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May 3, 2024

This week, leaders from the AAPI community came together at City Hall to celebrate the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Together, the city commemorated the work of AAPI leaders paving the way forward in journalism, art, entertainment, and small business.

As one of the only AAPIs ever elected to serve on the Los Angeles City Council, it has always been imperative for me to ensure that the AAPI community as a whole is recognized and respected and that those throughout the city who do the critical work of uplifting AAPIs voices are acknowledged for their dedication.

City Hall’s celebration is but one part of the city’s acknowledgement and observance of this important heritage month. The Council District 12 community is also hosting a series of events to show support and love to the AAPI community.

To start, you are welcome to join the Northridge Art Studio for a dual celebration of  Mother’s Day and AAPI Heritage Month. This free Pottery Class requires RSVP and spots are limited. Click here to register!

If you’re interested in keeping the good times rolling, join The Museum of the San Fernando Valley for their 3rd Annual Pan-Asian Pacific Arts & Cultural Festival coming up later this month. Over 25 vendors will showcase a variety of merchandise and services to view and purchase. This event will feature a kids’ zone, cultural dancers and entertainment, food trucks, an art mural workshop, an art exhibition and scheduled tours of The Museum. What more can you ask for?

Lastly, the annual AAPI Community Day of Service, organized in conjunction with the Board of Public Works, has expanded to the Valley this year! If you simply want to give back to the community, I encourage you to join my team and me on Saturday, May 18 for a morning of service in Council District 12. It’s no secret that our community remains dedicated to upkeeping and beautifying our neighborhoods and this event is just one more example of those efforts. Please click here to register.

As always, I look forward to seeing you at one (or all) of the upcoming celebrations!

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

UPDATE ON BALBOA AND DEVONSHIRE IMPROVEMENTS

Thank you for your ongoing patience with the project at Balboa Boulevard and Devonshire Street. This project has been through the process of funding applications, planning and design over many years and is finally under construction. My office is in communication with city departments to provide the public with the latest updates as the project nears its estimated completion date in late 2024. The project will undergo the following phases:

Phase 1: East Side of Balboa Blvd (Estimated Completion Early Summer 2024)

• Widen the east side of Balboa south of Devonshire, allowing additional roadway width to accommodate a second protected left turn lane for the northbound and southbound directions on Balboa Blvd.

• Construct new accessible curb ramps at the corners

• Add shade trees

  
  

Phase 2: West Side of Balboa Blvd (Estimated Completion Early Fall 2024)

• Construct new accessible curb ramps at the corners

• Add shade trees
  

  
  

Phase 3: Installation of Second Protected Left Turn Lane

• Install a second left turn lane for the northbound and southbound directions.

• Lane closures lasting multiple days are anticipated during this phase of the project.

We thank you for your patience and will share any updates as they become available.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

5/3 - Salute to Recreation’s Senior Dance

The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Office of Councilmember John Lee, and various Council District 12 Neighborhood Councils invite you to celebrate at Salute to Recreation’s Senior Dance '24. Click here for the information!

CORRECTED: 5/4 - Paper Shredding at First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills

Come by First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills and rid yourself of documents you don’t need. Follow this link to learn more.

5/5 - Troop 92 Fundraiser

Troop 92 asks for your support at their upcoming breakfast burrito fundraiser. $15 at the door. Rumor has it these are the best burritos ever. Click here to see the flyer!

5/6 - Troop 10 Fundraiser

Don’t forget about Troop 10! Keep the giving spirit going and head to Osborne Pizza Kitchen in support of the kids. Present this flyer to make sure 15% of the proceeds go towards the cause.

5/9 - 10th Annual Inspirational Women of the San Fernando Valley

Join the United Chambers of Commerce to celebrate five incredible women who have undoubtedly made the San Fernando Valley a better place. Click here to see more information.

5/11 - Mother’s Day - AAPI Pottery Class
In celebration of Mother’s Day and AAPI Heritage Month, Council District 12 is hosting a free Pottery Class for all ages. Kids are welcome, and snacks will be provided. RSVP is required and spots are limited. Click here to register.

5/18 - LA Made Presents: Nutrition with Healthy Cooking with Lilly Padilla
The Mid-Valley Regional Library welcomes you to join them for a nutrition talk and a healthy cooking class focused on anti-inflammatory meals and healthy digestion. Click here for more information.

5/18 - AAPI Community Day of Service
Join Council District 12 at InChrist Church to help clean up our community! Volunteers will meet at InChrist Church and access the Limekiln Canyon Trail through the gate behind the church to clean up the trail. Additionally, we'll be cleaning the Rinaldi Street sidewalk from Corbin Avenue to Tampa Avenue. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3QgYt8L 

5/19 - Mother’s Day Dinner Event

Wilkinson Senior Center is hosting a special dinner event in celebration of Mother’s Day. The cost is $5 a person, click here to find out the details.

5/21 - 6th Annual Beautification Conference

The City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works, the Office of Community Beautification, and Keep Los Angeles Beautiful invite you for an opportunity to network and collaborate with other Angelenos on topics focused around beautifying the City. Follow this link to register.

5/23 - Heroes Remembrance Day Event

Councilmember John Lee and the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center invite you to a remembrance event during LA’s Fleet Week. Click here to see the flyer.

THROUGHOUT MAY

Non-Perishable Food Drive

LA Sanitation is collecting non-perishable food to donate to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, St. Francis Center, and Inside Safe participants, local organizations that provide services to Angelenos in need. Click here to see the list of accepted items and drop-off locations.

Bulky Item Drop-Off Events

LA Sanitation will be accepting bulky items at five locations around the City each month throughout 2024. Furniture, carpet, yard trimmings, shelving, and wood will be accepted. To find out more information, click here.