Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority released its figures for the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count which is an estimated snapshot in time of the state of homelessness in the county.
This year's count shows that throughout the City of Los Angeles, the number of unsheltered homeless individuals has increased, a figure that is disheartening but once again shows that our current approach to this crisis is not sufficient on its own.
I have been proud to work with our partner organizations and service providers to increase the availability of beds in Council District 12 as I firmly believe that providing housing solutions is critical to solving this crisis. However, expanding the availability of mental health and substance abuse treatment options for individuals living on the streets is equally critical and this count reinforces that for some people, housing is simply not enough.
Council District 12 continues to report the smallest population of homeless individuals across the City of Los Angeles in part because of investments we have made towards projects that guide people from interim-housing solutions toward permanent housing. Regardless of these estimates, I will continue fighting for solutions that have a real impact on homelessness and fight to ensure that the voice and opinions of our community are always heard and represented.
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Fireworks are Illegal in the City of Los Angeles
As we gear up to celebrate the 4th of July, we remind you that fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles. Please visit this link to see all of the professional fireworks shows taking place throughout the city. We hope you have a safe and memorable holiday.
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City of Los Angeles Youth EXPO 2023
On Saturday, July 15th at the EXPO Center, the City of Los Angeles is hosting an L.A. Youth Expo — a summer resource fair filled with free community resources, youth jobs, summer programs, networking, mentorship connections, leadership opportunities, and much more! Please visit LAYouthExpo.eventbrite.com for more details.
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Apply to Join the LA Youth Council
The Olivia Mitchell LA City Youth Council is now accepting applications to join the next cohort of youth leaders who will impact and help guide Los Angeles into the future. During their term, members learn about the inner working of local government, drive special community projects and civic events, and make policy and budget recommendations to elected and civic leaders of the City to improve the well-being, safety, and achievement of young Angelenos. Click here to learn more and view the application.
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LASAN Lateral Rebate Program
The City of Los Angeles, LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN), is offering two sewer lateral rebates on a first-come, first-served basis, conditional upon the completeness and accuracy of the rebate application and supporting documentation, and are available until annually allocated funds are exhausted. All property owners who own residential, multifamily, commercial, and/or industrial property, and are in good standing with their sewer service charge fees paid to the City of Los Angeles, are eligible to apply. Click here to learn more and apply (make sure you are logged into your MyLA311 account before applying.)
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Mosquito Control Awareness
As we welcome warmer weather, it is a good time to remember that controlling mosquitos is a shared responsibility. The Greater Los Angles County Vector Control District continues providing information and tips on how to manage and prevent the threatening illnesses that come with mosquito bites. Click here to visit their website and learn about the many ways in which you can help prevent mosquitos from breeding.
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LAHD Handyworker Program
The Handyworker Program uses licensed general contractors for minor home repairs and accessibility improvements at no cost to eligible homeowners and renters by correcting safety and health hazards that could cause injury or illness, or jeopardize the safety and livability of a home. Click here to read more about the program and eligibility.
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Santa Susana Field Lab Final Program Environmental Impact Report
On June 8, the State's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released the long-awaited Final Program Environmental Impact Report (FPEIR) for the cleanup at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). My office is carefully reviewing this detailed and lengthy document. Access the FPEIR and related documents here.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Andreas Farmakalidis and Alexis Lopez
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This week’s community spotlight goes to Andreas Farmakalidis and Alexis Lopez, husband and wife, and proud owners of California Musicbox in Northridge.
Alexis was originally from Modesto, California, while Andreas was born in Cyprus. Alexis is a music graduate and has garnered recognition as an American Idol Semi-Finalist. She has released music under Universal and EMI Records and toured with the American Idol Cast and Baha Men. Andreas is also a music graduate, with two Bachelor’s degrees and a Master's degree in music. He has achieved notable music credits, including cues in major motion pictures such as The Avengers and Poltergeist; as well as performing with Marty Friedman from Megadeth and Grammy award winners CandleBox.
Together, they established California Musicbox in 2016, a music school in Northridge that serves as public school vendors with designs in after-school and in-school programs, as well as private lessons in their facility. They are also the only accredited music school in the Valley, where their lessons can be transferred as college credits. However, California Musicbox is not just a music school but a driving force behind community engagement. Through their music, dedication to education, and commitment to giving back, they have created a harmonious environment where individuals can connect, learn, and contribute to the betterment of the community.
Andres and Alexis’ presence is felt throughout the community, as they serve as board members of the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Granada Hills Rotary Club, and the Anchor Bell Lodge. They organize monthly music nights, fostering a sense of camaraderie and creating opportunities for local musicians to showcase their talent in a safe and fun environment. Most recently, the couple hosted a Live Band Karaoke Fundraiser that not only brought the community together but also raised nearly $2000 for the Shriners Children's Medical Center.
Lastly, we cannot overlook the adorable Mavis, their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, who has become the mascot of California Musicbox. Mavis is already actively involved in all their events, spreading joy and adding a touch of charm to the community gatherings organized by her parents.
We are lucky to have the California Music Box family as residents of Council District 12 and we can't wait to see their continued impact on our district for many years to come!
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7/4 - Shepherd Church's 4th of July Spectacular
Celebrate our nation's independence at Shepherd Church's fireworks show. This beloved professional fireworks show is a community tradition. Click here to learn more.
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7/8 - 7/9 - Orcutt Ranch Orange Fruit Pick
The Department of Recreation and Parks welcomes you to Orcutt Ranch for the annual fruit pick. Come by on either date to pick oranges. Please bring your own bags. Click here to see the flyer.
7/9 - A Wild, Wild West Mystery Plan & Chili Cook-Off
Join the Granada Hills Woman's Club for a fundraiser that invites participants to solve a mystery and participate in a chili cook-off. Follow this link to read more and support the organization.
7/15 - Giant Used Book Sale
The Friends of Chatsworth Library will be holding their quarterly book sale in Community Room of the Chatsworth Library. Go to laplchatsworthfriends.org or call (818) 341-4276 for more info.
7/15 - Mid-Valley Regional Library Book Sale
Find bargain deals at the the Mid-Valley Regional Library Book Sale. Follow this link to read more.
7/17, 7/24 - "My L.A." Tiny Painting Party
The Northridge Library's Tiny Canvas Painting Party returns! Register for one of the two sessions starting on July 11th and enter your artwork into Tiny Painting Gallery for a chance to win prizes.
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TOP LEFT: Honored to receive the Bizzi Award from BizFed.
TOP RIGHT: Proud to once again participate in the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Open House.
BOTTOM LEFT: Happy birthday Councilmember Lee!
BOTTOM RIGHT: Council District 12's Rapid Response team works to quickly resolve illegal dumping and abandoned items throughout the community. If you would like to report items and request their services, please call the Community Service Center at (818) 882-1212.
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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
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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
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