Englander E-News: Community Plan, Banning Felons, Photos IDs and More ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

Oct. 19, 2012

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

Granada Hills Community Plan Update Moves Forward...

As a resident of Granada Hills, I am proud to announce that the draft of the new Granada Hills-Knollwood Community Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) are now available for community members to review. 
 
The Community Plan is the long range land use plan for the area that will shape the future of the community, guide future growth, protect 
neighborhood character, and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and invest in the area. Having a strong and updated Community Plan will ensure that we can preserve the character and quality of life in Granada Hills that we place such a high value on. 

To see the proposed plan, map showing all of the recommendations, the DEIR and related materials, visit https://sites.google.com/site/granadahillsncp . A printed copy of the DEIR is also available for review at the Granada Hills Branch Library, located at 10640 Petit Ave., Granada Hills.  

We encourage you to give your input on the new Plan and the DEIR by email, mail or fax to: Anna M. Vidal, Granada Hills-Knollwood Planner. Los Angeles Department of City Planning, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Room 430, Van Nuys, CA 91401. Anna.Vidal@lacity.org. Phone: (818) 374-5043. Fax: (818) 374-9955.  

Include "Granada Hills-Knollwood Community Plan" in the subject line. All comments on the DEIR must be received by Monday, Nov. 26. There will also be other opportunities to comment on the plan and proposed land use recommendations before they are adopted by City Council. 

Please check the project website for the upcoming open house and public hearing coming this winter. Once this event is scheduled, the date and time will be posted on the website, and people who have subscribed to the notification list will receive a notice as well. 

- Councilmember Mitchell Englander, Twelfth District

Banning Convicted Felons and Sex Offenders from Holding Public Office...

My motion to ban convicted felons and sex offenders from holding any public office in the City of Los Angeles was unanimously approved by the City Council on Wednesday, Oct. 17. 

Currently, the City Charter prohibits any person from serving in elected or appointed office in Los Angeles for five years after having been convicted of a felony. 

My motion would further tighten those restrictions. It would require all elected officials, appointed Commissioners, Neighborhood Council Members, and General Managers of City Departments to declare under penalty of perjury that they have never been convicted of a violent felony or sexual offense. It would also require a sitting appointed or elected official found to have such a conviction in their past, to immediately step down. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Opposing Library Photo ID Cards for Illegal Immigrants...

The Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee this week moved forward with the proposal to have the City offer a new photo identification card to be issued by the Library Department. The card is meant to offer an official ID card for illegal immigrants, many of whom do not use banks or other financial institutions. It would also serve as a debit card. 

I am opposed to this proposal. It raises some serious security concerns. It would also create another entire bureaucracy within the City at a time when we are unable to pave our streets or trim our trees and provide other crucial City services. 

A full report will be come back to the City Council within three weeks on the program.  
       
- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Launch of OK/HELP  Free Post Earthquake Window Sign...

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee I was proud to join LAFD Fire Chief Brian Cummings, Terri Corigliano, Chief Communications Officer of American Red Cross, Los Angeles Region, and Dr. Lucy Jones of the US Geological Survey to launch the new OK/HELP earthquake window sign. We were joined by dozens of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers. 

On Monday, Oct. 15 we held a press conference and live demonstration of how this valuable community preparedness tool will be used.

OK/HELP is a window sign with clear, simple instructions provided by
the Los Angeles Fire Department, American Red Cross, and the U.S.
Geological Survey on what to do immediately after a major earthquake.
After a major earthquake, the user tears off the sign and posts it in
their front window indicating to emergency personnel, Community
Emergency Response Teams (CERT) or neighbors if they are "OK" or need
"HELP." 

To see a graphic of the OK HELP sign online at http://db.tt/wJra70QV
To see more photos of the demonstration, visit http://tiny.cc/OKHELPphotos.  

After the press conference, a live demonstration was staged showing
how to use the OK/HELP sign. Several houses posted the sign up in
their windows. The CERT volunteer team swept the street, checking the
status of all of the houses. When they located the house that needed
"HELP," they radioed the location to the Firefighters, who responded
with a Fire Engine and simulated giving aid to the injured resident. 

50,000 OK/HELP window signs will be distributed for free to LA residents, first in the San Fernando Valley and eventually city wide. As part of a broader outreach effort to increase community engagement in emergency preparedness, they will available at LAFD Fire 
Stations, Recreation Centers, libraries, and will be handed out at Neighborhood Council meetings, Neighborhood Watch meetings, and will be mailed out.  
 

Open House on Chatsworth Park South Clean-Up...

We hosted an informational open house on Oct. 18 with the State Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) and the City Department of Recreation and Parks to update the community and answer questions on the progress of the clean-up at Chatsworth Park South, as well as future activity at the park, and the next steps toward re-opening it to the public.

To see a video from the meeting posted by Chatsworth.Patch.com, click here. 

The park was closed in February 2008 for safety reasons after lead and other contaminants were discovered. The contamination resulted from clay pigeons used for skeet shooting on the land, which was a shooting range more than 50 years ago before it became a City park. 

We are committed to ensuring that the park is safe for use by the community and getting it open so that families can once again enjoy it. We continue to work closely with DTSC and Recreation and Parks to get the park cleaned up and safe for use. 

At the meeting, we shared two conceptual plans for the future of the park. To see the TRAILS concept, click here. To see the EQUESTRIAN concept, click here. We also encourage community members to fill out a survey and share their thoughts on the proposal and the future of the park. The survey is available here. Please share this message with your friends and neighbors. 

For more information, call CD 12 District Director Megan Cottier at (818) 882-1212 or email Megan.Cottier@lacity.org. 

SOLID All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner...

Join SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire) and our Devonshire Division Police Officers for the 17th Annual SOLID All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner on Friday, Oct. 19 in Northridge. 

Friday, Oct. 19
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
St. Nicholas Greek Church
9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge

Come enjoy an unlimited, delicious pasta dinner for just $8 per person! The proceeds go to SOLID, a non-profit organization that provides non-City supplied materials and equipment to the Police Officers who protect and serve our community at Devonshire Community Police Station. 

For more information call (818) 756-9011.  To learn more about SOLID, visitwww.SOLIDDevonshire.org. 

Used Book Sale at the Mid-Valley Branch Library...

The Friends of the Mid-Valley Library in North Hills invites you to their Fall Book Sale, on Saturday, Oct. 20. There will be books in all genres, fiction and non-fiction, for kids and adults at very low prices. 

The proceeds will help the Friends of the Mid-Valley Library pay for new books and programs and activities offered at the Library. 
 
Saturday, Oct. 20
10:00 to 2:00 pm
Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library
16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills

For more information, call (818) 895-3654. 

Community College and Career Fair at Granada Hills Charter High School...

Granada Hills Charter High School will be hosting a free Community College and Career Fair on Saturday, Oct. 20. 

Saturday, Oct. 20
Granada Hills Charter High School
10535 Zelzah Ave., Granada Hills
11:00 am to 2:00 pm 

This will be the only College and Career Fair provided in San Fernando Valley. There will be over 60 colleges and universities from around the country, along with over 40 career schools and vendors represented at the fair. There will also be workshops on College Planning and Financial Aid for parents and students of all grades. All San Fernando Valley students and parents are invited to attend this event.

Kaiser Permanente will also be hosting a community blood drive so come give the gift of life and donate blood! 

Orange-A-Thon Walk/Run/Bike Fundraiser...

Youth Educational Sports Presents the Orange-A-Thon Walk/Run/Bicycle & Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 20 along the Canoga Ave. Orange Line Extension Bike Path. To learn more about the new bike path along the Canoga Orange Line Extension, click here. 

Saturday, Oct. 20
Start & Finish is at the 
Chatsworth Depot Train Station
10046 Old Depot Plaza Rd. Chatsworth
Parking in the North lot off of Devonshire Blvd.

There are three routes with different start times offering different difficulty levels for participants. The 25 Mile Fixie Ride: Registration 7:00 am. Ride starts 8:00 am. The 8 Mile Family Ride: Registration 8:00 am. Ride starts 8:30 am. The 1.5 to 3.5 Mile Family Walk/Ride/Stroll: Registration 9:00 am. Ride starts 9:30 am

This fun event raises funds for local schools and Police Activities Leagues (PALS), which offer valuable after-school programs for at-risk youth. Registered participants can choose which organizations will receive their donations. 

Registration fees are $20 for adults, $10 for 15 to 18 year olds, $5 for 9 to 14 year olds, and free for kids under 9. Registration is $25 for families of four. All are welcome, but anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult. Pre-registration is required. For more information visit http://yesports.org/ articles/orange-a-thon- walkrunbicycle--fund-raiser. html or emailinfo@yesports.org or call (818) 292-0779. 

Orcutt Ranch Community Gardens in West Hills...

The historic Orcutt Ranch is a gorgeous ranch and orchard property located in West Hills, well known as a wedding venue and for its annual citrus picking events. It also has community gardens where community members can rent out plots of land to grow their own fruit, vegetables, and flowers and create their own little garden oasis. 

The garden plots can be rented out for $120 per year. There are about 200 plots, each measuring 10 feet by 20 feet. You can purchase rototiller service for an additional $10 per year.  

Gardeners can access their plots during the Ranch's regular open hours, 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. For more information, please call (818) 346-7449 or (818) 883-6641. 

San Fernando Valley Jaycees Annual Gala...

Join the San Fernando Valley Jaycees and former 12th District
Councilman and Jaycees Alumnus Greig Smith for the SFV Jaycees Annual Gala Dinner on Monday, Oct. 22. 

At this evening of fun, friendship, memories and a great dinner, the
Jaycees will honor their 2011 lifetime achievement award recipient,
Roland Faucher.

Monday, Oct. 22
5:30 pm
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
6100 Woodland Hills
Business attire

Established in 1920 as the United States Junior Chamber, the Jaycees
is a non-profit organization leadership and training institute that
emphasizes business development, management skills, individual
training, community service, and international connections for 18 to
41 year olds.

For more information or to RSVP visit www.sfvjaycees.org/alumni.html

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 an upcoming free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course. 

These courses could make all the difference for you and your family before, during and after a disaster. We applaud Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council and Patriot Oil Community Benefit Trust Fund, administered by the North Valley Coalition, for sponsoring this important public safety resource.  
 
Wednesday Evenings
Oct. 24 and 31. 
Nov. 7, 14, 21, and 28
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Knollwood Country Club
Fairway Room
12024 Balboa Bl., Granada Hills

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 visit http://www.cert-la.com/cert-syllabus.pdf. or email cert@ghnnc.org to sign up for free!

Taste of History - Van Nuys Airport...

Westfield Fashion Square and the Museum of the San Fernando Valley present an exciting free event coming up on Oct. 25, the Taste of History - Van Nuys Airport.  

Thursday, Oct. 25
6:00 pm
Westfield Fashion Square
14006 Riverside Dr. Sherman Oaks 

This free cultural and education event takes place on the Dining Terrace, second floor across from the food court. 

Van Nuys Airport has been an integral part of the San Fernando Valley since it was founded on Dec. 17, 1928 by a small group of Valley citizens. It has been the site of many record-breaking flights, and it was used by Hollywood celebrities such as Gene Autry, Cecil B. DeMille and Howard Hughes. During World War II, the U.S. government purchased the airport and converted it into a military base to help protect the west coast. It became a vital defense-manufacturing center during the war.  It has also been used for filming, including scenes from the Casablanca.  

Van Nuys Airport has since become the busiest general aviation airport in the nation, and generates over $1 billion of economic annual economic activity.  

Special guests will speak about the history of  transportation, aerospace, 
pop culture and entertainment in the San Fernando Valley. RSVP toevents@TheMuseumSFV.org. For more information, call Michel Stevens at (818) 347-9665.

Help the YMCA Give Thanksgiving Dinners to Struggling Families...
 

You can help ensure that struggling families in our community can have their own Thanksgiving dinner at home. To support the North Valley Family YMCA's Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive, you can donate canned goods, dried goods, stuffing, desert, vegetables, turkeys, gift cards or money. Last year the YMCA donated more than 1,000 complete Thanksgiving dinners. 

The entire Council District 12 staff will be volunteeing to distribute turkeys to families, and will donate to this worthy cause. 

If you donate 20 cans, or a $20 check or grocery store gift card, the YMCA will give you a professional portrait photo of your child in their Halloween costume. 

Sunday, Oct. 28
10:00am to 4:00 pm
North Valley YMCA at Porter Ranch
11336 Corbin Ave., Northridge

No appointment is necessary. Bring your little trick or treater in their Halloween costume for their photo shoot, compliments of Divine Shots Photography. There is a limit of one 4 x 6 inch portrait per family, and is only offered for kids younger than 12 years old. The portrait will be available for pickup within 15 days.

For more information please visit www.ymcala.org/nv. 

'Tis the Season Holiday Celebration at Shops at West End in Chatsworth...

Shops at West End invite you for an evening of holiday cheer, fun activities and shopping while giving back to the community on Nov. 15.  

Thursday, Nov. 15
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Devonshire St. between 
Owensmouth Ave. and 
Topanga Canyon

The holiday festivities include a Santa’s Workshop for kids, Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Showcase, Children’s Holiday Art Contest Display, Silent Night Silent Auction and Raffle, Giving Stations and more.  

Guests will also enjoy tasty refreshments, holiday boutique shopping and a special visit from Santa! In the spirit of giving, proceeds will benefit local schools of the finalists of the Children’s Holiday Art Contest and Haven Hills, an organization that serves victims of domestic violence in the San Fernando Valley.  

You can drop off donations of unwrapped gifts for a child or adult or gift cards at Los Toros Restaurant, located at 21743 Devonshire St. or visitwww.havenhills.org  to see their wish list. Los Toros will give a free child’s meal for each gift donated. 

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 38: Sunscreen, Walking Shoes & Maps...
It's a good idea to keep sunscreen, walking shoes and city maps in the earthquake kit in your car. If you are in your car when a majorearthquake strikes, the roads may become impassible, and you could have to walk a long distance to get home or to a shelter. Paper maps may be old-fashioned in today's era of smartphones with GPS maps, but if internet or phone service is down, a paper map could help you get home. 
Having to walk for several hours in high-heeled shoes or men's dress shoes could make the journey painful and slow, so it's a good idea to keep walking shoes in your car. Without sunscreen, you could end up with a bad sunburn. Under disaster conditions, even small physical injuries like this can become a serious problem. 

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

Courageous Citizens Award Luncheon...

Our Public Safety Deputy Jim Dellinger was an LAPD Officer with over 26 years on the force, and he still serves as an LAPD Reserve. He reports this week on a great event coming up - the Kiwanis Club of Northridge's 11th Annual Courageous Citizens Award Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 8. 

Thursday, Nov. 8
11:45 am to 1:30 pm
The Odyssey Restaurant 
Apollo East/West Room
15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills

Every year, this event brings together business and community leaders, public officials, and law enforcement officers to recognizes extraordinary acts of bravery by regular citizens. The awards are given to those who have come to the aid of a victim of a crime, helped capture a suspected criminal, prevent a crime, testified in the face of unusual pressures, acted selflessly to help a fellow citizen. 

For more information, call Richard Leyden at (818) 775-1185.