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08/26/2025PACOIMA, CA — Today, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) was joined by Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) to announce and tour new climate-resilient, and energy efficient upgrades installed at the San Fernando Gardens public housing community.
Thanks in part to a $3.5M federal investment from Rep Tony Cardenas in 2023, HACLA is bringing a community of nearly 1,500 residents more sustainable and resilient living conditions; including the installation of 448 energy-efficient air conditioning units donated by the Mayor's Office and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, as well as new ceiling fans and cooling roofs.
The San Fernando Gardens Community Center has also been upgraded to serve as a resiliency center with a backup solar power energy system, established by GRID Alternatives. It will support residents during a power outage to prevent heat related emergencies, to store life-saving medication, and charge electrical devices to stay connected.
“Crucial to our efforts to build a more climate resilient Los Angeles is investing in communities that are facing the impacts of our changing climate firsthand,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Every family deserves relief from increasing heat and today marks another significant step towards making that a reality. I am grateful to be part of this collaboration with HACLA and our regional partners to help ensure residents of San Fernando Gardens can live comfortably and safely.”
Built in 1955, the San Fernando Gardens in Pacoima was not constructed to withstand the heatwaves and rising temperatures intensified by climate change. This has placed a significant strain on residents' daily lives and the electrical grid.
“With extreme weather conditions adversely impacting the San Fernando Valley, we are prioritizing the installation of these air conditioning units, cool roofs and other enhancements to improve the quality of life for our public housing residents,” said HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez. “Today, we are proud to be completing the installation of upgrades at San Fernando Gardens and express appreciation to the Congresswoman, Mayor’s Office, LADWP, and our partners for investing in communities like San Fernando Gardens. We will continue working together so that families in Los Angeles have a safe, comfortable and affordable place to call home.”
“We need to take meaningful actions to protect San Fernando Valley residents from longer, hotter, and more dangerous periods of extreme heat – and that includes making sure residents can stay safe and cool during heat waves,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “Thank you to HACLA, the City of Los Angeles, and former Congressman Tony Cárdenas for helping secure the necessary improvements to modernize the San Fernando Gardens Community Center to be more resilient to increasingly warmer temperatures. I will continue advocating for federal funding to safeguard gathering places across the San Fernando Valley, like the San Fernando Gardens, from extreme heat and championing legislation that protects our most vulnerable from the harmful effects of climate change.”
“Climate change has created unique challenges for all of us, but especially for those living in underserved communities,” said Janisse Quiñones, LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer. “Through this partnership with HACLA, we are delivering on our commitment to protect our most vulnerable customers and provide them with the resources they need to stay cool and beat the heat, while keeping their costs down and their bills manageable.”
“The YMCA is excited to be partnering with HACLA by providing programs and services to the residents of San Fernando Gardens,” said David Hartmire, Senior Executive Director, North Valley Family YMCA at Porter Ranch.
“I want to thank HACLA and all the parties involved for all that you've done for me and my neighbors,” said San Fernando Gardens Resident Advisory Council President Clara Osorio. “This AC unit has brought real relief — not just from the heat, but from the stress that comes with it. It’s easier to sleep, easier to breathe, and I finally feel comfortable in my home.”
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About HACLA
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), established in 1938, provides affordable housing, rental assistance, and supportive services to more than 200,000 Angelenos. Its administrative portfolio includes 164 properties - 13 of which are public housing developments - totaling over 12,000 units, along with more than 60,000 Housing Vouchers and Certificates through the Section 8 program. For more information, visit www.hacla.org.
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Photo 1:
Congresswoman Luz Rivas joined HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez, HACLA Board of Commissioner Delfino De La Cruz Jr., San Fernando Gardens RAC Board members, and partners from LADWP, GRID Alternatives, and the North Valley Family YMCA to celebrate new climate resilience and energy efficient upgrades at San Fernando Gardens.
Photo 2:
HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez (right) in conversation with Stella Ursua, Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement at GRID Alternatives (left).
Photo 3:
HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez and Congresswoman Luz Rivas view the new smart energy storage system, one of the energy efficient upgrades.
Photo 4:
San Fernando Gardens Manager Janet Brumley leads HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez and Congresswoman Luz Rivas on a tour of the recent climate upgrades in the community.
Photo 5:
From left to right: HACLA Commissioner Delfino De La Cruz Jr., Congresswoman Luz Rivas, San Fernando Gardens resident Iran Mazloomi Koohba, and HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez, after Iran showed them her newly installed AC unit.
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