Englander E-News: School Parking, Ammo Sales, Road Work, and More ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS
April 5, 2013

Street Parking at Porter Ranch Community School Extended...

I was pleased to introduce a motion to allow parking on Mason Avenue near Porter Ranch Community School for another four months. The extention will allow more time for permanent parking to be added and for the bike lane to be reopened during the school's summer break. 

Parents at Porter Ranch Community School can be assured that they will not have any difficulties getting their children to class for the rest of the school year.

When the school year began parents were frustrated with the lack of street parking for parents who had to park and escort their children to kindergarten. Parents as well as volunteer traffic directors were getting parking tickets.

In October, as an interim solution and to provide some immediate relief, the City Council approved temporarily removing the bicycle lane on the east side of Mason Avenue and replace it with street parking. Because the bicycle lane was installed in accordance with the City’s Bicycle Master Plan, the City Council legally needed to approve even a temporary removal - it was not simply a matter of changing the signs out to allow parking.

As a result of this effort, we have been able to provide parking adjacent to the school for parents who need to escort their kids into the school as well for the school volunteers.

I want to thank the Portor Ranch Community School parents for their continued patience as we work to find more permanent solutions that will address their needs and concerns.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office any time at (818) 882-1212.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Intstant Reporting of Ammo Sales Approved by Board of Police Commissioners...

This week the Board of Police Commissioners approved a motion that I supported amending current law to include automatic, time-of-sale electronic reporting of all ammunition sales within the City of Los Angeles. It also directs the LAPD and the Information Technology Agency to work together to implement an electronic reporting system that can be made available to ammunition dealers throughout the City.

Currently, the law requires that ammunition sales take place face-to-face, that purchasers show proper identification and provide thumbprints, and that sellers keep a log of purchasers. However, to inspect the sales logs the LAPD must physically visit each seller, which is time consuming and inefficient.

This week’s approval by the Board of Police Commissioners brings us one step closer to seeing this program implemented.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Finding Out About Work on Your Street...

If you observe a contractor’s crew working in the streets of your neighborhood, and wonder what they are doing, you can get that information if you know who to call. The Department of Public Works is the sole authority for permitting work on your streets. All road work requires either a written contract with a City department or a permit issued by the Bureau of Engineering. In addition, there are strict quality control requirements imposed upon anyone who does such work. The Bureau of Contract Administration (Inspector of Public Works) is the City authority that protects your interests and ensures public safety and work quality on your streets and sidewalks.

If work is going on in your neighborhood, you have a right to know it’s being performed correctly. If illegal work is happening in the community, the Bureaus of Contract Administration and Street Services need to know so they can address the situation.

You can find out what the crew is doing by taking down the contractor's information on the side of their work vehicles. If no such information appears, check the license plate. We recommend you not approach the crew, since construction operations can be hazardous. 

If you have any questions about street work in your area please call our office at (818) 882-1212.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Chatsworth Park South Public Meeting...

A public meeting was held on April 2 at the Mason Recreational Center to discuss the Draft Removal Action Plan (RAP) to address contamination issues at Chatsworth Park South. The Department of Recreation and Parks released the report on March 21. 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 until April 22, 2013.

Chatsworth Park South was closed in 2008 when lead pellets and other contaminants were discovered at the site that were 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.

My office has worked closely with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the Department of 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 shortly after the closure to have the Chatsworth Historical Society’s Museum, Homestead Acre, and the Minnie Palmer Cottage examined and then re-opened for the public once it was found to be free of contamination. We hit another major milestone in re-opening the park when we opened the gym for community use in February.

If you would like to submit comments on the RAP please contact:
Chand Sultana, Ph. D.
Project Manager
DTSC Chatsworth Office
9211 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth, Ca 91311
chand.sultana@dtsc.ca.gov

For general questions on Chatsworth Park South, please contact Megan Cottier at (818) 882-1212 or megan.cottier@lacity.org.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

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:

Los Angeles Police Department 
Tuesday, April 9 
8:30 am to 12:00 pm

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.

Goodwill Donation Drive to Support Topeka Charter School for Advanced Studies…

Topeka Charter School for Advanced Studies is hosting a Goodwill Donation Drive Fundraiser on Saturday, April 6. The event will raise money for Topeka Charter School for Advanced Studies Parent-Teacher Association.

Saturday, April 6
8:00 am to 2:00 pm
9815 Topeka Drive
Northridge

Donations of clothes, toys, and household wares are all welcome. Come out next Saturday and help support your local elementary school!

For more information visit www.topekadrive.com.

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.

Holocaust Remembrance Day...

Temple Ramat Zion's Men’s Club Yom Hashoah, is hosting a Holocaust Remembrance Day event on April 7. This interfaith program will also include Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and Northridge United Methodist Church. Rabbi Abraham Cooper will be the keynote speaker.

Sunday, April 7
4:00 pm
Temple Ramat Zion
17655 Devonshire Street
Northridge

For more information please call (818) 360-1881.

Celebrate Earth Day at Chatsworth Nature Preserve's Open House… 

Celebrate Earth Day at the Chatsworth Nature Preserve on April 7. Events throughout the day will include docent led hikes around the Ecology Pond and exhibits by environmental groups including Southwestern Herpetologists Society, Santa Susana Mountain Park Association, Chatsworth Nature Preserve Coalition, San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, and more. The day will begin with morning ceremonies including a Chumash Blessing and cultural performances by the Wishtoyo Foundation and Azteca Xochipilli.

Sunday, April 7
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Chatsworth Nature Preserve
Enter from the Plummer Gate one mile west of Topanga Canyon Blvd. 

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.

Fish Fry Friday…

The Granada Hills Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2323 is hosting a Fish Fry on April 12. The funds from the event will go to maintaining and repairing Post 2323’s building.

Friday, April 12
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Admission $7
VFW Post 2323
17522 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills

Community Blood Drive…

The Rotary Club of Northridge/Chatsworth is holding a Community Blood Drive on April 13. All blood donors will receive a complementary event t-shirt, water bottle, lunch and ice-cream coupon.

Saturday, April 13
7:00 am to 3:00 pm
18755 Devonshire Street
Northridge

Sign up online atwww.rotaryblooddrive.org.

Santa Susana Pass "Stagecoach Hike"…

Step back in time with Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park's "Stagecoach Hike". Retrace the path of 1800's stagecoaches up the Devil's Slide. The journey was so perilous, all but the most delicate passengers were encouraged to disembark the stagecoaches and walk. Now you, too can hike in along the old stagecoach route taken by travelers en route to San Francisco from Los Angeles.

Saturday, April 13
900: am to 12:00 pm
Larwin Entrance of Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park

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. Stephen Presbyterian Church, and Councilmember MitchellEnglander are presenting a Free Community Health Fair in April.

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

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

Santa Susana Mountain Park Association Community Meeting…

The Santa Susana Mountain Park Association is holding a Community Meeting on April 15. The guest speaker, Barbara Tejada, District Archaeologist for California State Parks, will discuss the Ethnographic Geography of the Western San Fernando Valley. The Santa Susana Mountain Park Association’s mission is to preserve and protect habitats for plants and animals native to our area, preserve unique geological formations and sites of ethnological, archaeological, and historic interest, particularly in the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains of Southern California.

Monday, April 15
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Rockpointe Clubhouse
22300 Devonshire St.
Chatsworth

For more information email mail@ssmpa.com.

ONEGeneration Food Drive...

ONEGeneration is sponsoring a Food Drive starting April 15. They are looking for boxed or canned food to be delivered to the needy. Suggestions include; canned food, fruit, applesauce, rice, oatmeal, boxed cereals, breakfast bars, ready to heat meals, crackers, peanut butter, Ensure/BOOST/Glucerna.

Some drop off locations are offering special incentives to donate. McDonald's of Encino and Tarzana will give you one free smoothie when you donate five items. Starbuck's Winnetka/Ventura are offering one free Tall Regular Roast for five donated items.

April 15 - 20
Drop Off Locations Include:
Councilmember Englander's Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth

ONEGeneration
18255 Victory Blvd.

Encino Chamber of Commerce
4933 Balboa Blvd.

Gaspar Insurance Services
5900 Canoga Ave. Suite 110

West Valley Medical Center
5363 Balboa Blvd. Suite 227

For more information visit ONEGeneration online at www.onegeneration.org.

"Thinking Ahead" with New Horizons…

New Horizons is proud to bring a free and informative workshop to the community.

"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.

Tuesday, April 16
3:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Sam’s Café, New Horizons
15725 Parthenia St.
North Hills

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 Gala Celebration...

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 for adults with developmental disabilities. 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.

Lorne Street Elementary PTA Spring Festival…

The Lorne Street Elementary & Math & Science Magnet School PTA is happy to announce their annual Spring Festival and Silent Auction. This year's theme is "The Circus." There will be carnival games, rides, and bouncy houses for the younger kids, fun activities, martial arts and dance demonstrations, a huge raffle for great prizes, and a fantastic silent auction to help raise money for the school. There will also be lots of great food available.

Come reconnect with your neighbors, friends, and support a wonderful elementary school!

Saturday, April 20
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Lorne Street Elementary School
17440 Lorne Street
Northridge

Stop the Violence Los Angeles Fashion Show…

California State University Northridge, Matador Involvement Center, in partnership with the Positive Alternative Recreation Teambuilding Impact (PARTI) Program is introducing a fashion project, “One Amazing Thing.” As a part of the project the organizations will host the Stop the Violence Los Angeles Fashion Show. This youth organized event will raise money for leadership and violence prevention programs.

Saturday, April 20
4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
California State University Northridge
Matador Student Union

The fundraiser will feature a VIP reception, resource fair, youth fashion and talent showcase. The mission of the PARTI Program is to promote education around healthy lifestyles and healthy decision making. Participating schools include Northridge Academy, Chatsworth High School, and Taft High School.

For more information call (818) 527-0187.

ONEGeneration’s 2013 Senior Symposium…

The 2013 Senior Symposium is a free event for Baby Boomers and Seniors. 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.

Join Councilmember Englander for Spring Cleanup 2013...

Councilman Mitchell Englanderis hosting Spring Cleanup 2013 on April 27. Join Councilmember Englander, Sam Dobry and fellow local student leaders as they help to beautify Chatsworth Park North. Participants will assist with graffiti removal, tree maintenance, and other park beautification projects. The cleanup is co-sponsored by LAPD Devonshire PALS and the West Valley Alliance. Give some of your time and help keep Chatsworth Park North a beautiful place for the community.

Saturday, April 27
9:00 am to 11:30 am
Chatsworth Park [North]
22300 Chatsworth St.
Chatsworth

For more information call Councilmember Englander’s Community Service Center at (818) 882-1212.

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

Victory for Victims 5K/10K Walk/Run…

The Victory for Victims 5K/10K Walk/Run is the Official Cool-Down Race of the 2013 LA Marathon. The race will raise funds for Northridge Hospital's Center for Assault Treatment Services (CATS), 24/7 immediate response program serving victims of sexual abuse and assault.

Sunday, April 28
Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:00 am
5K starts at 8:00 am
10K starts at 8:30 am
Kids Fun Run starts at 10:00 am

Lake Balboa Park
6330 Woodley Avenue
Lake Balboa, CA 91406

Fees: 5K/10K $35 until 4/14/13; $40 after 4/14/13
Kids Fun Run $15 includes finisher medals.

How to Register:

1. Register online at www.active.com
Online Registration closes:
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

2. Register by mail postmarked by April 19th
Victory for Victims Walk/Run
8210 Etiwanda Ave., Reseda, CA 91335
Make checks payable to Northridge Hospital Foundation/CATS.

3. Register at packet pick-up on Saturday 4/27, noon - 4pm
Woodley Park, Encino.

4. Register on event morning 4/28 beginning at 6:30am ($40 registration fee).

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.

S.O.L.I.D. Fundraiser…

Maria’s Italian Kitchen is sponsoring a fundraiser for Supporters of Law Enforcement In Devonshire (S.O.L.I.D.). Founded in 1990, S.O.L.I.D. provides supplemental resources to the Devonshire Division of the LAPD and actively supports community policing.

Tuesday, April 30
Maria’s Italin Kitchen
9161 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge
All Day Event

For more information email Contact@SOLIDDevonshire.Org.

LAPD Devonshire Division Hosts National Day of Prayer…

The LAPD Devonshire Division is hosting a National Day of Prayer program honoring fallen officers. The Day of Prayer event will feature special presentations from the LAPD Honor Guard, the LAPD Bagpipe Team, Jimmy Weldon, and Steve Amerson will perform the National Anthem. 

Wednesday, May 1
9:00 am
10250 Etiwanda Ave.
Northridge

For more information please contact the Devonshire Senior Lead Office at (818) 363-1726.

Save the date for the Valley Family Festival!

Get ready for three days of family-friendly fun in the park at the Valley Family Festival coming up Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2 at Northridge Park.

The AMAZING lineup includes carnival rides, games, live music, and dance acts, a health fair, community booths and great food! There will also be bouncers, arts and crafts activities for the kids!

What better way to kick off the summer than this awesome outdoor celebration of the San Fernando Valley? Please "like" the Facebook event page, share it on your Facebook page and invite your friends to attend!

Friday, May 31
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Saturday, June 1
12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Sunday, June 2
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Northridge Park
18300 Lemarsh St.
Northridge

We are proud to host this event in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Northridge and the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks.

If you are interested in hosting a community booth or a booth for the health fair please see the sponsorship information:

Click here for Community 2013 Booth Application.
Click here for 2013 Booth and Sponsorship Application.

For additional sponsorship information please contact Megan Cottier atmegan.cottier@lacity.org or (818)882-1212.

Reports From Our Staff:

Our Public Safety Deputy, Jim Dellinger, reports that April is Child Safety Seat Month. All LAPD officers are nationally certified technicians and will be inspecting your child’s car seat for damage, defects, recalls, and will be assisting you with proper installation. You will need to bring your car manual and your child safety seat manual.

Valley Traffic Station
7870 Nollan Place
Panorama City

The service is provided every Thursday from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm. Please call (818) 644-8143 to make an appointment.