Dear Friend:

Last weekend, disturbing anti-Semitic graffiti was painted in and around the Israeli-American Council (IAC) Shepher Community Center in Woodland Hills and in a variety of other locations throughout the Third Council District, including the LA River bank, G “Orange” Line Busway, and by the Winnetka and the 101 Freeway. Anti-Semitism is real, dangerous, and horrifyingly common. Hate has no place in our community and attacks on anyone's religion, race, ethnicity, or beliefs are completely unacceptable.
I have been in touch with leaders at IAC, LAPD, ADL and others about these incidents. I also spoke to community members to ensure that the City is doing everything possible both to protect residents and to hold those responsible accountable.
The hateful actions of the graffiti perpetrators were meant to intimidate an entire community. Team Blumenfield immediately requested to have the hate filled graffiti removed and West Valley Alliance quickly went to work. I have also heard that nearby neighbors went out to buy paint to paint over the images and I am thankful for their efforts. Neighbors always ask how to help and we need to rely on allies during this time. We must come together, unify and stand up to bigots and anyone who threatens another person or group. 

Communities should be a safe place where no one has to look over their shoulder simply for being who they are. I remain committed to combating anti-Semitism and all forms of hate in the West Valley and throughout our city.

Keeping our Communities Safe

Councilmember Blumenfield joined Councilmember Nithya Raman, District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Deputy Chief Marla Ciuffetelli, and Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton to speak to residents about recent high profile burglaries in the West San Fernando Valley. Though the LAPD controls deployments of officers and overtime, Blumenfield has been working closely with LAPD leadership to ensure appropriate resources are dedicated where needed. Blumenfield shared that license plate readers will soon be installed across Council District Three, alongside a drone first responder pilot program based out of Topanga Division. These initiatives are part of a broader effort leading up to the establishment of real time crime centers across LAPD's 21 divisions. Blumenfield remains committed to working with the LAPD to enhance public safety and ensure every resident feels secure in their community.

LAUSD Family Preparedness Care Package

As students head back to school, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has put together a Family Preparedness Care Package which offers step-by-step help and essential resources. The package includes new information geared to help immigrant families and others facing new threats caused by ICE raids, warrantless searches and unlawful detainment. Families and employees in need of support can visit lausd.org/weareone for more information or call the Los Angeles Unified Family Hotline at (213) 443-1300 for additional assistance.

LA Sanitation Proposed Solid Resources Fee and Multi-Family Bulky Item Fee Increases

LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) has long provided Angelenos with essential waste services across the City, including collection of trash, recycling, and organics, on-call bulky item pickup, and much more.

The fees for these vital services have been unchanged for nearly two decades, but rising costs now mean that the current rates no longer cover the full cost of operation. To address this discrepancy, LASAN is proposing adjustments to the Solid Resources Fee (trash fee) and the Multi-Family Bulky Item Fee. Both these fees can be found on residents’ LADWP bill. If approved, the new fees would go into effect in Fall 2025, with incremental yearly increases until 2029. Residents would be impacted by only one of these increases, not both, depending on the  type of dwelling in which they reside. 

LASAN will be hosting webinars on Wednesday, August 27th at 6PM and Saturday, September 13th at 10AM to learn more about the proposed rate adjustments. For more information, visit lacitysan.org/srfrates2025 or lacitysan.org/mbifrates2025.

Save the Date for the 25th Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Festival

The annual Día de los Muertos festival draws thousands from across the community to honor tradition with art, music, food, and remembrance. Join Councilmember Blumenfield and Main Street Canoga Park in continuing to bring life, color, and culture to the heart of Canoga Park by attending the event, or consider becoming a sponsor at the event. For info, please visit canogaparkfestival.com.

Clear the Shelter and Adopt a Furry Friend

LA Animal Services is partnering with NBC and Telemundo for their annual Clear the Shelters Campaign. With more than 1,800 amazing animals in the six City shelters, LA Animal Services is offering special adoption fees for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens happening now through August 31. To see the amazing animals available to adopt or foster, go to LAAnimalServices.com/pets.

Free Summer Fun at Warner Center Park

There are only two more shows left at Valley Cultural Foundation’s Concerts at Warner Park series. Enjoy live music at this free and family friendly event. Councilmember Blumenfield is a proud supporter of Concerts at the Park and is grateful to VCF for bringing the community together with these events. Team Blumenfield has a booth at almost every event, so feel free to stop by to say hello or with any questions as well. 

Around Town

Councilmember Blumenfield teamed up with West Valley PALS to give away school supplies to local youth participating in the PALs program. The Police Activities League Supporters is a youth crime prevention program that relies on educational, athletic, and other recreational activities to cement a bond between police officers and the youth in our community.
Hundreds of students received fresh haircuts, new shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and more at Purpose LA’s 2nd Annual Back to School Outreach Resource Fair at Lanark Park. Blumenfield thanked Tim Gaspar for his generous donation of supplies and Keith-Alan and Maral Hison and Dr. Marlena Linton who worked tirelessly to make the event possible.
Councilmember Blumenfield toured the impressive Southern California Medical Center in Woodland Hills, which has played a vital role in meeting the healthcare needs of the community. During the visit, he also congratulated Dr. Ara Baghdasarian on his appointment as the second CEO in the clinic’s 30-plus year history.

Community Events

Historic West Valley
This week's photo, taken in 1955 from the Valley Times Collection, is of furry members of the Valley Hills Obedience Club preparing for trial run at Reseda Park. Learn more about the photo here.

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

200 N Spring Street, Room 465, Los Angeles, CA 90012

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