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Sherman Oaks Seeks Artists to Paint Utility Boxes
If you have recently noticed colorful utility boxes, they've more than likely been tagged, but in all likelihood at the city's request. Following suit of other neighborhoods in LA, Sherman Oaks has launched a diverse art project. The "Let's Paint Sherman Oaks" is a new program run by the Sherman Oaks Chamber Foundation. According to Fran Kerzner, president of the Chamber Foundation, "The chamber has been funding the painting of utility boxes for the last four years." In wanting to continue the initiative, the program seeks new artists to paint more of the city's utility boxes. The Foundation will offer $350 grants to those that paint small utility boxes and $450 grants to those that paint large ones. According to the Foundation's website, over 100 utility boxes have been painted, with ten remaining up for grabs. To apply, interested artists are being instructed to download a template online. From there, they must draw their idea for a neighborhood-appropriate painting on it in color and email that drawing to ShermanOaksFoundation@gmail.com.
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A 332-Unit Planned for Van Nuys
Development firm Alliant Strategic is seeking to build a 332-unit complex in Van Nuys. The proposed project would include 4,000 square feet of commercial space and 37 units set aside for extremely low-income residents. The six-story building will be located at 7050-7058 N. Van Nuys Boulevard and 14431 W. Vose Street. The plans have already been filed with the Los Angeles Department of City Planning and would require final approval. If approved, the 300,000 square-foot projects called Van Nuys Vose will be comprised of a total of 64-units. The property developers also have applied for a Tier 4 entitlement through the city's Transit-Oriented Communities program. The program allows residential developers who build near transit hubs to increase the size of their projects in exchange for setting aside a portion of the units as affordable. This comes as Van Nuys has experienced a significant increase in residential developments, with a portion of those proposed developments also including affordable housing in their building plans.
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House Approves $19.1 Million for San Fernando Valley Transportation Projects
Several San Fernando Valley transit projects will receive federal funding with the U.S. House passage of the five-year $715B measure. The bill will set aside $19.1 million for the region's infrastructure to modernize roads, bridges, and transit, among other needs. Legislators are hopeful that the new bill will also create jobs in the community while connecting communities around the region. While the measure still needs to pass the senate, representatives like Congressman Tony Cardenas believe the measure will make a significant impact in San Fernando Valley. In a statement, he shared: "This funding will help us fix our roads, get more buses on our streets, create jobs, and keep our community safe and connected." Additional community investments would include rail, drinking water, and wastewater infrastructure.
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CA Launches Largest Free School Lunch Program in the U.S.
This month, as students return to school, 6.2 million of them will now be provided the option of a free school lunch. The new move by California officials comes as the result of budget surplus and will be the most extensive program of its kind in the country. "This is so historic. It's beyond life-changing," said Erin Primer, director of food services for the San Luis Coastal Unified School District on California's Central Coast. The program will provide food to students regardless of their family income, which is a shift from the original program that set assistance at an income cap. With LA County being the largest school district in the state, the move will provide much-needed relief to families who experienced the brunt of hardship last year due to the pandemic. In Los Angeles, during 2020, over 400,000 meals a day were provided out of the 600,000 students in the county. The $262-billion budget will allot $54 million for the coming school year through June 2022. After that, California will spend $650 million annually on the program.
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Burbank Library Eliminates Overdue Fines
If you have overdue library books from the Burbank Library, you'll no longer have to worry about your late fees. As of this month, the library will no longer charge fines for late returns "in an effort to improve equity of access." The city has made the move to remove overdue fines to encourage item returns and increase library usage. "While fines for overdue items may seem like a small burden, they can create a major barrier to service for those who are struggling financially," said Library Services Director Elizabeth Goldman in a statement. She continued by saying, "Too many people have made the choice to stop using the library because of inability to pay or fear of accruing fines." Burbank Library has made this move as an effort to follow other cities that have instituted the same revised policy.
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When: July 9-Oct 24, 2021
Where:: Santa Anita Park
What: Enjoy one of America's largest Asian food markets. Spanning the course of Santa Anita Park's front Paddock Gardens, 626 Night Market returns for a summer of delicious eats. Indulge in over 250 Asian street food and beverage peddlers, live music, artists, games! Visit 626NightMarket.com for more information.
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When: Until August 22, 2021
Where:: 285 W Huntington Drive | Arcadia
What: While there's no L.A. County Fair this year, a new competitor has emerged to take its place. The State Fair at Santa Anita Park will be providing family carnival fun throughout August. Enjoy fair food, rides, and tribute bands at Santa Anita Park. Visit statefairent.com for more details and to reserve tickets.
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Shin Sushi
Located: 16573 Ventura Blvd | Encino
We may be on a Michelin-rated kick this week, as Shin Sushi lands on our list of best seafood restaurants with one-star from the acclaimed publication. Looks may deceive those who venture to the shopping center Shin Sushi resides in, but true patrons know the establishment to be a great find. From the mastery of Taketoshi Azumi comes a menu worth indulging in. Enjoy fresh and delicious options like the Hokkaido uni or scallops and fatty tuna. All of which are sure to delight even the most discerning seafood connoisseurs.
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Castaway
Located: 1250 E Harvard Rd | Burbank
With stellar, sweeping views of the Valley, Downtown, and beyond, Castaway in Burbank is an idyllic outdoor dining experience. Enjoy savory steaks, whole roast fish, impressive charcuterie boards, and luscious pasta.
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