During my campaign, I promised to make our City more transparent and accountable with how we use your tax dollars. This week, I took another step forward in keeping that promise.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) coordinates housing and services for the homeless population in Los Angeles. It operates under a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the City and County, which hasn't been revised since 2001. Then, the City of Los Angeles contributed approximately $1.6 million to LAHSA’s annual budget and there were no official homeless counts. In contrast, the city allocated $264 million to LAHSA in the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year. With LAHSA’s current budget approaching $1 billion, we need to update the Agreement and ensure thorough budget details, including service descriptions and performance metrics. That's why I introduced a motion in Council on Tuesday that seeks to strengthen LAHSA's budget reporting requirements to the LA City Council. As one of the largest contributor's to LAHSA's budget, we need to know that every dollar is being spent effectively to reduce homelessness in the 11th District and Los Angeles.
This week, the City Council took a decisive step in enhancing public safety and restoring our LAPD ranks by approving a four-year contract with the union representing LAPD officers. My yes vote delivered on the promise I made to you to invest in safety. We have a long way to go to rebuild our police department, but I was proud to take this important step forward.
Watch my comments in support of this agreement below.
It was an honor to personally thank and congratulate each graduate of LAPD Academy Class 323. These graduates represent the future of our department, and I couldn't be prouder of them and their commitment to keeping LA safe!
Post-Storm Call To Action
We managed to get through Tropical Storm Hilary without any major injuries, loss of life, or service disruptions, but the impact of this storm is evident all along our local beaches. As you already know, during major storms, all the trash, debris, and toxic runoff move through our storm drains and waterways, which all lead to the ocean.
Thank you to Venice Surfing Association, Heal The Bay, and all of the local community volunteers who joined us at the beach this week to help clean up the mess. Seeing our beaches in this condition was a painful reminder of how critical it is to invest in upstream clean water infrastructure, reduce single use plastics, and ensure garbage and other materials are properly disposed of.
We STILL need your help! You can join the Heal the Bay Storm Response Team by holding "impromptu" beach cleanups. Click here to review SRT Guidelines and safety video and learn how to safely remove trash from storm drains, parks, and beaches in your neighborhood.
Watch my council presentation on our efforts below.
#NationalFentanylAwarenessDay
This week, the nation observed National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Recognized as the country's most dangerous drug, fentanyl is exponentially more potent and deadly than either heroin or morphine. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, an amount barely visible to the naked eye, can be lethal. Unfortunately, our city is no stranger to the drug, but I am working every day with health officials, law enforcement, and local service providers to combat this crisis.
Ready Your LA Business
We often talk about the importance of preparing our homes for emergencies, but ensuring our businesses are prepared is also important. That's why the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department is excited to launch Ready Your LA Business! Ready Your LA Business is a free program that will help businesses prepare for emergencies with an easy-to-use preparedness guide, workbook, and training videos. For handouts, training videos, and other Ready Your LA Business resources, visit: Ready.LACity.gov/Business-Preparedness.
Park's Pick
Introducing "Mom Please," a remarkable new Ukrainian restaurant in Playa Vista! Behind this culinary gem are Olekseii and Inna Kochetkova. Refugees from Mariupol, their journey to Los Angeles and the opening of their restaurant is a powerful testament to their resilience, courage, and determination. When you visit, you're not just tasting authentic Ukrainian flavors, but also celebrating a story of hope and new beginnings. Join me in welcoming them to our community!
Adopt-A-Pet
Meet Cooper! He's a delightful 2-year-old feline tipping the scales at a sleek 10 pounds. Friendly and awaiting a forever home, you can find Cooper at our Harbor Center. Stop by and perhaps you'll find your newest furry family member!
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!
