Reseda is rising and art is the yeast. This past weekend, in conjunction with the 11:11- A Creative Collective, local artists and community members we kicked off my “Reseda Rising Mural Festival.” It is the first city-funded neighborhood wide mural installation ever in the San Fernando Valley and it is a natural extension of my Reseda Rising Initiative. Pre-COVID I had established a tradition of showcasing the arts in Reseda by holding an annual Reseda Arts Walk where thousands of people could gather. Because it still wasn’t safe to do it this year, we pivoted and created this Mural festival.
Over the course of last weekend, six large murals have been painted by about 35 Valley artists throughout Reseda with the largest on the side of the iconic Reseda Theater (3000 sq ft). It depicts different facets of the San Fernando Valley; from indigenous iconography, to local ecology, female and youth empowerment and Earth’s need for conservation. Other locations include Reseda Elementary, ONEgeneration Senior Enrichment Center, Bertrand Elementary, and more mural painting will continue throughout the summer.
With the groundbreaking for the Reseda Ice Rink on Sherman Way set to happen soon, the imminent opening of the affordable/permanent supportive housing project for seniors behind the Reseda Theater, and the recent securing of funds to rebuild the roof of the theater itself, so many of our Reseda Rising projects are hitting major milestones. Seeing these local artists complete their incredible work over the past few days has been made sweeter knowing that all these big projects are right around the corner.
Special thanks to Addy and Erin from 11:11 and all the wonderful artists who made this event possible. Watch a recap of the fest here and for more info on the artists and locations, please visit resedarisingmuralfest.com.
Councilmember Blumenfield thanks all those who participated in his annual Budget Survey. From the responses, it was clear that addressing homelessness and enhancing public safety were top priorities for West Valley residents.
After a week of hearings from City Departments about their budget needs and priorities, the Budget and Finance Committee (B&F) made recommendations for the Chief Legislative Analyst to identify funding for the priorities set by the members of the B&F Committee. During budget deliberations over the last two weeks, Blumenfield has prioritized the concerns of West Valley residents. Some of his priorities include:
Earlier this week, Councilmember Blumenfield met with Tarzana residents to discuss next steps against speeding and street racing on Vanalden. Over the past several months, Blumenfield and his staff have been working hard with the Department of Transportation to put together a series of additional solutions to deter speeding and street racing such as bollards, parking restrictions and new stop signs. Blumenfield invested over $600K in new and better infrastructure improvements and also directed $100K of district funds for an LAPD Speed Racing Task Force to go after organized racers and reckless drivers throughout the district. As of April 22, 2022 the Speed Racing Task Force has issued 217 citations, mostly for speeding and driving through stop signs.
Just last night, as a result of Blumenfield’s initiative, the LAPD Valley Traffic Division based Vanalden Corridor Overtime Task Force implemented an operation in conjunction with partners at the West Valley California Highway Patrol. 23 vehicles were impounded for various violations including street racing and illegal modification. The impounding of these vehicles and subsequent citations can result in permanently seizing the car for repeat violators as well as heavy fines for engaging in illicit street takeover and racing activity.
Those speeding and driving recklessly are causing a dangerous situation for the entire community, and Blumenfield is committed to making our streets safer for all.
One of Councilmember Blumenfield’s top priorities is to expand residents' access to open spaces and improved recreational facilities in the West San Fernando Valley. Caballero Creek Park Project is a partnership between the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) and the City of Los Angeles. Blumenfield secured $800,000 in funding to convert this underutilized space into a multiple-benefit park.
Located at Victory and Lindley at the confluence of the Los Angeles River and Caballero Creek, the River’s only tributary stemming from the ecologically-rich Santa Monica Mountains, the project will restore 1.5 acres of asphalt lot into a multi-benefit natural park. The innovative design includes a bioswale and a small water treatment wetland for watershed protection. The site plan also includes a variety of offerings for the community including an outdoor fitness center, outdoor classroom, play and recreation, access to the LA River bike paths, and more.
Join Councilmember Blumenfield, MRCA, and City departments next weekend for a ceremonial groundbreaking and please email [email protected] for more info.
May is both Jewish American and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Councilmember Blumenfield is proud of the diversity in the West San Fernando Valley and he invites you to celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and Asian American/Pacific Islander individuals have made in the community.
On May 7, join Councilmember Blumenfield and the West Valley~Warner Center Chamber of Commerce for the first Valley Asian Cultural Festival at Pierce College. The event will highlight Asian culture and provide over 50 cultural experiences to attendees. Explore these traditions and cultures through dance and musical performances and arts, crafts and food demonstrations.
On May 24, join Councilmember Bob Blumenfield for the 6th annual LA Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration at Perch to learn about LA’s rich deli history. Delis offer fusion food born of the Jewish immigration story. New arrivals often sold food and by combining regional food traditions from Europe with available, local ingredients resulting in an entirely new American Jewish food phenomenon. To RSVP, click here.
Councilmember Blumenfield’s partnership with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC) continues to deliver results. Young Corpsmembers work hard each day to keep our communities clean. A few years ago Blumenfield allocated funds to LACC to specifically address needs in the district and he's grateful always to see their progress.
If you see unmitigated greenery, excess trash, bulky items, graffiti, etc, call 818.774.4330 or email [email protected] and we'll send a team out.
Councilmember Blumenfield joined ACE at the 2nd Annual Car Show and Resource Fair at Lanark Park. Attendees were able to view classic cars, enjoy cultural performances from Aztec dancers, and given trees courtesy of City Plants.
Councilmember Blumenfield wrapped up Earth Month at the 9th Annual Earth Day Celebration at Tarzana Rec Center and he was glad to see so many community members participating in composting workshops, tree giveaways, and more. Thank you to City and community partners including West Valley Warner Center Chamber, Tarzana Neighborhood Council, Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council, Volunteers Cleaning Communities, City Plants, LADWP, LA Sanitation and more for a great event.
Deputy District Director, Jenny Portillo, marked the start of baseball and softball season at Lanark Park by throwing the first pitch.
This week's photo from the Los Angeles Public Library's archives is from the Valley Times on January 20, 1964. Budding artists from Canoga Park Nursery bring color to their outdoor space. Learn more about this photo here.