Politics & Government

Cracking Down on Hit-and-Runs, Senior Resources Expo, Horse Licensing and More

Lots of news from this week and plenty of events going on around town on Saturday and Sunday.

Getting Tough on Hit-and-Run Offenses

This week, the City Council unanimously approved the Public Safety Committee’s report which examined hit-and-run collision statistics, enforcement, and prosecutions in the City of Los Angeles with my recommendations.

A recent LAPD report finds that over 20,000 hit-and-run collisions have occurred annually in the City and over 50% of these collisions are hit-and-runs. Over 80% of the 20,000 are property damage only and 1% result in serious injury/fatality. Having scrutinized the LAPD report, and upon hearing presentations from both the Department and concerned stakeholders, it became apparent that it was necessary to place additional emphasis on the deterrence of hit-and-run crimes and the capture of those responsible for their commission.

Therefore, as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I made the following recommendations: remove the word "accident" from all future reference to hit-and-run crimes, as these are not accidents. In addition, we asked LAPD to track all hit-and-run crimes in COMPSTAT, and adopted all LAPD recommendations for increasing enforcement and investigative details and for sponsorship of state legislation to increase penalties for hit-and-run crimes. Finally, we asked that LAPD report back with an update on Special Order 7, the department's recently relaxed impound policy, and its plan for expanded outreach and education programs aimed at curtailing hit-and-run crimes.

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I am committed to finding way in which we can improve safety on our streets for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Click here to view the motion.

LAFD Foundation 2013 Awards Luncheon.

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s Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I was honored to present the Medal of Valor to Firefighter Jesse Franco and Firefighter Kendal Koneval at Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation’s 2013 Award Luncheon.

On September 12, 2008 a freight train crashed head-on with a Metrolink train, causing derailment, fire, deaths and injuries. When Task Force 87 arrived at the accident site, there were more than 1,000 gallons of fuel and oil on the ground and burning. While others handled extrication of passengers, Firefighters Koneval and Franco were assigned to fire attack.

Firefighters Koneval and Franco advanced a hose line to the freight locomotive which was engulfed in fire. While fighting the fire, they heard pounding from inside the locomotive. Firefighter Koneval saw that there were people in the locomotive and attempted to remove them. He used his axe, attempting to remove the windshield from the overturned locomotive. He was able to open a softball-sized hole in the windshield. This hole showed acrid pressurized smoke. Firefighter Koneval obtained a rotary saw to cut away further at the windshield. Firefighter Franco stepped in to continue the work of removing the windshield. Both firefighters opened the window and told the train engineer to “kick like your life depends on it.”

With this effort, the engineer was able to kick open the window and get out. He reported that his associate was still in the locomotive and needed to be rescued. Without hesitation, Firefighters Koneval and Franco entered the locomotive through the hole they had just cut. It was too small to get through with breathing bottles on, so they both removed the protection of their air bottles, and entered the burning locomotive. The smoke was acrid and banked down inside the train. They traveled fifteen feet in search of the other engineer, found him, and pulled him to safety. If not for the actions of these firefighters, the engineers surely would have perished.

VIDEO: Northridge Sparkle Campaign. Click here to view video footage of last weeks' cleanup effort along Reseda Boulevard.

Nancy Cartwright Wins 2013 Fernando Award

Nancy Cartwright, voice of Bart on the iconic show The Simpsons, was presented with the Fernando Award last Friday night in Woodland Hills. It's considered the highest award for volunteerism in the San Fernando Valley.

Cartwright is the co-founder of Happy House, a nonprofit organization with the goal of building safer communities by building better families.

Cartwright has also helped raise funds to build the Greig Smith LAPD Youth Center for Devonshire Division Police Activity League Supporters, helped the North Valley Chamber of Commerce and sponsored scholarships at CSUN’s Teenage Drama Workshop.

The other nominees were NBC weather forecaster Fritz Coleman, Studio City’s Laura Cathcart Robbins, Encino’s Martin Cooper, Northridge’s Paul Davis, Topanga’s Sue Dubrin, Chatsworth’s Steven Roy Fazio and Nicholas Montano, West Hills’ Dara Lynn Laski and Emily Manansala-Roberts, Encino’s Sean McCarthy and Woodland Hills’ Gwyn Petrick.

Joe Slotnik is CD12's Honoree for Deaf Awareness Month

A Harvard University graduate, Joe became deaf at age 3 after a bout with spinal meningitis. He has been involved in community services for years. He was part of the development of the old teletypewriters for the Deaf (TTY) system, having been the second person in the Los Angeles area to get a TTY station in 1966. He was involved in the beginning in promoting telecommunications to bridge communications between Deaf and hearing parties as well as to enhance independence for Deaf consumers and users.

He was also involved with the formation of the Oral Deaf Adults Section (ODAS) of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, as well as the formation of national Teletypewriters for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI) and served on its Board for a number of years; and

He is also active in the Temple Beth Solomon of the Deaf (TBS) in the San Fernando Valley, the only Deaf-run congregation in this nation that owned its own synagogue. Joe has served on its Board as a member and President for years. It was my pleasure to commend Joe for his service to the deaf community and to honor him and his wonderful family at our City Council meeting. 

Decadence: A Fine Wine, Gourmet Food & Chocolate Tasting Fundraiser

Would you like to sample sumptuous chocolate desserts and fine wines as you stroll among a large assortment of classic, rare and one-of-a-kind collectible automobiles at one of LA’s most exclusive and private car collections.

Saturday, September 28
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The Collection
15600 Roscoe Blvd.
Van Nuys

To purchase tickets please visit http://movinglivesforward.org/news-events/events/decadence-fine-wine-gourmet-food-chocolate-tasting-event-0

Devonshire PALS 40th Birthday Party

Come celebrate on September 28 at the Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire Youth Center. Join us for food, fun and live music as the friends of PALS past and present gather together for the birthday celebration of the year. LAPD Devonshire PALS is dedicated to developing character in youth, reducing juvenile crime and creating safer communities.


Saturday, September 28
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Devonshire PALS
8721 Wilbur Ave.
Northridge


Tickets will be sold at $60.00 per person and to purchase tickets please click this link.


Senior Resources Expo

The North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Facey Medical Group, and Providence Holy Cross Hospital are sponsoring the second annual Senior Expo. This year's Expo will be held at Facey Medical Center on Sepulveda Blvd, between San Fernando Mission Blvd and Rinaldi Street. There is no cost to attend. The purpose of the Expo is two-fold; to provide useful information about general healthcare and make available to the community no-cost health screenings, and, for the growing senior community and those dealing with issues surrounding the care of their senior loved ones, introduction to the various professional service providers available to them.

Saturday, September 28
9:00 am -1:00 pm

Facey Medical Center
11333 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Mission Hills

For questions regarding the Expo, call the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at (818) 349-5676

Chatsworth Neighborhood Council's Horse Licensing Clinic

The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council is sponsoring a licensing clinic where you can license either your horse or your dog. Additionally, Animal Services will be on-site if you want to have your animal microchipped.

The fee for the microchipping is $25. This includes the cost of the chip and registering the chip with the database company. You can now license your horse for up to 5 years in advance at a discounted rate. If you choose to license your horse for 5 years, it will cost you $35.

Saturday, September 28
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Davis Ranch
21501 Chatsworth St.
Chatsworth

If you have any questions please call 818-326-5772

National Plug In Day - Northridge

Dozens of electric vehicle drivers and enthusiasts will meet together to highlight the fun, clean-air benefits, and cost-savings of electric cars onSeptember 29. The event is part of the third annual National Plug In Day. Dealerships including Zero Motorcycles and Nissan will bring cars with product specialists to give test drives. Similarly, various electric vehicles from Tesla to Chevrolet will be present. Northridge’s event is one of more than 60 across the country where electric vehicle owners and their neighbors will hold electric car, “tailpipe-free” tailgate parties, recognition of leaders promoting EVs, launches of new public EV charging stations, and other public events.

Bring your car, or just stop by to see the technology of a gas free lifestyle. Owners can talk, and enthusiasts can test drive the vehicles. Cars include the BMW Active E, which less than 600 were released or the Nissan Leaf, which is the best-selling electric vehicle of all time and everywhere in between. Please RSVP so that we can get a general head count. All plug in electric vehicles are welcome!

Sunday, September 29
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Bob's Big Boy
8876 Corbin Ave.
Northridge

Click here for more information on this event.

Imagine Job and Resource Fair

CD 12 is happy to partner with Shepherd of the Hills Church for the Imagine Job and Resource Fair. The goal of the event is for everyone in and around the San Fernando Valley who is in need of a Job and/or resources to have the opportunity to attend. Tuesday, October 1st is the "Prepare Fair" which will feature free assistance with resumes, interview skills, and credit counseling as well as free professional services including wardrobe, make-up and hair. Wednesday, October 2nd is the "Job and Resource Fair" with workshops, resume coaches and job recruiters.

Tuesday, October 1
(By Appointment)
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Wednesday, October 2
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Shepherd of the Hills Church
19700 Rinaldi St.
Porter Ranch

To schedule an appointment for the “Prepare Fair” please go towww.imaginejobfair.com. And to get more information about the event please call (818)831-9333

Granada Hills Community Blood Drive

The Granada Hills Rotary Club will be holding a community blood drive. Last year, teaming with AYSO Regions 8 and 174, over 400 pints of blood valued at approximately $140,000 were donated to Providence Holy Cross Center, Kaiser Permanente, Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Red Cross.

Saturday, October 5
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Granada Hills Recreation Center
16730 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills

North Valley Youth Sports Complex
13225 Whistler Ave.
Granada Hills

If you have any questions please 

6th Annual Valley Emergency Disaster Preparedness Fair

Get preparedness information from the Red Cross, the Gas Company, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and many others. Learn how to volunteer with emergency response organizations like Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), California Emergency Mobile Patrol and Civil Air Patrol.

Saturday, October 5
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Fire Station 87
10124 Balboa Blvd.
North Hills


23rd Annual Pioneer Day at Chatsworth Park South

Attend Pioneer Day at Chatsworth Park South. This fundraising event is for the Minnie Palmer Homestead Acre and the preservation of Chatsworth History. This event will be featuring a chili cook off, Quilt weaving, Black Smithing demos, Gold Panning, and different arts crafts.

Sunday, October 6
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Minnie Palmer Homestead Acre at Chatsworth Park South
10385 Shadow Oak Dr.
Chatsworth

It is $5 donation to attend the event and if you have any questions please call Ann Vincent at (818) 882-5614

Walk to School Day

The City of LA is coordinating Walk to School events all over the city onOctober 9th. We are calling on organizers to lead events at individual schools, and we could use your help. This person can be a parent, nurse, school champion for physical activity or traffic safety, student leadership member, PTA representative, etc.

Wednesday, October 9
All day


You can find more information on our website atwww.WalkToSchoolDay-LA.org.

The West Hills Optimist Club Presents “Blithe Spirit”

Blithe Spirit" is a comedic play written by Noël Coward. The play concerns the socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to his house to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when he is haunted by the ghost of his annoying and temperamental first wife, Elvira, after the séance. Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles's marriage to his second wife, Ruth, who cannot see or hear the ghost.

Saturday, October 12
Play starts at 8:00 pm

West Valley Playhouse
7242 Owensmouth Ave.
Canoga Park

Tickets are $28 per person. If you have any questions please call Kathy Willets at (818) 970-7200

Oktoberfest at Oh’Gradys

Oktoberfest is coming to Oh’ Gradys. There will be Brats, Burgers, and Ice Cold beer. There is a $5.00 Admission fee and all proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.

Saturday, October 12
2:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Oh' Gradys
17633 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills


To learn more about the event please call (818) 368-8424

Kiwanis Equestrian Competition for Special Athletes

The Kiwanis Club of Warner Center is holding its 20th Kiwanis Equestrian Competition for Special Athletes. It is a fun filed day with informal equestrian competitions for special needs children and young adults. This is not only fun for the kids and their parents, but this is also benefits the children through therapeutic riding.

Sunday, October 13
8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Hansen Dam Equestrian
11127 Orcas Ave.
Sylmar


If you have any questions please call (818) 347-6523.

Workshop on Non-Profit Advocacy

Join nonprofit advocacy and public affairs expert Larry Kaplan to explore how nonprofits can legally advocate for systemic change. There will be presentations by Kafi Blumenfield, CEO of Liberty Hill Foundation, and Lyn Shaw, Staff Director for LA City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield. Advocacy can get policies changed and get public officials on your side, engage supporters in the community, and have a positive impact on funders.

Tuesday, October 15
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Valley Nonprofit Resources
5435 Balboa Blvd.
Encino

To attend the Workshop, please RSVP through the VNR Project. Please contact Julaine Konselman at 818/990-0176 or julainehiri@aol.com.

18th Annual SOLID All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner Fundraiser

Come join SOLID’s all you can Eat Pasta Dinner Fundraiser and help the Devonshire LAPD Station raise money for updates to their Police Station. Dinner fundraiser will be $9 per person and children under 3 eat for free.

Friday, October 18
5:00 pm to 7:30 pm

St. Nicholas Greek Church.
9501 Balboa Blvd.
Northridge

Attendees can pay at the door and if you have any questions please call(818) 718-9498 or visit www.soliddevonshire.org

Chatsworth Library's Giant Book Sale

The Chatsworth Branch Library is having a Giant Book Sale. The Library is raising funds to support their day to day operations and gives them an opportunity to open up space to put new books and give their older books new homes.

Saturday, October 19
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Chatsworth Branch Library
21052 Devonshire St.
Chatsworth

If you have any questions please call(818) 341-4276


Clash of the Canyon VEX "Toss up" Robotics competition

Spectators of all ages won't believe their eyes as they watch the robots that are completely designed and built by students, compete and perform against each other in the competition. Watch and support the Reseda High Robotics team compete against other schools and teams from around California and from the United Kingdom. The competition is based on the VEX Educational Robotic Design System.

Saturday, October 19
7:00 am – 5:30 pm

Viewpoint School
23620 Mulholland Highway
Calabasas

The event is free for spectators. If you have any questions please call Lance Rush at (818)340-2901

Open Arms Walkathon and 5K run

Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic is holding a Walkathon and 5K run at California State University, Northridge.  By registering as a walker or runner, or by pledging support for a participant, you will be helping the Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic to offer practical help and hope to those facing an unexpected pregnancy.

Saturday, October 19
8:30 am – 11:30 am

California State University of Northridge
Corner of Lindley and N. University Dr.
Northridge

To register please visit http://www.withopenarms.org/events/

Highland Fest and College/Career Fair

Granada Hills Charter High School will be hosting the College/Career Fair and HighlanderFest at Granada Hills Charter High School. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about different careers and colleges.

Saturday, October 19
11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Granada Hills Charter High School
10535 Zelzah Ave.
Granada Hills

If you have any questions please email Carrie Boutros atcboutros@ghchs.com

Collaboration to Improve Children and Family Services Workshop

Valley Nonprofit Resources and Child Development Institute are bringing together children and family services nonprofits in the San Fernando Valley to brainstorm about how they can collaborate more effectively to meet the needs of children and families in the Valley. It will include time for participants to information about what services their nonprofit provides, what challenges they face (for instance, health care reform and education reform), and how nonprofits can collaborate more effectively.

Tuesday, October 22
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Valley Nonprofit Resources
5435 Balboa Blvd.
Encino

To attend the Workshop, please RSVP through the VNR Project. Please contact Julaine Konselman at 818/990-0176 or julainehiri@aol.com.

Building Community One Breakfast at a Time

Our Community School (OCS) invites local business owners andcommunity members to its Community Building Breakfast series for a complimentary breakfast while they learn about Our Community School and how they can help build community involvement both on and off campus.

Thursday, October 24
7:00 am – 8:30 am

Assembly Hall at Our Community School
10045 Jumilla Ave.
Chatsworth

If you have any questions please contact Ilia Jauregui, Development and Communications Director, 818-350-5000 or atIlia.j@ourcommunityschool.org

Honor A Hero – Hire A Vet

The San Fernando Valley Veterans Employment Committee is having a Job and Resource fair to help our veterans that live in the San Fernando Valley.

Thursday, October 24
11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Airtel Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
7277 Valjean Ave
Van Nuys

To register please go to: www.thevalley.net/hahhav

Reports From Our Staff

Our Field Deputy, Millie Jones, wants to remind you that the Flu season is almost here. Flu season usually runs from November through May and peaks in February. The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC recommends the flu shot for all people 6 months of age and older, particularly those at high risk for complications such as people over the age of 50 and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Pregnant women should get the vaccine.

Health care workers, residents of long term care facilities, and anyone who lives with or cares for people in these groups should get vaccinated.
Those who are severely allergic to eggs should not take the vaccine; nor should you take it at a time when you are running a fever with a mild illness.

Cost
• The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offers flu vaccines at no charge to people who don't have health insurance or whose healthcare provider does not offer flu vaccines.
• If you have health insurance, please contact your regular health care provider or insurance provider to confirm the cost for vaccination.
• The cost of flu vaccinations at pharmacies and community clinics varies

SFV Jaycees' Launch of Leadership SFV Program

Our District Director, Megan Cottier, currently serves as President of the San Fernando Valley Jaycees. She shares that the San Fernando Valley Jaycees have begun the nomination process for the “Launch of LeadershipSFV” program in partnership with the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA). LeadershipSFV is a year-long program that connects the Valley’s up-and-coming leaders to the public, private and nonprofit leadership opportunities available in the region. The program builds on the Valley Leadership Program which was developed by VICA in 1991.

LeadershipSFV is looking for participants who have the potential and desire to take leadership roles with their Valley employer and/or on Valley-based boards, commissions, neighborhood councils and nonprofits. Nominations and applications are due by October 4. More information on the program is available here. Click here to view the Daily News article on this program.


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