|
Welcome to the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment’s monthly newsletter! We are excited to bring you news from our Department, the City, and across the Neighborhood Council system each month.
This month, check out highlights from our 2024 Women's Leadership Event, learn more about Neighborhood Councils in the Southwest Valley, save the date for Budget Day, and more!
| |
Women's Leadership Event Highlights | |
At the end of March, EmpowerLA hosted the 2024 Women’s Leadership Event. This evening brought together over one hundred women from across the Neighborhood Council system to recognize and celebrate their unique and powerful contributions to their communities. We were honored to hear from Los Angeles’ first female mayor, Mayor Karen Bass, along with District 10 City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Board of Neighborhood Commissioners Joy Atkinson, Debbie Wehbe, and Keren Conner Waters, Congress of Neighborhoods Co-Chair and West Adams Neighborhood Council Board Member Dorsay Dujon, and Pico Union Neighborhood Council Board Member Aurora Corona. Thank you to all who joined us, and for your commitment to representation and service.
| |
Studio City Neighborhood Council Movie Night | |
A little rain couldn’t keep us from having fun at Studio City Neighborhood Council's Movie Night in the Park! EmpowerLA staff had a wonderful time chatting with Studio City neighbors, alongside community partners like Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Metro Los Angeles, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Los Angeles Public Library, and more.
| |
This month, 11 Neighborhood Councils are celebrating an anniversary! Join us in congratulating the following Neighborhood Councils for their tireless dedication to improving their communities: | |
|
East Hollywood Neighborhood Council (17 years)
Mission Hills Neighborhood Council (19 years)
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council (21 years)
Harbor Gateway South Neighborhood Council (21 years)
Arts District Little Tokyo Neighborhood Council (22 years)
Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council (22 years)
Downtown LA Neighborhood Council (22 years)
Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council (22 years)
Echo Park Neighborhood Council (22 years)
Empowerment Congress North Neighborhood Development Council (22 years)
| |
The Neighborhood Council system is organized into twelve unique regions across the City. Each month, we will introduce you to a region and share a little bit about the Neighborhood Councils that make up that region. This month, meet Region 3: the Southwest Valley! | |
Spanning nearly 70 square miles, eight Region 3 Neighborhood Councils serve the Southwest Valley: Canoga Park, Encino, Lake Balboa, Reseda, Tarzana, West Hills, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills-Warner Center. Region 3 Neighborhood Councils are committed advocates for their communities, taking up a wide range of projects. With the Van Nuys Airport in their boundaries, Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council has a dedicated committee to ensure the community is an active part of airport decision making and community outreach. Region 3 Neighborhood Councils work hard to serve their communities at every age, with Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council supporting elementary school STEM programs through Neighborhood Purpose Grants, and West Hills Neighborhood Council putting on a beloved Valentine’s Day Dance for the community’s seniors.
To learn more about the great work taking place in Region 3 Neighborhood Councils, attend an upcoming general board meeting:
Canoga Park: 4th Wednesday of the month at Canoga Park Community Center
Encino: 4th Wednesday of the month through virtual meetings
Lake Balboa: 1st Wednesday of the month at Gault Street Elementary School
Reseda: 3rd Monday of the month at Reseda Neighborhood Council Community Space with an option to attend virtually
Tarzana: 4th Tuesday of the month at Tarzana Child Care Center
West Hills: 1st Thursday of the month at de Toledo High School
Winnetka: 2nd Tuesday of the month at Winnetka Convention Center with an option to attend virtually
Woodland Hills-Warner Center: 2nd Wednesday of the month at Fire Station #84 Community Room
| Please note, all meeting dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please visit the Neighborhood Council website for the most up to date information. | |
The City of Los Angeles is kicking off its latest update of our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to increase the resilience of our communities. This plan serves to identify and assess the hazards to which the City is most vulnerable and develop strategies that will be implemented over the next five-years to reduce the impacts of these disasters. The 2024 LHMP Draft is now available for review, and needs your input! Explore the 2024 LHMP Draft and complete the feedback survey by Monday April 15th. | |
City Clerk Survey - Deadline Extended! | |
The Office of the City Clerk is reviewing Council related systems, and they need YOUR opinion! Complete their short survey on the Council File Management System, Council and Committee meeting Agendas, and Live and on Demand Audio and Video to guide future system development by Monday April 22nd. | |
We’re excited to share that our partners at LA2050 have launched voting in the 11th annual LA2050 Grants Challenge. Each year, LA2050 gives $1 million to nonprofits and other social impact organizations making LA better. But, it’s up to Angelenos to determine what issue areas will receive funding – from homelessness and income inequality to park access – through online voting. Voting is online through Wednesday May 8th, open to all ages and available in 12 languages. | |
Save the Date – Budget Day 2024
| |
Save the date! The annual Neighborhood Council Budget Day is coming up on Saturday June 15, 2024. For the first time since 2019, this free, public event will take place in person at City Hall. Registration details are coming soon. At Budget Day 2024, you will get a chance to hear from members of the Los Angeles government and other speakers discuss the City’s budget and what it means for programs and services the City provides Angelenos. Additional breakout sessions will create space for attendees to discuss regional priorities with their community. Anyone interested in learning more about the City budget process and sharing their insights is encouraged to attend. | |
Each month, we will highlight members of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment so you can get to know us! This month, meet our Front Desk Team, Mario Gomez, Axel Perez, and Vartan Shatarevyan. | |
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I'm a key member of the Administrative Support team at the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, dedicated to aiding the 99 Neighborhood Councils across Los Angeles. I'm committed to providing guidance and support Neighborhood Councils, ensuring they're equipped with necessary training and information to engage effectively in their communities.
How did you get involved with the Department? I became involved with the department through the TLH program (Targeted Local Hire) as part of a deliberate career transition. After dedicating 13 years to the retail sector, I sought a substantive change and the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career path.
What is your favorite part about working in the Department? My most gratifying aspect of working within the Department comes from the fulfillment derived from advancing a broader objective: equipping Neighborhood Councils and the general public with the requisite tools and information to empower their communities effectively.
What does neighborhood empowerment mean to you? Neighborhood Empowerment embodies the collective collaboration of communities, enabling each member to have a voice in their local governance. It entails furnishing all citizens with the necessary resources and insights to navigate the intricacies of municipal departments autonomously.
| |
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Hello! I'm Axel, a passionate Administrative Clerk. With a background in Psychology, I bring a blend of creativity and analytical thinking to my work. Outside of work, I enjoy art, comedy, exploring new cultures through travel, and spending quality time with friends and family.
How did you get involved with the Department? I saw involvement with the Department as a significant step forward in my career. The chance to contribute to impactful projects and expand my skill set motivated me to join and actively participate in department activities.
What is your favorite part about working in the Department? For me, the opportunities for learning and growth within the department, such as training programs, mentorship, or exposure to new technologies and methodologies are my favorite aspects of working in the Department.
What does neighborhood empowerment mean to you? Neighborhood empowerment to me signifies the active engagement and collaboration of local residents in decision-making processes that directly affect their community. This empowerment is rooted in grassroots efforts, where individuals come together to leverage their strengths, resources, and knowledge to create positive change and build a stronger, more resilient community.
| Vartan Shatarevyan (he/him) | |
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I was born in what was at the time Soviet Armenia, and came to America as a refugee with my family. It didn't take long for me to learn the English language and immerse myself in American culture, particularly a love for all things baseball, action movies, music on the heavier side, and a collection of several hundred books over the many years. I attended Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Lincoln Heights, Glendale Community College, and California State University Northridge.
How did you get involved with the Department? Sometime in 2023, a friend of mine told me to apply for City jobs through the Target Local Hire program. After several months, I was contacted by the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment for an interview. And as they say, the rest is history.
What is your favorite part about working in the Department? My favorite part of working with the Department has to be the people that I work with. I really enjoy the work atmosphere and the optimistic and friendly attitude of everyone
What does neighborhood empowerment mean to you? To me, neighborhood empowerment means having a voice in your community and trying to make each city a place that can accommodate all people and that people will want to get involved in the neighborhood and make it better than what it is today.
| |
|
Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council Pet Adoption Event
Sunday April 14, 10:00am | Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park | Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council
Join Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council on Sunday, April 14, 2024, for an Adoption Event at the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park. They have dogs available for adoption from Los Angeles Animal Services and a number of other community shelter and rescue organizations. In addition to adoptable pups, the event will feature free microchips (while supplies last) microchip checks, goodie bags, and treats. No registration is required for this free event!
| |
Rec & Park Volunteer Recognition Festival & 5K Run/Walk
Saturday April 20, 9:00am | Point Fermin Park | City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks
Join EmpowerLA at the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks Volunteer Recognition 5K Run/Walk! This untimed 5k is a free, fun event for the whole family -- runners and walkers welcome! Online registration ends today (April 10th), but day-of registration will be available. After the 5K join us for refreshments and the Recognition Festival that begins at 11am. There will be fun for the entire family including community booths like ours, live entertainment, a children's area, and more. Please note, in case of rain, the race may be delayed or postponed.
| |
|
Earth Day LA 2024
Saturday April 20, 10:00am | North Hollywood Water Conveyance Yard | City of Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment
Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) at Earth Day LA 2024! LASAN will be running exhibits on how to use recycled water at home, what items can go in the blue recycling bin, where to get free mulch, how to sign up for a free street tree, and other environmental and sustainability topics. Plus, kids can explore LASAN and other City vehicles, and all attendees can enjoy free lunch while supplies last. More details and registration information will be coming soon.
| |
|
CicLAvia–Venice Blvd
Sunday April 21, 10:00am | Venice Blvd (Palms, Mar Vista, and Venice) | CicLAvia
Bike, roll, skate, jog, or walk through nearly 6 miles of car-free open streets on Venice Blvd between National and Venice Beach at CicLAvia–Venice, presented by LA Metro and CicLAvia. Be sure to stop by EmpowerLA’s table to say hello, get information on Neighborhood Councils, and pick up some Neighborhood Council swag. No registration required.
| |
|
Pico Union Neighborhood Council Bike Safety Camp
Saturday April 27, 10:00am | Magnolia Avenue Elementary School | Pico Union Neighborhood Council
Bring your kids and their bikes out to Magnolia Avenue Elementary School for Pico Union Neighborhood Council’s Bike Safety Camp, in partnership with Loyola High School. Campers will learn the rules of the road from bike experts and participate in fun activities to celebrate Earth Day. Plus, children ages 4-11 can enter a free bike raffle! No registration is required.
| |
|
Easy Morning @ Gloria Molina Grand Park
Saturday April 27, 10:00am | Gloria Molina Grand Park | Gloria Molina Grand Park
Visit EmpowerLA at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Morning. A serene way to kick off your weekend, Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Morning is filled with activities designed to deepen connections with yourself, the community, and the park. This free four-hour event offers something for everyone, from arts and culture to educational and creative programs, along with a focus on community health. No registration is required.
| |
Are you a Neighborhood Council or City Department? We want to feature your events in our upcoming newsletters! Contact Ava Marinelli, Public Information Officer, with event details. | |
For the most up to date schedule of upcoming Neighborhood Council General Board and Committee Meetings, please visit this calendar. | |
Mea Culpa: Last month, we mistakenly shared the incorrect general board meeting date and location for Sylmar Neighborhood Council. Sylmar Neighborhood Council general board meetings take place on the 4th Thursday of the month at Discovery Charter Prep School and Osceola Elementary School. | | | | |
