Statement on LAPD Topanga Station Rumors
(Photo of LAPD Topanga Station)
A few individuals have started to spread false rumors about the LAPD Topanga Police Station. I absolutely will do everything in my power to prevent station closures and ensure that first responders have the resources they need to keep our communities safe. I continue to be a steadfast supporter of all three of the stations in my district — Topanga, West Valley and Devonshire — and am extremely grateful to the brave men and women who protect and serve our community every day. We are in financially perilous times right now and it’s important to understand what is and isn’t happening with regard to the Police budget and other City Departments budgets. Click here to read my full blog post about the City’s current financial shortfalls and my efforts to fight against any closures.
City Council Passes Blumenfield Motion To Streamline City Processes For Restaurants During Pandemic
(Photo of Nicola's Kitchen, one of many West Valley restaurants that will benefit from new streamlined processes)
Responding to the struggles of restaurant owners and operators in the economic downturn and rules from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles City Council advanced Councilmember Blumenfield’s proposal which contained more than thirty recommendations to streamline various City processes impacting local restaurants and other food and beverage outlets. These measures will help existing restaurants modify their conditions or add services, and should help them keep their doors open and workers employed.
“With COVID-19, it is not business as usual. Restaurants and other businesses have been doing everything possible to stay afloat, make payroll and keep their lights and stoves on - we need to make it easier to stay in business in LA,” said Blumenfield. “Sadly, many of these local businesses may still fail, and we need to do better for the next generation of entrepreneurs who dream of opening their own place.” To learn more about these recommendations, click here to read the full press release.
Blumenfield Calls On State to Direct $2 Billion for Local Governments to Help with Covid-19 Induced Shortfalls
On January 12, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield introduced a resolution calling on the California State Legislature to provide one-time funding of $2 billion in direct assistance to local governments to help replace COVID-19 related revenue shortfalls. Due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, many cities are facing crippling deficits with impacts that could be felt for generations. “We can’t spend money we don't have, but our colleagues in the State are in a position to help our shared constituents,” said Blumenfield. “This isn't just about saving the jobs of hard working civil servants, this is about making sure the public is kept safe, that critical services are delivered, and that local government doesn’t get irreparably hollowed out during this historic fiscal crises.” To learn more about the resolution, click here.
Blumenfield Puts The City of LA On The Record, Impeach President Donald Trump or Invoke the 25th Amendment
(Photo of Supporters of President Donald Trump climbing the West wall of the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press)
Following the horrifying insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield introduced a resolution calling on Congress to impeach President Donald Trump and calling on Vice President Michael Pence to activate Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. With only days left in his administration, President Trump has the capacity to cause further irreparable harm to the nation and the City of Los Angeles must go on the record to support the bipartisan call for his removal.
“With his continued attempts to subvert and obstruct the 2020 election results and the well documented encouragement of the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, it’s clear President Trump is damaging America and meets the criteria for removal,” said Councilmember Blumenfield. “This can’t wait another minute and for the sake of national security, I want to make sure that our city, the second largest in the country, makes it clear where we stand.” To read the full press release, click here.
Free Masks Available at Blumenfield’s District Office
To save lives, stop the spread and eventually allow our community to return to a more normal level of activity, please wear a mask. If you are in need of a mask, Blumenfield has been distributing free, reusable cloth masks to the community since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to offer them. Fill out this form to request a free mask. If you would like to complete the form in Spanish, please click here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Resources
With over 20,000 front line healthcare workers inoculated from Covid-19 over the past two months, the City and County are moving into the next phase of vaccinations soon. Phase 1B includes people age 65 and older. Be sure to visit this site for details and an estimation of when you will receive a vaccine.
If you qualify for the current phase, request an appointment on the DPH page. You can also sign up on this waitlist for future appointments. Please know that your medical service provider is your primary point of contact for vaccine distribution, including hubs and sites such as the West Valley's Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Hospital which is deploying vaccines every day.
Paycheck Protection Program Round 2
As of January 11, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program. To learn more about the program and to see if your business is eligible, visit the SBA portal.
For more information about COVID related support for individuals, click here and for businesses, click here.
Updated Food Bank Flyer for ONEgeneration Senior Enrichment Center
Stop Senior Scams Acting Program February 10
New Economics for Women VITA Program Now Accepting Volunteers
