U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village) may sit on the minority side of the political aisle in the House, but he showed last week he still can find his way around Congress’s financial kitchen.
That after the 15-term lawmaker announced last week that a key congressional panel has advanced his requests for $14.5 million in federal funds for projects that will address vital needs across the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of Los Angeles.
Two relevant House Committee on Appropriations subcommittees voted to approve all 15 of the community projects Sherman submitted for consideration in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations process.
The underlying legislation will now proceed to a vote by the full membership of the Appropriations Committee before the whole House of Representatives can consider the measure.
Funding Members’ community projects in FY2026 will require full-year spending bills rather than a Continuing Resolution. Should FY2026 spending bills with community projects included pass the House, they must also pass the Senate before they can be signed into law.
While the political bacon needs to wind its way through Congress, all the projects appear reasonable and fat-free.
The projects include:
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) – Santa Monica Mountains Brush Clearance & Wildfire Mitigation Committee Approved Amount: $1,031,000
Lands within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) need habitat restoration, particularly brush clearance and the removal of invasive plant species. This project is critical to reducing wildfire risk and preserving wildlife habitat.
City of Los Angeles – The Crisis and Incident Response through Community-Led Engagement Program Committee Approved Amount: $2,062,000
The funding will help expand the Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement (CIRCLE) program, a 24/7 unarmed response program that deploys trained teams to address non-urgent LAPD calls related to unhoused individuals.
California State University, Northridge – High Bay Structural Test Lab Committee Approved Amount: $1,031,000
The technology and equipment in this 1,100-square-foot lab will expand research opportunities through testing on structural systems using different types of loads that reflect real-world conditions. In addition, the laboratory provides workforce training to CSUN students in STEM pathways, as the lab’s projects have real-world applications.
Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles – Community Security Initiative Program Committee Approved Amount: $1,031,000
The funding will strengthen the security of Jewish schools, synagogues, camps, groups, and organizations.
Labor Community Services Food Bank Equipment Upgrades Committee Approved Amount: $1,200,000
The funding will be used to modernize and upgrade the Labor Community Services (LCS) Food Bank Warehouse equipment so that it can serve the Los Angeles community.
Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs – West Los Angeles VA Modular Home Construction Committee Approved Amount: $850,000
Los Angeles County will partner with West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs to acquire and install modular housing to serve as temporary housing under the VA’s Care, Treatment, and Rehabilitative Services (CTRS) Program.
Los Angeles Fire Department Station Renovations Committee Approved Amount: $2,000,000
The funding will improve several of the 20 fire stations in California’s 32nd Congressional District.
City of Los Angeles – Grancell Village Affordable Senior Housing Project Committee Approved Amount: $850,000
The funding will be used to build affordable senior housing units at Grancell Village campus in Reseda, supporting low-income and disabled seniors.
Los Angeles Pierce College – Community Engagement and Enrichment Center Committee Approved Amount: $250,000
The funding will be used to create the Pierce College Community Engagement & Enrichment Center, which will provide a safe and enriching environment for the underserved populations of the San Fernando Valley
Los Angeles Police Department – West LA Real Time Crime Center Committee Approved Amount: $1,031,000
The funding will be used to install a Real Time Crime Center in the West Los Angeles LAPD Division and expand the camera network around the community to reduce burglaries.
Los Angeles River Greenway Studio City Habitat Restoration, Beautification, and Safety Project Committee Approved Amount: $250,000
The project will occur along the south bank of the Los Angeles River from Whitsett Avenue to Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Studio City and include new, native landscaping to replace existing, non-native plants. The project will also install public lighting along the path, access pathways, and seating areas.
Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan Dume Road Tunnel Lighting Upgrade Project Committee Approved Amount: $250,000
The project will enhance visibility and improve driver safety in the tunnels along Malibu Canyon Road, Kanan Road, and Kanan Dume Road.
Sepulveda Basin Pedestrian Safety & Access Improvements Committee Approved Amount: $850,000
The project will provide new and enhanced pedestrian pathways into the Sepulveda Basin recreation area, providing car-free access to LA28 Olympic Games venues.
Southwest Valley Park Improvements – City of Los Angeles Committee Approved Amount: $850,000
The funding will improve parks in the City of Los Angeles.
Beit T’Shuvah – Combatting Crime Through Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Education and Prevention Program Committee Approved Amount: $1,039,000
This project seeks to reduce the prevalence of drug-related crime in Los Angeles County, Congressional District 32, through addiction treatment, prevention, and education opportunities.
