The tapestry of businesses on the Westside is one of my favorite aspects of living here and one of the reasons I am proud to represent the 11th District. If you’re looking for a night out with family and friends, a dive bar to watch football, or a rooftop deck with ocean views, we have an abundance of options. Home to some of the best and most diverse retail in Los Angeles, we are also a shopper’s paradise.
The depth of our creative workforce makes the Westside a favorite for business development in the arts, entertainment, design, tech, and new media. And with LAX and thousands of visitors flocking to our beach communities every day, CD11 drives the tourism industry.
We know our small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. Yet, many continue to struggle from pandemic related impacts and new business can be deterred by cumbersome regulatory barriers.
That's why I'm thrilled about Mayor Karen Bass's recent announcement of Executive Directive 4, which creates the Los Angeles Business Steering Committee (LABSC). The LABSC, composed of City Departments, will advise the City on reducing business taxes and fees, streamlining procedures, reducing delays, and helping local businesses grow and thrive in LA.
I look forward to partnering with the mayor and our local business community to invest in jobs, innovation, and economic growth.
A Message From Mayor Karen Bass
State Of Homelessness
This week, I hosted a virtual CD11 “State of Homelessness” presentation to update you on the numbers from the annual homeless count LAHSA released last week. We had an incredible turnout, with more than 400 constituents from across the district participating. We heard from Mayor Karen Bass, as well as leaders from LAHSA. The main point of this was to have a candid conversation about the significant increase in homelessness across our city. As your Councilwoman, I hear you, which is why we're taking a hands-on-approach to moving people indoors, while maintaining public health, safety and accessibility.
Watch the State of Homelessness discussion by clicking on the above video.
Saving Our Sea Lions
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the volunteers who have stepped up to help the sick sea lions stranding on our local beaches. I also want to thank the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) and the Aquarium of the Pacific for their tremendous care and concern for these animals, and Supervisor Holly Mitchell for her generous support of these efforts.
Volunteers are still needed to spot strandings, educate beachgoers, and help keep these animals and the public safe. If you're willing to help, click here to register.
The Los Angeles Department of City Planning is holding a virtual public hearing to discuss the potential installation of digital signs throughout the city, including in parts of our district. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, July 12, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. You can join the Zoom webinar (online) at https://planning-lacity-org.zoom.us/j/83326917854 or dial in (telephone) at +1 213 338 8477. Click here for more information.
Thank You LAFD And LAPD
A big thank you to our firefighters and police officers for keeping us safe over the Fourth of July. LAFD answered 1674 calls, 200 more than their daily average. And LAPD had all hands on deck to keep us safe on the Westside.
Park's Pick
This week's Park's Pick is Venice West, a lively music venue in Venice. Reminiscent of the Beat scene of the late 1950s and early 1960s, Venice West celebrates cultural diversity, eccentricity, and expression by offering a welcoming hub for artists, music lovers, and fans. Come by for consistently great food, music, and good times!
Adopt-A-Pet
Meet Bamboo! He is an affectionate fella who knows some commands and is treat-motivated! Bamboo is four years old, weighs 58 pounds, and is available for adoption or fostering at our North Central Center.
