As reported last week, I’m happy to announce that the historic Bothwell Ranch will not be lost. Through a deal I helped broker between the soon to be new property owners and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) one third of the site will be donated for preservation and public ownership in perpetuity. The remainder will be developed into single family homes similar to the surrounding community— no zone change or special accommodation is being given.
While many details are still being worked out, the goal is to have a low impact natural site where the history can be preserved and curated. For a while, very little will physically change but that doesn't mean nothing is happening. The developer will be submitting formal proposals to the City for their portion. The Neighborhood Councils and the Planning Department will review those plans like any other proposal to develop on private land. On the portion to be preserved, the MRCA will begin planning upgrades to the old packing house, study existing trees and see if new ones need to be planted, install a bioswale and ensure that the property is as sustainable as possible.
In the end, this deal will save a unique property where future generations of Angelenos can see a slice of our Valley’s rich, agricultural history. As always, please reach out if you have any questions on this plan at [email protected].
As summer kicks off, Councilmember Blumenfield would like to remind you about the danger of illegal fireworks that can accidentally start massive fires, resulting in families losing property and possibly their lives. Not only can law enforcement issue a $1,000 ticket, fireworks may be triggering for our veterans and also frighten pets causing them to run away, filling our LA Animals Services Centers. Keeping the community safe is one of Blumenfield’s top priorities and he urges everyone to please take the time to report illegal firework activity online or call 877-275-5273.
Leave the fireworks to the professionals and join Councilmember Blumenfield for the free family friendly annual Blumenfield 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Warner Ranch Park. There will be great live music from The Convertibles, local food, arts and crafts vendors, and one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the region.
Earlier this year, Councilmember Blumenfield joined City leaders at the new Center for Green Innovation for the unveiling of the City’s green tech ideas including the first plug-in street sweepers and electric bikes that help detect potholes or other nearby infrastructure improvements that may be needed. This week, he joined Mayor Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Paul Krekorian, and StreetsLA to see firsthand the benefits of using e-bikes to inspect bike lanes.
As an advocate for more active transportation, Blumenfield believes this new tool will allow the City to improve and maintain the current bike infrastructure. City employees will experience bike lanes from the perspective of cyclists and be able to notice small potholes, cracks, and other hazards that aren’t noticeable if riding in a vehicle. This is necessary as the City continues to build more protected bike lanes and paths that cannot accommodate a car.
Over the weekend, Councilmember Blumenfield joined the family and friends of Nora Ross and community members at the unveiling of a large lettered sign bearing her name which indicates that wonderful Bandshell which is part of the Lou Bredlow Pavilion in the Warner Center Park is now officially named the “Nora Ross Bandshell.” It was the last step in a lengthy process Blumenfield had initiated to provide this official designation. Nora was a mainstay of the community. Through programming the space and events, she provided the artistic canvas for many West Valley residents. Whether at the Summer Movies and Concerts, Blumenfield’s 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza (60,000 people), or by working to provide programming at the Madrid Theatre to families to young children, Nora devoted decades of her life to providing entertainment and culture to the residents of the West Valley and it was only fitting to name the bandshell in her honor. Watch a recap of the event here.
What is a sewer lateral? A sewer lateral is a pipe that carries wastewater from private property to the City’s mainline sewer. Tree roots can enter laterals through cracks or loose joints and can cause damage and blockages. Beginning on July 1st, LA Sanitation is offering two sewer lateral rebates on a first-come, first-serve basis, conditional upon the completeness and accuracy of the rebate application and supporting documentation, and are available until annual funds are exhausted. Click here to apply.
The LA Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for new Crossing Guards. Crossing guards are important people who enhance the safety of students, specifically those walking and cycling in school zones. For more information on becoming a crossing guard, click here, and to apply, click here.
Councilmember Blumenfield was happy to provide bus transportation to Pierce College Brahma Transfer Summer Camp students on a Coastal College Tour. Students were able to visit three universities just outside the local area.
To assist nonprofits, schools, and senior organizations in his district, Councilmember Blumenfield sets aside a limited amount of funds each year to provide special bus transportation to events or outings. He does this to encourage groups that might otherwise have access challenges to take advantage of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities in the area.
If you would like to be considered for a bus ride donation from Councilmember Blumenfield this year, let us know six weeks in advance and sign up at blumenfield.lacity.org/bus.
Councilmember Blumenfield joined the topping off event and signed the final beam for the Palm Vista in Winnetka. The 91 PSH/Affordable unit project will open soon. Blumenfield thanked Hollywood Community Housing and GTM Holdings for helping us make meaningful positive impact to address LA’s housing crisis.
Councilmember Blumenfield recognized Fire Hogs Motorcycle Club at the 24th Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride. To date, the Club has raised over $600k for various causes including the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighters Fund.
Councilmember Blumenfield joined City leaders and the family of John W. Mack in the naming of the John W. Mack Police Commission Hearing Room. Mack was a civil rights leader who served on the Police Commission from 2005-2013 and was the driving force behind LAPD reforms of its policies, procedures, and investigations concerning biased policing.
This week's photo from the Los Angeles Public Library's archives is from the Valley Times taken on June 19, 1954 of local children testing out the water the Reseda pool during summer break. Beat the heat and join the City's Recreation and Parks Department as they offer families and community members many affordable and safe aquatic activities at their public pools.