In keeping with Mayor Garcetti’s directive issued today, entitled “COVID-19 City Guidelines,” all Neighborhood Council (NC) Board, Committee, Alliance, and Liaison meetings, as well as all other NC-related events – are suspended up to and including March 31, 2020.
RESOURCES
Helpful resources to help you get information on the Coronavirus:
We’re excited to officially announce the results of the 2025 West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) election! Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and voted — your engagement strengthens our community and helps shape the future of West Adams. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the Board Members who will be representing our vibrant neighborhood:
At-Large Representatives
Dorsay Dujon (Returning Member)
Emily Reyes (New Member)
Angela Gilbert (Returning Member)
Jhoiey Ramirez (New Member)
Business Representative
Richard P. Williams (Returning Member)
Youth Representative
Alexandria Sulaimankhil (New Member)
Homeowner Representative
Ernesto Ramirez (New Member)
Community Interest Representative
Connye Thomas (Returning Member)
We are thrilled to have a dynamic mix of fresh energy and seasoned leadership on the Board. Returning members Dorsay Dujon, Angela Gilbert, Richard P. Williams, and Connye Thomas bring valuable experience and deep community knowledge, while our new members — Emily Reyes, Jhoiey Ramirez, Alexandria Sulaimankhil, and Ernesto Ramirez — bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to help West Adams thrive.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the candidates who ran and to every community member who participated in this important election. Stay tuned for updates on the official swearing-in ceremony and upcoming meetings. The future is bright for West Adams, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together! Congratulations to all! #TogetherForWestAdams
The Urgent Need for a Public Bank A Financial Lifeline for Equity and Resilience
Los Angeles faces intersecting crises—from wildfires and unaffordable housing to aging infrastructure and systemic inequity. Amid these challenges, big banks drain $1.4 billionannually in debt service and financing costs from the City, as outlined in the City’s 2024/25 Budget. This substantial sum could rebuild neighborhoods, fund disaster resilience, recapture public dollars for local reinvestment, reduce costs, and support long-overlooked marginalized communities.
The Municipal Bank of Los Angeles (MBLA) is a proposed nonprofit, city-owned, tax-exempt wholesale bank that manages the City’s finances while collaborating with local lenders to maximize community impact. It leverages municipal funds to finance affordable housing, green infrastructure, and equitable recovery efforts. Operating without retail services (e.g., branches, ATMs, checking accounts), the bank maintains low overhead, focuses exclusively on amplifying public resources, keeping profits within LA.
The MBLA is governed by an independent board and managed by bankers and financial experts separate from City Hall, ensuring strict state and federal regulatory oversight while aligning every dollar with the City’s equity and sustainability goals.
1. Accelerate Affordable Housing
Today’s affordable housing requires 12+ revenue sources, a maze of grants, tax credits, and private loans that delays projects by years and significantly inflates costs.
A public bank is a one-stop financial engine, consolidating funding streams and offering low-interest loans to fast-track construction.
A public bank can quickly and efficiently finance affordable housing development and preservation, keeping more LA families stably housed sooner.
2. Disaster Response That Works
Provide immediate financial relief to families and small businesses post-wildfires.
Fund fire-resistant grids, landslide stabilization, and climate-ready infrastructure.
Recent Executive Orders at the federal level have jeopardized recovery funding. A public bank ensures LA maintains fiscal autonomy during uncertain times.
3. Save Millions Annually
Nearly 50% of housing and infrastructure costs are currently wasted on banking fees.
By using its own capital and credit, Los Angeles can save millions in fees, interest, and debt service currently paid to private banks.
Diverting these funds into a public bank allows the City to offer low-cost loans for schools, roads, and disaster resilience.
Through fractional reserve lending, each dollar deposited can generate up to ten dollars in lending power, with loan repayments reinvesting back into the public bank.
4. Proven Success: Bank of North Dakota (BND)
State-owned public bank established in 1919. Over 105+ years of successful operation.
BND prioritizes residents and remains profitable, earning 18% return on equity (2023).
Public reinvestment: Transferred over $1 billion to ND’s general fund, directly supporting small businesses, schools, infrastructure, and public services.
Rated A+ by S&P—safer than Wall Street banks; exceptionally stable public institution.
5. Feasibility & Impact
Backed by rigorous research. Lending models show the LA Public Bank can generate profits while funding 17,000+ affordable units in its first decade—reinvesting earnings into schools, parks, and climate resilience.
Transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future demands long-term financing. Public banks can catalyze this shift by bridging financing gaps for green projects that private lenders often leave unaddressed.
Fund public projects with recycled city funds instead of tax hikes or additional borrowing and debt. The City will generate more revenue from property taxes on housing projects than from U.S. Treasury Bill investments (1.74% as of Sept. 2024).
Public bank profits return to LA communities instead of private shareholders, cutting red tape for critical projects from green energy to modernized schools.
Next Steps The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the public bank feasibility study under California’s Public Banking Act in June 2023 and May 2024. Now, the City must allocate $460K to fund the RFP so consultants can start their work. This minimal investment will save millions in the short term and build the financial infrastructure needed before the next crisis strikes.
Why This Matters: Our Money, Our Values, Our Bank.
Fiscal responsibility. Funds city needs without raising taxes, cutting essential services, or borrowing more and increasing debt.
Urgency. Disasters won’t wait—LA needs a bank that can act fast in the public interest.
Accountability. Transparent, city-owned bank with robust public oversight and ethical guardrails.
The West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) is excited to announce the upcoming 2025 Neighborhood Council Elections, providing stakeholders an opportunity to shape the future of our community. This year, all elections will be conducted exclusively through Vote-By-Mail (VBM), ensuring a convenient and accessible voting process for all participants.
Key Election Dates:
• Candidate Filing Period: December 6, 2024 – January 20, 2025
• Election Day: April 8, 2025
How to Participate:
1. Request Your Vote-By-Mail Ballot:
• Online: Visit the City Clerk’s VBM application portal to submit your request.
• By Mail: Download the VBM application form, complete it, and send it to the Office of the City Clerk – Election Division at 555 Ramirez Street, Space 300, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Ensure your application is submitted well before the election date to receive your ballot on time.
2. Complete and Return Your Ballot:
• Once you receive your VBM ballot, carefully follow the instructions to mark your choices.
• Return your completed ballot using the provided postage-paid envelope. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, April 8, 2025, to be counted.
Who Can Vote:
If you live, work, own property, or have a community interest within the West Adams boundaries and are at least 16 years old, you’re eligible to vote in the WANC elections. This inclusivity ensures diverse representation and voices within our council.
Get Involved:
Serving on the Neighborhood Council is a meaningful way to influence decisions affecting West Adams. While the candidate filing period has concluded, you can still engage by attending council meetings, participating in committees, and, most importantly, casting your vote.
Stay Informed:
For the latest updates, detailed election information, and resources, visit the West Adams Neighborhood Council website. Your participation is vital in shaping the future of our community.
Make your voice heard—vote in the 2025 West Adams Neighborhood Council Elections!
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
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!
DCA is seeking a part-time Arts Manager I at DCA’s Main Office located at 201 N. Figueroa Plaza, Suite 1400, Los Angeles CA 90012, to assist in planning for the Cultural Olympiad/Program and begin overseeing the data collection and analysis required from Community Outreach efforts, and assist in the preparation of a Cultural Program Plan.
The Cultural Olympiad/Program is a collection of events, programming, and artistic projects which explore the relationship between arts and culture, and sports, leading up to, and during, the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Cultural Program is a required component of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
PACE programs, which use Medicare and Medicaid to help older adults attain nursing home-level care
HealthFinder, a resource with easy-to-understand articles, videos, and interactive tools to help older adults make informed decisions about their health
NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp tool which helps older adults identify their potential eligibility for benefits and programs
Applications are now open for Camp ReadyLA! The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department is hosting its second annual Camp ReadyLA: Emer-Gen-Z. Camp ReadyLA is a week-long program for young adults aged 17-22 that provides a look into the life of an emergency manager. Campers will learn about disaster preparedness and participate in fun activities that will improve their team-building and leadership skills, to pave the way for their professional success. Several careers in the Public Safety field will be showcased, highlighting emergency management coordination and capabilities for City response. The program will run from Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 2, 2024, and will take place daily between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the City’s Emergency Operations Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Applications will close on Monday, June 3, 2024.
The City of Los Angeles DCA seeks LA-based poets, songwriters, and spoken-word artists for a collaborative, performance-poetry project that will be produced in conjunction with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The closing day of the Paris Cultural Olympiad will feature a staged event in a boxing ring specially placed on the Place du Châtelet in Paris for the thematic 12-hour long “poetry-relay” program of live poetry readings and spoken-word and sung performances with music by a wide range of artists based in France. This imminent opportunity is designed to include participation of up to seven Los Angeles-based artists at this showcase event, in the spirit of “passing the microphone” from the Paris 2024 Games to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Respondents to this Imminent Opportunity must be willing/able to travel to Paris for six days (if selected) for four full work-days of activities, such as workshops, book-signings, and educational opportunities for youth, culminating with each selected artist performing a 15-minute set (in English) during the 12-hour poetry showcase on Saturday, September 7, 2024. As this event takes place in Paris, the City of LA Department of Cultural Affairs and its sponsor-partners, will simultaneously coordinate a live+live-streaming event (approximately 1:00-4:00 Pacific Standard Time) to receive a “midnight-toast” from Paris and “catch the mic.”
Project Timeline:
Individual Los Angeles-based poets, songwriters, and spoken-word artists respond to an RFQ by Thursday, May 9, 2024 (click here to access the RFQ) to submit sample past work and CV/resumes.
DCA organizes community experts to rate and rank RFQ submissions to identify up to 28 pre-qualified artists in mid-June 2024.
DCA provides each top-ranking pre-qualified artist $200 and two to three weeks to compose a new poem about Art+Sports which will be due to DCA by the end of June.
DCA organizes community experts to rate and rank commissioned works to identify approximately seven artists to participate in the poetry relay event in Paris (July 2024).
DCA refers selected artists to a collaborating Los Angeles literary arts nonprofit organization who will serve as an administrative agent for issuing artists’ creative-admin fees, assisting with roundtrip travel/lodging bookings, and coordinating activities while in Paris (July 2024).
Los Angeles creative delegation (seven selected artists, plus administrative agent) travel to Paris in the first week of September 2024.
Four days of public activities in Paris (Sept 4 through 7) including a 15-minute set within the Poetry Showcase at the Place du Châtelet, noon to midnight, Saturday, September 7.
Live+live-streaming event in Los Angeles, approx. 2:00-4:00PM, Saturday, September 7.
Special Considerations:
Ability to work collaboratively with a foreign host agency and their art specialists.
Ability to diplomatically represent Los Angeles in a foreign host city.
Ability to safely and securely travel and produce artwork successfully according to the description provided above (including a current US passport valid through January 2025).
Youth poets (ages 8-14) are encouraged to apply (with approval from a parent and/or legal guardian)
Writers with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply to support the closing of the Cultural Olympiad and the Paralympic Games in Paris. Event-venues in Los Angeles will be ADA compliant.
If you have direct questions about this Imminent Opportunity Contact the City of LA DCA Grants Manager Ben Espinosa at ben.espinosa@lacity.org.
The Bridge, a free mentorship program designed for emerging photographers ages 18-26, is now accepting applications for its 2024 Summer session.
What is The Bridge?
A non-profit program for photographers based in Los Angeles and New York City.
Offers real-world mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a chance to refine your artistic vision.
This program iscompletely freethanks to charitable contributions.
Places a special emphasis on reaching photographers from historically underrepresented communities.
Why should you consider applying?
If you’re a passionate photographer looking to take your skills to the next level, this program could be perfect for you! The Bridge provides invaluable experience and connections that can open doors in the photography world.
Due to several factors (including widespread, below-normal temperatures; high natural gas consumption; reduced natural gas flows; and pipeline constraints, including maintenance in West Texas), customers will likely receive gas bills that could be double or higher compared to last year’s winter bills.
In response, the Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas) recently announced a $1 million contribution to the Gas Assistance Fund. The Gas Assistance Fund is a joint effort between SoCalGas and United Way of Greater Los Angeles, working with non-profit organizations throughout our service territory, to help income-qualified customers pay their natural gas bill with a one-time grant of up to $100 per household.
To qualify for GAF, you must meet the following requirements:
The natural gas bill must be in the name of the applicant requesting assistance.
The bill address must be the applicant’s primary residence.
The applicant must not apply for more than the maximum GAF allowance for the current program year.
The applicant must meet the income guidelines listed here.
This website has updated its privacy policy in compliance with changes to European Union data protection law, for all members globally. We’ve also updated our Privacy Policy to give you more information about your rights and responsibilities with respect to your privacy and personal information. Please read this to review the updates about which cookies we use and what information we collect on our site. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our updated privacy policy.
