Councilmember Bob Blumenfield Year One Report by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

Year One Report Serving the San Fernando Valley communities of Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills.

July 2014

From the Desk of

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield I love the San Fernando Valley. It's where my wife and I are raising our children, where my parents are enjoying their golden years and home to the best people I know. It is an honor to serve and a privilege to represent the Valley on the Los Angeles City Council. The work I’ve done this year, and will continue to do, has been in support of a guiding vision for our City. In short, the future City of Los Angeles is a premier, modern city offering concierge level constituent service; a green city with low crime, great jobs and economic opportunity, where a great education is accessible; a place with easy mobility and connectivity; and a great quality of life for all. Pathways to Vision: To achieve that vision I have adopted six specific pathways to get us there. In the pages ahead I outline some of the work I’ve already undertaken to move us along those pathways. They are: I.

Bring our fiscal house into order.

II. Learn to seize opportunities to create jobs and economic opportunity. III. Get serious about building out our infrastructure. IV. Think differently to be more modern. V. Leverage our City’s global prominence to lead by example. VI. And above all else, listen, engage and deliver. It’s how I govern, and it’s how we achieve that vision. The Valley has never been a place for small dreams: we have been the incubator of our nation’s military dominance in the skies, the factory for the films, music and art that are our nation’s most popular export, and served as America’s suburb—a place where people come to claim their slice of the American dream. Together we will continue writing the next great chapter for the San Fernando Valley and the entire City of Los Angeles. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

I. Restoring Fiscal Balance: When I was sworn in as a freshman legislator in the State Assembly in December 2008, the State faced a looming fiscal emergency and a deficit of $40 billion. As then Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, I seized the challenge of retaining core services while making tough decisions. It was painful, but it worked. The budget we passed in 2013 shortly before I was sworn in to the City Council was the third consecutive balanced budget passed on-time, a feat not seen since the mid 1980’s. As a result, a state that was once written off as “broken” is thriving and our budget is seeing a surplus in the billions. As your Councilmember I’ve been appointed to serve on the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee where we face many of the same budget challenges I faced in Sacramento—and where I have been working to build on the work I started in the Assembly: bringing our fiscal house in order in a manner that is truly reflective of our values.” —Councilmember Bob Blumenfield menfield asked Angelenos to A new budget: voice their opinions and priorities With a new Mayor and a new City for the City’s budget. Council, the 2014-15 budget serves Budget Quick Takes: With hundreds of responses as a statement of priorities for Los received, despite a diversity of Angeles.  $7.2 billion budget ideas, a clear consensus emerged: That budget includes more money Los Angeles needs to remain fo $22 million increase in for fire and other critical services cused on growing and improving funding for LAFD while increasing both the reserve the City’s physical and environand budget stabilization funds to mental infrastructure to make LA  More neighborhood insure the City’s fiscal health. a safe, clean, green and friendprosecutors ly place for people and busiThe new budget puts the City on a  Doubled sidewalk pathway to structural balance, de- nesses while ensuring our longterm, fiscal sustainability. spite the many challenges it still facrepair to $20 million es. During hearings, Blumen Approved plans to field expressed concern over unWhile it is not a growth year, this phase out the City’s funded police overtime, fire detransitional budget represents a partment recruitment, protecting gross receipts tax chance to reassess, refocus and redomestic violence shelters, and double the City’s efforts to be more the delivery of direct services in efficient and employ measurable our neighborhoods. And and Environment Committee and a metrics to judge performance. throughout the budget process, Blu- member of the Budget and Finance menfield focused on ensuring that Transparency: Committee, Blumenfield played a the budget reflected input received In a budget survey distributed prior from the community—whether it’s key role in special joint-committee to April’s budget deliberations, Blu- adding a class of firefighters, more hearings on the contract, and in getting ratepayers the best deal possifunding for tree trimming and ble—a deal with no raises for 3 years sidewalk repair, or finding an and a new pension tier that will creinnovative approach to restruc- ate huge savings for ratepayers. turing the Bureau of Sanitation’s lifeline program that resulted in a $700,000 savings over two years.

DWP Ratepayer Fairness: This year, the City engaged in the most transparent labor negotiations in history as the City renegotiated its contract with Department of Water and Power employees. As Vice-Chair of the City’s Energy

A member of both the Budget & Finance and Energy & Environment committees, Blumenfield participates in a joint committee hearing, on August 16, 2013.

II. Seizing Economic Opportunities With nearly 1.8 million residents, mighty freeways, industrial, commercial and residential neighborhoods, the Valley is a regional economic force unto itself. In the past year, we have worked to accentuate and enhance that economic might to maximize economic opportunity and job creation, and send a strong message across Los Angeles and throughout California that the West Valley is open for business and job creation.” —Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

Warner Center 2035: Opening the door to visionary projects that truly reflect the community’s hopes, values and priorities, Blumenfield set the course for investment as the Los Angeles City Council gave its final approval to the Warner Center 2035 Specific Plan.

West Valley is Open for Business: In May, Blumenfield and Mayor Eric Garcetti toured Blumenfield’s West Valley council district, highlighting opportunities to spur job creation and economic development, and showcasing successes, including:

The Warner Center 2035 plan was the result of 8 years of collaboration between the City and local  stakeholders, and represents an exciting opportunity for economic development and job creation in the West Valley. In taking it over the finish line, Blumenfield ensured that the plan would be the cleanest and greenest  in the City.

Warner Center, where they met with local business leaders, flanked by the $350 million Village at Westfield Topanga project and the 47-acre Rocketdyne property.

“I applaud Councilmember Blumenfield's commitment to improving the economy and quality of life in the West Valley and all of Los Angeles," -Mayor Eric Garcetti

man Way in Reseda would be included in the Great Streets initiative.

Reseda, where former CRA areas and a thriving smallbusiness community are creating The Great Streets initiative is Warner Center is already becoming a designed to make streets more a magnet for investment along magnet for new, green jobs—some pedestrian friendly and attract new historic Sherman Way. 40,000 of them. investment to our communities and  The Tarzana Village Walk, It is a transit oriented plan, that improves interdepartmental cooperawhere a neighborhood united to tion between LADOT, Engineering, embraces the LA River, with 30 form a Business Improvement million square feet of new nonPlanning, Cultural Affairs, Public District along one of the City’s residential space, and some 32 Works, and Street Services. most important commercial million square feet of new residential In May, as Blumenfield and Garcetti corridors. space. toured West Valley economic develBlumenfield and Garcetti also The plan will help make the West opment opportunities and successes, stopped along the LA River, a Valley a world class destination for Blumenfield highlighted Sherman tremendous recreation and economic Way as among the most promising investment. resource for the Valley. commercial corridors in the Valley. “As my administration continues to create jobs and boost economic development across the city, I applaud Councilmember Blumenfield's commitment to improving the economy and quality of life in the West Valley and all of Los Angeles," said Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Great Streets: Blumenfield poses with City officials and community members following unanimous Council passage of the Warner Center 2035 specific plan, on October 23, 2013.

Following intense lobbying on behalf of Sherman Way by Blumenfield and community leaders, Mayor Garcetti announced that a stretch of Sher-

Blumenfield and Mayor Eric Garcetti during their tour of West Valley neighborhoods to highlight economic development and job creation opportunities, on May 19, 2014.

Ensuring Public Safety: Providing peace of mind to residents and businesses is essential and an often overlooked tool for promoting economic development.

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West Valley Area is reporting the 2nd lowest total crime numbers year to date in the entire San Fernando Valley and the lowest total crime numbers for divisions west of the 405 Freeway.

In the past year, Blumenfield and his staff have worked closely with At Topanga Area: LAPD to achieve significant reductions in property crime throughout  Residential and commercial burglaries are down 26.1% year the District’s LAPD areas, West to date, a decrease of 118 burglaValley and Topanga. ry victims compared to last year. At West Valley Area:  Overall Property Crime is down  Residential and commercial 14.1%, a decrease of 305 victims burglaries are down 18.1% year compared to last year. to date, a decrease of 77 burglary  Of particular note is the major victims compared to last year. decline in burglaries from motor  Overall property crime is down vehicles in the retail heavy 7.1% year to date. That is a Topanga Area, where incidents decrease of 118 victims comare down 28.1% from this time pared to last year. in 2013—with 172 fewer Valley residents falling victim in 2014  Thefts are down 10.8% year to than in 2013. date, a decrease of 58 victims compared to last year. Last December, in advance of the busy holiday shopping season,  Burglaries from vehicles are Blumenfield and LAPD held a press down 2.8% year to date, a decrease of 14 victims from last conference in the heart of Warner Center’s busy shopping district year. urging shoppers to “Lock it, Hide

it, Keep it,” to prevent becoming a victim of theft.

Blumenfield has also promoted emergency preparedness and preparation as the VPREP Task Force he

Topanga Area has seen a 28.1% decrease in theft from motor vehicles. Blumenfield is pictured with representatives from LAPD Topanga Area Station to urge residents to “Lock it, Hide it, Keep it,” on December 2, 2013.

started in the Assembly has expanded into the Emergency Preparedness Community Action Team. The Emergency Preparedness BobCAT works to ensure that Valley communities are ready to respond in the event of a disaster in order to quickly return to normal and get the local economy moving again.

III. Investing in Infrastructure: There are few issues that are set to impact the future of Los Angeles more than our commitment over the next decades to invest in our infrastructure. Whether it’s our sidewalks, our roads, freeways and bridges, or our virtual highways and byways, first class infrastructure is the key to a healthy economy.” —Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

50/50 Sidewalk Repair:

under current budgetary constraints.

In response to the urgent need for innovative solutions to address Los Vanowen St. Bridge Angeles’ crumbling sidewalk infra- Reopens after 3 structure, Blumenfield has proposed years: the introduction of a cost-sharing program for commercial property Blumenfield pushed for and sucowners interested in repairing their ceeded in reopening the Vanown sidewalks. owen Street Bridge. The bridge had been closed or under conThe Bureau of Street Services estimates that some 4,620 miles of Los struction for three long years, and needed his leadership at City Angeles sidewalks are in a state of Hall to finally get it done. disrepair. A cost-free permit would allow business owners with the will and the means to repair sidewalks to do so, and would allow the City to do more

The north side of the bridge was closed on December 22, 2010 after a large hole was discovered on the north side of

CD 3 By the Numbers: 

Trees Trimmed: 498

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59,550 Small Asphalt Repairs

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4,958 Signs Removed

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89,830 sq. ft. of Weed Abatement

the bridge deck due to heavy rain and erosion.

Project improvements created a safer and more attractive bridge and included A) replacing and widening the existing bridge by approximately 11 feet on the south side and 14 feet on the north; B) widening the roadway approaches to match the new bridge width; C) replacing the existing barrier rails with architectural barrier railings; D) installing new street lighting on the bridge and new traffic signals at the intersection of Mason Avenue and Vanowen Street.

Virtual Infrastructure and Connectivity: Just as Los Angeles’ highways and byways needs to be in suitable condition to allow for free flow of commerce, in a digital age, so too do the City’s virtual ones.

Board of Public Works President Kevin James joins Councilmember Bob Blumenfield in removing the sign that had alerted drivers and pedestrians to bridge construction since 2011. “We in the community who rely on this bridge at times feel like this sign we are removing: beat up, battered and worn,” said Blumenfield before removing the sign. “It’s been here a long time—too long!” On March 20, 2014.

cism that accompanies a visionary plan of that scale. But over the course of the past twelve months, he has demonstrated a practical benefit to students, businesses, tourism and That’s why Blumenfield believes that City services, among others. in order to remain competitive in the information age, Los Angeles needs Increasing access to super-high to be a leader in digital infrastruc- speed broadband and wireless internet across the City, through what is ture investment. now called the Los Angeles ComWhen Blumenfield announced his munity Broadband Network, will initiative to dramatically increase pay dividends in closing the digital availability of super high-speed and divide while enhancing Los Angeles’ wireless broadband with a free com- global competitiveness in business ponent, he encountered the skeptiand tourism.

A Request for Information has already been released as a precursor to a soon to be released Request for Proposal (RFP). This public-private partnership envisioned by Blumenfield is, for a proposal as large and transformative as this one, moving at a fast pace. Additionally, Blumenfield has been championing efforts to ensure that Los Angeles leads the way in providing quality constituent service as the City prepares version 2.0 of the successful MyLA311 mobile app.

IV. Think Differently to Create a Modern City Whether it’s leading cities in an embrace of the open-data movement, or taking common sense steps to increase environmental sustainability while improving our bottom line, in order for Los Angeles to become a truly modern City we must continue to think outside the box to find innovative solutions to complex problems. It’s a principle I’ve been committed to since my days in the Assembly, where I was the author of more than 50 State laws including programs to expand access to recycling for our City’s many renters, incentivize electric vehicles and encourage the use of e-textbooks in our classroom, and more. As Chair of the City’s Innovation, Technology and General Services Committee, I have spent much of the last year building upon that work here in the City of Los Angeles.” —Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

Innovative Pavers:

Blumenfield upon introducing the measure in February. “It doesn’t Moving beyond outdated concrete, hold up to tree roots; it doesn’t allow Blumenfield has been driving a for groundwater recharge. If we’re change toward the use of environserious about greening the Valley mentally friendly sidewalk paving and beyond, we should be looking materials. towards a more sustainable and cost effective mix of paving materials as “Concrete is about as cutting we tackle our City’s unique infraedge as the wheel,” said structure challenges.”

The Bureau of Street Services (BSS) has experimented in the past with alternative sidewalk materials including rubber panels, recycled mixed plastic materials, poured rubber materials and porous concrete. Decomposed granite is another option, though it has not been studied by BSS. 6

ControlPanelLA not only reveals the City's revenues and spending, but also makes them accessible, searchable and downloadable by the public. By opening up previously proprietary data sets, the City has put itself on the forefront of the open data movement nationwide.

Technology Recycling: As Microsoft announced that it would no longer support Windows XP, the City of Los Angeles was faced with a surplus of some 8,000 computers.

Rather than send them off to landfills, Blumenfield and Council President Herb Wesson created a digital Blumenfield, Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and City Engineer Carol Armstrong cross the Capitol rotunda in the inclusion program to divert City midst of a day spent lobbying congressional leaders on behalf of Alternative 20, a proposal to restore 719 acres of river computers the City no longer needs habitat in Los Angeles, on October 29, 2013. to non-profit organizations, which in May that it would be pursuing Alcan refurbish the equipment for dis#LAriver: ternative 20. semination to organizations serving The Los Angeles River forms in disadvantaged communities, low Taking swift action before an imCanoga Park at the confluence of and moderate income families, Bell Creek and the Arroyo Calabasas, portant end-of-the-year deadline, and work source centers. Blumenfield secured City Council and as an Assemblymember, Blumenfield was among the most vocal approval to allow the Trust for Pub- Seeking Solutions lic Land, in partnership with the advocates of the River as a critical City, to move forward on the Aliso Across California: recreation and economic reCreek Confluence project. ConIn June, Blumenfield travelled to source. struction is expected to begin soon Northern California to meet with As a Councilmember, Blumenfield on this project to bring critically some of the world’s brightest minds has continued to deliver on that vi- needed open space to Reseda along in technology. sion. the banks of the Los Angeles River. In meetings at the Bay Area headIn October, Blumenfield travelled to Open Data: quarters of Cisco and Google, BluWashington, D.C. to lobby the menfield discussed how the City of White House and congressional As Chair of the City’s Innovation, Los Angeles can increase its efforts leaders on behalf of Alternative 20, Technology and General Services to utilize cutting edge technology a proposal to restore 719 acres of Committee, Blumenfield has made to be more transparent, efficient river habitat in Los Angeles. The Ar- finding ways to make government and effective. my Corps of Engineers announced work better and smarter through the harnessing of big data a top priority. In January, Blumenfield was joined by Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin for a training session on ControlPanelLA—the City’s new open data website.

Blumenfield and Mayor Eric Garcetti snap a quick selfie at the future site of the Aliso Creek Confluence Park along the LA River in Reseda, on May 19, 2014.

More than 100 turned out for the session, which provided residents and local business owners a how-to on accessing the City’s trove of financial data.

Councilmember Blumenfield participates in a demonstration of Google Glass at the Googleplex, on June 5, 2014.

V. Leading by Example As an elected official, I feel a strong responsibility to lead the charge for social justice, fairness and dialogue. I believe that an essential part of my job is to educate and enlighten. As a City, we must leverage our size and influence to lead California and the nation. The moral arc of the universe is long, and indeed it bends towards justice, but as the largest City in California, and the second largest City in the United States, we can help make it bend more rapidly and decisively.” —Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

Promoting Bipartisan Solutions:

conding a Council action supporting some of the nation’s toughest anti-fracking laws.

The Los Angeles City Council, a non-partisan legislative body, has avoided much of the gridlock that has plagued Sacramento and Washington over the past few years.

Safeguarding Against a Nuclear Iran:

As the Congress failed to avoid a shutdown of the federal government last year, Blumenfield led his colleagues in sending a message to Washington, urging the House of Representatives to put a stop to partisan brinkmanship and end the government shutdown.

In an unprecedented example of cooperation between levels of government, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield was joined in February by City Attorney Mike Feuer and Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), the top ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as the City of Los Angeles took historic steps for a municipality in the ongoing fight against the Iranian regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.

joins Brown, Netanyahu, at the signing of a historic MOU The City was budgeted to re- Blumenfield between California and the State of Israel, , on March 5, 2014. That ceive some $457 million in MOU grew out of Blumenfield’s 2009 efforts. federal funds in 2013. At stake were critical services to seniors and Safe and Sustainable Led by Blumenfield, the Council the disabled, community developthrew its support behind his measEnergy: ment, COPS hiring, and more. ure, coauthored by then AssemblyA longtime leader on environmental member Feuer, that makes Los AnStrengthening Interna- issues, Councilmember Blumenfield geles the first City to be in full comhas sought a sustainable and safe pliance with the Iran Contracting tional Ties: mix of energy for Los Angeles. Act of 2010, which bars persons enIn March, Councilmember Blumengaged in investment activities in field joined California Governor Jer- As an Assemblymember, Blumenry Brown as he signed a Memoran- field championed a series of bills to Iran’s petroleum, natural gas, or nudum of Understanding (MOU) with increase the use of renewable energy clear industries from bidding on or by colleges, government, homeown- renewing contracts with the state and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin local governments. ers and businesses. Netanyahu, to strengthen trade, research, and economic develop- As a member of the Los Angeles “With an economy that ranks among ment ties between California and City Council, Blumenfield has con- those of major industrialized nations, the State of Israel, with an empha- tinued this work, exploring ways to home to one of the busiest ports in sis on water conservation, alternative increase the number of electric the world, Los Angeles plays an energy, and other cutting edge secactive and direct role in ensuring vehicle chargers at City-owned tors. the crucial sanctions designed to preproperties and writing strict new vent Iran from obtaining nuclear green building practices into the The MOU evolved out of a similar weapons capabilities are as robust as proposal by then-Assemblymember Warner Center 2035 Specific Plan. possible,” said Blumenfield Blumenfield in 2009—an effort He has also helped lead the fight which touched off years of collabo- against dangerous hydraulic fracRep. Engel congratulated Los Angeration between Blumenfield, the les and California on leading the turing, or fracking, supporting a Consul General of the State of Israel, series of bills in Sacramento, and se- nation in doing its part to prevent a the Governor and others. nuclear-capable Iran. Noting that

sanctions have “played a major role in bringing Iran back to the negotiating table. We must continue to work with our partners here in Los Angeles and around to country to keep the pressure on Iran until it verifiably abandons its efforts to develop nuclear weapons.”

Blumenfield is joined by Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, City Attorney Mike Feuer, and community leaders as Los Angeles takes historic steps for a municipality in the ongoing effort to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, on February 21, 2014.

Celebrating Diversity in Los Angeles:

Israel-LA Innovation Taskforce:

Los Angeles is among the world’s most diverse Cities.

Building upon the Israel-California MOU, Blumenfield secured City Council support for the establishWith 25 Sister Cities around the globe, and some of America’s largest ment of a taskforce to facilitate the expatriate communities, Los Angeles exchange of ideas and innovation is a true melting pot of culture, faith between Israeli companies, education communities and nonand food. profits and their counterparts in As a member of the Los Angeles the City of Los Angeles. City Council, Blumenfield has embraced and promoted that diversi- The Los Angeles/Eilat Innovation ty, seconding a resolution to estab- and Cooperation Taskforce builds on the 55 year-old Sister City relalish Muslim Heritage Month in tionship with Eilat, and is designed Los Angeles, welcoming Prop 8. plaintiffs to City Hall, honoring Of- to promote collaboration and adficer Isela Parra for Latina Heritage vancement in technology investment, Month, partipating in the Council’s business development and research opportunities in clean technology, annual Nowruz celebration during the Persian New Year and hosting water resources, solar energy and the first ever Council celebration in environmental technologies throughout Los Angeles and the State of Ishonor of Israeli Independence rael. Day, or Yom Ha’atzmaut.

VI. Engaging, Listening, Delivering I often say that we’re stronger when we work together to achieve our shared goals. To that end, I believe that true leadership comes from listening and engaging the community, and then delivering.

As your Councilmember, I pride myself on providing constituent service that was not just efficient and effective, but truly a first-class, concierge level experience. That the same top-flight service you received through my Assembly office is available through my Council office. The issues may be different but our commitment to serve is stronger than ever. Call my office anytime with any issues or concerns. We’re here to help.” —Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

Community Input for New Open Space:

Hundreds of people gave feedback, both from mailed and online surveys as well as in person. Dozens of comBlumenfield conducted an extensive munity volunteers joined the Councilmember and staff for a series of outreach effort to determine the future of the former Fire Station 84 neighborhood canvasses that insite at the corner of Canoga Avenue volved door knocking and tabling at a local grocery store. and Costanso Street. There was overwhelming support to convert the property into a small park or “parklet”.

Blumenfield kicks off a community canvas at the former Fire Station 84, on November 14, 2013.

Following this important community decision, Blumenfield hosted a design charrette. This meeting allowed the community to work collaboratively with the City to mold and shape the plans for the future park and to hear and address issues and concerns.

Blumenfield requested a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to ensure that concerns are mitigated to the fullest extent possible and most importantly that the resulting project is a safe place for kids to play. In June, Blumenfield announced a competition to name the future park. Submissions will be accepted throughout the Summer.

West Valley Community Bike Ride: Over 100 community members, bicycle activists and others joined Councilmember Blumenfield for the first West Valley Community Bike Ride in January. It was great to tour West Valley neighborhoods and 9

highlight bike infrastructure in the San Fernando Valley.

The 8 mile loop course, starting at Blumenfield’s Reseda office, took riders of all ages through iconic Valley locations such as the farm at Pierce College and down Sherman Way. The ride gave the opportunity to explore some of the Valley’s existing bicycle infrastructure, including bike lanes on Wilbur and De Soto as well as the Orange Line Bike Path, and highlighted the need to make further investments in the City’s bicycle infrastructure. Councilmember Blumenfield leads the West Valley Community Bike Ride , on January 26, 2014.

Neighborhood Council Installations

Bringing City Hall to You: Bringing City Hall to the West Valley is among Blumenfield’s top priorities as Councilmember. Throughout his first year in office, Blumenfield has hosted events designed to bring City leaders to West Valley neighborhoods to engage directly with communities. 

Blumenfield hosted City Controller Ron Galperin for a demonstration of ControlPanelLA, the City’s open data platform.

Each Community Action Team has a specific issue focus, including: 

Business and Economic Development

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Neighborhood Beautification

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Seniors

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Veterans

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Domestic Violence

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Emergency Preparedness

In the months since, Community Action Teams, under the leadership of volunteer co-Chairs, have met to address Community concerns, even proposing legislation that has begun  DWP General Manager Marto work through the committee procie Edwards accepted an invita- cess. tion from Councilmember Blumenfield to address community Neighborhood Beauticoncerns at a DWP Town Hall in fication Truck: the West Valley. In line with his commitment to clean  Councilmember Blumenfield safe neighborhoods, Councilmember brought the Los Angeles Police Blumenfield secured an old DepartCommission and Chief Char- ment of Sanitation truck and relie Beck to the West Valley for a dedicated it for the exclusive use of special community meeting. beautifying West Valley communities. Community Action

Bus Transportation: To assist nonprofits, schools, and senior organizations in his district, Blumenfield sets aside a limited amount of funds each year to provide special bus transportation to events or outings. He does this to encourage groups that might otherwise have access issues to take advantage of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities in the area. For example, an elementary class might take a field trip to a local museum, or a senior citizens group may want to attend a musical performance. Hundreds of constituents have benefitted from this program.

Councilmember Blumenfield provided bus transportation

Although officially dedicated in June, for seniors at St. Mel Catholic Church in Woodland Teams: Hills to see a dinner theater production of "Because It's working with the Neighborhood Christmas" at the Candlelight Pavilion in Claremont, At his Community Swearing-In last Beautification BobCAT, Blumenfield CA, July, Councilmember Blumenfield and his team have been taking it on committed himself to the principle test runs, picking up bulky items and of collaborative leadership, announc- even helping one constituent shore Sidewalk Office Hours: ing the creation of six volunteer led, up a hillside ahead of a recent storm. In addition to taking meetings and issue focused Community Action hosting walk-in visits from constituTeams, BobCATs for short. ents at his office, Blumenfield makes a special effort to reach out directly in neighborhoods via "Sidewalk Office Hours." He began this outreach program while in the Assembly and for more than five years has regularly conducted sidewalk office hours with constituents. Whether residents need help with City services, have a question on policy or legislation, or just want to say “hello,” Sidewalk Office Hours are another example of Blumenfield’s commitment to serving the community. In the midst of a recent busy workday, Councilmember Blumenfield and his staff took to the streets of Canoga Park to clear bulky-items off of busy roadways. After collecting items including a shopping cart, vanity shelf, tire and more, Team Blumenfield hauled the items to the West Valley Sanitation Yard. Field representative Safi Lodin summed it up best when he remarked, “All in all, it was a good day,” on May 22, 2014.

Back cover photo taken during the ribbon cutting of the new playground at the Tarzana Recreation Center, on February 6, 2014. The playground was built with special funds provided by Council District 3.

“There is no higher honor than to serve. Contact me for help with any city service or issue.”

City Hall Office

District Office

200 N. Spring Street, Room 415

19040 Vanowen Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Reseda, CA 91335

Phone: (213) 473-7003

Phone: (818) 774-4330

Blumenfield.LAcity.org BobBlumenfield BobBlumenfieldSFV

Canoga Park ● Reseda Tarzana ● Winnetka Woodland Hills 12