Politics & Government

Englander E-News: Sewer, Sidewalk Charges Explained

The Council District 12 newsletter is issued weekly. Chatsworth and parts of Encino are within the district.

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

Oct. 21, 2011

Clarification on Sewer Service Charge...
As you may know, on Wednesday, Oct. 19, the City Council unanimously approved the Bureau of Sanitation (BOS) request for a 4.5% increase in the Sewer Service Charge (SSC) for the first three years and a 6.5% for each of the seven remaining years to make crucial infrastructure improvements.

The increase gives Sanitation more long-term ability to bond in order to support their construction program to replace aging and crumbling City sewers that are already beyond their useful life and to maintain the City's Clean Water Program infrastructure. The Clean Water Program includes Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant, all our pumping stations and our sanitary sewer system.

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is necessary to comply with the settlement of an environmental lawsuit from the 1990s requiring $1 billion worth of infrastructure improvements to prevent sewage spills. Sewage spills have been reduced by 80% since that work started.

The SSC increase allows Sanitation to immediately resume improving, upgrading and replacing infrastructure, which was on hold because of a three-year freeze on the SSC.  

The approved plan includes expansion of the surcharge that funds a subsidy for low-income residents, which is required by the Clean Water Act.  It also eliminates the exemption of the capital component for public agencies so that they are now required to pay their fair share. 25 vacant positions in the Clean Water Program will also be eliminated to help contain costs. 

In the Oct. 19 Council meeting, I instructed City staff to make information on sub-meter installation and benefits available to all ratepayers; to require sub-meters on all new single-family homes built; and to contact the County Assessor's office about adding loans for the sewer connection program to the Property Tax Bill, so that they could be paid off over time, as they are with lighting districts. 

I also clarified that the increase is only on the water that is used inside the home, not the water used for irrigation. The department already subtracts from the SSC the water used for landscape irrigation because most of that percolates into the groundwater, rather than the sewer. 

Also, the SSC is assessed by averaging the lowest two-month period of use over the winter season - a time when most residents are watering their properties the least. (Remeber to turn off your sprinklers when it rains.) It is based on an estimate, not actual use. Installing a sub-meter will measure the exact amount of domestic water use versus landscape irrigation use. 

The department also said that they will make individual adjustments based on extenuating circumstances, such as an emergency draining and replacement of pool water.

According to the department, the increase will amount to approximately $2 a month for the average customer. Simple water conservation practices such as turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, or not leaving the water running while washing dishes can go a long way to help mitigate this increase.

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For information on how to install a sub-meter and how to apply for a sub-meter rebate, please visit http://www.lacitysan.org/fmd/pdf/submtrres.pdf.

Sidewalk Repair Program...
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, a joint meeting of the Public Works and Budget and Finance Committees discussed the “Point-Of-Sale” sidewalk ordinance, and the question of returning responsibility for sidewalk repair back to the property owner. This had been the City’s policy prior to 1973, in accordance with the “1911 Act.” 

The  Bureau of Street Services presented seven options for the City’s sidewalk repair program, including one to “do nothing.” 

To replace all the City’s sidewalks would cost approximately $1.5 billion. For the past two years, the City has budgeted $0 for sidewalk repairs and has only fixed sidewalks on an emergency basis (applying asphalt to raised sidewalks).

I voiced my opposition to the City abandoning responsibility for repairing sidewalks, and making property owners liable for "trip and fall" incidents. Building, repairing and maintaining sidewalks fits squarely in the City's core infrastructure services for taxpayers, and the City must figure out a way to provide the service.

Simply abandoning responsibility does not absolve the City of actual liability, and if the City is sued in "trip and falls," courts could still hold the City liable.

I also strongly opposed a “Point of Sale” program because it would further damage the already damaged housing market at the worst possible time.

Of the seven options in the report, I said I was only open to exploring two of them, and only after a significant outreach effort: A bond to repair sidewalks across the City, needing voter approval; and an individual property owner assessment. This would be similar to a lighting district, so that those who desire would be able to pay off the sidewalk repair costs on their property tax bill over time.

I also expressed frustration at the Bureau of Street Services for not conducting sufficient outreach to home and property owners, and called on them to report back with an outreach plan similar to the over 70 community meetings conducted by the Bureau of Sanitation for the Sewer Service Charge increase.

All of these items were held in Committee for 60 days until the Bureau of Street Services reports back.

Great California ShakeOut Helps Get the State Ready for the Big One...
We were proud to participate in the annual ShakeOut event on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Target store in Northridge. We joined the U.S. Geological Survey, California Emergency Management Agency, LA Fire Department, LA Police Department, Mayor Villaraigosa, LA County Fire Department, California Earthquake Authority, Earthquake Country Alliance, FEMA and Target for the drill.

Inside the Target store, customers and the participating officials all participated in the "Drop, Cover & Hold" exercise, at the same time as nearly 9 million participants across California. Target gave away 200 free earthquake kits, and the agencies all had preparedness information to give out to the public.

It is a question of "when" not "if" the Big One will hit, and it is the responsibility of every resident to ensure that they and their family are prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Every home and workplace should have food, water and medical supplies and a emergency plan. To learn how to get prepared, visit www.ShakeOut.org.

32nd Annual Police Officers, Firefighters & Paramedics Recognition Luncheon...
We were proud to host the 32nd Annual Police Officers, Firefighters & Paramedics Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 20, continuing a great Valley tradition of recognizing the tremendous contributions that our Public Safety heroes make to the community. Several scholarships are also awarded every year by Rickey Gelb of the Gelb Group to young people who are pursuing a career in law enforcement.  

Hundreds of community members, community leaders and representatives of community-based organizations in the Northwest Valley were on hand for the recognition lunch at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills. The luncheon extends awards for service to the community by Police Officer, Firefighters and Paramedics. This year, an LAPD Reserve Officer was honored for the first time.

Northridge Chatsworth Rotary Club...
Join the Northridge/Chatsworth Rotary Club on Thursday Oct. 27 for their regular meeting in Chatsworth. Councilmember Englander, who is proud to be an Honorary Member of the Northridge/Chatsworth Rotary, will be the guest speaker at this lunch meeting.

He will give an update on current public safety issues and crime trends in the Northwest Valley, as well as projects, legislation, the City budget and major issues the Council Office has been working on since July 1 when he took office.

Thursday, Oct. 27
11:45 am
Porter Valley Country Club
10385 Shadow Oak Dr., Chatsworth

The Rotary is an organization of 1.2 million business and professional leaders in more than 200 countries. The Northridge/Chatsworth Rotary Club undertakes a wide variety of philanthropic and community-building activities in the form of donations and volunteerism to organizations such as New Horizons, MEND (Meeting Each Need with Dignity), Wheels for Humanity (supplies wheel chairs to needy people in Mexico and elsewhere), Devonshire PALS, and Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission.

$25 tickets include Porter Valley's delicious buffet lunch. RSVP is required by Saturday, Oct. 22 to judith.cameron@ymail.com.

Winnetka Recreation Center Halloween Carnival...
Halloween is here!  Bring the kids to Winnetka Recreation Center for safe, fun and FREE Halloween Carnival sponsored by Winnetka Neighborhood Council on Monday, Oct. 31. 

Monday, Oct. 31
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Winnetka Recreation Center
8401 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka


There will be games, arts and crafts, a jumper, costume contests, trick or treat village, candy, prizes, free Halloween costume photos by Cesar's Photography and free food from Panda Express!  

For more information call (818) 756-7876 or email michelle.gross@lacity.org.

Opportunities to Support New Directions for Youth...
New Directions for Youth has launched new giving campaigns to offer local businesses and individuals ways to to be a part of New Directions' efforts to support at-risk kids in our community. 

New Directions is building a new Health and Recreation Center, which will bring a new music studio, a dance studio, an art studio and a fitness area with full bathrooms and showers to what is now a garage. Foundation Sponsors who donate $1,000 toward the new Center will have their names listed on the Donor Wall, joining the generous contributions of the Wolfson Family Foundation.  

New Directions also launced their new "Open a Door to New Directions" campaign, offering 30 donors the chance to sponsor interior doors for $500. Each one will be painted by artist David Schwartz and New Directions kids and the donor will receive a comemmorative key and get their name on a plaque on the door. 

Winter Camp Sponsorship: Each $100 donation will pay for one youth to attend a three week winter camp free of charge. The Winter Camp includes field trips, projects, meals, counseling, drama, art classes and other activities that these young people might not otherwise get to experience. The goal is to send 100 kids to Winter Camp. Donors will receive special medals in thanks for their support.

For more information, call (818)  652-2083 or visit www.ndfy.org.

First Annual Non Profit Summit...
We are proud to launch the First Annual Non-Profit Summit to help community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, charities and schools build stronger partnerships to move our community forward, on Monday, Nov. 7 in Northridge.

We will provide tools and resources for building stronger partnerships, and each attendee will be invited to share information about their organization and its activities.

Monday, Nov. 7,
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Devonshire PALS
8721 Wilbur Ave.,
Northridge

We will be featuring L.A. Shares, a web-based philanthropic organization that takes donations of new and gently used goods from the local business community and individuals, and distributes them for free to Los Angeles- based schools and non-profit organizations. Over the past 11 years, L.A. Shares has redistributed over $80,000,000 worth of goods and materials to over 2,500 local organizations and schools!

All community-based organizations, schools and charities in Council District 12 are invited to attend the Summit. This is event is free, but RSVP is required by Friday, October 28 to Semee Park at (818) 756-8501 or by email to Semee.Park@lacity.org.

Don't Miss Our Business Roundtable...
Owners and managers of San Fernando Valley-based businesses will not want to miss our next Northwest Valley Business Roundtable on Wednesday, October 26 in Chatsworth.

DWP officials will be on hand to offer information about incentives and assistance that can help businesses reduce their water and energy use to save money. We will also provide valuable information about the benefits of operating in a State Enterprise Zone, which we have in our District, and offer updates on State and City legislation affecting the business community.

Wednesday, Oct. 26
3:00 pm
The Gas Company
9400 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth
Click here for a map.

Our Business Roundtables are part of our ongoing efforts to make the City of Los Angeles more business friendly, and help our local companies thrive, create jobs and boost our economy.

To see flyer for the event, click here. Please RSVP by Friday, October 21 to Erik Richardson at (818) 756-8501 or by e-mail to Erik.Richardson@lacity.org.

Political Collectibles Show & Sale...
Hosted by the Southern California chapter of the American Political Items Collectors, this annual show is a fun way to discover the value of your political treasures, buy campaign buttons, posters, and political memorabilia, and see vintage Americana.

Sunday, Oct. 30
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
10100 Balboa Blvd.
(at Mayall St.)
Granada Hills

Thousands of political buttons, badges, posters and more for sale. Bring in your memorabilia for free appraisals. Exhibits of American political collectibles from the 1800’s to the present including original Abe Lincoln campaign items. New collectors will receive free campaign buttons.

Admission: $ 2. Free for children under 13 and students with a valid ID.
For more information call Thomas Morton at (818) 894-6113.

Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council for Their Community Clean-Up and Help Keep Northridge Streets Clean!
Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council every Thursday for their weekly community project and help clean up the streets of Northridge!

On Thursday, Oct. 27, they will be at the northwest corner of Wilbur Ave. and Lassen St. working on planting drought-tolerant plants in the raised garden area and installing a residential sign on the block wall.

Thursday, Oct. 27
8:00 am
Meet up at the corner of Wilbur and Lassen, Northridge

At 8:00 am they will review the game plan with free refreshments provided by Northridge West Neighborhood Council. Bring gloves if you have them, sunscreen, a sunhat and appropriate shoes for outdoor work.

The project was launched in the Spring of 2010 by Northridge West Neighborhood Council and neighborhood residents who wanted to get involved in beautifying our public streets and sidewalks. Since then they have removed thousands of bags of debris from the streets and sidewalks and inspired several more groups to launch street clean-ups!

For more information, call Jo Ann Philips at (818) 304-4989 or email Japhillips1@yahoo.com

28th Annual Clean Up Day...
Join the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce for their 28th Annual Clean Up Day on Saturday, Nov. 5. This day of fun, outdoor work will help make the San Fernando Valley cleaner and greener by cleaning up a hiking trail in Limekiln Canyon in Northridge.

Come meet your neighbors, get some exercise and fresh air and join the effort to beautify our community!

Saturday Nov. 5
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet up at World Vision Church
19514 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch


They will kick off the event with a review of the work plan with a free continental breakfast, and a free lunch will be provided for all particpants at the end of the clean-up. The first 150 volunteers will receive a free resuable shopping bag!

To volunteer or for more information call (818) 989-0300 or visit www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com

“Honor a Hero – Hire a Veteran” Job and Resource Fair...
Businesses from across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties will come together in Woodland Hills on Thursday, Oct. 27, to participate in the 6th Annual Honor a Hero Hire a Vet job fair, the largest regional job fair for Veterans. The event will offer Veterans, National Guard members and Reservists assistance with finding jobs, interviews with companies that have open positions, help with resumes, and interview skills.

Thursday, Oct. 27
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Pre-Registration at 9:45 am
Warner Center Marriott Hotel
21850 Oxnard St.
Woodland Hills

More than 87 employers are expected to participate with job opportunities for Veterans in a range of occupations and industries. This event is co-presented by The Valley Economic Alliance and the California Employment Development Department. Click here to register online.

For more information, contact Norma Gallegos at (818) 890-9421 or ngallego@edd.ca.gov or Linda Castro at (818) 890-9424 or Linda.Castro@edd.ca.gov.

Chicago Concert Benefiting Guide Dogs of America and Foundation Fighting Blindness...
L.A. Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti and Peter Tilden of KABC 790 AM are teaming up to present Chicago in concert at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, a charity event to raise funds for Guide Dogs of America and Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Saturday. Oct. 22
Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills
Click here for ticket information.


Come enjoy the timeless classic rock hits by Chicago, and help support these important causes. Guide Dogs of America provides guide dogs and training in their use, free of charge, to the blind and visually impaired. Foundation Fighting Blindness has been funding innovative research since 1971 to find preventions, treatments, and cures for inherited retinal degenerative diseases that lead to blindness and affect more than 10 million people in the United States.

San Fernando Valley Jaycees Annual Gala...
Join the San Fernando Valley Jaycees and former 12th District Councilman and Jaycees Alumnus Greig Smith for the SFV Jaycees Annual Gala Dinner on Monday, Oct. 24.

At this evening of fun, friendship, memories and a great dinner, the Jaycees will honor their 2011 lifetime achievement award recipient, Dr. Carl B. Melnik.

Monday, Oct. 24
5:30 pm
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
6100 Woodland Hills
Click here for map.
Business attire.

Established in 1920 as the United States Junior Chamber, the Jaycees is a non-profit organization leadership and training institute that emphasizes business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections for 18 to 41 year olds.

For more information or to RSVP visit the SFV Jaycees website.

Professional Clothing Drive...
Our District Director, Megan Cottier, reports on a wonderful opportunity for community members to help make a difference in the lives of struggling people, and to benefit the environment.

Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 28 is the Second Chance Week Professional Clothing Drive from the Bureau of Sanitation, Zero Waste Program. This event was created as part of the grassroots public awareness campaign held each October to promote reuse, repair, resale and donation of clothing. It helps keep unwanted clothing from going into landfills, and offers struggling job seekers the chance to dress professionally to go on interivews.

The professional clothing that you donate will go toward men and women living in shelters, or served by the non-profit organizations The Weingart Center Association, Dress for Success, and Clothes the Deal. 

Just drop off your clean professional clothes, without holes, for men or women, at the Council District 12 District Office Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 28, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. The office is located at 18917 Nordhoff St., Suite 18, in Northridge. Click here for a map.

For more information, visit http://www.clothesthedeal.org.


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