The Blumenfield Buzz- 6/23/2015The Los Angeles City Council this month approved the release of a Request for Participants (RFP) to identify one or more providers to commit to deploying advanced wireline and wireless networks that can provide one gigabit broadband speed or more to residences and businesses. The RFP asks proposers to provide a free level of service, including free basic wireless services, and to complete build-out within the next five years.
The RFP was issued as part of CityLinkLA, the initiative first proposed by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield to ensure that Los Angeles is among the most connected cities worldwide.
“In today’s digital age, Internet access is a necessity, not a luxury. Today however, too many Angelenos do not have access to broadband, while many businesses and residents pay higher prices for slower speeds when compared to other global cities,” said Blumenfield, who chairs the Council’s Innovation, Technology and General Services Committee. “Universal access to high-speed Internet is essential to the City’s future economic competitiveness, and will drive Los Angeles’s entertainment, tech and entrepreneurial activity. Free wireless Internet access will be a game changer in terms of helping to bridge the city’s digital divide.”
To meet the needs of Los Angeles residents and businesses, the City is seeking proposals for networks that deliver symmetrical speeds of one Gbps or higher and at prices comparable to similar services offered in other cities with gigabit service, such as Chattanooga, Tennessee and Austin, Texas. Additionally, proposers are asked to address the digital divide through provision of a level of free access to the Internet via wireless services, and free wireline services to targeted communities.
Since Councilmember Blumenfield first introduced a measure to develop a citywide broadband and wireless network in July 2013, effectively establishing the initiative, City leaders have undertaken an extensive research process to arrive at this RFP. A Request for Information (RFI), issued in April 2014, collected feedback from potential bidders and the public provided clarity on necessary actions to take in creating a viable package. Efforts have also included studying deployment models developed by other municipalities and engaging every City department in identifying and mapping available City assets.
“CityLinkLA was created to deliver the high-speed, high-quality and affordable Internet that Angelenos need and deserve. Our goal is to see that all Los Angeles neighborhoods have equal access to advanced communications networks, allowing residents and businesses to take full advantage of Internet capabilities. We have set a course for the City’s technological future. We’re looking for providers that share our vision and are ready to invest now,” concluded Blumenfield.
Special Notice Regarding District Office Construction
Due to ongoing construction at the West Valley Municipal Center, Councilmember Blumenfield’s District Office staff may be temporarily relocated to City Hall or another City Building. If you are unable to reach any District Office staff, please call Councilmember Blumenfield’s City Hall office at (213) 473-7003.
Special Olympics Comes to the West Valley
In just a few short weeks, Los Angeles will welcome more than 7,000 athletes from 170 nations for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games. This will be the largest sporting event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to President John F. Kennedy, the first Games were held in 1968 in Chicago. In that time, the Special Olympics has grown into the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to more than 4.4 million athletes. This year is the first time the Special Olympics have been held in the United States since the 1999 Games in Raleigh, North Carolina and a chance to display the best of our city to the world.
Proving once again that Councilmember Blumenfield’s West Valley constituents are extremely generous of their time, energy, and spirit, not one, but 4 communities and their chambers of commerce have stepped up to the plate to serve as host towns. They will be welcoming the world’s athletes in to West Valley neighborhoods as they compete on the global stage: the communities of Woodland Hills, Tarzana, and Reseda, along with the West Valley-Warner Center Chamber of Commerce will be welcoming the Greek delegation to the World Games, while the community of Winnetka will host the delegation from Venezuela.
- Support your local host town! West Valley communities have stepped up to the plate to host nation delegations to the World Games, but they need your help to make this an amazing experience for the athletes. It takes $100 to host one athlete during one day, or $300 for all three days. Donate now to support your local host town of Winnetka, or Woodland Hills, Tarzana, and Reseda.
- Join Councilmember Blumenfield at a local torch run! The West Valley will host two torch runs in the lead-up to the Games: on July 22 in Warner Center, and July 23 in Reseda.
- Become a volunteer! Apply now as a volunteer to be a part of the biggest global sports event to hit LA since the 1984 Olympic Games. The Special Olympics are seeking volunteers with big hearts, big smiles and a big commitment to the mission – Special Olympics. Whatever your interest, talent or background, there are volunteer opportunities for you! To find the role that’s right for you click here.
The City of Los Angeles is the greatest city in the world because of the contributions made by everyday people throughout Los Angeles. This summer, let’s show the world the best of Los Angeles as we play host to the Special Olympics Summer World Games.
Blumenfield Tackles Crumbling Sidewalks at Special Committee Hearing
On June 1, in a special joint hearing of the Council’s Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee, of which Councilmember Blumenfield is a member, the City Council took first steps toward bringing City sidewalks into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and making them passable and safe for all Angelenos.
With an estimated 10,750 miles of sidewalks, there are substantial challenges in the development and implementation of a citywide sidewalk repair program. Bureau of Street Services has previously estimated that 40% of the system or 4,620 miles is in disrepair
Recommendations currently being considered by the Council include:
- The City will inspect all City sidewalks.
- For damaged sidewalks at residential locations, the City would repair the sidewalk at the City’s expense, but thereafter responsibility for future repairs would be assigned to the adjacent property owner (“Fix and Release”).
- For undamaged sidewalks at residential locations, the City would immediately assign responsibility for future repairs to the adjacent property owner.
- For sidewalks in any condition that are adjacent to commercial properties and to the property of other governmental entities, the City would assign responsibility for those sidewalks to the adjacent property owners.
“Even before I started my work at the City Council, I was working to find ways to improve our neighborhood sidewalks, and I’m pleased that we are finally making progress,” said Blumenfield. “For too long, LA neighborhoods have been strangled by broken, buckled, impassible, and dangerous sidewalks that have threatened safety and jeopardized economic activity due to decades of neglect.”
Earlier this year, Blumenfield played a role in pushing the City to resolve ongoing litigation that had previously hampered efforts to comprehensively address our sidewalk infrastructure. In settling, the City made a $1.4 billion commitment to sidewalk repairs and pedestrian improvements, the first $31 million of which are included in the recently passed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The June hearing was just the beginning of a longer conversation about how best to address the City’s sidewalks. Several field hearings will be held throughout Los Angeles to follow up on the Council discussion.
Please feel free to attend the hearing in the San Fernando Valley on Thursday, July 30, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Van Nuys City Hall: 14410 Sylvan Street Van Nuys, CA 91401.
Blumenfield has previously pushed the City to take creative and innovative approaches to fixing Los Angeles’s broken sidewalks, including use of alternative materials that will allow for enhanced groundwater recharge and are less prone to buckling, as well as ways property owners can partner with the City to address sidewalks adjacent to their property, similar to the City’s successful 50/50 program.
In his annual budget survey, Blumenfield asked Valley residents what funding sources the City should use to meet its sidewalk obligation. As the process moves forward, Blumenfield hopes to hear from West Valley communities about this important City issue. In particular, if there is a City sidewalk that needs urgent attention send an e-mail to [email protected] with the sidewalk’s location: “By gathering more data about where the most urgent need is, we can make the most of our City investment,” concluded Blumenfield.
Celebrate Independence Day With Councilmember Bob Blumenfield in Woodland Hills
For more information, visit blumenfield.lacity.org/july4.
This July 4th, celebrate Independence Day at the annual Fireworks Extravaganza in Warner Center Park, presented by Councilmember Blumenfield, Keyes Automotive, and the Valley Cultural Center.
With one of most spectacular fireworks displays in Southern California, the July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza delights over 60,000 people every year with a free concert and 20-minute spectacular fireworks display. In June, Blumenfield honored the Valley Cultural Center for 40 years of providing great programming like the annual fireworks show for Valley residents.
There will be over 15 local restaurants on hand along with arts and crafts vendors and local businesses promoting and selling their goods. This year, like every year, the event will be held at the Lou Bradlow Pavilion in Warner Ranch Park. The fun gets started at 6:00 p.m. and goes until 9:30 p.m. Come early!
Parking is available for $20 in any of the Warner Center structures between Topanga and Canoga or Califa and Oxnard.
Blumenfield Casts Historic Vote for Local Minimum Wage
On May 19, the Los Angeles City Council took historic action, voting to increase the citywide minimum wage as part of an ongoing effort to combat poverty in Los Angeles.
The final motion incorporates several policy suggestions raised by Blumenfield in the months since Mayor Eric Garcetti proposed increasing the City’s minimum wage.
Following the vote, Blumenfield made the following statement:
“President Kennedy famously proclaimed that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,’ and today, through a thoughtful, deliberative process, we’ve created a policy that will give Angelenos the raise in wages they need and deserve, while lifting the economic and spiritual tide of our City, including for our most vulnerable populations.
The Citywide Minimum Wage is among the most consequential policy decisions enacted by this Council in years, and as with any major policy, it is crucial that it be crafted in a way that is thoughtful and deliberative to ensure that we achieve our goal of lifting Angelenos out of poverty.
To that end, I have been an advocate of an increase that would consider the position of non-profits that serve our most vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and the developmentally disabled, especially those that rely on federal and state dollars reimbursement rates.
Similarly, I have been adamant that in order to guarantee the success of any increased wage, steps must be taken to monitor its impacts on jobs and earnings and there must be an opportunity to consider any policy, schedule, or other adjustments needed based on that data. I am pleased that the proposal approved today accomplishes these goals.
Today the City Council, under the leadership of Council President Wesson and Chairman Price, has taken bold action, and through a robust debate has done so in a way that will ensure the broadest possible benefit to the economy.”
For more from Councilmember Blumenfield on the minimum wage, see his previous letter to the members of the Economic Development Committee, posted here. The ordinance and schedule of increases can be viewed here.
On Patrol and in the Air with LAPD Air Support Division
On the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend, Blumenfield joined LAPD Air Support Division to tour their facilities, and show appreciation for the work they do everyday keeping Valley communities safe before joining them for a 2.5 hour patrol of Valley communities.
ASD began with one helicopter in 1956. Today, ASD is the largest municipal airborne law enforcement operation in the world. Based out of the City’s Piper Tech facility, ASD utilizes the largest rooftop helipad in 
the nation, if not the world, to serve as the LAPD’s eyes in the sky.
Water-Wise Workshop in the West Valley
Residents heard from LADWP officials about tips on how they can save water and beat the drought.
LADWP will pay you to replace your lawn with California friendly landscaping. The Ca$h in Your Lawn rebate is now $3.75 per square foot.
Last summer, Blumenfield replaced 1,750 sq. ft. of turf at his Woodland Hills home with California friendly plants. This past fall, Blumenfield broke ground on the Water-Wise Demonstration Garden, replacing some 20,000 sq. ft. of thirsty turf at the West Valley Municipal Center and neighboring and West Valley Library with a variety of California friendly landscaping options. The West Valley Municipal Center houses Blumenfield’s Reseda District Office.
In October, Blumenfield introduced legislation that would create new standard for environmentally friendly artificial turf so that it can be more responsibly added to the menu of options available to Angelenos interested in replacing their parkways with low water alternatives.
Celebrating Innovation in Los Angeles
Councilmember Blumenfield was joined by his colleagues, Councilmember Nury Martinez and Councilmember Mitch Englander, to celebrate the hardworking, dedicated City employees who submitted the first round of proposals selected as part of the City’s Innovation Fund. The Innovation Fund looks to City employees and commissioners to crowdsource new ideas to make government more efficient, responsive, and transparent.
Blumenfield, who chairs the Council’s Innovation, Technology and General Services Committee, had previously joined Mayor Eric Garcetti and Controller Ron Galperin to announce the launch of the fund this March.
Dr. Marc Eckstein, with the support of Councilmember Mitchell Englander, brought forward the concept of a nurse practitioner unit for the LAFD. The new unit will provide efficient and effective health services to vulnerable Angelenos while freeing up valuable resources for immediate, life-threatening emergencies.
Mark Nakata found a new way to bring Los Angeles into the 21st century by suggesting the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering utilize 3D printing technology to produce architectural models that will save many hours of staff time.
Sandip Soni, Arment Kamyshyan and Ken Husting conceived of the “Can I Park Here Now” idea that will simplify parking signs that have been known to confuse and confound drivers throughout the city.
The Controller’s office, under the leadership of Controller Ron Galperin and Deputy Controller Vijay Singhal came up with a proposal to create a mobile app to allow City employees to access their paycheck information from the palm of their hand. Currently that vital information is only accessible from a desktop, a major hassle for the many City employees who are not assigned a computer.
Delilah and Alejandro Puche, a husband and wife team, both City employees, submitted the idea for online police reporting. As it turns out, the types of reports that could be handled online take a lot of time for our officers to process, time that could be better spent on crime prevention.
Michael Sailor submitted a very cool idea to bring unarmed air vehicles to the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Castaic Power Plant. Currently, it takes 5-7 people 3-4 hours to complete an inspection. Michael’s idea will allow the department to buy widely available quadcopters to inspect facilities and insulators on power poles, and ultimately increase safety: protecting inspectors from hazards such as steep terrain, rattlesnakes, and extreme heat.
Have an idea of how the City of Los Angeles could do things better, faster, or cheaper? Keep those innovative ideas coming at innovate.lacity.org!
Around town…
Blumenfield, pictured here with his daughter Nia (left), son Obi (right) and friend Jasmin (center), rides in the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade, on May 25, 2015.
Blumenfield joined the Tarzana Neighborhood Council to recognize the winners of the 4th annual Earth Day poster contest, on May 26, 2015.
As CicLAvia was held in Pasadena last month, Blumenfield joined his family for a ride on the LA River Bike Path through Canoga Park and Winnetka, on May 31, 2015.
Upcoming Events
Join LAPD and Councilmember Bob Blumenfield to honor our heroes, and for a special screening of Night at the Museum
West Valley Tours: Open House
CASINO NIGHT
Summer Lunch at the Library!
El Ministerio de Salud de La Iglesia Sta. Catalina de Siena La Feria Annual de Salud:
Final Leg for Special Olympics
This is not a comprehensive calendar. You can list your own event by heading to blumenfield.lacity.org/events and clicking “host your own event.”
