In light of recent violence on public transit, Councilwoman Heather Hutt and I asked LADOT to report to the Transportation Committee on efforts to keep our bus riders and drivers safe. During the hearing, we learned about lack of police and ambassadors, broken radios, panic buttons not attached to any public safety infrastructure, and plexiglass designed to stop a virus, not a bullet. LADOT is now working on additional safety recommendations and will report back after recess with implementation plans.
We also took action this week to address rampant metal theft in our City. This follows the tragic murder of actor Johnny Wactor, who was shot and killed by catalytic converter thieves in downtown Los Angeles after he sought to stop a theft in progress. On June 28, the City Council approved the LAPD reward program Councilmember DeLeon and I introduced for crimes involving theft of plaques, tombstones, statues, copper wire, and other metals. With infrastructure theft costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars every year and brazen thieves willing to commit murder, its urgent that LAPD crack down on these crimes.
After years of neglect, our work to restore and conserve the Ballona Wetlands is progressing quickly! New vegetation is flourishing, wildlife is returning, and the freshwater marsh is recovering from prior damage. In June, my team and I were out in full force for a much-needed cleanup on the Jefferson median, where overgrown vegetation presented major fire safety and traffic visibility concerns. Check out the work we did here.
A Very Westside Fourth Of July!
My team and I celebrated the 4th of July in Westchester at the 24th Annual Fourth of July Parade presented by the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to all the event sponsors, and especially the many neighbors who hosted us at block parties and backyard barbeques! Check out some fun moments on my Flickr page.
Lifeguard Rescue Boat Tour
Our coastal district presents unique public safety challenges, and our friends at the LA County Fire Department and LA County Life Guards work hard every day to protect our coastline. From lifeguard water rescues to boat fires and underwater dive operations, these men and women bring unique skills and expertise to our public safety portfolio.
Last week, CD11 spent some time with the Del Rey Baywatch team for a fascinating boat tour and operations breakdown. And yes, the TV series Baywatch was modeled after these guys and gals!
Old Fire Station 5
A recent City assessment of old Fire Station 5 in Westchester determined that it is not presently feasible for housing development, so instead of allowing this historic site to further deteriorate and sit empty, last week I introduced a motion to explore revitalizing this space in a way true to its own history of firefighting and community service by potentially bringing Fire Department youth programs to Old 5s. We are really excited to learn how we might be able to use the site for fire service-related youth development and other community-serving benefits.
Free Summer Fun At Venice Beach
I'm thrilled to announce that Venice Paparazzi has partnered with my office, the Venice Beach Business Improvement District, and L.A. Recreation & Parks on a series of free outdoor concerts this summer at Venice Beach! The concerts will be held the last Thursday of each month through September 26th on the north end of the boardwalk at Dudley Avenue.
The next show is on Thursday, July 25th - see you there! If you have any questions about the event, please email my Venice Field Deputy, Sean Silva, at sean.silva@lacity.org.
Virtual Information Session For Westchester - Playa Del Rey Community Plan
Join the Department of City Planning for a virtual information session on the Westchester - Playa del Rey Community Plan Update. The focus of this meeting will be on the draft land use maps for Ladera Center and La Tijera/Centinela. Learn about the process, recent updates, and share your feedback.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Click here to join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 893 8935 6343 | Passcode: 507338
NEW Affordable Housing Opportunity, Lottery Waitlist Opening!
Interested applicants can submit a pre-application for the Red Tail Crossing Lottery Waitlist. The pre-application period opens on 7/1/2024 and closes on 7/31/2024. Visit the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) Affordable and Accessible Housing Registry website to submit a pre-application for the lottery waitlist.
Volunteer At The LAX Dunes!
Join LAWA in our efforts to restore the LAX Dunes, a 307-acre coastal sand dune habitat located west of the airport. This area is home to a diverse ecosystem with over 900 native species, including the endangered El Segundo Blue Butterfly and sensitive species like the Southern California Legless Lizard and San Diego Horned Lizard.
To sign up for upcoming volunteer events dedicated to restoring the LAX Dunes, click the registration link provided at the bottom of the calendar page.
SBA Loans For Businesses Affected By Topanga Landslide
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses economically impacted by the Topanga landslide and closure of state Route 27 that occurred March 9 – June 2. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in several counties, including Los Angeles. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955. Email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more info.
For this week’s Park's Pick, I met with the Pop’s Bagels team in Brentwood! They serve incredible bagel sandwiches at several locations throughout the Westside, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Los Angeles. Thank you, Pop’s, for the delicious lunch and for being an essential part of the CD11 community!
Let's Stay Connected!
TRACI PARK
Councilwoman, 11th District
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