Englander E-News: LAFD, School Traffic, Local Heroes, and More ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

Oct. 12, 2012

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

LAFD Reports on Progress of FIRESTAT-LA in Public Safety Committee...

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I had the Fire Department present a report on the progress of my FIRESTAT-LA plan in the Committee today. FIRESTAT-LA is my proposal for a comprehensive new system for the Fire Department modeled after the LAPD’s highly successful COMPSTAT. FIRESTAT-LA will employ leading-edge technology and innovative management techniques to make the best Fire Department in the country even better. 

The LAFD reported back on the technology platforms currently being used by the LAFD, solutions that would be necessary to meet the FIRESTAT-LA objectives, and progress on their operational plan to implement FIRESTAT-LA. 

ABOUT FIRESTAT-LA: Since 2002, LAPD's COMPSTAT has applied technology and management accountability techniques to dramatically reduce crime. Like COMPSTAT, FIRESTAT-LA will use near-real-time data collection and mapping of incidents, to deploy concentrated resources. There will be a cycle of constant assessment and communication of results, with frequent meetings and open dialogues among all levels of management. Results will be immediately analyzed and the data will be used to continuously seek management efficiencies and make improvements. 

Under LAFD Chief Brian Cummings’ outstanding leadership the Fire Department has already made great strides in incorporating technology to improve deployment and operational efficiency. FIRESTAT-LA will take this to the next level. To see the motion visit http://tiny.cc/gxc1cw.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Council Approves Interim Traffic Measures for Porter Ranch School...

On Friday, Oct. 12, the City Council approved the interim traffic measures that we proposed to address the parking and traffic concerns at the new Porter Ranch Community School. 

This will include temporary installation of street parking and new signage. It will also provide some immediate relief, especially for the parents of kindergartners who are bringing their children to school, and the parent volunteers at the school. Meanwhile, we continue to lead the effort to get better road striping, and the school is working  on improvements of their internal traffic and parking plans. 

The signs will be installed as fast as possible. Please watch for the new signs to avoid parking citations! 
 

Supporting Economic Development and Job Creation With New Village at USC...

As a member of the City Council's Planning, Land Use & Management Committee, I voted this week to approve a development agreement with USC on their new Village at USC. 

USC's $1-billion project would build thousands of new student beds, a multi-use retail complex and needed academic facilities. The Village at USC would be built on 200 acres just north of the main campus, replacing the aging Village shopping center. The plan includes $20 million worth of community improvements, including affordable housing, and is expected to create 12,000 new jobs, which will benefit L.A.'s economy. The proposal will now go before the full City Council. To see the article about the development agreement, click here. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Honoring Valley Public Safety Heroes at 33rd Annual Police & Fire Appreciation Luncheon...

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, and an LAPD Reserve Officer, it was my honor to host the 33rd Annual Police Officers, Firefighters and Paramedics Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 11. This great event celebrates the outstanding public service that Northwest Valley public safety officers provide our community.

I was joined by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, LAFD Fire Chief Brian Cummings, Congressmembers, Assemblymembers, Councilmembers,  and hundreds of Police Officers, Firefighters and Paramedics and their families, as well as community leaders. 

Business and community leader and philanthropist Rickey Gelb awarded his annual Gelb Family of Scholarships this year to LAPD Cadets Rebecca Wagner and Jesse Cruz. Every year, the Gelb Scholarships go to promising young Cadets who plan to pursue a career in law enforcement. 

For all of these skilled and courageous public safety professionals, a normal day on the job could mean saving a life, stopping a crime, or risking their own life to protect our families and our homes. But they also volunteer, teach, mentor, and are deeply involved at all levels in making our community a better place to live. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Recognizing Years of Charitable Efforts in the Community by Western Bagel in Chatsworth...

I was proud to present a City commendation to Dan Rodriguez, manager of Western Bagel’s Chatsworth store, in recognition of their years of service to the community.

Western Bagel formed a partnership with Temple Ahavat Shalom to bring surplus bagels to the SOVA food pantries in Van Nuys, where they are distributed to struggling Valley families. 

Over the last eight months, Western Bagel Chatsworth has donated over one ton worth of bagels to SOVA! 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

5th Annual Valley Disaster Preparedness Fair...

We were proud to co-sponsor the 5th Annual Valley Disaster Preparedness Fair on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Fire Station 87 in Granada Hills together with Northridge South, Northridge East, Northridge West, Granada Hills North, Granada Hills South, North Hills West, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth and Lake Balboa Neighborhood Councils.  

Nearly 1,000 community members attended to learn about the best ways to get prepared to survive and recover from earthquakes, wildfires, floods and other disasters. 

The Neighborhood Councils gave away over 400 Emergency Preparedness Kits to participants. Families enjoyed free hot dogs and hamburgers cooked up by Firefighers. The Yogi Bear Shakey-Quakey School House and Free Child IDs were provided by Granada Hills Masons. There were demonstrations and booths from HAM Radio Operators, LAFD's Jaws-of-Life, DWP Safety Demonstration, the Red Cross, LAPD Mobile Command Post, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), Northridge Hospital Trauma Department and more. 

Our sincere thanks go out to the Neighborhood Councils and Fire Station 87 for hosting this wonderful community event!

Bringing Valuable Resources to Businesses in Our Community...

I was proud to welcome the Port of Los Angeles’ Trade Connect event as part of my Business Roundtable, at the Gas Co. in Chatsworth on Oct.  4.  Representatives of more than 80 manufacturers and industrial companies, most of the from the San Fernando Valley, attended this free business event. 

The Trade Connect Program offers valuable information to help companies learn how to start exporting their goods and getting into larger, international markets, help them organize trade missions, and help them focus on particular sectors or destination locations.  

This is exactly the kind of resource I have been working to bring to businesses in my District. We have the largest MR zone for light manufacturing and clean industry anywhere in Los Angeles, with over 1,000 businesses and tens of thousands of employees. 

I am committed to making all of LA more business friendly. My business team makes cold calls to businesses, we do regular site visits, and we offer assistance, resources and information about incentives and technical assistance. 

Councilmember Englander to Receive Spirit of Life Award at Fundraiser to Benefit Northridge Hospital Medical Center...

Councilmember Englander is proud to be receiving this year's Spirit of Life Award at Northridge Hospital Foundation's Steppin Out Gala, on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. 

The proceeds from this night of elegant entertainment benefit an important cause - emergency and trauma services at Northridge Hospital Medical Center. 
 
Saturday, Oct. 13
6:00 pm
Four Seasons Hotel 
Grand Ballroom
2 Dole Dr., Westlake Village

The black tie-optional event features a silent auction and reception (6:00 pm) and dinner, entertainment and dancing (7:30 pm) with live music by 
Papa Doo Run Run, California’s Band. Master of Ceremonies Mark Kriski is an emmy-award-winning meteorologist, appearing on KTLA Ch. 5  for two decades. 

For information on tickets or sponsorship, click here. 

North Valley Eldercare Expo...

The North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Senior Services Business Council (SSBC) in association with SFV Marketing and Admissions Professionals for Seniors (M.A.P.S.) is sponsoring a Caregivers and Senior Resources Expo on Oct. 13 in Northridge. 

Saturday, Oct. 13
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Northridge Fashion Center 
(northern courtyard)

As people are living longer, the economic, emotional and physical dependence on family members are growing. This presents challenges to those who are taking care of their children as well as their aging parents.

The free Expo will feature professionals who serve the senior community who can provide guidance with these challenges, speakers, counselors, free ElderCare Resource Directories, and other information and resources. 

Darby Elementary School Fundraiser to Support Goodwill...

Please donate unwanted or used household items, electronics and clean clothing in good condition to Darby Elementary School's 5th Grade Class for their Goodwill donation drive. Darby has partnered with Goodwill Southern California to raise funds as well as support Goodwill’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities through education, training and job placement services.  

This event is a win-win! For every trailer full of donated items, Darby Elementary's 5th Grade Class earns money to help pay for school supplies for students, and Goodwill receives donated items that will go to struggling families in our community. 

Saturday Oct. 13
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Darby Elementary School
10818 Darby Ave., Northridge
Teacher's parking lot on southwest corner. 

To see the list of accepted and not-accepted items, click here. 
To have items picked up please call (818) 319-7139. 

CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center’s 50th Anniversary...

The Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences will be hosting a special reception to celebrate the Center's 50th Anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 14 at CSUN. 

Sunday, Oct. 14
Reception - 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Orange Grove Bistro
Open House - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Monterey Hall
CSUN Campus
18111 Nordhoff St.,  Northridge

The Center provides a comprehensive array of diagnostic and therapeutic services aimed at the identification, prevention and/or rehabilitation of hearing impairments in children and adults.  

The open house is free. Tickets for the reception are $35 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Language, Speech and Hearing Center Fund.

To RSVP or more information, please contact Janice Woolsey atJanice.woolsey@csun.edu or call (818)-677-2856.

Get Ready for the Great Southern California ShakeOut!   
www.ShakeOut.org

Get ready to "Drop, Cover and Hold On" for the Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in history, on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 10:18 am. 

It is not a question of IF, but WHEN the big one will hit California, so join millions of people, schools, businesses and community-based organizations for this exercise. It's a great way for you, your family, your workplace, or your organization to get better prepared to survive and quickly recover from a major earthquake. 

Last year more than 12.5 million people registered as participants in ShakeOut drills worldwide. 

At the ShakeOut website, www.shakeout.org, you can register as a participant, and it is one of the best resources in the world to find information on how to get prepared to survive, and quickly recover from a major earthquake. It also has huge amounts of information on earthquake preparedness equipment, training, planning, earthquake science, special educational sections for kids, and much more. 

To learn how to register, and to learn how to get prepared, visit http://www.shakeout.org/california. 

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

We are hosting an informational open house 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. 

Our office has been in constant contact and cooperation with DTSC and Recreation and Parks on the clean-up and ultimate re-opening of Chatsworth Park South. 

Thursday, Oct. 18
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Mason Park 
Recreation Center
10500 Mason Ave., Chatsworth

The park was closed in February 2008 for safety reasons after lead and other contaminants were discovered at the park. 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 on the contaminant Removal Action Plan, which is necessary to get the park cleaned up and safe for use once again. We are closely monitoring the situation and will announce any progress. 

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

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. 17, 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!

Honor a Hero/Hire a Vet Job and Resource Fair...

Businesses from across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties will come together on Thursday, Oct. 18 for the 7th Annual Honor a Hero / Hire a Vet Job and Resource Fair at Warner Center. This is the largest regional job fair aimed at helping returning war veterans, National Guard members, and reservists who need to find jobs as they return to the San Fernando Valley community. 

The Job Fair serves as a one-stop opportunity for entry, middle, and upper- level career opportunities. Come dressed for success and bring multiple copies of your resume. 

The Job Fair is co-presented by The Valley Economic Alliance and the California Employment Development Department (EDD). 

Thursday, Oct. 18
11:00 am to 1:00 pm - Open for Veterans
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Open to the General Public 
Warner Center Marriott Hotel
21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills

For more information please call The Valley Economic Alliance at (818) 379-7000 Ext. 110 or email egass@economicalliance.org. Job Seeker Hotline -(818) 596-4498. 

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 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. 

7th Annual Boy Scouts Stoney Point Clean-Up Day...

Join the Cub Scouts Troop 921 and Venture Crew 921 for their 7th Annual Stoney Point Clean-Up effort and help keep this wonderful nature area and recreational resource clean and beautiful for all. Volunteers will be clearing the numerous walking trails around Stoney Point of dried brush, trash, broken glas, and debris to make the trails more attractive and "user friendly.” 

Troop 921 and Venture Crew 921 are also continuing their pledge to cleaning and maintaining the plaque commemorating the 25 people who lost their lives near Stoney Point in the Sept. 12, 2008 Metrolink train crash. 

Saturday, Oct. 20
8:00 am to 11:00 am
Stoney Point Park
Chatsworth

We are proud to co-sponsor this event with Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship, L.A.Works and REI Sporting Goods. 

Chatsworth Neighborhood Council is generously providing coffee, hot chocolate and bagels before the clean-up and hot dogs for lunch after the clean up for registered participant volunteers. REI is providing free T-shirts for registered volunteers, and raffle prizes. There will also be a rappelling demonstration, environmental information and more. 

For more more information, click here. 

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. Every year, the YMCA donates more than 500 complete Thanksgiving dinners. 

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. 

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: Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets...
Our pets are members of our families and we must include them in our family disaster preparedness plans. 

Whether it is a wildfire, earthquake or flood, you could be forced to evacuated your home with almost no time to prepared. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, lives were lost when people were unwilling to evacuate without their pets. Shelters set up by the American Red Cross are prohibited by law from allowing any animals other than service animals. Evacuation shelters that are pet friendly and other locations to care for family pets are now part of California’s Emergency Planning. To learn how to plan for this in advance, click here. 

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

2012 Health and Safety Fair - West Hills Hospital and Medical Center...

Our Field Deputy Erik Richardson works with the Neighborhood Council and many other community based organizations in West Hills. He reports this week on a great, free health and safety fair coming up this Saturday, Oct. 13 - the West Hills Hospital and Medical Center's 2012 Health and Safety Fair. The health fair offers free health screenings, lots of health and wellness information, disaster preparedness information, prizes and more.

Saturday, Oct. 13
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
West Hills Hospital and Medical Center
7300 Medical Center Dr., West Hills

Services include free flu shots, screenings for heart health, stroke, bone density, lung functioning, diabetes and more. The Los Angeles Fire Department will be on hand with emergency preparedness demonstrations and information, and there will be snacks, and facepainting and balloon animals for kids. 

For more information, click here.