DISTRICT 4 Newsletters

We celebrated two big wins for the Valley and Hollywood this week! 

Dear friend, 

It was a joyful week in Council District 4 as we celebrated two major projects in the Valley and Hollywood that serve to make our community more vibrant and our streets safer!  

First, we joined our partners and community members in Studio City to announce that we are breaking ground on the new Studio City Recreation Center! For those of you who appreciate a bit of City history – this project is one of the last projects in the Prop K pipeline, an initiative approved by LA voters in 1996. Prop K assessed $25M every year over the course of 30 years to help improve and reinvest in our parks. That investment has paid off in spades and in Council District 4 helped with such improvements like the Ferraro Soccer Fields, the LA River Greenway segments in Sherman Oaks and Studio City, the Sepulveda Garden Center, acquisition for Runyon Canyon Park, improvements to Encino Park, and now… refurbishing the Studio City Rec Center!  

Unfortunately, this project was stalled for some time because of a funding gap. But thanks to a federal grant of $3 million secured by our partner Congressman Brad Sherman, we are officially able to break ground on this long-overdue upgrade. Finally, the existing gymnasium (originally built in 1952!) will be torn down and transformed into a state of the art recreation center featuring a new gymnasium and community center, built to serve the local neighborhood, with construction slated to begin in early September. 

Having attended birthday parties and movie nights here with my kids, I know just how important resources like Beeman Park are for families across the entire region. With this investment, we are building a beautiful new facility for our children to enjoy space to play, sports programs to thrive, and people of all ages to come together and enjoy the outdoors. 

I am so grateful to all of our partners who helped us get here including Council President Paul Krekorian who championed this project over a decade ago, Congressman Brad Sherman for helping us fill the funding gap, the Bureau of Engineering for prioritizing a sustainable, renewable design, and the Department of Recreation and Parks for their unwavering commitment to providing Angelenos with world-class parks and facilities to build stronger and healthier communities.

We also celebrated a new star in Hollywood this week, officially unveiling new protected bike lanes along Hollywood Blvd! I joined my colleague Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, who has championed this project to the finish line, for a ribbon cutting ceremony and inaugural community ride from Barnsdall Park to Western Ave. 

This stretch of Hollywood Blvd along the shared boundaries of CD4 and CD13 has long been one of the most unsafe stretches of street in the entire city. It has been a priority of mine to reconfigure this corridor to prioritize safety, and in partnership with LADOT and Council District 13, the Hollywood Boulevard Safety and Mobility Project was able to do just that. The first phase of the project added 2.1 miles of parking-protected bike lanes on Hollywood Boulevard between Gower Street and Hillhurst. This intervention is going to help calm traffic, allow us to share space between people biking, rolling, walking, and driving, and ensure that this iconic corridor serves every single one of its users better. 

I want to thank LADOT for doing a fantastic job of planning, outreach, and design for this project. I also want to thank Streets For All, BikeLA, SAFE, LA Walks, MoveLA, and all the other advocacy groups who made their voices heard, in addition to the Los Feliz BID and the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council for their involvement and support.

LADOT will soon begin Phase 2 of this project,  which will address the stretch of Hollywood Blvd from Gower St to Lyman Pl. The proposed design calls for converting a travel lane in each direction into a parking-protected bike lane between Lyman Pl and Van Ness Ave, and replacing parking with a protected bike lane between Van Ness Ave and Gower St. I encourage anyone who wants to get involved to submit your feedback on the proposed design, HERE! 

I was excited this week to celebrate these wins, and to be able to bring much needed upgrades to the district and the city at large.

With hope, 

Nithya 

I. In The News — Addressing Safety Concerns In The West Valley

II. In The District — Speaking At The Philanthropy For Social Housing Convening, Opening New Housing For Seniors In Sherman Oaks, Celebrating Indian Independence Day in Reseda, Joining Neighbors In Encino For A Movie Night

III. Upcoming Events — Summer Movie Night In Sherman Oaks, CicLAvia Hollywood, Wildfire Safety Fair 

IV. Resources & Forums — L.A. Zoo Teen Council For Conservation, Al Fresco Permit Application Deadline Extended, Survey: Sherman Oaks Van Nuys Park

V. Construction & Closures — Thrasher Ave Resurfacing, Hopen Place Resurfacing, Blue Jay Drive Resurfacing, Kingswell Ave Resurfacing

VI. Other Helpful Links 

ADDRESSING SAFETY CONCERNS IN THE WEST VALLEY 

Like so many of you, we have been deeply alarmed by the recent cluster of residential break-ins in Encino and other neighborhoods in the West Valley. The safety of our constituents is our highest priority, and our office successfully advocated for LAPD to bring patrol and investigative resources to bear on this issue. A taskforce is now in place to provide dedicated resources toward investigating these home burglaries, and there have been increased patrols on residential streets, including mounted horse patrols, foot beats, and additional cars. LAPD also announced some progress this week: two “significant” arrests, with more information to come. 

To ensure that the community heard directly from us about the burglaries and the city’s response, my office hosted a public information session, in partnership with LAPD leadership, the Mayor’s Office, and Councilmbmer Bob Blumenfield from Council District 3. We had 500 people join us to hear directly from the city agencies working on this issue, and I want to underscore two key takeaways from LAPD: 

  • LAPD recommends hardening your home by placing hardwired cameras not just at your front door, but at the sides of your house, and the back of your house, trimming back overgrown trees and bushes in order not to obstruct views, and ensuring that your house is well lit at night. 
  • If you see something that seems suspicious, be sure to report it to LAPD. Any lead, no matter how minor you think it is, will be helpful for investigators. For certain minor incidents, you can file a report online via the Community Online Reporting System (CORS) HERE or call the LAPD non-emergency line at 877-ASK-LAPD. To submit a tip to law enforcement anonymously, you can do so online HERE or by calling 1-800-222-8477. *Please note that if an actual crime is occurring, you should reach out to 9-1-1 immediately. 

Additionally, I encourage residents to familiarize themselves with their neighborhood’s Senior Lead Officer (SLO). To find out who your West Valley SLO visit, click HERE. You can also sign up for text alerts from your local police and fire departments via Nixle, HERE. 

I hope that hearing from law enforcement officials who help keep our neighborhoods safe provided you with the information and tools needed to stay safe and secure. To see the recording of the session, please visit our website HERE.

No one should have to live in fear in their own home, and my office is committed to ensuring the safety of all our residents. 

SPEAKING AT THE PHILANTHROPY FOR SOCIAL HOUSING CONVENING

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak at the Philanthropy for Social Housing Convening, hosted by ACT-LA and The California Endowment, to discuss the many ways in which Los Angeles is positioned to be a leading example for transformational housing models. 

With the passage of Measure ULA by a majority of Los Angeles voters and a bold new Housing Element adopted by the City Council, we are in an exciting period of urgency and experimentation here in LA. We know that social housing empowers people and our communities to manage and develop their residences. By prioritizing affordability and putting people first, social housing ensures long-term solutions to help keep our neighborhoods intact. The growing support for these progressive, common sense housing policies amplifies our call for democratized housing. Now the task at hand is to strategize how we leverage our public dollars and public will for the public good. 

Across the city, community organizations and advocates have been doing just that and working to design innovative housing models. My office has been working with these mission-driven housing justice organizations, affordable housing developers, labor unions, and local government agencies to fit the puzzle pieces of social housing together.

Thank you to ACT-LA, the California Endowment, and all our community partners who’ve joined in this effort to uplift our communities through housing and planning. Let us continue to use this unique moment we’re in to create a new movement of solidarity, trust, hope, accountability, and governance!

OPENING NEW HOUSING FOR SENIORS IN SHERMAN OAKS

We know that a lack of housing is THE major driver of homelessness. Seniors in particular, are extremely vulnerable to homelessness, often lacking access to affordable housing and healthcare services. 

That’s why I’m so proud and excited to welcome Burbank Boulevard Senior Housing to Sherman Oaks! Created in partnership with Mercy Housing California, city and state partners, and thoughtfully designed with input from local community members, this amazing new facility features 54 units of affordable housing for seniors experiencing homelessness alongside on-site resident services and case management operations. 

I had the pleasure of meeting one of the building’s newest residents, Beth, who shared her story of experiencing homelessness as an older adult. This housing opportunity has helped Beth get back on her feet and back into health, empowering her to live safely and independently and even inspiring her to go back to school.

It’s stories like Beth’s that remind us of the potential that can be unlocked when our vulnerable communities have access to safe and affordable housing. Thank you to Ed Holder, Ann Sewill, Kevin Keller, all the partners and community members that have rallied behind this project, especially leadership from the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, who strongly supported this project. 

To our current (and future) residents, welcome home! 

CELEBRATING INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY IN RESEDA

This week marked Indian Independence Day and I had the privilege of joining the Reseda Valley Hindu Temple and the Bihar Jharkhand Association for a joyful celebration! It was wonderful to be surrounded by LA’s vibrant Indian community, celebrating our heritage through dance, music, and of course stunning saris! 

As the first South Asian ever elected to the LA City Council –  I welcome opportunities like these to uplift our culture city-wide. It brings me so much joy that nonprofits like the Bihar Jharkhand Association have made it their mission to foster social connection among the Indian diaspora and to promote educational, charitable, and volunteer opportunities for those who may be struggling in Los Angeles. 

Thank you to the Reseda Valley Hindu Temple for hosting us and the Bihar Jharkhand Association for bringing the spirit and legacy of India’s Independence Day to our Los Angeles community! 

JOINING NEIGHBORS IN ENCINO FOR A SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT

This past weekend, the Encino Neighborhood Council welcomed neighbors to the Encino Community Center for their first movie night in five years (!!!) with a screening of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

The Encino Neighborhood Council recently welcomed their newly elected president, Josh Sautter. When first elected, Josh reached out to our office and made sure to tell us that his number one priority was to help build a sense of togetherness and belonging, to help create a community where we know our neighbors and look out for each other.

By the time the credits rolled, it was clear that John’s vision for the evening was realized, with kids bonding over bubbles, families mingling over picnics, and another warm summer evening in the books!

SUMMER MOVIE IN SHERMAN OAKS | AUGUST 17

Join our office and the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council for a FREE screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru at VNSO Park on Saturday, August 17th! Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy sunset in the park before the film begins at dusk. There will also be a special back to school backpack giveaway, starting at 6PM!

  • DATE: Saturday, August 17
  • TIME: 6PM – 10PM
  • LOCATION: Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park – Hazeltine Fields

CICLAVIA HOLLYWOOD | AUGUST 18 | MORE INFO

Join CicLAvia for their 54th Los Angeles Open Streets Event: CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods! From West Hollywood to East Hollywood, enjoy 6.6 miles of open streets for you to walk, bike, skate with no cars around!  Enjoy the pop-up park for the day in your favorite people-powered way, whether that’s walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, skating, or simply spectating! All ages and abilities are welcome. Use the CicLAvia digital map to plan which businesses, local gems, activities along the route, and Hubs to check out during the event on August 18!

  • DATE: Sunday, August 18
  • TIME: 9AM – 4PM
  • LOCATION: Connecting East and West Hollywood.

WILDFIRE SAFETY FAIR | SEPTEMBER 14 | MORE INFO

Our office has partnered with MySafe:LA to host a one-day wildfire safety fair in Los Feliz on Saturday, September 14th from 11AM – 2PM. 

With wildfire season officially upon us, we hope you’ll join us to learn about wildfire preparedness and prevention from expert speakers, and ask your questions to representatives from organizations including MySafe:LA, LAFD, LAPD, LADWP, LA’s Emergency Management Department, and the California Department of Insurance. 

  • DATE: Saturday, September 14
  • TIME: 11AM – 2PM
  • LOCATION: Lycée International de Los Angeles, 4155 Russell Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Click HERE to RSVP! 

L.A. ZOO TEEN COUNCIL FOR CONSERVATION | MORE INFO

The L.A. Zoo Teen Council for Conservation unites youths and creates pathways toward a future centered on conservation solutions in Los Angeles. This program empowers young Angelenos from all communities and highlights their strengths as leaders, builds skills in conservation and community building, and inspires these teens to enact change in themselves, at the Zoo, and in their communities. The Teen Council for Conservation focuses on issues surrounding conservation, social and environmental justice, and climate, and the specific focus is determined by the members each year.

AL FRESCO DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DECEMBER | MORE INFO

This week, Mayor Bass announced that the deadline for business owners to apply to continue offering outdoor dining through the Al Fresco program has been extended! The new deadline is December 31, 2024. 

Business owners can receive assistance completing their applications in-person and virtually at no-cost at BusinessSource Centers across the city – see full list of locations across the city and operations hours HERE. For additional help, The Mayor’s Office Business Concierge is available via email at businessconcierge@lacity.org.

Resources are available online through departments recorded webinars that can be viewed HERE. Business owners can also review the Online Al Fresco Guide, which outlines requirements, anticipated costs, and answers to frequently asked questions.

SURVEY: VAN NUYS SHERMAN OAKS PARK & REC CENTER | MORE INFO

VNSO Park and Recreation Center is a jewel of our Rec and Parks system, and of the South Valley in particular. Our office is working with the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) to make this space an even greater asset for the community and we need your input! 

The proposed improvements will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 includes improvements to the ballfield, the demolition of a dilapidated shack on the north side of the park, the restoration of a concession building and public restroom, a stormwater management area, and the addition of six new pickleball courts to be built between the basketball courts and the aquatics center. 

Please fill out our survey HERE to provide your feedback and vision for the future of VNSO Park and Recreation Center!

HOLLYWOOD 

Thrasher Avenue, Resurfacing

  • DATE/TIME: August 21, 2024 – September 10, 2024, 6:30AM – 4:00PM 
  • LOCATION: Thrasher Ave. from Rising Glen Road to Oriole Drive 

Hopen Place, Resurfacing

  • DATE/TIME: August 27, 2024 – September 4, 2024, 6:30AM – 4:00PM 
  • LOCATION: Hopen Place, Blue Jay Way to Dead end west of Blue Jay Way

Blue Jay Way, Resurfacing

  • DATE/TIME: August 26, 2024 – September 6, 2024, 6:30AM – 4:00PM 
  • LOCATION: Blue Jay Way, Dead end north of Hopen Place to Thrasher Avenue

LOS FELIZ

Kingswell Avenue, Resurfacing

  • DATE/TIME: August 20, 2024 – August 22, 2024, 6:30AM – 4:00PM 
  • LOCATION: Kingswell Avenue, Talmadge Street to Vermont Avenue

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.