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Dear Friend:
Over the last few weeks, Los Angeles has faced an alarming escalation by the Trump Administration, with ICE agents reportedly targeting elementary schools, workplaces, courthouses, and public spaces, often violating our constitution by singling out individuals based on skin color, conducting warrantless searches, and deliberately trying to instill fear into our communities. Sowing trauma appears to be a tactic rather than something to be avoided. They have gone well beyond attempting to deport people who are undocumented and have swept up legal residents and even US citizens. The real world impacts are heartbreaking. |
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I am in constant communication with law enforcement and leaders across different levels of government as this difficult situation enfolds. The Administration is deliberately trying to provoke violent reactions to create a pretext for a federal takeover of our City. People have a right to peacefully protest these unconstitutional and repugnant actions and mostly the protests have been peaceful. Protestors and community members are aware of their tactics and are being urged “not to take the bait.” The West Valley ‘No Kings’ protest not only saw thousands of people participate, but there were no major problems or incidents. Incredibly, the sidewalks were left spotless. I witnessed this firsthand as a participant. It's important to note that the Marines and National Guard members that Trump ordered to Los Angeles were not sent to help keep our streets safe, they were explicitly directed to protect two federal facilities and members of ICE as they conduct raids. That is what $134M federal dollars gets you.
Our city stands firmly with immigrant communities and it is vital that all residents know their rights and have access to reliable information. My office is passing out “Red Cards” in multiple languages which inform people of their basic rights. CHIRLA, a local immigrant rights non-profit with whom we’ve partnered to get critical information to those who need it most, has compiled a tremendous amount of useful information including the difference between a judicial warrant vs an administrative order. Please take a look at this link for information and feel free to share these resources with neighbors and friends. Additional “Know Your Rights” resources are also available through the Los Angeles Public Library and the Community and Investment for Families Department.
The costs of this Trump imposed crisis are staggering and debilitating. Not only are we spending millions of dollars every day on police overtime, but our businesses and our tax revenues (tourism and sales) are hemorrhaging. My fear is that economic strangulation is another Trump tactic being used to weaken the City and create a pretense for a federal takeover. While clearly unconstitutional, Trump is trying to create a pretense to enable the federal government to take over local policing powers. Los Angeles is his laboratory — no city in the Country will be safe if he succeeds.
Again, I am not someone who is prone to hyperbole, we are in uncharted territory and the threats to democracy are real. Please stay strong, stay peaceful, look out for one another and speak out against warrantless searches, unconstitutional behavior, and federal overreach. |
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Saving the City's Innovation Fund |
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In 2014, Councilmember Blumenfield championed the Innovation Fund to launch creative, cost-saving initiatives proposed by City employees and departments to cut red tape and improve efficiency throughout local government. The proposals are carefully vetted by the citizen members of the Innovation and Performance Commission, which recommends the most promising proposals to Council. With the City's budget challenges, the Commission and Innovation Fund were set to be eliminated, but Blumenfield fought to preserve them due to previous successes, including creation of a program to use lower-cost healthcare professionals rather than firefighters to respond to mental health and homeless related calls for service and to improve the use of the Internet and low cost devices to document city services. During a budget crisis, it is more important than ever to encourage City employees to make government work better. Recently, the Commission thanked Blumenfield for his efforts to keep the programs alive. |
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Slower Streets in the West Valley |
Councilmember Blumenfield’s Operation Safe Streets initiative continues to improve the quality of life for residents in the West San Fernando Valley. In response to community concerns following a tragic pedestrian fatality in 2023, Blumenfield began exploring effective ways to slow traffic and improve safety. Most recently, City crews installed a new roundabout on Reseda Boulevard in Tarzana. This traffic-calming feature enhances neighborhood safety while making streets more accessible and welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists alike. |
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Share Your Thoughts on the Warner Center Active Transportation Hub Project |
The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with the Southern California Association of Governments, is working on the Warner Center Active Transportation Hub, a project to reimagine Warner Center as an active transportation hub for jobs and housing. Your input is needed to make Warner Center a safer, more connected and vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Share your ideas on June 21st at the Woodland Hills Farmers Market from 9AM-2PM. If you can't make it, a virtual survey can be found here. |
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Save the Date–June 27th to 29th Language of the Cosmos |
The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Performing Arts Division (PERF) presents the second annual Language of the Cosmos, a three-day exhibition of performances, multi-media installations, and community workshops inspired by the wonders, sounds, and visuals of the universe. Language of the Cosmos celebrates the intersection of art and science through a partnership with DCA|PERF and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
The culmination of works will be presented at the Taxco Theatre, 7242 Owensmouth Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91303, Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, at 7:30PM. A youth and family presentation will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 3PM. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP's are strongly suggested. |
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LA Animal Services is offering free microchips for pets while supplies last. Each microchip has a unique number that is registered within a nationwide database that can be scanned at animal centers and vet clinics and be used to reunite you with your furry friend if they are lost. If your pet is not microchipped, stop by any of the six LA Animal Services Centers to get your pet microchipped. To find your nearest animal shelter, please visit: laanimalservices.com/shelter-search |
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Free Flume Smart Water & Leak Detector for LADWP Customers |
As summer temperatures rise, so do water usage and utility bills. Running sprinklers, watering trees and plants, and filling swimming pools add up and can lead to hidden leaks and unexpected costs. To help LADWP single-family residential customers take control of their water use and bill, they are offering a special rebate for a FREE Flume Smart Home Water & Leak Detector device—part of their commitment to providing customers with resources to manage their utility costs efficiently. Sign up by July 4th and learn more here. |
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Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States and Councilmember Blumenfield thanked Zawadi Cultural Collective for hosting a vibrant Juneteenth celebration in the West San Fernando Valley. Events like these remind us of importance of honoring our shared history and diverse community. |
Councilmember Blumenfield was honored to speak at American Jewish Committee Los Angeles’ Kaufman Family Annual Meeting, celebrating 80 years of impactful advocacy and community leadership. |
64 permament supportive homes are coming soon to serve the most vulnerable neighbors in the West San Fernando Valley. Councilmember Blumenfield joined LA Family Housing to celebrate this milestone and the arrival of modular housing at the Sherman Way site. |
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This week's photo, taken in 1957 from the Valley Times Collection, shows members of the Around the World Club at Reseda High School collecting essential items for Hungarian refugees. Learn more about the photo here. |
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield 200 N Spring Street, Room 465, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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