The 28th Annual City Hall Menorah Lighting Ceremony.
This week, we celebrate for the first time since 1888, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah in the same week. I was honored to join Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles David Siegel, City Attorney Mike Feuer and my fellow City Councilmembers, Nury Martinez, Paul Koretz, Paul Kerkorian, Felipe Fuentes, Mike Bonin, and Mitch O’Farrell and Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, head of Chabad of California, in the 28th Annual City Hall Menorah Lighting Ceremony.
The 17th century Katowitz Menorah which was used this year is the only ritual object left after the Great Katowitz Synagogue in southern Poland was burned in 1938 following the Nazis’ Kristallnacht or “Night of Broken Glass,” a series of coordinated attacks against Jews, mainly in Germany and Austria.
Councilman Mitchell Englander and Mayor Eric Garcetti (l-r) share a smile during the annual Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony on the steps of City Hall Tuesday Nov. 26, 2013, in Los Angeles, CA.(Andy Holzman/Los Angeles Daily News)
The menorah was saved from destruction by being hidden underground and was later gifted to Chabad. It will be displayed in City Hall’s rotunda for the duration of Hanukkah, the eight-day commemoration of the temple rededication that followed the Maccabees’ triumph over a larger Syrian army in 165 B.C.
This holiday, it is my hope that you and your family will reflect on your blessings and have a wonderful and blessed holiday.
Click here to view more pictures from this event.
-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District
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DWP Moratorium on Shut Off Notices and Virtual Hold System Implemented….
This week, the Department of Water and Power (DWP) implemented both a virtual hold system and a moratorium on shut off notices during the holiday season as directed in my motions last week.
Last week, I authored a motion to implement a customer call back feature for the DWP’s Customer Service System in order to minimize wait times and facilitate the needs of its customers. This feature allows customers to receive a call back from the Department instead of having to wait on hold. These customer call back systems have been used effectively in the private sector and function in a manner that ensures customers convenience.
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Additionally, my motion requesting that the Department of Water and Power (DWP) suspend the issuance of disconnection notices pending correcting problems with the newly implemented billing and customer service system was passed unanimously by the City Council. The fear of disconnection from vital utilities is unfair to those who are essentially unable to resolve these problems due to inadequacies within the DWP’s new billing and customer service system.
-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District
Reseda Boulevard’s Holiday Lighting Project Gets Underway…
This past Saturday, the Northridge community joined together to beautify Reseda Boulevard for the holiday season.
This project was a true partnership between my office, the Korean Senior Citizens' Association of the San Fernando Valley, Northridge South Neighborhood Council and local residents.
The City provided clean up tools and the holiday lights were funded by Northridge South Neighborhood Council. Nearby residents collectively worked together to hang the solar paneled holiday lights onto parkway trees on Reseda Boulevard to spread a little holiday cheer.
The purpose of this project was to highlight, Reseda Boulevard, the main business corridor of Northridge, and to show the community the power of volunteerism. With the completion of the Northridge Vision report, this is another example of a grass roots volunteer project to spur economic and community development in Northridge.
-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District
Don't Forget to Shop Big on Small Business Saturday
Black Friday Safety Tips...
This year many shoppers will be out early to find those big bargains on Black Friday or online for Cyber Monday, but the criminals will be out too. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has 10 great tips to help you shop safely while getting those great holiday bargains throughout the shopping season.
1.Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
2.Shop online with companies you know and trust. Check a company’s background if you are not familiar with it. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
3.Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
4.Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
5.Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
6.Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
7.Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
8.Do not leave packages visible from your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.
9.Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.
10.If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated. Select a central meeting place and make sure they know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.
To find more useful shopping tips and personal safety information, visit the National Crime Prevention Council’s website.
--National Crime Prevention Council
Input Needed on Recreation and Parks Operations...
The Department of Recreation and Parks is holding community workshops throughout the city to seek input and comments for their next fiscal year. The Department has created a survey to strategically plan the delivery of maintenance services and provide operational support to parks and recreation centers. The full schedule of meetings is available at http://laparks.com/pdf/comInput.pdf.
It fill out the survey please visit www.laparks.org.
-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District
Sign Up Now for One-On-One Help With Representatives of City Departments at Our Community Service Center...
We are now taking reservations for community members to meet one-on-one with representatives of City Departments at our Community Service Center in Chatsworth.
We have regularly scheduled time slots for community members to meet with the Planning, Police, Transportation (LADOT), Housing, Community Development and Neighborhood Empowerment Departments and the Bureau of Sanitation. This will offer community members a chance to get information and assistance in Chatsworth without having to travel all the way to Downtown.
The following Departments are currently taking appointments:
Department of Building and Safety
Tuesday, December 3
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Our Community Service Center is located at 9207 Oakdale Ave., Second Floor, in Chatsworth.
For more information call Kathy Lettieri at 818-882-1212 or emailKathy.Lettieri@lacity.org.
CSUN Administrator Meet and Greet…
Residents of Northridge, here is your chance to meet key administrators that work in California State University Northridge. This meeting is an opportunity to discuss campus happenings, hear your concerns on an array of issues and, most importantly, strengthen the overall communication between the campus and immediate surrounding community.
Monday, December 2
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
CSUN Sierra Hall, Whitsett Room (4th Floor)
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge
Please feel free to share this information with other university neighbors whom might be interested. For planning purposes, we appreciate your RSVP by November 25 to Susan Widelitz at susan.widelitz@csun.edu or(818) 677-2123.
Free Training for Job Seekers…
The LA Fellows are holding three job training session in December.
Friday, December 6
10:00 am
Pacoima EDD/WorkSource
11623 Glen Oaks Blvd.
Pacoima
Wednesday, December 11
9:00 am
Tuesday, December 17
9:00 am
Los Angeles Valley College Library
5800 Fulton Ave.
Room 200 A, 2nd Floor
Valley Glen
The LA Fellows are motivated, hard-working, enthusiastic individuals, with solid work experience, who are looking for their next career opportunity. LA Fellows volunteer their time and talents by sharing their professional expertise at local nonprofit organizations through meaningful project based roles. Throughout the program, LA Fellows will gain invaluable career growth skills, job search assistance, and receive the opportunity to give back to the community while they seek full-time employment.
For more information visit www.lafellows.org or call 818.947.2941.
Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Boutique…
Join the Chatsworth- Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce and Our Community School in a Holiday Boutique. Enjoy great food, music and fun. Activities include a gift wrapping station and a photo booth with Santa Clause.
Our Community School
10045 Jumilla Ave.
Chatsworth
Saturday, December 7
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
For more information please contact (818) 341-2428.
Veteran’s Holiday Celebration…
The 21st Annual Veterans’ Celebration is FREE to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families. Please join us for great fun, delicious food, and live entertainment, featuring Jim Belushi & the Sacred Hearts Band.
Sunday, December 8
12:00 pm – 5:30 pm
VA Hospital West LA
11301 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles
For more information or to become a volunteer please visithttp://www.vhcevent.org/volunteer.htm.
To register Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their familieshttp://vhcevent.org/veteransregistration.htm.
The 30th Annual Granada Hills Parade...
This year's Grand Marshall will be Tom Kenney, the well-known voice of Sponge Bob Square Pants. Los Angeles City Council President Pro Tempore Mitchell Englanderwill be the Civic Marshall. Over 140 entries are expected for the parade, including the Wells Fargo Stagecoach. Everyone is urged to arrive at the parade by 1:00 p.m. to get front row viewing. Awards will be presented following the parade at Granada Hills Charter High School in Highlander Hall.
Sunday, December 8
1:30 pm
Parade will begin at Petit Ave. and continue on Chatsworth Ave. and end at Zelzah St. and Kingsbury Ave.
Granada Hills Youth Recreation Center Inaugural Golf Tournament…
The Granada Hills Youth Recreation Center will be having its Inaugural Golf Tournament. The money raised in the tournament is for the GHYRC to use for its Athletic Facilities.
Monday, December 9
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Porter Valley Country Club
19216 Singing Hills Dr.
Northridge
If you have any questions please contact Mike Chibidakis, the tournament director, at (818) 399-2403.
LAPD Devonshire PALS 30th Annual Holiday Toy Drive...
CD 12 is proud to support the toy drive for underserved youth in our community hosted by the LAPD Devonshire PALS Center. Toys can be dropped off at our Community Service Center located at:
Council District 12
Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth
PALS Center
8721 Wilbur Ave.
Northridge
Devonshire Police Station
10250 Etiwanda Ave.
Northridge
The final day to drop off toys is Friday, December 13. The 30th Annual Toy Drive is on December 14 at 9:00 AM.
Please help us present 1,000 local children with toys at this year's event!
We are looking for community groups and businesses to help us collect toys by organizing toy drives and collecting personal donations. A toy collection box can be provided upon request. If you are interested, please contact Jessie Levine, Field Deputy at (818) 882-1212 orjessie.levine@lacity.org
Parents need to attend with their children to receive a toy. No reservations are necessary.
Join the California Retired Teachers Association for Lunch…
Join the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) Division 19 for lunch. Multi-talented speaker, Paul Gale will share his talents as a Certified Physical Trainer and children’s author. Members of the San Fernando Valley Male Chorus will lead a volunteer chorale to provide seasonal musical entertainment.
Friday, December 13
10:00 am
Northridge Women’s Club
18401 Lassen St.
Northridge
Enrich your retirement experience, meet new friends, and browse our boutiques and book sales tables.
For reservations and a $15.00 catered lunch call Diane Kleinfeld, 818-360-5014.
The 30th Annual Chatsworth Kiwanis Parade...
The 30th Annual Chatsworth Kiwanis Parade will take place onSunday, December 15th. The Parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. and travel eastbound on Devonshire Street from Jordan Ave to Lurline Ave. This year's theme is Winter Carnival. A Car Show and Festival will also take place from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Canoga Ave. between Devonshire St and Lassen Ave. This family friendly event will feature games, face painting, arts and crafts and much more. Admission is free.
Sunday, December 15
1:00 pm
Eastbound on Devonshire St. from Jordan Ave. to Lurline Ave.
For more information visit http://www.chatsworthholidayparade.org/
Valley Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s Holiday Concert…
Come and enjoy your Valley's young musicians in a winter concert for the whole family, led by distinguished Conductor, Dr. Henry Shin.
Sunday, December 15
7:30 pm
In Christ Community Church (former World Vision Church)
19514 Rinaldi St.
Northridge
Program includes Verdi, Strauss, Rodgers, Borodin & Holiday Music. For advance discount tickets contact Jackie at 213-458-4618orjackiek818@juno.com. http://valleyphil.org
Granada Hills Clothing Drive…
The Granada Hills Woman's Club will be collecting used clothing for Genesis House, a home for homeless women and children and Hope of the Valley rescue mission. Gently used men's, women's and children's clothing is needed. Clothing can be brought to the Council Office or the Granada Hills Chamber office.
Council District 12 Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth
Granada Hills Woman's Club
10666 White Oak Ave.
Granada Hills
If you need more information pleases call Virginia Snow at (818) 363-0848.
Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce 8th Annual Legends & Heroes Luncheon…
Join the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce in their 8th Annual Legends and Heroes Luncheon. The Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating the individuals that are making a difference in the community.
Wednesday, December 18
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Porter Valley Country Club
19216 Singing Hills Dr.
Porter Ranch
For More Information please call 818-341-2428
San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center’s Toy Drive…
Please help the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center provide gifts to our deserving children by donating a new toy or gift for infants through teenagers. New toys or gifts may be dropped off at:
San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center’s
16360 Roscoe Blvd., 2nd Floor
Van Nuys
The last day to drop-off toys is Monday, December 23.
For more information please call (818) 901-4830 or visit our website atwww.MovingLivesForward.org.
Reports From Our Staff:
Our Executive Assistant, Cindy Varela, would like to remind you that with the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, the City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department will be accepting household fryer oil for recycling at their S.A.F.E. (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Electronics) Centers. Pouring oil down the kitchen sink or drains can clog up your house plumbing and sewer pipes and may cause sewage backups and overflows. Let’s take care of our environment as we celebrate the holidays.
The closest S.A.F.E. Center is the Nicole Bernson S.A.F.E. Center located at 10241 N. Balboa Boulevard in Northridge. They are open Saturday andSunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information please visitwww.lacitysan.org or call (800) 773-2489. Please note no oil will be accepted from businesses.
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