October 11, 2024

It is critically important for me to always take the time to speak with various groups throughout Council District 12 and discuss the work being done throughout our communities.

This week I had the pleasure of being welcomed into the First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills for a lengthy and robust discussion on homelessness. Many members of this church know that homelessness is a crisis that requires an all-hands-on-deck approach and this gathering allowed us to dive into the factors that lead to homelessness in the first place and discuss the city’s policies, collaborative efforts, and future plans to one day eradicate this crisis.

Food insecurity is a very real but sometimes hidden issue in our community, and this is where organizations like Christy’s Foundation come in, helping to get direct resources to families in need. In anticipation of our partnership at their upcoming Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Giveaway, I visited Christy’s to personally welcome them to the best Council District in the City of Los Angeles. I’m incredibly proud to have an organization like Christy’s in Council District 12, and I am excited to see the impact this organization will have on our community.

Following the announcement of Council District 12’s Automated License Plate Reader Program, many of you reached out to my office to share comments and questions about this new initiative. As this is something that is critically important to our district, I took some time this week to answer some of your most pressing questions regarding these cameras. Please follow this link to visit my social media pages and check out the two-part Q&A series.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Chairmanship of the PLUM Committee

At the request of Council President Harris-Dawson, I am currently serving as the chair of the City Council’s Committee on Planning and Land Use.

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

Recap of the Automated License Plate Readers Press Conference

As mentioned before, I am incredibly excited about this new safety initiative which will undoubtedly make a difference in the safety of our community. Be sure to check out the video above from LA This Week for a complete recap of the press conference!

LADOT’s DASH Fare Reinstatement

LADOT will be reinstating fare collection on DASH buses on January 11, 2025. DASH has been free since March 2020 and recent shortfalls in funding as well as efforts to improve security on buses and meet the city’s electrification goals necessitates collecting fares again. The fares will be the same as when fare collection was originally suspended ($0.35 with TAP, $0.50 with cash, Free for students and Cityride Clients) and will still be the best transit fares in LA County.

There will be a federally required Fare Equity hearing and people are able to participate in person or via zoom or teleconference. Click here to view the meeting details.

Valley Hive 10th Anniversary Honey & Dessert Competition and Entry Deadline

Calling all beekeepers and bakers! Valley Hive’s 10th Anniversary Honey & Dessert Competition is coming up on 10/25. All entries are due by 5:00PM. Follow this link to find out more.

Then, on 11/10, enjoy an extra special evening featuring backyard honey from all over Southern California, delicious homemade honey desserts, live entertainment, games, mead making, and community fun! Click here to find out all the details.

“A Weekend at the Gallery” Art Show

The Maureen Gaffney Wolfson Gallery of Dreams invites Angelenos to a special art show weekend aimed at benefitting the Los Angeles Animal Services Department and the West Valley Animal Shelter.

Come marvel at the incredible works of Maureen Gaffney Wolfson and potentially take home your very own piece with the satisfaction of knowing that you are also helping out local pets in desperate need.

25% of all art sales will go towards directly benefitting animals via the Spay/Neuter Trust Fund and the Animal Welfare Trust Fund, including dog treats, pet toys, and grooming supplies. Click here to see all the details.

Annual BioBlitz Challenge

The Los Angeles Public Library's Neighborhood Science Initiative is excited to announce the fourth annual LA BioBlitz Challenge, in collaboration with LA Sanitation and Environment’s Biodiversity Program, LA Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

In a call to action to protect and support biodiversity in the city of Los Angeles, the LA BioBlitz Challenge encourages Angelenos to observe and photograph native wildlife, including animals, insects, and plants, using the iNaturalist mobile app.

The Library and its partners will also be hosting special programs to engage local communities about biodiversity, native wildlife and sustainability. Click here to learn more.

California Paid Family Leave Program Grants

Small businesses across California can now receive grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. This initiative, funded by the California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, aims to support small businesses in managing additional costs when employees take leave. These grants can help cover expenses such as cross-training existing staff and hiring and training new or temporary employees, ensuring business continuity during employee absences.

Follow this link to learn more.

Stoney Point Ranch Request for Proposal Extension

Since its purchase by the City in 2007, Stoney Point Ranch Equestrian Center has been used as an equestrian boarding facility. The City’s Department of Recreation and Parks has been developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to invite competitive bids from the public for the operation and maintenance of this critical site.

The Stoney Point Ranch RFP proposal submission deadline has been extended to October 22, 2024 at 2:00PM. Please click here for additional information on the extension.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

10/12 - Rotarians Feeding San Fernando Valley

Join your fellow Rotarians to pack food for families in need in the San Fernando Valley. Follow this link for more information and to register.

10/15 - Hispanic Heritage Month Business Mixer

Enjoy a special free business networking event connecting Spanish-speaking and bilingual small businesses. Learn from successful owners as they share growth tips and answer questions in both English and Spanish. Click here to view the details.

10/17 - Painting with a Twist Fundraiser

Show your support for LAPD Devonshire and enjoy food, wine, and an evening of painting! Follow this link to find out more about this fun, charitable night.

10/18 - 10/20 - Saint Bernardine’s Fall Festival

Make the most out of your weekend at Saint Bernardine’s Fall Festival. Enjoy live entertainment, food and beverages, and fun for the entire family. Click here for more information.

10/19 - Granada Hills Charter’s Annual 8th Grade Open House

Come learn about the world-class programs, enrichment classes, activities, and athletics opportunities that Granada Hills Charter High School Offers offers their students. Click here for the details.

10/19 - Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth Oktoberfest

The Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth invites you to their annual Oktoberfest celebration. Follow this link to get your tickets.

10/19 - Friends of the Chatsworth Library Giant Used Book Sale

The Friends of Chatsworth Library are once again holding their quarterly book sale. The library is located at 21052 Devonshire Street in Chatsworth, and the sale is in the Community Room and includes thousands of almost-new hardback books and a huge selection of paperback books, all at a fraction of the cost of new. Go to laplchatsworthfriends.org or call (818) 341-4276 for more information.

10/19 - A Very Special Friends of Oakridge Event

Join author Robert S. Bader for a book signing and film screening. He will be introducing his new book, ZEPPO - The Reluctant Marx Brother, and discuss Zeppo’s deep roots in Hollywood and world history. Click here to pre-register.

10/20 - Historic Tour of the Oakridge Estate

Enjoy a 75-minute docent led tour of a historic gem of Council District 12. Click here to get all the details.

10/26 - Granada Hills Library Book Sale

The Granada Hills Library is hosting a BOOK SALE on Saturday, October 26th in the Community Room of the Library located at 10640 Petit Avenue. The Book Sale will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the library. Hope to see you there!

10/26 - CD12 Drive-In Movie Night

Come enjoy the classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at one of CD12’s signature events. See here for all the details!

10/27 - Valley Art Fair

Come enjoy a vibrant celebration of art, music, food, and family fun hosted by the Museum of the San Fernando Valley in collaboration with the Northridge Neighborhood Councils. Click here to find out more!

10/30 - Halloween Game Day & Luncheon with the Granada Hills Woman’s Club

The Granada Hills Woman’s Club is sponsoring a Halloween Game Day and Luncheon at the clubhouse located at 10666 White Oak Avenue starting at 10 AM. Doors open at 9:30 AM. Pre-paid reservations only, in the amount of $25, payable to GHWC, are to be mailed to the Woman’s Club at the same address listed above before October 25. Prizes for the best costume (but costumes are optional) Questions? Contact Yolanda Petroski at 818-363-9844.

11/1 - Shepherd Church’s Fall Festival

Celebrate fall with your friends and family. Enjoy hay rides, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, and lots of candy at this free event for our community! Follow this link to see the flyer.

11/2 - 1st Annual Fall Senior Health Fair at the Wilkinson Senior Center

Come enjoy access to health screenings and community resources, and learn about utility bill savings programs. Click here to preregister to receive a complimentary raffle ticket.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission October Needs List

Want to get a head start on your holiday giving? Every donation makes a difference—the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission has released its October Needs List. Click here to view the full list.

Northridge Branch Library Temporary Closure

The Northridge Branch Library remains closed until further notice. Please click here for information about the library.

Northridge Branch Library’s Teen Council

Teen Council is a fun way for those between the ages of 11 and 18 to gain leadership experience, express creativity, and make a difference in the community. Help plan events, design displays, build the YA (teen & young adult) book collection, and more! This group meets on the first & third Tuesdays of each month at 4:00pm at the Northridge Branch Library. Click here to join the Los Angeles Public Library's Teen Council.

LA Sanitation Condiments & Utensils Drive

La Sanitation & Environment’s City Facilities Recycling Program is collecting sealed, unused utensils and condiment packets, which many of us receive with takeout and delivery meals but do not use. Click here to see drop-off locations.

Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy, National Citizenship Education Teacher Award

The Veterans of Foreign Wars invite you to participate in their annual essay contests. Please click the links below to read about this year’s contests, including the writing prompt, entry requirements, and prizes:

Bulky Item Drop-Off Events

LA Sanitation will be accepting bulky items at five locations around the city each month throughout 2024. Furniture, carpet, yard trimmings, shelving, and wood will be accepted. To find out more information, click here.

WEEK IN REVIEW

TOP LEFT: I had the privilege of joining the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles in commemorating the events of October 7th, 2023. It was an honor to pay tribute to the resilience of the Jewish community in the face of adversity and stand united in remembrance of the lives lost on that day and the days following.

TOP RIGHT: I was honored and humbled to be recognized for promoting the Korean language and culture and empowering the Korean American community.

BOTTOM LEFT: Celebrating Hangul Day with my colleague, Councilmember Hutt and members of the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Had the pleasure of meeting with our new LAPD Chief, Jim McDonnell. I look forward to working with him to achieve our shared vision for a safer Los Angeles.

COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
By appointment only. Please call or email.
9207 Oakdale Avenue, Suite 200
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Phone: (818) 882-1212
Fax: (818) 701-5254

LOS ANGELES CITY HALL
By appointment only. Please call or email.
200 North Spring Street, Room 405
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 473-7012
Fax: (213) 473-6925

Copyright © 2024 Councilmember John S. Lee, All rights reserved.
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