Politics & Government

Englander E-News: Public Pools Open, Summer Concert Series and More

Securing the City's Cyber Infrastructure

This week, Mayor-Elect Eric Garcetti and I submitted a proposal to create a Cyber security working group to secure the City’s critical infrastructure systems against possible terrorist attacks.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Cyber attacks are the number one global security threat. This is the first time that Cyber attacks have been ranked above terrorism and organized crime in the Defense Department’s annual assessment.   The City of Los Angeles’ key role in the global economy makes its digitally connected infrastructure a compelling target for Cyber attack.

Cyber attacks aimed at the critical network infrastructure of the City of Los Angeles such as the Department of Water and Power, the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport, the Department of Transportation, Police, Fire, and Sanitation, could create financial chaos, shut down critical services, and put lives at risk.

In light of recent national and international events in Russia, Israel and China, and as technology continues to become more and more advanced, we must be constantly vigilant that our core services are protected.

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These attackers do not walk through airport security and they can affect thousands people’s daily lives over an extended period of time.  It is critically important that we evaluate the security of our Cyber network infrastructure and provide the City of Los Angeles resources to protect its citizens. 

Our Second Census Grant Writers Workshop was a Big Success!

This Wednesday, more than twenty participants came to our Community Service Center to learn how to use census statistics to more effectively write grant proposals. Workshop participants included Valley Village, Porter Ranch Community School, SFV Chinese Cultural Association, Hope of the Valley, West Hills Neighborhood Council, and Department of Recreation and Parks.

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Workshop demonstrations were provided on how to navigate and pull up demographic data from the new and improved census website and how to locate census demographics to help build an effective case for project funding. Participants were also shown how to write a narrative using census data, tips on how to write strong grant proposals, and were introduced to different types of available data products.

If you missed the workshop but are interested in conducting a census workshop for your own organization, contact Semee Park at (818) 882-1212 or email Semee.Park@lacity.org. 

“Ride the COLT” Community Bike Ride

Last Sunday, I was proud to sponsor the “Ride the COLT” Community Bike Ride with the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council. The ride introduced residents to the Chatsworth Orange Line and the many businesses and residential areas along the route.

The "Ride the COLT (Chatsworth Orange Line Tour)" is a community led initiative organized by Jesse Fuller and Matt Weintraub, a member of the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council committee for Public Safety and Transportation, in order to introduce residents to the Chatsworth Orange Line and promoting the many businesses and residential areas along the route.

As part of my office’s “Year of Healthy Living” campaign, this community event promotes active lifestyle by encouraging cycling as a positive form of family entertainment, exercise, and alternative mode of transportation while teaching children and adults about bicycle safety.

Mayor-Elect Garcetti’s Town Hall Meeting at CSUN

I was proud to have Mayor-Elect Eric Garcetti host a Community Town Hall at Cal State University, Northridge last Wednesday. The Mayor-Elect came to the Twelfth District to listen to your vision for the San Fernando Valley and your ideas for improving the City of Los Angeles.

This event was part of Mayor-Elect Garcetti’s effort to connect with Angelenos to identify the best solutions to improve our economy, make City Hall work better, and strengthen our neighborhoods. Thanks to all who attended. This was the largest turnout of all the outreach meetings he has hosted citywide thus far.

Public Pools in Los Angeles Open This Weekend!

The summer swimming season is here and L.A.'s 48 public pools open this Saturday, June 15 and remain open through September 1! Admission is free for kids under 17, seniors and people with disabilities. The pools are open1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on weekends, and for the first week, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm weekdays. After the first week, they are open 11:00 a m to 6:00 pm on weekdays.

Our public pools are a wonderful resource, offering kids and adults in the community a great, economical way to cool off, get exercise and have fun!

GRANADA HILLS POOL
16730 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills
818-360-7107

NORTHRIDGE POOL 
10058 Reseda Blvd., Northridge 
(818) 709-7475

CANOGA
 PARK - LANARK PARK 
21817 Strathern St., Canoga Park 
(818) 756-9364

VAN NUYS/SHERMAN OAKS WAR MEMORIAL PARK 
14201 Huston St., Van Nuys
 (818) 783-6721

The City’s Aquatics facilities include regular public swimming pools with a wide variety of amenities, programs, sports and classes for children, adults and people with disabilities and competitive athletes in training. The City also offers a Junior Lifeguard Training Program designed to prepare young people who are interested in pursuing a career as a Lifeguard. 

CD12 Photo Contest

As part of our “Year of Healthy Living,” Councilmember Englander is hosting a District 12 Photo Contest. We are seeking submissions of photographs depicting examples of healthy living. District 12 boasts the most public parks in Los Angeles, providing photographers a wide variety of opportunities to capture examples of a healthy lifestyle. However, healthy living means more than just eating vegetables and exercising. It also means taking care of our community, our environment, our mental health and more. There is a lot of room for creativity in the “Year of Healthy Living” Photo Contest.

After an initial screening process, photos will be posted on our contest Facebook page. Finalists will be determined by how many “likes” your photo gets on the Facebook page and five winners will be chosen by Councilmember Englander. The finalists and winners will have their work proudly displayed at Councilmember Englander’s Community Service Center in Chatsworth.

Click here to visit our CD12 Photo Contest Facebook page.

For more information please contact Semee Park at (818) 882-1212 or email at semee.park@lacity.org.

The Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce’s Business Academy

The Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce is launching a Business Academy. The Business Academy is a practical, educational program designed to strengthen the business acumen and skill set of small business owners.

Course Work Dates:
Friday, June 14 
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Saturday, June 22
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday, June 28
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tuition Fees:
$350.00 for Chamber Members
$550.00 for Non Chamber Members

The course work module covers the following topics: Marketing and Sales, Social Media, Customer Engagement, Strategic Partnerships, Business Modeling and Communications Styles. The second module consists of break out groups in which each member is given an opportunity to be the sole focus of the group for one meeting. The designated business owner will present their business model and challenges for group discussion and feedback.

For more information call (818) 341-2428 or visitwww.chatsworthchamber.com.

Northridge Fashion Center Summer Sounds Concert Series

Northridge Fashion Center is spotlighting local musicians every Thursdayin June at our outdoor Theater Plaza, located near Yard House, from5pm-7pm, weather permitting. 

Join the Northridge Fashion Center as they introduce this music series to the community and show off great talent! Bring a blanket and cozy up with the family for an entertaining evening.


Thursday, June 20 - Just Dave Band 
Thursday, June 27 - Angela Mukul (Acoustic Duo)
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Northridge Fashion Center Outdoor Theater Plaza
9301 Tampa Avenue
Northridge

Valley Village Showtime!

Valley Village Showtime! is a fundraising extravaganza that is coming up on June 15. Popular comedian/actor Bob Saget will return as host, and Jeremy Hotz will be the guest comedian. Valley Village, a nonprofit based in the San Fernando Valley, provides family-style homes and day programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Sheraton Universal Hotel will host Valley Village's Showtime! for the seventh year in a row. The day begins at 10 a.m. with an elegant garden party on the lawn, featuring champagne, hors d’oeuvres and the music of the West 79th Street Funk Jazz Band. At the outdoor boutiques and silent auction, shoppers will discover unique fashion, décor, gift and entertainment offerings.

The Showtime! online auction has also returned, running until June 7 place your bids at www.biddingforgood.com/valleyvillage. The 2012 online auction raised nearly $5,000 prior to the annual luncheon.

Saturday, June 15
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Tickets: $100.00
Please order tickets by June 7

The Sheraton Universal
333 Universal Hollywood Drive
Universal City

For more information please call (818) 587-9450, ext. 120, or emailinfo@valleyvillage.org. You can also visit Valley Villiage online atwww.valleyvillage.org.

Corral 54’s Trail Ride with Councilmember Englander

Corral 54, a division of Equestrian Trails International, is planning a trail ride on June 22 out of the newly opened Aliso Canyon Park. The loop ride will be about 1-3/4 hours long on the Palisades, Limekiln, Sesnon and Aliso trails. The Corral will host lunch under the Christine Smith pavilion after the ride. A $5 donation is suggested. You must bring your own horse for the ride, no rentals will be available.

Saturday, June 22
10:00 am - Ride Begins
Please plan to come early to sign your release
12:00 pm - Lunch

Aliso Canyon Park
East of Reseda between Sesnon & Rinaldi in Northridge

Start making your plans now to join the ride and have a talk with Councilman Englander! Don’t forget to bring your friends along too, though space is limited due to parking availability. For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Charlotte Brodie at 818-892-3862 orcharlottebeast@msn.com.
American Youth Soccer Organization Registration
American Youth Soccer Organization ("AYSO") Region 174 (North Valley) will be accepting registrations for their Fall 2013 soccer season on Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23. Registration will be held at the soccer complex next to the Metropolitan Water District’s Joseph Jensen Water Filtration Facility.

Saturday, June 22
Sunday, June 23
9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Joseph Jensen Water Filtration Facility
13100 Balboa Blvd
Granada Hills

Registration is open to all kids who will be between the ages of 4 to 18 years old as of July 31, 2013. 

AYSO is a volunteer organization dedicated to providing a healthy soccer experience for young people from the ages of 4 to 19. AYSO is based upon six guiding principles: Open Registration, Good Sportsmanship, Balanced Teams, Everyone Plays, Positive Coaching, and Player Development. AYSO stresses a positive attitude at all times. Soccer should be fun!

As a part of Councilmember Englander's "Year of Healthy Living" we are proud to promote Youth Soccer as a great way for kids to get out and get active!

For more information please visit www.ayso174.org.

Table Game Fun-Raiser

The Jennifer Diamond Cancer foundation is hosting a table game fundraiser on June 22. Bring your favorite board game to play with your friends and help to support the Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation. Your $30 donation includes a delicious lunch. Please RSVP by Sunday, June 16.

Saturday, June 22
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation
9410 Owensmouth Avenue
Chatsworth

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, June 28,
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. Come and you could win tickets to the Hollywood Bowl!

For more information please contact (818) 341-8888 or info@we-shops.com.

LAPD Devonshire PALS Golf Invitational

On Monday, July 8, the LAPD Devonshire PALS will celebrate their 34th Grand Golf Invitational at Porter Valley Country Club. This sell-out event will feature “hole-in-one” prizes to inspire all the golfers' talents, along with “closest to the pin challenge” to win more prizes.

Porter Valley Country Club
19216 Singing Hills Drive
Northridge

During the evening dinner, non-golfers will join in as well to participate in the opportunity drawing and live auction, with tons of great items.

All proceeds from the PALS Golf Tournament go directly to our youth programs. We hope you can join us to support the children in our community.

For sponsorship, golfer, and dinner information, click here or contact Sally Barnes, Golf Committee Chair, at golf@devonshire-pals.org.

Reports From Our Staff:

Our Legislative Deputy, Alexis Marin, would like to remind you to protect your home from fire by safely clearing excess brush. Brush fires occur year round however, low rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create very dry conditions especially from May to December.

Remember that when clearing your brush, safety is very important.  In recent years many brush fires have started by homeowners attempting to clear their brush.  Many times, the sparks produced from metal blades on motorized equipment have started fires. The following are simple guidelines for homeowners to follow to clear their brush safely: 

  • Always have a water source readily available.  A fire extinguisher, garden hose or a few buckets of water. 
  •  Avoid clearing brush during the peak temperatures of the day, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.
  • Only use properly maintained motorized equipment and have a spark arrester when required. 
  • Do not refuel motorized equipment while motor is running.  Use approved fuel-dispensing containers only. 
  • Always make sure the hot exhaust on any motorized equipment is clear of any vegetation.
  • Do not use metal blades on weed whackers/whips.  Use nylon line or plastic blades instead.   
  • Always wear safety glasses and gloves.  Hard hats and dust masks are recommended.

For more tips and information on brush clearance visitWWW.LAFD.ORG/BRUSH


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