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Dear Friend:
This week’s Supreme Court ruling allowing federal agents to continue targeting Angelenos represents a gaping crack in our system of checks and balances and a startling step away from our bedrock American constitutional principles. The Supreme Court has sadly turned away from its core mission to be the guardian of those principles.
My concerns echo those of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who wrote in her dissenting opinion that it has “all but declared that all Latinos, U.S. citizens or not, who work low wage jobs are fair game to be seized at any time, taken away from work and held until they provide proof of their legal status to the agents’ satisfaction.”
This isn’t just about policy differences, this isn’t about immigration, this is about America’s soul. We in Los Angeles must hold onto that soul and fight against legalizing discrimination and fight for all our constitutional rights including those regarding search and seizure. Please stay strong, look out for one another and speak out against warrantless searches, unconstitutional behavior, and federal overreach. |
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To help address the increasing extreme heat due to climate change, Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield, Eunisses Hernandez and Adrin Nazarian introduced a motion to ensure renters are protected from the deadly impacts of extreme heat. For decades it has been required that landlords provide heat in apartments to protect tenants from freezing temperatures, this motion recognizes that protecting people from extreme heat is equally important.
Their proposal directs the City to adopt, and conform to LA County’s newly passed ordinance establishing a maximum indoor temperature standard of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for rental housing. Remedies are not prescribed, but may include installation of air conditioners, curtains, fans, or other cooling equipment.
The motion also calls on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) to expand incentive programs that help tenants access efficient, affordable air conditioning, and to support building owners with renewable energy and energy-efficiency upgrades, including solar panels, battery storage, and “cool roofs”.
Both the City and County parallel actions are rooted in clear public health evidence and a State report showing that sustained indoor heat above 82°F is tied to increased ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. The City does not have its own health department and relies on the County for health related matters, consequently it is common for the City to conform its health regulations to the County’s. The motion would conform the City’s regulation with the County’s and bring consistency across the jurisdictions.
In neighborhoods like the San Fernando Valley, where temperatures routinely surpass 100°F and in 2020 reached a record-breaking 121°F, heat regulations are extremely important. San Fernando Valley renters face some of the highest risks and 63% of households in the City of Los Angeles are renters. Stay tuned for more updates. |
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Honoring Lanark Park Walking Soccer Team |
Councilmember Blumenfield celebrated the Lanark Park Walking Soccer Team who represented Team USA in the Walking Soccer World Cup in Mallorca, Spain. The team, composed of individuals over the age of 60, achieved a 4th place finish out of 16 teams! Walking soccer has gained popularity among older adults who maintain active lifestyles but are unable to compete with younger players. Blumenfield was proud to recognize the Walking Soccer Team’s achievements and encouraged folks to participate in the upcoming season. |
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Clearing up Misinformation Around Red Barn/Metro Lot |
There has been some misinformation going around concerning the Red Barn site in Tarzana. To clarify, this is not City-owned property, there are no City plans for it, and Councilmember Blumenfield has never had an interest in converting it into any type of shelter. He is saddened to see Red Barn closing. Red Barn has been leasing this site from Metro, which owns the property. Metro has its own plans to utilize the space for their maintenance operations including the upcoming G "Orange Line" operations. Metro did not ask Red Barn to close, nor did they force them in any way. Red Barn made their own decision. Please refer to Metro’s community update above. |
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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 thoughts by September 30th by completing a brief survey here.
There are also two opportunities to participate in a Walking Tour on Friday, September 19th from 1–2:30PM or Saturday, September 20th from 10–11:30AM. Participants will walk approximately two miles around the Warner Center area to observe current conditions and discuss potential improvements to make walking, biking and rolling safer. More info and sign ups can be found here. |
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Ethics Commission Seeks Public Comment |
The Ethics Commission would like to hear your thoughts on potential changes to sections of the City Charter that relate to the Ethics Commission’s work including, contribution limits and other campaign finance regulations for City and LAUSD candidates, the public matching funds program for City candidates, and the structure and authority of the Ethics Commission. Submit your comments to ethics.policy@lacity.gov by October 6th. More info can be found here. |
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Upcoming Pure Water Los Angeles Virtual Community Meetings |
The City of Los Angeles is taking action to secure a sustainable and safe water supply for future generations through its water supply program, with a key component being Pure Water Los Angeles. Launched in 2024 by LASAN and LADWP, this initiative will purify recycled water to create a new, reliable source of drinking water. Community input is vital and residents are encouraged to learn more, ask questions, and share ideas for future outreach. Learn more here.
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Councilmember Blumenfield joined his San Fernando Valley colleagues at the "State of the Valley 2025." Hosted by the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce, the panel discussed investments, resources, and priorities for the Valley. Watch a recap of the event here. |
Councilmember Blumenfield hosted a Free Document Shredding Event where attendees safely disposed of sensitive paperwork using two large shredding trucks. |
At the latest West Valley CPAB meeting, Councilmember Blumenfield shared updates on the City's Unarmed Crisis Response Teams and the valuable work they provide. |
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Community Events and Resources |
This week's photo from the Los Angeles Public Library's archives is from the Valley Times Collection circa 1955 of a horse in a field located at 5490 Canoga Avenue in Woodland Hills. |
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield 200 N Spring Street, Room 465, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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