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March 31 , 2016

BID Debuts New Logo

The LA Fashion District logo is getting a makeover. Many of you may recognize the "lady in the hat" icon and think, "Hasn't that always been the logo?" The icon is visible throughout the district since its inception in the early 2000s. Historically the "lady in the hat" has been part of the Fashion Districts way-finding signage and is even painted on various intersections. However, there has always been a separate official logo for the BID. That is, until now. We are merging the way-finding icon with the logo for a refreshed look. It's about time we made her official right?

The previous logo featured the text "LA Fashion District" and had the shape of a woman outlined in the "A." You'll continue to see both logos while we make the transition.

Fashion District BID Safe Team Recognized by LAPD



The Central City Police Boosters Board of Directors honored Central Area LAPD officers, civilians, and BID Officers at their annual Public Safety Luncheon & Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Fashion District BID Officer Garces was recognized as the LA Fashion District BID Officer of the Year for her outstanding service and commitment to the job. Congratulations Officer Garces!

Garces is part of the LA Fashion District's 24-hours Safe Team patrol. In addition to working with LAPD, the Safe Team is here to assist visitors to the district in any way they can. Should you need assistance or have something to report, call the 24-hour line at 213-741-2661.

Vote Rena Leddy in DLANC Election!


Rena Leddy, LA Fashion District BID Managing Director, is running for the Downtown Neighborhood Council's business seat, representing the BID. This year, the elections are being held online and in person. In order to vote online, you must first register to do so.
  • Register NOW and BEFORE April 28 at www.empowerla.org/vrp.
  • You will need to upload a photo ID and some form of proof that you work, live, and/or own a business in the neighborhood.
  • Elections run online between April 14 and May 5, 2016.
When we get closer to the Election Date, we will send information on how and where to vote.



California Downtown Association Succeeds in Stopping SB 876
The California Downtown Association worked with BIDs and downtown organizations around the state, including the Fashion District, to put a stop to the proposed legislation SB 876, Homelessness. This bill would have been another version of the "Right to Rest Act" that we've defeated two other times in the last three years. This bill proposed preserving the homeless' right to live and eat on the streets and sidewalks of our cities. The bill did not offer any practical solutions towards addressing homelessness. Instead it would have prohibited cities, counties and municipal agencies that receive state funds from regulating resting in public spaces. The bill would also have dramatically hindered a local municipality's ability to maintain parks, sidewalks and other public spaces in a safe and clean manner.

SB 876 encourages homeless individuals to continue living on the street, instead of encouraging them to secure permanent supportive housing to address their needs.  Basically it would have allowed them to sleep, urinate, in some cases do drugs and drink alcohol, and ultimately die in the streets. This is not acceptable to us and we urged the Senate to vote "no" on the proposed bill, which they did. We also asked that Legislature support efforts that result in positive outcomes with respect to moving people off the streets and into housing. We urged the Legislature to prioritize outcomes oriented to:
  • Increasing affordable housing (permanent and bridge housing) throughout the state.
  • Providing funding for vocational training and re-entry support for those leaving the criminal justice system and returning to their communities.
  • Consider tools and programs that address the large mentally ill homeless population happening on the streets across the State. 
  • Provide resources to local communities for detox beds and quick access to substance abuse rehabilitation to provide safe alternatives to those addicted to substances living on our streets.
  • Support the creation of more permanent supportive housing for those experience chronic homelessness and debilitating conditions.
 
City Council Sets New Limits on the Belongings of Homeless
This week City Council revised the law known as Ordinance 56.11 to allow people to have only as much stuff as they can fit into a 60 gallon container. City Councilman, Joe Buscaino said the measure balanced the city's need for safe and clean streets with homeless people's personal property rights. Under the revised law, the homeless can be cited or arrested for a misdemeanor if they fail to clear the sidewalks or fail to take down their tents/encampments between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. The City will cite a homeless person if they have excessive personal property after providing 24 hours' notice. The City will store the items for 90 days, during which time the owners can claim the items. With no warning, the City can seize and impound a tent that is not taken down during the 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. time frame. They will be allowed to erect tents after 9:00 p.m. They can leave their tents up if the weather drops below 50 degrees.  Bulky or contaminated items can be seized and discarded without warning. This revised ordinance is in response to the many encampments that have creeped up all over the city, not just downtown. There has been a 20% increase in homelessness in the last two years in Los Angeles.


Sidewalk Repair Program Approved 
The City Council approved the new Sidewalk Repair Program this week. The Sidewalk "Fix and Release" Program, which includes requests from the LA BIDs, including the Fashion District BID, was expanded to include sidewalks adjacent to commercial property. The City will repair all sidewalks over the next 30 years per a settled lawsuit filed by disabled residents. The settlement, reached last year, will prioritize sidewalks near government and commercial facilities as well as those that are severely damaged and heavily traveled before moving on to other residential areas. Once the sidewalks are fixed, the City will release or return the responsibility for maintenance to the property owners. Since this will take the City years to get through every sidewalk, it is offering an incentive to property owners to fix their sidewalks on their own. The City will offer a rebated of 50% of the repair cost if they fix the sidewalk themselves within the first three years of the program. The City will offer a warranty on the repairs, 5 years for commercial and 20 years for residential, up to one repair. The program is scheduled to begin next year.


 
Farmer's Market
Every Saturday, 9a-2p
Enjoy fresh produce, gourmet food, flowers, and entertainment at The Wall Farmer's Market, located on Wall Street between 8th and 7th Streets. Food, flowers, farmers, and fun!
 

Sample Sale Friday
Sample sales are held on the last Friday of every month and take place in the designer showrooms on 9th and Los Angeles Streets. Sample sale hours are typically 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more info. 

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