It was another busy week in City Hall! We approved venues for the 2028 Olympic Games, the Council agreed to explore a potential fire facilities ballot measure for the 2026 election that could help meet our City's needs for the next 50 years and beyond, and we took action to manage our curb space in neighborhoods all over the Westside with additional oversized vehicle restrictions.
In furtherance of public safety, I introduced a new motion to update the city’s wildfire hazard zones to reflect the newly released State maps. The revised maps mean more neighborhoods will now fall under brush clearance rules - a necessary shift as wildfires become more frequent and intense. We’re also calling on the State to strengthen its own brush clearance laws, because right now, agencies like the Mountains and Recreation Conservation Authority (MRCA), which manages State land adjacent to private properties, aren’t held to the same brush clearance standards as private property owners - and that needs to change.
Lastly, we've had a lot of questions lately about voter registration for people displaced by the fires. If you forward your mail or update your temporary address with the DMV, you might get a notice in the mailing asking you to update your voter registration. If you're living elsewhere temporarily, you can keep your Palisades address on file - you're still eligible to vote as a Palisades resident, and if anyone deserves a say in what happens there next, its you.
March Look-Back - With so much happening in the news this month, we wanted to highlight some of the on-the-ground work we did in March to create a Better 11. Check out the recap of our work in Westchester, Venice, Del Rey, and West LA! Your CD11 team is on the ground across the Westside every day responding to community needs. If you see an area that needs attention, just reach out to my office for assistance.
Updated MyLA311 Mobile App & Website - The updated MyLA311 app and website (which allows you to make city service requests) launched this week, providing a streamlined, improved experience for the public to report problems and submit service requests, like potholes, graffiti, illegal dumping, and more. For additional details, visit myla311.lacity.gov.
Last Call for ROE forms! The debris removal deadline has been extended to April 15, and FEMA has agreed to include condos, townhomes, and multifamily mobile home parks in the Army Corps debris removal program! This is a huge win for hundreds of impacted families, so thank you to all who pushed to make it happen. Please get those ROE forms in, ASAP!
Debris removal continues – The Army Corps has now cleared over 600 lots in the Palisades and are now making a big push to clear the burned homes along PCH north of Coastline. You can track their progress on the Army Corps interactive progress map.
Need a verified contractor or architect? – For rebuilding support, check out the City’s verified contractor and architect list at bca.lacity.gov/rebuildLA.
Committee for LA Recovery – This week, we brought our meeting of the Committee for LA Recovery directly to the Westside. We heard updates on everything from the status of building permits to the development of a long-term recovery plan. It's clear we have a lot of work as we sort through the massive logistics and operations challenges ahead. Thank you to all of the community members who offered public comment - your voice is critical as we make decisions about the recovery process in Palisades and beyond.
Free Soil Testing – USC has launched a new program to test soil in fire impacted areas for contaminants and other toxins. Known as Contaminant Level Evaluation and Analysis for Neighborhoods (CLEAN), CLEAN provides free rapid testing to residents who drop off soil samples at designated collection sites. To learn more, please visit their website.
Flags of Unity and Recovery – Last week, the American Legion Palisades Post 283 hosted a powerful flag planting ceremony at the Village Green to honor community resilience and solidarity. The event brought together local heroes from LAFD, LAPD, the National Guard, and our Palisades community. Post 283 is also serving as a community support center, so if you need assistance in the Palisades, please drop in and say hello.
Venice Town Hall – Please confirm your RSVP for our Venice Virtual Town Hall, happening on Thursday, April 3rd from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. A link to the meeting will be provided in your response and will also be available during the week of the event. We look forward to your participation!
Rain Barrel Giveaway – I’m giving away free rain barrels at my Westchester office (7166 Manchester Ave) — come grab one while supplies last! It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your plants healthy and conserve water in our dry climate. Let’s make sustainability easy and local.
Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts – It was fun to join Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts, where so many displaced Palisades families are finding a new home and making new friends. The way our communities across CD11 are stepping up during these devastating times is truly heartwarming.
Apply to Represent CD11 On The Pedestrian Advisory Committee!
CD11 is looking for a representative for the Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC). This volunteer role offers the chance to advocate for safer, more walkable neighborhoods, provide input on City policies, and collaborate with local leaders. The PAC meets every other month on the third Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Little Tokyo Library.
How to Apply:
Applications are due April 11, 2025, with interviews taking place throughout May. A selection will be made shortly after – Sign Up Today!
Fire Safety Meeting – Our office is hosting a fire safety meeting with LAFD to provide fire safety and evacuation tips in the event of an emergency – 4/8/2025
Two Brothers Dish Soul On The Westside –Spoon & Pork began as a dream between two friends, Ray and Jay, who grew up in the Philippines and shared a passion for bringing their culture’s flavors to LA. From their early days running a food truck to opening a thriving spot on the Westside, their journey is as rich as the dishes they serve. Locals rave about their ube pancakes and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, making it clear that Spoon & Pork is a celebration of heritage and friendship.
