Politics & Government

Englander E-News: 911, Valets, Taxes, and More ...

This is the weekly newsletter for City Council District 12.

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS
March 29, 2013

Enhancing 911 to Protect Our Communities...

This week the Public Safety Committee approved a Motion to improve our 911 service. This new program would allow callers to create a safety profile for their households. These profiles can contain important medical information. Armed with this pertinent information our first responders will be better prepared when they arrive at the scene of a crisis.  

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This kind of system is particularly beneficial to people with disabilities and senior citizens. Enhanced 911 will improve the quality of response from the moment the 911 call is placed, and could be the difference between life and death.

As Chairman of the Public Safety Committee I am very grateful that this important Motion will be moving forward to be voted on by the City Council. Continuing to modernize our City Services makes us a safer, more efficient community.   

  - Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

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A Framework for Valet Service...

This week the Public Safety Committee voted to approve an ordinance to require guidelines for valet services in Los Angeles. Currently there is no regulatory framework for valets in the City. The lack of any regulations for valet services has caused problems, particularly with the use of on and off street parking spaces. The Motion that was approved in committee will authorize the Board of Police Commissioners to establish a Valet Parking Operator Permit Program.

Among the guidelines in the proposal include on-site signage informing customers of rates, standardized uniforms to include safety vests, and background checks for drivers.

These simple changes will not only cut down on the nuisance of illegally parked cars, but will also give valet customers peace of mind.

   - Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Free Tax Preparation Day at the Community Service Center was a Big Success...

I'm proud to announce our first free tax preparation event organized and hosted by our office was a big success! Community members were guided through their tax preparations by IRS professionals. Some attendees had not filed tax returns in many years and left with the peace of mind that their tax returns had been filed. I would like to especially thank Kathy Dixon from the IRS for her assistance in this event.

Our free tax preparation service is a great example of our Community Service Center in action. There are more upcoming events at the Community Service Center in April. Be sure to check out the Upcoming Events section of my newsletter for details.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Meals on Wheels Program Expanded…

The San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council (VIC) has expanded it’s Meals On Wheels Program to include the entire San Fernando Valley. 

The Meals On Wheels Program is made available to all age groups.  Meals are delivered door to door Monday-Sunday.  The program is a fee-for-service sliding-scale fee structure.  Arrangements will be made on an individual basis.

Meals On Wheels Office
6514 Sylmar Avenue
Van Nuys
(818) 374-5350

VIC has created positive change within communities of the Greater San Fernando Valley by serving, supporting and engaging others through unity and faith in action.

Eggstravaganza Safety and Health Fair…

The West Hills Neighborhood Council is presenting the Eggstravaganza Safety and Health Fair. The fair will host exhibits and experts to inform the public about emergency preparedness, search and rescue, fitness, fire prevention, home safety and more. There will also be plenty of fun activities for the kids including, Easter Egg hunts, a petting zoo, face painting, games, and cookie decorating.

Saturday, March 30
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Shadow Ranch Park
22633 Vanowen St.
West Hills

For more information call (818) 883-3637 or email westhillsfair@gmail.com.

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 Building and Safety - Tuesday, April 2
(Enforces L.A. City Municipal Codes pertaining to residential homes.)

Department of Sanitation - Wednesday, April 3
(Collects refuse, recyclables, yard trimmings, and bulky items for residents City wide.)

Community Development Department - Friday, April 5.
(Offers economic, social and employment opportunities for individuals, families and neighborhoods in need.) 

We will announce in our newsletter the service hours of the remaining Departments once they have been established.

Our Community Service Center is located at 9207 Oakdale Ave., Second Floor, in Chatsworth.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (818) 882-1212 or email Melody Jaramillo at Melody.Jaramillo@lacity.org.

Goodwill Donation Drive to Support Topeka Charter School for Advanced Studies…
Topeka Charter School for Advanced Studies is hosting a Goodwill Donation Drive Fundraiser on Saturday, April 6. The event will raise money for Topeka Charter School for Advanced Studies Parent-Teacher Association.

Saturday, April 6
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
9815 Topeka Drive 
Northridge

Donations of clothes, toys, and household wares are all welcome. Come out next Saturday and help support your local elementary school!

For more information visit www.topekadrive.com.

Northridge Library Used Book Sale…
The Friends of the Northridge Library are having a Used Book Sale. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Northridge Library to help fund programs and new book purchases. The event will be held in the Meeting Room at the Northridge Branch Library on Darby Ave. Come out and buy some great books and support the Northridge Library.

Saturday, April 6
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
9051 Darby Ave.
Northridge


For additional information please call (818) 886-3640.

The Golden Hour Guild’s Annual Spring Brunch…
The Golden Hour Guild’s Annual Spring Brunch is coming up soon! Since 1985, The Golden Hour Guild has helped raise funds to support the Northridge Hospital Trauma Centers. Over the last twenty-eight years, The Golden Hour Guild has raised more than $800,000 for the Trauma Center which provides emergency care to trauma patients. Help support everyday miracles and join the Golden Hour Guild for their Spring Brunch.

Sunday, April 7
10:30 am
The Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Dr.
Granada Hills
Tickets are $55

For more information or to be a sponsor, please call the Northridge Hospital Foundation at 818-885-5341, ext. 2.

Day of the Horse Celebration…

We are proud to co-sponsor the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council's 10th Annual Chatsworth Day of the Horse on Sunday, April 14 at Stoney Point Ranch in Chatsworth.

Sunday, April 14
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Stoney Point Ranch
10861 Andora St.
Chatsworth

Don't miss this great tradition celebrating the history and culture of our vibrant equestrian community. There will be displays about equestrian safety, riding demonstrations, arts and crafts, activities for kids, food vendors and more.

The Valley Vaulters, Conejo Valley Riders and others will perform live
horse demonstrations. The Charityville Jail will be keeping order at
the event and for a donation you can have someone thrown in "jail,"
with proceeds benefiting the Chatsworth Historical Society.

For more information contact Mary Kaufman (818) 326-5772.

Free Community Health Fair…

Providence Holy Cross, St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, and Councilmember Mitchell Englander are presenting a Free Community Health Fair in April.

Sunday, April 14
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church
20121 Devonshire St.
Chatsworth

Join us for a day of free health screenings and valuable information about your well being.

ONEGeneration Food Drive...
ONEGeneration is sponsoring a Food Drive starting April 15. They are looking for boxed or canned food to be delivered to the needy. Suggestions include; canned food, fruit, applesauce, rice, oatmeal, boxed cereals, breakfast bars, ready to heat meals, crackers, peanut butter, Ensure/BOOST/Glucerna.

Some drop off locations are offering special incentives to donate. McDonald's of Encino and Tarzana will give you one free smoothie when you donate five items.  Starbuck's Winnetka/Ventura are offering one free Tall Regular Roast for five donated items.

April 15 - 20
Drop Off Locations Include:
Councilmember Englander's Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth

ONEGeneration
18255 Victory Blvd.

Encino Chamber of Commerce
4933 Balboa Blvd.

Gaspar Insurance Services
5900 Canoga Ave. Suite 110

West Valley Medical Center
5363 Balboa Blvd. Suite 227

For more information visit ONEGeneration online at www.onegeneration.org.

"Thinking Ahead" with New Horizons…

New Horizons is proud to bring a free and informative workshop to the community.

"Thinking Ahead" is presented by the University of Southern California, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. The exciting event is designed to help you learn to prepare for your future.

Tuesday, April 16
3:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Sam’s Café, New Horizons
15725 Parthenia St.
North Hills
 

Optimist International Oratorical Contest…
The Van Nuys Airport Optimist Club is holding its Club Level Contest in April. The topic for the 2012-2013 Optimist International Oratorical Contest is "Why My Voice is Important". Each student is to speak for 4 to 5 minutes on the topic, with the winner advancing through two more levels of competition to the District Level where a $2500 scholarship will be awarded to the winner.

Tuesday, April 16 
5:30 pm
Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library
16244 Nordhoff St.
North Hills

Applications must be submitted by April 8. 

For more information please call (818) 362-7633, or emailmckissack7@aol.com.

The Northridge Women's Club Charity Fundraiser…
The Northridge Women's Club is having their annual Charity Fundraiser to benefit The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. The Rescue Mission has provided food and shelter to the homeless for more than 39 years. The event will be held at the Odyssey Restaurant and includes entertainment by “Wendy and Rik” and lunch.

Thursday, April 18
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
The Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Dr.
Granada Hills
$60 Donation.

Please RSVP by April 10th to Hattie Spiegel by calling (818) 886-5271.

Unforgettable Educator Book Drive...
The Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce and Facey Medical group are presenting the Unforgettable Educator Book Drive. New and used children’s books will be accepted through April 12th and donated to the Child Care Resource Center.

The goal is to collect 100,000 books in 2013 to give to the children of low income families in our area. Books will be collected at all participating schools and at the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Office at 10038 Old Depot Plaza Road in Chatsworth. Participating schools include, Beckford Elementary, Castlebay Elementary, Chatsworth Hills Academy, Darby Elementary, Egremont Schools, Nobel Middle School, Porter Ranch Community School, and Superior Elementary. The top three schools that collect the most books win cash prizes. All participating schools will receive new supplies.

The winning schools will be announced at the Chamber’s 13th Annual Unforgettable Educator Recognition Dinner on April 18th.

Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce
Unforgettable Educator Recognition Dinner
Thursday, April 18
6:30 pm
The Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Dr.
Granada Hills

For more information, contact the Chamber Office at (818) 341-2428 or emailexec@chatsworthchamber.com

New Horizons Gala Celebration...
New Horizons’12th Annual Gala Celebration and Fundraiser is coming soon! This year’s gala theme is “Fulfilling Dreams,” which is a prominent part of New Horizon’s mission. California State University Northridge (CSUN) will receive New Horizons’ Partner for Independence Award for their important role in advancing opportunities within the community. CSUN President Dianne Harrison will accept the award. The Master of Ceremonies for the dinner will be Josh Rubenstein, Chief Meteorologist at KCBS2 and KCAL9.

Friday, April 19
5:30 pm
The Sheraton Universal
Universal City

For ticket information and to find out how to become an event sponsor contact Judi Pennella at (818) 894-9301.
 
Stop the Violence Los Angeles Fashion Show…
California State University Northridge, Matador Involvement Center, in partnership with the Positive Alternative Recreation Teambuilding Impact (PARTI) Program is introducing a fashion project, “One Amazing Thing.” As a part of the project the organizations will host the Stop the Violence Los Angeles Fashion Show. This youth organized event will raise money for leadership and violence prevention programs.

Saturday, April 20
4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
California State University Northridge
Matador Student Union

The fundraiser will feature a VIP reception, resource fair, youth fashion and talent showcase. The mission of the PARTI Program is to promote education around healthy lifestyles and healthy decision making. Participating schools include Northridge Academy, Chatsworth High School, and Taft High School.

For more information call (818) 527-0187.

ONEGeneration’s 2013 Senior Symposium…
The 2013 Senior Symposium is a free event for Baby Boomers and Seniors. The symposium will feature great speakers, workshops on aging, over fifty vendors, health screenings, prizes, giveaways, and more!

Saturday, April 20
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
ONEGeneration Senior Enrichment Center
18255 Victory Blvd.
Reseda

Register now by calling (818) 705-2345. For Vendor Information call Cathy Carpenter at (818) 708-6605.

Discover Recycling Open House...

Save the date for the Discover Recycling Open Houses coming up in the San Fernando Valley!

Families and children of all ages will have the opportunity to meet trash truck drivers, see trash truck demonstrations and tour trash facilities while learning about recycling and the environment.

Saturday, April 27
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
East Valley District Yard
11050 Pendleton St.
Sun Valley

Saturday, May 18
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
West Valley District Yard
8840 Vanalden Ave.
Northridge

Chatsworth Historical Society Presents A Garden Festival…

The Chatsworth Historical Society is celebrating Chatsworth’s 125th birthday with A Garden Festival featuring Roses and Crafts. Festival attractions include tours of Minnie’s Cottage, a bake sale, live plant sale, arts and crafts, afternoon tea in the Duchess Tea Room, a quilt display from the Veteran’s Quilt Project, and much more! All Proceeds go to the Chatsworth Historical Society for the preservation of the Minnie Hill Palmer Homestead Acre and the Virginia Watson Chatsworth Museum.

Sunday, April 28
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Homestead Acre
10385 Shadow Oak Dr.
Chatsworth
$5 Admission Donation
Children $1, Kids Under 5 Free

For additional information please call (818) 882-5614, emailchatsworthhistory@gmail.com, or visit www.historicalsocieties.net.

Reports From Our Staff:

Our Community Liaison, Colin Crews, reports that sixteen year old Taylor Ligan of Kennedy High School is holding a Baby Blanket Drive for the neonatal unit (NICCU) at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Taylor was a patient at Children’s Hospital for the first four months of her life and is now giving back to the care unit that helped her. 

Taylor is asking for donations of flannel or cotton blankets and quilts. Colorful and whimsical blankets are especially welcomed.  Homemade blankets can provide a sense of normalcy and comfort to a sick baby and its family. A quiltgiven to Taylor as a baby in the unit made a huge impact on her family. The blanket was a big comfort and the only non-medical item she had. 

Blankets are being accepted at: 
Keller Williams Realty 
Taylor's Baby Blankets/Aileen Ligan
9324 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge

To visit Taylor’s Baby Blanket Facebook Page click here .


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