Englander E-News: Chatsworth Park Cleanup Plan Approved, Art Work Returns and More

Chatsworth Park South Clean Up

I'm pleased to announce that the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) recently approved the Removal Action Plan (RAP) prepared by City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. This approval is a major milestone to the eventual re-opening of the park. The RAP addresses potential risks from conditions related to contamination at the site and evaluates and describes proposed mitigation plans. The approved mitigation measure addresses contaminated soil by "capping" the contamination with clean soil, removes contamination from scrub brush areas and preserves heritage trees.

The park 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 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. We identified funds in the budget to ensure that the gymnasium remains staffed in the next fiscal year.

For questions relating to Chatsworth Park South, please contact Megan Cottier at 818-882-1212. If you are interested in using the gym, please contact Recreation and Parks, Valley Region Headquarters at 818-756-8189.

The Chatsworth Nature Preserve Update

On Wednesday, our office hosted a meeting with the Department of Water and Power to discuss their proposed maintenance plan for the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Ecology Pond. This meeting provided an opportunity for the community to communicate directly with the Department of Water and Power and provide their input, ideas and concerns for the proposed plan.

Attendees included nearby residents, Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, West Hills Neighborhood Council, San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, Santa Susana Mountain Park Association, Chatsworth Nature Preserve Coalition and more.

Further discussions will continue with the community as the proposed maintenance plan moves forward. I am committed to the preservation of the Ecology Pond and will continue to keep the community updated.

Lessons Learned from the Hollywood ‘Flash Mob’ Incident

This week, I authored a motion asking the LAPD to report back on its response to the July 16 Hollywood ‘flash mob’ incident, including what efforts were effective and which were not.

On Tuesday, July 16, a ‘flash mob’ descended on Hollywood, knocking down pedestrians, stealing cellphones, jewelry, and other items while creating a significant public disturbance. As is often the case with these types of gatherings, it is believed to have been organized online via social networking sites. The Police Department responded quickly, and made numerous arrests. However, it is unclear if LAPD was aware of the Hollywood flash mob before it materialized, and if they could have prevented it from occurring.

The LAPD should be commended for its quick response to this event, which was undertaken even while the department was simultaneously monitoring peaceful demonstrations against the Trayvon Martin ruling.

As crime continues to decrease throughout the City, due in great part to the LAPD’s commitment to community policing, it’s worth noting that those communities extend to the internet. As was demonstrated by the Hollywood incident, threats to public safety can be created just as easily online as on the street, and it may be worthwhile to expand community policing to the web.

A report on the Hollywood incident will be useful to understand the difficulties posed by these types of incidents, as well as help the Department identify any lessons learned for a more effective response to future incidents.

Councilmember Mitchell Englander's Mid-Term in Review

To see the Mid-Term in Review book, click here.

To have a printed copy of the book mailed to you, please send us an email with your name and address atCouncilmember.
Englander@lacity.org.

West End Art Walk Returns to Chatsworth

Shops at West End Chatsworth in collaboration with the Chatsworth Fine Arts Council present the 2nd Annual West End Art Walk. The art walk will feature a showcase of galleries, artists, restaurants, shops and small businesses located in the Historic West End of Chatsworth.

Friday, July 26
Friday, August 30
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

21800 Devonshire Street
Chatsworth

The West End Art Walk is dedicated to enhancing the economic development and revitalization of the community for businesses, visitors, and residents. Join us and you could win tickets to the Hollywood Bowl!

Back to School Supply Drive

From July 29th-August 2nd LAPD Devonshire PALS is collecting supplies to help send local kids back to school with the items they need. They are collecting school supplies for elementary, middle school and high school students including but not limited to; notebook paper, folders, pens, markers, glue sticks, binders, spiral notebooks and crayons. Items can be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 9:00-6:00 and Friday from 9:00-1:00. Thanks you supporting our PALS kids as we make 2013 the best school year ever.

July 29 - August 2
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am -6:00 pm
Friday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire Youth Center
8721 Wilbur Ave
Northridge, CA 91324

Devonshire PALS provides educational afterschool and summer programming Monday-Thursday from 1:00-6:00providing local children, age 7-17 a safe place to learn and grow. 

For more information visit www.devonshire-pals.org or call (818) 885-6432.

National Night Out

We invite you to join us for our summertime National Night Out program co-hosted by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Division and outdoor screening of the kid-friendly movie, “Despicable Me.” The movie will be shown at Northridge Park at on August 6 and will include FREE popcorn, FREE face-painting, and children’s activities.

Tuesday, August 6
Movie will begin at nightfall (approximately 7:50 PM)

Northridge Park
18300 Lemarsh Street
Northridge