Englander E-News: Getting Earthquake Ready, Cut in Crime and More

This week, I co-authored three motions with Councilmember Tom LaBonge regarding earthquake safety in the City of Los Angeles.

Past earthquakes in the City of Los Angeles have proven the vulnerability of wood-frame residential buildings as well as older concrete buildings. Soft-story buildings built before 1978 are particularly at risk during earthquakes because their ground floors generally have perimeter walls that lack adequate strength, causing such buildings to pancake. Another report asserts that concrete buildings built before 1976 are vulnerable because they do not have enough steel reinforcement to hold columns in place, causing buildings to collapse.

These dangers expose thousands to injury or death. The City must obtain a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the extent of the problem and the risk posed by un-retrofitted soft-story and concrete buildings. However, we must also be aware of the related costs involved in any effort to require such retrofitting, Councilmember LaBonge and I directed the City Administrative Officer to report on the feasibility of a bond program to assist the retrofit of wood-frame soft-story residential buildings (built prior to 1978) and non-ductile concrete buildings (built prior to 1976).

Additionally, it is critical to have an expert on behalf of the City to take the lead on preparing a master plan to ensure seismic safety. In concurrence with Mayor Garcetti's statements, Councilmember LaBonge and I asked that the Department of Emergency Management with the assistance of the Department of Building and Safety report back to the City Council on the status of the City’s earthquake preparedness efforts along with any additional recommendations.

Finally, it is crucial to take appropriate actions to minimize risks, enhance safety, and establish a plan to ensure preparedness. Over 2,000 faults crisscross California, producing an average of 102 earthquakes a day and over 37,000 earthquakes a year.

As the 20th anniversary of the Northridge earthquake approaches, it is critically important that we take measures to ensure seismic safety in the City of Los Angeles.

Click here to view the motions: 13-1433, 13-1433-S1, and 13-1357-S2.

-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

National Food Day in the City of Los Angeles

This week, the Los Angeles City Council celebrated “Urban Gardens and Healthy Foods” by declaring Wednesday October 23, National Food Day in Los Angeles.

The history of the San Fernando Valley is synonymous with agriculture and the vast fields of orange groves. When it comes to preserving the history of the San Fernando Valley and the City of Los Angeles, it’s more than just preserving pictures and stories. It’s also about preserving the unique horticultural history as well.

The Seed Library of Los Angeles recently formed a San Fernando Valley Chapter. The Seed Library of Los Angeles is an organization dedicated to ensuring variety in our food supplies. Members “check out” seeds, as you would at a library, plant the seeds and allow the plant to grow. Once harvested, the seeds are collected and deposited to the library to be planted as next year’s crop. Vegetables like purple string beans, white carrots, heirloom peppers are preserved to be enjoyed for future generations.

Additionally, organizations such as, the Southern California Garden Club, West Valley Garden Club, CSUN Community Gardens, and Granada Hills Salad Bowl Garden Club, have been working to promote greater interest in gardening and providing workshops and best practices for amateur and master gardeners alike.

Finally, it’s important that we promote “National Food Day” in the City of Los Angeles to address the issue of food insecurity in our communities. Here in the Twelfth Council District, because many of our residents have citrus trees in their yards, we organize an annual event called Citrus Sunday.  We partner with Neighborhood Councils and other community-based organizations, and encourage residents to drop off their excess fruit to be donated to local food pantries. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, for many food pantries are in desperate need of fresh produce and neighbors help those right in their backyard.

-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District

Crime Reduction Update from LAPD Topanga Division's Captain Joel Justice

The residential community of West Hills has experienced a decrease in total property crimes year to date compared to last year. This includes, burglary, grand theft auto, burglary from a vehicle and theft. However, there has been a slight increase in residential burglaries. Topanga Division officers and detectives have recently arrested several known burglars in the West Hills area that were responsible for numerous property crimes.

Our officers and detectives continue to be vigilant and track down known burglary crews but we still need the assistance of the West Hills community to deter further burglaries from occurring. Here are some tips to become proactive and prevent your residence from being burglarized:

1) Always lock all outside doors, windows, and side gates to your backyard before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if you are only leaving your home for a short time, always secure your home.

2) Make your home appear occupied. Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a lengthy period of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.

4) Keep your garage door closed and locked.

5) Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away. Contact the post office to hold your mail or arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick them up regularly.

6) Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended period of time. An unkempt lawn can make the residence appear vacant.

7) Check the locks on your doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.

8) Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available to better secure these type of doors.

To receive updates on crime in your area, police activity and other important information from Topanga Police Station, sign up to NIXLE.com or view us atLAPDTOPANGA.org and Facebook.com/LAPDTopangaPolice

-Captain Joel M. Justice, Commanding Officer Devonshire Community Police Station

West Hills Arts & Crafts Fall Festival

Join Councilmember Englander this Sunday at Shadow Ranch Park in West Hills for the annual West Hills Fall Festival. There will be loads of entertainment, an arts & crafts show, a motorcycle show and activities for kids.

Presented by Councilmember Englander, West Hills Neighborhood Council, the City of Los Angles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Foundation for Arts and Community Events, the West Hills Optimists and the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Sunday, October 27
11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Shadow Ranch Park
22633 Vanowen St.
West Hills

For exhibitor information or to get involved, call 818-883-3637 or emailWestHillsFair@gmail.com

VIDEO: 2013 E Awards For Excellence in Public Safety.

LAPD Devonshire’s Salute to Kids

Join the LAPD’s Devonshire Division in celebrating “A Day for Children” at Petit Park. The event will kick off with a “Walk Against Crime” around Petit Park and will include face painting, great food and music.

Saturday, October 26
9:30 am to 2:00 pm

Granada Hills Recreation Center at Petit Park
16730 Chatsworth Street
Granada Hills

Public Legal Services Fair

An exciting array of free legal and public services is coming to the LA Law Library. Booths will be providing free legal consultations with attorneys, referrals, community services, and information regarding everything from consumer protection to lawyer referral services. Other legal consultations will include: family law, government benefits, immigration, claims, domestic violence and much more.

Saturday, October 26
9:30 am – 5:30 pm

LA Law Library
301 W. 1st Street
Los Angeles

Advance registration is required for the free workshops including; Clearing criminal records, Juvenile ticket fines, citizen processing, and claiming unpaid wages.

For more information visit www.probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org or call (213) 784-7372.

Honoring Women Veterans

All veteran and active duty service women are invited to attend the VA GLA’s 8th Annual “Honoring Women Veterans – Active Military Luncheon.”

Saturday, October 26
11:00 am – 3:00 pm

VA Sepulveda Building 22
16111 Plummer St.
North Hills

For more information please call Julie Stranges at (818) 895-9325.

St. Euphrasia School’s Trunk or Treat: Car Show and Chili Cook Off

Join the St. Euphrasia School & Parish for a car show and chili cook off. Special events include a pumpkin decorating contest, a costume parade and contest, photo displays and “Monster Mash” dancing lessons.

Saturday, October 26
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

St. Euphrasia School & Parish
11766 Shoshone Ave.
Granada Hills

For more information call: (818) 360-4611.

Highland Hall: A Hallowed Eve

Highland Hall Waldorf School will hold its yearly "A Hallowed Eve." This seasonal fair features guided tours through storybook vignettes, including the magical jack-o-lantern display - a darkened room brightened only by hundreds of candle-lit pumpkins which were hand-carved by the families at the school. Other treats include live acoustic music around the fire pit, games and crafts, home-cooked food and baked items, and pumpkin sales. This event is free, open to the public, and appropriate to all ages. For more information call 818-349-1394 or go towww.highlandhall.org

Saturday, October 26
4:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Highland Hall
17100 Superior St.
Northridge

LAPD and Kaiser Prescription Drug Take Back

The Los Angeles Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

Saturday, October, 26
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Kaiser Panorama City
13653 Cantara St.
Panorama City
Front of North 3 Medical Office

Kaiser Woodland Hills
5601 De Soto Ave.
Woodland Hills

Holiday Shopping Boutique

The Sisterhood of Shomrei Torah Synagogue hosts a Holiday Shopping Boutique this Sunday. Proceeds from this event go toward the programs at the Shomrei Torah Synagogue.

Sunday, October 27
9:30 am to 3:30 pm

7353 Valley Circle Blvd.

Food Truck Thursdays at Valley Village

Valley Village, where adults with intellectual and developmental challenges thrive, is hosting Food Truck Thursdays each week. The event raises funds for the nonprofit’s programs.

They offer an array of international fare, which can vary from Mexican tacos to Greek gyros to Japanese sushi to Thai noodles, as well as American hamburgers and hot dogs. Healthy salads and other vegetarian dishes are available, too. The menus change somewhat each week. All this in a festive outdoor-café ambiance with live music.

Thursday, October 31
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

20830 Sherman Way
Winnetka

For information, contact (818) 587-9450, ext. 120, or visit www.valleyvillage.orgor www.facebook.com/ValleyVillageLA.

Halloween Candy Buy-Back

Trick or treating is fun but all that sugar can cause tooth decay. Bring your extra candy to Natural White Smile and they will give you $1 for every pound. All collected candy will be donated to the USO to support our troops.

Firday, November 1 to Saturday, November 9
Call for drop off times (818) 772-7096

David Shannon, D.D.S.
Natural White Smile
18915 Nordoff St.
Northridge

Community Work Party on the Highland Hall Farm

Highland Hall relies on the generous assistance of the community volunteers to help tend to the chickens and the grounds. Join the Work Party at Highland Hall Farms to mulch the terraces, tidy up the grounds, clean the chicken coops, and much more!

Sunday, November 3
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Highland Hall
17100 Superior St.
Northridge

For more information call 818-349-1394.

Community Blood Drive

The Platinum Group of Companies will host its annual blood drive on November 5. Please make sure to eat and drink extra water before you donate and remember to bring a photo ID with you.

Tuesday, November 5
9:30 am to 3:00 pm

9121 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth

Contact Melissa atMelissaV@PlatinumGroup.org or vie phone at 818-721-3809 for more information.

Free “Get Smart” Programs at the Mid-Valley Library

The Mid-Valley Library is offering the following “Get Smart” programs to middle-school and high school students:

Test Taking Strategies 101
Thursday, November 7
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

ACT Practice Test
Saturday, November 9
10:00am to 2:30 pm

16244 Nordoff St.
North Hills

Please call 818-895-3650 for more information.

CSUN National Roll Call

The CSUN’s Veteran’s Resource Center is organizing its first National Roll Call, during which the names of over 740 California service members who died while serving their country will be read. There will be stations where visitors can come make a paracord bracelet and write a letter to a veteran. Food and beverages provided.

Thursday, November 7
Beginning at 10:30 am 

Our Community School (OCS) invites local business owners and community members to its Community Building Breakfast series for a complimentary breakfast while they learn about Our Community School and how they can help build community involvement both on and off campus.

Thursday, November 14th
7:45 am – 9:15 am

Assembly Hall at Our Community School
10045 Jumilla Ave.
Chatsworth

If you have any questions please contact Ilia Jauregui, Development and Communications Director, 818-350-5000 or at Ilia.j@ourcommunityschool.org

Friends of the Granada Hills Library Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Granada Hills Library will host a two-day used book sale in November. Prices range from 25 cents to 1 dollar. All proceeds will benefit the Granada Hills Library.

Friday, November 15 to Saturday, November 16
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Granada Hills Library
10640 Petit Ave.
Granada Hills

Reports From Our Staff

Our Administrative Assistant, Kathy Lettieri would like to remind you to keep your children safe this Halloween.

Walk Safely 
-Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. 
-Always walk on sidewalks or paths.
-If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. 
-Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

Trick or Treat With an Adult
-Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision.
-If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe
-Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
-Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
-Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 

See more at: http://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips#sthash.Pq8TJP4J.dpuf