacing

  • DATE/TIME: February 13, 2025 – February 14, 2025, 6:30AM – 4:00PM 
  • LOCATION: Evanview Drive, Sunset Plaza Drive to to Dead End west of Sunset Plaza Drive

Pine Tree Place, Resurfacing

  • DATE/TIME: February 18, 2025 – February 20, 2025, 6:30AM – 4:00PM 
  • LOCATION: Pine Tree Place, Dead end north of Sunset Plaza Drive to Sunset Plaza Drive

DETAILS: The first phase will require the preparation of the existing roadway by cold milling the street. The final phase will require the paving of the existing roadway and resurfacing the street. If the project length is delayed, you will be notified of the reason for the delay and of the revised completion date.

While the project is in progress, “Temporary No Parking Signs” will be posted on the street. The signs will be posted at least 24 hours before the actual work begins to provide notice to residents and business owners. Please have all vehicles removed from the street to protect them from damage by construction debris and to prevent interference with the planned work. When work is not in progress between the preparation and resurfacing phases the signs will be reversed to allow for vehicular parking. 

Vehicles will have access during the cold milling of the project. However, it is requested that driving be limited within the project area to avoid possible damage to your vehicle. The only time that access will be restricted within the project area is when the street is coated with liquid asphalt, prior to the resurfacing of the street. 

When the crews are working, there will be construction equipment and trucks in the area. This equipment may be of interest to children. Remind residents to be careful and ask children to avoid the equipment and work-site area.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this project. Persons with mobility impediments and their caregivers can request assistance if the scheduled street work limits their use (including ingress or egress) of the public right of way. If you have questions or need to request an accommodation, contact the supervisor on the project site or call (213) 485-5561 or (213) 847-3200.

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.