Englander E-News: A Calendar of Civic Events Throughout District 12

Editor's Note: This is City Councilman Mitch Englander's weekly newsletter. Englander represents Council District 12 which includes Chatsworth and parts of Encino as well as other Valley neighborhoods.

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

Northridge Chatsworth Rotary Club...
Join the Northridge/Chatsworth Rotary Club on Thursday Oct. 27 for their regular meeting in Chatsworth. Councilmember Englander, who is proud to be an Honorary Member of the Northridge/Chatsworth Rotary, will be the guest speaker at this lunch meeting.

He will give an update on current public safety issues and crime trends in the Northwest Valley, as well as projects, legislation, the City budget and major issues the Council Office has been working on since July 1 when he took office.

Thursday, Oct. 27
11:45 am
Porter Valley Country Club
10385 Shadow Oak Dr., Chatsworth

The Rotary is an organization of 1.2 million business and professional leaders in more than 200 countries. The Northridge/Chatsworth Rotary Club undertakes a wide variety of philanthropic and community-building activities in the form of donations and volunteerism to organizations such as New Horizons, MEND (Meeting Each Need with Dignity), Wheels for Humanity (supplies wheel chairs to needy people in Mexico and elsewhere), Devonshire PALS, and Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission.

$25 tickets include Porter Valley's delicious buffet lunch. RSVP is required by Saturday, Oct. 22 to judith.cameron@ymail.com.

Cool Tips for Hot Days...
With temperatures rising to double digits in Los Angeles, it's important to find ways to keep cool while conserving energy and helping reduce the burden on our electrical grid so we can avoid power outages. 

• Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day. 
• Limit the use of heavy appliances during peak hours of the day. Try to use washing machines, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners during evening hours.  Always turn off lights and appliances when they are not in use.
• Try to avoid using your stove or oven during peak hours because it heats up your home. Open doors and windows in the evening and morning to allow cool air to circulate (but don't leave them open all night - that could be a security risk!). During the heat of day, close curtains and blinds to reduce heat from sunlight.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
• Make sure your home is adequately insulated and that windows and exterior doors are properly sealed to prevent loss of heat/cooling. Install ceiling fans or whole-house fans and use as much as possible for comfort cooling. They use much less energy than air conditioning.
• Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically and maximize your energy savings. When buying appliances, choose energy-saving EnergyStar-rated models.
• Clean or replace air-conditioner filters every month to maintain efficiency and air flow. Regularly brush or vacuum the condenser coils of your refrigerator and check the door seal for a tight fit and adjust if necessary.

First Annual Non Profit Summit...
We are proud to launch the First Annual Non-Profit Summit to help community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, charities and schools build stronger partnerships to move our community forward, on Monday, Nov. 7 in Northridge.

We will provide tools and resources for building stronger partnerships, and each attendee will be invited to share information about their organization and its activities.

Monday, Nov. 7,
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Devonshire PALS
8721 Wilbur Ave., Northridge

We will be featuring L.A. Shares, a web-based philanthropic organization that takes donations of new and gently used goods from the local business community and individuals, and distributes them for free to Los Angeles- based schools and non-profit organizations. Over the past 11 years, L.A. Shares has redistributed over $80,000,000 worth of goods and materials to over 2,500 local organizations and schools!  

All community-based organizations, schools and charities in Council District 12 are invited to attend the Summit. This is event is free, but RSVP is required by Friday, October 28 to Semee Park at (818) 756-8501 or by email to Semee.Park@lacity.org.

Don't Miss Our Business Roundtable...
Owners and managers of San Fernando Valley-based businesses will not want to miss our next Northwest Valley Business Roundtable on Wednesday, October 26 in Chatsworth. 

DWP officials will be on hand to offer information about incentives and assistance that can help businesses reduce their water and energy use to save money. We will also provide valuable information about the benefits of operating in a State Enterprise Zone, which we have in our District, and offer updates on State and City legislation affecting the business community.

Wednesday, Oct. 26
3:00 pm
The Gas Company
9400 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth
Click here for a map.

Our Business Roundtables are part of our ongoing efforts to make the City of Los Angeles more business friendly, and help our local companies thrive, create jobs and boost our economy.

To see flyer for the event, click here.  Please RSVP by Friday, October 21 to Erik Richardson at (818) 756-8501 or by e-mail to Erik.Richardson@lacity.org.

Monster Marketing Mistakes
Monster Marketing Mistakes may be hurting your business and costing you money! At this $35 class, learn whether you are making these mistakes in your business. Bring and discuss your marketing, advertising, and selling materials, business cards and flyers. An expert will offer advice and feedback. Space limited to only 25 attendees.
Thursday, October 20
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Premier America Credit Union, 1st Floor Training Room
19867 Prairie St., Chatsworth

For more information or to register, email sbdc@canyons.edu or call (661) 362-5900.

Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council for Their Community Clean-Up and Help Keep Northridge Streets Clean!
Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council every Thursday for their weekly community project and help clean up the streets of Northridge!

On Thursday, Oct. 20, they will be at the northwest corner of Wilbur Ave. and Lassen St. They plan to prepare the area to plant drought-tolerant plants in the raised garden area and install a residential sign on a block wall.
 
Thursday, Oct. 20
8:00 am
Meet up at the corner of Wilbur and Lassen, Northridge

At 8:00 am they will review the game plan with free refreshments provided by Northridge West Neighborhood Council. Bring gloves if you have them, sunscreen, a sunhat and appropriate shoes for outdoor work.

The project was launched in the Spring of 2010 by Northridge West Neighborhood Council and neighborhood residents who wanted to get involved in beautifying our public streets and sidewalks. Since then they have removed thousands of bags of debris from the streets and sidewalks and inspired several more groups to launch street clean-ups!

For more information, call Jo Ann Philips at (818) 304-4989 or email Japhillips1@yahoo.com

28th Annual Clean Up Day...
Join the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce for their 28th Annual Clean Up Day on Saturday, Nov. 5. This day of fun, outdoor work will help make the San Fernando Valley cleaner and greener by cleaning up a hiking trail in Limekiln Canyon in Northridge.

Come meet your neighbors, get some exercise and fresh air and join the effort to beautify our community!

Saturday Nov. 5
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet up at World Vision Church
19514 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch

They will kick off the event with a review of the work plan with a free continental breakfast, and a free lunch will be provided for all particpants at the end of the clean-up. The first 150 volunteers will receive a free resuable shopping bag! 

To volunteer or for more information call (818) 989-0300 or visit www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com

LAPD Topanga Community Police Station Memorial Golf Tournament...
Come for a great day of golf for a good cause, at LAPD Topanga Station's inaugural Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, Oct. 17. The tournament will be held in memory of fallen LAPD Officer Joshua Cullins, who lost his life while serving our country as a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Afghanistan.

Monday, Oct. 17
Check in 8:30 am. Shotgun Start 10:00 am. Award Dinner 4:00 pm
Woodland Hills Country Club
21150 Dumetz Rd., Woodland Hills

Join special guest Tim Conway, Jr. for this golf tournament. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the “Officer Joshua Cullins Memorial” at Topanga Station, and a portion will be donated to Josh’s High School, Royal High, in Simi Valley. The remaining proceeds will benefit the Topanga Area Station Fund.

“Honor a Hero – Hire a Veteran” Job and Resource Fair...
Businesses from across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties will come together in Woodland Hills on Thursday, Oct. 27, to participate in the 6th Annual Honor a Hero Hire a Vet job fair, the largest regional job fair for Veterans. The event will offer Veterans, National Guard members and Reservists assistance with finding jobs, interviews with companies that have open positions, help with resumes, and interview skills.  

Thursday, Oct. 27
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Pre-Registration at 9:45 am
Warner Center Marriott Hotel
21850 Oxnard St.
Woodland Hills

More than 87 employers are expected to participate with job opportunities for Veterans in a range of occupations and industries.  This event is co-presented by The Valley Economic Alliance and the California Employment Development Department. Click here to register online.

For more information, contact Norma Gallegos  at (818) 890-9421 or ngallego@edd.ca.gov or Linda Castro at (818) 890-9424 or Linda.Castro@edd.ca.gov. 

Chicago Concert Benefiting Guide Dogs of America and Foundation Fighting Blindness...
L.A. Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti and Peter Tilden of KABC 790 AM are teaming up to present Chicago in concert at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, a charity event to raise funds for Guide Dogs of America and Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Saturday. Oct. 22
Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills
Click here for ticket information.

Come enjoy the timeless classic rock hits by Chicago, and help support these important causes. Guide Dogs of America provides guide dogs and training in their use, free of charge, to the blind and visually impaired. Foundation Fighting Blindness has been funding innovative research since 1971 to find preventions, treatments, and cures for inherited retinal degenerative diseases that lead to blindness and affect more than 10 million people in the United States.   

San Fernando Valley Jaycees Annual Gala...
Join the San Fernando Valley Jaycees and former 12th District Councilman and Jaycees Alumnus Greig Smith for the SFV Jaycees Annual Gala Dinner on Monday, Oct. 24.

At this evening of fun, friendship, memories and a great dinner, the Jaycees will honor their 2011 lifetime achievement award recipient, Dr. Carl B. Melnik.

Monday, Oct. 24
5:30 pm
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
6100 Woodland Hills
Click here for map.
Business attire.

Established in 1920 as the United States Junior Chamber, the Jaycees is a non-profit organization leadership and training institute that emphasizes business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections for 18 to 41 year olds. 

For more information or to RSVP visit the SFV Jaycees website. 

Business Outreach & Assistance...
Our Field Deputy Erik Richardson, who serves as our business liaison, reports this week on a site visit to Areté Associates, an advanced science and engineering company in Northridge.

Areté is a nationally recognized research and development company whose state-of-the-art technologies are applied to atmospheric, oceanographic remote sensing, and other related fields. Areté is among the high-tech firms and clean manufacturers located in our Chatsworth/Northridge Industrial Core that provide thousands of quality local jobs and are globally competitve, even amidst the economic downturn.

On Thursday, Oct. 13, Councilmember Englander visited Areté, toured the facility, met with employees and discussed challenges and opportunities for manufacturers in the San Fernando Valley. They also discussed opportunities to help Areté, ways to work with local schools, job recruitment, benefits of the State Enterprise Zone, and ways to collaborate with aviation and manufacturers.