Englander E-News: Business Tax, Reward, Orange Line and More ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

July 6, 2012

Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Mitch_Englander 

Incentive for L.A. Auto Dealerships Approved in Council...

The proposal that I co-authored to eliminate the business tax for new car dealerships in Los Angeles to help boost the economy and create jobs, was unanimously approved on Tuesday July 3 by the City Council. 

The move, co-authored by Councilmember Garcetti, in collaboration with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, will create an incentive for new car dealerships to locate in and remain in the City, which has lost 95 dealerships over the last 25 years. In 1986, there were 147 new auto dealers located within Los Angeles. In 2011, only 52 were left. 

Los Angeles must do more to compete with other cities for good, job-creating businesses like new car dealerships. New auto dealers generate large amounts of sales tax revenue to the City, create large numbers of quality jobs, and generate additional business for other local small companies. 

According to the City Office of Finance, in the 2011 Tax Year, new car dealerships generated taxable sales of $3.2 billon. This represents approximately $32 million in sales tax and only $3.9 million in business tax, or gross receipts tax. That $32 million in sales tax goes to the City’s General Fund, which translates directly to the City’s ability to provide crucial services, such as police, fire, and infrastructure. 

According to the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association, car dealers in the City of Los Angeles employ 5,200 employees and generate $640 million in wages and benefits. 

Representatives from L.A.-based car dealerships were on hand to support the ordinance, including David Ellis of Ellis Chrysler/Jeep and President of the Greater L.A. New Car Dealers Association; Shammas Group; Downtown Chrysler Fiat; Volkswagen of Van Nuys; Universal Mini; and Keyes Motors. 
- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Reward for Hit-And-Run Killer of Cyclist in North Hills... 

We introduced a $50,000 reward motion on Friday, June 22 to help the LAPD catch the driver that killed a 76-year-old bicyclist in a hit-and-run in North Hills. 

On Friday, June 8 at approximately 2:00 am, LAPD Valley Traffic Officers responded to investigate a traffic collision involving a bicyclist near Nordhoff St. and Gaviota Ave. in North Hills. They found that Mr. Paul Albert Helfen, 76 years old, was struck from behind by a vehicle while riding his bicycle eastbound on the south side of Nordhoff St. He was thrown into the bushes by the road side and died at the scene from massive injuries.

Mr. Helfen was a beloved member of a large family, and an avid cyclist and athlete who always wore a helmet, used lights and obeyed traffic laws. Our deep condolences go out to his family and friends. 

The driver, believed to be in a 2007 - 2012 Nissan Sentra, fled the scene without stopping to render aid to Mr. Helfen or to identify themselves, which is  a crime. 

The reward is for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and-run killer. Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of the driver or hit-and-run vehicle, are asked to contact Valley Traffic Detectives at (818) 644-8000 or (877) LAPD 24-7.

Grand Opening of the Canoga Ave. Orange Line... 

We were proud to cut the ribbon on the recently completed Metro Canoga Ave. Orange Line Extension last weekend. 

The four mile busway started taking passengers between Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station and the Warner Center endpoint of the Orange Line Busway, on Saturday, June 30. 

We have supported and worked on the Canoga Ave. Orange Line Extension from its inception in order to offer fast, safe, convenient public transit and make the entire regional public transit system more available to Northwest Valley commuters, while alleviating traffic congestion and pollution.

The busway features four new stations at Sherman Way, Roscoe Blvd., Nordhoff St. and Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station, with public art, bicycle parking and other amenities. A beautiful bike and pedestrian path landscaped with native, drought-tolerant plants runs parallel to the busway, and will connect to the long bike and walking path along the original Orange Line. There is also a new park-and-ride lot at the Sherman Way Station and additional parking at Chatsworth Depot.

To see more photos of the ribbon cutting celebration visit our photo gallery athttp://cd12.org/PhotoGallery/index.htm.

To see the route map and other information, visit www.metro.net/projects/orangeline.

For questions about the Canoga Orange Line Extension, please call Metro at(818) 701-2827 or email molextension@metro.net.

Honoring the National Academic Decathlon Champions at Granada Hills Charter High School...

We were proud this week to honor the incredible achievements of the students from Granada Hills Charter High School who won the National Academic Decathlon for the second consecutive year. On Monday, July 2, we unveiled a street sign in front of the school congratulating the Decathlon Champions, and on Tuesday, July 3, we honored the team and coaches in City Council. 

We are immensely proud of this achievement by the brilliant kids on the Granada Hills Academic Decathlon Team, which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Congratulations to Decathlon Team Members Christian Koguchi, Stella Lee, Priscilla Liu, Kimberly Ly, Hamidah Mahmud, Lev Tauz, Julia Wall, Sean Wejebe and Jimmy Wu, and Coaches Spencer Wolf, Nick Weber and Matt Arnold. 

To see a video of the sign unveiling, click here. 
To see the Northridge-Chatsworth Patch article about the sign unveiling, click here. To see more photos, visit our photo gallery. 

Northridge Hospital Community Grants Helping Organizations Do Good in Our Community...

Northridge Hospital Medical Center (NHMC) has annoucned their 2012 Community Grants Program, which is funded by contributions from
Dignity Health member hospitals, the parent organization for Northridge
Hospital. 

The 2012 Community Grant Program supports organizations
within the Northridge Hospital Service Area whose missions are to increase
healthcare service for the community's vulnerable and under-served
populations. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000. For more details about how to apply and whether your organization qualifies for the grant program, visit www.chwhealth.org/communitygrants.

If your organization wishes to apply for a grant, you must submit a letter of intent by Friday, July 27. 

For more information or questions, call (818) 885-5339 or email
teddi.grant@dignityhealth.org.

Help Support The Kiwanis Club of Northridge Patriotic Flag Project...

The Kiwanis Club of Northridge has been leading a patriotic community beautification project to attach American flags to lightpoles on the main streets in Northridge, Granada Hills and Chatsworth for over fifteen years. 

This year they have had to rely more than usual on community support and donations because the flagpoles were stolen from a storage area and had to be replaced. The expenses of the flags and poles, as well as installing them are 100% funded by donations to the Kiwanis Club. 

This year 12 club members were proudly joined by an Iraqi war veteran to raise the flags on May 26 so that all community members would have an opportunity to see this patriotic display in observance of Memorial Day. The flags will remain in place through the July 4 celebrations. 

We applaud this terrific patriotic beautification 

If you would like to make a donation to support the Kiwanis Club of Northridge's flag project, call (818) 377-4566.

Public Pools in Los Angeles Open This Weekend!

The summer swimming season is here and L.A.'s 48 public pools are open now and will remain open through August 12! Admission is free for kids under 17, seniors and people with disabilities. The pools are open 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on weekends, and are open 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays.  

Our public pools are a wonderful resource, offering kids and adults in the community a great, economical way to cool off, get exercise and have fun!

The City’s Aquatics facilities include regular public swimming pools with a wide variety of amenities, programs, sports and classes for children, adults and people with disabilities and competitive athletes in training. The City also offers a Junior Lifeguard Training Program designed to prepare young people who are interested in pursuing a career as a Lifeguard. 

L.A. Public Pools in the West San Fernando Valley
GRANADA HILLS POOL
16730 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills
Click here for a map.

NORTHRIDGE POOL
(818 ) 709 – 7475
10058 Reseda Blvd., Northridge
Click here for a map.

CANOGA PARK - LANARK PARK
(818) 756-9364
21817 Strathern St., Canoga Park
Click here for a map.

VAN NUYS/SHERMAN OAKS WAR MEMORIAL PARK
(818) 783-6721
14201 Huston St., Van Nuys
Click here for a map.

To learn more about all of the City’s Aquatics facilities click here.

Public Meeting on “Measure R” Transportation Funding... 

The San Fernando Valley Council of Governments is presenting an informative meeting about the proposed extension of “Measure R”.

Monday, July 9
10:00 am
Woodbury University
Fletcher Jones Auditorium
7500 Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank

The State legislature and Metropolitan Transportation Authority are considering a plan that would extend “Measure R,” the half-cent sales tax enacted by the voters in 2008, to continue beyond its original sunset date of 2039. This is a multi-billion dollar proposal intended to alleviate congestion, improve mobility, conserve energy and enhance air quality.

All community members are encouraged to attend to discuss and review several possible forms the measure could take and give their input over the best way to move forward. Moderated by Ara Najarian, Chairman, San Fernando Valley Council of Governments.

Admission is free, but RSVP 48 hours in advance is required. For more information, or to RSVP, call (818) 712-9500 or email info@sfvcog.org .

You Can Sponsor A Low-Cost Summer Camp For Kids...

The West Valley Boys & Girls Club, which offers valuable after-school programs to at-risk youth in our community, is seeking corporate and individual sponsorships for its Summer Camp scholarship fund.  

You can help the Club provide a safe place for kids to learn, play, and make friends at summer camp by sponsoring a kid for a week, a month, or the whole summer. 

The Club's Summer Camp costs $75 a week or $450 for six weeks and includes nutritious lunches and snacks. While the Club's Camp is affordable for most families, more than half of the participants cannot afford the cost. The Club offers scholarships to low-income families, and no children are turned away for their inability to pay. 

The West Valley Boys and Girls Club has been offering mentoring, sports, education, art classes, and other activities to help at-risk youth stay away from crime, gangs and drugs, and stay on the path to success in life since 1992.  

To make a donation click here. To learn more, visit http://www.wvbgc.org. 

33rd Annual Devonshire PALS Golf Tournament...

Save the date for the 33rd Annual LAPD Devonshire PALS (Police Activity League Supporters) Golf Invitational on Monday, July 9. This great day of golfing raises funds for Devonshire PALS, which provides valuable after-school programs to give at-risk youth positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime. The PALS Youth Center in Northridge offers sports, mentoring and homework assistance to kids while building positive relationships between the Police and the community.

Monday, July 9
7:30 am- Registration
Porter Valley Country Club
19216 Singing Hills Dr., Northridge

The $200 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, hole-in-one prize opportunities, golf cart, entry for raffle prizes, awards and goodie bags.

For more information, call (818) 349-1706.

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 beautification project every Thursday!

Thursday, July 12
Reseda Blvd. between Nordhoff St. and Prairie St. 

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 Council provides the refreshments and tools.

Yogurtland has generously offered to give volunteers their first 3 oz. of frozen yogurt free after the clean up!  

For more information contact Jo Ann Phillips at (818) 304-4989 orjaphillips1@yahoo.com or visit www.NorthridgeWest.org.

National Night Out & Movies Under the Stars...

Save the date for National Night Out and a free outdoor movie as part of our Movies Under the Stars summer film series, coming up on Tuesday, August 7 in Northridge.

Tuesday, August 7
7:00 pm
Northridge Park
10058 Reseda Blvd.

Community members in the Northwest San Fernando Valley are invited to join thousands of communities nationwide for the 29th Annual National Night Out event.

National Night Out raises awareness about preventing crime and builds positive relations between the community and the Police, strengthens pride and engagement in the community, and sends a message that neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back against crime. To learn more, visit http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/.

Our office in coordination with LAPD Devonshire Division, S.O.L.I.D. (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire) and Target are proud to invite you and your family to join us! We will be holding a FREE screening of the animated kids movie Kung Fu Panda 2 as part of our Movies Under The Stars outdoor film series, now in its seventh year. There will be free sodas and hot dogs (while supplies last), free kids activities, public safety information, and more!

For more information call Melody Jaramillo at (818) 882-1212 or emailmelody.jaramillo@lacity.org.

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 25: U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Reports
Did you feel something shaking? The fastest, most reliable way to find out if there was an earthquake, and where the epicenter was and what the magnitude was, is to visit the website of the U.S. Geological Survey. They track every earthquake in the world in real time, with maps, dates, times, location and magnitude. 

The USGS website also has vast amounts of information about water, weater, climate change, ecosystems, energy, and many other things that are relevant to disaster planning, preparedness and response. 

To see our printable Emergency Preparedness Checklist, with every week's entry, click here or visit our website atwww.CD12.org.

Working to Support Business Growth & Job Creation in Our Community...

Our Field Deputy Erik Richardson, who also serves as our liaison to local businesses in our District, reports this week on great news - ICON Motors expanding with a new location in our Chatsworth/Northridge Industrial Zone.

We were proud to join ICON for a press conference on June 29 announcing the opening of their new 40,000 square foot clean manufacturing facility in Chatsworth. ICON is a manufacturer of hand-crafted, custom off-road vehicles that are reproductions of classic vintage vehicles like the Willy's Jeeps, Toyota Land Cruisers and Ford Broncos. The outside looks like an older vehicle, but they have modern powertrains and high-end amenities, sound systems and safety features. 

We toured the facility with the owner and founder Jonathan Ward and discussed business challenges and opportunities, and ways the City can work to help local businesses. 

ICON's success story underscores that there are things that the City can and should do to improve the business climate so that private sector companies
can expand, thrive, stay in Los Angeles, create jobs and boost the
economy. 

ICON's business is booming, and they have an 8 to 12 month waiting list for their vehicles. Jonathan Ward and his wife Jamie started ICON in Van Nuys in 1996, but they outgrew their previous facility in Van Nuys. Expanding would mean that they could increase their capacity and hire more workers.  

The City's Development Services Case Management Office (DSCMO) helped
them find benefits and advantages, and helped get them into their new
facility in Chatsworth quickly and smoothly. DSCMO brings together
representatives from seven City departments to expedite business
permitting. They helped ICON learn how to take advantage of employee-hiring tax credits and sales and use tax credits, for machinery and machine parts through the State Enterprise Zone, which covers this part of the San Fernando Valley, as well as utility incentives. 

Jonathan is a long-time San Fernando Valley resident, and because of his loyalty to Los Angeles, he tries to get materials, equipment and services with L.A. based businesses as much as possible.