Englander E-News: Time to Take the Mayor's Budget Survey

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

February 10, 2012

Participate in the 2012/2013 Budget Survey...

A critical part of the budget development process is community input. Under the City Charter every Neighborhood Council may present its input on the City Budget.

Last year, the Mayor's Community Budget Survey received over 9,500 complete responses and 22,000 comments. In preparation of the Mayor's FY 2012-13 proposed Budget, Neighborhood Councils and community members can use an online survey to give their input on budget priorities and potential measures to balance the budget and improve the City's fiscal health.

The deadline to participate in the online Budget Survey is Feb. 22. The results of the Budget Survey will be presented to the public in March.

To see the online Budget Survey, click here.

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 5: Copies of Your Essential Documents
February 9 was the 41st anniversary of the Sylmar/San Fernando Earthquake. At 6.6 on the Richter Scale, it was one of the worst earthquakes in Southern California history. It's a great reminder to be ready for the next big earthquake. In an earthquake,  wildfire, flood or other disaster, you may have to evacuate your home in a hurry. You could find yourself away from your home for an extended period, or your home and its contents could be destroyed.

So it's a good idea to make copies of your most essential documents (health and property insurance, medical records, bank accounts, mortgages, wills, copies of passports, driver's licenses, Social Security cards, and other information). These records can be hard to replace, and could be necessary immediately following a disaster.

Make two sets of copies of these documents. Store one in a fireproof and waterproof safe, or in a safety deposit box. Put the other copies in a folder and store them in a backpack emergency kit in your home, so that if you must evacuate, you can grab it and go. (Backpack emergency kits are kits with enough food, water and medical supplies for a few days, stored in a backpack so that the whole thing can be carried easily over long distances.)

To learn more about how to safeguard your essential documents click here.

To see our printable Emergency Preparedness Checklist, with every week's entry, click here. 

"Sky's the Limit" 7th Annual Aviation Career Day at Van Nuys Airport...

Save the date for the 7th Annual Sky's the Limit Aviation Career Day at the historic Synchro Hangar at Van Nuys Airport on Friday, April 20.

Friday, April 20
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Synchro Hangar
Van Nuys Airport

Every year, this great event offers over 1,400 young people the chance to learn about the exciting and challenging careers paths in the aviation and aerospace industries in the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

The event will feature interactive aviation and aerospace exhibits, military and civilian aircraft displays, airfield bus tours, and light refreshments.

For more information, call (818) 901-9828 or email letv@saicraftsmen.com.

"Sparkle Campaign" Community Effort to Beautify Reseda Blvd. in Northridge...

Join Northridge Sparkle Campaign for a great volunteer community clean-up effort on Saturday, Feb. 11 and help beautify Reseda Blvd. in Northridge. Help make Reseda Blvd. sparkle!

Saturday, Feb. 11
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Meet up at the corner of Rayen Ave. and Reseda Blvd.
Northridge

Bring sun hat, gloves, sunscreen, and shoes and clothing for outdoor work. 

The Sparkle Campaign is also working on six "Northridge Village" signs to be placed along Reseda Blvd. from Gresham St. to Nordhoff St. Businesses that donate toward the signs will receive “Member” stickers for their windows, and have their names placed on a plaque describing the history of Northridge Village at the base of each sign.

For more information, contact Andrea Alvarado at (818) 903-8194.

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

On Thursday, Feb. 16 join Northridge West Neighborhood Council for their weekly clean up project.

Thursday, Feb. 16
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Meet up at Chatsworth St. and Vanalden in 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. 

Northridge Clean Sweep's Clean-Up Schedule for March
March 1 - South side of Lassen St. at Corbin Ave.
March 8 - South side of Lassen St. at Tunney Ave.
March 15 - South side of Lassen St. at Calvin Ave.
March 22 - North side of Lassen St. at Calvin Ave.
March 29 - South side of Lassen St. at Vanalden Ave. 

For a map, go to http://g.co/maps/zc4a4. 

Recycling News...

Los Angeles residents can now recycle CDs and DVDs in the Blue Bin. Separate the discs and any paper labels from the jewel cases. If the discs have any personal information on them, deeply scratch the surface of the discs or break them before placing them in the recycling bin.

To see more information on recycling in Los Angeles, visit the RECYCLETTER Newsletter.

Free Community E-Waste Collection Event...

Lorne St. PTA, Lorne St. Elementary School and California E-Waste are holding their Second Annual E-Waste Collection event on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Northridge.

Saturday, Feb. 11
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Lorne Elementary School
17440 Lorne St., Northridge 

Bring your unwanted electronic devices such as TVs, computers, small appliances and toys to be safely and properly disposed of for free. It is illegal to throw away electronic devices in the regular trash. They contain toxic substances that can leach into the environment when they end up in landfills. 

The event also raises funds for the YMCA Psychomotor Program at Lorne St. Elementary School.

For more information, call Pam Richman at Lorne Elementary School at (818) 342-2063.

Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards Dinner...

Join Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce for their 84th Annual Installation of Directors and Officers and Gil Benjamin Citizen of the Year Awards Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Odyssey Restaurant.

The Chamber will be honoring Alison Robinson, 2010-2011 Board President, and Wynne E. Ritch, 2012 Board President-Elect. The recipient of the 2012 Gil Benjamin Citizen of the Year Award will be honored.

Friday, Feb. 24
Cocktails 6:00 pm. Dinner 7:00 pm.
The Odyssey Restaurant
Athena Room
15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills

$65 per person. Click here to RSVP by Feb. 14.

Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber Installation Dinner...

Join the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce for their annual installation dinner, Friday, Feb. 17 at Porter Valley Country Club. 

Friday, Feb. 17
6:00 pm
Porter Valley Country Club
19216 Singing Hills Dr., Porter Ranch

At this fun Monte Carlo-themed evening, the new Board of Directors will be installed. Outgoing President Mona Strehler, and incoming President Kevin Huling will be honored. All About Printing, Dream Dinners and MSM Technology Group have been nominated for Business of the Year. Build Worksource Center, Chatsworth Historical Society and Rotary Club of Northridge/Chatsworth were nominated for Non-Profit of the Year. Greg Baker, Vicki Briskman and Leslie Kaz have been nominated for the Oustanding Community Service Award.

For more information or reservations, call (818) 341-2428.

Help Shape the Future of Transportation in L.A....

The City is holding a series of interactive "Think Labs" workshops including two in the San Fernando Valley, to get L.A. residents engaged in shaping the future of L.A.'s transportation.

Saturday, Feb. 25
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Van Nuys City Hall
14410 Sylvan St., Van Nuys

Saturday, March 3
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Pacoima Neighborhood Constituent Services Center
13520 W. Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima

L.A. residents are invited to participate in the free “Think Labs” workshops to give their input on the future of transportation and mobility in L.A. The ideas generated will guide the development of an updated streets and transportation plan with policies and programs that reflect the communities’ ideas, needs and concerns.

To learn more, visit  http://ideas.la2b.org.

Rotary Club E-Waste Collection Event in the San Fernando Valley...

On Saturday, Feb. 18, Rotary Club of West San Fernando Valley, Rotary Club of Van Nuys, and Rotary Club of North Hollywood are sponsoring a major E-Waste collection event at three locations in the San Fernando Valley.

Saturday, Feb. 18
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Woodland Hills: Pierce College. 6201 Winnetka Ave., Parking Lot 7. Enter on Victory Blvd. at Mason Ave.
Valley Village: L.A. Valley College, Parking Lot B, at Fulton Ave. and Oxnard St.
North Hollywood: St. Charles Borromeo Church Service Center, 10850 Moorpark St., at Lankershim Blvd.

The three Valley Rotary Clubs are working together to coordinate this opportunity for you to drop off unwanted electronics such as computers, TVs and small appliances so they can be safely and properly disposed of for free. It is illegal to throw away electronic devices in the regular trash. They contain toxic substances that can leach into the environment when they end up in landfills.

Valley Business Expo...

Save the date for the Valley Business Expo, on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Mariott Hotel at Burbank Airport. Get face-to-face consulting advice for your business from experienced small business bankers from top financial institutions.

Thursday, Feb. 23
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Marriott Hotel, Burbank Airport Tickets: $10

There will be one-on-one consultations on how to do business with large private sector companies and public agencies offering contracting opportunities.  Companies offering consultations include NBCUniversal, Walmart, Port of LA, Republic Services and Los Angeles World Airports.

There will be over 100 exhibitors showcasing business resources and support services, drawings for valuable prizes, and professional networking among  hundreds of attendees and exhibitors. 

For more information, visit http://www.thevalley.net/expo

Northridge Hospital Trauma Center Annual Champagne Brunch...

Save the date for the Northridge Hospital Trauma Center's Annual Golden Guild Champagne Brunch, on Sunday, March 25 at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills.

What happens in the first 60 minutes after traumatic injury is critical to one’s survival. That is why paramedics and trauma doctors call it “The Golden Hour.” The Golden Hour Guild is a volunteer fundraising group dedicated to supporting the Northridge Hospital Trauma Center.

Sunday, March 25
Odyssey Restaurant
Granada Hills

This great annual event helps raise funds to support the Pediatric and Adult Trauma Centers at Northridge Hospital. There will be drawings for prizes, including a $1,000 cash, women's jewelry donated by Gold Rush, and a two night stay at the Luxe Hotel, City Center at LA Live. Their 2011 event raised almost $60,000, which helped the Trauma Center purchase much-needed equipment for Northridge Hospital.

If you are interested in sponsoring or donating toward this event, please call the Northridge Hospital Foundation at (818) 885-5341, ext. 2.

ONEgeneration's 8th Annual Hearts Across the Valley Gala...

As Honorary Chair of the ONEgeneration 8th Annual Hearts Across the Valley Gala, I encourage you to attend, and enjoy a fun evening of elegant dining and entertainment for a great cause.

ONEgeneration is a San Fernando Valley-based non-profit organization that offers multi-generational daycare for low-income, special needs, and disabled adults and children. Proceeds go to helping ONEgeneration provide items, from can openers to wheelchairs, to go to homebound seniors.

Saturday, Feb.  25
Warner Center Marriott
Woodland Hills

This year's gala will honor LAPD Assistant Chief Michel Moore and his wife Cindy Moore, Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield and Carol Zimring, founder of ONEgeneration's SHARE (Sending Help And Real Essentials) program. The evening will also feature silent and live auctions, award presentation, dancing, dining and entertainment. 

To RSVP or for information on sponsorship opportunities, call (818) 708-6626 or email development@onegeneration.org. To learn more about ONEgeneration, visit www.ONEgeneration.org.  

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

Be sure to sign up for the free 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. 

VIP Basketball League Championships...

Our District Director Megan Cottier handles issues related to Recreation and Parks facilities and programs. She reports this week on a great event in Encino - the Balboa Recreation Center's VIP Basketball League is holding its championship game on Saturday, March 10 at Balboa Park.

Come support these great athletes at their final game of the season, and support the VIP Basketball League's program for people with special needs.

Saturday, March 10
Balboa Recreation Center
17015 Burbank Blvd., Encino

The league was started 10 years ago by Encino resident Steve Siskin. While he was coaching his kids' basketball team, a team member's younger sister who had Down's Syndrome asked if she could play as well. So Steve created the VIP Basketball League to offer young people with disabilities the opportunity to play basketball with organized teams, matches, coaches and referees. There are now over 50 players participating in this great program at Balboa Recreation Center.

For information call (818) 501-4480 or email MichaelGerety6@gmail.com.