Last week, I asked that the Department of Recreation and Parks examine all opportunities for new park acquisitions in the City of Los Angeles. The request was a response to a recently-completed study of city park needs by the Department. I also asked that the findings of the year-long survey be presented to the City Council’s Arts, Parks, Health & Aging Committee within 30 days. The study’s findings showed that Los Angeles has four acres of parks per 1,000 residents, which, it found, was inadequate for serving a population of approximately four million residents. By surveying city residents, the study also determined that there is a dearth of adult fitness programs, nature programs, and walking and biking trails throughout the city. It comes as no surprise in a City as park poor as Los Angeles that our residents want more recreational facilities. And in tough economic times, it becomes even more important that young people and families have opportunities to participate in recreational and sports activities that are affordable and close to their homes. I further requested that the Department of Recreation and Parks present a written report of all new park acquisition opportunities to each Council District, as well as an update of the report detailing Quimby Funds available for each Department facility, to be revised and submitted to Council every six months. Quimby funds are state funds collected from developers, which are intended to balance out the pace of development with adequate open space. We must always be seeking opportunities to provide more parks for communities in need. And while there are costs involved in owning and maintaining these facilities, the costs of depriving our children of these resources is far greater.
On January 5th, 2009, I attended a press conference at the Jewish Federation to voice my support for Israel during the current conflict with Hamas. Joined by the Mayor and Councilmembers Jack Weiss, Wendy Greuel, and Dennis Zine, I spoke out in solidarity with the people of Israel, who, for too long, have had to endure senseless violence orchestrated by Hamas.
I had the opportunity to travel to Israel a year ago, and I visited the town of Sderot, in which Israeli citizens live in fear of Qassam rocket attacks by Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist organization which doesn’t even recognize Israel’s right to exist, and which has used Palestinian civilians as human shields. Though I am opposed to war and violence, I do believe that the people of Israel have a right to defend themselves. Unfortunately, until Hamas ceases their aggressive rocket attacks on the Israelis, there can be no peace.
