Englander E-News: Protecting Street Memorials; Holiday Events and Safety Tips and More

Ensuring the Protection of Street Memorials… 
Last Friday, I authored and submitted a motion instructing the Bureau of Street Services and the Bureau of Sanitation to report to the Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee, to establish compassionate guidelines and policies to allow for the display and removal of temporary street memorials being placed in the public right-of-way, being sensitive to the families grieving over their lost loved ones.

In the immediate aftermath of the Chatsworth Metrolink Train Crash in 2008, families paid tribute to their loved ones by displaying several dozen memorials on Chatsworth Street. Understanding that the community needed a place for grieving and of remembrance, a permanent memorial was commissioned and placed at Stoney Point Park. While permanent memorials are often constructed in remembrance of life lost in tragedy, that’s not always the case.

Informal street memorials are commonly embraced as a way to honor loved ones, especially those that have lost their lives in traffic collisions. Throughout the City, we have seen memorials set up in the public right-of-way as a place of grieving, whether it be family members placing pictures, candle light vigils, to more organized memorials such as the ones placed by Ghost Bikes. Given the number of hit and run collisions that happen every year, an estimated 20,000 according to a recent Los Angeles Police Department report, it is important that the City of Los Angeles be thoughtful about its policies as it pertains to street memorials.

Currently, the City municipal code stipulates that all items blocking the public right-of-way must be immediately removed. While the Investigation and Enforcement Division of Bureau of Street Services and the Bureau of Sanitation do their best to be sensitive to the families in mourning, because of the ad hoc and temporary nature of these memorials, notification for removal can be difficult to achieve. We need a clear process to address the placement and removal of these memorials.

Additionally, there is inconsistent policies pertaining to street memorials, including the duration a memorial can possibly remain in the public right-of-way, which department is responsible for the notification and which for the removal, who to contact for notification of removal, and the notification process, since some memorials are removed without any advanced notice.

-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District 

Community Integration Services Celebrates 7 Years of Service…

Our Field Deputy, Jessie Levine, joined Community Integration Services (CIS) at their 7th Anniversary Celebration and Thanksgiving celebration on November 27.

Opened in 2006, CIS is a non-profit organization in Granada Hills serving high need seniors with aging challenges, seniors of various cultures, adults of all ages with developmental disabilities and our participants’ caregivers. 

-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

VIDEO: A Message from Federal Emergency Management Agency on Portable Heater Safety

The Los Angeles Fire Department Teams Up with Empower LA...
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is developing a new, community-driven strategic plan and is teaming up with EmpowerLA to get information from the community on their strategic plan.

The partnership between the two city departments is the first of its kind and assists in connecting us to Los Angeles residents, to engage them in the process of charting our organization’s future.

The process went live at the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Coalition (LANCC) meeting held November 2 when LAFD Chief John Drake and Captain Kristin Crowley presented the plan to leaders from all 95 Neighborhood Councils.

Simply put, in order to dedicate time, energy, and resources on services most desired by its community, your LAFD seeks to understand community priorities, expectations, and areas of concern. 

Your perspectives and input will be utilized in the development and creation of the LAFD's community driven strategic plan.

Make your voice heard! Join in the conversation by taking a quickelectronic survey and help your Los Angeles Fire Department develop an optimal public service model. 

--Erik Scott, Spokesman, Los Angeles Fire Department

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 athttp://laparks.com/pdf/comInput.pdf.

It fill out the survey please visit www.laparks.org.

-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District 

Accepting Nominations for “The Valley of the Stars: Reaching New Heights”....
The Valley Economic Alliance will be accepting nominations for “The Valley of the Stars: Reaching New Heights” event commemorating the 20thAnniversary of the Northridge Earthquake. The event will take place on January 17, 2014 from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at California State University, Northridge.

The Valley Economic Alliance will be celebrating the outstanding economic growth and countless achievements that have taken place since the earthquake in 1994. Several heroes will be recognized and awarded for playing a major role in helping the Valley rebuild and recover, and whose exceptional courage and dedication helped thousands of citizens throughout that devastating time.

Please use the form at the following link to nominate an individual, business or institution worthy of this honor and a reason for nomination.

-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, January 7
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.

ranada 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.

Free Training for Job Seekers…
The LA Fellows are holding three job training session in December.

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.

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 or jessie.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.

North Valley Military Institute's Toys for Tots...
North Valley Military Institute is hosting the 1st Annual Toys for Tots Drive. There will be a special appearance by the US Marine Corps. In honor of the Toys for Tots drive, Mission Bowl will be offering a buy 1 get 1 free bowling coupons for the evening. Be sure to bring your kids to visit Santa Claus.

December 14, 2013
9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Mission Hills Bowl
10430 Sepulveda Blvd.
Mission Hills

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. For more information visit: 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 Field Deputy, Millie Jones, and her adopted shelter cat, Cody, would like to remind everyone of the importance of keeping your furry friends safe during the holidays.

Ward off an emergency trip to the veterinarian by helping your pets avoid some of these common holiday hazards:

• “People” food, scraps and turkey bones
• Chocolate and other caffeinated products
• Christmas tree decorations ornaments, tinsel, ribbons
• Toxic plants poinsettias, holly, mistletoe
• Holiday lighting
• Keep candles out of your pet’s reach
• Place all potentially hazardous items out of pets’ reach
• Keep trash out of reach of pets or outdoor animals

The best gifts to give your pets:

• Collar and Identification tags
• Microchip your pets
• Keep vaccinations up to date
• Spay or neuter your pets

Give your pets plenty of love, cuddles and exercise, even during the busiest of holidays. Keep a close eye on your pets during the holidays and enjoy the season!