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Office Hours
Boyle Heights Office
2130 E. 1st Street
Suite 202
Los Angeles, Ca 90033
323-526-3059
Office Hours:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Walk-in/Appointment Hours with Councilmember Huizar:
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
On the First Thursday of the Month
Eagle Rock District Office
2035 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90041
323-254-5295
Office Hours:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Walk-in/Appointment Hours with Councilmember Huizar:
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
On the Second Thursday of the Month
El Sereno District Office
5150 N. Huntington Drive
Suite 111
Los Angeles, Ca 90032
323-259-1646
Office Hours:
9:00 am-5:00 pm
Walk-in/Appointment Hours with Councilmember Huizar:
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
On the Third Thursday of the Month
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The Huizar Herald
Volume I, Issue 1 - May 2006
Dear Friends,
Thank you for affording me the privilege to serve as your public servant on the Los Angeles City Council. I am honored to represent the great residents of our rich and diverse communities of Boyle Heights, Downtown, Eagle Rock, El Sereno, Garvanza, Glassell Park, Hermon, Highland Park and Mount Washington. I look forward to teaming up with you to improve our neighborhoods, build a better future for our children and accomplish great things for our City.
When I took the oath of office as your new Councilmember a few months ago, I made a commitment to communicate with you and the community regularly. This newsletter is just one vehicle to help fulfill the pledge. The newsletter will provide updates and information on activities, events and issues that may be of interest to you.
I am pleased that my staff and I have been successful in working well with our local residents, city staff and others to achieve some humble feats. A few of these will be highlighted in the following pages.
Please feel free to subscribe to this newsletter by going to my website at http://www.lacity.org/council/cd14/. I hope you find this and future newsletters informative, interesting and enjoyable.
Kindest Regards,
José Huizar
Councilmember, 14th District
York Boulevard Parking Restoration
Councilmember José Huizar picked up a paintbrush to help repaint and eliminate red curbs along York Boulevard storefronts in Highland Park, restoring parking for patrons while also unveiling newer and safer left turn lanes along York Boulevard. In January, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) resurfaced York Blvd. and installed left turn pockets that eliminated more than 80% of storefront parking. Councilmember Huizar restored all of the parking along the area's business corridor and at the same time provided safer conditions for pedestrians and motorists by approving new left turn lanes and crosswalks. In addition to restoring the previous parking spaces, Councilmember Huizar increased parking in the area by an additional 20%. His actions not only increase parking, motorist and pedestrian safety, but it also enhances the area's economic vitality.
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Councilmember José Huizar repainted red curbs in front of Highland Park storefronts on York Blvd. |
Whittier & Lorena
City Councilmember José Huizar called for a study and recommendations from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) to find ways to increase pedestrian and motorist safety at local intersections.
Recently, a three-year-old boy riding in a stroller being pushed by his grandmother was killed and the grandmother was seriously injured when a truck hit them in a Boyle Heights crosswalk at the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and Lorena Avenue. Police say the driver of the truck didn't see the pair from the grill of his 18-wheeler.
Councilmembers Huizar and Greuel introduced a motion in Council requesting that LADOT deliver its safety report this month. He also directed that LADOT provide recommendations to improve safety conditions at this intersection and other similar crossings throughout the City.
As a result of Huizar's initiative, the following immediate actions have been taken:
Physical Improvements at the Intersection
- The brackets at the affected intersection were replaced and repositioned in a way to help prevent similar accidents of signal equipment.
- New limit lines have been added to the intersection of the accident. This is an additional safety feature for pedestrians because it will increase the visibility of pedestrians by motorists.
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Councilmember José Huizar is joined by Councilmember Wendy Greuel to paint "limit lines" at Whittier & Lorena to increase pedestrian safety. |
New Procedure
- A paging system has now been enacted to automatically dispatch a Traffic Control Officer (TCO) to immediately direct the flow of traffic at an accident site. This action will occur simultaneous to the emergency call for repair that LADOT repair crew receives (prior to this accident, the page went to LADOT who then evaluated whether or not a TCO was necessary.)
Long-Term Safety Measures
- LADOT has been instructed to identify priority intersections that are in the greatest need of pedestrian and motorist safety improvements.
- Councilmember Huizar will be working with other departments and agencies in and outside the City to identify sources of funding that will allow the City to make the necessary intersection improvements to increase public safety.
Preservation of Historical Sites
Councilmember José Huizar has called for an investigation into the City's building review process after a 1934 Jewish Community Center was demolished in Boyle Heights. A loophole in the City's building and permit process apparently allows for exemptions that enable developers to demolish buildings without permits. Councilmember Huizar introduced a motion on the Council floor (March 22nd) that instructed the Planning Department and the Department of Building and Safety to explain to the Council, and to the Community, how the developers of the site were able to bypass the community outreach and building permit oversight processes. He also instructed the Planning & Cultural Affairs Departments to survey the entire city of Los Angeles to identify other sites with historic and cultural significance, but may not have been officially designated Historic Landmarks.
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Councilmember José Huizar and community members call on the City to review "loopholes" that allow demolition of buildings without permits. |
Huntington Drive Beautification
Councilmember Huizar is happy to announce that the beautification of Huntington Drive is well underway and is moving forward due to the hard work of his office and the community.
Councilmember Huizar was able to secure several hundred thousand dollars to be used for the Huntington Drive Beautification Project, which is part of a neighborhood block grant program created many years ago, but has not been fully funded for years. This amount will cover the first phase of the project.
In the meantime, Councilmember Huizar is continuing to fight for the entire amount needed and promised to the District five years ago. Community input is currently in progress.
Valley Grade Separation
Councilmember José Huizar is in the process of securing millions of dollars for the immediate completion of the Valley Grade Separation Project in El Sereno. The project is long overdue and thanks to the hard work of many, construction is scheduled to begin this fall and should be completed in two years.
This project involves constructing a bridge that will elevate Valley Boulevard at the Union Pacific Company's El Paso tracks (between Marianna Avenue & Eastern Ave.). The overpass will reduce traffic congestion since delays from the Union Pacific railroad train can last up to 30 minutes.
The project will also include street improvements that will rectify long standing eyesores. Among the improvements to be seen are new concrete pavement, new curb and gutters, new sidewalks, new lighting, new utilities and new landscaping.
In 1988, the project originally was estimated to cost $20 million, but, due to the high cost of fuel and materials, this amount has changed. The new cost is approximately $55 million (2006). The time it took to find the additional funding has delayed project. However, Huizar is securing additional monies and has allocated them to complete the project.
By working together with the different departments and agencies, the Valley Grade Separation will not only alleviate the traffic problems in the area, but help reduce noise caused by horns of trains that is currently a problem in the Valley Boulevard corridor west of the project.
Ascot Hills Nature Park
Open Space in our neighborhoods is essential for young and old alike, and it's important to ensure that Open Space is available for our families. That is why Councilmember Huizar is proud to announce that he was able to secure an additional $250,000 for the Ascot Hills Nature Park.
This 140-acre project will be a one-of-a-kind site in the City of Los Angeles. The construction of its first phase will begin this year. Councilmember Huizar is committed to finding more funding for this project to make sure that this location becomes a premier park for our children and families, and not just another development.
Garvanza Skate Park
Garvanza Skate Park is another project that Councilmember Huizar is excited about completing and fully funding the over $1 million project. This is an extremely important development, given the fact that our youth need to be involved in extra-curricular activities that provide positive alternatives. That is why when Councilmember Huizar took office, one of his priorities was to secure several hundred thousands of dollars to fill the funding gap for the park. He was able to do so and now, construction is set to begin this year!!! More details will be announced as they become available.
Police Deployment
Councilmember Huizar worked with Chief Bratton and Mayor Villaraigosa to increase police patrol around the Dolores Mission and Ramona Gardens area of Boyle Heights. In addition to making sure that additional recreation and after-school programs are in place, one of Huizar's greatest priorities is to increase law enforcement and provide greater public safety in Council District 14.
Homegirl Café Receives $25,000
Councilmember José Huizar joins Universal Studios Hollywood, in conjunction with its nonprofit "Discover A Star" Foundation, at Boyle Heights Homegirl Café as Larry Kurzweil, Universal Studios' President and COO, presented a $25,000 contribution to the organization. Councilmember Huizar and Homeboy Industries founder, Father Greg Boyle were present to accept the contribution, which will help Homeboy Industries and its Homegirl Café subsidiary provide development and training for at-risk youth.
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Councilmember José Huizar & Universal Studios' President Larry Kurzweil are joined by Homeboy Industries Founder, Father Greg Boyle and cast of the theme park's favorite costume characters at Homegirl Café in Boyle Heights to celebrate the café's first anniversary. |
First Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Councilmember José Huizar and the City of L.A.'s Department of Recreation & Parks, in conjunction with Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, AEG, AT&T and Megatoys held its 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Yosemite Park in Eagle Rock. More than 1000 Easter Baskets were distributed to children in the community and Huizar awarded 12 brand new children's bicycles to kids who found the golden eggs. The Egg Hunt was followed by arts & crafts, face painting, a visit from the Easter Bunny and a coloring contest.
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Councilmember Huizar, along with the Easter Bunny, present a brand new bicycle to one of the lucky winners who found a "golden egg" at this year's first annual Huizar Egg Hunt in Eagle Rock.
Huizar in Action
Hermon Pet Fair
Councilmember Huizar and his daughter, Emilia join the Hermon community at the Annual Hermon Pet Fair in February. The event was co-sponsored the Sam Simon Foundation and gives residents an opportunity to adopt pets and receive free spading and neutering for their cats or dogs.
Eagle Rock H.S. Football Team Wins Its First CIF Championship
Councilmember Huizar recognizes the Eagle Rock Football Team for its first CIF Championship in more than 70 years.
Highland Park Beautiful Poster Contest
Councilmember Huizar recognizes winners of this year's Highland Park Beautiful Poster Contest. Entries were solicited from local Highland Park elementary, middle and high schools to encourage children to become involved in making Highland Park "a cleaner, greener and safer community".
Corporal Mario Atrian Honored As Hero
Councilmember José Huizar is joined by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congresswoman Hilda Solis and members of the United States Military in recognizing Mario Atrian, an outstanding individual who lives in the 14th District. Corporal Atrian received the Silver Star for his heroic action.
Chinese New Year Parade
Councilmember Huizar and his wife, Richelle and two daughters Emilia and Isabella join in the fesitivities Downtown during this year's Chinese New Year Parade.
Read Across America
City Councilmember José Huizar participated in this year's "Read Across America" by reading one of his favorite children's books, Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day, to a group of second grade students at Breed Street Elementary School in Boyle Heights.
Save Me a Spot in College
Councilmember Huizar and Hot 92's Josefa Salinas surprise an El Sereno teen with a $500 check as early winner of "Save me a Spot in College" Contest.
College Is Possible
Councilmember Huizar along with Grammy Award winner Jon Secada & MTV News Correspondent Sway and Sallie Mae representatives kick-off "College Is Possible" workshops in Los Angeles.
Douglas Playground Dedication
Councilmember José Huizar joins Anne & Kirk Douglas during the First Street School Playground Dedication in Boyle Heights. Councilmember Huizar provided matching funds to build this playground while he was on the Board of Education. The Foundation has built hundreds of playgrounds citywide.
Nike Donates New Soccer Field To Glassell Park
Councilmember José Huizar, along with Councilmember Eric Garcetti, US Soccer Stars Landon Donavan and Brandi Chastain joined with Nike and the Amateur Athletic Foundation (AAF) of Los Angeles to celebrate the dedication of the new Joga Bonito Soccer Field in Glassell Park.
Councilmember Huizar Honors Graciela Beltran
Councilmember Huizar presents a resolutions to one of this year's AT&T Fiesta Broadway Headliner, Graciela Beltran, "La Reina Del Pueblo". She was born on December 29 in a small town of Sinaloa, Mexico named Costa Rica.
Boyle Heights Bulky Item Pick-Up & Drop-Off Event
City Councilmember José Huizar sponsored a Bulky Item Pick-Up and Drop-Off event, along with Our Lady of Talpa Church in Boyle Heights. Due to the increased illegal dumping in the area around Talpa Church, Councilmember Huizar invited area residents to work with his District Office to participate in the Program. Nearly six tons of bulky items were picked up and disposed of by the end of the event.
International Kids' Day Fair
City Councilmember Huizar, along with Yorkdale Neighborhood Leadership Group sponsored the Annual International Kids' Day Fair at Yorkdale Elementary School in Highland Park. Additional sponsors included: CitiBank, White Memorial, Southern California Edison, Eisner Pediatric, AltaMed, Eastside LRT Constructors & Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council. More than 1,500 people attended the event.
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