Englander E-News: How the L.A. Budget Process Works, and More ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

April 27, 2012

A Note from Councilmember Mitchell Englander on the L.A. City Budget Hearings...

Today, April 27, the City Council Budget and Finance Committee began its hearings on the City's 2012/2013 Budget. Every year, the Mayor proposes the Budget, which is the annual overarching spending plan for the City. The Budget and Finance Committee examines every dollar and every item in the proposed budget and develops recommendations for the City Council to vote on. To see the Mayor’s proposed Bugdet, schedule of hearings, and other Budget related information, visit http://mayor.lacity.org/Issues/BalancedBudget/index.htm.

The power to approve, reject and amend the Budget is one of the City Council's largest and most important functions, and has an impact on everything that the City does. The City Charter deadline for the City Council to adopt a budget is June 1.

As Vice Chair of the City Council's Budget and Finance Committee, I am deeply committed to ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of the City. As your Councilmember, my top budget priority remains preserving the core City services that our communities demand and deserve: public safety, City infrastructure, streets and sidewalks, sanitation, and planning.

I am pleased to share that several of my priorities and initiatives are already reflected in the proposed Budget. These include the next generation of 311 service, improving the City's customer service for people and businesses, Performance Based Budgeting, seeking public private partnerships to generate revenue without raising taxes, and other important measures to improve the way the City manages its finances and provides its services.

The economy is slowly recovering, but the City’s revenues always lag several years behind and we still face a structural deficit and huge financial challenges for some time. Nevertheless, in Council District 12 we will continue to work even harder to serve our community, represent the needs of our people, and find ways to do more with less.

I will post updates on the Budget hearings here in my newsletter, on my website at www.CD12.org, on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MitchellEnglander and on my Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/CD12News. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Community Care Facility Ordinance Moving Forward to Full City Council...

After numerous public hearings in the Planning and Land  Use Management Committee (PLUM), long deliberations, and dozens of hours of public comment, the Community Care Facilities Ordinance was finally sent on to the full City Council by the PLUM Committee this week.

Councilmember Englander, who has led the work on the Ordinance, serves on the PLUM Committee. The version of the Ordinance that will now come before the Council is the original version as it was drafted by the City Attorney in 2011, which we support. That means that it will only require a simple majority for the Council to pass it.

Our office has been working for several years to enact common-sense legislation to deal with unlicensed nuisance group homes and boarding facilities, which have proliferated in single family neighborhoods. The restrictions are based on already existing Los Angeles zoning rules, and include requiring licensed facilities to have adequate parking, security, programs and supervision in place and limits on numbers of residents. Legitimate, licensed, well-run facilities should be able to meet these requirements, which are meant to ensure that the neighbors' quality of life is protected.

The ordinance is very carefully and specifically crafted so that it doesn’t single out or discriminate against any groups, and will not ban licensed group homes. In fact, with this new ordinance and updated definitions, people with disabilities,  veterans, those living in poverty, and people afflicted by substance addiction and  mental illness, will have better opportunities for housing in safe, protected and healthy living conditions.

Definitions in the ordinance will ensure that unlicensed, unregulated group homes will not be allowed in single family home areas. We will announce the date of the hearing in the City Council.

Northridge Teenager Building Community Garden in Memory of Young Cancer Victim...

Cassandra Cohen, a Northridge area 13-year old girl, is leading a community volunteer project this Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 to build a community garden in Northridge as a memorial to a friend who passed away after a battle with brain cancer.

The project is Cassandra Cohen's "Mitzvah Project" - a charitable project that some young members of the Jewish community commit to undertaking as part of their preparations for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony.  

Cassandra wanted to create a lasting memorial to her friend Alexa who passed away of brain cancer at age 10 as well as undertake a project to benefit and beautify the community. Community volunteers will come together to install the garden elements this Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29.

Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29
9:00 am to  3:00 pm
Temple Ahavat Shalom
18200 Rinaldi Pl., Northridge 

Cassandra planned the entire project, designed the garden, collected donations of money and supplies and recruited volunteers for this moving memorial project. 

For more information, email Lisa Cohen, Project Manager at crazylc3@aol.com or call (818) 324-3448.

LAPD Topanga Station Open House...

Come to the LAPD Topanga Community Police Station's 3rd Annual Open House this Saturday, April 28 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. You can tour the station, meet the local Police Officers who protect and serve our community and see Police vehicles. This fun, free event is a great way to teach young kids about law enforcement and public safety.

There will be informational booths on Neighborhood Watch programs, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), youth programs, Valley Traffic Division and lots of great public safety information. 

The station is located at 21501 Schoenborn St., Canoga Park. Click here for a map. To learn more about Topanga Station, click here.

Test Runs of Canoga Ave. Extension...

In preparation for the grand opening of the Canoga Ave. Orange Line Extension this summer, Metro is running tests for approximately three weeks starting on Monday, April 23.

During this period, buses will run intermittently for testing purposes only between 4:00 pm and midnight on the dedicated busway along Canoga Ave. between Vanowen St. and Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station. Construction work will continue during this testing period.

Metro issued traffic safety tips for this testing period 
Obey ALL warning signs and traffic signals when crossing the busway intersections. Be alert at all times when near the busway. Watch for buses from both directions. Never walk, run, ride bicycles, or drive on the busway. Remember to press the pedestrian crossing button at the crosswalks to activate the “Walk” signal so that you can cross safely. Always cross only at the crosswalks.  

Traffic Disruptions Possible During Final Period of Construction On Canoga Ave. Orange Line Extension...

With construction nearly complete on the Canoga Ave. Orange Line Extension, MTA is now working seven days a week including some evenings. Paving, utility, traffic signal and other work is being done on each street along Canoga Ave. from Vanowen St. to Devonshire St. Some traffic disruptions and congestion can be expected between now and the end of May.

When the Canoga Orange Line Extension is complete, it will provide a fast, safe connection between Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station and the endpoint of the Orange Line Busway at Warner Station in Woodland Hills. It will provide Northwest Valley commuters vastly greater public transit options and alleviate traffic congestion on our streets. 

For further questions, please call (818) 701-2827 or email  molextension@metro.net.

Northridge South Neighborhood Council Earth Day Clean-Up at Aliso Creek Pocket Park a Huge Success...

We were proud to join Northridge South Neighborhood Council for their terrific Earth Day clean-up of Aliso Creek Wash in Northridge on Sunday, April 22.

We joined community volunteers, neighbors, families with kids, and members of Northridge South Neighborhood Council for this project to beautify an empty lot that become run down and filled with graffiti, trash and weeds. It is crucial to not allow such places to become magnets for crime, especially one so close to Napa Elementary School.

The project was a partnership project between our office, Northridge South Neighborhood Council, L.A. City Bureau of Public Works and L.A. Conservation Corps. This will be an ongoing project for Northridge South Neighborhood Council. For more information, visit
http://northridgesouth.wordpress.com.

To see more photos from the event, visit our website photo gallery.

Volunteer or Donate to Operation Gratitude...

Volunteer or donate to help Operation Gratitude assemble and ship care packages to our troops serving overseas. Operation Gratitude is a San Fernando Valley-based non-profit organization that has sent over 775,000 care packages to bring letters of support and the comforts of home to U.S. military personnel serving in war zones abroad.

They hold major assembly and shipping drives every spring and winter, and volunteers and donations are needed year-round.

Weekdays
Mondays & Fridays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
CLOSED: Memorial Day, Monday, May 28

Weekends
Saturday, April 28, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, May 5, 9:00 to 4:00 pm
Saturday, May 12, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, May 26, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday, June 3, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, June 16, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday, June 24, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, June 30, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Gourmet lunch trucks sell a variety of delicious food for lunch in the parking lot from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm, and the truck operators each donate 10% of all proceeds to Operation Gratitude. This activity qualifies for Community Service Hours.

Anyone over 12 years old can volunteer, but anyone under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. If you would like to volunteer please send an email to OpGratVolunteer1@yahoo.com with the subject “Operation Gratitude Volunteer.” To make a donation, visit https://www.operationgratitude.com/donate/.

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!

May 3 - east side of Wilbur Ave. at Kenya 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 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.

DWP Holding Community Meetings to Discuss Its Proposed Water & Power Rate Increases...

The L.A. Department of Water & Power (DWP) has announced it is holding seven community meetings across the City starting this week to discuss its proposed power and water rate increases. DWP General Manager Ron Nichols and DWP Senior Managers will present the proposed rate changes during the meetings, answer questions and take comments from community members. 

Downtown L.A. - Saturday, April 28, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
John Ferraro Building Headquarters
111 N. Hope St., A Level, Los Angeles

Leimert Park - Monday, April 30, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
LADWP Crenshaw Service Center
4030 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles

East L.A. - Wednesday, May 2, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Recreation and Parks Ramona Hall
4580 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles

East Valley - Thursday, May 3, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LADWP Van Nuys Service Center
14401 Saticoy St., Van Nuys

West L.A. - Thursday, May 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Stephen S. Wise Temple, South Taub Annex
15500 Stephen S. Wise Dr., Los Angeles

For more information, including dates and locations of all of the meetings, click here.

Free Tire Collection Days in the San Fernando Valley...
Bring your old tires to have them safely and properly disposed of and recycled for free at the upcoming tire collection days in the San Fernando Valley.

Saturday, April 28
11050 Pendleton St., Sun Valley
9:00 am to 2:30 pm

Saturday, May 19, 2012
West Valley District Yard
8840 Vanalden Ave., Northridge
9:00 am to 2:30 pm

Every person who brings in tires will receive a coupon for 15% off their next purchase of Firestone or Bridgestone tires. This event is limited to City Los Angeles residents only. The collection event will not accept tires from businesses, tires on rims, tires for large trucks, or more than nine tires per person.

For more information, call (213) 485-3568.

Chatsworth Historical Society's Garden Festival...

Don't miss the Chatsworth Historical Society's annual Garden Festival on Sunday, April 29 at the Homestead Acre.

Sunday, April 29
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Homestead Acre
Chatsworth Park South
10385 Shadow Oak Dr., Chatsworth
(at the far west end of Devonshire St.)

Parking and shuttle service at Chatsworth Depot Train Station, located at 10038 Old Depot Plaza Rd.

This wonderful San Fernando Valley tradition has lots of great family-friendly activities, including the famous Duchess Afternoon Tea from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. There will also be blooming rose gardens on display, a quilt display from the Veteran's Quilt Project, arts & crafts and demonstrations by garden clubs, tours of the Chatsworth Historical Museum and the Minnie Palmer Cottage, food vendors and more.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Chatsworth Historical Society. For more information, call (818) 882-5614.

Join the Relay For Life and Help the Fight Against Cancer...

Save the date for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life at Chatsworth High School on April 28 and 29. There are 17 local teams participating in this 24-hour walk/run to raise funds for cancer research, treatment and programs.

April 28, 9:00 am through April 29, 9:00 am
Chatsworth High School
10027 Lurline Ave., Chatsworth

Community members, schools, Neighborhood Councils, businesses, houses of worship and other community-based organizations form relay teams to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The event celebrates those who have survived cancer and remembers loved ones lost to cancer. It raises funds for American Cancer Society's programs and services, and helps fund research into cancer treatment. It also raises awareness about what we can do to help fight cancer and support those affected by it.

The teams' members take turns walking around the track for a full 24 hours.
There are somber memorials and educational activities, but also fun, booths, food and more.

To support or join any of the teams, or to learn how to form your own Relay Team visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=36478.

Bureau of Sanitation Open House...

Don't miss the Bureau of Sanitation's annual open house at their maintenance yards. Kids love this fun, free event, with hands-on trash truck demonstrations, sanitation facility tours, and educational information and demonstrations about recycling and the environment.

Saturday, April 28
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
East Valley District Yard
11050 Pendleton St., Sun Valley
Click here for the flyer.

Saturday, May 19
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
West Valley District Yard
8840 Vanalden Ave., Northridge
Click here for the flyer.

For more information, click here.

Big Sunday Weekend at Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park…

Volunteers from the Sepulveda Basin Off Leash Dog Park are teaming up with Big Sunday to host Big Sunday Weekend at the dog park on Saturday, May 5.

Saturday, May 5
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park
17550 Victory Blvd. (at White Oak Ave.)

There will be free onsite spay/neuter services, microchipping and vaccines with a $70 voucher from LA Animal Services. ($65 without voucher). Services are by appointment only, and space is limited, so please call (310) 574-5555 to make an appointment. Be sure to mention the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park to receive this special one-day only price.

There will be dog adoptions from 10:00 am to 4 pm with low-cost vaccinations and pet licensing on-site. There will also be craft tables where you can help make chew toys for shelter dogs and paper mache flower pots for nursing home residents. Guest speakers Jillian Boyd and Russ Avison, Co-Hosts of Atomic Dog Radio will discuss training tips and Brenda Barnette, General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, will discuss Spay/Neuter, Adoption and Licensing.

Volunteers will be gathering earlier in the morning to plant 25 trees and help clean the park. The first 75 volunteers to sign up for a four hour shift will receive a Big Sunday T-shirt, free continental breakfast, and
 a chance to win great prizes!

For more information or to volunteer please email Jill at sboldp@gmail.com.

Help Send the PALS Kids to Camp!

You can help make sure the PALS kids can go to camp this summer, while helping a great cause! The LAPD Devonshire Youth Center is holding a clothing drive to collect clothes to go toward struggling families served by the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission.

Please bring clean, used clothing, in good condition, in a trash bag, to the PALS Youth Center.

Monday, April 30
10:00 am
8721 Wilbur Ave., Northridge

If PALS reaches their goal of collecting 200 bags of donated clothing, then Hope of the Valley will donate funds to help pay for PALS kids to go to summer camp. PALS offers at-risk kids in our community positive alternatives to gangs, crime and drugs through after-school activities including mentoring, sports, tutoring and arts and it builds positive relationships between the community and the Police.

For more information call Sue Bruno at (818) 885-6432.

Brush Clearance Deadline - May 1...

The Firefighters who protect our community remind homeowners in hillside areas to be ready for the May 1 brush clearance compliance deadline.

To learn everything you need to know about how to comply with Brush Clearance requirements and other useful information to keep our community safe from wildfires click here.

On May 1, the enforcement period begins, and LAFD will begin inspecting those properties. If they find that a property is out of compliance, the property owner could receive a citation. Be sure to have your property inspected and have the fire hazards abated to avoid the citation.

Child Care Seat Safety Event in Northridge...

Northridge Hospital Medical Center is holding child car seat safety events on Wednesday, May 2 and Saturday, May 26. 

Car Seat Safety Education
Wednesday, May 2
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 
Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Education Auditorium
18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge

No appointment required. The class is taught by a certified child passenger safety technician, and will teach parents about types of car seats, seat belt systems, proper installation and operation of car seats, California car seat laws and more. 

Car Seat Check Up
Saturday, May 26
9:00 am to 1:00 pm 
Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Education Auditorium
18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge

By appointment only. Call (818) 885-8500 ext. 3437 to schedule or for more information. The car seat check-ups teach parents, hands-on and in your own car, how to correctly use a child’s car seat or seat belt. The checkups are run by trained and certified child passenger safety technicians.

Devonshire PALS Art Exhibition...

The LAPD Devonshire Youth Center will be hosting its first PALS Art Exhibition and Reception on Friday, May 4 at the Youth Center in Northridge.

Friday May 4
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
LAPD Devonshire
Youth Center
8721 Wilbur Ave.
Northridge

The exhibition will feature art work by kids participating in the PALS (Police Activity League Supporters) after-school program at the Youth Center. This exhibition of over 100 pieces of original artwork is being directed by PALS art instructor Ingrid Skillman-Hudshon.

Ingrid is a resident of Northridge and accomplished artist whose work has been displayed at the New Orleans Museum of Art and the California State Senate First Contemporary Art Collection, and in solo and group exhibitions. She has volunteered her time and talents at the PALS Center for two years to teach young people basic skills and a love for fine art.

The PALS programs at the Devonshire Youth Center offer at-risk kids in our community after-school mentoring, educational, artistic and sports activities, and helps create positive relationships between the community and the Police.

For more information about the art exhibit, or about how you can volunteer or donate to support the Devonshire PALS program, call Sue Bruno at (818) 885-6432.

Shepherd of the Hills Car Show...

Come check out the hot rods, motorcycles, race cars, classics and other rare and beautiful vehicles at the Shepherd of the Hills Car Show on Saturday, May 12 in Porter Ranch. The event, co-sponsored by Galpin Motors, Just Dashes, California Car Cover Co., and Cooner Wire & Cable, is also a fundraiser to support a project to build water wells in a village in Africa. There will also be live music, food trucks, and lots of fun activities.

Saturday, May 12
8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Shepherd of the Hills Church
19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch
Admission is free.

For more information on participating in the show, call (818) 831-9333 ext. 401 or email carshow@theshepherd.org.

Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive...

The downturn in the community has forced many residents in our community to have to choose between putting food on the table or paying their bills. More and more people depend on food banks. A simple way to help is to participate in the National Association of Letter Carrier’s Stamp Out Hunger National food Drive on Saturday, May 12.  

On May 12, leave non-perishable food items outside by your mail box and your Postal Service Letter Carrier will collect them and deliver them to local food banks. The best food items to donate are canned goods such as vegetables, soups, beans, chili, or proteins, or dried goods such as rice.

For more information visit
www.helpstampouthunger.com.

If you are organizing a food drive, or know of one in our community, or are seeking information about food banks or other resources for struggling families in our community, please call Melody at (818) 882-1212 or email Melody.Jaramillo@lacity.org.

SOLID Pancake Breakfast...

SOLID's annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast is coming up on May 19, so save the date! Proceeds benefit SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire), which provides non-City supplied materials and equipment needed by the Police Officers at Devonshire Division.

Saturday, May 19
7:30 am to 1:30 pm
Devonshire Community
Police Station
10240 Etiwanda St., Northridge
$7 per person.

Regency Theatres in Granada Hills has generously donated 25 pairs of movie tickets to be given away to guests in a prize drawing. Free child photo-IDs are provided by Hollywood-West Valley Masonic Lodge. Free facepainting for kids!

For more information, visit http://soliddevonshire.org.

St. Nicholas Valley Greek Festival...

Don't miss the 39th Annual St. Nicholas Valley Greek Festival, the biggest Greek festival in all of Los Angeles, coming up May 26 to 28 at St. Nicholas Greek Church in Northridge.

May 26, 27, 28
1:00 pm to 9:00 pm
St. Nicholas Greek Church
9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge

This San Fernando Valley tradition features Greek music, dance, food, culture, games, booths and more.

For more information, call Info: www.valleygreekfestival.com(818) 886-4040

West Valley PALS/West Hills Chamber Memorial Day 5k Walk...

Join the West Valley PALS (Police Activity League Supporters) team at the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce Memorial Day 5k Walk/Run and help support the PALS programs. Half of your registration fee will go directly to PALS, whose valuable after-school programs offer at-risk kids positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

Monday, May 28
8:00 am
Quimby Park
7008 De Soto Ave., Canoga Park

To register online visit http://5kmemorialdayrun.com.

If you can't be there to participate in the Walk/Run, you can still support PALS by making a donation at http://westvalleypals.org.

For more information about the event, call the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber at (818) 884-4222.

Save the Date for the Valley Family Festival...

Get ready for a day of family-friendly fun in the park at the Valley Family Festival and Movies Under the Stars, coming up on Saturday, June 2 at Northridge Park. 

We are proud to host this event in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Northridge and L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks. There will be live music and dance performances, vendor booths, food, games, and a free outdoor screening of the animated family film Puss in Boots.

Saturday, June 2
3:00 pm to  9:00 pm
Northridge Park
18300 Lemarsh St., Northridge

Call for Performers and Booth Sponsorship for the Valley Family Festival...

You can be part of making our Valley Family Festival happen! We are seeking musical, dance and other performances by talented community members for this wonderful family event. 

If you are a community member, cultural organization or school group and would like to preform on stage at the Valley Family Festival, please contact Semee Park at semee.park@lacity.org or (818) 882-1212.  

We are also offering opportunities for local businesses, non-profit organizations and other community groups to help support this great event and be part of the celebration. For information on booths, sponsoring, or donating to the event, please contact Megan Cottier at megan.cottier@lacity.org or (818) 882-1212. Click here for the sponsorship and booth forms.

9th Annual Still Saving Lives Car Show...

The 9th Annual Still Saving Lives Car Show & Family Traffic Safety Fair is coming up on Saturday, June 2 at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills.

Saturday, June 2
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Warner Center Park
5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills

This annual free event is sponsored the LAPD Valley Traffic Division and the Valley Traffic Advisory Council. There will be over 300 classics, hot rods, race cars, motorcycles and other beautiful and rare vehicles, as well as food trucks, games and vendors. The LAPD's SWAT, K-9 Unit, Motorcycle Drill Team and Bomb Squad will have demonstrations and vehicles on display. 

For more information, visit www.VTAC-VTD.org.

Please Welcome the Newest CD 12 Staff Member Serving Our Community...

We are proud to announce the addition to our staff of Myriam Lopez. As Administrative Assistant, Myriam will be handling a wide range of administrative functions in our office, from phones and mail to commendatory proclamations.

Myriam grew up in Los Angeles and started her career working for the City of Los Angeles over 15 years ago in Library Commissioner and former Councilwoman Rita Walters' office. She has worked for several other City Councilmembers as well. Most recently she served as the Executive Assistant for the Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission, the 21-community member body appointed to oversee the re-districting process that follows the Census every 10 years. Myriam is married and has a 12-year old son, and is currently pursuing a business degree at Mt. St. Mary’s College.

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 14: Survival "Space" Blanket
Every person should have an emergency survival kit for their car. If you are in your car away from your home, office or a shelter when disaster strikes, you could find yourself having to survive outdoors, or walking long distances to get to shelter. Every emergency kit for a car should have a "space" blanket. Space blankets are made of Mylar and can significantly reduce heat loss in a person's body caused by thermal radiation, water evaporation and convection. Having a space blanket could save your life if you must sleep outdoors following a disaster. 

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