Watch My Remarks In Council On The Sewer Fee Increase
This week, the City Council approved an increase in its sewer fees, which you will begin seeing on your October utility bills. As I've shared over the last several weeks, I am highly concerned about the impacts this will have on small landlords and business owners and working families across the City who are already struggling to make ends meet. However, these funds will be invested in essential upgrades, which will help protect our waterways, coastline, and marine wildlife. I will keep you updated on the projects, as well as my pending motion calling for a report back from LASAN and DWP on their plans to maintain and repair our vital infrastructure.
Following the guilty verdict this week in the tragic case of Brianna Kupfer, who was murdered while working alone at a local furniture store, I introduced a motion regarding the implementation of SB 553, a new California law mandating workplace violence prevention programs and training. With employees serving on the front lines of homelessness, mental health, addiction, and crime, it is imperative we safeguard workers and prevent future tragedies. Read my motion for more details on these vital measures.
On Friday morning, the man charged with violently assaulting and raping two women in the Venice Canals, one of whom died of her injuries, plead no contest to charges of rape, mayhem, torture, and murder. He will serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
While this outcome brings a measure of relief, our work to secure safety and justice is far from over. We owe it to Mary Klein and Sarah Alden and all the victims of violent crime to fight until every dangerous, violent person has been removed from our streets.
I want to personally commend the outstanding efforts of the LAPD detectives who solved this case, as well as the community members, especially Darrel Preston, who provided surveillance video that led to the arrest and prosecution of this violent criminal.
This week, I joined the LAFD in honoring the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11, including 343 firefighters. LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley’s solemn oath to "Never Ever Forget," the 10-bell salute, and the 23-ton column from the base of the World Trade Center displayed at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center served as a powerful reminders of the sacrifices made.
Fire Station 69's very own Captain Thomas Kitahata and about 70 members of the LAFD deployed to Ground Zero just hours after the attacks to assist with search and rescue efforts. With so many of our own firefighters on the frontlines of the current wildfires, we are incredibly grateful for their enduring dedication and courage.
Olympic And Paralympic Flags Unveiled At City Hall
The Olympic and Paralympic flags were unveiled this week at City Hall in a festive ceremony attended by Mayor Bass, Councilmembers, LA28, athletes, and civic leaders from across LA County. The ceremony celebrated the return of the Olympic flag for the first time since 1984 and the arrival of the Paralympic flag for the first time.
As the largest airport-focused police agency in the U.S., LAXPD is looking for dedicated individuals to join their team. For more information, attend their Hiring Information Seminar, held every third Wednesday of the month at the LAXPD Multipurpose Community Room, 9160 S. Loyola Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045. To RSVP, email LAXPDrecruitment@lawa.org. Apply today!
LA Sports & Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit 2024
I’m excited to invite you to the Sports and Entertainment Supplier Diversity (SESD) Summit on October 10, 2024, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This free event, sponsored by BMO and AEG, is a fantastic opportunity for business owners to connect with key industry partners, get valuable insights, and explore resources like business assessments and certification clinics. Don’t miss out—RSVP here for a day of networking and growth as we gear up for major upcoming events!
Join Us For Coastal Cleanup Day At Ballona Creek!
Join us and the Venice Surfing Association on Saturday, September 21, at 8:30 AM for our annual coastal cleanup day! This year, we will be at Centinela Bridge at Ballona Creek, where we will address the garbage and other plastic pollution befouling the waterways that lead directly to the ocean. Please consider carpooling or biking to help the environment!
Every week, your CD11 Beautification Team and our City Departments are working all over the Westside to make improvements, big and small. If an area in your neighborhood needs special attention, please contact our Westchester District Office for assistance.
Upcoming Public Nuisance Hearing On Del Rey Fire Site
Back in February, a fire started by trespassers in a vacant home on Sycamore in Del Rey caused significant damage and a fatality. On Tuesday, September 17, at 9:30 am, the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners will vote whether to classify this property as a public nuisance. We encourage impacted Del Rey neighbors to attend and offer public comment about the ongoing illegal activities and unsafe conditions. For additional details, please refer to the agenda item here.
My office has been hard at work to identify and abate properties - residential, commercial, or construction sites - with squatting or trespassing problems. If you are aware of any such locations in your neighborhood, please report the illegal conduct to LAPD and contact your CD11 field deputy for additional assistance.
I am so excited to spotlight Re_Grocery in Mar Vista as my Park's Pick this week! Re_Grocery carries over 500 refillable bulk goods, everything from pasta and cereals to cleaning supplies and beauty products. Bring your own refillable containers and shop entirely plastic free! Since opening on Earth Day in 2020, Re_Grocery has diverted over 500,000 items of packaging from landfills. They also collect clean, dry plastic bags, which are provided to Trex, a sustainable manufacturing company that recycles the bags into eco-friendly decking and outdoor furniture.
With so much plastic choking our waterways, oceans, and landfills, Re_Grocery is setting a new standard for sustainable shopping. Let's all do our part to keep our environment clean and support this innovative local business!
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!
