Here’s a quick recap of what’s happening in the Seventh Council District this week:
Council Approves $9.9 Billion Budget
This week, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously adopted a proposed $9.9 billion budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. I was proud to participate in my first budget cycle and ensure that the plan reflects our District’s priorities. This budget now heads back to Mayor Eric Garcetti for a final signature. A few highlights from the budget:
- $9.9 billion total city budget (this is a 7.5 percent increase over last year)
- $440 million in housing and services for the homeless, the highest amount ever budgeted
- $147.8 million for street maintenance
- $41 million in sidewalk repairs ($10 million more than last year)
- Funding to hire 200 new firefighters
Through this budget process, I secured funding to prioritize public safety, improve local transportation services, and repair public infrastructure impacted by heavy rain and mudslides in the 7th District. A full list of funding secured for the District will be shared shortly.
To Preserve and Protect Horse-Keeping
This week, the City Council took steps to establish guidelines for the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also commonly referred to as ‘granny flats.’ A draft ordinance will be reviewed by the City’s Planning Commission before returning to the full City Council for approval. I have been working proactively to ensure that the proposed draft ordinance includes measures to protect horse-keeping in the City of Los Angeles.
Current State legislation allows the placement of ADUs with minimal restrictions. The City requires a minimum distance between equine uses, single family homes, ADUs, and other habitable rooms. However, State legislation does not address these distance requirements. In March, I introduced legislation instructing City agencies to report back on potential development standards to ensure that the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) do not adversely impact horse-keeping in the City of Los Angeles. The 7th Council District is home to one of the most diverse equine communities in the City and we must continue to preserve it for future generations to come. Read my motion, here.
Beautifying Our Neighborhoods
Great progress this past week in 7th Council District. Our City crews trimmed hundreds of overgrown trees on Sepulveda Boulevard, between Chatsworth Street and Nordoff Street in North Hills. These trees were blocking the public’s right-of-way. See an overgrown tree in your neighborhood? Simply call 3-1-1 or download the MyLA311 app to report fallen palm fronds, remove beehives, and address tree emergencies. More information, here.
Creating Safer Communities
I’m teaming up with the Southern California Association of Government to “Go Human” — an effort to encourage Southern Californians to use human-powered transportation and change how we think about others on the road. My office placed “slow down” signs at schools across the 7th Council District. We hope to create safer and healthier cities through education, advocacy, information sharing and events that help residents re-envision their neighborhoods.
Photo of the Week
This week, I participated in the California Women’s List panel along with other incredible women leaders in Los Angeles to discuss the importance of using our voices in the political process. We must ensure that we elect more women and leaders who are reflective of our values.