Highlights From Councilmember Lee's Year In Review

NORTHRIDGE-CHATSWORTH, CA — From small business victories, to trash pickup, to equestrian community protection, Northridge and Chatsworth locals found many ways to participate in local government in 2021.

Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee, who represents areas around Northridge and Chatsworth, highlighted some of the city's local accomplishments in his "Year in Review" pamphlet. The pamphlet covers city efforts in different categories including youth development, homelessness, environmental protection and more.

"This past year came and went in the blink of an eye," Lee said in the pamphlet. He added: "As I look to year two [of my term], I am filled with optimism that though more difficult times may lie ahead, the kindness, generosity, and decency of humankind will prevail, and our communities will emerge from this difficult time stronger than ever."

Here are some of the highlights from Lee's "Year in Review" pamphlet.

Local Business

West Valley local businesses took out $102,863 in small business loans and $460,000 emergency microns throughout 2021, according to the pamphlet.

The pandemic hit Chatsworth and Porter Ranch businesses hard, according to the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce. The chamber was one of 22 local chambers in Sep. 2021 to receive a major grant from the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles for pandemic recovery.

Public Safety

Lee highlighted public safety efforts throughout the year, including introducing legislation to combat street racing. The legislation, which was written in conjunction with Senator Henry Stern, would help make it illegal to "promote, aid, and abet the gathering of spectators at street races," according to the pamphlet.

Traffic safety has become a major discussion around the country as pedestrian deaths have significantly increased over recent years.

Lee also addressed different aspects of public safety. City council adopted legislation co-authored by Lee to initiate a city-wide public messaging campaign against hate speech.

"This campaign is not just about fighting hate of every kind — it is also about uniting to fight for diversity, inclusion, and respect; and to celebrate the rich diversity that makes Los Angeles a truly global city," Lee said in the pamphlet.

Environmental Protection

Locals picked up 23,764 bags of trash totaling 48,842 pounds from around the district, according to the pamphlet. The district's trash cleanups are largely organized by a local non-profit called Volunteers Cleaning Community, which hosts frequent trash cleanups and environmental events.

Lee's district saw 66 new trees planted and 342 dead trees removed. 3,536 trees were trimmed in the district in 2021.

Northridge in October became home to the city's first experimental indoor farm, which will grow crops year round with water and energy efficiency. The farm is meant to be a solution for the drought-ridden city.