Dear Friend:

Last month, in response to high profile burglaries in the San Fernando Valley, I co-hosted a virtual meeting with Councilmember Nithya Raman and top brass from the Los Angeles Police Department to discuss what they are doing to keep the community safe and what we can do to help prevent home invasions. During that meeting, LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton shared that a joint task force with the LAPD, FBI, CHP, and Sheriffs Department had been created and they were working diligently to arrest the perpetrators.

Just last week, law enforcement arrested several individuals believed to be part of a crime ring responsible for hundreds of thefts across the nation — including in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. I am grateful that the suspects have been caught and are facing federal prosecution. And many thanks to our law enforcement officers for their diligence and commitment to keeping our communities safe.
It is imperative to take the steps to keep your home safe and report suspicious activity, as well as, the importance of knowing your neighbors and Senior Lead Officers. The simple tip to “Lock it, Hide it, Keep it” remains true as some crimes of opportunity can be prevented by securely locking doors and windows. But it’s also important to communicate with neighbors and use modest protection measures like a doorbell camera.

While the arrests are a wonderful outcome with regard to the recent string of robberies, we must remain vigilant and work together to help keep our community safe. 

Blumenfield Elected Next Council Pro Tempore 
The Los Angeles City Council elected Councilmember Blumenfield as the next Pro Tempore beginning on September 20th. Blumenfield will work with incoming Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson in leading the Council and setting policies for the City.

Streamlining and Improving Ground-Mounted Solar Permitting
Recently, the City Council approved Councilmember Blumenfield’s motion to update the City’s permitting and land use laws to allow more solar on commercial and industrial properties. Blumenfield is also directing the City to activate every appropriate building and applicable piece of land that we have to generate solar power. From capped landfills, to libraries and parking structures, soon the City will be generating money and revenue from solar resources. By 2045, the City’s LA100 plan will have us achieving 100% carbon free energy. Blumenfield will continue to cut red tape and increase partnerships with local businesses to further that goal. 

Brightening our Streets
Councilmember Blumenfield’s partnership with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC) continues to deliver results. Young Corpsmembers work hard each day to keep our communities clean. A few years ago, Blumenfield provided office space for the LACC within his district office building, and he regularly allocates district specific funds to LACC to specifically address needs in the district and he's always grateful to see their continued progress. He views this local team as a potent local strike force to help remove weeds, trash and other nuisances.

If you see excess trash, bulky items, graffiti, etc, call 818.774.4330 or email c03.foryou@lacity.org and we'll send a team out. 

Daytime Closures of Topanga Canyon Boulevard for Curb Ramp Construction
Caltrans continues the closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) in the San Fernando Valley for bus pad construction. Portions of the northbound lane will be closed Monday through Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., starting Monday, June 3. All lanes will reopen at 6:00 a.m. after each day. 

The construction will impact the following northbound intersections of Topanga Canyon Boulevard: 
  • Alizondo Dr
  • Ybarra Rd
  • Velicata St
  • San Luis Ave
  • Mulholland Dr
  • Lopez St
  • Del Valle St

Closures are weather-permitting and subject to change. The work is part of a project to repave State Route 27 (SR-27) and upgrade curb ramps, pedestrian push buttons, and bus pads in the San Fernando Valley and through the unincorporated area of Topanga. The work zone spans more than 18 miles on SR-27 from Pacific Coast Highway to Devonshire Street in Chatsworth. 

Save the Date–CicLAvia Returns to our Community
CicLAvia—The Valley returns on Sunday, December 8th, connecting Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda along 5 miles of open streets! Get excited to welcome pedestrians, runners, rollers, skaters, cyclists, and more from 9am– 3pm for a car-free day. Stay tuned for more info.

Join the Metro Youth Council
Be a leader and help shape the future of transportation by joining the Metro Youth Council. Applicants must be 14-17 years old, live in LA County, and able to commit to a one-year term beginning January 2025. For more info and to apply by October 1st, please visit metro.net/youthcouncil.

Around Town
At VICA's 75th Local Officeholders Luncheon, Councilmember Blumenfield participated in a panel discussion where he shared insights on the LA River Revitalization project. 
Councilmember Blumenfield spoke at LAPD Topanga Division's CPAB meeting to discuss pressing issues in the West Valley.
Councilmembers Blumenfield, Krekorian, Rodriguez, and Lee at the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Valley luncheon. Blumenfield shared how more companies are moving their corporate headquarters into Warner Center. The effects of the Warner Center 2035 plan will expand far beyond the Warner Center itself, creating more growth and a higher standard of living across the surrounding communities.

Community Events and Resources

Historic West Valley
This week's photo, from 1915, is from the Security Pacific National Bank Collection, of Owensmouth High School's auditorium. At the time, the high school was located on the second floor of Owensmouth Grammar School, located on the current site of Canoga Park Elementary. Learn more about the photo here. 

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield
200 N Spring Street, Room 465, Los Angeles, CA 90012