Englander E-News: Year of Emergency Preparedness, and More

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

February 24, 2012

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 7: Have Extra Supplies of Your Prescription Medications
In case of a major disaster, pharmacies may be closed or damaged for an extended time, and you may not be able to get prescriptions refilled. If you require prescription medications, you should stockpile supplies. Get extra refills and store them in your emergency supplies kit. Check the expiration dates and mark them on your calendar, and refresh them before they expire. If disaster strikes, you do not want to have expired prescription medications in your survival kit - expired medications can be ineffective or harmful.

Also make photocopies of all your prescriptions and store them with your essential documents. It can make it much faster and easier to get prescriptions filled or refilled if you are at  an emergency shelter, a clinic or a hospital and do not have access to your own doctor or healthcare facility.

To see our printable Emergency Preparedness Checklist, with every week's entry, click here. 

Conversations With Councils...

On Thursday, Feb. 23 at Devonshire Community Police Station we were proud to host a lively and informative discussion with Neighborhood Council leaders at our "Conversations With Councils" meetings. At our Conversations With Councils, we invite Board Members from all Neighborhood Councils in our District to come together with Councilmember Englander to get updates on our legislation, projects and hot-button issues, ask questions, and discuss community matters.

The Service Cabinet was attended by representatives from West Hills, Granada Hills North, Granada Hills South, Northridge South, Northridge West, Northridge East, Chatsworth, Winnetka, Reseda and Lake Balboa Neighborhood Councils, as well CSUN's Det. Sgt. Mark Benavider, LAPD Capt. Kris Pitcher, Commanding Officer of Devonshire Division, and several Devonshire Senior Lead Officers.

At Thursday's meeting, we discussed our FIRESTAT motion, Daytime Curfew Restrictions for Minors/Ordinance Amendment, our efforts to restrict medical marijuana shops, the LAPD Policy Changes on 30-Day Car Impound, our Year of Preparedness project, the CD 12 Non-Profit Summit, and the CD 12 Northwest Valley Business Roundtable.

City of L.A. Business and City Improvement Survey...

The City is seeking feedback from all residents of Los Angeles on the quality and efficiency of City services and the quality of life in L.A. in order to find ways to improve. The survey responses collected will not only help to make Los Angeles more business-friendly, but will also help assess and improve City services.

This survey is an opportunity for all community members and businesses to have their voices heard. The Controller's office will be collecting survey data over the next several months and will use it to compile ideas and make recommendations on making Los Angeles more efficient.

To take the online survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lacontrollersurvey 

Northridge Library Used Book Sale...

Friends of the Northridge Library is holding a used book sale on Saturday, March 10 at the Northridge Branch Library. At this sale, there will be special books that have not been displayed in previous sales. Come support the library! Proceeds from the sale go toward purchasing new books and help the library continue its free programs and activities.

Saturday, March 10
10:00 am to 4:30 pm
9051 Darby Ave., Northridge

For more information, call (818) 886-3640.

Participate in the 2012/2013 Budget Survey...

A critical part of the budget development process is community input. Under the City Charter every Neighborhood Council may present its input on the City Budget. 

Last year, the Mayor's Community Budget Survey received over 9,500 complete responses and 22,000 comments. In preparation of the Mayor's FY 2012-13 proposed Budget, Neighborhood Councils and community members can use an online survey to give their input on budget priorities and potential measures to balance the budget and improve the City's fiscal health.

The deadline to participate in the online Budget Survey is Feb. 22. The results of the Budget Survey will be presented to the public in March.

To see the online Budget Survey, click here.

"Sky's the Limit" 7th Annual Aviation Career Day at Van Nuys Airport...

Save the date for the 7th Annual Sky's the Limit Aviation Career Day at the historic Synchro Hangar at Van Nuys Airport on Friday, April 20.

Friday, April 20
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Synchro Hangar
Van Nuys Airport

Every year, this great event offers over 1,400 young people the chance to learn about the exciting and challenging careers paths in the aviation and aerospace industries in the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

The event will feature interactive aviation and aerospace exhibits, military and civilian aircraft displays, airfield bus tours, and light refreshments.

For more information, call (818) 901-9828 or email letv@saicraftsmen.com.

Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council's "Clean Sweep" Weekly Clean-Up and Help Make Northridge Shine!

Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council's Clean Sweep community beautifictaion project every Thursday! 
 
Clean-Up Schedule for March
March 1 - South side of Lassen St. at Corbin Ave.
March 8 - South side of Lassen St. at Tunney Ave.
March 15 - South side of Lassen St. at Calvin Ave.
March 22 - North side of Lassen St. at Calvin Ave.
March 29 - South side of Lassen St. at Vanalden Ave. 

At 8:00 am the crew 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. Northridge West Neighborhood provides the refreshments and tools.
 
For more information contact Jo Ann Phillips at (818) 304-4989 or  japhillips1@yahoo.com or visit www.NorthridgeWest.org. 

For a map, go to http://g.co/maps/zc4a4. 

Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards Dinner...

Join Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce for their 84th Annual Installation of Directors and Officers and Gil Benjamin Citizen of the Year Awards Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Odyssey Restaurant.

The Chamber will be honoring Alison Robinson, 2010-2011 Board President, and Wynne E. Ritch, 2012 Board President-Elect. The recipient of the 2012 Gil Benjamin Citizen of the Year Award will be honored.

Friday, Feb. 24
Cocktails 6:00 pm. Dinner 7:00 pm.
The Odyssey Restaurant
Athena Room
15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills

$65 per person. Click here to RSVP.

Help Shape the Future of Transportation in L.A....

The City is holding a series of interactive "Think Labs" workshops including two in the San Fernando Valley, to get L.A. residents engaged in shaping the future of L.A.'s transportation.

Saturday, Feb. 25
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Van Nuys City Hall
14410 Sylvan St., Van Nuys

Saturday, March 3
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Pacoima Neighborhood Constituent Services Center
13520 W. Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima

L.A. residents are invited to participate in the free “Think Labs” workshops to give their input on the future of transportation and mobility in L.A. The ideas generated will guide the development of an updated streets and transportation plan with policies and programs that reflect the communities’ ideas, needs and concerns.

To learn more, visit  http://ideas.la2b.org

Northridge Hospital Trauma Center Annual Champagne Brunch...

Save the date for the Northridge Hospital Trauma Center's Annual Golden Guild Champagne Brunch, on Sunday, March 25 at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills.

What happens in the first 60 minutes after traumatic injury is critical to one’s survival. That is why paramedics and trauma doctors call it “The Golden Hour.” The Golden Hour Guild is a volunteer fundraising group dedicated to supporting the Northridge Hospital Trauma Center.

Sunday, March 25
Odyssey Restaurant
Granada Hills

This great annual event helps raise funds to support the Pediatric and Adult Trauma Centers at Northridge Hospital. There will be drawings for prizes, including $1,000 in cash, women's jewelry donated by Gold Rush, and a two night stay at the Luxe Hotel, City Center at LA Live. Their 2011 event raised almost $60,000, which helped the Trauma Center purchase much-needed equipment for Northridge Hospital.

If you are interested in sponsoring or donating toward this event, please call the Northridge Hospital Foundation at (818) 885-5341, ext. 2.

ONEgeneration's 8th Annual Hearts Across the Valley Gala...

As Honorary Chair of the ONEgeneration 8th Annual Hearts Across the Valley Gala, I encourage you to attend, and enjoy a fun evening of elegant dining and entertainment for a great cause.

ONEgeneration is a San Fernando Valley-based non-profit organization that offers multi-generational daycare for low-income, special needs, and disabled adults and children. Proceeds go to helping ONEgeneration provide items, from can openers to wheelchairs, to go to homebound seniors.

Saturday, Feb.  25
Warner Center Marriott
Woodland Hills

This year's gala will honor LAPD Assistant Chief Michel Moore and his wife Cindy Moore, Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield and Carol Zimring, founder of ONEgeneration's SHARE (Sending Help And Real Essentials) program. The evening will also feature silent and live auctions, award presentation, dancing, dining and entertainment. 

To RSVP or for information on sponsorship opportunities, call (818) 708-6626 or email development@onegeneration.org. To learn more about ONEgeneration, visit www.ONEgeneration.org.  

Children's Car Seat Check-Up Event...

Be sure to sign up for the free Children's Car Check-Up at Northridge Hospital on February 25, 2012. 

The California Highway Patrol in coordination with Northridge Hospital Medical Center are hosting a Car Seat Check Up Day.

Saturday, Feb. 25
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
By appointment only. To make an appointment, call (818) 885-8500 ext. 3437.

Car seat check-ups teach parents and caregivers, hands-on in your own car how to correctly use a child’s car seat or seat belt. Trained and certified child passenger safety technicians work with parents to ensure car seats: have not been recalled; do meet federal safety standards; are installed correctly; are appropriate for the child's age, weight and height.  
 
Studies show 72% of children's car seats are not properly installed or used. California has new booster seat laws in effect as of January 1, 2012. Come learn about the new laws and the best ways to keep your children safe in the car. 

CD 12 Non Profit Summit...

We are proud to be organizing the Council District 12 Non-Profit Summit together with Valley Nonprofit Resources on Monday, March 12 in Northridge. 

Monday, March 12
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Child & Family Guidance Center
9650 Zelzah Ave., (At Superior St.)
Northridge

We invite all non-profit organizations, charities, and community-based organizations in the Northwest San Fernando Valley to participate. The theme of this Non-Profit Summit is "Strategies for Recruiting and Mobilizing Volunteers." 

Guest speakers include  Nancy Olson from Volunteer Los Angeles, Merri Whitelock from CSUN Community Service Learning, and Victoria Garcia from Directors of Volunteers in Agencies, SFV. This a great opportunity to network and share resources and knowledge with other non-profits and community based organizations, and learn from experts about the best ways to recruit, mobilize, organize and motivate volunteers in your organization's work, activities, and events.

This event is free, but space is limited, so RSVPs are required by March 7. 
RSVP to Semee Park at (818) 756-8501 or Semee.Park@lacity.org

VIP Basketball League Championship Game and 10th Anniversary...

Congratulations to the Balboa Recreation Center's VIP Basketball League on their 10th anniversary! The VIP Basketball League is also holding its championship game on Saturday, March 10 at Balboa Park. Come support these great athletes at their final game of the season, and support the VIP Basketball League's program for people with special needs.

Saturday, March 10
Balboa Recreation Center
17015 Burbank Blvd., Encino

The league was started 10 years ago by Encino resident Steve Siskin. While he was coaching his kids' basketball team, a team member's younger sister who had Down's Syndrome asked if she could play as well. So Steve created the VIP Basketball League to offer young people with disabilities the opportunity to play basketball with organized teams, matches, coaches and referees. There are now over 50 players participating in this great program at Balboa Recreation Center.

For information call (818) 501-4480 or email MichaelGerety6@gmail.com. 

Street Closure for Canoga Orange Line Busway
Construction...

Our Senior Planning & Transportation Deputy Hannah Lee reports this week on rapid progress on the Metro Canoga Orange Line Extension. When it is complete, the the 4-mile dedicated busway will connect the end point of the Orange Line busway at Warner Center with Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station. It will create an interconnected public transit hub for San Fernando Valley commuters, allowing them to access train, light rail, and bus lines throughout the entire region. 

As part of the continuing construction activities there will be full street closures this weekend, and the final grinding and paving of the street will take place at night in order to minimize construction impacts on the community.

The first intersections to be paved will be Parthenia St. from Canoga Ave. to East Canoga Ave., and Saticoy St. from Canoga Ave. to Deering Ave. The closure will affect northbound traffic on Canoga Ave. Saticoy St. will be closed from Friday, Feb. 24 at 9:00 pm until 12:00 pm on Saturday, Feb. 25. Parthenia St. will be closed on Saturday, Feb. 25 from midnight to 3:00 pm.

What to Expect
Detours for Saticoy St: Westbound traffic on Saticoy St. will be detoured north onto De Soto Ave., west onto Roscoe Bl., south onto Canoga Ave., and west onto Saticoy St. Eastbound traffic on Saticoy St. will be detoured onto south Canoga Ave., east onto Sherman Way, north onto De Soto Ave., and east onto Saticoy St.

Detours for Parthenia St: traffic traveling eastbound on Parthenia, will be detoured south on Canoga Ave, east on Roscoe Blvd, north on De Soto Ave back to Parthenia St. 

Traffic traveling westbound on Parthenia, will be detoured north on De Soto Ave, west on Nordhoff St., south on Canoga Ave. back to Parthenia St. One lane of traffic will be maintained for traffic traveling on Canoga Av. at Saticoy St. and Parthenia St. 

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times on at least one side of the street. Local access to businesses and residents will be maintained at all times. Parking may be restricted near the intersection. Fire Department and emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times.

For more information email the Orange Line Extension Project at
molextension@metro.net or visit
http://www.metro.net/projects/orangeline/ or call their hotlines at (818) 701-2827 and (213) 922-3668