City Council approves Healthy Neighborhoods package with independent evaluation, 30‑day report back

The Los Angeles City Council on Oct. 31 unanimously approved a package of measures to fund and coordinate services for neighborhoods the city identified as having concentrated public‑safety and quality‑of‑life needs.

Councilmember Ridley‑Thomas moved an omnibus amendment that consolidates previous committee recommendations, requires department coordination on sites targeted by the program and adds independent evaluation and governance safeguards. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hernandez and passed on a unanimous roll call.

The program as presented by Ellen Oppenheim of the Department of Recreation and Parks targets 37 parks identified for concentrated intervention, links Recreation and Parks work to Los Angeles Police Department park coordinators, and calls for expanded programming, site cleanups…