UN4LA NEWS, APRIL 2020

A monthly newsletter published by United Neighborhoods for Los Angeles.

UN4LA's mission is to bring communities together to plan for a sustainable future.  Growth must be shaped by community engagement, not developer dollars.

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CORONAVIRUS IMPACTS L.A.

As the pandemic deepens across the globe, and cities across the US are taking measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus, Angelenos are dealing with a new reality.

In the City of LA, Mayor Garcetti has ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses, but this raises the question of what is essential.  In this article, Curbed asks if construction work is essential, and looks at responses from developers, unions, and government agencies across the country.

How Essential Is Construction During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

As LA businesses close down, workers have been laid off or let go, putting thousands of renters in a tight spot.  The LA Times reports on actions taken by Mayor Garcetti to temporarily stop evictions and freeze rents. 

Tenants Get Help as LA Freezes Rent Hikes for Thousands of Apartments over Coronavirus

Legacy businesses are those restaurants, shops and service providers that have a long-standing presence in our communities.  The LA Conservancy has suggestions for ways you can support your favorite local business during this difficult time.

Support Legacy Businesses


CORRUPTION PROSECUTIONS IN L.A.

While the pandemic has been dominating the headlines, there have been important new developments in the Department of Justice's investigation into corruption in the City of LA.

Earlier this month former LA City Councilmember Mitch Englander was charged with obstructing an investigation into illegal activities.  Late last week he agreed to plead guilty to one count of falsifying facts. 

Ex-Los Angeles City Councilman Agrees to Plead Guilty to Federal Charge

Also this month, real estate appraiser Justin Kim agreed to plead guilty to delivering hundreds of thousands of dollars to an LA City Councilmember in exchange for help with moving a project forward.

Fundraiser to Plead Guilty to Delivering Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars to Bribe Member of Los Angeles City Council


GET OUT OF THE HOUSE: TAKE A (VIRTUAL) TOUR OF L.A.

No doubt many Angelenos are tired of being cooped up in their homes.  Even if it isn't safe to go roaming around the city right now, you can still take of virtual tour of LA County.  The LA Conservancy will show you some of LA's most famous landmarks, along with many others you've never even heard of.    

Explore Los Angeles County