Englander E-news: Save Our Streets; Sock Drive and More...

The proposal was introduced late last year. Councilmember Buscaino and I have taken the past seven months to do extensive outreach on the proposal. The results of that outreach were compiled into a report comprised of 24 recommendations, which will now be analyzed and researched by the City Administrative Officer (CAO) and the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA) in coordination with various City departments. On August 7, 2013 the Public Works Committee unanimously supported the 24 recommendations put forth by Councilmembers Buscaino and myself.

Our streets are the foundation of our city. Poor pavement conditions affect every Angelino, every day, whether by increased traffic, slower public safety response or decreased property values. It is vital that we invest in our infrastructure to improve our quality of life and our City.

For more information visit the Save Our Streets L.A. website:https://sites.google.com/site/saveourstreetsla/

DWP Contract Moves Forward

The proposed contract agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the union that represents most DWP workers, marks an unprecedented level of cooperation between the City Council, Mayor, City Attorney and City Controller, for the benefit of all DWP ratepayers.

The proposal represents a huge milestone in the City’s labor negotiations with DWP. Raises that were due to the 8,000-plus member bargaining unit in October, will be deferred until 2016, and then be reduced to 2%, down from as much as 4%. This is the first time in two decades that the DWP will not be receiving a yearly raise. Additionally, hard fought concessions on sick time certification, entry-level salary reductions and a reduction in “contracting-out” overtime, when combined with the three-year salary freeze will amount to a savings of approximately $415 million over the four-year term of the contract, and an estimated $4.227 billion over 30-years (present value at 2.9%).

There will be a new pension tier created for all incoming DWP employees, that reduces the maximum benefit by 20%, increases the retirement age to 63 years (up from 55) and reduces cost of living adjustments (COLAs) to a maximum 2%. The pension calculation will now be based on the highest three-year average of pay (compared to the highest single year salary) and employees will contribute toward their pension and retiree healthcare. Additionally, the healthcare subsidy is reduced from two-party coverage to single-party coverage. The savings for Tier 2 is estimated to be $41 million over the four-year life of the contract and $1.875 billion (present value) over the next 30-years.

Additionally, the agreement settles a lawsuit against the City by ending reciprocity between the Water and Power Employees’ Retirement Plan (WPERP) and the Los Angeles City Employees Retirement System (LACERS). The value of this settlement is estimated to save the City’s general fun up to $210 million.

The total value of these concessions and the settlement is estimated at $456 million over the four-year contract term and $6.1 billion over a 30-year term. The agreement must now be ratified by the IBEW and approved by the DWP Board of Commissioners, Council and Mayor. The WPERP Tier 2 will also need to be approved by the WPERP Board of Administration.

The agreement also lays the framework for further reform, including of the so-called “work rules” and will bring the many “side agreements” into the light for further negotiation.

According to the Ratepayer Advocate, if ratified, the deal is expected to reduce the upward pressure on rates – which is the best news for ratepayers in CD 12.

Mayor's 2014-2015 Budget to IncludeEnglander's Performance-Based Budgeting Initiative

Last week, Mayor Eric Garcetti released his letter on Citywide Budget Development in preparation for his 2014-2015 Budget Proposal. In the letter, he called for measurable departmental goals and metrics, based on my December 2011 motion to the City Council which asked for the implementation of Performance-Based Budgeting throughout the City of Los Angeles.

As Vice-Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, I have been actively working to create more fiscally sustainable models of service delivery within the City. Reduced revenues require that City funds be spent as effectively and efficiently as possible, making critically important to continually measure and evaluate the performance of our City departments. This process will help the City identify inefficiencies, reduce duplicative functions and ultimately save taxpayer resources.

A citywide Performance-Based Budgeting program will require departments to engage in strategic planning, a best management practice for any well-run organization. I am committed to ensuring that the City of Los Angeles is using your taxpayer funds to most effectively work for you.

Click here to view the motion.

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 at Councilmember.Englander@lacity.org

CD 12 "Crazy Sock Day" Sock Drive

Last Tuesday was “Crazy Sock Day” for the Los Angeles City Councilmembers! The Los Angeles City Council launched a two--week competitive sock drive between the 15 Council Districts in hopes of generating thousands of pairs of new and gently used sock donations for homeless men, women and children in Los Angeles.

The initiative was born out of a gag gift - “crazy socks” - given to all councilmembers by Council President Herb Wesson on the first day of the new Council session.

Each of the City’s fifteen Council offices will compete to see which can most effectively mobilize their networks for the most donations.

Many established charities will provide all types of clothing for the homeless, but, since most people throw out used socks instead of donating them, they are frequently in short supply and there is always a great need.

The drive runs until August 28, and all socks collected will be donated to the Midnight Mission in Downtown Los Angeles and be distributed city-wide.

For every new pair of socks donated Coldwell Banker Quality Properties in Porter Ranch will match the donation.

Let’s make CD 12 the winner of this contest!!!

Please bring your sock donations to the following locations byWednesday, August 28:

CD 12 Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Avenue
Chatsworth
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

City Hall Office
200 N. Spring Street, Room 405
Los Angeles
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

North Valley Family YMCA
11336 Corbin Avenue
Northridge
Monday - Friday, 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Coldwell Banker Quality Properties
11280 Corbin Avenue
Porter Ranch
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm

New Horizons partners with Macy’s for eight annual “Shop for a Cause”

Macy’s will partner with New Horizons to invite customers to participate in Macy’s eighth annual national “Shop For A Cause” charity shopping event on August 24. Customers can purchase shopping passes from New Horizons now. Macy’s “Shop For A Cause” is a unique one-day-only shopping event created to support local charities’ fundraising efforts, which has helped raised more than $46 million for charities across the country since 2006.

Macy’s has provided New Horizons with shopping passes to sell for $5 each. New Horizons will keep 100 percent of every shopping pass it sells. The more New Horizons sells the more money they will raise!

By purchasing a shopping pass from New Horizons, customers help support the programs and services the agency provides to its clients with special needs while enjoying a day of spectacular discounts, entertainment and special events at Macy’s. Pass holders will receive special discounts on most regular, sale and clearance purchases all day, but some exclusions do apply.

Saturday, August 24
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Available at any Macy's Store

Lend a Helping Hand with the Chatsworth Kiwanis Club

The Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth will be conducting a street cleaning on Saturday, for the betterment of the community. The area to be cleaned will be on Chatsworth Street between Mason and DeSoto. Volunteers should report for duty at the corner of Lurline and Chatsworth.

Saturday, August 24
9:00 am. – 11:00 am

Meet at the corner of Lurline Avenue and Chatsworth Street.

The Kiwanians invite all interested volunteers to join with them on Saturday morning and help make this beautification project for Chatsworth a huge success.

For more information please contact Scott Post at 818-535-6028.

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, 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!

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

Diversity of Fundraising Luncheon

On Thursday, September 5, the Association of Fundraising Professionals will be having a panel discussion on diversity in fundraising. Diversity extends beyond finances, gender and race. Hear how our panelists use diversity positively.

Panelists include Semee Park, a Field Deputy from CouncilmemberEnglander's office representing the communities of the northwest San Fernando Valley, and Patricia Garcia, founder of Power Media is well known in the community. Garcia was nominated by the LA Business Journal as one of the finalists amongst a group of extraordinary Latino honorees.

Thursday, September 5
11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Courtyard by Marriot Sherman Oaks
15433 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks

Register now through this link.

"What Ever Happened To Moby Dick?" at the Granada Hills Branch Library

This fall, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Public Library invite you to discover or rediscover the great literary masterpiece, Moby Dick, through the lens of the modern and equally mythical Southern California state of mind. The Granada Hills Brach Library is participating in this program with an informative and fun week of activities about whales. Events include: guest speakers, story time for children, film screenings and more!

Monday, September 9
7:00 pm
Diane Alps of the Los Angeles Chapter of the
American Cetacean Society
Reservations Required

Tuesday, September 10
6:30 pm
Pajama Story time for Kids

Wednesday, September 11
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Presents
“Thar She Blows – A Whale of a Lesson”
Reservations Required

Thursday, September 12
5:00 pm
Screening of “Moby Dick”

Friday, September 13
3:00 pm
Screening of a documentary nature film.

Saturday, September 14
3:00 pm
Alan Salazar, Chumash/Tataviam Storyteller &
Traditional Paddler of Tomols

Granada Hills Branch Library
10640 Petit Avenue
Granada Hills

Join the Granada Hills Branch Library for this whale of a week!

For more information call 818 368-5687.

2013 Texas Hold’em and Blackjack Tournament Fundraiser

Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce will be holding its Annual Fundraiser and is inviting our community members here in Council District 12. On Saturday, September 14 they will have the tournament fundraiser. All proceeds go to the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Saturday, September 14
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm

VFW Post 2323
17552 Chatsworth Street
Granada Hills

For more information call the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce:(818)368-3235

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, CA

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

Reports From Our Staff

Our Field Deputy, Semee Park is a resource for the community helping to answer questions and resolve issues in our neighborhood. This week, while out in the field, Semee reported bulky items left in the parkway via the City's new 3-1-1 app.

Semee is happy to report her experience with the 3-1-1 system was extremely efficient. The app forwarded her request directly to the Bureau of Sanitation. The Bureau automatically responded to Semee's request for pickup by confirming with a service request number. The items were picked up shortly thereafter.

Delivering stellar customer service is one of the main priorities of our office, which is why in 2011, I authored a motion asking the City to look at additional ways to enhance customer service capabilities to our residents. Cick here to view the motion.

Since then, we've seen major improvements including the upgrade of the City's Website (www.LACity.org) where you can make service requests and report issues in the community, and the roll out of the MyLA 311 App (http://lacity.org/MyLA311/index.htm).