|  | This week marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake—a symbol of transformation, strength, and renewal. Much like the resilience Los Angeles has shown in recent weeks, this year promises perseverance. I wish everyone a joyful Lunar New Year, and may our city continue to thrive with strength and prosperity. |
| Los Angeles continues working to recover from the fires that deeply impacted the Pacific Palisades community and, subsequently, workers and businesses across Los Angeles. Government agencies, including the Los Angeles City Council, have remained keenly focused on implementing solutions that help the people who were impacted by these fires but recently, some ideas have been proposed that would have deeply consequential impacts on our city.
This week, the Council considered implementing an eviction moratorium and rent freeze for the entire city, an idea that, while well-intentioned, would hurt rental providers and housing developers. While it’s clear that those affected by the fires need urgent help, a blanket moratorium has the potential to further complicate an already challenging housing crisis. Instead of offering targeted, effective support, this proposal risks discouraging investment and harming housing providers who are crucial to meeting our city's needs.
We must continue to approach this crisis with thoughtful solutions, not impulsive actions that fail to consider the full picture. Other agencies already have clear processes in place to assist those in need, and our focus should be on enhancing these efforts. As this issue moves forward, it’s essential that we adopt solutions that truly serve the well-being of the entire city, with transparency and careful consideration of all stakeholders involved. |
|  | I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to highlight some of the important work happening right here in our local community. The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council has been collaborating with my office to secure funding for the Department of Recreation and Parks Forestry Division to conduct additional brush clearance and tree work in high-fire zone parks. While this effort may seem like a response to recent wildfires, it’s actually the result of months of planning—including site walks, funding allocations, meeting nesting season requirements, and extensive coordination with multiple City entities. Due to the rain, the work has been spread over two weekends. Last Saturday, Wilbur-Tampa Park received a much-needed makeover, and this weekend, the team will be at Limekiln Canyon Park.
This ongoing collaboration is a testament to our community’s commitment to safety and proactive solutions, and I look forward to seeing these efforts continue to strengthen our parks and neighborhoods. |
|  | | | This week the Council considered the following legislation aimed at assisting Angelenos affected by the wildfires with an emphasis in tenant protections.
Eviction Moratorium and Proposed Amendments This motion seeks to protect tenants from eviction due to nonpayment resulting from economic or medical hardship caused by the January 2025 wildfires. It also proposes a pause on rent increases for all rental units through January 31, 2026, and authorizes the Los Angeles Housing Department to execute a sole-source contract with Partners in Diversity to hire temporary paralegals to assist tenants with related matters. Click here to read the motion.
Two amendments were introduced to modify the original motion. Click here to read the two amendments.
The Council referred this matter back to the Housing and Homelessness Committee, where I am hopeful that an in-depth policy discussion and collaboration will lead to a more balanced solution for everyone involved. |
| | | | Relief Grants Available for Small Businesses & Workers Impacted by Wildfires To aid in the financial recovery of small businesses and displaced workers affected by the wildfires, the City of LA, in collaboration with LA County DEO, have launched the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds. Through these funds, eligible small businesses and nonprofits can receive up to $25K in grants. Eligible displaced workers can obtain $2K in cash assistance.
Applications for the grants will open February 2025. Impacted small business owners and workers residing in the City of LA can receive application assistance through the WorkSource and BusinessSource Centers once applications open.
Philanthropic contributions are also being accepted towards the relief effort. To contribute funds, visit lacounty.gov/relief. |
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| | | DASH Fare Payment Resumes February 1stLADOT announced that the collection of DASH fares will resume on February 1st.
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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| | Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count New DatesThe Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has announced the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count will take place February 18 - 20. The Homeless Count is a countywide event that brings thousands of Angelenos together to count the unsheltered population. If you are interested in volunteering, please click here. |
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| | LA Youth Count New DatesThe LA Youth Count has received new dates and will now be held February 19 - 28. The 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 and can be found here. The application deadline is February 28, 2025. 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 have 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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| | 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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| | 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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| SAVE THE DATE: SALUTE TO RECREATION |
|  | It’s never too early to start perfecting your moves and getting those dancing shoes ready. Save the date and we’ll see you on the dance floor soon! |
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|  | 2/15 - Black History Month at The Museum of the San Fernando Valley In celebration of Black History Month, the Museum of the San Fernando Valley invites you to an important event focused on mental health awareness, empowerment, and more. Click here for the event details.
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 LAPD Devonshire PALS 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.
2/13 - Safe and Clean Air at Home The City of Los Angeles’ Climate Emergency Mobilization Office and the Board of Public Works invite you to join the virtual launch of the 2025 Climate Equity Series: Safe and Clean Air at Home. Click here to register.
2/15 - Home Composting & Urban Gardening Come to Devonshire PALS to participate in a composting and urban gardening workshop with Steve List. Click here to see the event at PALS and others taking place throughout Los Angeles. |
| | | | |  | TOP: Thrilled to continue supporting our local schools. My office allocated funding to Andasol Ave Elementary School to help add new furniture to their science lab.
BOTTOM: Mamjo, the painted horse has been restored by a dedicated group of artists and community volunteers and with the assistance of the Northridge South Neighborhood Council. Come see it at 8901 Reseda Blvd! |
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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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