The development formerly known as Elara, located at 4217 E. Live Oak Avenue, has been renamed Oak & Ivy Apartments and has undergone a significant and fundamental change in purpose.

 

What was once proposed as a mixed project, split between low-income housing and permanent supportive housing, has now become a 100% supportive housing development exclusively serving low-income individuals who have experienced homelessness. All units will be government subsidized, and the project is restricted for a minimum of 50 years.

 

The Oak & Ivy project is planned as a 6-story, 95-unit high-density residential building. Unit breakdown includes 41 studio apartments under 500 square feet, 47 one bedroom units, and 7 two bedroom units. Despite the size and density of the project, only 23 onsite parking spaces are currently proposed, with estimated rents projected at $800 to $1,000 per month.

 

The project’s rebranding marks the second name change, but more significantly, it reflects a total transformation in resident profile and long term use. This shift has prompted widespread concern in the surrounding neighborhoods, particularly due to proximity to family homes, parks, and schools.

 

It has now been confirmed that representatives from the office of Kathryn Barger, along with staff from the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, will be in attendance at a community meeting on December 18 to hear public feedback.

 

This meeting is regarded as a critical public input checkpoint before the County moves forward with approximately $8 million in public funding for the project. Community participation and onsite feedback will play a key role in determining whether the project advances in its current form.

 

Arcadia City Council Member and former Mayor Dr. Michael Cao noted that although the project site lies technically outside Arcadia’s city limits, it is located just one block from the border. As a result, future public safety responses such as police, fire, and emergency medical services are expected to fall primarily on Arcadia’s first responders. Michael emphasized this could result in long term operational strain and financial burden for Arcadia taxpayers, despite the City having no direct land use authority over the site.

 

Other City Council members have expressed similar concerns, particularly regarding the sudden change in resident qualification, limited parking, and the lack of local oversight tied to the County driven approval process.

 

In response, the leadership of Arcadia Safety Guardians (ASG) has issued a community wide call to action, urging residents to remain highly vigilant, attend the December 18 meeting in person, and help inform neighbors, families, and community groups. According to ASG, the meeting presents a rare opportunity for direct public engagement with County decision makers and will shape community conditions for decades to come.

 

Project and organizational information can be found at:

 

Developer website: www.oakandivyapartments.com

 

Community Meeting Information

Date: Thursday, December 18

 

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Please arrive before 5:30 to ensure seating)

 

Location:

 

Arcadia Community Regional Park – Community Room

 

405 S. Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA

 

Chinese and Spanish interpretation will be provided on-site.

​​Mr. Champion will assist ASG in the following areas:

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• Investigating funding sources and allocations for the Live Oak Apartments project, including potential funding from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), the No Place Like Home program, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

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• Engaging directly with the Los Angeles County Supervisor’s Office and related agencies to clarify voucher programs and oversight responsibilities.

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• Monitoring ongoing federal and local investigations involving the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and other entities accused of financial mismanagement, nepotism, and improper record handling.

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• Mr. Champion will not receive direct compensation from ASG. In lieu of payment, donations will be made on his behalf to two charitable organizations of his choice:

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1. Cathedral High School

2. The National Football Foundation – Pasadena/San Gabriel Chapter

Context and Background

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Recent federal actions underscore the urgent need for stronger oversight in public housing and homelessness initiatives. In October 2025, federal prosecutors charged two Los Angeles developers with misappropriating over $50 million in public funds intended for homelessness programs. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice established the Homelessness Fraud and Corruption Task Force to investigate waste, fraud, and abuse in taxpayer-funded housing efforts.

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As U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated:

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“California has spent more than $24 billion over the past five years to address homelessness. Yet officials have been unable to account for all expenditures, and the crisis has only worsened. Taxpayers deserve answers.”

 

These remarks mirror the concerns raised by Arcadia residents seeking accountability in the proposed housing development at 4217 East Live Oak Avenue.

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About the Live Oak Apartments Project

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Formerly known as Elara Arcadia, the Live Oak Apartments Project was originally proposed as a 95-unit development, including:

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• 48 units designated for low-income households

• 45 units for permanent supportive housing targeting individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.​

 

According to recent updates published by the project developer, Affirmed Housing, all 95 units are now expected to be reserved for very-low-income families who have experienced homelessness.

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Affirmed Housing representatives attended the Arcadia City Council meeting in November 2024, but provided limited details and did not respond to numerous resident inquiries. Following that meeting, ASG launched the “Stop Elara” campaign after more than 1,800 residents signed a petition calling for transparency, accountability, and meaningful public engagement.

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Our Continuing Mission

 

Since November 2024, ASG has remained dedicated to ensuring that community voices are heard and respected. Through resident contributions, we have continued outreach efforts that include:

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• Hosting volunteer meetings

• Printing and distributing flyers, posters, yard signs, and banners

• Promoting civic awareness among Arcadia residents, schools, and local businesses

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With Mr. Champion’s leadership and expertise, Arcadia Safety Guardians will continue to pursue full transparency regarding the Live Oak Apartments project and related public funding decisions.

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Commitment to the Community

 

ASG stands united for responsible development, ethical governance, and the protection of Arcadia’s residents and neighborhoods. Together, we affirm our shared commitment to integrity, safety, and truth in public service.