Over the last year, we were able to prioritize public safety, support local business, and put our neighborhoods first. Representing the people who live and work in Council District 12 is the greatest honor of my life. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me.
For many uninsured and low-income families in the Valley, access to health care and social services is still a struggle. I am proud to partner with Mission City Community Network and join their efforts to bring physical and mental health services to more of the Valley's underserved populations. Click on the video below to learn more.
Earlier this week I joined with representatives from The Home Depot to present much needed and appreciated cleanup supplies that my office helped secure for Volunteers Cleaning Communities. This organization, founded by local resident Jill Mather, is making a tremendous positive impact in CD12 by bringing neighbors together to help keep our communities clean.
Earlier today, the City Council passed an ordinance (13-2) to reestablish regulations on where people can sit, lie, and sleep in public spaces. While it isn't perfect, it is progress. The status quo of allowing people to live on our streets is unacceptable, inhumane, and dangerous for both the housed and unhoused and city action on this issue was long overdue.
Meet the newest member of the CD12 team - Dodger! Our furry, four-legged teammate comes to us from the West Valley Animal Shelter, and we're so excited to have him join us.
Fostering or adopting a pet is a great way to help animals in need of a loving home, and we want to do our part! When Dodger is not in the office keeping us on our toes, he is being fostered by one of our staff.
As this year comes to a close and I begin my first term as Councilmember for the Twelfth District, I have thought a lot about this first most unusual and memorable year in office. I do not take for granted the trust you put in me to represent you and I will continue to fight to put our community's needs first, keep our neighborhoods safe, enact policy changes that encourage rather than stifle economic growth, and most importantly, keep issues above politics.
Councilmember John Lee, together with community organizations and leaders, hosted a meeting for families displaced by the recent apartment fire in Northridge to offer much-needed hope and help during this unimaginably difficult time.
Yesterday, I voted against the City's 2020-2021 budget. I believe the budget's $150 million in cuts to LAPD is unfair to our police officers.
LAPD has changed over the last 30 years and that deserves acknowledgment. LAPD is a model many departments strive to follow on community policing, use of force, de-escalation and implicit bias training, and public accountability. These changes don't just happen. They are prioritized and mandated by leaders who have the courage and fortitude to implement policies and programs to make that change happen.
Are you prepared for fire season? Here are some helpful tips from LAFD to prepare and protect your family and home.
1. Make sure there is at least 200' of brush clearance around your house, including trimming trees and ornamental vegetation.
2. Monitor the weather for fire weather warnings.
3. Be aware of parking restrictions in your area so fire trucks have access.
4. Have an evacuation plan for your family. Ensure items such as medications, clothing, and essentials are packed.
I wanted to express my disappointment with Council’s decision to move forward on instituting arbitrary cuts to the Los Angeles Police Department. I voted against these cuts as I believe they will not improve public safety and are unfair to the hardworking men and women of the department.