Englander E-News: Field Lab, Group Homes, Ball Fields and More...

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS
Dec. 14, 2012

Working to Ensure Santa Susana Field Laboratory Site is Cleaned to Highest Standard Possible... 

I introduced a resolution today in opposition to any legislation or administrative action which would transfer to private use the NASA owned land at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory site in Ventura County until all clean-up and remediation of the site is complete. 

In the 1970s, NASA acquired over 450 acres of land in Ventura County at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory site and conducted rocket engine tests. The rocket tests resulted in extensive soil and groundwater contamination at and around the site, including pollution from trichloethylene, PCBs, PAHs, dioxins, and heavy metals. 

NASA and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) have a consent agreement requiring NASA to clean its land to background levels, and clean-up operations are still ongoing. Despite this, in 2010 NASA declared the land as excess Federal property, a first step towards transferring the land to a new owner. It is crucial that the clean-up plan for the site be fully completed, and the potential purchasers of the land may not be legally bound to the agreed-to clean-up requirements. 

Although the Field Lab site is outside of the City, the pollution poses a potential threat to the health and safety of families living in the nearby neighborhoods. I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the Santa Susana Field Lab site is cleaned up for the protection of our community and the enviroment. 

To see the resolution, go to http://db.tt/ylcii4Ar. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Community Care Facilities Ordinance Approved by Public Safety Committee - Sent On to Full Council...

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I convened a special Committee meeting on Monday, Dec. 10 to discuss the need to advance my Community Care Facilities Ordinance (CCFO).

I called the meeting in response to the quadruple homicide at an unlicensed boarding house in Northridge. I introduced several important amendments to ensure that the CCFO would not have unintended negative consequences on people with disabilities, veterans and other vulnerable populations. Disability rights groups had raised concerns, and we incorporated them into the ordinance. The CCFO will come to the full City Council for a vote in January 2013.

The tragic murder underscored the need to regulate such facilities. The home had well over a dozen people, some of them disabled, living in filthy, dangerous conditions. Some doors and exits were blocked, and rooms were cramped and filled with dirty mattresses, urine and feces, and there were unsafe, unpermitted structures on the property.

I led development of the CCFO. It is common-sense legislation, carefully crafted to not discriminate against any groups. It will enable licensed, well-run group homes to continue providing their services. The CCFO will give the City the tools to ensure that vulnerable people including people with disabilities, seniors and veterans are not victim to the overcrowded, unsafe and unsanitary conditions like those seen in the home in Northridge. 

It will also address the proliferation of unlicensed, illegal nuisance group homes and boarding facilities that have had a huge negative impact on single-family neighborhoods across the City. It would regulate unlicensed facilities operating as businesses in residential areas with up to 50 people crammed into a single home, often without any supervision, programs or security, or adequate kitchen or bathroom facilities.

To see the Daily News editorial supporting the Community Care Facilities Ordinance click here. 

To see the Community Care Facilities Ordinance draft, go tohttp://tiny.cc/CCFODraft.

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

45 Year Lease Secured for Youth Ball Fields in Granada Hills...

At the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 11, we secured the final approval for a 45 year lease agreement between MWD, Department of Water and Power (DWP), and the Granada Hills Youth Recreation Center. 

We worked for 10 years to find a way to ensure that the thousands of boys and girls from our community could continue to use the Granada Hills ball fields for generations to come. This is more than simply a soccer field - generations of youth in our community have grown up playing soccer and baseball at this facility, learning the values of sportsmanship, community involvement and team work. Many families have fond memories from years of spending Saturdays and Sundays watching their children play soccer and baseball. 

10 years ago, MWD needed to expand their water filtration operations and needed the space where the ball fields were located, and there was no suitable alternative location. It was possible that our community would have lost this cherished resource. Our office, DWP, MWD and the Mayor's office were able to find a mutually beneficial solution that provided a location to MWD for their operations on City property, and we secured the 45-year lease so that we could keep the ball fields at the current location in Granada Hills.

Unveiling of Sherwood Forest Community Sign...

On Friday Dec. 7, I was proud to join the Sherwood Forest community to unveil the new Sherwood Forest community sign, marking the official designation as a named community in Los Angeles.

To see more photos,click here.

This unique and historic community with ranch-style homes and lush, beautiful trees lining the streets was one of the original development tracts in Los Angeles. 

I’m proud to represent many neighborhoods where community pride and identity are strong and vibrant. We are all part of the great City of Los Angeles, and it is an honor to pay homage to our local communities that contribute to the diversity of Los Angeles. 

- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Welcoming Visiting Chinese Scholars from CSUN...

Last Friday, Dec. 7, I welcomed 26 visiting Chinese scholars from Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing University of the Arts, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai Bangde Vocational and Technical College, People’s University Affiliated Elementary School in Beijing, Xi’an International Studies University. 

To see more photos, click here.

The Chinese Scholars are participating in a six month exchange program at CSUN’s China Institute, where they follow leadership training, carry out research projects and guest lecture graduate classes in such subjects as Chinese music, economic development, public administration and urban planning. 

I’m proud to have CSUN and its China Institute in my community. The China Institute is an internationally recognized program hosting hundreds of Chinese scholars and promoting exchange of ideas and friendship between the United State and China. To learn more about CSUN's China Institute, visitwww.csun.edu/china_institute.

Robbery Victims Can Claim Stolen Property...

The LAPD has created a system to allow victims of burglaries and theft to see photos of 11,000 stolen items that Police recovered after burglars were arrested, and make claims to recover their property. Many of the items were recovered when the LAPD made numerous arrests in the so-called Knock Knock Burglars that had been robbing homes in hillside areas of the San Fernando Valley, including communities in Council District 12.

Photos of the property are available for viewing online at http://tiny.cc/khivow. If you believe your property is depicted in any of the photos, you can send an email to lapdvctf@lapd.lacity.org or leave a message at (818) 644- 8091.

In your email, include a brief description of the item, the item number written on the yellow tab in the photograph, the name listed as the victim on your burglary report, the report number, the address where the burglary occurred, the date of the crime and a callback number.

Live Holiday Music at El Rancho...

Bring your family for an evening of live music, dance and culture at the Noche Buena Mayan Concert on Dec. 15 at El Rancho Cordillera Del Norte in Northridge. Composer Elisabeth Waldo leads a talented company of artists performing a delightful line-up of Indo-Hispanic and Mayan Indigenous music, song and dance. 

Saturday, Dec. 15
Reception - 5:30 pm
Dinner Concert - 7:00 pm
Rancho Cordillera del Norte
9015 Wilbur Ave.
Northridge
Price: $65 / $75 

Reservations are required. To reserve tickets or for more information, call(818)993-1669 or emailmanager@elisabethwaldomusic.com.

Used Book Sale...

The Friends of the Northridge Branch Library are holding a used book sale on Saturday, Dec. 15. There will be a wide variety of books, hardcover and paperback, non-fiction and fiction, in great condition for sale at very low prices. Proceeds go toward purchasing new books and the library's free programs and activities.

Saturday, Dec. 15
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Northridge Branch Library
9051 Darby Ave., Northridge

For more information, call (818) 993-9848 or email
friends.nrlibrary@gmail.com.

Winter Clothing Drive...

You can help make sure the Devoshire PALS (Police Activity League Supporters) kids continue to have great programming next year, while helping a great cause! 

Northridge Skateland is holding a clothing drive to collect clothes, jackets, shoes, blankets, and towels to go toward struggling families served by the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission. 

Dec. 17 to Dec. 19
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Skateland
18140 Parthenia St., Northridge

This is a challenge donation! If Skateland reaches their goal of filling the truck by collecting 200 bags of donated clothing, then Hope of the Valley will donate funds for the ongoing programming needs at the LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center in Northridge. PALS offers at-risk kids in our community positive alternatives to gangs, crime and drugs through after-school activities including mentoring, sports, tutoring and arts and it builds positive relationships between the community and the Police.

Please bring clean, used clothing, in good condition, in a trash bag (kitchen size or larger), to Northridge Skateland. For your donation, you will receive coupons for FREE Roller Skating and Miniature Golf!

For more information call Vickie Bourdas Martinez at (818) 885-7655 ext. O.

Coat Drive to Benefit Homeless & Struggling Families Over the Holidays...

The Granada Hills Woman's Club is holding its annual Warm Coats Warm Hearts Coat Drive in partnership with Burlington Coat Factory through Dec. 31.

 Please bring new or used coats (in good condition, without stains or holes) to the two drop-off locations to help provide warm coats to homeless and struggling families in Los Angeles during the cold winter months.

Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce
17723 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills
11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday

Bicycle Den
16908 San Fernando Mission Blvd.
Granada Hills
11:00 am to 4:00 pm, 7 days a week

CD 12 Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave., 2nd Floor
Chatsworth
9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday

For more information email skilos1234@aol.com.

West Hills Neighborhood Council Holiday Potluck...

Come join the North Hills West Neighborhood Council for their annual Holiday Potluck party! This fun, delicious community dinner party is on Thursday Dec. 20 at New Horizons in North Hills.

Thursday, Dec. 20
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
15725 Parthenia St.
North Hills

There will be a short board meeting to offer a quick update on what has been happening in the North Hills West community along with plans for the new year!

Since this event is a pot luck, the board asks for community members to participate by bringing some delicious food and treats, based on the last digit in their home address. 2 = Entrée. 3 or 4 = Side Dish. 5, 6 or 7 = Dessert. 8 or 9 = Appetizer.

For more information contact Debra Francisco at djf7521@gmail.com. 

Please Plan to Recycle Your Christmas Tree…

The City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Sanitation will recycle your Christmas trees this winter for both residential and multi-family residential properties. The collected Christmas trees will be recycled into compost and mulch.

If your tree is too big to cut and place inside your green waste bin, simply place the tree next to your green waste bin on collection day. For multi-family residents, simply place your tree curbside on the day of collection. Please remove all ornaments, decorations, tinsel, and the stand from the tree first.

The City also offer a speical ONE DAY ONLY collection of Christmas trees at several locations, on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013.

Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Balboa Sports Center
17015 Burbank Blvd., Encino

Fire Station #28
11641 Corbin Ave., Northridge

Fire Station #106
23004 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills

For more information on recycling your Christmas tree, visithttp://www.lacitysan.org/tree-recycle.htm. 

Free CERT Training...

There is a great opportunity coming up for families to learn how to get prepared for earthquakes, wildfires, floods or other disasters at the free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course in Chatsworth.

These courses could make all the difference for you and your family before, during and after a disaster. We applaud Chatsworth Neighborhood Council for sponsoring this important public safety resource for the community.

Thursdays
Jan. 10 to Feb. 21, 2013
9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Chatsworth Library Meeting Room
21052 Devonshire St., Chatsworth

CERT trains community members in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. You will learn how to prepare for emergencies, what supplies, food and water you should have in your home or office, and most importantly, how to protect your family and your neighbors.

For more information email cert@chatsworthcouncil.org or call Clara at(818) 773-9655 . 

Granada Hills Charter High School's Highland Fest...

Save the date for Highlander Fest, an annual community event to welcome families, alumni, neighbors and friends to celebrate Granada Hills Charter High School, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. This fun community event is completely organized and executed by the students.

Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Granada Hills Charter High School
10535 Zelzah Ave., Granada Hills

The event includes bungee jumping, a petting zoo, obstacle courses, a free throw contest, pony rides, a geography game, skee ball, human hamster balls, Sumo wrestling, rock climbing and other games. The food and treats at the event will include cotton candy, In N' Out Burger truck, Numero Uno Pizza, cupcakes, Thai food, pupusas and more. 

For more information, click here. 

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 46: Have an Emergency Data Storage/Backup Plan for Your Home or Business...
These days, we rely more and more on electronics and digital forms of conducting, storing and documenting our business and personal lives. Desktop computers, laptops and wireless devices are used by to create, process, manage and communicate information. Servers process information and store large amounts of data.

During an emergency event, access to the information stored on your electronic devices may not be available. Just like how a disaster recovery plan should be discussed for your household, the same considerations should be taken for your business.

Each business should develop an Information Technology (IT) disaster recovery plan beginning with a compilation of an inventory of hardware (servers, desktops, laptops and wireless devices), software application and data. A secondary back up storage method should be included in your plan. 

For more information about how to develop an IT disaster recovery plan,click here.

To see our updated, printable Emergency Preparedness Checklist, with every week's entry, visit our website at www.CD12.org and click "Year of Preparedness."

Special Trash Collection Schedule During Holidays...

Our Field Deputy Melody Jaramillo handles requests from community members about trash hauling services, and she is often asked how City holidays affect trash collection days. She offers this reminder about changes to the regular trash collection schedule for the coming holidays. 

Trash collection service will be postponed by one day on the following holidays:
Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25. One day delay. Trash collection will be on Wednesday, Dec. 26.

New Year's Day, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. One day delay. Trash collection will be on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

Trash collection during the week after each holiday will be on the normally scheduled day.

For more information please call (800) 773-2489 or click here.