| | As we close out this week, I want to once again express my deep gratitude to our city’s first responders and their tireless efforts over the past week. The wildfires we’ve faced have been unprecedented, and their devastating impact on residents across our city cannot be overstated.
As Councilmember, I feel the immense responsibility to do everything in my power to safeguard the well-being of our residents and to effectively address the issues that deeply impact our city. As I shared in my comments during Tuesday’s Council meeting, our role is to ensure that essential services—such as police, fire, sanitation, parks, street maintenance, and lighting—are provided to residents efficiently and consistently. There is much work to be done as we look toward the future regarding the safety of our city when it comes to natural disasters.
This week, I, alongside Councilmember Traci Park and my colleagues, introduced and seconded multiple motions focused on improving the city’s emergency disaster response and capabilities. I look forward to continuing to deliver on key public safety priorities for Council District 12 and the entire city, and I will continue sharing updates as they become available. |
|  | | | Below is the legislative package I introduced on Tuesday with Councilmember Traci Park and several of my colleagues to address the impacts of the wildfires and increase the city's safety.
Independent After Action Report This motion instructs the Chief Legislative Analyst, in coordination with Los Angeles County, to procure an outside entity to prepare a comprehensive, independent After Action Report of the City and County emergency response to the January 2025 wildfires. Click here to read the motion.
Improving Communication Between Departments The Council instructed the LAFD, in coordination with LADWP, to establish a formal protocol to provide the LAFD with weekly updates on the status of all water reservoirs and critical water infrastructure. This motion can be found here.
Preparedness Plan for Mudslide Risks The Council has instructed the Emergency Management Department, LAFD, and other relevant emergency response departments to report to the Council within 30 days on a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan in preparation for mudslide risks. Click here to read the motion.
Amending Emergency Declaration Regarding Parks in High Fire Severity Zones I introduced a motion amending the emergency declaration to close all parks in the city’s very high fire severity zones during these recent red flag days. Additionally, I introduced another motion asking to amend the municipal code to do the same during future red flag days. Access the motions here and here.
Requesting Prosecution of Misdemeanors The City Council has instructed the City Attorney to prosecute all misdemeanors related to fires, including curfew violations, evacuation order violations, looting, and impersonation of public safety personnel. Click here to view the motion.
Amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to include Penalties for Price Gouging This motion requests that the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance that amends the LAMC to include penalties for price gouging on housing & lodging. This motion can be found here. |
| | |  | 31st Anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake Today marks the 31st Anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake. As we reflect on one of the most significant natural disasters in Los Angeles' history, it's inspiring to witness first responders showing the same unwavering courage and dedication in the past two weeks as they did three decades ago. |
| | Annual Homeless Count PostponedThe Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has announced the postponement of the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count for at least 30 days. This decision, made in response to the ongoing wildfire crisis impacting Los Angeles County, has been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). '
LAHSA currently anticipates a 30-day postponement and is working closely with its partners to monitor the situation and finalize an appropriate date to reschedule the count. Further information and updates will be provided as they become available. |
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| | LA Youth Count PostponedThe LA Youth Count is looking for volunteers to help count unsheltered youth in LA County. A successful youth count gets us closer to ending Youth Homelessness in LA. The count depends on our participation. Data from the count informs services and program funding.
Go to youthcount.org to learn more about how you can get involved. |
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| | Relief for LA Restaurant WorkersThe CRA’s Foundation serves the restaurant community and since 2017 they have provided crisis grants to over 2,400 families and 1,600 small businesses. The California Restaurant Foundation’s Restaurants Care program is opening a temporary fund to provide emergency relief grants to food and beverage workers impacted by the Los Angeles area fires.
Grants will range between $350-$1,500. Grants will be awarded based on need and available funding. The online application in English and Spanish is open January 14 and can be found here. To be eligible for funding, applicants must: Be a California resident working in California Be currently employed by a restaurant or food service operation during the time of the fire Have worked in the food industry for a minimum of 6 months Have proof of financial hardship due to: Permanent loss of housing Temporary loss of housing Restaurant burned down, or restaurant is temporarily closed
Items to have ready (cell phone pictures accepted if clear): a picture of your paystub proof of residency (utility bill, mortgage, etc.) proof of hardship (insurance claim, notice from employer, police report, etc.)
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| | ASPCA Resources for Pet OwnersThe ASPCA is sharing resources for affected pet owners in the Los Angeles area who are dealing with the impacts of the wildfires. These resources can help pet owners: Locate their missing pets by using Petco Love Lost, a free lost-and-found database that uses photo-matching technology to reunite lost pets with their owners. Find animal shelters in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities that might be housing their pets brought into shelters by Good Samaritans and first responders via the LA Wildfires Animal Resources Shelter Map. Create missing pet flyers, including a link to a free downloadable Canva template that can be populated with their pet’s information. Access additional critical information, including links to pet-friendly hotels, emergency veterinary clinics providing care for injured animals, and more, using this wildfire resources list.
Click here to access additional information. |
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| | JFEDLA Wildfire Relief ResourcesIn response to the devastating fires impacting Los Angeles, the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and community has mobilized to provide essential resources, including mental health support, warm meals, shelter, and space for displaced individuals, families, and institutions. Click here for a list of available resources and contacts. |
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| | SCAM: Metro ExpressLanes Will NOT Text YouMetro wants to remind riders to be suspicious of scammers looking to take advantage during this crisis. Metro urges riders to be alert of a text scam telling people they must pay a fine for using the ExpressLanes.
Metro ExpressLanes would never send text messages asking for sensitive information or requesting payment. Do not respond to texts claiming to be from Metro ExpressLanes regarding tolls or violations. Do not click on links and do not use any contact information provided in the message. Customers can contact the ExpressLanes Customer Service at (877) 812-0022 or visit https://www.metroexpresslanes.net/ if they have any questions. |
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| | MyLA311MyLA311 is your connection to city services and information. Please use this service to report fallen trees, make cleanup requests, and other non-life-threatening emergencies.
THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO ACCESS MyLA311: |
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| | | CIFD Resource Centers Open for AssistanceCIFD remains committed to providing resources to communities in need. CIFD’s FamilySource Centers are open and available to support families during this critical time, offering emergency services, financial coaching, housing navigation, and other resources to help families rebuild and recover. Please visit their website at LA4Families.org to find the latest updates on open locations near you. |
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| | Smoke and Poor Air Quality Safety TipsThe South Coast AQMD has issued a smoke advisory due to the multiple wildfires burning in the LA County area. Wildfire smoke can cause unhealthy air quality in areas many miles away from the fire, and smoke conditions change quickly. People with pre-existing health conditions (such as heart disease and asthma), older adults, young children, and pregnant women may be especially sensitive to health risks from wildfire smoke and the poor air quality that lingers long after the fires are put out.
Know the air quality in your area with AirNow and these South Coast AQMD resources to protect your health, as well as additional wildfire smoke resources available in 12 languages from Listos California. |
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| | DASH Fare Payment PostponedLADOT Transit announced that resumption of DASH fares scheduled to begin January 11, 2025 has been postponed until further notice due to the emergency situation caused by the wildfires.
If you need more information, please call the LADOT Customer Service Center at (213, 310, 323, 818) 808-2273 or visit their website at ladottransit.com. |
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| | Chatsworth Neighborhood Council SelectionLocal Stakeholders can file now through February 13, 2025, to run for a seat on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council. Voting will be on Saturday, March 15, 2025 to fill 11 of 21 Board seats. Here’s what you need to know: STAKEHOLDERS: You are qualified as a Stakeholder in the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council if you live, work, own property, board a horse, or are a member of or participate in a community organization in the City of Los Angeles within the CNC boundaries. CANDIDATES: If you wish to join the Council in shaping the future of our community, submit a Candidate Filing Form by 11:59pm. Thursday, February 13, 2025. VOTERS: Stakeholders who are at least 16 years of age may vote from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Chatsworth Train Depot. Stakeholders may pre-register online now through March 8, 2025 prior to voting in-person.
Click here to read all the details. |
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| 1/18 - UCLA Gluck scope Saxophone Quartet Come be dazzled by the musical performance of the extraordinary UCLA Gluck Scope Saxophone Quartet.
1/18 - West Valley Garden Club Annual Rose Pruning Party Spend your morning at the stunning Orcutt Ranch pruning roses. Bring gloves, pruning shears, and a hat. The address is 23600 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills. Click here for the flyer.
1/21 - Securing Disaster Relief Funds with MCS Was your business impacted by the recent wildfires? Attend a virtual webinar that will cover resources available to you, including financing and grant options. Click here for the information.
1/29 - American Red Cross Blood Drive at Chatsworth Library Come by the Chatsworth Library and help save a life. Click here to register and learn more.
2/8 - Breathe SoCal Lung Power at the Discovery Cube Attend a workshop dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering families in asthma management. Click here for more details.
2/8 - Lunar New Year Charity Event Support a local organization and celebrate the Lunar New Year in one go. Click here for the details.
2/8 - Healthy Eating, Healthy Soul Food: Panel Discussion and Demonstration This is a joint partnership with the San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Friends of Chatsworth Library and will feature a panel discussion with health professionals and Chef Cheryl Tate who will provide a healthy soul food demonstration to follow. Click here for info.
2/8 - 2/9 - Soup “R” Bowl Food Drive First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills, 10400 Zelzah Ave., is sponsoring a non-perishable food drive for the CSUN Food Pantry, "Soup'R’ Bowl" on Saturday February 8 from 10am-1pm & Sunday February 9 from 8:30-11am. Canned items, as well as dry packaged goods such as pasta, are needed (please no glass containers or expired items). Toiletries and feminine products are also appreciated. |
| | | | |  | | Amidst one of the most significant natural disasters in our city’s history, crews from different city departments continued working to ensure Council District 12 remained protected and issues raised by residents were addressed in a timely manner. |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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