Supporting the Stop Oak & Ivy Campaign
URGENT COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT! Protect Our Neighborhood: Standing Together Against the Oak & Ivy Project
From: Arcadia Safety Guardians (ASG)
Date: March 12, 2026
Call to Action ~ LA County Board of Supervisors Meeting on March 17, 2026
To our fellow community residents,
Thank you for your strong turnout and support at the outreach meeting held on December 18, 2025. Your participation demonstrated the strength of our community as residents came together to voice concerns, raise important questions, and ensure that our perspectives were clearly heard. Unfortunately, many of the questions raised during the meeting remain unanswered.
Since that meeting, Arcadia Safety Guardians has continued to actively seek clarification and updates regarding the proposed Oak & Ivy Apartments project. Through extensive correspondence with the County Supervisor’s Office, the Department of Regional Planning, and the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), we have obtained important updates.
The Current Situation
While the project initially received an Administrative Housing Permit (AHP) in late 2023 for a six-story, 95-unit complex, the scope has changed. The developer has shifted the project from 50% to 100% Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH).
Because of this shift, the project is currently undergoing a mandatory resubmission. It is now under review by:
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Building and Safety Division (Plan check)
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Public Works & Fire Department
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Department of Public Health
The Deciding Moment: March 17, 2026
The developer is currently seeking an additional $8.3 million funding from the County, on top of the original $8 million funding applied for, this makes the total funding an astounding $16.3 million. This funding is not guaranteed. The proposed project will be heard by County Board of Supervisors on March 17, 2026, and they will subsequently vote on whether to grant these funds.
This is our most critical opportunity to be heard. If the funding is denied, the project’s viability is significantly challenged. We must present a unified front to show the Supervisors that this specific location is not suitable for a project of this density and size.
How We Can Stop This
Residents in La Verne and San Dimas successfully halted similar massive projects by showing up and speaking out. We can do the same. ASG is organizing a Community Representative Group to attend the meeting and testify.
What ASG is providing:
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Coordinated Presence: We will provide “Stop Oak & Ivy” signs and t-shirts for all attendees.
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Talking Points: If you need assistance on making a strong case against this project, we have many residents who have many concerns they can share.
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Transportation/Carpooling: Coordination for those living on County land in close proximity to the site.
Take Action Now
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Mark Your Calendar: Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
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Join the Delegation: If you are a concerned resident, especially if you live on County land near the site, please contact us at stopelara@gmail.com to join the official representative group.
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Prepare to Speak: You don't need to be a professional orator; you just need to share how this project impacts your home and family.
We are not against affordable housing, we are against the lack of transparency and massive projects that ignore the character and infrastructure of our established neighborhoods. Let’s unite as a community, let’s ensure the Board of Supervisors hears our voices before they sign the check.
In Solidarity,
The Arcadia Safety Guardians
Major Change to Oak & Ivy (aka Elara) Housing Project Prompts Public Response!
Community Announcement From Arcadia Safety Guardians
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.
Community Announcement From Arcadia Safety Guardians
Regarding: Oak & Ivy Project (formerly known as Elara Arcadia)
Date: November 7 2025
Arcadia Safety Guardians (ASG) is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible development within our community. In pursuit of these principles, ASG is pleased to announce the engagement of Mr. Jerome Champion, former Multifamily Housing Director at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Los Angeles Field Office, as a consultant to our organization.
Mr. Champion brings extensive public service experience, having led a team of 81 professionals who delivered multifamily development, credit enhancement, and asset management services across Southern California, an area serving nearly 25 million residents. His expertise includes advising nonprofits, foundations, and public agencies in structuring public-private partnerships and designing financing programs for affordable and workforce housing.
Scope of Engagement
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.
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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Cathedral High School
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The National Football Foundation – Pasadena/San Gabriel Chapter
Context and Background
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.
As U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated:
“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.
About the Oak & Ivy Project
Formerly known as Elara Arcadia, this project was originally proposed as a 95-unit development, including:
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48 units designated for low-income households, and
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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.
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.
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
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Printing and distributing flyers, posters, yard signs, and banners
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Promoting civic awareness among Arcadia residents, schools, and local businesses
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.
Campaign Causes and Goals
Together Against Elara Renamed Live Oak Apartments
What is Oak & Ivy Project
Oak & Ivy is a 95 units housing project , 100% permanent supportive housing, consist of 41 studios/47 one-bedroom/7 two-bedroom units, with only 23 parking developed by Affirmed Housing.
Application was approved in Dec 2023. A building permit has not been issued.
Current status can be found from LA county website and City of Arcadia's website.
Why we are against Oak & Ivy
The proposed Oak & Ivy Project by Affirmed Housing in the unincorporated county area raises significant concerns about the safety and quality of life in our community. With only 23 parking spaces allocated for 95 units, the project is likely to exacerbate traffic congestion, pose safety risks, and contribute to environmental challenges. Additionally, all units are designated for homeless individuals, some with mental health and substance abuse challenges. While we wholeheartedly support efforts to assist these vulnerable populations, the project lacks the necessary infrastructure to ensure both their well-being and the safety of the broader community.
News
About Stop Oak & Ivy Campaign
Our Mission
The Stop Oak & Ivy campaign in San Gabriel Valley, California, is dedicated to spreading awareness, fostering community support, and organizing impactful events to stop the Elara project. Our primary aim is to stop Affirmed Housing's negative influence by uniting people and creating a strong, vocal community against their agenda.
