Englander E-News: 911 Response, Chatsworth Park South, CERT Training, and More ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

Oct. 26, 2012

Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Mitch_Englander

Working to Improve LA City and County Fire Departments' Coordination on 911 Responses...

I introduced a motion on Wednesday, Oct. 24 to improve the coordination between the Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments as well as Departments of other neighboring cities on 911 calls occurring near the City's borders. 
 
It was recently revealed that many 911 calls in areas close to the City's borders had much longer response times than in other areas. 

To see the story in the L.A. Times about this issue, click here.

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I requested that the LAFD report back to my committee on the existing protocols and agreements regarding 911 calls in border areas. The motion also asks for recommendations on ways that they could be improved to ensure that people who call 911 get the fastest possible emergency response, regardless of whether it comes from a County or a City Fire Station.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

New SAFE Center Offers Valley Residents a Convenient Location to Drop Off Household Hazardous Waste...

I was proud to cut the ribbon on the new Nicole Bernson SAFE Center on Thursday, Oct. 25 in Granada Hills.  This beautiful new facility will offer Northwest Valley residents a convenient and safe location in their own community to drop off Household Hazardous Waste.

The people of the Twelfth District are the best recyclers in the City. Even so, Household Hazardous materials like paint, cleaning supplies and batteries have been a challenge to keep out of the landfill because the closest SAFE Center was located in Sun Valley. The new SAFE Center will help community members take care of the environment.

Former Councilmember Greig Smith had the SAFE Center named after our Deputy Chief of Staff Nicole Bernson in recognition of her years of dedicated and effective work in developing and passing the RENEW LA plan and helping to dramatically advance the City's recycling and environmental policies. 

The Nicole Bernson SAFE Center Opens This Weekend!
10241 N. Balboa Blvd. (at Devonshire St.)
Granada Hills
Open Saturdays & Sundays
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
For more information including a list of exactly what the SAFE Center accepts, visit http://www.lacitysan.org or
call (800) 988-6942. 

We were joined by former District 12 Councilmembers Greig Smith and Hal Bernson, Public Works Commissioners Capri Maddox and Jerilyn Lopez Mendoza, Bureau of Sanitation Director Enrique Zaldivar, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and Public Inspector John Reamer.

SAFE stands for Solvents, Automotive, Flammables and Electronics. SAFE Centers, located throughout the City of Los Angeles, enable residents to safely and properly dispose of electronic, automotive and Household Hazardous Waste. That includes TVs, electronic toys, motor oil, paint, pool chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, and batteries. It is illegal to throw away Household Hazardous Waste into the regular trash, because, once in landfills, they can leach toxic pollution into the air, soil and groundwater.

In 2011, City SAFE Centers collected and recycled or safely disposed of 7.8 million pounds of Household Hazardous Waste. They are an integral part of the City reaching its Zero Waste Goal. I was proud to work side-by-side with Former Councilmember Greig Smith and Ms. Bernson to develop and pass the groundbreaking RENEW LA Plan, a blueprint to end the City’s use of landfills, maximize recycling, generate sustainable energy and achieve the Zero Waste Goal. It has helped Los Angeles achieve a 72% recycling rate, the highest of any big city in the United States.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Chatsworth Park South Clean-Up Update, Future Use Proposals & Online Survey...

We hosted an informational open house on Oct. 18 with the State Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) and the City Department of Recreation and Parks. The goal was to update the community and answer questions on the progress of the clean-up at Chatsworth Park South, future activity at the park, and the next steps toward re-opening it to the public.

To see a video from the meeting posted by Chatsworth.Patch.com, click here.

The park was closed in February 2008 for safety reasons after lead and other contaminants were discovered. The contamination resulted from clay pigeons used for skeet shooting on the land, which was a shooting range more than 50 years ago before it became a City park.

We are committed to ensuring that the park is safe for use by the community and getting it open so that families can once again enjoy it. We continue to work closely with DTSC and Recreation and Parks to get the park cleaned up and safe for use.

Links for Conceptual Plans and Survey
At the meeting, we shared two conceptual plans for the future of the park and we created a survey for community members to share their thoughts on the future of the park. The deadline to complete the survey is Nov. 1, 2012. 

To see the TRAILS concept, click here.
To see the EQUESTRIAN concept, click here. 
To see the survey, click here. 

For more information, call CD 12 District Director Megan Cottier at (818) 882-1212 or email Megan.Cottier@lacity.org.

Help Complete the Memorial Walkway on the Granada Hills Veterans Memorial Park...

The Granada Hills Rotary Foundation is offering 150 laser-engraved memorial bricks to be added to the Memorial Walkway in the Granada Hills Veterans' Park. 

The Foundation maintains the Granada Hills Veterans’ Park, which they refurbished in 2009 and 2010.  The memorial bricks have helped raise funds for the renovations and continue to help pay for maintenance.

There are now 750 bricks which were sponsored and have names and messages from individuals, families of fallen and current soldiers, local businesses and community-based organizations.  

This is the last opportunity to sponsor a memorial brick. The deadline to sign up is Nov. 12, 2012, and the final 150 bricks will be installed in early December.
  
The Veterans' Park's pergola was made possible by the Granada Hills Improvement Association. New landscaping, brick and cement work, flagpoles, monument and statue were supported by Jake Parunyan, Kenn Cleaners; Councilmember Mitchell Englander; former Councilman Greig Smith; the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council; the Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council; the Department of Cultural Affairs; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2323; and the Granada Hills Rotary Foundation.

For more information or to request a brick, please contact John Weitkamp at  jweitkamp@aol.com or (818) 363-3144 or Dr. Carl Melnik at drmelnik@ghoc.com or (818) 366-2020.

SOLID All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner...

I was proud to support SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire) and our Devonshire Division Police Officers for their 17th Annual SOLID All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner on Friday, Oct. 19 at St. Nicholas Greek Church in Northridge. 

Every year, hundreds of community members come for the delicious dinner and to support SOLID. SOLID is a non-profit organization that provides non-City supplied materials and equipment to the Police Officers who protect and serve our community at Devonshire Community Police Station. 

To learn more about SOLID, visit www.SOLIDDevonshire.org. 

Help the YMCA Give Thanksgiving Dinners to Struggling Families...

You can help ensure that struggling families in our community can have their own Thanksgiving dinner at home. To support the North Valley Family YMCA's Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive, you can donate canned goods, dried goods, stuffing, desert, vegetables, turkeys, gift cards or money. Last year the YMCA donated more than 1,000 complete Thanksgiving dinners. 

The entire Council District 12 staff will be volunteering to distribute turkeys to families.

If you donate 20 cans, or a $20 check or grocery store gift card, the YMCA will give you a professional portrait photo of your child in their Halloween costume.

Sunday, Oct. 28
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
North Valley YMCA at Porter Ranch
11336 Corbin Ave., Northridge

No appointment is necessary. Bring your little trick or treater in their Halloween costume for their photo shoot, compliments of Divine Shots Photography. There is a limit of one 4 x 6 inch portrait per family, and is only offered for kids younger than 12 years old. The portrait will be available for pickup within 15 days.

For more information please visit www.ymcala.org/nv. 

Halloween Events at City Parks Offer Safe Spooky Fun for Kids...

Bring your kids for some fun, safe, spooky Halloween celebrations and trick-or-treating at City Parks in the San Fernando Valley.
 
Saturday, Oct. 27
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Northridge Park Recreation Center
18300 Lemarsh Ave., Northridge
For more information, click here.  

Wednesday, Oct. 31
4:00 to 8:00 pm
Granada Hills Recreation Center
16730 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills
For more information, click here. 
 
Kids are encouraged to come in costume and join the costume contest and costume parade. In addition to trick or treating, there will be game booths, arts and crafts, food vendors and more! 

L.A. Brain Tumor Walk to Benefit Kids in Our Community...

Join thousands of fellow supporters and help raise funds to benefit children suffering from brain tumors in our community at the Los Angeles Brain Tumor Walk this Sunday, Oct. 28 at Exposition Park. 

The event raises awareness and funds for research and treatment for kids like Nate, a middle school student at Chaminade in West Hills who is battling brain cancer. 

To register or learn more about this cause visit   www.braintumorcommunity.org/goto/nate-dawg.

Kiwanis Club of Northridge Fundraiser Night...

Join the Kiwanis Club of Northridge and T.G.I. Friday’s for a fun evening of delicious food and great company while supporting an important cause.

Monday, Oct. 29
11:00 am to 11:00 pm
T.G.I. Friday's Restaurant
5919 Canoga Ave.
Woodland Hills

Click here for the flyer. Print it out and present to your server. T.G.I. Friday's will donate 20% of your bill to the Kiwanis Club of Northridge to benefit Childrens Special Needs Programs in the San Fernando Valley.
 
To learn more, visit www.northridgekiwanis.org/public/index.aspx

Free CERT Training...

There is a great opportunity coming up for families to learn how to get prepared for earthquakes, wildfires, floods or other disasters at an upcoming free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course. 

These courses could make all the difference for you and your family before, during and after a disaster. We applaud Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council and Patriot Oil Community Benefit Trust Fund, administered by the North Valley Coalition, for sponsoring this important public safety resource.  
 
Wednesday Evenings
Oct. 31. Nov. 7, 14, 21, and 28
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Knollwood Country Club
Fairway Room
12024 Balboa Bl., Granada Hills

CERT trains community members in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. You will learn how to prepare for emergencies, what supplies, food and water you should have in your home or office, and most importantly, how to protect your family and your neighbors. 

For more information visit http://www.cert-la.com/cert-syllabus.pdf. or email cert@ghnnc.org to sign up for free!

Recycle Your Old Sneakers to Help Build Playgrounds for Kids...

Drop off your unwanted and worn-out sneakers at the District 12 Community Service Center from Nov. 1 through Nov. 15 to be recycled and made into playgrounds and running tracks.

CD 12 Community
Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave., Chatsworth
Monday through Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

As part of America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, we are collecting used sneakers (only shoes with rubber soles) to help keep them out of landfills and conserve natural resources. The rubber from the soles is shredded and re-used to make the rubber mats for playgrounds and rubber running tracks.

For more information, call (818) 882-1212.

Fall Community Clean Up Event at Limekiln Canyon Park...

We are proud to be partnering with middle-school student Sam Dobry and his fellow student leaders for our Fall Community Clean-Up event on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Limekiln Canyon Park.

Student volunteers from several local schools will be leading the clean up activities, including removal of graffiti, cleaning up trash and debris, and beautification of Limekiln Canyon. This event is a great way to get some outdoor exercise, meet your neighbors, teach kids about volunteerism, and help keep this natural area in our community beautiful.

Saturday, Nov. 3
8:30 am to 11:00 am
Meet at Shepherd of the Hills Church
Parking Lot
19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch

Wal-Mart of Porter Ranch is generously providing free breakfast for the volunteers. Ralph's of Porter Ranch is donating free bottled water. Trader Joe's of Chatsworth is donating free protein bars and bottled water. 

For more information, call the District 12 Community Service Center at (818) 882 – 1212

Courageous Citizens Award Luncheon...

Don't miss the Kiwanis Club of Northridge's 11th Annual Courageous Citizens Award Luncheon coming up on Thursday, Nov. 8.

Thursday, Nov. 8
11:45 am to 1:30 pm
The Odyssey Restaurant
Apollo East/West Room
15600 Odyssey Dr. Granada Hills

Every year, this event brings together business and community leaders, public officials, and law enforcement officers to recognize extraordinary acts of bravery by regular citizens. The awards are given to those who have come to the aid of a victim of a crime, helped capture a suspected criminal, prevented a crime, testified in the face of unusual pressure, or acted selflessly to help a fellow citizen.

For more information, call Richard Leyden at (818) 775-1185.

Northridge Village Clean-Up Effort by San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission & Northridge Sparkle Campaign...

The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission is partnering with Northridge Sparkle Campaign to hold a major clean-up operation in Northridge Village as part of the ongoing Northridge Village Beautification Project on Saturday, Nov. 10. 

Saturday, Nov. 10
9:30 am
Home Again Rescue Mission
8756 Candy Ave., Northridge 

Volunteers will be cleaning up trash and debris sidewalks, removing graffiti, planting greenery, starting their first public mural and installing benches. 

Northridge Sparkle is a community driven effort to beautify the Reseda Blvd. business corridor between Parthenia St. and Nordhoff St. and has been instrumental in decreasing litter and vandalism, and increasing community pride in the commercial district.

Their past projects have included installing Northridge Village signs, historical plaques, redwood planter boxes with new plants and flowers, trimming trees,  repainting red curbs and fire hydrants, sweeping gutters, power-washing sidewalks, promoting businesses, and creating business membership stickers.

The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission is an outreach of the Rescue Mission Alliance. To learn more visit www.sfvrescuemission.org. 

For more information or to sign up for the Nov. 10 clean-up activity, contact Andrea Alvarado at (818) 903-8194 or  northridgebeautification@gmail.com or visit www.textinthecity.org.

'Tis the Season Holiday Celebration at Shops at West End in Chatsworth...

Shops at West End invite you for an evening of holiday cheer, fun activities and shopping while giving back to the community on Nov. 15.  

Thursday, Nov. 15
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Devonshire St. between
Owensmouth Ave. and
Topanga Canyon

The holiday festivities include a Santa’s Workshop for kids, Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Showcase, Children’s Holiday Art Contest Display, Silent Night Silent Auction and Raffle, Giving Stations and more. 

Guests will also enjoy tasty refreshments, holiday boutique shopping and a special visit from Santa! In the spirit of giving, proceeds will benefit local schools of the finalists of the Children’s Holiday Art Contest and Haven Hills, an organization that serves victims of domestic violence in the San Fernando Valley. 

You can drop off donations of unwrapped gifts for a child or adult or gift cards at Los Toros Restaurant, located at 21743 Devonshire St. or visit www.havenhills.org  to see their wish list. Los Toros will give a free child’s meal for each gift donated. 

A Year of Emergency Preparedness...

On January 17, the 18th anniversary of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, we kicked off our Year of Emergency Preparedness in Los Angeles.

Throughout 2012, we will be working on legislation, programs and public awareness efforts to help the residents of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley be prepared for natural or man-made disasters.

Every week, our newsletter will feature a new item in an Emergency Preparedness Checklist. These are simple steps that everyone in Los Angeles should take in order to be prepared for any disaster. If you follow each item on this checklist, you will be highly prepared at the end of the year.

Week 40: Check On Your Neighbors...
After a major earthquake, everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Emergency responders will be working on the most urgent cases first, such as schools, hospitals, high-rise buildings, and collapsed structures where there may be high numbers of trapped or injured people. In order to make our community more prepared to survive and quickly recover from disasters, it is crucial community members and neighbors help one another.

If you are un-injured and have taken care of your family, please go door-to-door on your street with a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, crow bar and flashlight and check on the status of your neighbors. Your neighbors could be trapped under furniture or a collapsed roof, knocked unconscious or seriously injured and unable to contact help or their families. You could save a life.

To see our printable Emergency Preparedness Checklist, with every week's entry, click here or visit our website at www.CD12.org.

Dearborn Elementary School Goodwill Donation Drive... 

Our Field Deputy Melody Jaramillo brings word this week of a great charitable effort by kids and teachers at Dearborn Elementary Charter Academy's. They are holding a Goodwill Fundraising Drive to gather used clothes and household items to benefit struggling families served by Goodwill and to raise funds for the school.  
 
Saturday, Nov. 3
9:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Dearborn Elementary School
9240 Wish Ave., Northridge
 
For every 28 foot truck that is filled with donated items the Goodwill will contribute $1,500 to Dearborn Elementary. Funds raised will help benefit the school’s 2012/2013 Educational Programs, including computer classes, art classes, dance and music classes, physical education, field trips and teacher supply grants.

Simply drop off your items at Deaborn Elementary or schedule a large item pick up by sending an email to donations@dearbornpta.org.