Last weekend, a massive fire under the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles burned eight acres and caused extensive damage to one of the region's busiest transportation corridors. The City is working around the clock with state and federal partners to make repairs, and thanks to the leadership of Mayor Bass, we hope to have the freeway reopened as early as next week. You can check for updates here.
Fires in and around our critical infrastructure, our very high fire severity zones, and our environmentally sensitive areas risk major loss of life and essential assets. That's why I introduced a motion in Council this week calling for an inventory of our City's critical infrastructure and proposed changes to our local laws that would better protect these areas. My motion also asks the Fire Department for a report on how many freeway fires they have responded to so far this year.
My motion now heads to the Public Safety Committee for public comment and discussion, so stay tuned for additional updates.
Check Out This Video About My Infrastructure Motion
Transparency & Accountability At LAHSA
I campaigned on creating greater accountability and transparency for LAHSA and the hundreds of non-profit service providers they contract with, and I'm excited to deliver those results.
The City Council recently approved my motion to establish a budget reporting process for LAHSA so we will have better transparency about program expenditures, and underspends.
The Council also approved a motion I submitted with Bob Blumenfield of CD3 calling for a comprehensive performance evaluation of LAHSA's administration and delivery of homeless services. Among other things, this work will set performance objectives and metrics for LAHSA, develop better data reporting systems, create protocols for monitoring and assessing the performance of contracted non-profit service providers, and make recommendations to reduce costs of homeless administration.
Additional Proposed No Camping Zones In CD11
Earlier this year, I secured 41.18 protections to prevent camping around some of our local parks, libraries, and other sensitive use sites. As we've done major encampment interventions across the District, 41.18 has been a tool to help keep these areas safe and accessible afterwards. As I've shared previously, we have now successfully moved hundreds of people off the streets into shelter and interim housing, and I'm proud of the incredible work we've done to reduce the number of tent encampments across the district.
Before and after photos of Barrington/Exposition
Over the last year, we've received many requests for additional 41.18 locations. After engaging with local communities and our agency and non-profit partners, this week in City Council, I submitted a new 41.18 resolution which would prevent camping in or near the Ballona Wetlands, the gold course at Penmar Park, Del Rey Lagoon Park, Centennial Park, and locations offering homeless services or housing.
No camping zones are not a solution to homelessness. They are merely a tool to help ensure that our shared public spaces remain accessible to everyone. Also, please remember that 41.18 does not cover RVs or vehicle dwelling. (You can watch our town hall on RV encampments to learn more about our efforts on vehicular homelessness). We will continue to lead with engagement and offers of services and shelter before we begin enforcement in any new 41.18 zone.
I'll keep you updated as these policies move through the City's legislative process.
Join Our Jefferson Trail Rehabilitation Project!
Earlier this summer, your CD11 team, Friends of Ballona Wetlands, and other City and nonprofit partners successfully cleared 3,000 feet of RVs and vehicles along the Ballona Wetlands. Although the environmental damage to the area was extensive, we are excited to continue our work on the Jefferson Trail Rehabilitation Project!
Please join CD11 and Friends of Ballona Wetlands on December 2nd to help us plant 1,000 local native plants to restore this area for wildlife, nature lovers, bird watchers, and school field trips. This is an all-hands-on-deck, one-time event! Click here to learn more!
Veterans Resource Fair is on December 7!
My office is proud to host a Veterans Resource Fair on Thursday, December 7th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the New Directions for Veterans building on the VA campus. We will have free grocery gift cards, food, and living essentials, as well as access to all sorts of resources and information for all veterans.
For any questions, please email Michael Amster at michael.amster@lacity.org
Potrero Canyon Bridge
Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, December 5th from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm to discuss the Potrero Canyon Bridge Project. This bridge will safeguard pedestrians and bicyclists crossing from Potrero Canyon Park to Will Rogers State Beach across PCH. Join us to learn more and share your input! Click here to attend.
Meeting ID: 160 325 6176
Passcode: 533703
Provide Input On Citywide Housing Policy
Your input is essential in shaping the future of housing in Los Angeles, and City Planning wants your feedback on the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP). This survey is your opportunity to help shape CHIP’s six core strategies, including Adaptive Reuse, Updates to Affordable Housing Incentive Programs, Opportunity Corridors, Affordable Housing Overlay, Missing Middle, and Process Streamlining. With the release of draft ordinances approaching, don’t miss this opportunity to provide your feedback! The survey closes on November 20.
DWP Plumbing Upgrades Are Coming To Brentwood!
Heads up! LADWP will replace century-old water pipes along Fifth, Saltair, Crescenda, and Barrington Avenues in Brentwood. Enhancing and updating our water infrastructure is essential to our sustainability and conservation goals, so please be patient as we deliver our #Better11 infrastructure improvements. Your local and driveway access will not be affected, and DWP will keep water disruptions to a minimum.
Park's Pick
This week's Park's Pick is one of Councilwoman Park's personal favorite stores on the Westside, Petals 'N' Wax! For over two decades, this charming local staple has offered unique personal gifts for family and friends. Founder and owner Evelyn Taplin has been active in the local community for over 45 years, and we absolutely love dropping by for a visit. With the holidays fast approaching, you'll find everything you need in just one place, so stop by today!
Adopt-A-Pet
Meet Lobo, everyone! This senior lovebug is beyond ready for his new forever home! This weekend is a great time to bring Lobo and his friends home, as adoption fees will be waived thanks to a grant from the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®). Please note that dogs four months and older will still require a $20 license fee for LA City residents. For more information about LA Animal Services, visit: laanimalservices.com.
Let's Stay Connected!
TRACI PARK
Councilwoman, 11th District
Log onto our #Better11 District Website for the latest information on upcoming meetings and community resources!
