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February 7, 2025

This morning, I had the honor of helping kick off Black Heritage Month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for an exhibit at the City Hall Bridge, featuring the work of Leroy Hamilton, a John F. Kennedy High School alum. It was a privilege to speak with Leroy, hear his story, and learn how his heritage and history influenced his art. This month, we celebrate the rich history of the Black community and the contributions they’ve made to the vibrant fabric of the tapestry of Los Angeles.

As your Councilmember, my top priority is protecting the health and well-being of Los Angeles, especially, the residents living in Council District 12. The devastating fires earlier this year disrupted countless lives across Southern California, and now our city and the surrounding region are facing a long road to recovery. A lot of concern has been expressed regarding the role that the Sunshine Canyon Landfill may play in the cleanup that has begun taking shape in recent weeks.

To ensure the safety of residents who live near Sunshine Canyon, I have introduced a motion that: Directs the Bureau of Sanitation, in coordination with county and federal agencies involved in the cleanup, to submit a detailed report on how fire debris is handled during the cleanup process. Requires the Bureau of Sanitation to report on a comprehensive testing plan that ensures testing of debris before it reaches the landfill, if deemed necessary, and allocates funding toward executing this testing effort. This cleanup is essential, but it is vital that we uphold the highest environmental and public health standards to protect Angelenos while balancing a swift recovery.

As the Councilmember, and a resident of this district, I share every concern you have. The health and well-being of the Council District 12 community remains my top priority, and I have made it clear to Republic Services that I am fully aligned with the calls from my community to ensure that hazardous debris does not make its way to the landfill.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Here are some of the motions I introduced this week:

Potential Fire Debris Dumping at the Sunshine Canyon Landfill

Instruct the LASAN: City's Bureau of Sanitation and other City departments, in coordination with the LA County Department of Public Works, to issue a detailed report on the steps taken by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers to ensure environmental protections during the cleanup process. The report should also highlight whether the debris is safe to be disposed of in proximity to residential communities as well as a comprehensive testing plan for all debris resulting from the 2025 wildfires that could potentially be deposited in the Sunshine Canyon Landfill. Click here to view.

Prop 1 Funding

Instruct the CAO to assess and report the necessary steps for submitting a City-wide unified application for Proposition 1 funding for behavioral health resources for the City. Click here to view.

Reporting on Reserve Fire Trucking within the LAFD

Direct the Los Angeles Fire Department to report to the City Council detailing the number of reserve trucks within the Department and any additional emergency apparatus needed for proper fire operations in all divisions. Click here to view.

Requesting LADWP to Report on Exiting Firefighting Infrastructure

Request LADWP to report on firefighting infrastructure, resources and equipment within the footprint of the Chatsworth Nature Preserve. Click here to view.

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count New Dates

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has announced the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count will take place February 18 - 20. The Annual Homeless Count is a countywide event that brings thousands of Angelenos together to count persons experiencing homelessness as required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you are interested in volunteering, please click here to register.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

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 & 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.

2/8-2/9 - LA Animal Services Offering Reduced Adoption Fees

Come find your new furry best friend at one of LA Animal Services' six centers! Enjoy reduced adoption fees: dogs for $51 (plus a $20 license fee for LA City residents), puppies for $75, cats for $12.50, and kittens for $25. Click here to see which animals are currently available for adoption!

2/12 - LAPD Operations - Valley Bureau Human Trafficking Forum

Attend this important even that will raise awareness, strengthen prevention, and provide dialogue subject matter experts in the fight against human trafficking. Click here to find out more.

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 register.

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 to find out all the details for this beloved annual event.

2/16 - Bowl-O-Rama Fundraiser benefiting New Horizons

Enjoy a fun game of bowling and support a CD 12 nonprofit in continuing their incredible work!

Click here to sign up and be a part of this great cause.

2/22 - Friends of the Granada Hills Library Book Sale

Visit the Granada Hills Library (10640 Petit Avenue, Granada Hills, CA 91344) from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM and discover your next great read. All proceeds from the book sale support the library.

2/28 - 3/1 - Granada Hills Woman’s Club Rummage Sale

One person’s junk is another’s treasure. Support the Woman’s Club and find your next treasure. Click here for the information.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

Granada Hills Branch Library Temporary Closure

The Granada Hills Library is temporarily closed starting January 27 until February 19. Follow this link to see more information about the library.

LA Sanitation Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s Clothing Drive

The CFRP will be collecting new and gently used (washed and clean) men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing through March 7th, 2025. Please click here to see the attached flyer for a list of donation locations.

Swing Area Modifications at Jane and Bert Boeckmann Park

Modifications to the swing area at Jane and Bert Boeckmann Park will take place from February 17th to February 19th. Temporary fencing will be installed around the swings during this time. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the rest of the park and playground while the work is in progress.

WEEK IN REVIEW