Channel 35 to Replay Councilmember Huizar's "Election Reform Forum" Today & Twice Next Week

Councilmember Huizar moderated his second government reform panel recently in Council Chambers. A panel of experts discussed election reform in hopes of increasing voter turnout in City of Los Angeles’ elections while exploring ways to save the city money in the process. Channel 35 will reply the program later today @ 5:30 p.m. and again on 6/28 @ 12:30 p.m. and 7/1 @ 6 p.m. You can also click here to watch it online.

The panel included Kathay Feng with California Common Cause, Antonio Gonzalez with Southwest Voter and the Willie C. Velasquez Institute, David Holtzman with the League of Women Voters Los Angeles, Ron Kaye with OurLA, political pundit and Sonnenschein managing partner Darry Sragow, and Holly Wolcott with the Office of the City Clerk. The discussion centered on possible solutions to voter fatigue and apathy in increasingly expensive elections.

Councilmember Huizar’s last panel in March focused on Campaign Finance Reform and he is currently working on a package of campaign and election reform proposals. A third forum focusing on the City’s Charter will soon be announced for September.

Council Adopts Councilmember José Huizar's Proposal to Institute Higher Penalties for Illegal Dumpers

(Photo credit: Edited version of the new South LA Transit Rider ad)

As chairman of the Los Angeles City Council's Public Works committee, Councilman Huizar championed stricter and heavier fines for individuals and companies guilty of illegally dumping items on the public right of way. Click here for the most recent agenda.

The heavier fines allow the City to assess a fee in the amounts of $500, $1,000, and $1,500 for the first, second, and third violations respectively.

The fines will be administered by the City's Bureau of Street Services, with the City Attorney following up to prosecute violators.

The Bureau of Street Services also conducts stings at “hot spot” locations where dumping is excessive and frequent in order to catch violators in the act of illegal dumping.

In these instances, violators and the associated company are tied directly to the act and swifter fines and heavier penalties can be imposed.

Councilmember Huizar is committed to addressing environmental issues and works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for Council District 14 residents.

Independence Day Fun for the Whole Family at CD 14 Concert and Firework Shows

There are a number of FREE community events to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day—in Boyle Heights, El Sereno and Eagle Rock. Come enjoy musical performances, have the kids participate in activities, eat some tasty food and learn more about community resources. They are all family-friendly so no alcohol is allowed and each one will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show.

4th Annual Boyle Heights Concert and Fireworks Show
o Friday, July 2nd @ Hollenbeck Park, 415 South Saint Louis St., Los Angeles, CA 90033. It will be from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and the fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.

3rd Annual El Sereno Concert, Fireworks Show & 4th of July Independence Parade
o Saturday, July 3rd @ El Sereno Park, 4721 Klamath Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90032
o It will be from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. The parade begins at 2 p.m. @ the corner of Huntington Drive & Van Horne—and ends at El Sereno Park. The concert starts at 4 p.m. and the fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m.

Eagle Rock Concert and Fireworks Show
o Sunday, July 4th @ Eagle Rock Park, 1100 Eagle Vista Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90041. Fireworks start at @ 8:30 p.m.

Historic Ground-Breaking for Ascot Hills Park

Today was a historic day for El Sereno-Hillside Village residents. We broke ground on what will be about 100 acres of open-space at Ascot Hills Park. When completed, this park will be one of the largest in the entire city and allow families from the eastside to enjoy a completely natural setting in the middle of the city. My office worked with our partners at Rec and Parks, Bureau of Engineering, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and, most importantly, the El Sereno-Hillside Village community to begin Phase II construction today. The $3.3 million Phase II project will cover 53 acres and include an outdoor amphitheatre, new hiking trails, stream restoration, new native plantings, irrigation and fire safety improvements and additional parking. This massive preservation effort, along with our decision to purchase and protect land on Elephant Hill and our Northeast Hillside ordinance, which protects hillsides from overdevelopment, ensures that the beautiful, rolling hills that are this area's most striking feature, will be around for decades to come. Thanks to all who made this day possible and hope to see you all at the grand opening early next year!