July 26, 2024

This week, I had the incredible opportunity to guide Korean students from North Korea and the US who are currently participating in Whitestone Bridge's Summer Program on a tour of Los Angeles City Hall. Whitestone Bridge, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering the next generation, aims to reshape North Korea's future through opportunities for holistic transformation. Engaging with these remarkable students and sharing experiences was inspiring. I am confident that they will be the driving force for positive change in the world.

Governor Newsom’s Executive Order on Homeless Encampments

Governor Newsom's executive order directing state agencies and departments to adopt humane policies to urgently address encampments on state property is a step in the right direction.

Since taking office, I have worked diligently to address the homelessness issue in CD12. I will continue to advocate for policies and tools that help individuals get off the streets.

I look forward to working with my council colleagues on implementing common sense policy reforms that eliminate redundancies, expand outreach, and allow for city agencies to permanently and expeditiously address encampments.

Balboa Widening Project Update

Thank you for your patience with the ongoing Balboa Widening Project at Balboa Boulevard and Devonshire Street. The project has experienced delays at several stages of construction that we have been working directly with the respective City departments to address.

Construction is set to resume the week of July 29.

Our office will continue to work diligently with all parties to bring this project to completion with the full understanding and consideration of the impact to our residents, businesses and schools.

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

Greater LA Vector Control Launches Summer Campaign

As temperatures soar in Los Angeles, so do the numbers of mosquitoes and their relentless, itchy bites. Recognizing mosquitoes' impact on our daily lives, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD/District) has launched its summer campaign, "Safeguarding Public Health Since 1952," with a focus on raising awareness and outreach of its services to Greater Los Angeles residents. Beyond enhancing visibility, the campaign aims to equip residents with effective measures to shield themselves and their community from mosquitoes. Click here to read more about the GLACVCD and learn more about ways to protect yourself from mosquitos.

Public Comment for Housing Element Rezoning Program Draft Ordinances

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Los Angeles City Planning held a virtual public hearing for the Housing Element Sites and Minimum Density Ordinance, and Resident Protections Ordinance. More information about the public hearing can be found on City Planning’s website here. Information on the draft ordinances can be found here.

Please note that feedback gathered at the hearing will be used to inform future revisions to the draft ordinances, and no decision will be made at the hearing. In addition to the public hearing, comments and questions may also be submitted by emailing housingelement@lacity.org. Please include the applicable case number in the subject line.

As a reminder, public comment will close on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Office of the Mayors Crisis Response Team

Are you a compassionate Angeleno wanting to make a difference in your community? Join the Mayor’s Crisis Response Team (CRT)! CRT is committed to providing resources and support on scene to survivors of crime and crisis in the City of Los Angeles. CRT is currently accepting applications for the upcoming Fall Training Academy that begins September 17th and is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for nine weeks at LAPD Elysian Park. Watch their video here: https://lacrt.org/about.

To fill out an application, visit https://lacrt.org/volunteer.

Requirements:

Attend an interview session
Complete a live scan
Attend a 9-week 62-hour CRT Training Academy
Respond to critical incidents by providing immediate on-scene crisis intervention
Commit to 1 year of volunteering and 36 on-call hours per month
Must be 21 yrs of age to join our team.

Heat Wave for the West

A new heat wave is expected starting this weekend. Here are a couple of recommendations for high-temperature days:

Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day.
If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella.
Cars get very hot inside, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open. Never leave children or pets in cars. Call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.
Beware of and know what to do for heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Call 911 right away if you see these symptoms: high body temperature (103°F or higher), vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Additionally, the City of Los Angeles Climate and Emergency Mobilization has a one-stop shop to find cooling centers and learn more about heat resources. Click here to learn more.

Click here to find Los Angeles City Cooling Centers.

City of Los Angeles Housing Inspections for Multifamily Apartment Buildings with 2 Floors or More

Join the Los Angeles Housing Department’s webinar to learn about the State’s new law regarding buildings with three (3) or more multifamily units that contain elevated balconies, decks, porches, stairways, and walkways over six feet above grade. The State of California passed Senate Bill No. 721, requiring certain exterior elevated elements of multifamily buildings to be routinely inspected regarding structural stability.

The webinar will be a one-hour session held online via Zoom. There will be a Q & A period at the end of the presentation.

Visit this webpage to learn more about recent changes to the law. You can also view a recorded webinar and read a summary of the rules on eviction, rental arrears, and rent increases. Click here to sign up to attend a virtual session.

If you have difficulty registering using this link, please call (866) 557-7368.

Biggies & Meow Meows Adoption Event

In an effort to help find homes for the animals in the overcrowded city shelters and to save more lives, the Paula Kent Meehan Pet Care Foundation is sponsoring the Biggies and Meow Meows Adoption Event, starting now through July 31, 2024. During the Biggies & Meow Meows adoption month, the adoption fees for dogs over 40 lbs. are $51 (that does not include a $20 license fee for LA City residents); puppies: $75, cats: $12.50; and kittens: $25. Follow this link to see the pets available for adoption.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

7/27 - West Hills Community Cleanup

Looking for a way to get involved in the community? The West Hills Neighborhood Council is calling on volunteers to join them for their cleanup on the corner of Saticoy and Woodlake. Click here for more info.

7/27 - The Ben Band

Bring your little ones to enjoy family-friendly songs from Ben Urwand and learn more about animals native to Australia. Click here for the information.

7/30 - Blood Drive at the Porter Ranch Library

Be a force for good! Donate blood at the Porter Ranch Branch Library and make a difference in someone’s life. Follow this link to see the flyer and learn more.

8/3 - Sunshine Canyon Landfill Community Open House and Tour

Republic Services invites you to a family-friendly open-house to learn more about the landfill, and get your questions answered by on-site experts. Come enjoy a breakfast food truck, learning stations, a raffle and oak tree giveaways. Click here to RSVP and get all the details.

8/6 - National Night Out

One of the community’s biggest events of the year returns! Join the LAPD Devonshire Division and the Council District 12 team at Northridge Park for an evening of fun and community!

8/6 - Informational Webinar About Proposed Sewer Service Charge Rates

By now you have probably heard that the City of Los Angeles is proposing a rate increase for its Sewer Service Charge. To learn more about the proposed rate adjustments, we encourage you to attend the next LASAN webinar. Click here to register.

8/7 - Regency Era Dance Class

Be whisked back in time and learn an elegant and fun dance routine set to music focusing on movement from the Regency Era. Open to all levels of experience, and no partner is required. Follow this link to get the details.

8/11 - Granada Hills Woman’s Club Bunco Party

The Granada Hills Woman’s Club invites you to their latest bunco party with homemade pastries, snacks, and an overall blast. Attending this event requires a pre-paid reservation. Click here to see the flyer and pre-pay instructions.

8/11 - North Valley Family YMCA Free Backpack Giveaway

Time to get ready for back to school! Swing by the for a drive through back-to-school event for your free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last). Follow this link to find out more.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

Mobility Wallet Pilot Program Phase II Applications are Now Open!

The City of Los Angeles and Metro are offering residents of LA County a chance to participate in the Mobility Wallet Pilot Program. Participants will receive a prepaid debit card with up to $1,800 for a year to be used for eligible transportation purposes. Participation in the Mobility Wallet Pilot Program will be limited to 2,000 participants.

The application period will close August 31st. All applicants will be put into a random selection process to ensure an equal chance of participation. A waitlist will be created in case there are available spots that open up after selection has occurred and for potential openings in future distribution. Follow this link to see if you qualify and apply!

Granada Hills Farmers Night Market is Relocating

The Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Farmers Night Market is relocating to White Oak Ave and Chatsworth St. Visit them at their new location every Friday from 6:00pm - 10:00pm.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Essay Contests

The Veterans of Foreign Wars invite you to participate in their annual essay contests. Please click the links below to read about this year’s contests, including the writing prompt, entry requirements, and prizes:

LA Sanitation New and Used Toy Drive

From July 1st through August 30th, 2024, the CFRP will be collecting the following new and gently used toys. Everyone is encouraged to donate:

Educational games and toys
Video games and video game consoles
Dolls and stuffed animals
Toys for children with special needs or disabilities

Please do not donate “violent” toys or toys that resemble weapons. Toys must be clean. Click here for a list of donation 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.

Summer Family Movie Nights

Join the Chatsworth West UMC for an outdoor movie series every second and fourth Saturday throughout the summer. Click here to see the details.

COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
By appointment only. Please call or email.
9207 Oakdale Avenue, Suite 200
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Phone: (818) 882-1212
Fax: (818) 701-5254

LOS ANGELES CITY HALL
By appointment only. Please call or email.
200 North Spring Street, Room 405
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 473-7012
Fax: (213) 473-6925

Copyright © 2024 Councilmember John S. Lee, All rights reserved.
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Chatsworth, CA 91311
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