View this email in your browser

Dear <<First Name>>,

When the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, my team and I immediately moved to bring assistance to people who need it the most, including establishing the largest rental relief program in the United States.

As part of our relief effort, I also funded $1 million in emergency grants for brick and mortar, neighborhood serving small businesses in the 13th District. Thanks to the Economic and Workforce Development Department for administering this program, and providing new details on the help we were able to provide:

☑️ More than 170 small businesses received grants of $5000 each
☑️ More than 40% of businesses self reported as woman-owned
☑️ More than 40% of businesses self reported as minority-owned
☑️ The median business earned approximately $316,000 in annual revenue
☑️ The typical business employed five individuals
☑️ In total, small business grant recipients employ nearly 550 individuals

These small businesses are made up of our friends, family members, and neighbors. They are found across the 13th District, and employ people in a variety of industries. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy — and I am proud to have played a small role in helping to keep them going during these challenging times.

Though we can clearly see the light at the end of the tunnel, COVID-19 is still not completely behind us. If you haven’t already, please get vaccinated and continue to follow current health protocols and guidelines.

My team and I will continue to be of service, and to help in any way.

With kind regards,

MITCH O'FARRELL

WEEKLY HEADLINES

[Downtown News] Council OKs services for homeless encampments

[NBC] Gov. Newsom asks Californians to cut water use, expands emergency as drought worsens

[Beverly Press] Arts collective sees more positive momentum

TEAM MITCH MAKING A DIFFERENCE

ELYSIAN VALLEY - Ensuring that our public walkways are accessible is a top priority of Councilmember O'Farrell and our 13th District Clean Team, which recently removed illegally dumped items from Crystal Street between Harwood Street and Shoredale Avenue. If you see a similar sidewalk in need of attention, please contact our District Office at (213) 207-3015.

RSVP: COUNCILMEMBER IN YOUR CORNER

HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN - Join Councilmember O'Farrell, City Departments and neighbors this Saturday, July 10, at 9am at Rockwood Community Park - 1571 Rockwood Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 - for his 72nd Councilmember in Your Corner. The event includes a community clean-up, tree trimming and maintenance, as well as door-to-door outreach. See you there!

HELPING OUR LOCAL VENDORS

ECHO PARK - Our office recently partnered with the Department of Recreation and Parks and StreetsLA to host a workshop to help Los Angeles street vendors navigate the permitting process. As we emerge from the pandemic, Councilmember O'Farrell will continue to host events supporting local entrepreneurs, making our economy stronger, and elevating this integral part of Los Angeles’ culture

HELPING FOOD INSECURE HOUSEHOLDS

ECHO PARK - On Friday, our office continued its monthly partnership with the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund and Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles. Together, we distributed more than 2,000 pounds of healthy and nutritious groceries to 120 13th District households in need. Even as we ease out of the pandemic, food insecurity will continue to be an issue, and we're committed to meeting the challenge through 2021 and beyond.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

HOLLYWOOD - Thank you George Skarpelos, outgoing President of the Hollywood United Neighborhood Council (HUNC), and Erin Penner, outgoing HUNC Secretary, for your service on behalf of Hollywood residents and stakeholders. Your leadership and volunteerism in the community have made the 13th District a stronger and better place.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

RENTER PROTECTIONS

HCIDLA: COVID-19 Renter Protections

FREE LEGAL SERVICES

INFO: LA Represents

COVID-19

VACCINATIONS: Vaccine Appointments

SIGN UP: Free COVID-19 Testing

HOMELESS SERVICES

SHELTERS: Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Support

PARKING CITATION ASSISTANCE

LADOT: Payment Relief Options