Posted 12/12/2006
The STNC's lightpole banners program is finally moving forward. Thank you to Dan McManus, STNC board member and Outreach Chairman for moving forward with the City Council motion to approve the placement of these banners in our community. And, thank you to Councilmember Wendy Greuel for supporting the City Council motion required to approve them.
As I drive around town and see the winter holiday lights and decorations going up on homes and businesses, it is great to see the holiday spirit come alive. I hope you will join in the STNC's Winter Holiday Decorating Program that recognizes residents and business owners who go out of their way to make their neighborhood look extra special during the winter holiday season.
Residents are encouraged to nominate their neighbors' outdoor home or business decorations or to even nominate their own winter wonderland. Many homes and businesses can be nominated and recognized for sharing in the spirit of the season. Each nominee receives a "Holiday Spirit" certificate by mail or at the January 10, 2007 STNC meeting.
For more information on the Winter Holiday Outdoor Decorating Program, or to nominate a property by phone, contact Ed Rock, STNC Office Manager at (818) 951-7411.
DWP Budget Workshop Update
David Cain, STNC District 3 board member recently attended the DWP/MOU Budget Workshop where neighborhood councils saw a power point presentation regarding DWP's projected financial needs. Many questions were addressed but more time was needed to get into the nitty gritty of the details. A 12% transfer fee is proposed that really didn't meet well with those who attended. Another opportunity will take place in either February or March for more discussion.
The DWP MOU came about because the rate payers were not in the loop when it came to DWP's proposed rate increases in 2003-2004; Neighborhood Councils from all areas of Los Angeles banded together to oppose the 18% increase and the transfer of DWP monies to the City's General Fund.
As the future budget workshops are presented, we should be preparing responses and comments to the proposals. We'll keep you posted.
Design Advisory Committee (DAC) News --
Tortas Mexican Restaurant located at 6231 Foothill is requesting a beer and wine license approval. The determination will be a conditional permit for a set period of time and will include limits that beer and wine can only be served for patrons who also purchase food. Across the street at the site of the former Blockbuster Video, Wells Fargo has remodeled and opened its doors. This site is within the City of Glendale's approval process. It is nice to see their improvements have been made quickly. PetSmart will move into the former Ralphs market next to Do-It Center. Look for the start of their tenant improvements where they will occupy 2/3 of the building and sub-lease the remaining 1/3. They recently appeared before the DAC to seek community support for their signage changes. The old Ford property permits have held up the start of development. At this point it appears nothing will start til early 2007. You've probably noticed that construction work has begun at the site of the proposed Home Depot in Sunland. Everyone I talk to is outraged. Home Depot has started digging up the foundation to pour a new one. The site should be declared a "Project" so the community can be certain all environmental and public safety concerns are addressed, especially for our neighbors immediately adjacent to the site and Apperson Elementary School. The change of use for the former Penske Auto Center is a further impact in that Home Depot says they'll just not use that area so they can avoid the "Project" review process that is required by our Foothill Blvd. Corridor Specific Plan. The piecemealing of these permits has DAC Chairman Victor Castro, the committee and community at-large urging our Councilmember's help as well as the entire City Council.
Safety News
Earlier this year the STNC voted to participate with our neighboring neighborhood councils (Foothill Trails, Sun Valley Area and Pacoima) supporting the purchase of a License Plate Reader Camera for the Foothill Division. I'm happy to report that it was installed on November 16th and is already patrolling our streets.
Neighborhood Council Review Commission
What do you think neighborhood councils should look like in 5 years? As the commission travels throughout the City to hear stakeholders address this and many other questions about the neighborhood council system, I hope you will participate by either attending a meeting or sending in your comments via the web site, by mail or fax. Visit the newly designed web site at ncrcla.org for more information. Some of the points from our last meeting included: The strength of neighborhood council advice will be based on the level of consensus reached on an issue; people faithfully represent their community; power doesn't mean you have to have decision making power (or does it?); hold elected officials accountable; ease of participation. This is a small sample of points discussed. The next public hearings will take place on January 9 in the Harbor area and January 11 in West L.A. A survey to past and present board members will be distributed soon. Don't miss the opportunity to participate.
How to Contact the STNC - The STNC meets every second Wednesday of the month at Mt. Gleason Middle School at 10965 Mt. Gleason Avenue, Sunland at 7 p.m. Next meeting will be on January 10th, 2007. All stakeholders are welcome and meetings operate under California's open meeting rules (the Brown Act). Agendas are posted on the STNC web site and also at the S-T Chamber, 8250 Foothill Blvd., Unit B; the Sunland Senior Center, 8640 Fenwick, Sunland and North Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill, Tujunga. Agendas are also posted at local businesses in Sunland-Tujunga. You can also sign up to receive STNC News via e-mail through the STNC web site at www.stnc.org Check the STNC web site for updates and other committee meetings. Call the STNC office to verify meeting time and location.
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!
Calendar items --
January 2007 STNC meetings
January 8 - DAC at North Valley City Hall
January 10 - STNC at Mt. Gleason - STNC Board Elections "Kick-Off" meeting
January 22 - DAC at North Valley City Hall
