Englander E-News: Heat, Jazz, Art, Mosquitoes, Volunteers and More

COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

July 13, 2012  

Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Mitch_Englander 

Be Ready for Summer Heat Waves ...

Temperatures reached over 100 degrees in the San Fernando Valley this week before cooling off. More heat waves will come this summer, so be ready! 

During extreme heat, the City opens up hundreds of facilities to be utilized as cooling centers, including Senior Citizen Centers, most Recreation and Parks facilities, and City Libraries. They offer residents cold water, and a place to rest indoors in the air-conditioning. For more information on where all the cooling are located, call 3-1-1 or click here.  

Senior Centers: (213) 202-2700 or visit http://www.laparks.org/dos/senior/senior.htm .
Libraries: (213) 228-7000 or visit http://www.lapl.org/branches/ . 
Recreation & Parks Facilities: (213) 202-2700 or visit www.laparks.org.

Tips to Beat the Heat
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. If you plan to be outdoors, take precautions to protect yourself from the sun and heat. Avoid the sun from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm when the sun's burning rays are most intense. Reduce physical activity. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light- colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid hot, heavy meals and alcohol. Drink Gatorade or other non-caffeinated drinks with electrolytes. If you do not have air-conditioning, visit one of the City's public pools, go to a public park to sit in the shade. Go to a shopping mall. You do not need to purchase anything, and there are plenty of places to sit. Take a cool shower or bath. 

Be Aware of Symptons of Dehydration and Heat Stroke
Symptoms of dehydration and heat stroke include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst. To learn more, click here. 

Never Leave Pets or Kids Unattended in a Vehicle
Leaving a child or a pet in a closed vehicle on a hot or sunny day, even with the windows cracked, can be fatal. On hot or sunny days, the temperature inside a car can be 50 degrees hotter than outside. 

Heat Wave and Other Emergency Information: 
UpdateLA : http://www.updatela.com/ 
ReadyLA: http://www.readyla.org/ 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/readyla 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/readyla 
Emergency Management Department:http://www.emergency.lacity.org/ 

Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council's Summer Social Hawaiian Luau...

Be sure to check out Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council's Summer Social this weekend, a Hawaiian Luau-themed community party, on Saturday, July 14. 

Saturday, July 14
6:00 pm 
St. Euphrasia School Hall
11766 Shoshone Ave.
Granada Hills
Free for all Granada Hills stakeholders. 

Join Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council (GHNNC) Board Members and Granada Hills neighbors and friends for a fun-filled evening with Hawaiian food, a limbo contest, pineapple bowling, trivia games, and a hula hoop contest. There will even be a performance by Polynesian dancers from Aloha Hula in Granada Hills at 7:00 pm, with free Hula lessons. 

So put on your Hawaiian shirt, straw hat and flip-flops and come meet the Neighborhood Council and your fellow Granada Hills community members. 
Photos  and video from last year's summer social. 

Free Jazz Concerts in Granada Hills...

First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills is holding a series of free outdoor jazz concerts this summer starting this weekend. 

Saturday, July 14
Night Blooming Jazzmen 
Saturday, July 21
John Daversa 
Saturday, July 28 
Terry Harrington
7:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church 
10400 Zelzah Ave. (at Devonshire St.)

At this fun, free family event, there will also be gourmet food trucks offering delicious food and snacks. 

For more information, call Dan Ohlson at (626) 419-1489 or emaildanohlson@gmail.com.

Open House and Community Art Exhibition to Celebrate Our First Year in Office...

Please join me, the Council District 12 staff, and your fellow community members for an open house and community art exhibition to celebrate our one year anniversary! 

Monday, July 23
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
CD12 Community Service Center 
9207 Oakdale Ave., Second Floor
Chatsworth
 
In our work in the community and in City Hall over the last year, we have met with, worked with, and consulted countless neighborhood groups and individuals in our District. We’ve listened as you have conveyed your concerns, needs and ideas to preserve and improve the high quality of life we enjoy in our community. 
 
For our Open House, we are converting our Community Service Center into a gallery space to display over 100 pieces of original artwork by San Fernando Valley artists, most of which depict or touch on life in the Valley. Through this collaboration, we also hope to help showcase and stimulate the many highly talented artists living in our community. All of the art work on display is for sale, and 100% of any sale goes directly to the artist. Most of the artists will also be guests at the open house. 
 
I hope you can join us and celebrate a year of great achievements, and partnerships. For more information or to RSVP, please call (818) 882-1212 or email Semee.Park@lacity.org. 

       - Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

West Nile Virus Found in the San Fernando Valley...

Greater L.A. County Vector Control reported last week that it has discovered mosquitos carrying the West Nile Virus in four communities, including Northridge and Winnetka. West Nile Virus is transmitted to people and animals through mosquito bites. There is no cure, and one in five persons infected with West Nile Virus will actually experience symptoms. 

Symptoms usually occur between five and 15 days and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash. The symptoms can last for several weeks to months. About one in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization. To learn more about West Nile Virus, click here. 

To report standing water, green swimming pools, mosquitos, or dead birds, call Greater L.A. County Vector Control at (562) 244-2648 or visit www.glacvcd.org.

You can help reduce threat of West Nile Virus
Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week.

• Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are clean and maintained. 
Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly.

Become a Volunteer Reserve Animal Control Officer...

If you love animals and would like to make a real difference in the community, check out the Reserve Animal Control Officer (RACO) program. RACOs are trained, certified, and serve in the same capacity as regular Animal Control Officers. 

The program requires a commitment of 16 hours of volunteer service
per month for three months at any one of the six Animal Care Centers before the first training class begins. Candidates will learn about care and handling of a variety of animals, how to work with
Animal Center, medical and field staff, supervisors and become familiar with day-to-day operations of an Animal Center. 

For those that are already volunteers at Animal Service Centers, you're on the way! The next class beings in the fall, and space is limited. 

To learn more about the requirements and the application process, 
call (213) 482-9558 or click here. 

Northridge Hospital Community Grants Helping Organizations Do Good in Our Community...

Northridge Hospital Medical Center (NHMC) has annoucned their 2012 Community Grants Program, which is funded by contributions from
Dignity Health member hospitals, the parent organization for Northridge
Hospital. 

The 2012 Community Grant Program supports organizations
within the Northridge Hospital Service Area whose missions are to increase
healthcare service for the community's vulnerable and under-served
populations. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000. For more details about how to apply and whether your organization qualifies for the grant program, visit www.chwhealth.org/communitygrants.

If your organization wishes to apply for a grant, you must submit a letter of intent by Friday, July 27. 

For more information or questions, call (818) 885-5339 or email
teddi.grant@dignityhealth.org.

Help Support The Kiwanis Club of Northridge Patriotic Flag Project...

The Kiwanis Club of Northridge has been leading a patriotic community beautification project to attach American flags to lightpoles on the main streets in Northridge, Granada Hills and Chatsworth for over fifteen years. 

This year they have had to rely more than usual on community support and donations because the flagpoles were stolen from a storage area and had to be replaced. The expenses of the flags and poles, as well as installing them are 100% funded by donations to the Kiwanis Club. 

This year 12 club members were proudly joined by an Iraqi war veteran to raise the flags on May 26 so that all community members would have an opportunity to see this patriotic display in observance of Memorial Day. Every year, the flags remain in place from Memorial Day through the July 4 celebrations. 

We applaud this terrific patriotic beautification! 

If you would like to make a donation to support the Kiwanis Club of Northridge's flag project, call (818) 377-4566.
 

Public Pools in Los Angeles Open Through Aug. 12!

The summer swimming season is here and L.A.'s 48 public pools are open now and will remain open through August 12! Admission is free for kids under 17, seniors and people with disabilities. The pools are open 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on weekends, and are open 11:00 am 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!

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. 

L.A. Public Pools in the West San Fernando Valley
GRANADA HILLS POOL
16730 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills
Click here for a map.

NORTHRIDGE POOL
(818 ) 709 – 7475
10058 Reseda Blvd., Northridge
Click here for a map.

CANOGA PARK - LANARK PARK
(818) 756-9364
21817 Strathern St., Canoga Park
Click here for a map.

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

To learn more about all of the City’s Aquatics facilities click here.

You Can Sponsor A Low-Cost Summer Camp For Kids...

The West Valley Boys & Girls Club, which offers valuable after-school programs to at-risk youth in our community, is seeking corporate and individual sponsorships for its Summer Camp scholarship fund.  

You can help the Club provide a safe place for kids to learn, play, and make friends at summer camp by sponsoring a kid for a week, a month, or the whole summer. 

The Club's Summer Camp costs $75 a week or $450 for six weeks and includes nutritious lunches and snacks. While the Club's Camp is affordable for most families, more than half of the participants cannot afford the cost. The Club offers scholarships to low-income families, and no children are turned away for their inability to pay. 

The West Valley Boys and Girls Club has been offering mentoring, sports, education, art classes, and other activities to help at-risk youth stay away from crime, gangs and drugs, and stay on the path to success in life since 1992.  

To make a donation click here. To learn more, visit http://www.wvbgc.org. 

Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council's "Clean Sweep" Weekly Clean-Up and Help Make Northridge Shine!

Join Northridge West Neighborhood Council's Clean Sweep community beautification project every Thursday!

Thursday, July 19
Reseda Blvd. between  Lassen St. and Kinzie St.

At 8:00 am the crew 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. Northridge West Neighborhood Council provides the refreshments and tools.

Yogurtland has generously offered to give volunteers their first 3 oz. of frozen yogurt free after the clean up!  

For more information contact Jo Ann Phillips at (818) 304-4989 orjaphillips1@yahoo.com or visit www.NorthridgeWest.org.

National Night Out & Movies Under the Stars...

Save the date for National Night Out and a free outdoor movie as part of our Movies Under the Stars summer film series, coming up on Tuesday, August 7 in Northridge.

Tuesday, August 7
7:00 pm
Northridge Park
10058 Reseda Blvd.

Community members in the Northwest San Fernando Valley are invited to join thousands of communities nationwide for the 29th Annual National Night Out event.

National Night Out raises awareness about preventing crime and builds positive relations between the community and the Police, strengthens pride and engagement in the community, and sends a message that neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back against crime. To learn more, visit http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/.

Our office in coordination with LAPD Devonshire Division, S.O.L.I.D. (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire) and Target are proud to invite you and your family to join us! We will be holding a FREE screening of the animated kids movie Kung Fu Panda 2 as part of our Movies Under The Stars outdoor film series, now in its seventh year. There will be free sodas and hot dogs (while supplies last), free kids activities, public safety information, and more!

For more information call Melody Jaramillo at (818) 882-1212 or emailmelody.jaramillo@lacity.org.

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 26: Keep in Contact With Your Child's School
It is important to know your emergency procedures your child's school has in place in case of an earthquake or other emergency situation so you will know where your child will be and what you should do. 

Always make sure your contact information with the school is up to date and that the school staff have phone numbers where you can always be reached, including an out-of-town friend or relative in case local phone lines are down.  

During most emergencies, the school is the safest place for kids to be - Police and Fire officials focus heavily on ensuring the safety of schools, and know the location, size, layout and leadership of every school in the community. LAUSD school staff (and staff at most private schools) have been trained in what to do during emergencies, and will react quickly to ensure the safety of children. To learn more about the emergency procedures at your child's school, contact the school administration or click here. 

To see our printable Emergency Preparedness Checklist, with every week's entry, click here or visit our website atwww.CD12.org.

The Relay for life is coming to Northridge!

Our District Director Megan Cottier, works with a large number of non-profit and community based organizations in our community, and is a committed philanthropist. She reports this week on a great event coming up - The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. This 24-hour event raises funds to support the American Cancer Society, which works for cancer research and treatment and support and programs for cancer victims and their loved ones. 

Relay for Life Northridge
August 11 and 12
Calahan Elementary School
18722 Knapp St., Northridge

Planning Meeting
Wednesday, July 18
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm 
Matador Bowl 
9118 Balboa Blvd., Northridge

Thursday, July 19 
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm 
El Torito Restaurant
8855 Tampa Ave. , Northridge

For Relay for Life Northridge, thousands of families, friends, local businesses, schools and community-based organizations form teams and walk the track at Calahan Elementary School for 24-hours to raise funds. There are also Relay events coming soon in Chatsworth, North Hollywood and other parts of the San Fernando Valley. 

During the event, cancer survivors are honored by taking the first lap around the track, and there is a Luminaria (candle) Ceremony, as well as many other activities, both happy and somber throughout the 24 hours. There will also be food vendors, information booths, games, and other activities. 

You can form a team, join an existing team, sponsor a team, donate to a team, or donate directly to Relay for Life to help support this important cause. 

For more information on the Northridge Relay for Life, call Karen Rubenstein at (818) 738-3464 or email Karen.rubenstein@cancer.org or visit www.relayforlife.org/northridgeca.