Register for notifications about sweeping in your neighborhood
Street cleaning is one way that StreetsLA enhances the quality of life for all. The most familiar of our cleaning activities is our fleet of street sweepers, staffed by authorized full-time Motor Sweeper Operators.
There are more than 4,700 curb miles in Los Angeles where “No Parking” signs are posted to allow our sweepers to reach the curb, so we can clean the streets, keep trash out of our rivers and ocean, and prevent local flooding due to blocked storm drains.
Staff shortages due to the financial crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting Citywide hiring freeze necessitate that we reduce the frequency of street sweeping: routes that had received weekly sweeping will now be swept biweekly, meaning on either the first and third weeks of the month or the second and fourth weeks of the month.
Sign up for notifications when your street will be swept! Notifications will be sent 24 and 48 hours before we sweep the location that you register for. Fill out the form on this page, or use the map to explore other streets where you commonly park and to register for multiple locations.
We encourage all residents to be mindful of street signage to avoid being ticketed. Vehicles will be cited if they are parked in restricted areas on days when street cleaning is scheduled. The Street Sweeping Near Me webpage and notification system will let you know when sweeping is planned for your street so you can plan accordingly. For more information about parking and parking enforcement, please visit the LA Department of Transportation’s parking information pages.
Thank you for helping us better clean your neighborhood! By keeping routes free of parked cars, our sweepers can access the curb where debris collects, and this makes our streets safe, mobile and sustainable.
Got questions or want to request a street cleaning? Check out the FAQ and please contact us by dialing 311 on your phone, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. or by using the my311 app.
Welcome to the February 2021 issue of Mike Bonin’s Neighborhoods Forward Newsletter!
IN THIS ISSUE: Information and updates about COVID vaccines, Mike helps connect neighbors with mental health resources, we get an update on the effort to move LA to completely clean energy, Mike proposes legislation that could get thousands of people off the street with 100% reimbursable funding from the federal government. Learn more about those stories, and a LOT more in the newsletter below!
You can find out more about Mike, meet your CD11 staff and see the latest videos and updates from the Westside on our website at http://www.11thdistrict.com. And remember to like Mike’s Facebook page to see the latest news about your neighborhood.
CITY REOPENS VACCINATION SITES AFTER A TEMPORARY SHUTDOWN
After being forced to postpone some vaccination appointments due to winter storms that delayed shipments of COVID-19 vaccines across the United States this month, the six City-run COVID-19 vaccination sites resumed operations on February 23.
Residents who had scheduled appointments during the temporary shutdown received automatic new appointments upon site reopenings.
If you believe you should have received an automatic appointment but did not receive a notice, please contact the County’s Call Center –– open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473.
The Los Angeles Times took a hard look at the socioeconomic and racial disparities that have persisted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and which are again becoming apparent in the distribution of the vaccine. The Times coverage, which was precipitated by the release of LA County Department of Public Health Data, found that as of mid-February, 12% of the county’s 10 million residents have been vaccinated, with priority given to healthcare workers, residents of long-term care facilities, and people 65 years and older. But as a map published with the Times reporting makes clear, the number of people vaccinated can vary widely from place to place. In some neighborhoods, such as Beverly Hills, 25% of residents have already received the first dose of the two-shot vaccine. In contrast, South L.A. and neighboring cities such as Compton, where incomes are lower and a majority of residents are Latino, only 5% of residents have been vaccinated. Read more about the disparities and see the maps for yourself at https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-covid-vaccine-racial-disparities-by- neighborhood-map/.
APPOINTMENT-FREE TESTING NOW AVAILABLE
Mayor Garcetti announced this week that appointments are no longer required to get a COVID test at City of L.A. sites. You can visit any City of L.A. walk-up or drive-thru site Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. or one of the mobile testing locations. The Union Station site is also open on Sundays, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Remember – the test is free, whether or not you have insurance. If you have insurance, the provider may bill your insurance carrier for the cost of the test. By law, the insurance company may not charge you any co-pay, deductible, or out-of-pocket expense for the test.
RENTER RESOURCES
Support is available for renters who are struggling to make ends meet at the end of the month, and Mike’s team has put together a resource guide to help connect you with services that can help. The COVID pandemic has hit renters especially hard, and stay-at-home orders have made paying rent impossible for many. Mike is an advocate for canceling rent and mortgage payments during the crisis to prevent an overwhelming surge of evictions and homelessness and has called for the state and federal resources needed to execute massive rent forgiveness. As that work progresses, please find a directory of resources and support
School district officials announced a plan this month that would provide vaccines for many of the staff who will need to be vaccinated to reopen schools safely. Forty percent of coronavirus vaccines available for school staff in Los Angeles County will go to the LAUSD through a new distribution formula designed to help reopen campuses sooner in areas hit hardest by the pandemic. This new influx of vaccine doses for LAUSD staff will help the district quickly administer vaccinations to staff via school- based vaccine sites, as well as a large site planned for Hollywood Park. LAUSD Superintendent discussed the vaccine site plans, as well as what this could mean for when LAUSD schools are able to safely reopen, in his weekly video update. Watch Superintendent Beutner’s update at https://achieve.lausd.net/latestnews.
MORE COVID AND VACCINE NEWS:
STAY INFORMED: It can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing vaccine news. Get key information by signing up for email updates from the L.A. County Department of Public Health. Tell your friends and family to sign up for Mayor Garcetti’s VaxFacts newsletter. You can also check out Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
NOTIFY LA: The City has also sent targeted text updates to communities with high cases of COVID-19. In just the first three weeks of these joint vaccine equity efforts, appointments booked by Black Angelenos increased by nearly a third. To receive text updates, sign up for Notify LA.
‘MOVE’ VACCINE EQUITY PROGRAM: Our new MOVE initiative is deploying mobile vaccination clinics to the most vulnerable parts of Los Angeles. So far, mobile teams have administered over 4,647 doses across sites in South and East L.A., and each clinic has the capacity to vaccinate 200 people per day.
VACCINE ACCESS FOR ALL ABILITIES: The city opened an express lane at Dodger Stadium for customers of Access Services, the agency that provides transportation to Angelenos with disabilities. Access riders can book their vaccination appointment, pending availability, and a round-trip ride to Dodger Stadium by calling (626) 532-1616.
ELIGIBLE NOW: All L.A. residents 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine in L.A. County, in addition to healthcare workers, certain essential frontline workers, and residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities.
UP NEXT: L.A. County announced those who are in Phase 1B, Tier 1 –– including teachers and workers in education and childcare, food and agriculture, and emergency service and law enforcement –– will become eligible for vaccination on March 1st. In addition, the State announced that vaccinations will open to residents between 16 and 64 years old who have certain disabilities or severe underlying medical conditions on March 15th. Sign up to be automatically notified when you become eligible for the vaccine. You can also check what phase you’ll be in here.
VACCINATION SITES: More than 488 locations are currently vaccinating people in L.A. County. As more doses become available in the coming months, more sites and providers will administer shots. When your turn arrives, you can make an appointment through the County hub and bring your ID to the site. If you are 65 or older, have a disability, or do not have access to the internet and need assistance making your vaccination appointment, you can contact the County’s Call Center –– open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated.
PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH
Mike hosted a virtual town hall meeting this month to focus on the mental health issues many people are facing during the prolonged pandemic.
During the virtual evening event, Dr. Jonathan Sherin of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Eden Garcia-Balis of the Airport Marina Counseling Service, and Dr. Jonathan Goldfinger of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services answered questions about resources available to help people facing mental health issues, and spoke about the causes of, and solutions for, our crisis in mental health care.
You can watch the full 90-minute event HERE and can find out more about available resources at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health website (https://dmh.lacounty.gov/) or DMH Help Line: 800-854-7771. Neighbors are also invited to check out the Airport Marina Counseling Service (https://www.amcshelps.com/) and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services (https://didihirsch.org/). If you are considering self-harm, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255.
“BLACK LIVES MATTER” MURAL IN VENICE
“Black Lives Matter” is being proclaimed from the streets of Venice!
On February 17, Mike joined community members in front of the former First Baptist Church of Venice to celebrate the installation of a “Black Lives Matters” mural, which commemorates the historic, present, and future influence of the black community and serves as a declaration of the work that needs to be done to dismantle racism in all aspects of our society. The location represents the center of so much of Venice’s Black History, including last year’s BLM rallies.
Thanks to Save Venice for suggesting and pushing for the mural, and to our Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, LADOT Official, City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, and Creative Paving Solutions for making the project a reality.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN DEL REY
Mike joined the Mar Vista Family Center (MVFC) this month to support residents in need for a weekly food distribution event.
More than 100 community members came out to the weekly food distribution event, where Mike helped pack and hand out boxes of food. MVFC has been hosting the weekly distributions for the past decade but has served an increased number of families during the pandemic.
Thanks to Lucia Diaz and the MVFC team for your incredible work to support families living in Del Rey.
BRENTWOOD LIBRARIAN RETIRES
Drue Wagner Mees, the beloved Brentwood librarian at the Donald Bruce Kaufman Brentwood Branch Library, retired late last year after 23 years with Los Angeles Public Libraries. Drue served as a Young Adult Librarian, where she was critical in coming up with the young adult programs, and was a regular Contributor to the Newsletter of the Friends of the Brentwood Kaufman Library in Brentwood.
Thank you, Drue for your public service to Brentwood!
SUSTAINABILITY IN PACIFIC PALISADES
Mike joined Resilient Palisades for a workshop this month to raise awareness with homeowners of the benefits of electric leaf blowers. Resilient Palisades is a great local group focused on sustainability, and Mike was happy to share his report on Los Angeles’s success and progress to adopt aggressive clean energy goals. Mike and the group also discussed LA’s Green New Deal, and his work to push LADWP to reduce greenhouse gases in LA.
Sustainability is one of Mike’s highest priorities and he greatly appreciates the opportunity to meet with other dedicated environmentalists. Thank you to Resilient Palisades for organizing the event.
HONORING ORSON BEAN
Mike was pleased to announce the forthcoming street renaming of Pisani Place to Orson Bean Way during a special memorial service held by Orson’s family and colleagues at the Pacific Resident Theatre.
Pisani Place is right next to Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice, which was a second home for Orson. The acclaimed actor, raconteur, and humorist was a longtime resident of Venice, and a beloved figure in the community, receiving the “Spirit of Venice” award at the Abbot Kinney Festival a few years back. The new signs formally renaming the street will be installed in the coming months.
Orson’s memorial service was funny, moving, inspiring, and entertaining — a fitting tribute to a great man.
WESTCHESTER’S NEW COMMUNITY PANTRY
Mike was thrilled to help kick off the opening of the Painted Pantry Project at the Westchester Family YMCA this month.
The community pantry is available to all, providing non-perishable food for anyone who needs it. Neighbors who are in need of food are invited to take from the pantry, and neighbors who have food to donate are encouraged to leave some behind when they visit. The pantry is available 24/7 for anyone who needs food, and donations can be made Monday through Friday from 9a to 2p. Guests can also add messages of hope and support for their neighbors to a beautiful “ribbon wall” located near the pantry.
Kudos to John Sharpe, Westchester YMCA, Rotary Club of Westchester, and all the amazing volunteers, supporters, and donors who make the project possible.
COMMUNITY CLEANUP IN LADERA
Kudos to the Ladera Heights Civic Association for hosting a community cleanup to remove debris from a busy neighborhood intersection this month.
More than two-dozen volunteers came together to help clean a section of La Tijera Boulevard – an important thoroughfare in the Ladera neighborhood. Volunteers of all ages picked up trash and other debris at the median and around neighborhood blocks, and enjoyed some light refreshments to close out the day.
Efforts like this are the building blocks of what makes Westside neighborhoods a great place to live, work, and enjoy. Thanks to the Ladera Heights Civic Association for organizing the cleanup and Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment crews for assisting.
Learn more about the great group at the link: laderaheights.org. PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENT IN PLAYA DEL REY
The Culver Boulevard crosswalk between Nicholson Street and Pershing Drive in Playa del Rey is receiving a few safety upgrades to make the street safer for everyone who uses it.
Plans call for a new pedestrian refuge island to be installed on Culver, giving people a way to more safely make it across the street. An advanced crossing signal will also be included with flashing red stoplights that will alert drivers of pedestrians attempting to cross the street. These improvements will make it safer and easier for people to enjoy lower Playa del Rey safely, and Mike appreciates the input from the nearby neighbors who have worked with his team to make the neighborhood safer for everyone to enjoy.
Thank you LADOT for getting things done in Playa del Rey.
PUBLIC ART IN MAR VISTA!
Neighbors got a chance to offer input on new public art coming to Mar Vista at a virtual community meeting held late this month. The meeting was held as part of the Downtown Mar Vista Beautification Project and asked those in virtual attendance to offer feedback about a series of potential murals and banner artwork that will adorn Venice Boulevard in downtown Mar Vista.
Local artists submitted all proposed art and the themes of their submissions include the ocean, social justice, and Mar Vista’s history.
Congratulations to the five winners, DJ Neff, Jen Lavita, Jessica Shandler, Kelly Perez, Sei Shimura, and Eric Reyes. Each of the art pieces follows the community-selected themes of the ocean, social justice, and Mar Vista history.
The Downtown Mar Vista Beautification Project is a joint effort between LANI-Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, Studio One Eleven, Mar Vista Music & Art Walk, and Mike’s office that is working to improve the Venice Boulevard corridor in downtown Mar Vista by adding street furniture, landscaping, murals, and other design elements to make the downtown area more inviting for neighbors and visitors alike.
Thank you to all who participated in this meeting!
NOISE RELIEF FOR WLA RESIDENTS
Noise from an LADWP facility in West LA has been annoying neighbors and Mike is working to address the issue.
On February 17, Mike’s office and LADWP representatives held a meeting to inform West LA neighbors and stakeholders that sound barriers will be installed at an LADWP receiving site located at 1833 Centinela Ave. to reduce noise coming from the facility. The sound barriers will be installed this summer and Mike is hopeful that this change will relieve the frustration neighbors and stakeholders have been experiencing.
Thanks to everyone who attended the meeting and offered input about this important local upgrade.
POP UP VACCINATION SITE IN MAR VISTA
Mike stopped by Mar Vista’s Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC), which hosted a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic this month in partnership with FEMA, the California Office of Emergency Services, and CAL Fire.
The incredible staff administered a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to 250 COVID- vulnerable seniors and essential workers. Folks were REALLY excited to get their vaccinations!
DCRC will also serve as a pop-up site for a second dose for the recipients, and executive director Thomas John Hill is hopeful DCRC will be the venue for vaccination of people under 65 with disabilities — a vulnerable population that becomes eligible in March.
NEW STOP SIGN IN DEL REY
Thanks to LADOT crews for installing a stop sign in the Del Rey neighborhood.
Crews installed a new stop sign at the intersection of Barman and Slauson Avenue to remind drivers to come to a complete stop instead of rolling through the wide intersection. This will help keep residents who are strolling, exercising, or walking with families, safe.
Thank you to the neighbors who worked with Mike’s office to get this important community safety upgrade installed.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AT VENICE BEACH
Beginning March 4, critical safety upgrades will be installed on Ocean Front Walk between Marine and Washington Blvd to protect pedestrians walking along the boardwalk from oncoming traffic.
The work will add a set of bollards along Ocean Front Walk and Speedway to prevent vehicles from driving onto the boardwalk and threatening pedestrians on the world- famous walk street.
The installation of new safety measures will be performed by Perimeter Security Group and is scheduled to be complete on August 28, 2021. During construction, parking restrictions will be implemented in the immediate area of the site. Access for pedestrians to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times.
These safety improvements are part of the improvement work Mike launched in the wake of a tragedy that injured dozens and claimed the life of a tourist when someone drove onto the boardwalk. These new barriers will better protect neighbors on the boardwalk and are an important part of making Venice a fun and safe place to live, work, and enjoy.
METRO BIKES IN PLAYA VISTA
Playa Vista neighbors now have more ways to get around the community! This month, Metro’s Bike Share team added a new bike share station to Playa Vista, directly in front of the Playa Vista Library at 6400 Playa Vista Drive.
The 16-dock station houses electric and non-electric Metro bikes, which can be docked at any Metro Bike station in Los Angeles. The installation is a part of Metro Bike’s Westside Improvement Project, which will provide Angelenos with an improved and simplified bike share experience, greater system reliability, and increased bike availability.
See a complete map of Metro’s Bike Stations here. FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN WEST LA
Mike’s office has partnered with community groups to provide food for hungry neighbors living in West LA.
Every Friday in February, neighbors have been invited to pick up fresh produce boxes, eggs, and canned goods at the West LA Civic Center. The food distribution events are hosted and supported by Mike’s office, along with Latino Resource Organization and the Westside Food Bank. Food support events like these offer important assistance to families and people who would otherwise go hungry during the pandemic.
If you have questions about the local food distribution, contact Mike’s West LA Field Deputy at Ben.lazebnik@lacity.org.
SALUTING VICTOR JAUREGUI
On February 10, Victor Jauegua worked his last shift as Supervisor at the Venice Beach Recreation Center – retiring after 37 years of service to the City of Los Angeles. During his time in Venice, Victor helped establish a comprehensive permitting program at the Venice Boardwalk/Ocean Front Walk vending spaces, always strived to deliver great events and programming for the families and people of Venice, and was always held in high esteem by his colleagues and neighbors in Venice.
During a small ceremony hosted by Venice Paparazzi, Victor was presented with certificates of appreciation – including one from Mike’s office – to recognize his incredible dedication to Venice neighbors and to the City of Los Angeles.
Thank you, and be well, Victor!
WESTCHESTER READATHON
Kudos to the Open Magnet Charter School students who participated in this year’s annual Readathon.
The Readathon program aims to encourage Westchester-based elementary school students to use the school’s library, inspire students to read more during their free time, and help the school fundraise to expands its library collection. On February 22, Open Charter and the Neighborhood Council of Westchester Playa’s Education Committee hosted a virtual event to congratulate winners, including Open Magnet students Naeem Orraca-Tetteh, Arianna Zielin, Avery Toufali, Sarah Brulois, Estelle Pohle, Kelly Matsubayashi, Leo Rodin, Anastasia Wittenberg, Eli Shwartz, Oliver Aumock, Cora Kim-Brown, Séamus Joyce, Olive Acker, Destinee Viray, Evan Pohle, and Harper Haber. The students each logged the number of minutes they read during the competition, and Cora Kim-Brown recorded the most reading minutes, with more than 7000 minutes! Mike will soon present certificates to the winners.
See a complete list of winners and learn more about the program here. BUS LANE ON LINCOLN
The Lincoln Fast Forward team is conducting a second round of community outreach and is requesting input from neighbors and stakeholders on the preliminary design of transportation and safety improvements that could be installed along Lincoln Boulevard in Venice.
The Lincoln Fast Forward Project is a joint effort between LADOT and CalTrans that will add bus-only lanes to Lincoln Boulevard between Venice Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue – just south of the border between Los Angeles and the City of Santa Monica. The bus-only lanes will only be active during rush-hour, offering commuters a faster option for moving along the crowded stretch of roadway.
The team has created a helpful fact sheet and FAQ for neighbors and stakeholders to review.
You are invited to complete the survey here and please share it with friends in your neighborhood.
FEEDING FAMILIES IN NEED
This month, the city began a new city partnership with the YMCA to allow qualifying residents to pick up free meals and fresh produce at their local Y.
On the Westside, the program will operate at the Collins & Katz Family YMCA, Westchester Family YMCA, Culver-Palms Family YMCA, and Palisades-Malibu YMCA. Those venues have also been offering distance learning support programs for children, as well as other specialty support programs, since February 22.
The programs are funded through the City of Los Angeles with federal COVID relief funds.
People must register to participate in the programs, either on-site or in advance online. For more information, please contact SisySagastume@ymcaLA.org.
TOES BEACH PHOTO CONTEST
Community pride is the focus in Playa del Rey. This month, ToesBeach.com – a community group made up of neighbors near the beach in Playa del Rey – concluded its first annual Toes Beach photo contest to showcase community pride and the beauty of the beach community.
From December 15 to February 15, more than forty contestants submitted their pictures of PDR and neighbors then voted on the submissions, choosing what they felt was the best photo of the neighborhood. Congratulations to Sean Saba of Playa del Rey who received the first place prize for his picture, which he describes as, “Sunset before Christmas, when all through the beach, not a creature was stirring, not even a shirk, Only a California Santa on his fat tire mountain bike and two black lab retrievers on a lifeguard tower.”
Thanks to the Toes Beach crew for hosting a contest to ignite community spirit during the pandemic. You can see all the great photo submissions at https://toesbeach.com/photography-contest.
FREEDOM SPEECHES IN PACIFIC PALISADES
Mike was thrilled to join a group of 6th graders from the Kehiliat Israel School this month for a virtual classroom showcase.
The 6th graders were tasked to write and recite compelling freedom speeches to share their thoughts about how tradition shapes their freedom, and Mike joined the group remotely to provide input and ask students questions about their work.
Thank you to Rabbi Carrie Vogel and the rest of the staff for inviting Mike to participate in this great experience.
TREE TRIMMING WORK IN MAR VISTA
Crews recently completed work to trim trees along Barry Avenue between Clarkson Road and Sardis Avenue, and over the next few months will continue maintenance of the beautiful trees in the North Westdale neighborhood of Mar Vista.
Thanks to the city’s Urban Forestry Department for #GettingThingsDone for our neighbors and helping to maintain our urban forest.
PREPARING NEIGHBORS FOR EMERGENCIES
Are you prepared for a natural disaster?
On March 7, neighbors on the Westside are invited to join the 3rd annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair. The free virtual event will include training from local experts to prepare residents for surviving a major disaster. There will be speakers who will discuss COVID vaccine information, earthquake preparedness, and more. The fair also features special programming for kids, preschool-age children, as well as teens.
As a cosponsor, Mike is pleased to be a part of this important effort that prioritizes the safety of residents on the Westside.
RSVP for the fun and informative event here. UPDATE: NEW SIGNAL COMING TO BUSY PALISADES INTERSECTION
We are three weeks away from the installation of a new signal at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Chautauqua Boulevard.
LADOT is adding a new left-turn phasing signal to improve safety for everyone who uses the road, and to help traffic move more efficiently on the frequently-crowded street.
This improvement project is a result of the work of Palisades residents, who have been working with Mike’s office to improve street safety and the flow of traffic along the
street. The left turn phasing signal will make it much easier for drivers to safely turn when turning west from Sunset onto Chautauqua headed south, where there is a curve that prevents them from seeing oncoming traffic.
Thanks to LADOT for working with Mike’s office and to the neighbors who advocated for the important improvement.
REMOVING GRAFFITI IN BRENTWOOD
Graffiti has been appearing on sidewalks around Brentwood and Mike’s team is working to get it removed immediately.
Earlier this month, illegally spray-painted advertisements started to appear on sidewalks around the community, asking people to call a phone number to find out more about COVID testing services. These ads are illegal and the services they are advertising often turn out to be scams.
Mike and his staff are working with the City Attorney’s office and the Department of Public Works to have the graffiti removed immediately. If you see one of these spray- painted ads in your neighborhood, please contact the CD11 office at 213-444-3508.
LAPD LAUNCHES STREET RACING TASK FORCE
Illegal street racing is incredibly dangerous and disruptive to communities, and LAPD is working to address recent reports of illegal street racing activity in Mar Vista, Westchester, and other neighborhoods of the Westside.
Starting at the end of this month, officers from LAPD’s Pacific Division will participate in a targeted task force including the Culver City Police Department and California Highway Patrol that will work to stop street racing events in Westside neighborhoods.
Please contact LAPD at 877-ASK-LAPD if you have information or questions about illegal street racing on the Westside.
ADDRESSING POSTAL SERVICE ISSUES IN MAR VISTA
Staffing shortages at the Mar Vista Post Office have caused delivery delays and have disrupted mail service in some Westside neighborhoods. Since the USPS is managed by the federal as opposed to local government, Mike’s team is working with Congressmember Karen Bass’ office to ensure the issues are addressed.
Thankfully, Congressmember Bass’ office has assigned a caseworker to the issue, who is now working with United States Postal Service management to ensure mail is delivered from the Mar Vista Post Office reliably and efficiently.
If you have questions or would like to raise an issue about the Mar Vista Post Office, please contact Mike’s Mar Vista area deputy Vishesh Anand at vishesh.anand@lacity.org.
IMPORTANT SEWER REPLACEMENT PROJECT: UPDATE
The Venice Dual Force Main (VDFM) project is important sewer repair work in Playa del Rey that will protect the Santa Monica Bay from a catastrophic sewage spill in the Playa del Rey neighborhood.
Crews are currently working to construct an “emergency retrieval shaft” on Pacific Avenue between 66th Avenue and Convoy Street, adjacent to the Playa del Rey Lagoon Park, that will help them retrieve a tunnel boring machine that malfunctioned underground and became stuck. The construction work zone will occupy the parking lot adjacent to the park and restrict street parking in the area immediately adjacent to the work zone. The construction will have no impact on neighborhood traffic, but the added work will delay the completion of the project until this summer.
The VDFM project is an effort to construct a 54-inch diameter force main sewer to supplement the 48-inch diameter existing sewer to protect residents from the threat of a sewage spill that could occur from an overflow or failure of the existing force main. This is an important infrastructure upgrade and Mike is excited to see this progress. The project is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2021.
Residents are always welcomed to contact LA Sanitation 24-hour Customer Care Call Center at 1-800-773-2489 with questions or concerns.
FREE TAX PREP ASSISTANCE
The County of Los Angeles is providing residents free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
The VITA site offers free tax help to individuals and households who make $55,000 a year or less. Residents can use the VITA site locator tool on the Free Tax Prep Los Angeles website to identify and book an appointment nearest you.
Click here to get started now.
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL FILING PERIOD IS NOW OPEN
The candidate filing period is now open for Westside neighborhood councils. Serving on a neighborhood council is a great opportunity to get more involved with your neighbors and to advocate for important issues that impact your community. Councils are the closest form of government to the people. They are advisory bodies, who advocate for their communities with City Hall on important issues like development, homelessness, emergency preparedness, and other issues.
The filing period ends on March 23, 2021. At that time, candidates will be asked to submit a series of documents before being placed on the ballot for the election on June 8, 2021.
To find out more about the neighborhood council election process and upcoming filing dates, please visit https://empowerla.org/elections/.
MIKE FIGHTS TO HOUSE PEOPLE URGENTLY
With the Biden Administration offering 100% reimbursement for local efforts to use hotels and motels to house our unhoused neighbors during the pandemic, LA needs to move aggressively to expand Project Roomkey to bring thousands of people indoors to safety.
Mike partnered with Councilmember Nithya Raman to propose legislation this month, calling for the city to use the promise of federal reimbursement to quickly and dramatically ramp up the use of hotels and motels for emergency housing.
The motion also directs the City Attorney to report on whether the City can, if needed, commandeer and compensate hotels to get them to participate. The motion further called for officials to consult with unhoused residents, service agencies, and motel/hotel operators on how to expand and improve the program, finding ways to make it more attractive for residents, operators, and owners.
In 2020, four unhoused people died in LA every day, In January, the number rose to five. We MUST seize this opportunity to use every possible hotel and motel room for emergency housing — and make sure it is a first and irreversible step to long-term housing. With the city in a fiscal crisis, the pace of FEMA reimbursements is surely an issue, but it cannot be a roadblock. As Nithya noted, we must prevail on the state to help with the cash flow. Where there is a will (and a guaranteed reimbursement), there must be a way.
Mike’s legislation was unanimously approved by the Homelessness and Poverty committee this month, and is expected to be considered by the full city council soon.
We are making exciting progress toward opening new housing for formerly homeless veterans at the West LA VA Campus!
Thanks to funding from voter-approved Proposition HHH, 120 units of housing will soon be opened in Buildings 205 and 208 on the Brentwood campus, which is part of a Master Plan for the campus that will eventually add 1,200 units of housing for formerly homeless veterans.
The work on buildings 205 and 208 broke ground over the summer, and once the refurbishment is complete, each building will feature a community kitchen, laundry room, reading room, and activity room that can also serve as a counseling area and community room. Veterans will have access to support services and to help them get back on their feet while having a stable place to live. The work is scheduled to be complete at the end of the year.
Thanks to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Step UP, Shangri-LA construction, and Supervisor Sheila Kuehl for your partnership to move this project forward.
Find out more and watch the groundbreaking video below.
MIKE PUSHES BOLD STEP TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS
If we want to make serious progress on the homeless crisis in Los Angeles, the city needs to consider entering into a judicial consent decree supervision of Judge David O. Carter.
We have to eradicate the need for collective buy-in to build more housing and to implement programming that has the power to reduce homelessness – quickly and efficiently. When it comes to homelessness in Los Angeles, what’s at work isn’t working. The unhoused continue to die on our streets and sidewalks, and residents watch helplessly as our neighborhoods are transformed into stunning indictments of our failed social safety system. We need a different approach.
We need to acknowledge that the way LA City government, LA County government, and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority are designed — with diffused power and accountability — makes an appropriate response to our homelessness structurally impossible.
The idea of a consent decree is controversial, but Mike believes that entering into a consent decree would be a voluntary act, a display of willing leadership. If we do not act, we risk Judge Carter placing the City and the County into receivership — which would accurately be seen as a failure of our local government. It is increasingly clear
from Judge Carter’s justifiably impatient and angry tone that the option is on the table and it is up to us to act.
Read Mike’s full op-ed, here. TALKING TRUTH ABOUT HOMELESSNESS
Mike joined the Los Angeles Business Council as a panelist for its “Moving Toward A Comprehensive Strategy for Homelessness” conversation this month.
The conversation was a part of the LABC’s Mayoral Housing, Transportation, and Jobs Summit, which focused on addressing the mounting affordable housing and congestion crisis and their effect on businesses and employment in the LA region.
Mike spoke about how a voluntary consent decree with Judge David O. Carter – if done right – can force action to provide long-term housing, crisis shelters, and real solutions. He also spoke of the need to ramp up Project Roomkey to move people indoors and to save lives urgently. Finally, he argued that it is vital to center the voices of the unhoused in discussions about solving homelessness, and urged attendees to watch Invisible People and listen to the “We The Unhoused” and the “Hello Dogtown” podcasts to learn more about how the decisions we make actually affect people on the street.
You can watch the one-hour panel at the 7 hr, 40 min mark of the 9-hour summit video at the link below. You can catch the whole summit at https://bit.ly/2NpaETB.
STREET MEDICINE IN VENICE: DOCUMENTARY
The non-profit organization Invisible People released a great mini-documentary this month, which profiles Dr. Coley King of Venice Family Clinic, and examines his work as a practitioner of “street medicine,” meaning he makes house calls to people who don’t have houses to live in.
After addressing immediate health needs, street medicine teams try to connect homeless clients with follow-up services like mental health and addiction treatment, and ideally, housing. Dr. King has been delivering medical care at encampments in Venice for several years. The mini-documentary follows him as he visits Laura, Morris, Simba, and Arkansas. The documentary is just 12 minutes long and well worth watching.
Click HERE to check it out.
GAME-CHANGING RAIL PROJECT
Metro released recommendations for the Sepulveda Transit Project this month – a crucial milestone in our quest for a transit link between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside — and eventually to LAX.
The I-405 is the most heavily traveled freeway in the U.S. and there is currently no viable transit option for the people who travel this corridor every day. The Sepulveda Transit Corridor project is the holy grail of the Measure M work program and will require innovation, flexibility, and a whole lot of money to build. Mike is excited that Metro will be leveraging the creativity and the resources of the private sector to deliver this project.
There are so many decisions that need to be made to get this project right: the mode, the alignment, the station locations, and community access—all within a limited budget and as fast as possible. These decisions will be made over the coming months and years as this project goes through community engagement and environmental review. Mike looks forward to working with the two recommended teams to design this once-in-a-generation project in a way that meets the region’s transit needs and works for our neighborhoods.
This is a major component of Mike’s #WestsideFastForward effort to give people more options to get around the Westside and it is exciting to see it advance.
CAN METRO REDUCE TRAFFIC?
Our regional transportation authority is considering an idea that could dramatically improve traffic by charging people to use some of the busiest corridors during rush hour.
Metro held a community meeting this month to discuss its Traffic Reduction Study, an effort that will look at how the city can reduce traffic by managing roadway demand. The most hotly debated part of the study is the consideration of congestion pricing – a system that manages the demand for driving by charging people to use the road in specific places when there is congestion. The program would be instituted along with the creation of more convenient and high-quality transportation options, which would help improve the experience of getting around Los Angeles for everyone.
During the virtual public meeting, Metro shared the early traffic reduction concepts that will be further studied and discussed with the public, what they have heard so far in our engagement, and how this ongoing dialogue is shaping the study moving forward.
LA Metro’s Metro Micro is providing cost-efficient rides in select neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, including in Playa del Rey, Westchester, and areas near LAX on the Westside.
Metro Micro is an on-demand ridesharing service designed to make it easier for residents to get around in their communities. It’s also a great alternative to driving when making essential trips for COVID vaccinations or testing, and more. To keep riders safe, the service is following strict health guidelines including mandatory face coverings for drivers and passengers, clear vehicle sneeze guard partitions that will separate the driver from passengers, and restricted vehicle capacity to allow for better passenger distancing.
Residents living in the service zones can access “Metro Micro” using their phone, the Metro Micro app, internet browser, or Metro’s call center at 323.GO.METRO (323.466.3876) to book a ride.
Metro Micro is available 5 a.m.-10 a.m. and 2 p.m.-7 p.m., Monday – Friday. The vehicles can accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes. Sign up for the service here.
FIGHTING TO RESTORE METRO BUS SERVICE
Mike once again pushed hard for restoring Metro bus service as soon as possible at this month’s Metro Board meeting.
After the Safer At Home Order was issued early in the pandemic, Metro reduced service by 20% due to lower ridership and the financial impact of COVID-19. Ever since, Mike has heard from riders about overcrowded buses that don’t allow enough room for safe physical distancing. Mike has repeatedly raised these issues with Metro staff and at monthly Board meetings, and introduced motions in September and again in January directing staff to begin restoring service. This month, staff presented an inadequate plan that would not have fully restored service until the end of 2021.
After listening to several hours of testimony from bus riders, Mike joined his colleagues in voting to override the staff recommendation and to instead bring back full service as soon as possible – no later than the end of this summer. Metro is a lifeline for many people who rely on bus service to get around LA and we must do better to ensure that everyone has access to safe and convenient transportation.
FARE-FREE TRANSIT COMING TO LA METRO
Last September, Metro CEO Phil Washington proposed that Metro go permanently fare- free after the pandemic, an idea that Mike enthusiastically supports.
This month, Washington presented a more specific pilot program that would move in that direction: giving all low-income riders and students a “Freedom Pass” allowing for unlimited rides at no cost. The program would be phased in starting in January 2022, with households making under $35,000 per year (which accounts for 70% of Metro’s ridership) and then adding students in fall 2022. Metro will start taking immediate steps to prepare for the launch of the Freedom Pass, including developing a streamlined application process and hiring more bus operators in anticipation of higher ridership. Metro expects to present the final Freedom Pass pilot program details for the Board’s approval in May.
Read more about the idea in LAist.
FIGHTING FOR CLEAN ENERGY
This month, LADWP gave a status report on a comprehensive study that aims to chart a course toward 100% clean energy in Los Angeles.
The work to move Los Angeles toward completely clean energy reached a milestone this month, as Los Angeles Department of Water and Power staff presented a status update on the report being compiled by a panel of experts, academics, environmentalists, energy industry leaders, and neighbors that will help show policymakers exactly how to convert LA’s large and complex energy infrastructure to operate on clean energy. The status update was offered during a meeting of the Energy, Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and River Committee, and it will be the final check-in with the City Council before the group completes their work incorporating public input and then presenting a finished report to the City.
The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) is leading the work to produce this important report, which is the product of legislation Mike and his colleague Councilmember Paul Krekorian introduced. NREL is working with stakeholders and experts to complete the “LA100 Study” – a roadmap to a completely clean energy portfolio in Los Angeles. You can learn more about the LA100 working group here.
ENDING FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES
The City Council took an important step toward ending subsidies for fossil fuels this month.
By a unanimous vote, the City Council began the process of renegotiating a franchise deal with SoCalGas that would allow the city to charge the company more money to use the city’s land for its operations.
The current agreement, which has been in place since 1992, is out of date and the process of updating it requires a study to assess the fair market value of the city resources SoCalGas relies on to reach customers throughout Los Angeles. Now that the City Council has approved funding to complete this required study, we are one step closer to being able to negotiate a new agreement with the utility company.
Mike is working to end the use of fossil fuels in Los Angeles, but as long as the transition to cleaner energy continues, we cannot allow corporations that profit from dirty and dangerous fossil fuels to benefit from a bad deal for taxpayers.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND A NEW CIVIC CENTER
We are getting closer to the revitalization of the West LA (WLA) Civic Center!
The City Council approved steps this month to allow AvalonBay and Abode Communities to work with the community on plans to replace the under-utilized complex with a beautiful space that provides open space, a community gathering place, and affordable housing.
The team will work with neighbors to turn the site, which includes the West LA Courthouse, as well as the adjacent City-owned properties, including the West LA Municipal Building, Felicia Mahood Multi-Purpose Center, and Open Space Bandshell, into affordable and market-rate housing, retail and restaurants, open and community space, and expanded parking. The proposal has been updated and refined to reflect extensive community feedback, including scaling back the originally proposed 23-story tower to no higher than eight stories.
The WLA Civic Center has the potential to be a great and welcome new asset for the community. Mike is grateful for the involvement of more than 1,000 residents who shared their thinking over the last year and looks forward to ensuring continued community input to shape and determine the ultimate project.
If you’d like to learn more about the AvalonBay and Abode proposal, including updated renderings of the site, please click here: https://supervisorkuehl.com/civiccenter/.
MIKE FIGHTS TO PROTECT HILLSIDE AND CANYON AREAS
Hillside and canyon communities on the Westside are at high risk of wildfire, and as the city plans for new housing, we must also plan to protect people.
Last year, a draft document intended to help guide housing development in Los Angeles was released. Unfortunately, the document largely dismissed the impacts wildfires and other damage being done by the climate will have on hillside and canyon communities. Mike wrote a letter to the Director of Los Angeles City Planning this month, asking that a wildfire study be included in the next version of the document, so future development will be built in a way that acknowledges the higher risk of fire and prepares to minimize the threat to neighbors.
It is crucial that the fire risk to people living in hillside and canyon communities be a part of any conversations about housing in these areas, and Mike appreciates the work on our city planners now incorporating this important information into the Housing Element.
You can learn more about the Housing EIR. PROTECTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING
We need affordable housing everywhere — including in neighborhoods near the coast.
The Mello Act is a state law that requires cities to protect affordable housing in the coastal zone, but the city has not adopted a permanent ordinance to enshrine the protections in the city code.
On February 25, Mike’s team joined the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and People Organized for Westside Renewal (POWER) in urging the City Planning Commission to put real teeth into that permanent ordinance, so it protects and promotes affordable housing in the coastal zone.
For decades, the city has had a confusing and weak interpretation of state rules protecting affordable housing along the coast, contributing to a dramatic loss in affordable housing and displacing longtime residents. Mike has been working with affordable housing advocates on creating stronger, enforceable rules.
After hearing from neighbors at the February meeting, the Planning Commission postponed a vote on the issue until May. After the CPC hearing in May, this ordinance will move to the City Council, where Mike looks forward to finally getting it done.
More affordable housing is imperative — in all neighborhoods throughout the city, including along our coast.
AN EASIER TRIP TO LAX
LAX is making tremendous progress on its effort to revolutionize the way passengers get to, from, and around the region’s largest airport.
Work continues on the various elements of the Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), which includes a new aerial Automated People Mover, a Consolidated Rent-a- Car (ConRAC) facility, a Maintenance and Storage Facility for the people mover, and the Intermodal Transportation Facility-West (ITF-West). This month, crews completed a phase of work on the Automated People Mover guideway, which now wraps around the iconic Themed building at the airport. Crews have also completely torn down terminal three to make room for construction to modernize the facility, which will connect the Tom Bradley International Terminal with the Automated People Mover.
Mike is very excited about the LAMP project moving forward and has worked to ensure the Metro Crenshaw/LAX line connects conveniently to the airport, offering travelers an alternative to driving to and from the airport and offering neighbors living near LAX in Westchester and Playa del Rey relief from traffic and air pollution caused by traffic generated by the airport.
FIGHTING RACIAL BIAS IN TRAFFIC STOPS
How do we end racially biased traffic stops? How do stop law enforcement agencies from pulling over and searching African-Americans and Latinos at disproportionate rates?
The Los Angeles City Council took a first step at attacking that problem, approving a motion Mike wrote with Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. to explore moving enforcement of most routine traffic and moving violations from LAPD to other agencies and strategies. To start reimagining how we keep our streets safe — how we can make sure everyone, regardless of race, age, or zip code, can move freely and safely – the city will begin with deep engagement from impacted communities, with an analysis of the data that has shown racial bias in traffic stops, and with an examination of alternative ways to enforce things like vehicle code violations, illegal turns, and speeding violations.
Over the past year, Angelenos have said they want to revisit when, if, and whether armed police officers with the authority to use deadly force are an appropriate response to a variety of scenarios. As we reimagine public safety, as chair of our
Transportation Committee, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Metro Los Angeles, Mike will be focused intently on the intersections of transportation and safety.
Read more about the legislation here. FIGHTING FOR CLEAN MONEY CAMPAIGNS
There is a big loophole in a campaign finance reform measure approved by the City Council in 2019, and we should close it.
This month, Mike proposed that the city’s ban on campaign contributions from real estate developers take effect immediately, and not after the 2022 primaries for mayor, city attorney, city controller, and more than half of the City Council.
When the City Council approved the developer ban in 2019, Council voted to delay implementation until the 2022 runoff elections because of fears the Ethics Commission would not have a searchable database ready for campaigns to easily vet donations and stay in compliance. It was a legitimate concern — but the recent election in Council District 4 shows campaigns can comply even without such a database. Both candidates for the seat said they would decline developer donations, even though they were not yet banned, and self-vetted the contributions they received.
Mike is asking that the ordinance be changed so that it is in effect during both the primary and general elections, affecting any and all future donations. Mike thanks Councilmember Nithya Raman for joining him in presenting this motion.
COUNCIL APPROVES HERO PAY FOR GROCERY WORKERS
Our grocery workers deserve hazard pay for risking their lives by showing up to work at essential jobs every day during the pandemic – and this month the City Council approved a motion to give it to them.
The council voted to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance requiring large grocery stores and pharmacy retailers to pay employees an additional $5 per hour over the next four months. These stores are making record profits and executives are taking home huge salaries while workers are showing up every day, putting themselves and their loved ones at risk of exposure to COVID. The hazard pay is the least that companies like Kroger can do.
Thank you to Council President Nury Martinez and Councilmembers Mitch O’Farrell, Paul Koretz, and Curren D. Price, Jr. for proposing this action, and to all the people and organizations who voiced their support. Mike looks forward to supporting this ordinance and is hopeful the Council can approve additional hazard pay measures, covering other essential employees.
STANDING UP FOR OUR YOUTH
Without dedicated and focused resources on and for our youth, we squander their future.
Mike joined Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez, Kevin de León, and Nithya Raman this month to propose the creation of a Youth Development Department in Los Angeles.
There are more than 800,000 young people between 10 and 25 in Los Angeles, and nearly a quarter of them live in poverty. Nearly 70,000 young people are disconnected from school and job opportunities, and more than 3,000 are homeless.
A Youth Development Department will help consolidate the variety of services the city offers young people and will allow for programs to be more effective in how they spend tax dollars.
Whether it is unemployment, gun violence, climate change, or a lack of affordable housing, our youth are facing the tip of the spear. They must be allowed to define the agenda and shape the future. Mike is proud to join his colleagues in this important work.
MORE HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Small Business Association has opened an exclusive two-week window for small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees to apply for possibly forgivable loans from the federal government.
The loans can help small businesses cover costs necessary for keeping their doors open and their workers employed. Bigger businesses will be blocked from applying during this time period.
More small business owners will also become eligible for the program the first week in March, including small business owners with Green Cards or on visas; those with non- fraud-related felonies; and those small business owners who are delinquent on federal student loans.
Also, self-employed, sole proprietors, and independent contractors qualify for more money. They previously were excluded altogether, or received very little, as the loan amounts were calculated based on the number of employees.
Click HERE to learn more about the changes to the program and how you can apply. BUILDING BACK BETTER WITH A PUBLIC BANK IN LA
On February 23, Mike joined some of his colleagues and organizers from “People’s Bank LA” for a conversation about how a publicly owned bank in the city of Los Angeles could help us build back better from this pandemic and this recession.
With a public bank, owned by and accountable to the people of Los Angeles, we can invest in our neighborhoods, promote affordable housing, help struggling small businesses, support a just transition to a green economy, and advance equity. This is an exciting opportunity to create a system that champions people and not special interests.
To learn more about Public Bank Los Angeles, click here. Click here to see the full February 23 town hall event.
FIGHTING FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS
People living in the more than 9,300 units of public housing in Los Angeles need a voice in how the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) spends federal money where they live. This month, Mike partnered with Councilmembers Nithya Raman and Monica Rodriguez to propose a big fix to this problem. The legislation submitted by the trio of Councilmembers would require more transparency and participatory budgeting for LA public housing residents, asking for information from HACLA, from Resident Advisory Councils at public housing sites, and for HACLA to use participatory budgeting in the future.
Find out more and read the legislation here. FIGHTING FOR RATEPAYERS
The City Council approved legislation this month to offer relief in the form of payment deferments, payment plans, and late fee waivers for small businesses and owners of multi-family buildings that hire contracted waste haulers to help the city meet ambitious recycling goals.
The legislation, first proposed by Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, adds to a list of ways service providers in the RecycLA program have worked to alleviate the financial pressures caused by the pandemic. So far, waste hauling service providers have proactively reached out to customers to discuss service level adjustments or temporarily suspending service. The added options of payment plans and deferrals will help offer more relief for the small businesses and property managers looking to keep costs manageable during the crisis.
COUNCIL APPROVES UPDATED DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION TRAINING
The City Council unanimously voted this month to tell the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment that it must include gender expression/gender identity in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training it is preparing for neighborhood council members. The move came as the product of legislation proposed by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who was building on the earlier efforts of Mike and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell.
In addition to including gender expression and gender identity in the diversity training all neighborhood councilmembers will receive, the City Council voted to require additional training for a neighborhood council if a member or active stakeholder transitions or announces an intention to do so.
LA needs to do everything it can to respect and protect trans rights and to make sure no member of the community is disrespected or mistreated. The City Council took steps to do that this month and Mike hopes we will lead and take many, many more in the future.
SPECIAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY There is a special election in Senate District 30 on Tuesday, March 2. The district overlaps portions of the Westside, including much of Mar Vista, Del Rey, and West LA. Click here to check your registration and to access your sample ballot. Similar to how things worked during the November General Election, all eligible voters received mail ballots for the election. If you haven’t returned your ballot yet, you can click here to find a ballot drop box near you.
Good evening, Here are some of the latest updates on important news for our community. Included in this week’s Westside Bulletin: COVID-19 Updates, Free Tax Prep Information, Business Relief, a Department of Cultural Affairs Survey, Youth Opportunities, and Upcoming Community Events
COVID-19 UPDATES
Here are the facts you need to know:
STAY INFORMED: It can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing vaccine news. Get key information by signing up for email updates from the L.A. County Department of Public Health. Tell your friends and family to sign up for this VaxFacts newsletter or follow us at @MayorOfLA on Twitter. You can check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
NOTIFY LA: The City has also sent targeted text updates to communities with high cases of COVID-19. In just the first three weeks of these joint vaccine equity efforts, appointments booked by Black Angelenos increased by nearly a third. To receive text updates, sign up for Notify LA.
‘MOVE’ VACCINE EQUITY PROGRAM: Our new MOVE initiative is deploying mobile vaccination clinics to the most vulnerable parts of Los Angeles. So far, mobile teams have administered over 5,351 doses across sites in South and East L.A., and each clinic has the capacity to vaccinate 200 people per day. This week, MOVE expanded operations to include two additional mobile teams –– and we administered doses across locations in Vermont Square, Pico-Union, Chinatown, Van Nuys, and Boyle Heights.
VACCINE ACCESS FOR ALL ABILITIES: This week we’re opening an express lane at Dodger Stadium for customers of Access Services, the agency that provides transportation to Angelenos with disabilities. Access riders can book their vaccination appointment pending availability and a round-trip ride to Dodger Stadium by calling (626) 532-1616.
BY THE NUMBERS: The City of Los Angeles has administered 367,206 vaccine doses at our six City-run vaccination sites, skilled nursing facilities, and fire stations. Since last Monday, our centers have provided 40,107 life-saving vaccinations despite supply and weather challenges.
ELIGIBLE NOW: All L.A. residents 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine in L.A. County, in addition to healthcare workers, certain essential frontline workers, and residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities.
UP NEXT: L.A. County announced those who are in Phase 1B, Tier 1 –– including teachers and workers in education and childcare, food and agriculture, and emergency service and law enforcement –– will become eligible for vaccination on March 1st. In addition, the State announced that vaccinations will open to residents between 16 and 64 years old who have certain disabilities or severe underlying medical conditions on March 15th. Sign up to be automatically notified when you become eligible for the vaccine. You can also check what phase you’ll be in.
VACCINATION SITES: More than 488 locations are currently vaccinating people in L.A. County. As more doses become available in the coming months, more sites and providers will administer shots. When your turn arrives, you can make an appointment through the County hub and bring your ID to the site. If you are 65 or older, have a disability, or do not have access to the internet and need assistance making your vaccination appointment, you can contact the County’s Call Center –– open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated.
FREE TAX PREP L.A.
The 2021 tax-filing season is here, and Los Angeles is excited to launch its fifth year of the Free Tax Prep LA program at FamilySource Centers and other locations across the city. The idea is simple: every Angeleno deserves the chance to access any tax credits available to working families, even if you can’t afford to hire an accountant. So, we have experts and volunteers ready to offer free tax help to individuals and households who make less than $57,000 a year and qualify for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit. For a list of locations and hours, visit FreeTaxPrepLA.com. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Persian, Armenian, and Korean.
BUSINESS RELIEF
U.S. SBA Paycheck Protection Program
President Joe Biden announced changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer PPP loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable and borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. More information can be found here.
Small Business Stabilization Loan Program
Los Angeles County has launched the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program designed to provide eligible businesses with a competitive interest rate for loans ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. The Small Business Stabilization Loan Program application portal will remain open indefinitely. The Program offers technical assistance from partners who offer complementary online webinars, one-on-one financial consultations, application assistance, and an evaluation of a business’ readiness to submit an LACDA loan application. For more information on the requirements to apply for the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program, please visit BizStabilization.lacda.org. Technical assistance is available in various languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), and Korean.
Free PPE for Small Businesses
The PPE Unite™ program is a joint effort to give small business owners and their employees access to much-needed personal protective gear. This public and private partnership program creates access to PPE, promotes PPE use, and provides additional resources for businesses. We need to work together to safely reopen our local economy for the health of our businesses and the general public. Get your 30 day supply of free Personal Protective Equipment to keep your business compliant and employees safe. Sign up now to get PPE while supplies last.
City of Los Angeles Business Tax Renewal Season
The Office of Finance is currently in the midst of its Business Tax Renewal season. Customers must renew by March 1 to avoid penalties and take advantage of possible EXEMPTIONS. All businesses are required to file an annual tax renewal regardless of whether or not the business generated revenue for that tax year. Filing the renewals timely avoids late penalties and fees and also ensures that businesses can take advantage of all available tax credits and incentives. To assist business owners with renewals, the Office of Finance has created a Business Tax Renewals FAQ found here: English or Spanish. It provides information regarding our public counter hours, making appointments and completing the renewals. For more information please visit: City of Los Angeles Office of Finance
L.A. Optimized
LA Optimized provides individualized tech support to help small businesses adapt to the digital marketplace. The program helps businesses create or optimize websites, increase online sales, create business listings, and access branding and marketing help.
Open For Business
Open For Business is designed to support local restaurants and stimulate economic activity in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Open For Business provides Los Angeles restaurants commission-free digital ordering tools to expand contactless options for customers, as well as access to an over $1 million marketing budget to incentivize customers to order.
BusinessSource Centers
Technical assistance for COVID-19-related business loans and grants. Click here for more information.
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS SURVEY
The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is launching a survey to assess the demand for arts and cultural experiences in our city during this pandemic and beyond. This survey is only for those who reside within the geographic limits of the City of Los Angeles. The survey is available in English and Spanish and will inform a comprehensive report on access and the need for cultural services in communities throughout the city. We invite you to join this effort. The survey will be available until March 5.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
USC Annenberg Youth Academy for Media & Civic EngagementThe USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is accepting applications for the Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA), a three-week online summer intensive academy for 28 talented high school students from Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and San Diego County. Students are exposed to the equivalent of first-year college-level courses and develop a rich conceptual understanding and practice of the necessary role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators. AYA strengthens students’ skills in writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing and ethnography — all essential competencies required for excellence in and out of the classroom in the 21st century. For more information please visit this website. To complete the application click here. Application closes on Friday, March 19, 2021. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Youth Advisory CouncilThe Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking dedicated, enthusiastic and motivated youth to join its 3rd cohort of the Youth Advisory Council. The DPH Youth Advisory Council will serve as an advisory board to identify, discuss, and inform DPH leadership on youth issues and programming. The mission of the DPH Youth Advisory Council is to raise awareness of health issues affecting our communities, while working in collaboration with DPH leadership to advise on public health solutions that improve the health and well-being of youth in Los Angeles County. The application for the DPH Youth Advisory Council is attached. You may also visit the MCAH website and download an application here. Submit application to YouthAdvisoryCouncil@ph.lacounty.gov by Friday, April 2, 2021.
EVENTS
3rd Annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair
Sunday, March 7th, 2021 from 11am-3pmThe Westside Neighborhood Council is excited to be a sponsor of the 3rd Annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair which is an important and highly informative community preparedness event. There will be a terrific line-up of keynote speakers, presentations and training such as Hands-Only CPR, Stop the Bleed, and Pet First Aid and CPR. With this event being entirely virtual, you can learn important safety and disaster preparedness topics from the comfort of your own living room. Bring the kids too — there will be presentations just for them! See attached flyer for more details and register via the Event page.
Brentwood Community Council Food Drive
Saturday, March 27th from 10am-2pmThe Brentwood Community Council is hosting a food drive benefiting the Westside Food Bank. Westside Food Bank has specifically requested non-perishable items including canned goods, dry foods, pasta, peanut butter, etc. Folks can drop off these items on Saturday, March 27th from 10am-2pm in front of the Brentwood Science Magnet School, located at 740 S Gretna Green Way, Los Angeles, CA 90049. See attached flyer.
LADOT: Payment Relief Options Please forward this along to anyone who may find it useful. As always, if you have questions about anything mentioned in this email––or if the Mayor’s Office can help you with something else––please don’t hesitate to be in touch. Best, Brad —
South Mar Vista Neighborhood Association 