As we give thanks, reflect, and celebrate the long Thanksgiving weekend with friends, family, and loved ones, I want to share my personal gratitude to you - the residents of the 11th District - for your engagement, advocacy, and continued support. Being your representative at City Hall is the privilege of a lifetime. In less than a year, we’ve demonstrated what we can accomplish when we work together, and we see and feel the results of our #Better11 initiatives every day across the District.
Thank you for all that you do to make our local communities thrive!
Gratitude Tour Across CD11
Integral to daily life across CD11, our small businesses form the backbone of our local economy. And, our police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are there to protect all of us, every day, rain or shine.
To express our gratitude to these essential community partners, my team and I kicked off the Thanksgiving weekend and Small Business Saturday - a day to celebrate and patronize our local businesses - a little early this year with a Gratitude Tour across CD11. We delivered empanadas from long-time Mar Vista institution, Empanada's Place, to our first responders at LAPD West Los Angeles Division and Fire Stations 59, 62, and 63.
Let’s celebrate, support, and and thank our small businesses and first responders today and every day!
Restoring Community Bonds
When I ran for office, I promised to restore collaboration and partnership between the Council office and local communities. One way we've kept this promise is by refurbishing the Westchester Field Office, holding office hours, and reopening the space to the public for community meetings and events. It feels good to welcome so many of you from across the District. Remember - my team and I are always here to help!
Listening, Walking & Driving Sessions
As we continue to work with you on updates to our Community Plans, my team has held dozens of listening sessions with constituents. This week, we built on these efforts by touring Westchester and Playa del Rey with community leaders and staff from City Planning. When we promised that we wanted your feedback, we meant it. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to participate - your input will make a big impact on our long-term planning goals.
Confronting Hate In Our Community
On Thanksgiving day, a group of pro-Hamas activists vandalized the home of a neighbor in Brentwood and spread anti-Semitic flyers across the community. Acts of terror, hate, and intimidation have no place in Los Angeles. None.
With more protests and rallies planned around the City over the holiday weekend, I wanted to assure you that I am in close communication with LAPD and that public safety remains my top priority. The Brentwood incident is being investigated by Major Crimes and West Los Angeles Divisions. If anyone has photos, videos, or other information that may lead to the identification of those involved, please submit such material directly to WLA Division.
Great news, Palisades! Temescal Canyon Road is fully repaired and both lanes are unobstructed all the way to Pacific Coast Highway. New underground piping was installed to prevent groundwater from causing ruptures in the road in the future. Thank you for your patience, and thank you to our City departments for making this work a priority!
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!
Save The Date To Celebrate A #Better11!
Please join us on December 9, 2023 for our first annual #Better11 Holiday Celebration. All guests are invited to enjoy the Fire Department BBQ, a charitable toy drive, a visit from Santa, and an inviting open house at our CD11 Westchester office.
Veterans Resource Fair On December 7!
My office will proudly 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. This event is open to all veterans and will feature giveaways and access to information and resources for those in need. For more information or any questions, please email Michael Amster at michael.amster@lacity.org.
HireLAX Career Training Event
To register for the next HireLAX cohort event, visit LAWA.com
Park's Pick
This week's Park's Pick is Empanada's Place. Founded by Norma Gil nearly 40 years ago, and now skillfully run by her sons - John, Shane, Jim, and Jesse - this local restaurant stands as a culinary cornerstone in Mar Vista. During my recent visit, I spent some time with Rocky, Norma's brother, who sent us off with dinner and sweets for our friends at LAPD and LAFD. Here's to many more years of Empanada Place's culinary magic and community spirit!
Adopt-A-Pet
Meet Gray, 2-year-old, 57 pound sweet bundle of joy ready to add warmth to your Thanksgiving festivities! Gray craves affection and delights in zooming around the yard. You can find Gray at the West Valley Animal Center. Stop by any of the six LA Animal Services Centers and find out how you can take the next step in filling your home with the love of a furry companion this season. 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!
