Politics & Government

Englander E-News: Family Festival, Photo Contest Winners and More

Councilmember Englander Initiates Field Study of LAPD On Officer Cameras

This week I submitted a motion to the Los Angeles City Council directing the Los Angeles Police Department to work with Taser International, Inc. to immediately begin a proof of concept study to field test police-worn camera technology, identify the styles of body camera to be worn, and take custody of at least 25 units to be tested.

Additionally, the motion asks that the LAPD report back to the Police Commission and the Public Safety Committee in 90 days with its findings from the field test, recommendations both on the style of body camera to be used, and policy recommendations on how a department-wide body camera program can be implemented, including how the department will use video for investigative purposes, internal disciplinary actions, what video is discoverable, and retention period.

While LAPD’s Digital In-Car Video (DICV) program has been and will continue to be an asset to the police department, not every member of the department patrols in a black and white and not all officer activity happens within the DICV field of view. LAPD units such as Metro, SWAT, and K-9 could also benefit from having camera technology as a tool. My motion asks that the LAPD identify volunteers to field test this technology from units that do not work a patrol car (i.e. SWAT, K-9, Metro, etc.).

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Early this year, a University of Cambridge study found that when police officers in Rialto, California were equipped with and required to wear body cameras, complaints against officers fell by 88 percent and the use of force dropped by almost 60 percent.

The Los Angeles Police Department has also seen the benefits of camera use in its implementation of Digital In-Car video. A June 14, 2013 LAPD Interdepartmental Report stated that for years 2011 and 2012 collectively, there were 226 personnel complaints impacted by DICV and of those approximately 92% (207) were exonerated or unfounded. The remaining 8% (19) were sustained and of the 19 sustained complaints, 10 were sustained for failing to activate the DICV. Police Commission President Steve Soboroff was quick to share enthusiasm for the project and making on officer camera technology another initiative for the Department.

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As a Police Reserve officer and Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I have seen first hand the increasingly transformative effect technology is having on policing. New camera technologies in particular are playing an expanding role in the day to day activities of police officers and proving to be a valuable tool in increasing their effectiveness, ensuring their safety, and resolving potentially controversial encounters.

Click here to read the Business Week article

Click here to listen to my interview with Larry Elder on KABC

VIDEO: Update on the Oakridge Estate: Click here for the video.

Northridge West and Reseda Neighborhood Councils Win 2013 EmpowerLA Award

Congratulations to the Northridge West and Reseda Neighborhood Councils on being selected as the 2013 winners of the EmpowerLA Award! A total of 45 nominations were received for projects that exemplified the mission of Neighborhood Councils to engage local stakeholders with government and make government more accountable and responsive to the needs of their communities.

Northridge West Neighborhood Council will celebrate three years of Operation Clean Sweep with eight to fifteen volunteers showing up every week on Thursday for four hours to clean sidewalks, parkways, gutters and storm. They have consistently worked to make their community a more beautiful and walkable place. Subscribing to the broken window theory, they have had a big impact on the local crime rate by ensuring their neighborhood is well maintained.

Reseda Neighborhood Council’s Economic Development Committee in 2011 began discussing the downward trend in the economy and what sort of community level initiatives could be helpful to small businesses in Reseda. After researching successful small business development efforts across the country, they launched a local program on their own (Spend $25 on the 25th in Reseda) which caught the attention of the citywide ShopLA program and American Express, both of which then partnered with ShopRESEDA. In conjunction with these efforts, the ShopRESEDA Discount Card was launched at a national news conference and now includes as 200 local business partners (http://www.shopresedacity.com/). This concept of “shopping local” has successfully encouraged a lasting sense of community pride and spirit as well as encouraging more participants in Reseda’s local economy to engage in the NC process and the greater City.

Click here to read more.

CD 12’s “Year of Healthy Living” Photo Contest

This summer, we launched our “Year of Healthy Living” Photo Contest. To promote the arts and to get people out exploring our beautiful district filled with parks, open space and various outdoor activities.

With a long agricultural history and the many places residents can enjoy the outdoors to walk, hike, ride and take-in the beautiful landscape of the San Fernando Valley.

We’ve received over 100 photographs/submissions from amateurs, professionals, students photographers from all over the San Fernando Valley.

Congratulations to our three winners: Photos are attached to the story. 

Granada Hills Library Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Granada Hills Library will host a two-day used book sale on Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21. The sale will take place from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days, and will be held in the library's community room.

Lots of fiction, nonfiction, paperback and hardcover books will be sold at prices ranging from 25 cents to one dollar. A wide selection of children's books will be available Friday and Saturday. All proceeds will benefit the library.

Friday, September 20
Saturday, September 21
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Granada Hills Library
10640 Petit Ave.
Granada Hills

For more in formation please call 818-368-5687.

Northridge Sparkle Neighborhood Clean Up Event

The Northridge Sparkle campaign will be holding a 2 day neighborhood clean up. They will be maintaining and cleaning the streets from Parthenia to Nordhoff. If you are interested in coming and helping please do bring a hat, sunglasses, and gloves.

 

 

Saturday, September 21
Starts at 9:00 am

Start Point
8901 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge, CA

Sunday, September 22
Starts at 8:00 am

Joyce’s Coffee Shop
8826 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge, CA

If you have any questions please contact Andrea Alvarado at 818-903-8194

Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Family Festival

Council District 12 is proud to sponsor the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Family Festival. Please join us on Sunday, for music, entertainment, food, balloon animals, and face painting. It is an event that the whole family can enjoy.

Sunday, September 22
11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Mason Park
10500 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth, CA

If you have any questions or would like to receive $5 off the entrance fee, please visit the Facebook event page at the following link.

Wilkinson Senior Center's Luau Fundraiser

The Robert M. Wilkinson Multipurpose Senior Center will be having a Luau themed fundraiser. Please come join them in support of this wonderful Senior Center that provides for senior citizens in our area.

Monday, September 23
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Wilkinson Center
8956 Vanalden Ave.
Northridge, CA

If you have any questions please contact the Wilkinson Center at (818) 756-7741

12th Annual New Horizons Golf Classic at Porter Ranch

New Horizons, a North Hills based nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower individuals with special needs, is proud to announce the 12th Annual New Horizons Golf Classic. The event will have a full day beginning with registration, followed by 18 holes of golf which will include 3 hole-in-one cars, on-course root beer floats, massages, an opportunity ball drop, and an Awards Dinner.

Monday, September 23
Registration Opens at 9:00 am

Porter Valley Country Club
19216 Singing Hills Dr. 
Porter Ranch, CA 91326

If you have any questions please contact Shade Mokuolu at 818-221-0651 or email Shade at smokuolu@newhorizons-sfv.org. Please visitwww.newhorizons-sfv.org/golf for more info.

New Workshops from Valley Nonprofit Resources

Valley Nonprofit Recourses has an exciting workshop coming up and encourage you to attend!

Getting the Most From Your Financial Statements: 
Karla Salazar of SOS Strategies will lead this free two-hour workshop, targeted to nonprofit Executive Directors and Board members, covering the basics of how financial statements are prepared and how to use them.

Wednesday, September 25
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Please call (818) 990-0176 to RSVP

Decadence: A Fine Wine, Gourmet Food & Chocolate Tasting Fundraiser

Would you like to sample sumptuous chocolate desserts and fine wines as you stroll among a large assortment of classic, rare and one-of-a-kind collectible automobiles at one of LA’s most exclusive and private car collections.

Saturday, September 28
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The Collection
15600 Roscoe Blvd.
Van Nuys

To purchase tickets please visit http://movinglivesforward.org/news-events/events/decadence-fine-wine-gourmet-food-chocolate-tasting-event-0


Devonshire PALS 40th Birthday Party

Come celebrate on September 28 at the Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire Youth Center. Join us for food, fun and live music as the friends of PALS past and present gather together for the birthday celebration of the year. LAPD Devonshire PALS is dedicated to developing character in youth, reducing juvenile crime and creating safer communities.


Saturday, September 28
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Devonshire PALS
8721 Wilbur Ave.
Northridge


Tickets will be sold at $60.00 per person and to purchase tickets please click this link.

Senior Resources Expo

The North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Facey Medical Group, and Providence Holy Cross Hospital are sponsoring the second annual Senior Expo. This year's Expo will be held at Facey Medical Center on Sepulveda Blvd, between San Fernando Mission Blvd and Rinaldi Street. There is no cost to attend. The purpose of the Expo is two-fold; to provide useful information about general healthcare and make available to the community no-cost health screenings, and, for the growing senior community and those dealing with issues surrounding the care of their senior loved ones, introduction to the various professional service providers available to them.

Saturday, September 28
9:00 am -1:00 pm

Facey Medical Center
11333 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Mission Hills

For questions regarding the Expo, call the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at (818) 349-5676

National Plug In Day - Northridge

Dozens of electric vehicle drivers and enthusiasts will meet together to highlight the fun, clean-air benefits, and cost-savings of electric cars on September 29. The event is part of the third annual National Plug In Day. Dealerships including Zero Motorcycles and Nissan will bring cars with product specialists to give test drives. Similarly, various electric vehicles from Tesla to Chevrolet will be present. Northridge’s event is one of more than 60 across the country where electric vehicle owners and their neighbors will hold electric car, “tailpipe-free” tailgate parties, recognition of leaders promoting EVs, launches of new public EV charging stations, and other public events.

Bring your car, or just stop by to see the technology of a gas free lifestyle. Owners can talk, and enthusiasts can test drive the vehicles. Cars include the BMW Active E, which less than 600 were released or the Nissan Leaf, which is the best-selling electric vehicle of all time and everywhere in between. Please RSVP so that we can get a general head count. All plug in electric vehicles are welcome!

Sunday, September 29

10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Bob's Big Boy
8876 Corbin Ave.
Northridge

Click here for more information on this event.

Imagine Job and Resource Fair

CD 12 is happy to partner with Shepherd of the Hills Church for the Imagine Job and Resource Fair. The goal of the event is for everyone in and around the San Fernando Valley who is in need of a Job and/or resources to have the opportunity to attend.Tuesday, October 1st is the "Prepare Fair" which will feature free assistance with resumes, interview skills, and credit counseling as well as free professional services including wardrobe, make-up and hair. Wednesday, October 2nd is the "Job and Resource Fair" with workshops, resume coaches and job recruiters.

Tuesday, October 1
(By Appointment)
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Wednesday, October 2
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Shepherd of the Hills Church
19700 Rinaldi St.
Porter Ranch

To schedule an appointment for the “Prepare Fair” please go towww.imaginejobfair.com. And to get more information about the event please call (818)831-9333

Granada Hills Community Blood Drive

The Granada Hills Rotary Club will be holding a community blood drive. Last year, teaming with AYSO Regions 8 and 174, over 400 pints of blood valued at approximately $140,000 were donated to Providence Holy Cross Center, Kaiser Permanente, Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Red Cross.

Saturday, October 5
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Granada Hills Recreation Center
16730 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills

North Valley Youth Sports Complex
13225 Whistler Ave.
Granada Hills

If you have any questions please call the Granada Hills Rotary Club at(818)388-6428.

 6th Annual Valley Emergency Disaster Preparedness Fair

Get preparedness information from the Red Cross, the Gas Company, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and many others. Learn how to volunteer with emergency response organizations like Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), California Emergency Mobile Patrol and Civil Air Patrol.

Saturday, October 5
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Fire Station 87
10124 Balboa Blvd.
North Hills

23rd Annual Pioneer Day at Chatsworth Park South

Attend Pioneer Day at Chatsworth Park South. This fundraising event is for the Minnie Palmer Homestead Acre and the preservation of Chatsworth History. This event will be featuring a chili cook off, Quilt weaving, Black Smithing demos, Gold Panning, and different arts crafts.

Sunday, October 6
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Minnie Palmer Homestead Acre at Chatsworth Park South
10385 Shadow Oak Dr.
Chatsworth

It is $5 donation to attend the event and if you have any questions please call Ann Vincent at (818) 882-5614

The West Hills Optimist Club Presents “Blithe Spirit”

"Blithe Spirit" is a comedic play written by Noël Coward. The play concerns the socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to his house to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when he is haunted by the ghost of his annoying and temperamental first wife, Elvira, after the séance. Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles's marriage to his second wife, Ruth, who cannot see or hear the ghost.

Saturday, October 12
Play starts at 8:00 pm

West Valley Playhouse
7242 Owensmouth Ave.
Canoga Park

Tickets are $28 per person. If you have any questions please call Kathy Willets at (818) 970-7200

Reports From Our Staff

Our District Director, Megan Cottier, currently serves as President of the San Fernando Valley Jaycees. She shares that the San Fernando Valley Jaycees have begun the nomination process for the “Launch of LeadershipSFV” program in partnership with the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA). LeadershipSFV is a year-long program that connects the Valley’s up-and-coming leaders to the public, private and nonprofit leadership opportunities available in the region. The program builds on the Valley Leadership Program which was developed by VICA in 1991.

LeadershipSFV is looking for participants who have the potential and desire to take leadership roles with their Valley employer and/or on Valley-based boards, commissions, neighborhood councils and nonprofits. Nominations and applications are due by October 4. More information on the program is available here. Click here to view the Daily News article on this program.


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