Politics & Government

Englander E-News: Police Reports, 311 App, the Arts and More ...

This is the weekly newsletter for City Council District 12.

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS
March 22, 2013

Motion Approved to Allow for Online Filing of Police Reports...

On Wednesday the City Council unanimously approved my motion instructing the Los Angeles Police Department to develop a system to facilitate online filing of police reports. 

Currently filing a police report has been a very time consuming task both for the public and the police. This motion will not only increase efficiency at the Police Department, but it will also make filing a report more convenient for citizens. Rather than having to call the LAPD and wait for officers to respond to minor infractions, citizens can get online and file a report themselves. 

The Police Department’s website offers a great deal of important information such as crime mapping and submitting anonymous tips, but it has not provided a way for the public to file police reports electronically. This motion will allow the public to file their own reports and give them better access to police services. 

Click here to see the motion.

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

My L.A. 311 Mobile App is Now Available…

The My L.A. 311 mobile app is now available to smart phone users. The free application makes it easy for citizens to report problems like potholes, fallen trees, graffiti, and other nuisances using their iPhones and Androids. Users of the My L.A. 311 app can also pay their LADWP bills, find out City information, and follow breaking news from City Hall.

In 2011, I introduced a motion calling for the creation of a 311 app. The My L.A. 311 App is now available through iTunes as well as the Playstore for Android. 

Click here to download the app from the Google Play store.

Click here to download from iTunes.

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

The Grand Opening of Aliso Canyon Park...

I was very happy to celebrate the opening of Aliso Canyon Park on the Granada Hills/Porter Ranch border last Saturday.

The park is the first public equestrian arena in the Northwest San Fernando Valley. It also features an outdoor pavilion and picnic area, a pedestrian bridge over the small creek to protect the riparian habitat, a naturally landscaped meadow with native, drought-tolerant plants, equestrian parking and staging area, regular parking area, restrooms, and improved trailheads and markers for the trails through the canyon.

Aliso Canyon Park
18041 Rinaldi St. (Between Reseda Blvd. and Zelzah Ave.)

We secured grant funding to purchase and make improvements to Aliso Canyon Park and worked with Granada Hills North, Granada Hills South, and Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council and equestrian and hiking groups to determine the design of the existing park.

The opening of Aliso Canyon Park was our March Year of Healthy Living event. By opening this new park, we are expanding the trails that are available for community members to have a place to walk, run, hike and enjoy nature. Having easy access to outdoor recreation and nature is important to the health of the community. We invite all communities to come out for a healthy walk or hike at the new Aliso Canyon Park!

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Enriching the Community with the Arts...

This week I was proud to attend our Non-Profit Summit for Enriching the Community with the Arts at the Police Activity League Supporters (PALS) Center in Northridge. I initiated the Non-Profit Summits because I recognize the important role and impact community-based organizations have in our community. The objective of these summits is to foster collaboration and encourage partnership projects.

Since our first Summit, we’ve seen many great developments including community clean ups, successfully matching of volunteers with organizations, and developing new relationships by sharing the RSVP list with all summit attendees and providing a venue to network.

We put together the summit for the arts because organizations and artists have sought assistance from our office for gallery space, funding, technical assistance and resources. They have also expressed a desire to highlight the San Fernando Valley’s rich artistic and cultural assets and establish the area as a world-recognized “Creative Hub.”

I am grateful to our three speakers who took the time to offer their insights to the audience; Felicia Filer from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Sofia Klatzker of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and Danielle Brazell, Executive Director of Arts For LA.

From community revitalization to tourist-related spending, the public arts have a real and significant economic impact on our city and I am proud to support our artistic community.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Chatsworth Park South Draft RAP Released...

I'm pleased to announce that the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks has prepared a Draft Removal Action Plan (RAP) to address contamination issues at Chatsworth Park South. The park was closed in 2008 when lead pellets and other contaminants were discovered at the site that was left behind from when the property was used as a skeet shooting range in the 1960s. The City purchased the property and turned it into a public park in 1978.

The purpose of the RAP is to identify potential risks from conditions related to past shooting range operations and evaluate and describe the proposed mitigation plans for Chatsworth Park South. The public comment period for the draft RAP will run from March 21 to April 22, 2013.

A public meeting will also be held on April 2 so that the community may ask questions, learn more about the draft RAP and provide comments.

Public Comment Period
March 21 to April 22

Public Meeting
Tuesday, April 2
6:30 pm
Mason Recreation Center
10500 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth

My office has worked closely with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and Recreation and Parks to ensure the clean-up moves forward as quickly as possible so the public can safely use and enjoy the park again. We intervened very shortly after the closure to have the Chatsworth Historical Society’s Museum and the cultural-historical monument Homestead Acre and Minnie Palmer Cottage examined and then re-opened for the public once it was found to be safe and free of contamination. On February 14 of this year, we hit another major milestone in re-opening the park when we announced that the gym was available for use by the community.

If you have questions, please contact Chand Sultana, PD. D., DTSC Project Manager: (818) 717-6552 or chand.sultana@dtsc.ca.gov of Zenzi Poindexter, Public Participation Specialist: 818-717-6568 orzenzi.poindexter@dtsc.ca.gov.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Free Waste Collection Event...
The City is holding a free waste collection event in in the San Fernando Valley to offer residents a convenient place to safely and properly dispose of used motor oil, oil filters, and electronic waste that are illegal to throw away in the regular trash.

Saturday, March 23
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Anheuser-Busch, INC.
Budweiser Parking lot (on Haskell Ave.)
15800 Roscoe Blvd.
Van Nuys 91406

For more information and future waste collection events and locations click here.

Two Great Events from New Horizons…
New Horizons is proud to bring two free and informative workshops to the community.

Thursday, March 28 - New Horizons and the Federal Food and Drug Administration are offering the opportunity to learn great safety tips about food and medication.

Tuesday, April 16 - "Thinking Ahead" is presented by the University of Southern California, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. The exciting event is designed to help you learn to prepare for your future.

Programs begin at 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Sam’s Café, New Horizons
15725 Parthenia St.
North Hills

Eggstravaganza Safety and Health Fair…

The West Hills Neighborhood Council is presenting the Eggstravaganza Safety and Health Fair. The fair will host exhibits and experts to inform the public about emergency preparedness, search and rescue, fitness, fire prevention, home safety and more. There will also be plenty of fun activities for the kids including, Easter Egg hunts, a petting zoo, face painting, games, and cookie decorating.

Saturday, March 30
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Shadow Ranch Park
22633 Vanowen St.
West Hills

For more information call (818) 883-3637 or email westhillsfair@gmail.com.

Sign Up Now for One-On-One Help With Representatives of City Departments at Our Community Service Center.. .

We are now taking reservations for community members to meet one-on-one with representatives of City Departments at our Community Service Center in Chatsworth.

We have regularly scheduled time slots for community members to meet with the Planning, Police, Transportation (LADOT), Housing, Community Development and Neighborhood Empowerment Departments and the Bureau of Sanitation. This will offer community members a chance to get information and assistance in Chatsworth without having to travel all the way to Downtown.

The following Departments are currently taking appointments:

Department of Building and Safety - Tuesday, April 2
(Enforces L.A. City Municipal Codes pertaining to residential homes.)

Department of Sanitation - Wednesday, April 3
(Collects refuse, recyclables, yard trimmings, and bulky items for residents City wide.)

Community Development Department - Friday, April 5.
(Offers economic, social and employment opportunities for individuals, families and neighborhoods in need.) 

We will announce in our newsletter the service hours of the remaining Departments once they have been established.

Our Community Service Center is located at 9207 Oakdale Ave., Second Floor, in Chatsworth.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (818) 882-1212 or email Melody Jaramillo at Melody.Jaramillo@lacity.org.

Northridge Library Used Book Sale…

The Friends of the Northridge Library are having a Used Book Sale. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Northridge Library to help fund programs and new book purchases. The event will be held in the Meeting Room at the Northridge Branch Library on Darby Ave. Come out and buy some great books and support the Northridge Library. 

Saturday, April 6
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
9051 Darby Ave.
Northridge


For additional information please call (818) 886-3640.

The Golden Hour Guild’s Annual Spring Brunch…

The Golden Hour Guild’s Annual Spring Brunch is coming up soon! Since 1985, The Golden Hour Guild has helped raise funds to support the Northridge Hospital Trauma Centers. Over the last twenty-eight years, The Golden Hour Guild has raised more than $800,000 for the Trauma Center which provides emergency care to trauma patients. Help support everyday miracles and join the Golden Hour Guild for their Spring Brunch.

Sunday, April 7
10:30 am
The Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Dr.
Granada Hills
Tickets are $55

For more information or to be a sponsor, please call the Northridge Hospital Foundation at 818-885-5341, ext. 2.

Day of the Horse Celebration…

We are proud to co-sponsor the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council's 10th Annual Chatsworth Day of the Horse on Sunday, April 14 at Stoney Point Ranch in Chatsworth.

Sunday, April 14
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Stoney Point Ranch
10861 Andora St.
Chatsworth

Don't miss this great tradition celebrating the history and culture of our vibrant equestrian community. There will be displays about equestrian safety, riding demonstrations, arts and crafts, activities for kids, food vendors and more.

The Valley Vaulters, Conejo Valley Riders and others will perform live
horse demonstrations. The Charityville Jail will be keeping order at
the event and for a donation you can have someone thrown in "jail,"
with proceeds benefiting the Chatsworth Historical Society.

For more information contact Mary Kaufman (818) 326-5772.

Free Community Health Fair…

Providence Holy Cross, St. Stephan Presbyterian Church, and Councilmember MitchellEnglander are presenting a Free Community Health Fair in April.

Sunday, April 14
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
St. Stephan’s Presbyterian Church
20121 Devonshire St.
Chatsworth

Join us for a day of free health screenings and valuable information about your well being.

Optimist International Oratorical Contest…

The Van Nuys Airport Optimist Club is holding its Club Level Contest in April. The topic for the 2012-2013 Optimist International Oratorical Contest is "Why My Voice is Important". Each student is to speak for 4 to 5 minutes on the topic, with the winner advancing through two more levels of competition to the District Level where a $2500 scholarship will be awarded to the winner.

Tuesday, April 16 
5:30 pm
Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library
16244 Nordhoff St.
North Hills

Applications must be submitted by April 8. 

For more information please call (818) 362-7633, or emailmckissack7@aol.com.

The Northridge Women's Club Charity Fundraiser…

The Northridge Women's Club is having their annual Charity Fundraiser to benefit The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. The Rescue Mission has provided food and shelter to the homeless for more than 39 years. The event will be held at the Odyssey Restaurant and includes entertainment by “Wendy and Rik” and lunch.

Thursday, April 18
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
The Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Dr.
Granada Hills
$60 Donation.

Please RSVP by April 10th to Hattie Spiegel by calling (818) 886-5271.

Unforgettable Educator Book Drive...

The Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce and Facey Medical group are presenting the Unforgettable Educator Book Drive. New and used children’s books will be accepted through April 12th and donated to the Child Care Resource Center.

The goal is to collect 100,000 books in 2013 to give to the children of low income families in our area. Books will be collected at all participating schools and at the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Office at 10038 Old Depot Plaza Road in Chatsworth. Participating schools include, Beckford Elementary, Castlebay Elementary, Chatsworth Hills Academy, Darby Elementary, Egremont Schools, Nobel Middle School, Porter Ranch Community School, and Superior Elementary. The top three schools that collect the most books win cash prizes. All participating schools will receive new supplies.

The winning schools will be announced at the Chamber’s 13th Annual Unforgettable Educator Recognition Dinner on April 18th.

Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce
Unforgettable Educator Recognition Dinner
Thursday, April 18
6:30 pm
The Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Dr.
Granada Hills

For more information, contact the Chamber Office at (818) 341-2428 or emailexec@chatsworthchamber.com

New Horizons Celebration Gala...

New Horizons’12th Annual Gala Celebration and Fundraiser is coming soon! This year’s gala theme is “Fulfilling Dreams,” which is a prominent part of New Horizon’s mission. California State University Northridge (CSUN) will receive New Horizons’ Partner for Independence Award for their important role in advancing opportunities within the community. CSUN President Dianne Harrison will accept the award. The Master of Ceremonies for the dinner will be Josh Rubenstein, Chief Meteorologist at KCBS2 and KCAL9.

Friday, April 19
5:30 pm
The Sheraton Universal
Universal City

For ticket information and to find out how to become an event sponsor contact Judi Pennella at (818) 894-9301.
 
ONEGeneration’s 2013 Senior Symposium…

The 2013 Senior Symposium is a free event for Baby Boomers and Seniors, proudly sponsored by Heritage California ACO. The symposium will feature great speakers, workshops on aging, over fifty vendors, health screenings, prizes, giveaways, and more!

Saturday, April 20
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
ONEGeneration Senior Enrichment Center
18255 Victory Blvd.
Reseda

Register now by calling (818) 705-2345. For Vendor Information call: Cathy Carpenter at (818) 708-6605.

Discover Recycling Open House...

Save the date for the Discover Recycling Open Houses coming up in the San Fernando Valley!

Families and children of all ages will have the opportunity to meet trash truck drivers, see trash truck demonstrations and tour trash facilities while learning about recycling and the environment.

Saturday, April 27
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
East Valley District Yard
11050 Pendleton St.
Sun Valley

Saturday, May 18
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
West Valley District Yard
8840 Vanalden Ave.
Northridge

Chatsworth Historical Society Presents A Garden Festival…

The Chatsworth Historical Society is celebrating Chatsworth’s 125th birthday with A Garden Festival featuring Roses and Crafts. Festival attractions include tours of Minnie’s Cottage, a bake sale, live plant sale, arts and crafts, afternoon tea in the Duchess Tea Room, a quilt display from the Veteran’s Quilt Project, and much more! All Proceeds go to the Chatsworth Historical Society for the preservation of the Minnie Hill Palmer Homestead Acre and the Virginia Watson Chatsworth Museum.

Sunday, April 28
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Homestead Acre
10385 Shadow Oak Dr.
Chatsworth
$5 Admission Donation
Children $1, Kids Under 5 Free

For additional information please call (818) 882-5614, emailchatsworthhistory@gmail.com, or visit www.historicalsocieties.net.

Reports From Our Staff:

Our Field Deputy, Semee Park, reports that in the heart of Northridge, there is a Center whose sole purpose is to serve children (ages infant to age 18) in the foster care system in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.

The Foster Children’s Resource Center is a service program of the Assistance League of Los Angeles, a social service non- profit organization. The Center is operated and supported by the League’s Hilltoppers Auxiliary, a remarkable, all-volunteer group of approximately 20 women, ranging in age from 70 to 92.

The Hilltoppers Auxiliary was established in 1948, and has a long history of helping others in the San Fernando Valley. Originally, the Center served 200-300 infants by providing basic necessities and layette items. Each year, the Center is asked to serve additional children of all age ranges, and last year, it served over 1,500 children.

Families are referred to the Center by the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services, and the Center’s volunteers help them select new clothing, school uniforms and supplies, hygiene products, books and a toy, free of charge. Families are seen by referral and appointment only, two times per year, and are treated with dignity and respect.

In order to keep up with the increasing demand for its services, the Center is now reaching out to the local community for additional support – including monetary donations, donation drives, and volunteer assistance.

The Foster Children’s Resource Center
19441 Business Center Drive, #110
Northridge

For more information please contact Kristin Muhl at 818-406-2999 to discuss the details.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here