Englander E-News: Budgets, Quakes, the Web, and More ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS
Feb. 8, 2013

Exploring Innovative Ways to Approach Budgeting in City of L.A...

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, as Vice Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee, I hosted a meeting together with Councilmember Paul Krekorian, Chair of the Committee, with representatives of the Mayor’s Office, the City Administrative Officer, the Chief Legislative Analyst and other City budget officials. 

The Center for Priority Based Budgeting, a  non-profit organization based in Denver, Colorado, gave a presentation on how to use this innovative method of budgeting in the City of L.A. Priority Based Budgeting (PBB) is a process used by cities to establish their larger community values, and budget according to those values, while providing flexibility in order to meet the changing needs of the community. It sets performance standards by which programs and services can be measured so the community can determine the most important goals and programs. 

I recently became certified in Priority Based Budgeting by the California League of Cities, and I am exploring ways to incorporate the methods in the City's budgeting process. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Working Toward Better Earthquake Preparedness...

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, I introduced a resolution of support of an initiative by State Sen. Alex Padilla to begin work on an earthquake early warning system for the State of California. 

The system would be based at the Seismological Laboratory at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey. It would establish a network of sensors that would quickly detect energy from an earthquake, estimate its magnitude, and automatically generate alerts to be broadcast to the public and to emergency responders via direct text messages, and be broadcast on television, radio and websites. 

Such systems could give 10 to 60 seconds of advance warning of a major earthquake. This could save lives, by giving people a chance to drop, cover and hold. It could also allow officials, utilities or businesses to shut down systems that could be damaged by severe shaking. California is earthquake country, so we must do everything we can to prepare for major earthquakes. 

To see the resolution, click here. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Exploring New Features for LAPD Website...

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I am always looking for ways to improve the City's ability to offer public safety and law enforcement-related services. On Wednesday, Feb. 6, I introduced a motion requesting the LAPD to report on the feasibility of creating a function on the LAPDoline.org website that would allow community members to file some Police reports online. These would be limited to non-serious crimes, for example filing a Police report on pieces of stolen property for insurance purposes. This will help ease the administrative burden on LAPD administrative personnel, as we work to do more with our impacted financial resources. More serious or violent crimes would still have to be reported to the LAPD by phone or in person. 

To see the motion, click here. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Creation of a New Economic Development Department to Improve Our Economy...

The City Council approved a motion on Feb. 5 to create an Economic Development Department and associated non-profit organization to replace the Community Redevelopment Agency, which the State of California dissolved this year.  

The proposed Economic Development Department would seek out businesses and help steer them through the permitting processes of the City's Planning and Building and Safety Departments. Having a dedicated Economic Development Department would help make Los Angeles a more business-friendly City so that businesses can grow the economy and create jobs.  

Be Aware of Telephone Scam Targeting DWP Customers...

I joined Pat Findley, Department of Water & Power (DWP) Security Services Division, and Commander Andy Smith of LAPD's Media Relations and Community Affairs Division for a press conference to alert the public about a telephone scam targeting DWP customers. 

DWP has been receiving multiple reports per day of the telephone scam, preying upon vulnerable people, especially seniors on fixed incomes who might be alarmed that their utilities will be cut off. Impostors posing as utility workers contact customers by phone, tell them that they are behind in payment of their bills, and threaten to cut off service unless they make an immediate payment. 

The scammers instruct victims to purchase pre-paid cash cards, and then call them back and provide the card number and PIN in order to pay the outstanding balance on their bill. The only way to prevent this is through raising public awareness. 

DWP will never contact customers by phone and ask for verbal payment. They offers payment plans for customers whose accounts have fallen behind. DWP will have made numerous contacts with a customer before any warning of cutting service. 

If someone calls you asking for immediate payment over the phone – don’t panic. Hang up and call (800) DIAL DWP - (800) 342-5397  - to report it. Or visit www.ladwp.com and click “Security Issue” under the green “Contact Us” button. 

City of L.A. Launches New Redesigned Website...

Los Angeles launched the new, redesigned City website this week. The website, www.LACity.org offers residents and businesses better, faster access to City services and information. 

The most notable features of the new site includes a "Most Requested Services" function,  a consolidated Calendar of Events, and a Citywide Media feature allowing site visitors to see event or meeting streaming live or on air on LA CityView Ch. 35. 
The website  also shows the latest Tweets from elected officials and Departments, the most popular Council Files based on number of times accessed, and site search engine which includes videos.

This is the first of many improvements to the City's website. The Information Technology Agency will continue to make improvements to enhance online City services.  

Discussing the Street Repair Bond and Other Community Issues at Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council...

It was my pleasure to be a guest speaker at the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at Shepherd of the Hills. I discussed my proposed $3 billion Street Repair Bond, which would bring all 8,700 miles of failed and poor condition streets in the City up to A and B condition within 10 years. To learn more about the Street Repair Bond, click here. 

I also presented a plaque to Mel Mitchell in recognition of his years of service to the community. As a founding member of Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council, Mel helped organize the Community Appreciation Day at Holleigh Bernson Park after the Sesnon Fire, and he worked on ensuring that the new Porter Ranch Community School was the right fit for the community. He has also volunteered for many of the environmental clean-ups of Limekiln Canyon and other Porter Ranch areas, and has participated in countless community and charitable events.

I also discussed my NO vote on the ballot measures to allow some storefront marijuana shops in L.A., and my motion to explore creating an LAFD Reserve Firefighter program.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Four Neighborhood Councils Celebrate 10th Anniversary...

Four Neighborhood Councils in CD 12 celebrated their 10th anniversaries this year. On Tuesday, Feb. 5 at Ernest Lawrence Middle School in Chatsworth, the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners gave certificates of commendation to Chatsworth, Granada Hills North, North Hills West, and Porter Ranch Neighborhood Councils to congratulate them on 10 years of service to the community. The meeting was one of the off-site meetings that the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners regularly holds in different regions of the City.

Congratulations and thank you for your service to our community! 

Ride On Pancake Breakfast...

Join Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship for their annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House on Saturday, Feb. 9. This fun, free, family-friendly event will include demonstrations by Ride On's talented students highlighting the programs that Ride On provides.

Ride On offers therapeutic riding and hippotherapy - physical therapy on horseback -for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Saturday, Feb. 9
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship
10860 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Chatsworth

Come learn more about the unique services that are offered to children and adults with special needs. There will also be staff and board members on hand to talk about volunteer and involvement opportunities.

For more information call (818) 700-2971 or email Sara@rideon.org.

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Workshops...

The L.A. Emergency Management Department offers a free program to help you organize your neighborhood be more prepared for earthquakes and other disasters. By attending the workshop, you will receive a guide to building a Neighborhood Disaster Plan in five steps, with templates and instructions on how to plan, do outreach for, and conduct a neighborhood disaster preparedness meeting.

Tuesday, Feb. 12
Balboa Sports Complex
17015 Burbank Blvd.
Encino

The workshop in the San Fernando Valley is on Feb. 12. There will be free refreshments and drawings for prizes. The event is free, but space and materials are limited so registration is required. To register for the Valley workshop, or any of the other workshops in other parts of Los Angeles, visit
www.constantassociates.com/disaster.

For more information, email aislynn@constantassociates.com or call (424) 247-1214 or TTY (213) 978-0463.

Kiwanis Club of Northridge Hosting Mayoral Candidate Forums...

The Kiwanis Club of Northridge is hosting a series of discussions with the candidates for Mayor of Los Angeles at their regular Thursday meetings in Northridge.

The Kiwanis Club, a not-for profit organization, is not endorsing or supporting any candidate, but providing a forum to help the community learn about the different candidates and ask them questions about their policies and positions.

All of the meetings are on Thursdays at 12:00 pm. Parking at CSUN costs $6. Street parking is limited. There will be a buffet lunch available at the Orange Grove Bistro for $16.

Thursday, Feb. 14: City Controller Wendy Gruel
Orange Grove Bistro 
CSUN
Zelzah Ave. & Nordhoff St.
Northridge

The forum featured Councilmember Jan Perry on Thursday, Jan. 24 ; Kevin James, former Federal Prosecutor and Talk Show host on Thursday, Jan. 31;  and Councilmember Eric Garcetti on Thursday, Feb. 7. 

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is an International service organization serving children around the world.

To make reservations, call Sharon Rose, President, Kiwanis Club of Northridge, at (818) 708-8596 or email SRKiwanis1@AOL.com. 

North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Installation Luncheon...

Save the date for the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual installation luncheon on Friday, Feb. 15 in Granada Hills. The key note address will be given by CSUN's recently appointed President Dianne Harrison. The Chamber will also present Rickey Gelb with the 2013 CK Tseng Award. 

Friday, Feb. 15
11:30 am
Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Dr.
Granada Hills
Cost: $55

For more info or to RSVP, call Stephanie Schwinn at (818) 349-5676 or emailstephanie@nvrcc.com.

City Attorney Candidates Forum Hosted by Kiwanis Club of Northridge...

All members of the community are invited to a City Attorney candidates forum hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Northridge in February at CSUN.  

Mike Feuer - Feb. 21
Carmen Trutanich - Feb. 28
Orange Grove Bistro 
CSUN
Zelzah Ave. & Nordhoff St.
Northridge

The Kiwanis Club of Northridge is not supporting any candidate in the election for City Attorney, but is hosting the forum as a public service so that voters can learn more about the candidates, ask questions, and hear about their proposals and policies.  There is a charge of $16 for lunch. Free parking (90 minutes) is available in the Orange Grove Bistro parking lot, located on the CSUN campus at the northwest corner of Nordhoff St. and Zelzah Ave. 

RSVP to Sharon Rose, Northridge Kiwanis president, at (818) 708-8596 or by email  at srkiwanis1@aol.com.

Bicycle Master Plan - Traffic and Safety Review...

The City is holding several public hearings on the 2010 Bicycle Master Plan. In Sept. 2012, the state enacted a law to exempt restriping of urban streets for bicycle lanes. In order to be eligible for the exemption, the City must conduct an assessment of traffic and safety impacts of the proposed projects that are part of the Bicycle Master Plan, hold public hearings and hear and respond to public comment.

The meetings will include presentations by the Department of Transportation (LADOT), Department of City Planning as well as a public hearing. Following the hearings, a written report incorporating and responding to the public comments will be presented to the General Manager of LADOT and will be made available to the public. There will be one hearing in the San Fernando Valley.

Valley Area
Thursday, Feb. 21
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
North Hollywood Regional Library
5211Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood

There will also be a webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For details about how to log into watch the webinar, visit http://LADOTbikeblog.wordpress.com.

The Los Angeles Bicycle plan, approved by the City Council in 2010, lays out a long-term goal of 1,680 miles of interconnected bikeways and calls for more than 200 miles of new bicycle routes every five years. It suggests that such major arteries get bike lanes in the near future, and sets goals to make bicycling in the City a safer, more convenient, viable transportation form that is incorporated into the overall traffic and transportation routes, plans and patterns of the City.

For more information, call David Somers at (213) 978-3307.

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 the free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course in Chatsworth.

These courses could make all the difference for you and your family before, during and after a disaster. We applaud Chatsworth Neighborhood Council for sponsoring this important public safety resource for the community.

Thursdays
Through Feb. 21
9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Chatsworth Library Meeting Room
21052 Devonshire St., Chatsworth

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 email cert@chatsworthcouncil.org or call Clara at(818) 773-9655.

Save the Date for the February "Year of Healthy Living" Event: The Wild West Chatsworth Community Bike Ride...

Save the date for the Wild West Chatsworth Community Bike Ride, a fun, free, family-friendly bike ride highlighting the sites, culture and history of the community, in partnership with CICLE (Cyclists Inciting Change thru Live Exchange).

On the approximately 7 mile ride, we will tour the Historic Olive Grove, the Homestead Acre and Chatsworth History Museum, Stoney Point Ranch, Mr. Ed's Barn, and the Munchbox, a 1950s burger stand which is a Cultural Historic Monument.

Saturday, Feb. 23
10:00 am
Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station
Devonshire Parking Lot
10046 Old Depot Plaza Rd., Chatsworth
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/9vlBG

We will kick off the ride with a brief talk about bicycle safety, with free healthy snacks, coffee, juice and water donated by Alliance Beverage Partners of Chatsworth, Starbuck's Coffee and Western Bagel of Chatsworth. There will be a drawing for a great prize donated by REI. Sales of tickets for the drawing benefit CICLE, which is a non-profit organization working to promote bicycling as a viable, healthy, and sustainable transportation choice.www.CICLE.org.

Please bring a bicycle in good working order. Participants should be able to ride a bike safely with the ability to brake, change gears, and balance while stopping and starting. We recommend all riders wear a helmet. All riders under 18 MUST wear a helmet and be escorted by a parent or guardian. Children under 8 years old should be on a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem, or other safe child-carrying device to participate in the ride.

For the Year of Healthy Living, we are holding a community activity or event every month to offer families in the community a fun way to get healthy. The events range from community hikes, walks and bike rides, to informational events on nutrition, healthcare and financial health.

For more information, email Julia@cicle.org or visit www.CICLE.org.

Community Meetings to Help Design Universal Access Playground at Mason Park...

Our District Director Megan Cottier reports this week on a great opportunity to help shape the future of Mason Park in Chatsworth. 

There will be two community design meetings at the Mason Park Recreation Center on Wednesday, Feb. 13 to begin the process of designing a universal access Shane's Inspiration Playground at Mason Park.  

Late last year the Los Angeles Parks Foundation (LAPF) was awarded the Tot Parks and Trails grant from First 5 LA to renovate the playground at Mason Park. LAPF is working with Shane’s Inspiration make the playground into a universal playground that can be used by all children including children with disabilities. 

Wednesday, Feb. 13
10:30 am  and 6:00 pm
Mason Park
10500 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth

Shane's Inspiration has partnered with the Department of Recreation and Parks to build inclusive playgrounds for children with disabilities and children without. 

For more call Brad Thornton at (818) 988-5676 or emailBrad@shanesinspiration.org.