Politics & Government

Englander E-News: Cars, Gangs, Paving, and More ...

This is the weekly newsletter from City Council District 12.

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS
Feb. 22, 2013

Creating Tools to Address Issue of Vehicles Used in Serious Crimes...

This week, I voted YES on a motion that instructs the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance that allows the City to seize and impound vehicles used in the commission or attempted commission of pimping, pandering, illegal dumping of waste, or solicitation of prostitution. 

As of Jan. 1, 2010, the California Vehicle Code allows cities to declare a motor vehicle to be a public nuisance. The vehicle can be impounded for up to 30 days if it is used in acts of prostitution, solicitation, pandering or loitering, if the owner or operator of the vehicle has had a prior conviction for the same offense in the past three years. 

Impounding vehicles that are used for those crimes is a key law enforcement tool to address a serious public safety and crime issue in the City. Such vehicle seizure measures have been found to be a strong deterrent to people who solicit prostitutes.
Click here to see the motion. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Working to Fight Gang Violence...

This week in City Council, I voted YES on a motion to establish an Ad-Hoc Committee on Gang Violence in the City of Los Angeles. 

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee and an LAPD Reserve Officer, protecting public safety and working to reduce crime is my top priority. 

Gang violence is one of the most serious public safety concerns that we face in Los Angeles, and it is crucial that we develop tools to address gang violence in the City in a comprehensive way. 

Click here to see the motion
               
- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Discussing Legislation & Community Issues with Neighborhood Councils...

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It was my pleasure to be a guest speaker at the North Hills West Neighborhood Council meeting and 10th anniversary celebration on Thursday, Feb. 21 at New Horizons Sam's Cafe in North Hills. I discussed my proposed 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, and keep them at good condition in perpetuity. For more information on the Street Repair Bond click here

I presented the Neighborhood Council Board with a City certificate of commendation to congratulate them on their 10 year anniversary. During that time the North Hills West Neighborhood Council members who have volunteered their time and talent have made great contributions to the community. 

I also discussed my NO vote on the ballot measures to allow some storefront marijuana shops in L.A. and the steps I am taking to help create a better City Budget.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Honoring Leaders in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Community...

We were proud to honor Dr. Flavia Fleischer and Dr. William Garrow in recognition of their receiving their Ph.D.s in Linguistics from Gaulladet University on Feb. 16. They are both academic leaders in the deaf and hard of hearing community, and they both are instructors at CSUN's Deaf Studies Department. 

We are proud to have one of the nation's largest and most notable centers of deaf and hard of hearing studies at CSUN,which has a Deaf Studies Department, and is home of the National Center on Deafness. It graduates more people trained in deaf studies than any other university in the nation, and CSUN has become a thriving center of the deaf and hard of hearing community. 

Voter Information for Upcoming City Elections...

The Los Angeles City Primary Nominating Election is coming up on March 5, and the general elections are on May 21. Voters will choose eight Council Members, a Mayor, a City Attorney and a Controller, making this a historically significant election that will determine the leadership of the City for years to come. Whatever your choices are, it is important to participate and make your voice heard.

To find out where your polling place is, and see information about candidates and ballot measures, or get a sample ballot, click here. All polls open at 7:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. 

Applications for a Vote-By-Mail (VBM) ballot for the March 5 Primary Nominating Election must be received by the Office of the City Clerk - Election Division by Tuesday, Feb. 26 by 5:00 pm. The last day to apply for and vote a VBM ballot in person at the Election Division office is Monday, March 4, at 5:00 pm. For more information on VBM, click here.

"Year of Healthy Living" Event: The Wild West Chatsworth Community Bike Ride...

 Don't miss the Wild West Chatsworth Community Bike Ride, this Saturday, Feb. 23. This fun, free, family-friendly bike ride will highlight the sights, 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.

Sign Up Now for One-On-One Help With Representatives of City Departments at Our Community Service Center.. . 

We are now taking reservations for community members to meet
one-on-one with representatives of City Departments at our Community Service Center in Chatsworth. We will have regularly scheduled time slots for community members to meet with the Planning, Building and Safety, Police, Transportation (LADOT), Housing, Community Development and Neighborhood Empowerment Departments and the Bureau of Sanitation. This will offer community members a chance to get information and assistance in Chatsworth without having to travel all the way to Downtown. 

The following Departments are currently taking appointments:  
Department of Building and Safety -  Tuesday, March 5. 
Los Angeles Police Department - Tuesday, March 12.

We will announce in our newsletter the service hours of the remaining Departments once they have been established. 

Scheduling is by appointment only on a first-come-first serve basis. To make an appointment, please call (818) 882-1212 or email Melody.Jaramillo@lacity. org

Join the Mile of Quarters and Help Raise Funds for At Risk Youth...

The West Valley Boys & Girls Club is holding their annual Mile of Quarters fundraiser event on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Westfield Topanga Mall. 

Every year, the West Valley Boys & Girls Club holds this fun, free event for families. The goal is to lay down a mile of quarters. All of the quarters will go toward West Valley Boys and Girls Club's after-school programs for at-risk youth. 

You don't need to bring your own quarters - donors have already given 63,000 quarters, worth $17,000. The Boys and Girls Club needs you to help lay them out to make a mile of quarters. There will also be free magic shows, and other entertainment for kids. 

Saturday, Feb. 23
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
12:00 pm - kick off ceremony
Westfield Topanga Mall, Lower Level
6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills

For more information call (818) 610-1054 or visit www.WVBGC.org.

Community Nature Hike at Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park…

Join the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association as they lead two community hikes through the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park this month. 

Rain cancels the hikes, so please check the weather the mornings of the events. Bring water, sunscreen and shoes appropriate for hiking. Dogs must be kept on a leash.  

Saturday, Feb. 23
11:00 am 
Meet at: Larwin entrance to Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park
10200 Larwin Ave., Chatsworth

Learn about the unique history, ecology and topography of the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park and the Simi Hills. Santa Susana Mountain Park Association volunteer Dr. Elizabeth Harris leads this easy/moderate 3.5 mile, 2.5 hour interpretive loop. 

Founded in 1970, the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association works to protect and preserve our unique historic and geological treasures, the Chatsworth Hills, through recreational and educational events. 

For more information about the hikes or the Association, emailmail@ssmpa.com.

Join North Hills West Neighborhood Council for a Community Clean-Up Effort This Sunday, Feb. 24...

Join North Hills West Neighborhood Council for a community clean-up effort this Sunday, Feb. 24 and help keep our community clean and beautiful! 

Sunday, Feb. 24
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Meet up at 
Roscoe Blvd. and Woodly Ave.
North Hills

Bring your family and invite friends and neighbors, it's a great way to get some outdoor exercise, meet other engaged community members, and help keep our neighborhood beautiful. All in the community are welcome to join the clean-up at any point! Free breakfast will be provided for participants at the kick-off, and lunch will be provided at the end of the event. 

For more information please contact Marina Adlivankina atmadlivankina@nhwnc.net or call North Hills West Neighborhood Council at(818) 892-8899.

Take the Budget Challenge and Give Your Input On the L.A. City Budget...

You can be part of the City's budget process by participating in the Budget Challenge. To take the Budget Challenge, click here

The Budget Challenge is a budget balancing simulation. The budget amounts given for each policy option are estimates based on preliminary budget targets developed by the Mayor in anticipation of a $216 million deficit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013-14. 

Click on the "Your Thoughts" button throughout the survey to share your thoughts and concerns about budget balancing options and about City services in general. 

The results will help advise the Mayor and City Council about the budgetary priorities, needs and concerns of the community. The results will also be made available to the public. Be sure to add your ZIP code so that your community is represented. 

Battle of the Badges Competition to Raise the Most Blood Donations... 

Every year, the Los Angeles Fire Department and Police Departments participate in the Battle of the Badges, a friendly competition among more than 200 public safety agencies to see who can raise the most blood donations for the Red Cross. 

The Police and Fire Departments are holding several blood drives, including one coming up in the San Fernando Valley. 

In Southern California, less than 3% of the population donates blood, so supplies are low and your donations are badly needed. You can give the gift of life!

Thursday, Feb. 28
7:00 am to 1:00 pm 
LAFD Station 87
10124 Balboa Blvd. 
Granada Hills
To schedule your donation, 
call Capt.  Steve Perez (818) 756-8687

Blood donors will receive a gift bag including a Battle of the Badges T-Shirt, coupon for a free appetizer at a local restaurant, and tickets to a comedy club.  

To see all of the Battle of the Badge blood drive events, click here

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
12:00 pm
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.

Scholarship Opportunity Through the Van Nuys Optimist Club...

The Van Nuys Airport Optimist Club is holding an Oratorical Contest for students as part of its scholarship program. The Optimist Club has been providing this opportunity since 1928. Prizes include medals, plaques, $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000 scholarships. 

The Oratorical Contest is open to students under 19 years old who have not yet 
graduated from high school. Students are required to prepare a 4 to 5 minute speech on a pre-assigned topic. The contest is designed to help young people develop public speaking skills offer them an opportunity to compete for a scholarship. The topic this year is "Why my Voice is Important." The deadline to enter is March 8. 

For more information or to sign up, call Pam Duben, President at (661) 257-6867 or email pamduben@yahoo.com, or call Shirley McKissack, Vice President at (818) 362-7633 or email MCKISSACK7@aol.com.

Save the Date for the Grand Opening of Aliso Canyon Park!

Please join me in celebrating the opening of Aliso Canyon Park on the Granada Hills/Porter Ranch border on Saturday, March 16! 

We are proud to open up this new park to the community. The park is the first public equestrian arena in the Northwest San Fernando Valley. It also features an outdoor pavilion and picnic area, a pedestrian bridge over the small creek to protect the riparian habitat, a naturally landscaped meadow with native, drought-tolerant plants, equestrian parking and staging area, regular parking area, restrooms, and improved trailheads and markers for the trails through the canyon.

Saturday, March 16
10:00 am
Aliso Canyon Park
East of Reseda Blvd. between Senson Ave. & Rinaldi St.


We secured grant funding to purchase and make improvements to Aliso
Canyon Park and worked with Granada Hills North, Granada Hills South, and Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council and equestrian and hiking groups to determine the design of the existing park. We look forward to bringing this new park to the community!

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

CD 12 Non-Profit Summit - “Enriching the Community with the Arts”...

We invite all community-based organizations and non-profit organizations in the Northwest San Fernando Valley to join us for our next CD 12 Non-Profit Summit, “Enriching the Community with the Arts.” 

Monday, March 18
10:00 am to 11:30 am
 
Devonshire PALS Youth Center
8721 Wilbur Ave.
Northridge

This is our third Non-Profit Summit. Our office strongly supports the arts by working with local artists on community projects, cultivating strategic partnerships, and promoting local arts events. We have successfully partnered with local artists to conduct a public art event at our Valley Family Festival and have transformed our new Community Service Center into a community art gallery.

Three great organizations are partnering on this Non-Profit Summit - the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and Arts for LA.

The panelists will provide information on grants and funding opportunities, programs available for artists, and ways for artists to learn advocacy and civic engagement. Organizations will share experiences and best practices. 

Please RSVP by Thursday, March 14 to Semee Park via email atSemee.Park@lacity.org or by calling (818) 882-1212.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance at Our Community Service Center...

Our Field Deputy Semee Park reports this week on a very valuable, free service - income tax preparation assistance at our Community Service Center. 

Our Community Service Center is offering free income tax preparation sessions on Friday March 8 and 15.

Friday, March 8 
Friday, March 15
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave. 
Chatsworth 

Appointments are required, and you must bring certain documents. For more information or to schedule your appointment, call (818) 882-1212. 


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