DISTRICT 4 Newsletters

Volunteer for the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count!

Dear Friends, 

One of the questions I’m asked most in this job is, “how can I help address the homelessness crisis?” My response is always to get active! Get to know your neighbors and volunteer on efforts that help unhoused residents right in your neighborhood. 

One easy way to do that is by joining the upcoming Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count! 

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.

The 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count is being held next week on January 23th, 24th, and 25th. 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. We also particularly need volunteers in the Valley so please do sign up! 

This year, our office will be hosting the Studio City count on January 23 at 8PM, at the First Christian Church of North Hollywood, located at 4390 Colfax Ave. We would love to see you there!

To register and learn more, visit theycountwillyou.org – and be sure to tell your friends! 

With gratitude, 

Nithya

I. Updates From City Hall — Reducing Traffic Violence Through Upgraded Traffic Signals, Enhancing The Sepulveda Basin Vision Plan, Recognizing Fire Chief Zipperman’s 36 Years Of Service 

II. In The District — Honoring The Legacy Of Reverend Martin Luther King, Hosting Our First Neighborhood Support Day Of The Year 

III. Upcoming Events – Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, Hollywood Blvd Safety And Mobility Town Hall, Griffith Park Half Marathon And 5K Run

IV. Resources & Forums — LAHD Renter Protections Webinar, City Of Los Angeles Career Fair, Orange Line Transit Neighborhood Plan Office Hours, Represent CD4 On The Los Angeles Equestrian Advisory Committee

V. Construction & Closures —Mulholland Speed Humps

VI. Other Helpful Links

REDUCING TRAFFIC VIOLENCE THROUGH UPGRADED TRAFFIC SIGNALS

According to the City’s Vision Zero Safety Study for Los Angeles, 70% of our crashes where someone is killed or severely injured (KSI crashes) occur at intersections, many of which are controlled by traffic signals. This is a staggering statistic – walking in Los Angeles should not have to come with a safety warning.

In October, I introduced a motion, along with my colleagues Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield and Eunisses Hernandez, to upgrade traffic signals where appropriate in order to enhance safety for pedestrians and reduce incidents of traffic violence. Last week, Council adopted that motion and the Department of Transportation will be revisiting its policies and practices related to signal phasing and timing so as to minimize conflicts between people walking and motor vehicle traffic, and minimize wait times for people walking.

LADOT will be reviewing existing policies for other important signal tools like Leading Pedestrian Intervals or LPIs, No Right Turn on Red, and Scramble Intersections.

I hope that we are able to open these important tools up to more locations and have a stronger connection to signals along pathways to major destinations like parks, schools, and commercial districts. 

Signal-focused safety enhancements will serve to set the City on the path toward eliminating deaths and serious injuries for people walking as laid out by the City’s Vision Zero initiative. It is critical that we employ whatever measures we can to prioritize pedestrian safety. 

ENHANCING THE SEPULVEDA BASIN VISION PLAN

The Sepulveda Basin is second only to Griffith Park in terms of its size and scale dedicated to park, recreational, and natural open space uses in the City of Los Angeles. The City is currently in the final phases of drafting its Sepulveda Basin Vision Plan, which aims to restore large portions of natural flow to the LA River and build a multi-generational masterplan to redevelop the Basin into a more ecologically sustainable facility, while properly planning for regional parks and recreation needs.

While this project pre-dates my time in office, my team and I have worked closely with stakeholders, community groups, City department staff, and consultants to help shape the masterplan process for this large and important project. In December, in partnership with Councilmember Imelda Padilla, we submitted a letter sharing our feedback on the latest draft of the Sepulveda Basin Vision Plan. The letter outlines areas for additional attention, potential partnerships that could be leveraged to enhance the Plan’s effectiveness, and suggests next steps to ensure the Plan leads to successful implementation and long-term sustainability. I encourage you to read it here! 

Together, through these concerted efforts and partnerships, we can transform the Sepulveda Basin into a beacon of innovation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. This is the Central Park of the San Fernando Valley, a region of over two million people, and it deserves a bold and holistic vision.

RECOGNIZING FIRE CHIEF ZIPPERMAN’S 36 YEARS OF SERVICE 

For the last four decades, Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman has woken up at 3:30AM. As a 36-year veteran of the Fire Department, Chief Zipperman has met every emergency and every concern with a deep sense of urgency and responsibility for the safety of Angelenos. 

In Chief Zipperman, I have found something really remarkable – a true partner in the City to help overcome our challenges through collaboration. Since my first day in office, he has answered all of my questions, met me with the same level of urgency I share for protecting CD4 residents, and served as a regular source of wisdom and comfort in the many meetings and conversations we’ve had to troubleshoot various fire and life safety challenges faced during my tenure as councilmember. 

The time he invested in understanding the way in which our office wanted to work on certain issues, and spoke up to advocate for the resources we needed as a district to address issues particularly related to homelessness and our parks allowed us to bring real change to the City. 

Last week, we had the opportunity to celebrate Chief Zipperman and his well-deserved retirement in Council, extending deep gratitude for his immense knowledge, courage, and penchant for leadership and teamwork.

To his family, his wife, his children, and his grandchildren, I know you’ll be grateful to have him back in your lives. To Chief ZIpperman, I wish you many more mornings of sleeping in.

HONORING THE LEGACY OF REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

At a Freedom Rally in Los Angeles on May 26, 1963, a crowd of more than 35,000 jammed in Los Angeles’s (not Chicago’s!) Wrigley Field to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak. His message to the audience was loud and clear, “We want to be free whether we’re in Birmingham or in Los Angeles.”

One place that call feels particularly resonant to me today is in our work to combat homelessness. Local policies of redlining and housing discrimination have led to Los Angeles consistently being one of the most segregated cities in America. As our homelessness crisis has grown, it has reflected that racist history. Despite Black Angelenos making up only 8% of our population, more than a third of people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles are Black. 

To me that means that we need to approach this crisis in a way that heeds the call of Dr. King in his 1967 “America’s Chief Moral Dilemma” speech to eradicate racism, poverty and militarism. We must work to increase our City’s housing stock, we must make that housing available to all, and we must address homelessness not with punishment but with housing and services. 

I want to thank the Congregational Church of the Chimes for allowing me the opportunity to speak on this at their MLK Day lunch, bringing a room full of people together to honor Dr. King’s legacy. I especially want to thank Rev. Beth Bingham, Rev. Curtis Peek, Diane Delaney, Jane Poole, and all others for making this event possible.

56 years after Dr. King’s speech in Los Angeles, his dream is a vision of a promise still unkept. But, by continuing his work, we can create that more perfect society of which he dreamed.

HOSTING OUR FIRST NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORT DAY OF THE YEAR IN RESEDA

In 2023, we hosted a full year of monthly Neighborhood Support Days across the district, witnessing the transformative impact of consistently, proactively, and reliably bringing resources to the community. Most importantly, we built trusting relationships with our unhoused residents — a critical part of our work in helping get folks into housing. 

Thanks to our advocacy, Council District 4 has had access to these resources on a regular basis since I took office. And this year, we continue to meet our unhoused neighbors with community support and much-needed resources. In partnership with LA Family Housing, we hosted our first Neighborhood Support Day of 2024 last week at the First United Methodist Church of Reseda!

By partnering with service providers from all over the district, we are able to connect people experiencing homelessness with vital resources like healthcare services, legal support, personal hygiene support, and so much more, from a warm meal to a hot shower. Neighborhood Support Days are our way of lending a helping hand to our unhoused neighbors as we help guide them through the process of getting indoors. 

2024 GREATER LOS ANGELES HOMELESS COUNT | JAN 23, 34, 25 | MORE INFO

The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count is taking place on January 23rd, 24th, and 25th, and covers all LA County except the cities of Glendale, Pasadena, and Long Beach, which conduct their own counts. The data collected is an essential component in understanding the scope and nature of homelessness in Los Angeles County and helps LAHSA and its partners deliver services where they are needed most.

This year, our office will be hosting the Studio City count on January 23 at 8PM, at the First Christian Church of North Hollywood. To join us, enter “Studio City” in the location box HERE. 

  • DATE: Tuesday, January 23
  • TIME: 8PM
  • LOCATION: First Christian Church of North Hollywood, 4390 Colfax Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91604

To find a count near you, RSVP and enter your zip code HERE. 

HOLLYWOOD BLVD SAFETY AND MOBILITY TOWN HALL | FEB 1 | MORE INFO

Join our office, LADOT, and the Office of Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, for a virtual community town hall to learn about safety improvements coming to Hollywood Blvd (between Gower St and Hillhurst Ave) and Sunset Blvd (between Hillhurst Ave and Fountain Ave). City staff will be sharing details about a new street design concept that will:

  • Help slow down excessive speeding
  • Reduce pedestrian exposure to traffic
  • Allow for safer turns
  • Create dedicated space for people on bikes and scooters

Please join us to share your questions and feedback on how to make Hollywood Blvd safer!

  • DATE: Thursday, February 1
  • TIME: 6PM
  • LOCATION: Virtual meeting. Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

RSVP HERE to attend and receive instructions on how to participate. 

If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback about the project, please email visionzero@lacity.org.

GRIFFITH PARK HALF MARATHON AND 5K | FEB 4 | MORE INFO

Join the Los Angeles Department of Rec and Parks on Sunday, February 4, 2024, for a beautiful run/jog/walk through Griffith Park to raise money and support our LA city parks. The scenic trail course is the perfect event for the whole family, and takes you by iconic landmarks along the course including the Merry Go Round, Travel Town, Zoo, Autry museum and finishes at Crystal Springs picnic area. All ages and abilities are welcome! 

  • DATE: Sunday, February 4
  • TIME: Half marathon begins at 7:30AM and 5K begins at 10:30AM 
  • LOCATION: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA US 90027

To register, click HERE. Registration includes raffle items, commemorative die cast medal, premium t-shirt, and access to sampling booths!

LAHD RENTER PROTECTIONS WEBINAR (SPANISH) | JAN 24 | MORE INFO

This webinar will provide an overview of the City’s renter protections, including the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) allowable rent increase of 4% effective February 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024, recently approved by City Council. In addition, the workshop will provide an update on recent changes in the law.

Este seminario virtual proporcionará una descripción general de las protecciones para inquilinos de la ciudad, incluyendo la Ordenanza de Estabilización de Alquileres (RSO) aumento de alquiler permitido del 4% a partir del 1 de febrero del 2024 hasta el 30 de junio del 2024, el cual fue aprobado recientemente por el Concilio de la Ciudad. Además, los talleres proporcionarán una actualización sobre los cambios recientes en la ley.

  • DATE: Wednesday, January 24
  • TIME: 3PM
  • LOCATION: Virtual meeting. Zoom link will be provided upon registration. 

Click HERE to register. 

CITY OF LOS ANGELES CAREER FAIR | JAN 25 | MORE INFO

The next Public Works Career Fair is coming to the Valley on January 25th! Stop by between 9am and 3pm and explore pathways to a career with the City of Los Angeles. 

  • DATE: Thursday, January 25
  • TIME: 9AM to 3PM
  • LOCATION: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406

ORANGE LINE TRANSIT NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN OFFICE HOURS | FEB 1, 3, 5, 7 | MORE INFO

The Orange (G) Line Transit Neighborhood Plan (OLTNP) is a project led by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. The OLTNP aims to create more housing opportunities, support transit ridership and elevate design expectations around three Metro Orange (G) Line Stations: the Van Nuys, Sepulveda, and North Hollywood Stations. 

The Department wants your feedback on the recently released draft Proposed Land Use and Zoning map! Visit the interactive StoryMap to learn more how the Draft Proposed Land Use and Zoning aligns with the project’s goals. The OLTNP will apply the City’s New Zoning Code, which is tailored to meet the contextual needs and vision for each neighborhood. This will be the first application of the New Zoning Code in the San Fernando Valley. 

The Department will host Virtual and In-person Office Hours in February to give community members opportunities to both learn more and provide feedback on the proposed plan. 

  • Virtual Office Hours: Thursday, February 1, 2024 & Monday, February 5, 2024
  • In-Person Office Hours: Saturday, February 3, 2024 & Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Sign up for an appointment HERE! 

If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback via email, please contact the OLTNP team at planning.oltnp@lacity.org. 

REPRESENT CD4 ON THE LOS ANGELES EQUESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE | DEADLINE TO APPLY 2/15

Council District 4 is seeking a new representative to the Los Angeles Equine Advisory Committee!

The purpose of the Committee is to work with City Departments to address equine issues in the City of Los Angeles, and to help guide the City’s work on anything related to horses. 

For more information and to apply, please reach out to Council District 4 Chief of Staff, Andrea Conant, at andrea.conant@lacity.org. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2024. 

To stay up to date on closures, follow @LADOTofficial on Twitter, and check out their updates page.

LAUREL CANYON

Installing Speed Humps on Mulholland Drive

  • DATE/TIME: Now through Spring 2024
  • LOCATION: Mulholland Drive
  • DETAILS: The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) will be installing speed humps on Mulholland Drive in select locations in the coming months.
  • Four locations will be installed according to the timeline above. 

CONTACT: Mehmet Berker, Senior Deputy for Transportation and Infrastructure, mehmet.berker@lacity.org or 818-925-0465.

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.