ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS - Firestat, Earthquake Safety, Aviation Career Day

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

February 17, 2012

Making America’s Greatest Fire Department Even Greater…
On Friday, Feb. 17, I introduced a motion to implement FIRESTAT, a new system similar to the LAPD’s highly successful COMPSTAT. FIRESTAT will enable us to use today’s leading-edge technology and innovative management techniques to make the best Fire Department in the country even better.

Since 2002, LAPD has implemented a system of addressing crime based on the use of technology and management accountability. COMPSTAT is founded on the principles of accurate and timely intelligence clearly communicated to all, rapid concentrated deployment of resources using the most effective strategies, and relentless follow-up and assessment, to constantly find efficiencies and make improvements. This system has proven highly effective in New York, Washington D.C. and has helped reduce crime rates in Los Angeles to their lowest levels in decades. 

Near real-time data collection and mapping of incidents would be key components of FIRESTAT, as well as frequent meetings to open more dialogue between all levels of the Fire Department. 

Under Chief Brian Cummings’ outstanding leadership the Fire Department has already made great strides in incorporating technology to improve deployment and operational efficiency. FIRESTAT will take this to the next level. The motion requests that the Fire Department report to the Public Safety Committee in 60 days on the capabilities of the technology platforms currently being used by the LAFD, an analysis of the solutions that would be necessary to meet the operational objectives of the Department in the context of “FIRESTAT,” an operational plan for frequent management meetings and a timeline for implementation.  
                 
                       - Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District 


A Year of Emergency Preparedness...
On January 17, the 18th anniversary of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, we kicked off our Year of Emergency Preparedness in Los Angeles. 

Throughout 2012, we will be working on legislation, programs and public awareness efforts to help the residents of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley be prepared for natural or man-made disasters. 

Every week, our newsletter will feature a new item in an Emergency Preparedness Checklist. These are simple steps that everyone in Los Angeles should take in order to be prepared for any disaster. If you follow each item on this checklist, you will be highly prepared at the end of the year. 

Week 6: Have a Plan for Your Pets
Our pets are members of our families, and we need a plan for them in the event of a disaster. Have a rescue alert sticker (available at your local pet supply store) visible in one of your home's windows that lists the number and species of animals in your home. If you take your animals when you evacuate, write "Evacuated" across the alert sticker. 

Keep a back-up a supply of pet food, prescription medications, kitty litter, and essentials. Also, assemble an animal evacuation kit. To learn how, visit theASPCA's website. Keep a pet carrier in your home in case you must evacuate with your pet. 

For Service Animals
If you must evacuate, take your animal with you. The best way to ensure their safety is to evacuate with them. Locate pet-friendly hotels, or pre-arrange to lodge with friends or relatives outside of your immediate area who can accommodate your pets. 

Large Animal Evacuation
In the event of an evacuation ordered by emergency personnel, Los Angeles Animal Services will activate evacuation sites for horses and other large animals. Various locations may be used, depending on the location of the emergency and the area to be evacuated. If there is an emergency in your area and you believe an evacuation may be ordered, or if you have been ordered to evacuate, call West Valley Animal Shelter to get current information on large animal evacuation sites in your area. West Valley Animal Shelter: (818) 756-9325. 

To learn more, visit Los Angeles Animal Services webpage about pet evacuation. 

To see our printable Emergency Preparedness Checklist, with every week's entry, click here. 


City of L.A. Business and City Improvement Survey...
The City is seeking feedback from all residents of Los Angeles on the quality and efficiency of City services and the quality of life in L.A. in order to find ways to improve. The survey responses collected will not only help to make Los Angeles more business-friendly, but will also help assess and improve City services.

This survey is an opportunity for all community members and businesses to have their voices heard. The Controller's office will be collecting survey data over the next several months and will use it to compile ideas and make recommendations on making Los Angeles more efficient.

To take the online survey, visithttps://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lacontrollersurvey 


Northridge Library Used Book Sale...
Friends of the Northridge Library is holding a used book sale on Saturday, March 10 at the Northridge Branch Library. At this sale, there will be special books that have not been displayed in previous sales. Come support the library! Proceeds from the sale go toward purchasing new books and help the library continue its free programs and activities. 

Saturday, March 10
10:00 am to 4:30 pm 
9051 Darby Ave., Northridge

For more information, call Marcy Orkin at (818) 993-9848 or email omarcyo@gmail.com. 



Valentine's Day for Dogs at Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park...
The Department of Recreation and Parks and volunteers from the Sepulveda Basin Off Leash Dog Park Advisory Board
are holding a Valentine’s Day Celebration on Sunday, Feb. 19 for dogs
and their human companions.

Sunday, Feb. 19
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sepulveda Basin Off Leash 
Dog Park
17550 Victory Blvd.
Encino

This fun, free event features a peanut butter lick-off contest for the
dogs; park clean-up; blankets, bedding and food donation collection for dogs in L.A. shelters; and dog adoptions through Best Friends
Animal Society. 

After the event, there will be a low-cost vaccination clinic from 3:30
pm to 5:00 pm. Animal Services Officers will be available to collect
new and renewal applications for dog licenses, discuss LA's mandatory
spay/ neuter law and offer information free or low-cost sterilizations
options. 

For more information, call the Department of Recreation and Parks
Valley Region Office at (818) 756-8185. 



Participate in the 2012/2013 Budget Survey...
A critical part of the budget development process is community input. Under the City Charter every Neighborhood Council may present its input on the City Budget. 

Last year, the Mayor's Community Budget Survey received over 9,500 complete responses and 22,000 comments. In preparation of the Mayor's FY 2012-13 proposed Budget, Neighborhood Councils and community members can use an online survey to give their input on budget priorities and potential measures to balance the budget and improve the City's fiscal health. 

The deadline to participate in the online Budget Survey is Feb. 22. The results of the Budget Survey will be presented to the public in March. 

To see the online Budget Survey, click here. 



"Sky's the Limit" 7th Annual Aviation Career Day at Van Nuys Airport...
Save the date for the 7th Annual Sky's the Limit Aviation Career Day at the historic Synchro Hangar at Van Nuys Airport on Friday, April 20. 

Friday, April 20
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Synchro Hangar
Van Nuys Airport

Every year, this great event offers over 1,400 young people the chance to learn about the exciting and challenging careers paths in the aviation and aerospace industries in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. 

The event will feature interactive aviation and aerospace exhibits, military and civilian aircraft displays, airfield bus tours, and light refreshments. 

For more information, call (818) 901-9828 or emailletv@saicraftsmen.com.



"Sparkle Campaign" Community Beautification Effort a Huge Success! 
Our thanks and congratulations go out to all the volunteers and organizers of the Northridge Sparkle Campaign for a hugely successful community beautification project on Saturday, Feb. 11. 

To see a video on the Sparkle Campaign produced recently by the CSUN Sundial, click here.

The Sparkle Campaign has been coming out regularly to clean up weeds, trash and graffiti from the streets and sidewalks of Northridge Village (Reseda Blvd. between Parthenia St. and Nordhoff St.)

The Sparkle Campaign is also working on six "Northridge Village" signs to be placed along Reseda Blvd. from Gresham St. to Nordhoff St. Businesses that donate toward the signs will receive “Member” stickers for their windows, and have their names placed on a plaque describing the history of Northridge Village at the base of each sign. 

To volunteer with the Sparkle Campaign, or for more information, contact Andrea Alvarado at (818) 903-8194.