There has been some misinformation floating around regarding a proposal submitted last week by a private property owner to build an apartment building next to the 101 freeway on the plot of land next to the Bowlero located at 23036-23060 W. Ventura Boulevard.
This is not a City project. It’s a private development project proposed by LA based housing nonprofit Daylight Community Development to offer affordable housing where 74 out of the 100 units are reserved for people who make 80% of the area median income. It means individuals who make up to $66,750 could apply to live there (paying rent of about $1,400/month for a one bedroom in 2022 dollars). 25 units would be Permanent Supportive Housing which would be reserved for households with very low income levels who also need services (still paying about $700/month for a one bedroom). In short, based on this submitted proposal, the project would be housing for working people and families who could not afford the high rents our region is experiencing with some units set aside for people who need additional support.
Like any project, this proposal will be reviewed by the Neighborhood Council, City Planning Department and City Planning Commission and will take time to get any entitlements/approvals before any construction can take place. The project will not come before me or the City Council at this stage in the review process.
As always, please reach out if you have any questions on this or any other issue. You can send email to me at [email protected].
Upgrading local streets throughout the West San Fernando Valley has been a long-standing priority of Councilmember Blumenfield. Throughout the month of October, StreetsLA will be slurry sealing many streets throughout the district to improve safety, appearance, and convenience. Be on the lookout for signs that will indicate exactly when the street will be closed and when you do see it, please move your vehicle appropriately so as to not interfere with the work to be done. If you need any special accommodations, contact the department on the notice to address any of your concerns. 
StreetsLA’s Urban Forestry Division most recently was in the West Valley trimming and maintaining large eucalyptus trees. To request tree maintenance on your block, please email [email protected].
This week, Councilmember Blumenfield and a unanimous Los Angeles City Council took action to phase out the City's residential eviction moratorium, which since March 2020 has prohibited evictions for COVID-related reasons. Council approved the following:
From the beginning, rent has been deferred only for COVID-related reasons; and evictions have been restricted only where tenants had a COVID-related justification for not paying rent, or for violating certain other lease provisions. Councilmember Blumenfield believes that, while the COVID pandemic has subsided enough that an "emergency" statute is no longer justified, Los Angeles still faces a housing affordability crisis, and that the City should adopt stronger policies to protect tenants. This is only a brief synopsis of the general provisions of the Council's actions; there may be other details that apply to your particular situation. For more info, please visit stayhousedla.org.
The City of Los Angeles faces a housing and homelessness crisis. To meet that challenge, various entities have evaluated all municipally-owned parcels across the City to determine which are potentially feasible for affordable or supportive housing projects. Both the City Administrative Officer (CAO) and City Controller have identified the five Department of Transportation (LADOT) surface parking lots near Reseda Blvd and Sherman Way as potential housing sites. There is currently no conceptual or actual project proposed for any of these lots.
Given the magnitude of the housing and homelessness crisis, Councilmember Blumenfield believes that no option should be taken off the table. Many local businesses rely on the LADOT parking lots for customer parking so Blumenfield has requested an in-depth analysis of the economic impact of any temporary or permanent loss of parking. An economic study will take place over the next few months and your input is critical to provide a comprehensive and accurate analysis of the economic impact of redevelopment of any of the five parking lots. Read more about the study here.
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) will open a Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) Waiting List Lottery for online applications beginning on Monday, October 17 at 6 AM.
The Section 8 Program offers housing assistance to individuals and families by paying a portion of their rent to private property owners. Any income-eligible family or individual can apply and someone in your household must have legal residency, even if the legal resident is a minor child.
Individuals and families can apply online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during the two week application period using a smartphone, computer, or other mobile device with Internet access. No applications will be accepted in-person or by mail or email. For those without a smartphone or Internet-enabled computer or device, free access to computers and the Internet is available at your local Los Angeles City library. Online applications will be accepted until 5 PM on Sunday, October 30, 2022. Click here for more information.
LADWP just launched the Flume pilot program, an at-home water monitoring device that can track water use, detect leaks, and create a water budget for customers. The program offers a substantial discount for the purchase of Flume, a wifi-enabled device that simply attaches to a customer’s water meter and delivers usage data to a downloaded app available on a smartphone, tablet, and website browser.
To be eligible for the discount, LADWP customers must live in a single-family residence and purchase the device directly through the Flume. For more info, visit flumewater.com/ladwp.
The Los Angeles Zoo is launching a Teen Council for Conservation to unite youth and create pathways towards a future centered on conservation solutions.The Teen Council will focus on issues surrounding conservation, social and environmental justice, and climate. The 9 month program will comprise of 30 teens, two each from all 15 council districts, each receiving a $300/month education stipend. For more information, please visit lazoo.org/teencouncil.
Councilmember Blumenfield joined outreach workers and his MDT team out in the field to assess unsheltered people's needs and make referrals to needed services.
Councilmembers Blumenfield and Raman declared September 30, 2022 as MTO Shahmaghsoudi Day in the City of Los Angeles. Based in Reseda, MTO has distinguished itself through acts of community service and charitable works dedicated to supporting Angelenos, frontline heroes, and people experiencing homelessness.
Councilmember Blumenfield supports the brave women in Iran as they fight for their most basic rights. No one should have to fear retaliation or death for making choices about how they express themselves. He stands with them and all Iranians in the fight for freedom against the totalitarian Iranian regime.
October is Filipino American History Month and Councilmember Blumenfield joined the LA City Council in honoring Fil-Am comedian, Jo Koy, for his dedication to uplifting Filipino voices and bringing joy to millions not only in Los Angeles but worldwide.
This week's photo from the Los Angeles Public Library's archives is from the Security Pacific National Bank Collection taken in 1918 of the Greek arcade on the campus of Owensmouth High School which was later renamed to Canoga Park High School.