Englander E-News: Best Wishes and District Updates

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

Nov. 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving From Council District 12...

Councilmember Mitchell Englander and the staff of Council District 12 wish you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Please celebrate responsibly, and help keep the roads safe this holiday.

SCAQMD to Hold Public Hearing on Odor Abatement at Sunshine Canyon Landfill...

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) filed a petition to amend the stipulated order of abatement between the AQMD and Republic/BFI in response to the hundreds of verified odor complaints received concerning the Sunshine Canyon Landfill. SCAQMD is holding a public hearing on the petition at the Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences in Granada Hills on Saturday, Dec. 3.

The petition requires that many improvements be made to the landfill's gas collection and flaring systems and requires an onsite independent environmental monitor. Click here to see the full petition.

Saturday, Dec. 3
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences
10445 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills
Click here for a map.

We introduced a resolution in support of the SCAQMD petition.
Click here to see the full resolution.

PALS Holiday Toy Drive...

Join us in helping ensure that at-risk kids in our community can have holiday gifts by donating to the Devonshire PALS (Police Activity League) Youth Center Toy Drive. Drop off unwrapped, new toys, books or gift cards in the donation box at the Council District 12 Office, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Nov. 28 to Dec. 16
Mon. to Fri., 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Drop-off: CD 12 Office
18917 Nordhoff St., Suite 18
Northridge

All donated toys will go to kids who participate in PALS programs. PALS offers valuable after-school programs, including sports, education, and mentoring with LAPD Officers to give at-risk youth in our community positive alternatives to crime, gangs and drugs. Please visit www.devonshire-pals.org.

Helping Struggling Families Have a Thanksgiving Dinners With Dignity at Home...

The CD 12 staff was proud to volunteer to help the North Valley YMCA distribute Thanksgiving dinners to struggling families in the San Fernando Valley. We also donated $1,000 to the Thanksgiving dinner program, plus $5 for every whole turkey donated by an individual.

Each year, the North Valley Family YMCA distributes baskets with a turkey and all the fixings so that a family can have their own complete Thanksgiving dinner at home. This year, they doubled the number to 1,000. To see more photos, visit our photo gallery here.

You can still donate or volunteer to support YMCA's charitable activities. For more information, please call Sisy Sagastume at the North Valley Family YMCA at (818) 368-3231 ext. 2304.

Join Operation Gratitude and Help Support Our Troops Overseas During the Holidays...

There are only three more Holiday Assembly Days so come join Operation Gratitude and help assemble care packages to send to US troops serving overseas. The next assembly day is on Friday, Nov. 25

Friday, Nov. 25
Saturday, Nov. 26
Saturday, Dec. 17
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Operation Gratitude
National Guard Armory
17330 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys

Operation Gratitude is a San Fernando Valley-based non-profit that organizes volunteers and donors to put together care packages to ship to our troops serving overseas to offer them support and comforts from home. The care packages include everything from toiletries and snacks to books and letters of support.

Please RSVP to Volunteer Coordinator Penny Alfonso by sending an email to opgratvolunteer1@yahoo.com with "Operation Gratitude Volunteer" in the subject line.

Festival of Trees...

Don't miss Northridge Hospital Foundation's Festival of Trees, a three-day event where individuals and businesses can purchase, decorate, display and donate an artificial tree, wreath, centerpiece or handmade quilt for the Hospital's silent auction.

Enjoy live entertainment in the Magical Music Land with carolers, live bands and dance acts. Stop by Santa's Sweet Shop for hot cocoa, candy, fudge, cookies and other holiday treats.

The event raises funds to help Northridge Hospital purchase lifesaving equipment, technology and to support programs for the Richie Pediatric Trauma Center.

Opening Night
Thursday, Dec. 1
6:00 pm - Welcome & Reception
7:00 pm - Tree Lighting Ceremony & Silent Auction
21701 Prairie St., Chatsworth
Bid on exquisitely decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces and quilts.
Tickets: $25. $15 presale before Friday, Nov. 18
For ticket sales information call (818) 885-5341 ext. 3

Festival Celebration
Friday, Dec. 2 & Saturday, Dec. 3
10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Entertainment & children’s activities, auctions on festival items.
Tickets: Adults - $5. Kids ages 3 to 12 - $3. Free for kids under 2.

For more information, visit or call (818) 885-5341 ext. 3

Dog Licensing & Vaccination at Sepulveda Off-Leash Dog Park...

Our District Director Megan Cottier leads our office's work on Recreation and Parks facilities and issues, and she reports this week on a great service for dog owners. Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) will join the low cost vaccination clinic at the Sepulveda Basin Off Leash Dog Park on Sunday, Dec. 4

LAAS Officers will be available to collect new and renewal applications for dog licensing. The cost to license a spayed/neutered dog is only $20. The fee is discounted for low income seniors or disabled persons licensing a companion dog. Licenses must be renewed annually. Cash is not accepted, so remember to bring a check with you.

Sunday, Dec. 4
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Sepulveda Off-Leash Dog Park
17550 Victory Blvd., Encino 
 
All dogs over four months of age in the City of Los Angeles must be vaccinated, licensed and sterilized. LAAS Officers will also be available to provide information about L.A.'s mandatory spay/neuter law and possible options for free or discounted sterilizations. 

So bring your dog down to enjoy the Off Leash Dog Park! There are separate enclosed areas for small and timid, and large dogs. Dogs can play, socialize and get lots of off-leash exercise in a safe and fun environment. All dogs entering the park must be licensed, sterilized, vaccinated and well-behaved. 

For more information about licensing and vaccinations call West Valley Animal Care Center at (818) 756-9326. For more information about the Sepulveda Basin Off Leash Dog Park please call Recreation and Parks at (818) 756-8185.