At the West Adams Neighborhood Council, we are committed to keeping our community informed about resources that promote safety, healing, and justice. We recently came across a valuable organization that aligns with these goals: Helping Survivors, an advocacy center partnered with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) that provides crucial resources for individuals affected by sexual violence.
Helping Survivors offers comprehensive information, support services, and resources for survivors and their families, including guidance on navigating legal processes, mental health support, and safety strategies. One of their most recent efforts focuses on rideshare sexual assault awareness and prevention, providing important information on staying safe while using transportation services.
If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to explore their website:
At West Adams NC, we believe that access to the right information can empower and protect our community. We encourage you to share this resource with those who may benefit from it.
Wildfire Recovery Resources for the Arts & Culture Community
The West Adams Neighborhood Council is committed to keeping our community informed and connected to critical resources. In the wake of recent wildfires affecting Los Angeles County, many artists, cultural workers, and small businesses have faced significant challenges. To support those impacted, LA County Department of Arts and Culture has compiled a comprehensive set of wildfire recovery resources.
These resources include financial assistance, legal aid, employment support, disaster relief grants, and mental health services tailored for the arts and culture sector. Whether you are an individual artist, an arts organization, or a small business owner, there are programs available to help you rebuild and recover.
Key Resources Available:
• FEMA Assistance: Support for disaster-impacted individuals and businesses, including financial relief and recovery resources.
• Small Business Support: Grants and emergency loans for small businesses affected by the wildfires.
• LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund: Up to $10,000 in financial aid for displaced artists and arts workers.
• Entertainment Community Fund: Emergency financial assistance for performing arts and entertainment professionals.
• Legal Assistance: Free guidance on insurance claims, commercial leases, and tenant rights through California Lawyers for the Arts.
• Workforce & Employment Support: Job training, unemployment benefits, and temporary jobs for those who lost work due to the fires.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the fires, we encourage you to explore these resources. For full details and application links, please visit:
West Adams stands with our creative community. Please share this information with anyone who may need support. If you have further questions, reach out to communications@arts.lacounty.gov.
Effective July 1, 2024, Ordinance 188072, Los Angeles Municipal Code, Chapter X, Section 12, Division 10, now requires Hotels and Short-Term Rentals to obtain a Police Commission permit.
Hotels and Motels
Hotels are defined as, establishments that provide temporary lodging for payment in the form of overnight accommodations in guest rooms to transient patrons for periods of thirty consecutive calendar days or less. “Hotel” includes hotels, motor lodges, motels, apartment hotels, transient-occupancy residential structures, private residential clubs, tourist courts, and hostels that contain both dormitory-style accommodations and private guest rooms that may be reserved, meeting the definition set forth above. Except as provided above, the term “Hotel” also does not include corporate housing, rooming houses, boarding houses, single-room occupancy housing, any housing available only to students of an education institution, a residential hotel as defined in Section 50519 of the California Health and Safety Code, Short-Term Rentals as defined in Section 12.22.A.32 of this Code, or licensed bed and breakfast establishments within a single unit residence.
Short Term Rentals (STRs)
STRs are defined as, a dwelling Unit, Guest Room, Accessory Living Quarters, other residential structure, or portion thereof, rented in whole or in part, to any Person(s) for transient use of 30 consecutive days or less. Rental Units within City-approved Hotels, motels, Transient Occupancy Residential Structures and Bed and Breakfasts shall not be considered a Short-Term Rental.
The Office of the City Clerk hosted regional election information sessions for Neighborhood Council (NC) stakeholders to review the 2025 All VBM NC Election cycle. Information on the election timeline, ballot voting models (BVMs), candidate filing and voting processes, and library and recreation center partnerships was provided.
LOS ANGELES (November15,2024)– Today, City Clerk, Holly L. Wolcott and EmpowerLA General Manager, Carmen Chang announce the commencement of the 2025 Neighborhood Council Elections Candidate Filing period. The Office of the City Clerk and EmpowerLA will work collaboratively during the 2025 NC Election Cycle. The City Clerk will be responsible for the conduct of NC elections. EmpowerLA shall support NCs in their election outreach efforts. Neighborhood Council (NC) Elections will be conducted over several months on a rolling regional basis, starting with Region 11 (West Los Angeles). Candidate filing for Region 11 is now open (to learn more about Neighborhood Council regions, visit www.empowerla.org/councils-by-service-region/.). Throughout the election cycle, EmpowerLA will execute a public engagement effort to increase awareness of Neighborhood Council elections and build on the continuous civic engagement efforts throughout the city. To learn more about EmpowerLA’s election outreach, visit www.empowerla.org/elections/.
Election Regions: 1 through 12
Candidate Filing Dates: November 15, 2024 – March 24, 2025 To become a Candidate, visit: clerk.lacity.gov/ncelections
There are 99 Neighborhood Councils.
Each region has its own candidate and voter filing periods and unique Election Days.
The 2025 NC Elections will be conducted using an all-vote-by-mail election model.
The City Clerk has enhanced its online application portal and simplified the candidate filing process. Please note that stakeholder requirements to participate in NC elections vary per neighborhood council.For more information about Neighborhood Councils, including board membership and neighborhood civic engagement efforts, contact EmpowerLA at (213) 978-1551 or visit www.99NCs.com.
For additional information regarding candidate filing and elections, contact the Office of the City Clerk between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (213) 978-0444 or toll-free at (888) 873-1000, or visit the City Clerk’s Neighborhood
Do you want to make an impact right here in West Adams? Get involved in shaping the future of our neighborhood by running for a position on the West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC)! Serving on the Council is a fantastic way to work on issues that matter most to you, from local development and public safety to community programs and sustainability.
What Are Neighborhood Councils?
City of Los Angeles Levels Of Government
Neighborhood Councils (NCs) are local advisory bodies that bring community voices directly into Los Angeles city government. Made up of volunteers elected by the community, NCs represent the unique needs and concerns of their neighborhoods. They work on issues such as public safety, development, and neighborhood improvement, and provide input on city policies and budget priorities. Open to residents, business owners, workers, and other stakeholders, NCs are a direct way for people from all walks of life to get involved, influence decisions, and make a real impact on their communities.
Upcoming Election Details:
The next WANC election is scheduled for April 8, 2024, with voting exclusively by mail. The City Clerk’s Election Division will be administering the election, and this is your chance to help make decisions that directly affect our community. Key dates for getting started:
We have several key seats open for individuals who are passionate about creating a vibrant and inclusive community. Available seats include:
(3) At-Large Representatives – Any Stakeholder who is at least 18 years of age at the time of the election.
(1) Business Representative – Stakeholders who own a business, operate a business, own business property or multi-residential property and who are 18 years or older.
(1) Community Interest Representative – Any 18+ year old stakeholder who is a member of a community based organization or faith based group.
(1) Education Representative – A stakeholder who is a member of an educational institution (administration, faculty or student) and who is at least 18 years old
(1) Homeowner Representative – Any Stakeholder who owns residential property and lives within WANC boundaries and is 18 years or older.
(1) Youth Representative – Any Stakeholder ages 14 – 17 who lives in WANC Boundaries
In addition to these roles, we’re also looking to fill the positions of Vice President and Secretary on our board, which can be held by either an existing or incoming board member.
Who Can Participate?
Unlike other elections, Neighborhood Council participation is open to anyone who lives, works, or has a vested interest in West Adams, including those who attend school, are involved in local organizations, or participate in worship or service groups within the area. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident to run or vote, and the minimum age to vote is 16, with most positions open to candidates 18 and older (14-17 for the Youth Representative seat).
The Time Commitment
Serving on the WANC requires a commitment of around 10 hours a month, making it manageable for people with a busy schedule but a big desire to give back. It’s an incredible opportunity to build connections, develop leadership skills, and make tangible changes in your neighborhood.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit the EmpowerLA Elections page for more details on how you can take part in this exciting opportunity. If you’re passionate about making a difference, now’s your chance to step up and help create the community we all want to see. We look forward to seeing new voices join us in leading West Adams!
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