Englander E-News: Trash, Vets, Taxes, Sparkle and More ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS
Nov. 16, 2012

Opposition to Proposed Commercial Trash Hauling Franchise System...

I voted NO this week on a proposal to create a new system of 11 exclusive franchise areas for trash pickup service from commercial properties and large apartment buildings in the City of Los Angeles.

Currently, commercial properties and apartment and condo buildings are served by dozens of different private trash hauling companies. I believe the exclusive franchise proposal will be anti-competitive and business unfriendly. 

It could hurt small local companies who have been hauling the City's trash for generations. Many of them could be put out of business because they are too small to compete with larger companies under the franchise system.

I am also concerned about the bottom line for businesses that may have to pay more but still receive less trash hauling service. Many businesses could also be stuck with  a "one-size-fits all" service while their operations require customization. That could impact hospitals. 

There is also the danger that higher trash fees would be passed through to and result in higher rents for families living in apartment buildings.  

The new program would not take effect until 2016 or later, and would not apply to single-family homes or apartment or condo buildings with four units or less, since those buildings have their trash hauled by City staff.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Veteran's Day Celebration at Granada Hills Veteran's Memorial Park...

As the son of a WWII Veteran, I was proud to join the Granada Hills Rotary Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of Granada Hills on Veteran's Day to honor the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's Veterans.

At moving event at the Granada Hills Veteran's Memorial Park on Sunday, Nov. 11, the VFW conducted a Color Guard ceremony. Visitors donated to support the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life. 

To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project, visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org 

Interview on Vote Against Tax Increases...

On Wednesday, Oct. 31, I voted NO on the series of tax increases proposed for the March 2013 ballot. Proposals were made to increase the parcel tax to raise money for parks, to increase the documentary transer tax, to increase the parking occupancy tax, and to implement a .5% sales tax. 
 
To hear my interview with Dick Helton on KNX AM 1070 about the tax proposals and my arguments against them, click here.

The City faces a $220 million budget deficit for next year, and our resources are heavily impacted. However, I believe that not enough has been done to bring the City back to its most essential core services - public safety, infrastructure, and planning - and that not enough progress has been made to bring our current and future pension costs under control. We must first make significant progress on those fronts before asking the taxpayers for more money, especially while families are still struggling to make ends meet.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Community Clean Up Efforts in Northridge a Big Success...

Northridge Sparkle Campaign Clean-Up: Last weekend, the Northridge Sparkle Campaign organized a community beautification effort with more than 60 volunteers working to help make Northridge Village a cleaner, greener, safer place. Lead by Northridge South Neighborhood Council member Andrea Alvarado and San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, the volunteers cleaned street gutters and sidewalks, removed debris from tree wells and prepared a wall for an upcoming community mural.

Northridge Sparkle has been working to beautify Reseda Blvd. between Nordhoff St. and Parthenia St. for more than one year.

For more information on Northridge Sparkle Campaign, email northridgebeautification@gmail.com.

Operation Clean Sweep: Last weekend, Northridge West Neighborhood Council's Operation Clean Sweep partnered with Calahan Elementary School for a volunteer effort to beautify the campus. For the past two years, Operation Clean Sweep has been working to keep the streets and sidewalks of Northridge clean, removing weeds and trash, trimming low-hanging branches and installing planters and community signs.

For more information on Operation Clean Sweep, email Jo Ann Phillips at japhillips1@yahoo.com or visit www.NorthridgeWest.org.

PALS Holiday Toy Drive for Kids...

Join us in helping to ensure that at-risk kids in our community can have holiday gifts by donating to the Devonshire PALS (Police Activity League) Youth Center Toy Drive.

You can drop off new, unwrapped toys, books or gift cards to our Community Service Center in Chatsworth, at Devonshire Community Police Station, or at the Devonshire PALS Youth Center. The toy give-away is on Saturday, Dec. 15, and you can drop off donations directly at the PALS Youth Center in Northridge until Thursday, Dec. 13. 

Nov. 9 through Dec. 13
Drop Off Locations
Council District 12 Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave., Chatsworth
9:00 am to 5:00 pm 
Monday - Friday
 
PALS Youth Center
8721 Wilbur Ave., Northridge
Monday - Thursday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Devonshire Community
Police Station
10250 Etiwanda Ave. (at Devonshire St.)
Northridge

All donated gifts go to kids who participate in PALS programs. PALS offers valuable after-school programs, including sports, education, and mentoring with LAPD Officers to give at-risk youth in our community positive alternatives to crime, gangs and drugs.

To learn more about Devonshire PALS, visit www.devonshire-pals.org.

The Holiday Toy Express is Back...

The Holiday Toy Express is coming back to town with stops at Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station on Friday, Nov. 16, and Northridge Station on Sunday, Dec. 2, so mark your calendar!

Friday, Nov. 16
Festivities start 6:00 pm
Train arrives
approx. 8:00 pm
Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station
Chatsworth
To see a map, visit http://goo.gl/maps/a5C5X.

Sunday, Dec. 2
Northridge Metrolink Station
Train arrives at 5:35 pm
Wilbur & Parthenia
To see a map, visit http://goo.gl/maps/p56zg
For more information, click here.

The Holiday Toy Express is a full-sized Metrolink passenger train decorated with over 50,000 lights, animated light displays, animatronic singing reindeer, and a song and dance performance by Santa and his Elves. This free event is a great way for families and kids to celebrate the holidays in our community.

Please bring an unwrapped gift or a gift card to donate to the Spark of Love Toy Drive, which offers holiday gifts and sports equipment to at-risk and low-income children. Spark of Love is a partnership between Fire Departments across Southern California and ABC TV Ch. 7.

To see a video of last year's Holiday Toy Express, click here.

Celebrating Topanga Community Police Station... 

Join the Los Angeles Police Department in Celebrating Topanga Community Police Station on Friday, Nov. 16. 
 
Friday, Nov. 16
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Hilton Hotel
6360 Canoga Ave.
Woodland Hills

This fun evening of elegant dining and entertainment features live music by Mrs. Robinson. The Topanga Station Hero of the Year will be announced, and Councilmembers Mitchell Englander and Dennis Zine will host the live auction. The event raises funds for the LAPD Topanga Boosters, which provides much-needed materials and equipment for the Police Officers serving at Topanga Station.
 
Tickets are $60 per person. No Host Bar. Free Valet Parking. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (818) 756-3077 or visit www.topangaboosters.org.
 
Rummage Sale to Benefit Nobel Charter Middle School Drama Dept....

The Nobel Charter Middle School Drama Dept. is holding a rummage sale to raise funds for their upcoming stage production of "Not Yo Momma's Wizard of Oz!" The sale will feature clothes, household appliances, toys, and other used items in good condition.

Saturday, Nov. 17
8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Nobel School
9329 Beckford Ave., Northridge

For more information, contact Jennifer Roberto at jroberto@socal.rr.com. 

Free CERT Training...

There is a great opportunity up for families to learn how to get prepared for earthquakes, wildfires, floods or other disasters at the free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course in Granada Hills. 

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
Nov. 28, Dec. 5
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Knollwood Country Club
Fairway Room
12024 Balboa Bl., Granada Hills

The entire series of classes must be completed, however, if you have missed a session in another CERT course, you can make it up attending any other CERT class.  

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 www.cert-la.com/cert-syllabus.pdf. or email cert@ghnnc.org to sign up for free!

Granada Hills Woman's Club Holiday Luncheon and Boutique...

The Granada Hills Woman's Club is holding their annual holiday luncheon and boutique to benefit research and treatment of Lou Gehrig's disease and Lupus on Thursday, Nov. 29. 

Thursday, Nov. 29
10:00 am - vendors open
12:00 pm - lunch
Porter Valley Country Club
19216 Singing Hills Drive
Northridge
$35 per person

The event will feature vendors offering exciting crafts and apparel, entertainment, door prizes, a holiday money hat and more. 

Northridge Hospital Festival of Trees...

Don't miss the holiday festivities at the Northridge Hospital Festival of Trees, Nov. 29 through Dec. 1.

The Festival of Trees is a public fundraising event featuring individually designed trees, wreaths, quilts and holiday centerpieces for purchase and activities including a Sweet Shop, live holiday musical performances, children’s crafts, story time, photos with Santa Claus and more.

Thursday, Nov. 29 - Opening Reception
Friday, Nov. 30
Saturday, Dec. 1
10:00 am to  8:00 pm
Granada Hills Town Center
18040 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills

Individuals or businesses can purchase, decorate, display and donate an artificial tree, wreath, centerpiece or handmade quilt for the silent auction.
Proceeds benefit Northridge Hospital's Richie's Pediatric Trauma Center to help fund state-of-the-art equipment. Richie's Center is the first and only Trauma Center dedicated to the children of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities. There are also sponsorship opportunities for local businesses or organizations.

For more information call (818) 885-5341 ext. 3.

John West Organ Concert...

The Northridge United Methodist Church presents an organ concert featuring John West playing uplifting holiday music on Friday, Nov. 30.

John West has played around the world, from Russia and South America to Canada and the United States. He has played with the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale at Disney Concert Hall.  He has also recorded extensively for film and stage productions, and is a renowned choral and vocal works composer.

Friday, Nov. 30
7:30 pm
Northridge United Methodist Church
9650 Reseda Blvd., Northridge

Admission is free. Donations to help support the congregation's music program are welcome. For more information, call (818) 886-1555.

Chatsworth Fine Arts Council Art Show...

Come enjoy fine art and culture right here our backyard at the Chatsworth Fine Arts Council's Arts & Crafts Show on Sunday, Dec. 2.

Sunday, Dec. 2
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station
 10046 Old Depot Plaza Rd., Chatsworth
Enter from Devonshire St. or Lassen St., 1 block west of Canoga Ave.

The show will feature original art, and unique crafts including
paintings, prints, glass works, ceramics, jewelry, photography, fabric arts and sculpture. There will also be a silent auction with proceeds benefiting  the community art activities of the Chatsworth Fine Arts Council. 

For more information call (818) 772-1639 or click here.

SOLID Fundraiser Night at Rosie's BBQ & Grillery...

SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire) present a night of delicious BBQ for a great cause on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at Rosie's BBQ & Grillery in Northridge.

Tuesday, Dec. 4
Rosie’s BBQ & Grillery
9012 Tampa Ave.
Northridge

Click here for the flyer.
Print out the flyer and present it to your server and Rosie's will donate 15% of your bill to SOLID. SOLID is a non-profit organization that raises funds to offer non-City-supplied materials and equipment to the Police Officers serving our community at Devonshire Community Police Station.

Chatsworth Kiwanis Holiday Parade, Festival and Car Show...

Get ready for the the 29th Annual Chatsworth Holiday Parade, featuring hundreds of floats, marching bands, clowns, horse teams, live music, food, booths, arts and crafts, games, photos with Santa Claus, a Kids Zone and more! The theme this year is "Under the Sea."

Sunday, Dec. 9
9:00 am
Car Show Check-In
1:00 - Parade Begins
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm 
Festival 
Canoga Ave.
Between Devonshire St.
 and Lassen St.
Chatsworth

Click here for the sponsorship and entry form for the Holiday Parade.

This year the Chatsworth Holiday Parade will also feature a car show! Hundreds of cars will be on display, including trophies for categories including Best Classic, Best Hot Rod, Best Muscle Car Best Paint, Best Domestic, Best of Show, and People’s Choice. The event will feature lots of food vendors and entertainment. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift card to donate to the toy drive benefiting Project Living Hope. No burnouts, pop-up tents, trailer parking or alcohol are allowed.

All sponsorships or donations are fully tax-deductible and benefit the Chatsworth Kiwanis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. You can sponsor a trophy, or have a booth for your local business. The sponsorship deadline is Nov. 25.

Click here for the entry and sponsorship form for the Car Show.

For more information, please call Larry Stein at (818) 800-3287 or email larry@thegoldhillgroup.com.

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 42: Give the Gift of Preparedness...
 This holiday season, consider giving your loved ones an emergency preparedness kit! They are available in so many sizes and varieties, and for such a wide variety of prices that you can find the perfect kit for anyone.

To see some of the options that are available, visit http://tiny.cc/7xtvnw.

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

Protect Yourself from Thieves This Holiday Shopping Season...

Our Public Safety Deputy Jim Dellinger reports this week on crime prevention tips from the LAPD. Next week "Black Friday" signals the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and the LAPD is urging residents to HIDE IT, LOCK IT, and KEEP IT.

Burglary and theft from motor vehicles is consistently the most common property crime. LAPD reported 1,263 burglaries from vehicles this year in Devonshire Division alone, and Detectives say the great majority of them could have been avoided. 

While doing holiday gift shopping, shoppers are often distracted and stressed, and often leave lots of valuable items in their cars. That makes for easy targets for thieves.

LAPD Burglary/Theft Prevention Tips
Lock and secure your vehicle and always set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.

Don't leave cellphones, wallets, laptops, purses, backpacks, or even your sunglasses in view in your car. Lock them in your trunk or take them with you.

Do not leave holiday gifts visible in your car.

Try to park your car in well-lit areas of parking lots, close to store entrances.

Record the serial numbers of expensive toys, computers and other electronic devices.  

Call 911 if you see suspicious activity.

For more information call Devonshire Division Detectives at (818) 832-0609.