Here’s a quick recap of what’s happening in the Seventh Council District this week:
Combating Homelessness & Making Real Progress
In January, my staff and I joined thousands of volunteers to participate in the annual Greater LA Homeless Count, a point-in-time census of our region’s homeless population. This week, the results revealed that our overall efforts to combat homelessness are working. For the first time in four years, there is a decrease in homelessness in LA County, a 5% decline in the City and a 3% decline in the County. More than 16,500 people were housed last year, representing a 28% increase and the highest number ever achieved in the region. While these numbers are promising, there is much more work ahead to address this crisis. The results also revealed that about 46% of the homeless population were experiencing homelessness for the first time because of job loss and other financial reasons. Rest assured, I am approaching this issue with every sense of urgency as it impacts the well-being and safety of our community. My CD 7 Homelessness Task Force continues to work on solving local issues in our community. We cannot address homelessness on our streets alone and must continue to work together to tackle this humanitarian crisis in a comprehensive way. For more detailed results of the Homeless Count results, visit here.
Delivering for the 7th Council District
Over the last month, I joined my colleagues in tirelessly reviewing and amending the Mayor’s proposed budget. This week, the $9.9 billion budget for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year was officially approved. I was proud to participate in my first budget cycle and ensure that the plan reflects our District’s priorities. I successfully secured funding for the following projects and initiatives in the 7th Council District:
This week, I joined the Bureau of Street Services to install the second cool pavement in the 7th District in Mission Hills near Lassen Elementary School (our first is located at Lopez Canyon Environmental Education Center in Sylmar). The cool coating reflects the sun’s heat, rather than having the heat absorbed by the surface, and reduces the temperature by nearly 10 degrees. High temperatures and climate change are real issues in the Northeast Valley and we must continue to find innovative solutions.
✔️ $2.5 Million for Enhancements at North Valley City Hall
I secured funding to renovate a hub for constituent services and community events in the Sunland-Tujunga neighborhood. The improvements include facade restorations, enhancements to the community room, and a revamp of the public space.
✔️ $2.3 Million for Infrastructure Improvements Following the La Tuna Canyon Road Landslide
In late March, heavy rains caused a landslide on La Tuna Canyon Road and impacted a storm drain running beneath the road. I secured funding to replace the storm drain pipe and provide necessary repairs to mitigate damages to the vulnerable hillside.
✔️ $1.4 Million for Renovations at Roger Jessup Park in Pacoima
I secured funding to enhance this popular park space in Pacoima. The renovations include a new playground, revamped public restrooms, and an improved community recreation space.
✔️ $200,000 for the Sylmar Fire Station Study
I acquired funding to begin a study and process to secure a fire station in Sylmar. The monies will be used to hire a consultant who will develop a concept report that identifies the location and costs of the proposed station. Given the recent fires in the 7th District, the Sylmar community must be equipped with the appropriate resources to ensure the public’s safety.
✔️ $200,000 for the DASH Expansion Study (Sylmar Metrolink to CSUN)
The funding secured will be used to begin a study to expand the LADOT DASH service, a frequent and inexpensive bus service, to connect our students and neighborhoods to places across the City.
Keeping Our Neighborhoods Clean
Happy to announcement that I secured new automated litter bins that will be placed at several locations across the 7th District. Each bin will result in two tons less litter on our streets each year. These new bins are part of my initiative to beautify and keep our neighborhoods clean. Everyone can play a role in cleaning our streets. To report illegal dumping or request bulky item pick up, simply call 3-1-1 or download the MyLA311 app.
Mark Your Calendars for Summer Movie Nights
Happy Pride Month. I am proud to host a free movie screening of Raising Zoey and a panel discussion on LGBTQ family acceptance within the Latino community at Pacoima City Hall on June 23rd. Come hear from 13 year-old trans activist Zoey Luna who in the face of bullying and endless teasing from both school officials and students, continues to courageously live her life and tell her story in hopes of helping others with similar experiences. To RSVP and for more information, visit: bit.ly/RaisingZoeyPCH
Photo of the Week
Happy Pride! Every June, cities across the country celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) History Month and honor the accomplishments and diversity of LGBTQ individuals. This week, I honored Captain Peter Casey of the LAPD Mission Division at the City’s Opening Ceremony for LGBTQ History Month. Captain Casey has three decades of service and leadership experience in the LAPD. Most notably, during the Creek Fire, Captain Casey served in the Incident Management Team — a task force responsible for the evacuation, traffic control, and security detail for communities impacted by the fire. Thank you, Captain Casey, for your tremendous contributions to our neighborhoods and work to advance the LGBTQ community.