Englander E-News: Volunteers, Potholes, Art, Interviews, and More ...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

April 13, 2012

Call for Performers and Booth Sponsorship for the Valley Family Festival...

You can be part of our Valley Family Festival and Movies Under the Stars, coming up on June 2 at Northrdige Park! We are seeking musical, dance and other performances by talented community members for this wonderful family event, which we are hosting together with the Northridge Kiwanis and Dept. of Recreation and Parks.

There will be a free outdoor movie screening, live performances, arts & crafts, bouncers, food, booths and more. We will announce more about the Valley Family Festival in coming weeks!

Call for Performers
If you are a community member, cultural organization or school group and would like to preform on stage at the Valley Family Festival, please contact  Megan Cottier at megan.cottier@lacity.org or (818) 882-1212.

We are also offering opportunities for local businesses, non-profit organizations and other community groups to help support this great event and be part of the celebration. For information on booths, sponsoring, or donating to the event, please contact Semee Park at semee.park@lacity.org or (818) 882-1212. Click here for the sponsorship and booth forms.

Earth Day Celebration at Chatsworth Nature Preserve...

Come celebrate Earth Day this Sunday, April 15 at Chatsworth Nature Preserve, the only nature preserve within the City of Los Angeles. Since 1969, Earth Day has been held to raise awareness on the importance of protecting the environment. Earth Day is celebrated by more than 175 countries and is officially April 22. But community Earth Day events are held throughout the month of April.

Sunday, April 15
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Chatsworth Nature Preserve 
Enter at Plummer St. and Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills
(1 mile west of Topanga Canyon Blvd.)
Map - http://g.co/maps/n2zqd

Representatives from the Southwestern Herpetologists Society, Santa Susana Mountain Park Association and Foundation, and the Audubon Society will lead interpretive nature hikes around the ecology pond throughout the day.   At 10:00 am, Chumash Ceremonial Leader Mati Waiya will conduct a Native American blessing with a performance by Aztec Dance Group.

This is a great event to teach kids about the environment as well as the nature, wildlife and Native American history in our own community.

Radio Interview on Fire Department Responsre Times and FIRESTAT LA...

Last week I had a lively and informative discussion about hot button public safety issues with Bill Carroll on his radio talk show on KFI AM 640. We discussed the recent issues surrounding the Fire Department response times, the need to restore and prioritize funding for the Fire Department, and my FIRESTAT LA motion.

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I am committed to ensuring that public safety remains the City's top priority because it is our most important service and our first responsibility.

Click here to hear the interview.

Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council's "Clean Sweep" Weekly Clean-Up and Help Make Northridge Shine!

Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council's Clean Sweep community beautification project every Thursday!

Schedule for April
April 19 - west side of Reseda Blvd.
Park at 9545 Reseda Blvd., just north of Plummer Street.
http://g.co/maps/7bebd

April 26 - northwest corner of Kenya St. & Wilbur Ave.

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.

April Pothole Project...

Cracked, broken-down streets are something that affects every one of us every day and repairing and maintaining them is a core City service.

We have made it our top priority to work to bring the City back to its most essential core services. That is why we launched a special April Pothole Project. The Bureau of Street Services usually fills potholes within 24 hours, but they need to know where they are. We want to engage and empower the people in our community to help identify the worst potholes in our District.

We have a special interactive form on our website at http://tiny.cc/CD12Potholes where you can report the location of potholes in Council District 12. The information will go directly to the Bureau of Street Services. Please report exact address or exact intersection only, otherwise it will not get entered into Street Services' list.

We will track its progress and send you a notification when it has been completed. We will post reports and photos during the month here in our newsletter.

If you have any questions about the April Pothole Project, please call us at (818) 882-1212.

The Northridge Public Art Project...

We are proud to announce the launch of the Northridge Public Art Project,a series of partnership art partnerships and events meant to bring together community building, public art, creativity, and volunteerism to make Northridge a more beautiful community. The first events related to the Northridge Public Art Project are the CSUN Art Walk & Gallery Opening and the CSUN Art Gallery Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition on Friday, April 20.

We are proud to be partnering with the Museum of the San Fernando Valley, Northridge South Neighborhood Council, CSUN, local Northridge artists, and many community volunteers who are dedicated to bringing more art into the daily life of our community.

CSUN Art Walk & Gallery Opening
Friday, April 20
This fun, easy self-guided campus tour features docents at each campus art stop. Tours start in front of the Valley Performing Art Center between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm to ensure ample time to tour the campus before the CSUN Gallery Opening. Valley Performing Arts Center is on the corner of Lindley Ave. and Nordhoff St. Map http://g.co/maps/kw9g6 
 
CSUN Art Gallery Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition
Opening Reception
Friday, April 20, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
 This major art exhibition is the year-end culminating event for both the CSUN Art Department and Art Galleries. The exhibition includes a broad range of student works in disciplines including painting, sculpture, animation, video, web design, photography, drawing, printmaking, graphic design, textiles, ceramics, and mixed media. The CSUN Art Galleries are located at 18100 Plummer St., between Lindley Ave. and Etiwanda Ave.
Map - http://g.co/maps/r45wj.
 
For more information about the Northridge Public Art Project, call Semee Park or email Semee.Park@lacity.org.

For more information about the CSUN Art Galleries, visit: http://www.csun.edu/artgalleries/

National Volunteer Week Management Trainings...

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 15 - 21, 2012, Volunteer Los Angeles is holding a series of free Volunteer Management Trainings sessions, including several in the San Fernando Valley.

As non-profits and public agencies in Los Angeles cope with the ongoing effects of economic hardship, they need to generate creative solutions to deliver services, including establishing new partnerships and more strategic ways to engage volunteers. Volunteer Los Angeles's series of trainings for non-profits and public agencies will help them learn how to strategically engage volunteers for maximum impact.

All sessions are 10:00 am to 12:00 pm or 1:00 to 3:00 pm. For more information, call Rafael Castellanos at (323) 450-5053 or email rcastellanos@volunteerlosangeles.org, or Pedro Barrientos at (323) 450-5087 or email pbarrientos@volunteerlosangeles.org.

SOLID Fundraiser Dinner at Islands in Porter Ranch...

Come enjoy a delicious dinner and help support a great cause at the SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire) fundraiser night, Wednesday, April 18 at Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks in Porter Ranch.

Wednesday, April 18
3:00 pm to close
Islands Restaurant
11400 Porter Ranch Dr.
Porter Ranch

Print out the flyer and present it to your server and Islands will donate 20% of your food and beverage purchase to SOLID. Click here for the flyer.

SOLID is a non-profit organization that purchases non-City supplied materials and equipment that is needed by the Police Officers at Devonshire Community Police Station.

New Horizons Gala...

New Horizons, a non-profit organization that provides services to adults with intellectual challenges, is honoring Jonathan Murray, Founder/CEO, Bunim/Murray Productions and Marsh Gluchow, Owner, Valley Motor Center, at its April 19 Gala event. CBS2 News Anchor Pat Harvey will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

This elegant annual dinner and auction event raises funds for New Horizons' programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities throughout the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.

Thursday, April 19
5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Sheraton Universal, Universal City

To make reservations, visit www.newhorizons-sfv.org. For more information, call Holly Rasey at (818) 894-9306.

"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.

Chatsworth Day of the Horse...

We are proud to co-sponsor the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council's 9th Annual Chatsworth Day of the Horse on Sunday, April 22 at Stoney Point Ranch in Chatsworth.

Sunday, April 22
11:00 am to 3 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.

"Sheriff George" will be on site with his fun jail game, where you can have someone thrown behind bars for a donation, with proceeds benefiting the Chatsworth Historical Society.

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

Free Tire Collection Days in the San Fernando Valley...

Bring your old tires to have them safely and properly disposed of and recycled for free at the upcoming tire collection days in the San Fernando Valley.

Saturday, April 28
11050 Pendleton St., Sun Valley
9:00 am to 2:30 pm

Saturday, May 19, 2012
West Valley District Yard
8840 Vanalden Ave., Northridge
9:00 am to 2:30 pm

Every person who brings in tires will receive a coupon for 15% off their next purchase of Firestone or Bridgestone tires. This event is limited to City Los Angeles residents only. The collection event will not accept tires from businesses, tires on rims, tires for large trucks, or more than nine tires per person.

For more information, call (213) 485-3568.

Chatsworth Historical Society's Garden Festival...

Don't miss the Chatsworth Historical Society's annual Garden Festival on Sunday, April 29 at the Homestead Acre.

Sunday, April 29
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Homestead Acre
Chatsworth Park South
10385 Shadow Oak Dr., Chatsworth
(at the far west end of Devonshire St.)
Parking and shuttle service at Chatsworth Depot Train Station, located at 10038 Old Depot Plaza Rd.

This wonderful San Fernando Valley tradition has lots of great family-friendly activities, including the famous Duchess Afternoon Tea from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. There will also be blooming rose gardens on display, a quilt display from the Veteran's Quilt Project, arts & crafts and demonstrations by garden clubs, tours of the Chatsworth Historical Museum and the Minnie Palmer Cottage, food vendors and more.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Chatsworth Historical Society. For more information, call (818) 882-5614.

Join the Relay For Life and Help the Fight Against Cancer...

Save the date for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life at Chatsworth High School on April 28 and 29. There are 17 local teams participating in this 24-hour walk/run to raise funds for cancer research, treatment and programs.

April 28, 9:00 am through April 29, 9:00 am
Chatsworth High School
10027 Lurline Ave., Chatsworth

Community members, schools, Neigbhorhood Councils, businesses, houses of worship and other community-based organizations form relay teams to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The event celebrates those who have survived cancer and remembers loved ones lost to cancer. It raises funds for American Cancer Society's programs and services, and helps fund research into cancer treatment. It also raises awareness about what we can do to help fight cancer and support those affected by it. The teams' members take turns walking around the track for a full 24 hours. There are somber memorials and educational activities, but also fun, booths, food and more.

To support or join any of the teams, or to learn how to form your own Relay Team visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=36478.

Bureau of Sanitation Yards Open House...

Don't miss the Bureau of Sanitation's annual open house at their maintenance yards. Kids love this fun, free event, with hands-on trash truck demonstrations, sanitation facility tours, and educational information and demonstrations about recycling and the environment.

Saturday, April 28
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
East Valley District Yard
11050 Pendleton St., Sun Valley
Click here for the flyer.

Saturday, May 19
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
West Valley District Yard
8840 Vanalden Ave., Northridge
Click here for the flyer.

For more information, click here.

Help Send the PALS Kids to Camp!

You can help make sure the PALS kids can go to camp this summer, while helping a great cause! The LAPD Devonshire Youth Center is holding a clothing drive to collect clothes to go toward struggling families served by the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission .

Please bring clean, used clothing, in good condition, in a trash bag, to the PALS Youth Center. 

Monday, April 30
10:00 am
8721 Wilbur Ave., Northridge

If PALS reaches their goal of collecting 200 bags of donated clothing, then Hope of the Valley will donate funds to help pay for PALS kids to go to summer camp. PALS offers at-risk kids in our community positive alternatives to gangs, crime and drugs through after-school activities including mentoring, sports, tutoring and arts and it builds positive relationships between the community and the Police.

For more information call Sue Bruno at (818) 885-6432.

Brush Clearance Deadline May 1

The Firefighters who protect our community remind homeowners in hillside areas to be ready for the May 1 brush clearance compliance deadline. 

To learn everything you need to know about how to comply with Brush Clearance requirements and other useful information to keep our community safe from wildfires  click here.

On May 1, the enforcement period begins, and LAFD will begin inspecting those properties. If they find that a property is out of compliance, the property owner could receive a citation. Be sure to have your property inspected and have the fire hazards abated to avoid the citation. 

Devonshire PALS Art Exhibition...

The LAPD Devonshire Youth Center will be hosting its first PALS Art Exhibition and Reception on Friday, May 4 at the Youth Center in Northridge.

Friday May 4
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
LAPD Devonshire
Youth Center
8721 Wilbur Ave.
Northridge

The exhibition will feature art work by kids participating in the PALS (Police Activity League Supporters) after-school program at the Youth Center. This exhibition of over 100 pieces of original artwork is being directed by PALS art instructor Ingrid Skillman-Hudshon.

Ingrid is a resident of Northridge and accomplished artist whose work has been displayed at the New Orleans Museum of Art and the California State Senate First Contemporary Art Collection, and in solo and group exhibitions. She has volunteered her time and talents at the PALS Center for two years to teach young people basic skills and a love for fine art.
 
The PALS programs at the Devonshire Youth Center offer at-risk kids in our community after-school mentoring, educational, artistic and sports activities, and helps create positive relationships between the community and the Police.

For more information about the art exhibit, or about how you can volunteer or donate to support the Devonshire PALS program, call Sue Bruno at (818) 885-6432.

SOLID Pancake Breakfast...

SOLID's annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast is coming up on May 19, so save the date! Proceeds benefit SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire), which provides non-City supplied materials and equipment needed by the Police Officers at Devonshire Division.

Saturday, May 19
7:30 am to 1:30 pm
Devonshire Community
Police Station
10240 Etiwanda St., Northridge
$7 per person.

Regency Theatres in Granada Hills has generously donated 25 pairs of movie tickets to be given away to guests in a prize drawing. Free child photo-IDs are provided by Hollywood-West Valley Masonic Lodge. Free facepainting for kids!

For more information, visit http://soliddevonshire.org.

Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive...

Our Case Worker Melody Jaramillo is passionate about addressing hunger issues in our community. The downturn in the community has forced many residents in our community to have to choose between putting food on the table or paying their bills.

A simple way to help is to participate in the National Association of Letter Carrier’s Stamp Out Hunger National food Drive. On Saturday May 12, leave non-perishable food items outside by your mail box and your Postal Service Letter Carrier will collect them and deliver them to local food banks. The best food items to donate are canned goods such as vegetables, soups, beans, chili, or proteins, or dried goods such as rice.  

This wonderful effort has been carried on for twenty years and is now the largest food drive in the nation. 

For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, visit
www.helpstampouthunger.com.

If you are organizing a food drive, or know of one in our community, or are seeking information about food banks or other resources for struggling families in our community, please call Melody at (818) 882-1212 or email Melody.Jaramillo@lacity.org.

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 12: Secure Heavy Objects in Your Home
If a major earthquake strikes, heavy objects inside your home will become potentially lethal flying projectiles unless they are securely fastened. Special heavy-duty nylon straps can be used to anchor TVs, bookcases, entertainment centers, and other heavy objects to the wall or floor.

Use "museum wax" or putty to anchor smaller glass or ceramic objects from falling and spreading broken glass on the floor. Broken glass on the floor can be a hazard for anyone trying to get out in the dark.

To learn more about securing objects in your home, click here.

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