Englander E-News: Fundraiser in Chatsworth, Free Skating, Aiding Vets ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

Aug. 10, 2012

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

Free Rollerskating at Skateland to Help Battle Childhood Obesity...

At a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic, and the economic recession continues to make it difficult for families, our friends at Skateland in Northridge announced a great, free project to help kids stay fit and have fun.

As part of Kidsskatefree.com, Northridge Skateland is offering free passes for kids to come to Skateland every week. Parents, just register online at www.kidsskatefree.com/skateland to start receiving two free skating passes per week per child. 

According to the American Heart Association, one in three kids in America are overweight or obese, triple the rate from 50 years ago. Obesity has also been linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, and other physical and psychological problems.

Through Kidsskatefree.com, Roller Skating Centers across the nation have joined to fight cihldhood obesity. Roller skating provides a complete cardio-aerobic workout of the entire body, and burns 400 to 600 calories per hour.

For years, Skateland has been offering a safe, fun place in our community for kids and families to gather, have fun, have parties and fundraisers, and get some great exercise. They also are active members of the community, and supports numerous charitable and community-building causes.

For more information contact Vickie Bourdas Martinez at Vickie@skateland.net or visit www.kidsskatefree.com/skateland.

Fundraiser BBQ and Bake Sale in Chatsworth to Support Son of LAPD Officer...

Friends and family of an LAPD Police Officer whose 14-month old son is suffering from brain cancer are holding a fundraising event on Saturday, Aug. 11 at Mason Park in Chatsworth. 

Saturday, Aug. 11
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Mason Park
10500 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth

Max Hansen, the youngest son of Grant Hansen, an LAPD Officer at North Hollywood Division, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor on May 6. He underwent surgery to successfully remove the tumor at Children's Hospital where he is still undergoing treatment. The fundraiser will help his family pay for his recovery, treatment and other hardships. 

Come enjoy delicious BBQ, freshly made baked goods, snow cones, a jumper, and facepainting, with fellow community members and Police Officers. There will also be an LAPD K-9 unit and an LAFD fire truck on display.

For more information, visit www.Maxsfuture.com, or call (818) 448-4124.

Donations Needed to Help Our Local Veterans...

The Sepulveda Veterans Administration (VA) Ambulatory Care Center provides crucial services to thousands of Veterans who have served our country in the military.

Among their many services and programs, the Sepulveda VA offers free clothing to at least 100 struggling Veterans per month. However, they are running extremely low on clothing and need your help. You can help support our local Veterans by donating *NEW* men's T-shirts, boxers, and especially socks.

Drop off donations Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Sepulveda VA, 16111 Plummer St., in North Hills, building #22, in the Volunteer Office, Room 204.

For more information call  (213) 253-5135.

Be Ready for Summer Heat Waves ...

The summer heat waves are here, so be ready!

During extreme heat, the City opens up hundreds of facilities to be utilized as cooling centers, including Senior Citizen Centers, most Recreation and Parks facilities, and City Libraries. The air-conditioned facilities offer residents cold water, and a place to rest indoors. For more information on where all the cooling centers are located, call 3-1-1 or click here.

Senior Centers: (213) 202-2700 or visit http://www.laparks.org/dos/senior/senior.htm .
Libraries: (213) 228-7000 or visit http://www.lapl.org/branches/ .
Recreation & Parks Facilities: (213) 202-2700 or visit www.laparks.org.

Tips to Beat the Heat
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. If you plan to be outdoors, take precautions to protect yourself from the sun and heat. Avoid the sun from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm when the sun's burning rays are most intense. Reduce physical activity. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light- colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid hot, heavy meals and alcohol. Drink Gatorade or other non-caffeinated drinks with electrolytes. Take a cool shower or bath. If you do not have air-conditioning, visit one of the City's public pools, go to a public park to sit in the shade, or go to an air-conditioned shopping mall, where there are plenty of places to sit.

Be Aware of Symptoms of Dehydration and Heat Stroke
Symptoms of dehydration and heat stroke include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst. To learn more, click here.

Never Leave Pets or Kids Unattended in a Vehicle
Leaving a child or a pet in a closed vehicle on a hot or sunny day, even with the windows cracked, can be fatal. On hot or sunny days, the temperature inside a car can be 50 degrees hotter than outside.

Heat Wave and Other Emergency Information:
UpdateLA : http://www.updatela.com/
ReadyLA: http://www.readyla.org/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/readyla
Emergency Management Department: http://www.emergency.lacity.org/

Back to School Safety and Crossing Guard Awareness Event...

Officers from LAPD Operations Valley Bureau and Valley Traffic Division Motor Squad, Los Angeles School Police Department, Burbank Police Department, California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will conduct a back-to-school traffic safety awareness raising event on Tuesday, Aug. 14 in Granada Hills.

Tuesday, Aug. 14
7:15 am
Haskell Elementary School
15850 Tulsa St.
(at Haskell Ave.)
Granada Hills

Most schools in Los Angeles start next week, and the streets surrounding schools can become very congested as thousands of parents and school buses pick up and drop off students. In addition, thousands of students will be walking or riding bicycles or skateboards on streets and sidewalks surrounding schools.

Every year, school-age pedestrians are killed in school pick-up and drop-off related collisions, so it's crucial that all drivers, pedestrians, parents, students, and school staff are extra cautious to avoid accidents.

Back to School Safety Tips for Pedestrians
When kids walk to school, they should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.

When kids walk to school, they should always stay on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic.

The safest place to cross is at a street corner or intersection, in a marked crosswalk.

Kids younger than 10 years old should always be with a supervising adult when crossing a street.

Before stepping off the curb, always stop and look left, look right, and look left again to be sure no vehicles are approaching.

Kids should hold an adults hand when crossing the street. Walk, don't run. Never run across the street to chase a ball, a friend, or a pet. 

Bicycle Safety Tips
When kids ride bicycles to school, they should always wear a helmet.

They should always follow the rules of the road, stopping at stop signs and red lights.

They should make eye contact with drivers so they know that drivers can see them. They should never insist on the right-of-way. 

Parents should know exactly what route their kids will use to bike ride to school.

Kids should always have proper bicycle lights and be extra cautious when riding after dark.

For more bicycle safety tips, click here. 

Hundreds of Families Attend National Night Out and Movies Under the Stars...

Hundreds of San Fernando Valley families came out to attend National Night Out and Movies Under the Stars at Northridge Park on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

We were proud to partner with the LAPD and numerous community groups, Neighborhood Councils and local businesses to host this terrific event. For National Night Out, thousands of communities across the country come together for fun, family-friendly activities at night in order to promote public safety and build positive relationships between the Police and the community.

We had a free screening of Kung Fu Panda 2, the Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth provided free hot dogs, chips and water, and Target, Fresh n' Easy, Costco, LAPD Devonshire Division and SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire) c0-sponsored the event.

To see more photos of the event, visit our photo galleries at http://cd12.org/PhotoGallery/index.htm.

Online Calculator to See How DWP Proposed Rate Increases Would Affect You...

The Department of Water & Power (DWP) has launched an online tool that allows customers to calculate how DWP's proposed rate increases will impact their water and power bill. To use the tool and for more information, visit ezweb.ladwp.com/Customer.aspx

DWP says it needs to raise rates to allow it to ramp up investment in developing local water supplies to reduce the City’s reliance on more expensive imported water purchases from the Metropolitan Water District, replace aging infrastructure, and meet state and federal water quality regulations.

The power and water rate proposals are currently being reviewed by the LADWP Ratepayer Advocate. They are expected to be considered by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners in August, and thereafter by the City Council.

Free Outdoor Movie Series at CSUN...

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is screening free outdoor movies for the community all summer. The next free film, on Thursday, Aug. 16 will be "Harry Potter."

Thursday, Aug. 16
7:00 pm
CSUN
Sierra Quad Lawn
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge

Bring your whole family, and bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics, but alcohol or BBQs are not allowed. There will be free activities for kids, including a balloon artist, face painting and raffle. Vendors will offer popcorn, lemonade, and other snacks for sale.

Parking is free for CSUN students, faculty and staff who have current valid CSUN parking permit. Flat fee parking permits are $6 per vehicle, and are available from machines in all of the campus lots.

For more information, visit www.csunas.org. 

Public Pools in Los Angeles Open Through Labor Day!

The summer swimming season is here and L.A.'s 48 public pools are open now and will remain open through Labor Day. (Department of Recreation and Parks extended the pool season due to the heat wave.)
 
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.

North Valley Jewish Community Center's Day of Shopping and Games...

Join "The J" - the North Valley Jewish Community Center - for a fun-filled day of gaming, shopping and a delicious buffet lunch at the San Manuel Casino and Resort on Sunday, August 12.

Sunday, August 12
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Temple Ahavat Shalom
18200 Rinaldi Place

The trip will raise funds to support "The J" programs. To learn more about "The J" visit www.NVJCC.org.

The trip departs from the Temple Ahavat Shalom parking lot, located at 18200 Rinaldi Place (at the 118 Freeway between Reseda Blvd. and Zelzah Ave.), Northridge, at 10:00 am and will return at 4:00 pm.

The $20 donation includes the roundtrip bus ticket, snacks and a $10 San Manuel Casino card good for games or food. To register or for more information, call (818) 360-2211 or e-mail karoooon@sbcglobal.net.

The Relay for life is coming to Northridge!

Get ready for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Northridge! This 24-hour event raises funds to support the American Cancer Society, which raises funds for cancer research, treatment, support and programs for cancer victims and their loved ones.

Relay for Life Northridge
August 11 and 12
Calahan Elementary School
18722 Knapp St., Northridge

During Relay for Life Northridge, thousands of families, friends, local businesses, schools and community-based organizations form teams and walk the track at Calahan Elementary School for 24-hours to raise funds. There are also Relay events coming soon in Chatsworth, North Hollywood and other parts of the San Fernando Valley.

During the event, cancer survivors are honored by taking the first lap around the track, and there is a Luminaria (candle) Ceremony, as well as many other activities, both happy and somber throughout the 24 hours. There will also be food vendors, information booths, games, and other activities.

You can form a team, join an existing team, sponsor a team, donate to a team, or donate directly to Relay for Life to help support this important cause.

For more information on the Northridge Relay for Life, call Karen Rubenstein at (818) 738-3464 or email Karen.rubenstein@cancer.org or visit www.relayforlife.org/northridgeca.

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, Aug. 16
Corbin Ave.
Between Lassen St. and Plummer St.
Northridge

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.

For more information contact Jo Ann Phillips at (818) 304-4989 or japhillips1@yahoo.com or visit www.NorthridgeWest.org.

Artrageous Artwalk...

Check out the Canoga Park Artrageous Artwalk on Thursday, Aug. 16. There will be gallery displays, live art and installations, three music stages, food trucks, a kids area, and more. The Artrageous Artwalk takes place every third Thursday evening through September.

Thursday, Aug. 16
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Canoga Park Old Town Center
Starting point and maps available at Follow Your Heart
21825 Sherman Way
To see a map of the art galleries
and venues, click here.

Over 15 venues and 30 artists will be represented at this free community celebration of art and culture sponsored by "11:11 A San Fernando Valley Art Collective," Canoga Park Improvement Association, and the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce. To see the event Facebook page, click here.

Auditions for San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus...

The San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus is holding auditions Aug. 19 and 26 for its 21st year of singing.

The Chorus is made up of 3rd to 12th graders. Auditions and rehearsals for the fall season are at the Canoga Park Methodist Church, located at 22700 Sherman Way.

Under the leadership of Musical Director Yohan Partan, the SFV Youth Chorus participates in various performances and community events throughout the year. The enrollment fee is $150 per semester. An audition appointment is required. To make an appointment or for more information, call (818) 212-9356 or email audition@valleyyouthchorus.org.

For more information on the SFV Youth Chorus visit www.valleyyouthchorus.org.

Community Meeting with the Ratepayer Advocate...

We are holding a community meeting on Aug. 23 in Northridge to offer the community an opportunity to meet the Ratepayer Advocate, Dr. Fred Pickel.
The Rate Payer Advocate will explain his roles and responsibilities, and how his process of review works, and the public will have an opportunity to share their ideas, concerns and feedback. The Ratepayer Advocate is holding a series of community outreach meetings in advance of the proposed DWP rate increases.

Thursday, Aug. 23
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Grand Ballroom
9501 Balboa Blvd.
Northridge

I have been a strong and consistent advocate for reform of the Department of Water and Power (DWP). The creation of the independent Rate Payer Advocate and Office of Public Accountability, which voters overwhelmingly approved in 2011, was the most significant step toward restoring the public's confidence in the utility and bringing transparency and accountability to the DWP. I have voted NO and will continue to do so on any proposed DWP rate  increases until they have been reviewed by the Rate Payer Advocate and found to be justified and necessary.

- Councilmember Mitchell Englander, Twelfth District

Learn How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft at LAPD Community Meeting...

Don't miss the LAPD Basic Car Community Meeting focusing on Internet, credit, and identity security, coming up on Thursday, Aug. 23.

Thursday, Aug. 23
6:45 pm
St. John Eudes Church
9901 Mason Ave.

Guest speaker Robert Rebhan is an internationally recognized expert on financial crimes, is a former LAPD Detective, and was Director of the American Express Fraud Prevention Program. He will discuss how to protect yourself from Internet fraud, identity theft, bank and credit fraud, financial scams and more.

For more information, call Carol Jensen at (818) 341-3327 or email cei2@mail.com.

Rim of the Valley Meeting...

L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation will be holding a public meeting to give information and gain input from the community and trail users about the proposed Northwest San Fernando Valley Area Trail Plan including the Rim of the Valley Trail.

The intent is to develop a trail plan to guide future trail development in the Northwest San Fernando Valley. Currently, the study area consists of unincorporated areas of L.A. County bounded by the Ventura County line on the west, the Santa Susana Mountains (Johnson Motorway Trail, Rim of the Valley Trail, Oat Mountain Motorway Trail, and Weldon Canyon Trail) to the north, the Interstate 5 Highway to the east, and Roscoe Blvd. to the south. The County is in the early stages of developing the proposed project. 

Thursday, Aug. 30
6:00 pm
Knollwood Country Club
Granada Room
12024 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills

To learn more about the Rim of the Valley, visit http://www.nps.gov/pwro/rimofthevalley .
For more information email Lorrie Bradley at LBradley@parks.lacounty.gov or call (213) 738-2812.

The Shops at West End in Chatsworth Present a Summer Art Walk...

Shops and restaurants on Devonshire St. near Topanga Canyon Blvd. and local artists have come together to host the West End Chatsworth Summer Art Walk. They have already organized Art Walk events in June and July, and the final event of the summer is on Friday, Aug. 31.

Friday, Aug. 31
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm 
At businesses, restaurants and shops on Devonshire St. between Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Owensmouth Ave.
Chatsworth

Come support our local businesses and artists, and explore the hidden artistic talents right here in our backyard. Enjoy refreshments, door prizes including tickets to the Hollywood Bowl, see a variety of original artwork by local artists, and meet your neighbors.

For more information on the artists, a map of the Art Walk and more, visit http://www.facebook.com/events/447724788580791/.

Get Involved in Your Community! Participate in the Upcoming Neighborhood Council Elections...

Looking for a chance to get more involved in your community? Participate in the upcoming election for Neighborhood Council Board Positions in the Northwest San Fernando Valley on Sept. 8 and Sept. 29.

Joining your local Neighborhood Council is a great way to make a meaningful, positive contribution to your community, meet others who are engaged in the community, and get involved in rewarding community projects and events. If you're interested in running for a neighborhood council board position, the Candidate Filing Form is available here.

Each neighborhood council will conduct their own election with various processes. For more information about the Neighborhood Council you're interested in, see links below and contact them directly.

Sept. 8, 2012 elections for:
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/cnc/ [Editor's note: Chatsworth is not having a city-sactioned election this year.]
Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/ghnnc/
Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/ghsnc/granada-hills-south-nc-elections/
Northridge East Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/nenc/northridge-east-nc-elections/
Northridge West Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/nwnc/northridge-west-nc-elections/
Northridge South Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/nsnc/northridge-south-nc-elections/
North Hills West Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/nhwnc/north-hills-west-nc-elections/
Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/prnc/porter-ranch-nc-elections/

- Candidate Filing Deadline: Aug. 9

Sept. 29, 2012 elections for:
West Hills Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/whnc/west-hills-nc-elections/
Reseda Neighborhood Council
http://empowerla.org/rnc/reseda-nc-elections/

- Candidate Filing Deadline: Aug. 30

For complete rules and guidelines, information about acceptable forms of ID, candidate guidelines and frequently asked questions, visit Department of Neighborhood Empowerment's website at http://empowerla.org/elections or call (818) 293-8683.

"Asphalt Orchestra" - Free Concert at CSUN's Valley Performing Arts Center...

The Valley Performing Arts Center at CSUN is holding a free concert featuring a performance by "Asphalt Orchestra" on Thursday, Sept. 13.

The New York City-based Asphalt Orchestra is a wild collective that boldly fuses western classical, rock, jazz and pop into a coherent sound. The twelve-member ensemble group includes a jazz drummer, an Indian dhol virtuoso, a Japanese-born classical percussionist and various other talented musicians playing trombone, sousaphone, over-the-shoulder drums and other assorted instruments—all while marching and dancing on stage. 

Thursday, September 13
8:00 pm
Valley Performing Arts Center
CSUN campus
18111 Nordhoff St. (at Lindley Ave.)
Northridge

All are welcome, but the free tickets are only available by calling the Performing Arts Center's Ticket Office at (818) 677-3000. For more information, click here.

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 28: Small Earthquakes Are a Great "Shake-Up Call" to Be Prepared...
A series of small earthquakes were detected around Yorba Linda on Aug. 8, the strongest of which had magnitude of 4.5. Thankfully, no injuries or damage were reported. Small earthquakes can help us to be more prepared: they are a very strong reminder to get your earthquake preparedness supplies and plans in place. If you have done so already, it's a reminder to check the expiration dates of your emergency food, water, medication and batteries.

To learn more, visit http://www.earthquakecountry.info/.

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

Update on Improvements at Aliso Canyon Park...

Our District Director Megan Cottier handles issues related to parks and open space. She reports this week on the progress of the improvements to Aliso Canyon Park.

In 2010 we secured grant funding to make important improvements to Aliso Canyon Park. We worked closely with the community to come up with a low-impact design that would include a small parking area, the construction of an equestrian arena, picnic tables and improvements to the trails.

We held community meetings in Granada Hills and received approval from a committee of Granada Hills residents for the general design of the park.

Recently we also secured funding to add a restroom, which was not included in the initial design due to budget constraints. Because of a lack of other public restrooms in the area, we decided it was necessary to ensure that the park has one for the convenience of park visitors. We therefore postponed opening the park until the restroom was completed, which we expect to be in early 2013.

For more information about the future of Aliso Canyon Park, or other park-related issues, please call Megan at (818) 882-1212 or email Megan.Cottier@lacity.org.