Englander E-News: L.A. Crime Slips to Historic Low

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

January 6, 2011

Year-End Crime Statistics for 2011...

As Chairman of the City Council's Public Safety Committee, and an LAPD Reserve Officer, my number one priority is protecting public safety. I am pleased to share that in 2011, we continued to see crime rates  in Los Angeles dropping to historic lows. 

According to the 2011 year-end crime statistics released this week by the LAPD, crime rates are now at their lowest rate since 1952. Although there was one more homicide than in 2010, the homicide rate in 2011 was still 38.9% lower than in 2005.

There were 19.9% fewer rapes than last year and 34.3% less than in 2005. Robberies were 8% lower than in 2010 and 25.6% lower than in 2005. Total violent crimes were down 7.3% from 2010 and down 35.3% from 2005. Total property crimes were 5.5% lower than last year and 24.9% lower than in 2005.

These are more than just statistics. Every one of these lower numbers represents fewer people and families that are victims of crime. Our community is noticeably safer, thanks to the oustanding dedication and hard work of the men and women who protect and serve our community every day. 

Click here to see more 2011 year-end crime statistics.

Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council's Weekly Clean-Up and Help Keep Northridge Clean and Green!

On Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 join Northridge West Neighborhood Council for their weekly clean up project. They will be removing weeds, trash and trimming trees to beautify the north side of Plummer St. from Vanalden Ave. to Tampa Ave. in Northridge.

Thursday, Jan. 12
8:00 am
Meet up at the northwest corner of Plummer St. and Vanalden Ave. in Northridge.
Parking on Vanalden Ave.
 
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 japhillips1@yahoo.com or visit www.NorthridgeWest.org.

West Valley PALS e-Waste & Paper Shredding Fundraiser...

Come have your confidential  documents securely shredded, and drop off unwanted electronics at the West Valley PALS E-Waste and Shredding Fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Saturday, January 7
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Westfield Topanga Mall
Parking lot of Crate & Barrel
6360 Topanga Canyon Blvd. (at Victory Blvd.)
Woodland Hills

Documents, letters, old files, credit card and phone bill receipts are all used by identity thieves, but shredding everything can be time consuming and messy. Bring all your bills, receipts and other sensitive documents to be shredded quickly and securely. You can also drop off unwanted electronics such as TVs, computers and toys to be safely and properly disposed of. It is illegal to throw away electronic devices in the regular trash. If they go to landfills, they can leach toxic substances into the environment.

All proceeds go toward the Topanga Youth Board & West Valley Police Activity League Supporters (PALS).

These LAPD youth organizations are fully only by charitable tax-deductible contributions. They offer at-risk kids in our community alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime, and provide a safe after-school environment with mentoring, tutoring and field trips.

For more information, call (818) 332-1566 x102  or email WestValleyPALS@gmail.com.

Street Closure for Canoga Orange Line Busway Construction...

As part of the continuing construction activities for the Metro Orange Line Extension Busway, there will be street closure this weekend. They will be reconstructing Saticoy St. from Canoga Ave. to Deering Ave. in Canoga Park. The closure will not affect north-south traffic on Canoga Ave.

Street Closure: Friday, Jan. 6, 9:00 pm until 6:00 am on Monday, Jan. 9 on Saticoy St. from Canoga Ave. to Deering Ave. in Canoga Park.
Detours: Westbound traffic on Saticoy St. will be detoured north onto De Soto Ave., west onto Roscoe Blvd., south onto Canoga Ave., and west onto Saticoy St. Eastbound traffic on Saticoy St. will be detoured onto south
Canoga Ave., east onto Sherman Way, north onto De Soto Ave., and east onto Saticoy St.

Pedestrian access will be maintained on at least one side of the street. Local access to businesses and residents will be maintained
at all times. Parking may be restricted near the intersection. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times.

For more information email the Orange Line Extension Project at molextension@metro.net or visit http://www.metro.net/projects/orangeline/ or call their hotlines at (818) 701-2827 and 213-922-3668

Check Out LocateLA, a Powerful Business Research Tool...

LocateLA is a powerful new tool created by the City to offer a free, easy-to-use searchable database of commercial properties and businesses in L.A.

Its many features include a business finder, property finder, incentive finder, business start up organizer, and much more. It is meant to help new businesses start up and help existing businesses move to the City of Los Angeles. It is also useful for anyone wanting to learn about our community.
It offers an interactive online map that shows all commercial properties for lease or purchase. In addition to photos and many details about the property, it lists demographic, labor force, comparable rents, and other valuable information.

Click here to see this great new tool.

New Recruits Wanted for the West Valley LAPD Cadet Program...

The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking new recruits between 13 and 20 years old to join its free Cadet Law Enforcement Program. 

The program offers young people the chance to participate in real-world Police activities with the LAPD Officers, the nation’s most highly trained Police. It helps foster positive relationships between the Police and the community, builds sharp minds and physical fitness, and helps young people develop leadership, confidence and a sense of civic participation and public service. It also helps young people find out if a career in law enforcement is right for them. 

Candidates must maintain at least a “C” average in all school work through the twelfth grade; have no criminal record; obtain a written recommendation; undergo a medical examination; and attend and graduate from the Cadet Academy.

To learn more or to sign up, call (818) 374-7690 or visit www.LAPDcadets.com.

Police Commission Meeting in Northridge...

Join the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, Councilmember Mitchell Englander, and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck on January 17, 2012 for a community meeting in Northridge to discuss public safety issues in the Devonshire Area and the City of Los Angeles.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
6:30 pm
St. Nicholas Greek Church
9501 Balboa Blvd. (at Plummer St.)
Northridge

Under the City Charter, the Board of Police Commissioners is the head of the Police Department. Established in the 1920's, the Board consists of five civilian volunteer Commissioners who set overall policy while the Chief of Police manages the daily operations of the Department and implements the Board’s policies or policy direction and goals.

Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices and other auxiliary aids and/or services are available upon request. To ensure availability, all requests for reasonable accommodation must be made at least three business days (72 hours) in advance.

For more information, please call (213) 236-1400.  

Children's Car Seat Check-Up Event...

Our Public Safety Deputy Jim Dellinger reports this week on a great event coming up: a Children's Car Check-Up at Northridge Hospital on February 25, 2012. 

The California Highway Patrol in coordination with Northridge Hospital Medical Center are hosting a Car Seat Check Up Day.

Saturday, Feb. 25
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
By appointment only. To make an appointment, call (818) 885-8500 ext. 3437.  
 
Car seat check-ups teach parents and caregivers, hands-on in your own car how to correctly use a child’s car seat or seat belt. Trained and certified child passenger safety technicians work with parents to ensure car seats: have not been recalled; do meet federal safety standards; are installed correctly; are appropriate for the child's age, weight and height.  
 
Studies show 72% of children's car seats are not properly installed or used. California has new booster seat laws in effect as of January 1, 2012. Come learn about the new laws and the best ways to keep your children safe in the car.