Englander E-News: New LAPD App, Spring Cleanup and More...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS
April 19, 2013

Integration of ATSAC and LAPD Surveillance Systems

With the rapid capture of the Boston bombing suspects by the FBI using digital imagery and closed circuit video surveillance, the need for an integrated and effective surveillance system accessible to Los Angeles City law enforcement has never been greater. As Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, I believe it is vital that the Los Angeles Police Department have instant split-feed access to the 460 traffic cameras already being used by the Department of Transportation’s Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control System (ATSAC) and be able to review this data to catch suspected criminals and protect our community.

On Wednesday, I introduced a motion instructing the LAPD, the Department of Transportation, the Chief Legislative Analyst, and the City Administrative Officer, to report back to the Public Safety Committee on the current level of integration and compatibility between ATSAC and the LAPD’s surveillance monitoring system. Additionally, the motion requests the departments examine how the integration of these two systems can potentially be enhanced, and the feasibility of adding new software capabilities such as license plate recognition software.

Advances in technology are continuing to provide new tools to the Los Angeles Police Department to fight crime and keep communities safe. LAPD’s ability to capture and review video footage ranges from surveillance cameras maintained by LAPD that target high-crime areas to automatic license-plate-recognition systems, small cameras mounted on patrol cars that scan license plates for stolen vehicles and help monitor the movements of wanted felons and sexual predators.

Click the link to view the ABC7 story: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/ story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=9080235

New App for LAPD

This week, I introduced a motion asking LAPD to take a look at a new smart phone app issued to NYPD officers. The app taps into gun registration records, traffic accident reports, and criminal databases to instantly determine if a person of interest has committed past crimes, owns a gun, or has a parolee photo on file. The app also has GPS capability, allowing NYPD officers to get surveillance images from known cameras in the region. I look forward to having a conversation with LAPD about this technology. Equipping LAPD officers with smart phones and a similar app would be a cost effective way to greatly increase the quality of policing in Los Angeles.

Planning / Building and Safety Consolidation

On Wednesday, the Planning Land Use and Management Committee adopted my recommendations to develop a strategy to combine the Department of City Planning and the Department of Building and Safety, and all other departments' functions, in order to create an all encompassing, streamlined land use, planning and administration system.

It is a recognized fact that the process of building in the City of Los Angeles is a complicated undertaking often having to go through up to 23 different department. Over the years, there have been various attempts to coordinate the procedures to create a more efficient process. However, prior attempts have not been successful, and procedures today are complicated, lengthy, cumbersome and generally inefficient.

This new integrated system will center on a full customer service approach. It will provide certainty through comprehensive codes, code reform update, and plan updates and utilize technology to enhance communication and promote transparency. 

ONEGeneration Senior Symposium

I was happy to attend the 5th Annual ONEGeneration Senior Symposium. It was a great opportunity for our seniors to get together, enjoy some fantastic speakers, attend informative workshops, and have fun.

Since 1978, ONEGeneration has worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of seniors, children, and their families in the San Fernando Valley. Their focus on intergenerational relationships strengthens of families and our community. From low income and homebound seniors to at-risk youth, ONEGeneration forges relationships that are not defined by age, but are bound together through common goals.

I am proud to support ONEGeneration and congratulate them for their successful 5th Annual Senior Symposium. 

Join Councilmember Englander for Spring Cleanup 2013.

Councilmember Mitchell Englander is hosting a Spring Cleanup 2013 on April 27. Join the CD12 staff, Sam Dobry and fellow local student leaders as they help to beautify Chatsworth Park North. Participants will assist with graffiti removal, tree maintenance, and other park beautification projects. The cleanup is co-sponsored by LAPD Devonshire PALS and the West Valley Alliance. Give some of your time and help keep Chatsworth Park North a beautiful place for the community.

Saturday, April 27
9:00 am to 11:30 am
Chatsworth Park North
22300 Chatsworth St.
Chatsworth

Arts Day LA

I was happy to take part in Arts Day LA. Many of the attendees at Arts Day LA have worked with my office through our Valley Family Festival, the Devonshire PALS Art Show, and the Chatsworth Art Walk.

My office recently partnered with Arts for LA for my Nonprofit Summit Series. These summit meetings provide attendees with resources, grant opportunities and a venue where artists from our community can come together to network. The arts are a vital part of our City. The creative economy is the fourth-largest employer in Los Angeles and one in every eight jobs is in the arts.

It is also a fact that members of the artistic community are civically engaged. An Arts for LA survey last year showed that 96% of its supporters are registered voters and another study illustrated that art participants are five times more likely to vote.

A strong and vibrant arts community is not only important to our community culturally but also civically and economically. I’m proud to support the arts in Los Angeles.

Save the Date for the Valley Family Festival!

Get ready for three days of family-friendly fun in the park at the Valley Family Festival coming up Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2 at Northridge Park.

The AMAZING lineup includes carnival rides, games, live music, and dance acts, a health fair, community booths and great food! There will also be bouncers, arts and crafts activities for the kids!

More information in Upcoming Events!

Sign Up Now for One-On-One Help With Representatives of City Departments at Our Community Service Center

We are now taking reservations for community members to meet one-on-one with representatives of City Departments at our Community Service Center in Chatsworth.

We have regularly scheduled time slots for community members to meet with the Planning, Police, Transportation (LADOT), Housing, Community Development and Neighborhood Empowerment Departments and the Bureau of Sanitation. This will offer community members a chance to get information and assistance in Chatsworth without having to travel all the way to Downtown.

The following Departments are currently taking appointments:

Department of Sanitation - Wednesday, May 1
8:30 am to 12:00 pm

Community Development Department - Friday, May 3
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Department of Building and Safety - Tuesday, May 7
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Department of Transportation - Wednesday, May 8
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Los Angeles Police Department - Tuesday, May 14
8:30 am to 12:00 pm