It’s been a busy month! Here are a few recent highlights from around the district:
Coastal Cleanup Day
We recently had the opportunity to partner with Heal the Bay to celebrate the largest aquatic volunteer event in the world, International Coastal Cleanup Day, at the Santa Monica Pier and other sites along the coast and our waterways on September 21. Preliminary data from 60 percent of the cleanup sites around California reports a statewide count of 28,751 volunteers who picked up a collective 242,312 pounds of trash and an additional 12,461 pounds of recyclable materials. Nearly all of California’s 58 counties offered a volunteer event location, stretching the entire state coast and going as far inland as Lake Tahoe.
All of this garbage previously laid waste on our beaches, shorelines, and inland waterways to clog our water network. I brought my son and my team and friends came out to be a part of the effort! It was a lot of fun and Heal the Bay opened their aquarium for free to the public to enjoy after spending the morning cleaning the beach. There are numerous clean ups through the year and I encourage you to follow Heal the Bay’s website for local opportunities, as well as California’s 41st Coastal Cleanup Day next fall!
Mahsa Amini Square Unveiling
On September 15, 2024, Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky unveiled the Women Life Freedom Square in memory of Mahsa Amini who was killed at the hands of the Iranian Morality police on September 16, 2022, for failing to properly wear her hijab.
This square on Westwood Blvd in Los Angeles celebrates Mahsa’s life and recognizes the bravery and resilience of women all around the world who choose to stand up to tyrannical governance.
LA28 Flag Ceremony
We celebrated the return of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the Los Angeles region through the official flag installation ceremony at LA City Hall on September 12, 2024. The City is kicking into high gear to prepare for the games in the summer of 2028.
RE+ Convention
On September 11, I had the pleasure of meeting with leaders from Solar Energy Industries Association at the RE+ clean energy conference to learn about the latest innovations in the solar industry and what the future has in store for utility, community, and rooftop solar power in California.
Real Time Watch Center Ribbon Cutting
On September 27, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and Fire Department celebrated the grand opening of their Real Time Watch Center at the Malibu/Lost Hills station in Agoura Hills. This innovative technology will allow deputies to virtually survey real time data to more quickly detect and stop criminal activity, as well as look out for dangerous fires and chart out evacuation routes.
Regent Resort Ribbon Cutting
We also celebrated the grand opening of Regent Santa Monica on September 12. The beautiful resort hotel is a welcome addition to the Santa Monica tourism scene and will play an important role in enhancing the visitor and community experience for our region.
Hidden Hills Fiesta Parade
On September 14, Hidden Hills hosted their Fiesta Parade to celebrate sports and art that bring our community together.
Lincoln Middle School Flag Delivery
On September 13, I had the privilege of delivering Lincoln Middle School a new California flag to replace their previous one that had worn down.
Beverly Hills Sites Tour
I had a fantastic visit with the Mayor and staff of Beverly Hills and toured a number of sites to receive updates on work happening in the city.
It was encouraging to see their Real Time Watch Center in action, along with a water treatment plant, earthquake retrofitting, and sustainable infrastructure in the form of a redesigned street median that will all contribute to making Beverly Hills a wonderful place to live and work.
LAUSD Principal for a Day
Through LAUSD’s Principal Day program, I had the fun and insightful experience of stepping into the shoes of Principal Dr. Shuntell Anthony at one of our local middle schools!
I was able to meet the LAUSD Rookie Teacher of the Year, Thomas Kato, saw a performance from the band, participated in an interview with journalism students for the school newspaper, and interacted with the school farm.
Police Activities League Certificate
The LA County Legislative Delegation helps invest in and support nonprofits making a difference in our community.
Through my involvement in this, I was happy to recognize and support Santa Monica Police Activity League on September 12 for its service on behalf of the Santa Monica Police Department to uplift underprivileged youth.
