Copy

August 2, 2024

Grocery stores are among the most essential amenities in any community, and they are no different in Council District 12. Grocery stores feed families, employ people, and combat food insecurity. A proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, which has been making headlines over the past few months, threatens local grocery stores' stability and foundational nature.

While I do not favor telling companies how to run their businesses, this proposal directly threatens workers, customers, and neighborhoods across Los Angeles and Council District 12. To that end, I was proud to join the United Food and Commercial Workers and my council colleagues in announcing a resolution declaring the City of Los Angeles’ formal opposition to this merger. Grocery stores are invaluable assets, and it is imperative to stand against any action that may result in the closure of stores, loss of jobs, and increase in prices for the everyday customer.

Grocery stores represent businesses that are fundamental to communities, but there are hundreds of other companies that, too, are critical for the economic prosperity of our region. That includes Legacy Businesses. Recently, the city’s Economic and Workforce Development Department announced a program that serves legacy businesses by providing exposure, grants, technical assistance, and operational support. In Council District 12, there are over 2,500 businesses that fit into that criteria, but only a handful of businesses have applied for assistance. We want to change that.


Legacy Businesses are businesses that have operated for 20 years or more in the same community and meet three of the four criteria: contribute significantly to the community’s history, sustain distinctive or cultural practices, are not affiliated with a national corporate chain, and provide vital goods and services in a language and manner that is culturally accessible to the community.


If you are a business owner or know a business owner who fits this criteria, we strongly encourage you to share this information and apply for this free program. Over the coming weeks, my office will be conducting outreach to businesses, encouraging them to apply and help preserve the indelible mark they have left on our city.


For more information and to apply for free today, visit bit.ly/LAlegacy.

Lastly, I hope to see everyone in the community come together once again for National Night Out, one of the most significant traditions across our nation and city. This celebration of our community, law enforcement professionals, and love for our local neighborhoods is always a blast and a surefire way to keep the entire family entertained!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Opposing Proposed Merger Between Kroger and Albertsons
Alongside colleagues, I co-introduced a resolution opposing the merger between Kroger and Albertsons. This merger could potentially impact the Albertsons in Northridge and the Pavilions in West Hills.

Transitioning Hiring from the Personnel Department to the LAPD
I co-presented a motion alongside Councilmember Tim McOsker asking the LAPD to report to the council with a framework and analysis on potentially transitioning sworn and civilian hiring from the Personnel Department to the LAPD.

AL FRESCO DINING APPLICATION PERIOD EXTENDED

The temporary Al Fresco dining program was created during the pandemic to allow restaurants to expand outdoor dining on private property, sidewalks, and in the streets adjacent to their businesses. The temporary program provided a lifeline for many restaurants during a time of public health concerns and restricted operations and was subsequently codified into a permanent program by the City Council.


Earlier this week, the deadline for businesses to apply for the permanent Al Fresco program was extended from July 31 to December 31, 2024. Businesses with temporary authorization under the temporary Al Fresco program who wish to continue offering outdoor dining options should apply here today!

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

Recognition for Volunteers Cleaning Communities

One of the community’s most beloved nonprofits, Volunteers Cleaning Communities, was recently featured by KCAL News. Click above to watch the segment!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

8/3 - Annual International Cultural Festival

Start your weekend at the Jerk Wings Cafe Annual International Cultural Festival and enjoy food, live music, and performances. Click here for more info.


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. We encourage you to attend the next LASAN webinar to learn more about the proposed rate adjustments. Click here to register.


8/7 - Regency Era Dance Class at the Northridge Library

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.


8/10 - Strange Interlude at the Granada Hills Library

Come be dazzled by the musical performance of the extraordinary duo Strange Interlude with Lily Press on harp and Simon Linn-Gerstein on cello. Follow this link.


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 prepaid 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 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. The program will be limited to 2,000 participants.


The application period will close on 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 spots open up after selection has occurred and for potential openings in future distribution. Follow this link to see if you qualify and apply!


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.

WEEK IN REVIEW







This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Councilmember John S. Lee · 9207 Oakdale Ave. · Chatsworth, CA 91311 · USA