Dear Friend:

As excessive heat warnings are becoming more frequent and intense, it is a good reminder to take precautions and stay safe. Please hydrate, stay in the shade and if you must be in the sun wear sunscreen and lightweight light colored clothes. Also, it’s very important to take care of your pets and protect them during these heat episodes. Please limit their exposure outside when the sun is out, never leave them in a car and double check they have enough water. Try to delay the use of large appliances like laundry machines and dishwashers and limit electricity usage during peak hours. If you do have an outage, report it to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power here or call 1-800-DIAL DWP.
If you or someone you know doesn’t have access to air conditioning, the City has regional resources available throughout the weekend. Many City facilities including pools, libraries, and recreation centers are open and available to all. For more heat relief resources, visit Cool Spots LA and sign up for emergency alerts here.

Reducing Plastics in Los Angeles

This week, the City Council approved the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared by the Department of Sanitation on the City's Comprehensive Plastic Reduction program. While this may sound like a mere bureaucratic accomplishment, it is actually a major milestone on the policy road to reducing the environmental degradation and health hazards created by the proliferation of single-use plastics and dangerous ‘forever’ chemicals. Completing and approving this EIR enables the drafting of new ordinances that can actually implement the Plastic Reduction Plan. These ordinances can include bans on certain plastics, the creation of incentives and disincentives, and much more. Without this comprehensive EIR, every new ordinance or program would have been required to go through its own, comprehensive environmental review. 

Celebrating Pioneer Women

Councilmember Blumenfield honored Tarzana resident, Terry Saucier, as Council District Three’s Pioneer Woman of the Year. Terry wears many hats in her daily life—she's a mother, a wife, a pet owner, a neighbor, and, perhaps most notably, an environmental activist. Most recently, Terry is leading the charge on an important issue advocating for natural grass over artificial turf, reminding us all that children in every corner of Los Angeles deserve access to real green spaces. Her voice on this issue has been invaluable, as she constantly champions equitable access to nature and environmental justice. Environment, Climate and Energy Policy Advisor David Giron nominated her to recognize these important efforts. Terry is a shining example of the impact one person can make when they care deeply about their community.

Small Business Spotlight- Boba N Tings

Councilmember Blumenfield met with Boba N Tings manager, Kevin, to discuss the City's small business resources. The boba and collectible anime toy shop in Reseda is celebrating their second anniversary this month. Pop in to celebrate with them by trying out a traditional milk tea or some fresh squeezed lemonade--a perfect thirst quencher during this heat wave.

If you're a small business owner and need help navigating City services or accessing City resources, please reach out to Blumenfield’s Economic Development Deputy, Jill Kline, at 818-774-4330.

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.

Participate in the LA Bioblitz Challenge

Join the LA BioBlitz Challenge from October 1-30 to photograph and map animals, insects and plants found in your neighborhood, local parks, off of hiking trails, and in other natural areas.
The LA BioBlitz Challenge is an exciting collaboration between the Los Angeles Public Library’s Neighborhood Science Initiative, LA Parks, the Natural History Museum, and LA Sanitation and Environment’s Biodiversity Program to learn more about the native animals, plants and ecosystems in Los Angeles. Learn more about the challenge
here.

Report on Safety Findings at Local Shelters

Providing care for pets, reducing overpopulation, and helping pets find loving forever families have been longtime priorities for Councilmember Blumenfield. Challenges in the City’s shelters include overcrowding, long stays, and day to day conditions that are not healthy for animals or the shelter workforce. Recently, Outcomes for Pets Consulting, LLC released a report to the Board of Animal Services Commission on the safety findings at our local shelters with some recommendations for improving the conditions and outcomes for animals. Top highlights of the report include:

  • Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) facilities are overcrowded with more dogs spending longer in the shelters
  • There is not enough staff to care for the animals on site
  • LAAS staff are engaged and City leaders are committed to improvement to prevent needless euthanasia, support animals with medical and behavioral challenges, and there is unparalleled support from community and rescue pet partners to help
  • Improvements can be made to help reduce the time an animal spends in the shelter and the effectiveness and safety of volunteers

Your feedback on the report about the findings and recommendations is needed and welcomed. Participate in a quick survey here.

Around Town

Councilmember Blumenfield joined his Homeless Outreach Team to offer services and water to our unhoused community. Blumenfield thanked the Hope of the Misson outreach workers for being out in the field to assess unsheltered people’s needs and make referrals to needed services.
Councilmember Blumenfield welcomed interns Rayan and Ixtzaly to City Hall. Interns are a vital component to Team Blumenfield and help serve the West Valley while they build meaningful experience in public service. From listening to constituents' concerns to conducting research on behalf of the staff, interns develop a wide array of skills that help them stand out from their peers.

Community Events and Resources

Historic West Valley

This week's photo, from 1964, is from the Valley Times Collection, of members of the Valley branch of the 'Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aged' preparing for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Learn more about the photo here

Councilmember Blumenfield wishes a Shanah Tovah U’metukah, a good and sweet new year, to all those celebrating the beginning of 5785. May the year ahead be one of peace, health, and a bright future.

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