Dear Friends,

Even in a short week, the work doesn't slow down.  

The rains last week created a huge mess and caused even more damage. Most of Rustic Canyon flooded, leaving massive piles of mud, so the LAFD, StreetsLA, and others spent much of the week clearing the roads. The debris flow through Rustic Creek also took out the County section of the Marvin Braude bike path, which was still damaged from last year's storm. When the County shares a timeline for their repairs, we will let you know.

In Playa del Rey, a sinkhole opened on the Pacific Bridge bike path. Funding has been identified to make prompt repairs, and I'll share the timeline when I have more details. Over in Playa Vista, the storm caused significant slope erosion on Cabora Drive, so we worked with LMU and PVPAL to temporarily secure the area with barricades and sandbags. Long-term solutions are already in discussion. 

PCH remains a challenge. Major flooding, erosion, and mudslides wreaked havoc, but this week Caltrans initiated a limited reopening for residents, workers, and school buses. One travel lane in each direction with a 25 mph speed limit is now open, but everyone should expect major delays and continue avoiding PCH if possible. We appreciate your patience during these adjustments, and we'll keep updating you at CD11.LACITY.GOV.

The rains also carried filthy stormwater, ash, debris, and toxic runoff right out to the ocean. Chunks of burned debris and ash are scarring our coastline, and that's on top of the usual nasty garbage we get after a storm. I've been in regular communication with Heal the Bay, and this week I introduced a motion directing LASAN to work with the County Department of Public Health and Department of Beaches and Harbors to test and provide guidance on water quality issues in the Santa Monica Bay.

This week was also the annual LAHSA point-in-time count. This survey estimates the number of unhoused people living on City streets, which determines how resources and funding are allocated to homelessness interventions. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who volunteered, including your CD11 team who hosted the event at our Westchester field office.

Lastly, I was proud to represent CD11 at the 2025 MLK Kingdom Day Parade. The outpouring of love and support for our Fire Department and the Pacific Palisades was a reminder that we are all Angelenos, and we are all in this together.

CD11 Deputy Matt Halden shares the latest community update:

• Del Rey Town Hall – Register now! LAPD & SALEF will cover public safety and share important resources. A recording will be available after.
• Brentwood Cleanup – Crews cleared overgrown slopes at Montana & Bringham and we fixed major potholes fixed on Sunset Blvd.
• Rustic Canyon Cleanup –  Street Services and Public Works teams cleared debris in Rustic Creek and nearby areas to restore road safety.
• LAHSA Homeless Count – CD11’s Trey Grogan shares insights on this year’s count and resource allocation.

Stay connected for more updates!

Need help filing your taxes? Join us on March 1st from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Mar Vista Gardens Community Room for free tax preparation assistance. Our team will be on-site to help you navigate the filing process and maximize your refund.

In addition to tax prep, we’re offering valuable community resources, including job assistance, benefits enrollment support, and essential supplies like free diapers and feminine products (while supplies last). Representatives from SALEF (The Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund) will also be co-tabling with us to provide educational resources to the community.

Appointments are required—secure your spot today at https://marvistafreetaxprep.youcanbook.me/.

Make sure to bring the necessary documents for your appointment. We look forward to helping you!

Join me for the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at the Mar Vista Farmers Market on February 23rd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, benefiting LAFD’s Fire Station 62! All proceeds go to support the equipment and training our firefighters need. Enjoy delicious food made with fresh Farmers Market ingredients while supporting a great cause – Hope to see you there!

LA Civil Rights is hosting the “Black Building Better: Changemakers Building a Better Los Angeles” panel discussion on February 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (525 S. Hewitt St, LA). This panel will feature visionary leaders in business, law, activism, and more, sharing insights on shaping a more fairer city. RSVP here: bit.ly/blackbuildingbetter.

Quick reminder! The One-Stop Rebuilding Center in West LA, located at 1828 Sawtelle Boulevard, is open and ready to assist you with your rebuilding needs. While walk-ins are welcome, you can also schedule an appointment through the Public Counter.

• New York Times: As Wall Street Chases Profits, Fire Departments Have Paid the Price
• WESTSIDE CURRENT: LA Council OKs $5 Billion in Contracts for LAX Upgrades
• LA Times: 5 billion approved for LAX to work with local businesses on its revamp
• WALL STREET JOURNAL: As Wall Street Chases Profits, Fire Departments Have Paid the Price
• MSN: Councilwoman Park calls for review of every hydrant in Los Angeles

You can email me at councilmember.park@lacity.org.