As you may know, it is my priority to make the West Valley a safer and more accessible destination for everyone, including bicyclists and pedestrians and I am glad to promote, support and to have helped secure funding for multimodal projects like the $25M Reseda Blvd Complete Streets Project. Construction is underway and Reseda Blvd between Parthenia and Victory will be transformed with pavement rehabilitation and roadway safety improvements for all pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers including:
So far, City crews have completed the following:
Over the next few months, construction of bus boarding islands and bioswales will continue, traffic signals will be upgraded (including the addition of protected left turn signals), and the entire street will be repaved. Folks should expect temporary lane closures, intermittent sidewalk closures, and temporary parking restrictions until the project is complete.
More information about the Reseda Blvd Complete Streets Project can be found here or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the project design, timeline, or access during construction, please e-mail the Bureau of Engineering at [email protected].
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call 818-774-4330.
Earlier this week, the City Council approved the continuation of the City’s Local Emergency Declaration which, among other things, extends the City’s COVID-19 related eviction moratorium. Councilmember Blumenfield requested the City’s Housing Department report back on a new exit strategy that will end or amend the moratorium in a way that appropriately protects renters, but also provides protection for housing providers, especially the smaller providers. Blumenfield noted that losing these small housing providers because they cannot make their mortgage ultimately will lead to having less affordable housing stock and more homelessness.
“It’s been two-and-a-half years. We need new ways to protect our renters that are not simply the blunt tool of the COVID moratorium,” said Councilmember Blumenfield. “We need to get those reports and over the next month, we need to forge a moratorium exit strategy, because this bandaid is losing its stick.”
Eviction protections for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19 in the city will be in effect through August 2023, or up to 12 months following the end of the declaration of the local emergency.
The Madrid Theatre and the Taxco Theatre, two anchor sites in the Blumenfield designated Canoga Park Arts Hub will undergo state-of-the-art renovations this year. Owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), the Madrid Theatre recently closed its doors with a joyous celebration by and for the community, offering a screening of the acclaimed film, Coco, accompanied by a performance by Mariachi Loco Del Valle.
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield has invested nearly $8 million in district and other funds toward the renovation of the historic 430-seat Madrid Theatre, with a projected grand re-opening during the 2024-2025 season. The Taxco Theatre, acquired in 2018 for DCA under Blumenfield's guidance, closes its doors this September, 2022 for a $1 million refresh, transforming this neighborhood mainstay into the only publicly-owned facility providing opportunities for local artists, non-profits, community organizations and performing arts students to develop, and produce new work. The Taxco’s projected grand opening is set for 2023. Previously known as the Clyde Porter Theater, this location has been re-named the Taxco to recognize the rich and diverse history of Canoga Park. Since 1963, the sister city relationship between Canoga Park and Taxco, Mexico has bridged the two communities through art, student exchanges, annual visits, and extensive philanthropic works.
To help local students enter the workforce, Councilmember Blumenfield is partnering with Pierce College and the West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce for a Professional Clothing Drive. From now to August 26, 2022, you can make a real difference by donating office appropriate clothing to the Brahma Career Closet. This is a new resource for students who need professional attire for interviews, career fairs, and job placements. Your generous donations will allow job seekers to feel confident to successfully enter the workplace and launch their careers. Most Pierce College students and alumni are from the San Fernando Valley and nearby communities, and this clothing drive will help them connect with employers to succeed in their job searches. For more information, please click here.
LA Animal Services is at capacity and they need your help to foster or adopt – primarily medium- to large-size dogs. This weekend, July 30 and 31, adoption fees for all dogs will be $51, not including license, and $75 for puppies, while adoption fees for feline friends are waived thanks to the ASPCA.
Animal shelter hours have been updated to expand opportunities to visit and adopt on a walk-in basis. Shelters are open and no appointment is needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8AM-5PM, and on weekends from 11AM-5PM. Shelters are open by appointment Wednesdays and Fridays from 8AM-5PM. Please click here for more information on adopting.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline officially went live across the United States. Comprised of a national network of local crisis centers, 988 provides free, confidential, 24/7 support and resources to people experiencing or affected by a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis. Callers can access this lifesaving service by simply calling or texting 988, or via online chat on their website.
Councilmember Blumenfield joined Child Development Institute at their annual Back to School Health and Safety Fair where local students received free health screenings and school supplies just in time for the start of the new school year.
This week's photo from the Los Angeles Public Library's archives is from the Valley Times taken on December 26, 1956 of Pierce Junior College administration and education buildings. The school started primarily as an agricultural college and soon after began to enroll students for liberal arts and technical education. Today, Los Angeles Pierce College is recognized as one of the most respected community colleges and transfer institutions in California.