Dear Friends,
As you may know, Supervisor Antonovich has sent a letter to U. S. Senator Dianne Feinstein calling for a congressional investigation into the U. S. Forest Service's failure to utilize air support for the Station Fire.
Supervisor Antonovich has suggested that residents should also advocate for this special investigation. He urges you to contact your federal representatives. Addresses are listed below to assist you in this effort.
U. S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20510
202-224-3841
310-914-7300 (local #)
11111 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suite 915
Los Angeles 90025
U. S. Representative Howard ""Buck" McKeon (25th District)
2351 Rayburn Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20515
202-225-1956
26650 The Old Road, Suite 203
Santa Clarita, CA 91381
661-254-2111 (local #)
U. S. Representative David Dreier (26th District)
233 Cannon House Office Building
Washington , D. C. 20515
202-225-2305
626-852-2626 (local #)
2220 East Route 66, Suite 225
Glendora 91740
U. S. Representative Adam Schiff (29th District)*
326 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20515
202-225-4176
626-304-2727 (local #)
35 S. Raymond Avenue, Suite 205
Pasadena 91105
* Congressman Shiff also called for this investigation
Please feel free to share this email with anyone else who might have an interest in this matter.
Thank you very much,
Millie
Millie J. Jones, Sr. Deputy
L. A. County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich
21943 Plummer Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Telephone: 818-993-5170 Fax: 818-993-5764
mjjones@lacbos.org
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
CD2 Special Runoff Election Day is Today 12-8-09
Today is voting day in Council District 2 for the Special Runoff Election to fill the seat vacated by now City Controller Wendy Greuel.
A link is on the front page of the STNC web site to locate your polling place. For more information on the election visit the cd2election blog at: http://cd2election.blogspot.com/
We encourage all registered voters to be sure and vote. Your vote counts!
A link is on the front page of the STNC web site to locate your polling place. For more information on the election visit the cd2election blog at: http://cd2election.blogspot.com/
We encourage all registered voters to be sure and vote. Your vote counts!
Friday, December 04, 2009
Bicycle Plan Meeting Monday, Dec 7 at 7 pm
Dear Neighbors,
Please join the STNC Region 1 Rep, John Laue, at North Valley City Hall on Monday, December 7, at 7:00 PM to discuss the City’s Bicycle Master Plan. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and draft some specific recommendations for the STNC to board to recommend to the City at either the December or January STNC board meetings.
The public comment period for the City’s Master Bicycle Plan has been extended until January. More info and 2009 Bicycle Plan (Draft) can be found at the LA City Planning web site or http://www.labikeplan.org/bikeway_maps/
Everyone is welcome to attend. We’ll see you at North Valley City Hall on Monday night – 7:00.
Thank you,
Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
7747 Foothill Blvd., Room 101, Tujunga CA 91042
(818) 951-7411 FAX (818) 951-7412 www.stnc.org
AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
BICYCLE MASTER PLAN
Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 7, 2009 – 7:00 PM
North Valley Neighborhood City Hall
7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga
The public is requested to address the Board/Committee on any item of the agenda prior to the Board/Committee taking action on an item. Comments from the public on Agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered and at the discretion of the presiding officer(s). Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the agenda can be heard during Open Forum Period. Public Comment is limited to two minutes per speaker, unless waived by the presiding officer(s) of the Board/Committee. **Time limits may take more or less time. Order of items on this agenda may be changed by the chairman** All items may be acted upon whether specifically listed for action or not. In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting, may be viewed at 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga, at our website by clicking on the following link: www.stnc.org or at the scheduled meeting. In addition, if you would like a copy of any record related to an item on the agenda, please contact the STNC office.
7:00 PM - Call to order – John Laue, STNC Region 1 Representative
1. Intro--purpose of meeting.
2. Update on the process the city is using to develop its Master Plan for Bicycles.
3. Description and outline of the plan in Sunland/Tujunga/Lakeview Terrace.
4. Description with news article about La Crescenta's plans for bicycle lanes on Foothill Blvd.
5. Alternative Plan with proposed improvements to the LA's Master Plan for bicycles.
6. Discussion and input from meeting attendees.
7. Development of recommendations for STNC board approval.
8. Adjournment
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assisted listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting by contacting Nina Royal, at (818) 951-7411, toll-free at (866) LA HELPS, or e-mail secretary@stnc.org Agenda is posted for public review at: Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce 8250 Foothill Blvd. Unit B, Sunland; North Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga and Sunland Senior Center, 8640 Fenwick Street, Sunland.
Please join the STNC Region 1 Rep, John Laue, at North Valley City Hall on Monday, December 7, at 7:00 PM to discuss the City’s Bicycle Master Plan. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and draft some specific recommendations for the STNC to board to recommend to the City at either the December or January STNC board meetings.
The public comment period for the City’s Master Bicycle Plan has been extended until January. More info and 2009 Bicycle Plan (Draft) can be found at the LA City Planning web site or http://www.labikeplan.org/bikeway_maps/
Everyone is welcome to attend. We’ll see you at North Valley City Hall on Monday night – 7:00.
Thank you,
Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
7747 Foothill Blvd., Room 101, Tujunga CA 91042
(818) 951-7411 FAX (818) 951-7412 www.stnc.org
AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
BICYCLE MASTER PLAN
Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 7, 2009 – 7:00 PM
North Valley Neighborhood City Hall
7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga
The public is requested to address the Board/Committee on any item of the agenda prior to the Board/Committee taking action on an item. Comments from the public on Agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered and at the discretion of the presiding officer(s). Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the agenda can be heard during Open Forum Period. Public Comment is limited to two minutes per speaker, unless waived by the presiding officer(s) of the Board/Committee. **Time limits may take more or less time. Order of items on this agenda may be changed by the chairman** All items may be acted upon whether specifically listed for action or not. In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting, may be viewed at 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga, at our website by clicking on the following link: www.stnc.org or at the scheduled meeting. In addition, if you would like a copy of any record related to an item on the agenda, please contact the STNC office.
7:00 PM - Call to order – John Laue, STNC Region 1 Representative
1. Intro--purpose of meeting.
2. Update on the process the city is using to develop its Master Plan for Bicycles.
3. Description and outline of the plan in Sunland/Tujunga/Lakeview Terrace.
4. Description with news article about La Crescenta's plans for bicycle lanes on Foothill Blvd.
5. Alternative Plan with proposed improvements to the LA's Master Plan for bicycles.
6. Discussion and input from meeting attendees.
7. Development of recommendations for STNC board approval.
8. Adjournment
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assisted listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting by contacting Nina Royal, at (818) 951-7411, toll-free at (866) LA HELPS, or e-mail secretary@stnc.org Agenda is posted for public review at: Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce 8250 Foothill Blvd. Unit B, Sunland; North Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga and Sunland Senior Center, 8640 Fenwick Street, Sunland.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
STNC Board Vacancies
Dear Neighbors,
The following STNC board seats are vacant. If you have an interest in serving your community, this is a great opportunity to do so. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their name and a statement of interest to the STNC prior to the December 9th, 2009 meeting. The STNC board will vote to fill these positions at the December 9, 2009 meeting.
Region 3 Representative - two positions
(Region 3 includes the area above Foothill Blvd. between Lowell and Commerce Avenue)
Group Representative - one position
Community stakeholders representing business and educational, faith-based, and community, service, youth, and special-interest organizations located in the community or meeting regularly in the community.
For more information, please contact Dan McManus, STNC president at president@stnc.org or the STNC office at 818-951-7411.
For more information on the STNC Board structure and positions, please visit the STNC web site for a copy of the STNC Bylaws version 2.95.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
The following STNC board seats are vacant. If you have an interest in serving your community, this is a great opportunity to do so. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their name and a statement of interest to the STNC prior to the December 9th, 2009 meeting. The STNC board will vote to fill these positions at the December 9, 2009 meeting.
Region 3 Representative - two positions
(Region 3 includes the area above Foothill Blvd. between Lowell and Commerce Avenue)
Group Representative - one position
Community stakeholders representing business and educational, faith-based, and community, service, youth, and special-interest organizations located in the community or meeting regularly in the community.
For more information, please contact Dan McManus, STNC president at president@stnc.org or the STNC office at 818-951-7411.
For more information on the STNC Board structure and positions, please visit the STNC web site for a copy of the STNC Bylaws version 2.95.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
Graphic Design Class Opportunity
I just wanted to let you know that North Valley Occupational Center-
Aviation Center currently has enrollment openings in our Graphic Design
class from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday Thru Friday and in our
Computer Literacy class from 5:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday thru
Thursday. The classes would be perfect for some of your parents that
may want to acquire skills to help them find a lucrative job. Please
see attached flyer for more details. Also, please distribute to all of
your contacts. If you have any questions please call me.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Penuela, Assistant Principal Operations
Education and Career Center North Valley Campus
11450 Sharp Ave. Mission Hills CA 91345
(818) 365-9645 Ext. 303
Graywater Use in Los Angeles
To East Valley and Central L.A. Neighborhood Council Boardmembers,
Here’s information in response to inquiries I received from the Greater Valley Glen NC and others regarding graywater use in Los Angeles, and the LADWP residential private water sub-meter program for customers who are interested in lowering their Bureau of Sanitation sewer service charge.
For graywater, as you might already know, the State of California revised its regulations this summer to allow residential customers to more easily utilize the graywater discharge from their laundry washing machine and one other approved source.
For private water sub-meters, since 40%, on average, of residential water consumption is used for landscape irrigation, measuring this water use separately from your in-house use can significantly lower your Bureau of Sanitation sewer service charge (which is based on your water consumption). You might find the related links helpful as well, including information on the sewer service charge and how it’s calculated.
Links for Graywater and Water Sub-meter information:
L.A. Dept of Building & Safety Informational Bulletin #P/PC 2008-012: Graywater Systems for Residential Buildings
L.A Dept of Public Works – Bureau of Sanitation residential water sub-meter information: Residential Water Sub-meter Information
Other related links you might find helpful are listed below:
L.A. Dept. of Building & Safety informational bulletin webpage:
http://www.ladbs.org/faq/info_bulletins_cover_letter.htm
L.A. Dept of Building & Safety Plumbing Code webpage:
http://www.ladbs.org/faq/info_bulletins.htm#ib7
L.A Dept of Public Works – Bureau of Sanitation sewer service charge information:
http://www.lacitysan.org/fmd/ssc1.htm
Regards,
Greg Bartz
LADWP Government & Neighborhood Relations Liaison
City Council Districts 2,4,6,7 & 13
East Valley & Central Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Areas
(213) 367-2800
Here’s information in response to inquiries I received from the Greater Valley Glen NC and others regarding graywater use in Los Angeles, and the LADWP residential private water sub-meter program for customers who are interested in lowering their Bureau of Sanitation sewer service charge.
For graywater, as you might already know, the State of California revised its regulations this summer to allow residential customers to more easily utilize the graywater discharge from their laundry washing machine and one other approved source.
For private water sub-meters, since 40%, on average, of residential water consumption is used for landscape irrigation, measuring this water use separately from your in-house use can significantly lower your Bureau of Sanitation sewer service charge (which is based on your water consumption). You might find the related links helpful as well, including information on the sewer service charge and how it’s calculated.
Links for Graywater and Water Sub-meter information:
L.A. Dept of Building & Safety Informational Bulletin #P/PC 2008-012: Graywater Systems for Residential Buildings
L.A Dept of Public Works – Bureau of Sanitation residential water sub-meter information: Residential Water Sub-meter Information
Other related links you might find helpful are listed below:
L.A. Dept. of Building & Safety informational bulletin webpage:
http://www.ladbs.org/faq/info_bulletins_cover_letter.htm
L.A. Dept of Building & Safety Plumbing Code webpage:
http://www.ladbs.org/faq/info_bulletins.htm#ib7
L.A Dept of Public Works – Bureau of Sanitation sewer service charge information:
http://www.lacitysan.org/fmd/ssc1.htm
Regards,
Greg Bartz
LADWP Government & Neighborhood Relations Liaison
City Council Districts 2,4,6,7 & 13
East Valley & Central Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Areas
(213) 367-2800
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
LA Bicycle Plan Update 11/25/09
Thank you for your interest in the update of the City of Los Angeles Bicycle Plan. We'd like to share with you information about the next steps so that you can continue to participate in the development of the Plan.
City staff will take comments on the draft Bicycle Plan (which can be read on line at http://www.labikeplan.org/until January 8th, 2010. After January 8th, staff will begin to prepare a revised Plan (including the maps) based on all of the input that has been received through the website, at workshops, in letters, e-mails, and on comment cards. We anticipate releasing a staff report and a revised Draft Bicycle Plan in February 2010 and giving all interested parties two months to review the revised plan. We will then hold 2 public hearings on behalf of the City Planning Commission (one in the Valley and one near downtown) to hear your comments on the revised Plan.
Following the 2 hearings, the City Planning Commission will hold a public meeting in the spring to act on the revised plan. Staff will provide the Commission with information about the comments made at the two public hearings and any additional proposed modifications based on input received.
Following the City Planning Commission's action, two City Council committees will act on the City Planning Commission's recommendation for the Bicycle Plan: the Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM) and the Transportation Committee. Their recommendations will then be considered by the full City Council.
Please contact Jordann Turner at 213 978-1379 if you have any questions.
Jane Blumenfeld
Acting Deputy Director
Los Angeles Department of City Planning
213 978-1272
City staff will take comments on the draft Bicycle Plan (which can be read on line at http://www.labikeplan.org/until January 8th, 2010. After January 8th, staff will begin to prepare a revised Plan (including the maps) based on all of the input that has been received through the website, at workshops, in letters, e-mails, and on comment cards. We anticipate releasing a staff report and a revised Draft Bicycle Plan in February 2010 and giving all interested parties two months to review the revised plan. We will then hold 2 public hearings on behalf of the City Planning Commission (one in the Valley and one near downtown) to hear your comments on the revised Plan.
Following the 2 hearings, the City Planning Commission will hold a public meeting in the spring to act on the revised plan. Staff will provide the Commission with information about the comments made at the two public hearings and any additional proposed modifications based on input received.
Following the City Planning Commission's action, two City Council committees will act on the City Planning Commission's recommendation for the Bicycle Plan: the Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM) and the Transportation Committee. Their recommendations will then be considered by the full City Council.
Please contact Jordann Turner at 213 978-1379 if you have any questions.
Jane Blumenfeld
Acting Deputy Director
Los Angeles Department of City Planning
213 978-1272
Windblown Ash/Dust Advisory
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Windblown Ash/Dust Advisory
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
Santa Ana winds are causing ash and dust from recently burned areas to fall in Los Angeles County, especially in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.
While particulate matters concentrations have not reached Unhealthy levels at this time, caution is advised to minimize exposure to falling ash and windblown dust.
In areas with significant ash and dust in the air: Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease, including asthma, and older adults and children, should limit outdoor activities in any area where ash is observed in the air.
For regularly updated air quality information, see the air quality map at
www.aqmd.gov .
For more tips on avoiding health impacts from wildfire smoke and ash, see
http://www.aqmd.gov/ej/CAC/wildfire_safety_tips.htm
Click here to opt out: http://www.aqmd.gov/enewsletterpro/members.aspx?Task=OO2&SI=6271&E=mikeogarasvanc%40aol.com&S=1&NL=1
Windblown Ash/Dust Advisory
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
Santa Ana winds are causing ash and dust from recently burned areas to fall in Los Angeles County, especially in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.
While particulate matters concentrations have not reached Unhealthy levels at this time, caution is advised to minimize exposure to falling ash and windblown dust.
In areas with significant ash and dust in the air: Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease, including asthma, and older adults and children, should limit outdoor activities in any area where ash is observed in the air.
For regularly updated air quality information, see the air quality map at
www.aqmd.gov .
For more tips on avoiding health impacts from wildfire smoke and ash, see
http://www.aqmd.gov/ej/CAC/wildfire_safety_tips.htm
Click here to opt out: http://www.aqmd.gov/enewsletterpro/members.aspx?Task=OO2&SI=6271&E=mikeogarasvanc%40aol.com&S=1&NL=1
STNC Executive Committee - 11/30/09
The STNC's Executive Committee will meet on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
At this meeting the committee will set the agenda for the December 9 general board meeting. If you have an interest in future agenda items for the STNC board, please plan to attend. Meeting will be held at North Valley Neighborhood City Hall.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
At this meeting the committee will set the agenda for the December 9 general board meeting. If you have an interest in future agenda items for the STNC board, please plan to attend. Meeting will be held at North Valley Neighborhood City Hall.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
City Commissioner supports saving Oak Trees on McGroarty
Commissioner Andrea Alarcon attended the Nov. 23 LUC meeting and will recommend to the Public Works Commission that the trees not be removed. There will be a report regarding the curb and gutter work in a couple of weeks and she will return to the Dec. 14 LUC meeting (if the report is ready in time) to give us an update. Commissioner Alarcon encouraged us to attend their meeting. There are 5 commissioners who need to vote to support her recommendation regarding the trees which is step #1. Their meetings are held during the week at 9:30 in the morning. We will announce the meeting once it is scheduled. You can also sign up to receive notice through the City's ENS system. Here are some links for more info:
Board of Public Works web site:
http://bpw.lacity.org/
ENS System sign up:
http://parc3.lacity.org/ens/index.cfm
All the neighbors present support "saving the trees" and how valuable they are to the community.
Big thank you to all the neighbors who attended and participated at the LUC meeting. Also, thank you to STNC's region 4 reps, Ed Novy and Belinda Woodruff for their outreach efforts too.
Board of Public Works web site:
http://bpw.lacity.org/
ENS System sign up:
http://parc3.lacity.org/ens/index.cfm
All the neighbors present support "saving the trees" and how valuable they are to the community.
Big thank you to all the neighbors who attended and participated at the LUC meeting. Also, thank you to STNC's region 4 reps, Ed Novy and Belinda Woodruff for their outreach efforts too.
Friday, November 20, 2009
So Cal Transportation Planning - Comments due by 12/15/09
Public Input Sought
Southern California Residents Urged to Provide Comments in Federal Review of Southern California Association of Government's (SCAG) Transportation Planning Process
The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration will begin conducting a review and evaluation of Southern California's transportation planning process. To provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the transportation planning process carried out by the Southern California Association of Governments and its partners, the two federal agencies are hosting the following public listening session:
Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Time: Beginning 5:30 p.m.
Location: SCAG's Main Office
818 West 7th Street, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA, 90017-1800
213-236-1800
Videoconferencing connection to the meeting will be available at the following locations:
SCAG Imperial County Regional Office
1224 W. State Street, Suite B
El Centro, CA 92243
SCAG Orange County Regional Office
OCTA Building
600 South Main Street, 9th Floor
Orange, CA 92863
SCAG Riverside County Regional Office
3403 10th Street, Suite 805
Riverside, CA 92501
SCAG San Bernardino County Regional Office
Santa Fe Depot
1170 West Third Street, Suite 140
San Bernardino, CA 92418
SCAG Ventura County Regional Office
950 County Square Drive, Suite 101
Ventura, CA 93003
Oral and written comments may be presented at the meeting. Written comments can also be sent via e-mail to cert.review@fhwa.dot.gov or by regular mail to:
Michelle Noch Ted Matley
Community Planner Community Planner
FHWA L.A. Metro Office Federal Transit Administration
888 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 1850 201 Mission Street, Suite 1650
Los Angeles, CA 90017 San Francisco, CA 94105
Public comments will be accepted through December 15, 2009. For additional information about the SCAG federal certification process or the December 2 public listening session, please call 213-202-3953.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities ACT, persons requiring modification of accommodations in order to participate in this meeting should notify FTA/FHWA Los Angeles Metro Office (213-202-3950) 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Southern California Residents Urged to Provide Comments in Federal Review of Southern California Association of Government's (SCAG) Transportation Planning Process
The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration will begin conducting a review and evaluation of Southern California's transportation planning process. To provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the transportation planning process carried out by the Southern California Association of Governments and its partners, the two federal agencies are hosting the following public listening session:
Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Time: Beginning 5:30 p.m.
Location: SCAG's Main Office
818 West 7th Street, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA, 90017-1800
213-236-1800
Videoconferencing connection to the meeting will be available at the following locations:
SCAG Imperial County Regional Office
1224 W. State Street, Suite B
El Centro, CA 92243
SCAG Orange County Regional Office
OCTA Building
600 South Main Street, 9th Floor
Orange, CA 92863
SCAG Riverside County Regional Office
3403 10th Street, Suite 805
Riverside, CA 92501
SCAG San Bernardino County Regional Office
Santa Fe Depot
1170 West Third Street, Suite 140
San Bernardino, CA 92418
SCAG Ventura County Regional Office
950 County Square Drive, Suite 101
Ventura, CA 93003
Oral and written comments may be presented at the meeting. Written comments can also be sent via e-mail to cert.review@fhwa.dot.gov or by regular mail to:
Michelle Noch Ted Matley
Community Planner Community Planner
FHWA L.A. Metro Office Federal Transit Administration
888 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 1850 201 Mission Street, Suite 1650
Los Angeles, CA 90017 San Francisco, CA 94105
Public comments will be accepted through December 15, 2009. For additional information about the SCAG federal certification process or the December 2 public listening session, please call 213-202-3953.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities ACT, persons requiring modification of accommodations in order to participate in this meeting should notify FTA/FHWA Los Angeles Metro Office (213-202-3950) 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Good evening Neighborhood Council Representatives:
Participants of the Cityride transport program no longer have to go each month to a Metro retailer or Metro Customer Center to have Metro passes loaded to their TAP cards.
The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation has announced that Cityride participants who currently have a Metro Senior/Disabled TAP card will now be able to have Metro monthly passes automatically loaded to their TAP cards when they submit their quarterly orders to Cityride.
The program serves seniors and persons with disabilities.
Thank you for communicating this important program change.
Best Regards,
Laura
........................................................................
Laura Keller
Media/Public Relations Specialist, Public Information Office
Department of Transportation, City of Los Angeles
Laura.Keller@lacity.org
213-972-8446
http://ladot.lacity.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bruce Gillman, Public Information, (213) 972-8406
LADOT CITYRIDE USERS MAY NOW HAVE THEIR METRO PASSES
AUTOMATICALLY LOADED TO THEIR TAP CARDS
LOS ANGELES (Nov 19, 2009)— Cityride participants no longer have to go each month to a Metro retailer or
Metro Customer Center to have Metro passes loaded to their TAP cards.
The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) has announced that Cityride participants who
currently have a Metro Senior/Disabled TAP card will now be able to have Metro monthly passes automatically
loaded to their TAP cards when they submit their quarterly orders to Cityride.
“We are pleased to announce this easy way for Cityride participants to have Metro passes loaded onto their TAP
cards. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for all of our customers and their family members,” said Rita L.
Robinson, LADOT general manager.
Cityride participants who submit orders postmarked by the first day of a month will have their passes loaded
onto their TAP cards for use by the first day of the following month. For example, if an order received by
Cityride is postmarked between November 15, 2009 and December 1, 2009, Metro will automatically load the
TAP card with a monthly pass beginning January 1, 2010 and the succeeding months requested.
TAP card users must activate their TAP cards prior to initial use each month. This is done by tapping the TAP
card on a Metro bus farebox, rail station gate, or rail station validator between the 18th and 23rd of a month. This
validates the card, and it becomes ready for use by the first day of the following month.
Information and application forms for Metro Senior/Disabled TAP cards are available at Metro Customer
Centers, select senior centers, on the web at www.taptogo.net, and by phone at 1-866-TAPTOGO (827-8646).
The Cityride website https://farepayments.cityride.net/balance is now available for Cityride participants to view
the status of their Cityride card account, as well as verify the Metro passes loaded to their TAP cards. There is
also a Cityride link on LADOT website: www.ladottransit.com. Internet access is available at public libraries,
and assistance is available at City of Los Angeles Senior Multipurpose Centers.
LADOT is dedicated to moving Los Angeles forward as quickly and safely as possible. Drivers, bus riders,
bicyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to visit LADOT’s website at http://ladot.lacity.org for information
about DASH, Commuter Express, bicycling in the City and an array of transportation services.
Area commuters can visit the Department’s website for real-time traffic and parking facilities information. Realtime
traffic reports are a product of LADOT, innovators of the Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control System
(ATSAC) technology.
# # #
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Mass Notification System Sign Up
This page may be used to register your cell phone number, Voice over IP phone number, and e-mail address with the Alert LA County Emergency Mass Notification System.
Listed and unlisted land line telephone numbers are already included in the database and do not need to be registered.
http://portal.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/alertla
Listed and unlisted land line telephone numbers are already included in the database and do not need to be registered.
http://portal.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/alertla
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Medical Marijuana Collectives/Dispensaries
Dear Neighbors,
A regulatory ordinance regarding Medical Marijuana Collectives (Dispensaries) in the City of Los Angeles will appear before City Council tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10 a.m. If you have an interest in this ordinance, your participation is encouraged. You can participate by attending the City Council meeting tomorrow morning or by submitting comments (see below) directly to the City Council.
Whether it be the adoption of the current version #5 of the ordinance or some other version, we must urge the City Council to take action now. It is important that the community let the city council members know that we want an ordinance in place. It’s been more than two years since the process of turning out a workable ordinance started. In that time we have seen the original 186 dispensaries have grown to somewhere between 800 and 1100 locations. Sunland-Tujunga currently has 14 sites that we know of with no regulations in place. Without an ordinance, there is nothing to restrict who can open or operate one of these dispensaries. That includes someone who has previously been convicted of trafficking in narcotics or of any other felony. Right now it’s easier to open a marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles than it is to open a liquor store or a bar. The STNC Land Use Committee, at their last meeting, voted to recommend the City Attorney's draft ordinance be passed by the City Council and include an urgency clause.
NOTE: The City Attorney released a NEW draft of their proposed regulations on 11/13. Click http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2008/08-0923_misc_11-13-09.pdf to view the NEW draft (pages 2 and 3 of the draft summarize the changes). The main points of the draft regulations remain unchanged.
"Councilwoman Janice Hahn"
"Councilman Tony Cardenas"
"Councilman Tom LaBonge"
"Councilman Jose Huizar"
"Councilman Richard Alarcon"
"Councilwoman Jan Perry"
"Councilman Ed Reyes"
"Councilman Bernard Parks"
"Councilman Eric Garcetti"
"Councilman Greig Smith"
"Councilman Herb Wessen"
"Councilman Paul Koretz"
"Councilman Dennis Zine"
"Councilman Bill Rosendahl"
"Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa" mayor@lacity.org,
"S. Gail Goldberg, Planning Director" gail.goldberg@lacity.org
"CD 2 seat open" [formerly Greuel]
You can contact Council President Garcetti as follows:
Eric Garcetti (213) 473-7013
councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org
-Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
Special Town Hall Meeting – Mud, Debris Flow and Flood Response
A town hall meeting will be held to address the concerns of residents living in burn areas who are at risk of being impacted by debris flow and flooding due to the recent Sayre, Sesnon-Marek, and Station Fires.
Speakers include representatives from:
• Los Angeles City Fire Department
• Los Angeles City Police Department
• Los Angeles Emergency Management Department
• Los Angeles City Engineering Department
• County of Los Angeles Public Works
During periods of rainy weather, there is an increased risk that mud and debris can flow from previously burned canyon and hillside areas into residential areas. Those areas are indicated on a series of 22 maps published by the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department.
See Predicted Mud Flow Maps at: http://www.lacity.org/updatela/epddoc/9504406311062009.pdf
Los Angeles City and County agencies will be in attendance to answer storm debris flow related questions and advise residents on debris flow preparedness for both life safety and property protection.
Date:
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time:
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location:
Northeast Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, Ca 91042
Speakers include representatives from:
• Los Angeles City Fire Department
• Los Angeles City Police Department
• Los Angeles Emergency Management Department
• Los Angeles City Engineering Department
• County of Los Angeles Public Works
During periods of rainy weather, there is an increased risk that mud and debris can flow from previously burned canyon and hillside areas into residential areas. Those areas are indicated on a series of 22 maps published by the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department.
See Predicted Mud Flow Maps at: http://www.lacity.org/updatela/epddoc/9504406311062009.pdf
Los Angeles City and County agencies will be in attendance to answer storm debris flow related questions and advise residents on debris flow preparedness for both life safety and property protection.
Date:
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time:
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location:
Northeast Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, Ca 91042
Little Landers Flagpole Dedication 12-4-09
Mark your calendar! Friday, December 4th at 9:00 AM.
10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga
Dedication of Bolton Hall's and the Little Landers Park's new handcrafted 45' wooden flagpole. Wendy Greuel, former CD2
Councilwoman and now City Controller, will be there for the dedication of the replacement flagpole for a 93 year old flagpole which was removed during a Prop K renovation of Little Landers Park.
Before there was a Tujunga, there was the Little Landers Colony made up of people from around the world. A meeting house or club house and a 40' flagpole, flying the American Flag, were a top priority. They wanted the world to know they were here and that they were proud Americans.
Everyone is invited to share the dedication with the Little Landers Historical Society.
10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga
Dedication of Bolton Hall's and the Little Landers Park's new handcrafted 45' wooden flagpole. Wendy Greuel, former CD2
Councilwoman and now City Controller, will be there for the dedication of the replacement flagpole for a 93 year old flagpole which was removed during a Prop K renovation of Little Landers Park.
Before there was a Tujunga, there was the Little Landers Colony made up of people from around the world. A meeting house or club house and a 40' flagpole, flying the American Flag, were a top priority. They wanted the world to know they were here and that they were proud Americans.
Everyone is invited to share the dedication with the Little Landers Historical Society.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Billboard Ordinance will be at PLUM 11-17-09
ALERT:
As you probably have heard, the Court has ruled that the Billboard settlement that the previous City Attorney had made was illegal. The court is requiring all 105 digital billboard permits to be revoked and return all sites to their
original state. Billboard companies argue that it is unfair to require they
take down their digital billboards when they acted in good faith. In addition
they argue that the City should honor its commitments.
The billboard companies also claim that only a "handful" of vocal activists have objected to digital billboards. This is completely false but we need a strong showing through e-mails to PLUM committee members as well as your presence at Tuesday's PLUM hearing:
Date: Tuesday, November 17th
Time: 1:30 PM -- NOTE CHANGE IN START TIME FOR THIS MEETING
Location: City Hall /Room 350
200 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, Ca 90012
PLUM agenda item listed below. Submit comments to: Patrice.Lattimore@lacity.org Patrice will deliver your email to all three PLUM members. Free parking is available by calling your councilman. As you will see, this item is first on the agenda, so punctuality will be important. If you want more information, go to www.banbillboardblight.org
08-2020-S5
Motion (Perry - Reyes) relative to requesting the City Attorney to prepare and present an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 180841 regarding off-site-signs, off-site digital displays and supergraphic signs to implement technical corrections as stated in the Motion.
More information:
Three important issues are to be considered at City Hall early this week:
Tuesday: PLUM Committee at 1:30 has two items pertaining to digital signs/billboards, etc.
Please write to support the Garcetii motion and urge the removal of permits for all digital billboards.
Please write to oppose the Perry motion that seeks to grant vested rights to a sign even if not permit was issued prior to the effective date of the sign ordinance. [Note: correct CF file no. for Perry motion is 08-2020 S5 - not 09-2645).
Wednesday: Advisory Agency at 10 am will consider the proposed "BUNDY VILLAGE" Project at Olympic and Bundy that is expected to generate 20,073 new daily auto trips in the West LA area as a consequence of building two medical office buildings, 385 residential condos, retailing, a supermarket, etc.
If you are in the greater WLA area, please write to oppose the project as currently proposed because infrastructure cannot absorb the proposed traffic. Mitigations do not mitigate the traffic and intersections in our area as well as others will be negatively impacted.
Wednesday: Public Works Committee at 2 pm will consider adopting a motion to develop regulations on cellular telecommunications tower placement. Cell towers are appearing in people's front and rear yards and before a recent court decision, the city could do nothing about it. Now they can establish regulations... and they should!
Sample letters are attached along with additional information. If you wish to circulate this to your own email list, make edits to the letters to reflect your area of concern, geographic area or whatever makes sense for you. The sign and telecommunications towers items are of relevance to the entire city. You can cut and paste comments, you can do further research (go to www.lacity.org and enter the file numbers and you can find out more). Bundy Village planning documents can be accessed from the Planning Dept. website.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS so that we can make a strong impact! And, send your note today or tomorrow as soon as possible, please. Sorry for the late notice but I hope the sample letters will help to make up for lost time.
More ....
ALERT MESSAGE FROM
COALITION TO BAN BILLBOARD BLIGHT
HEARING TUES., NOV. 17, 2009 - 2 PM, LA CITY HALL #350
Dear Supporters:
The PLUM committee meeting this coming Tuesday is a critical juncture in our battle against the digital billboards that are blighting our neighborhoods. The question before the committee will be what to do in light of the judge's ruling that the lawsuit settlement allowing them was illegal, and the answer should be resoundingly clear: Revoke the permits for the 105 now in operation, and require that they be returned to their former state. However, Clear Channel and CBS Outdoor will be there arguing that this would be highly unfair since they acted in good faith, and others are likely to argue that the city should honor its commitments to businesses even if those commitments were illegally made in secret meetings and through backroom dealings with an ethically-challenged City Attorney.
It is extremely important that the public raise its voice in a loud and collective NO to the idea that these billboards should remain in operation. At the court hearing where the judge threw out the settlement, the billboard companies' attorney claimed that only a "handful" of vocal neighborhood activists objected to digital billboards. This is completely false, of course, but we need to demonstrate it with a strong showing, both through e-mails to the committee members and a presence at the meeting. I know how difficult it is to take time off from work and other commitments to come downtown on a weekday, but please try to do it. And if you are a leader or member of a neighborhood group, send this message to your members and associates and urge them both to e-mail the committee members and come to the meeting at 2 pm. in Room 350 at City Hall.
Thanks again for your support.
Dennis Hathaway,
Pres. Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight
--
Defend Our Public Spaces, Protect Our Visual Environment
www.banbillboardblight.org
****
After you have read these items, please take appropriate action.
If you would like to share your comments with others, please email:
gsilver4@earthlink.net
****
If after reading the items above, you may wish to email your comments to:
CONTACT YOUR COUNCILMEMBER AND THE MAYOR
"Councilwoman Janice Hahn",
"Councilman Tony Cardenas",
"Councilman Tom LaBonge",
"Councilman Jose Huizar",
"Councilman Richard Alarcon",
"Councilwoman Jan Perry",
"Councilman Ed Reyes" councilmember.reyes@lacity.org,
"Councilman Bernard Parks",
"Councilman Eric Garcetti",
"Councilman Greig Smith",
"Councilman Herb Wessen"
"Councilman Paul Koretz" paul.koretz@lacity.org
"Councilman Dennis Zine",
"CD 2" - open seat
"Councilman Bill Rosendahl",
"Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa",
"S. Gail Goldberg, Planning Director"
As you probably have heard, the Court has ruled that the Billboard settlement that the previous City Attorney had made was illegal. The court is requiring all 105 digital billboard permits to be revoked and return all sites to their
original state. Billboard companies argue that it is unfair to require they
take down their digital billboards when they acted in good faith. In addition
they argue that the City should honor its commitments.
The billboard companies also claim that only a "handful" of vocal activists have objected to digital billboards. This is completely false but we need a strong showing through e-mails to PLUM committee members as well as your presence at Tuesday's PLUM hearing:
Date: Tuesday, November 17th
Time: 1:30 PM -- NOTE CHANGE IN START TIME FOR THIS MEETING
Location: City Hall /Room 350
200 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, Ca 90012
PLUM agenda item listed below. Submit comments to: Patrice.Lattimore@lacity.org Patrice will deliver your email to all three PLUM members. Free parking is available by calling your councilman. As you will see, this item is first on the agenda, so punctuality will be important. If you want more information, go to www.banbillboardblight.org
08-2020-S5
Motion (Perry - Reyes) relative to requesting the City Attorney to prepare and present an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 180841 regarding off-site-signs, off-site digital displays and supergraphic signs to implement technical corrections as stated in the Motion.
More information:
Three important issues are to be considered at City Hall early this week:
Tuesday: PLUM Committee at 1:30 has two items pertaining to digital signs/billboards, etc.
Please write to support the Garcetii motion and urge the removal of permits for all digital billboards.
Please write to oppose the Perry motion that seeks to grant vested rights to a sign even if not permit was issued prior to the effective date of the sign ordinance. [Note: correct CF file no. for Perry motion is 08-2020 S5 - not 09-2645).
Wednesday: Advisory Agency at 10 am will consider the proposed "BUNDY VILLAGE" Project at Olympic and Bundy that is expected to generate 20,073 new daily auto trips in the West LA area as a consequence of building two medical office buildings, 385 residential condos, retailing, a supermarket, etc.
If you are in the greater WLA area, please write to oppose the project as currently proposed because infrastructure cannot absorb the proposed traffic. Mitigations do not mitigate the traffic and intersections in our area as well as others will be negatively impacted.
Wednesday: Public Works Committee at 2 pm will consider adopting a motion to develop regulations on cellular telecommunications tower placement. Cell towers are appearing in people's front and rear yards and before a recent court decision, the city could do nothing about it. Now they can establish regulations... and they should!
Sample letters are attached along with additional information. If you wish to circulate this to your own email list, make edits to the letters to reflect your area of concern, geographic area or whatever makes sense for you. The sign and telecommunications towers items are of relevance to the entire city. You can cut and paste comments, you can do further research (go to www.lacity.org and enter the file numbers and you can find out more). Bundy Village planning documents can be accessed from the Planning Dept. website.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS so that we can make a strong impact! And, send your note today or tomorrow as soon as possible, please. Sorry for the late notice but I hope the sample letters will help to make up for lost time.
More ....
ALERT MESSAGE FROM
COALITION TO BAN BILLBOARD BLIGHT
HEARING TUES., NOV. 17, 2009 - 2 PM, LA CITY HALL #350
Dear Supporters:
The PLUM committee meeting this coming Tuesday is a critical juncture in our battle against the digital billboards that are blighting our neighborhoods. The question before the committee will be what to do in light of the judge's ruling that the lawsuit settlement allowing them was illegal, and the answer should be resoundingly clear: Revoke the permits for the 105 now in operation, and require that they be returned to their former state. However, Clear Channel and CBS Outdoor will be there arguing that this would be highly unfair since they acted in good faith, and others are likely to argue that the city should honor its commitments to businesses even if those commitments were illegally made in secret meetings and through backroom dealings with an ethically-challenged City Attorney.
It is extremely important that the public raise its voice in a loud and collective NO to the idea that these billboards should remain in operation. At the court hearing where the judge threw out the settlement, the billboard companies' attorney claimed that only a "handful" of vocal neighborhood activists objected to digital billboards. This is completely false, of course, but we need to demonstrate it with a strong showing, both through e-mails to the committee members and a presence at the meeting. I know how difficult it is to take time off from work and other commitments to come downtown on a weekday, but please try to do it. And if you are a leader or member of a neighborhood group, send this message to your members and associates and urge them both to e-mail the committee members and come to the meeting at 2 pm. in Room 350 at City Hall.
Thanks again for your support.
Dennis Hathaway,
Pres. Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight
--
Defend Our Public Spaces, Protect Our Visual Environment
www.banbillboardblight.org
****
After you have read these items, please take appropriate action.
If you would like to share your comments with others, please email:
gsilver4@earthlink.net
****
If after reading the items above, you may wish to email your comments to:
CONTACT YOUR COUNCILMEMBER AND THE MAYOR
"Councilwoman Janice Hahn"
"Councilman Tony Cardenas"
"Councilman Tom LaBonge"
"Councilman Jose Huizar"
"Councilman Richard Alarcon"
"Councilwoman Jan Perry"
"Councilman Ed Reyes" councilmember.reyes@lacity.org,
"Councilman Bernard Parks"
"Councilman Eric Garcetti"
"Councilman Greig Smith"
"Councilman Herb Wessen"
"Councilman Paul Koretz" paul.koretz@lacity.org
"Councilman Dennis Zine"
"CD 2" - open seat
"Councilman Bill Rosendahl"
"Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa"
"S. Gail Goldberg, Planning Director"
Census 2010
Dear Community Partner:
As you know, the Census is fast approaching and numerous outreach efforts are already underway in the City. There is much at stake - from political representation to billions of dollars in public resources. The City of Los Angeles through the Mayors Office of Census 2010 is tasked with ensuring that we maximize our limited resources by coordinating outreach efforts locally. Working alongside the US Census Bureau, elected officials, the business community, labor unions, schools, churches, and hospitals/clinics, our goal is to support local coalitions, facilitate strategies, and access resources for the communities most trusted messengers.
As a trusted community partner, we invite you to participate in a Census coordinating meeting for the San Fernando Valley. In these challenging times, coordination is key. We have a daunting task ahead of us, but collectively we can ensure an accurate and complete count in the San Fernando Valley.
The success of this effort will not be possible without your leadership and participation. Please join us on:
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00
Place: The Marvin Braude Center, Conference Room 3B
6262 Van Nuys Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91401
Please RSVP to Rudy Gonzalves at (213) 978-0301 or via e-mail at rudy.gonzalves@lacity.orgas soon as possible. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. We look forward to your participation and partnership to ensure an accurate and complete Census 2010 count.
Lastly, be sure to check out our interactive new website www.lacounts2010.orgfor all things Census in the City of Los Angeles!
Best regards,
Rudy Gonzalves, Assistant Director
Office of Census 2010
Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
200 N. Spring Street, Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-0301
rudy.gonzalves@lacity.org
As you know, the Census is fast approaching and numerous outreach efforts are already underway in the City. There is much at stake - from political representation to billions of dollars in public resources. The City of Los Angeles through the Mayors Office of Census 2010 is tasked with ensuring that we maximize our limited resources by coordinating outreach efforts locally. Working alongside the US Census Bureau, elected officials, the business community, labor unions, schools, churches, and hospitals/clinics, our goal is to support local coalitions, facilitate strategies, and access resources for the communities most trusted messengers.
As a trusted community partner, we invite you to participate in a Census coordinating meeting for the San Fernando Valley. In these challenging times, coordination is key. We have a daunting task ahead of us, but collectively we can ensure an accurate and complete count in the San Fernando Valley.
The success of this effort will not be possible without your leadership and participation. Please join us on:
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00
Place: The Marvin Braude Center, Conference Room 3B
6262 Van Nuys Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91401
Please RSVP to Rudy Gonzalves at (213) 978-0301 or via e-mail at rudy.gonzalves@lacity.orgas soon as possible. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. We look forward to your participation and partnership to ensure an accurate and complete Census 2010 count.
Lastly, be sure to check out our interactive new website www.lacounts2010.orgfor all things Census in the City of Los Angeles!
Best regards,
Rudy Gonzalves, Assistant Director
Office of Census 2010
Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
200 N. Spring Street, Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-0301
rudy.gonzalves@lacity.org
From the Mayor RE: Letters of Intent to operate LAUSD schools
MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA
City of Los Angeles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2009
CONTACT
Sarah Hamilton
213-978-0741
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, CHARTER, COMMUNITY AND CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS STAND
TOGETHER FOR CHANGE IN OUR SCHOOLS
Thanks outside operators for submitting Letters of Intent to Operate Schools available under the School Choice Resolution
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Villaraigosa marked today's deadline for submission of Letters of Intent to operate LAUSD schools made available under the school choice motion this morning at the New Open World Academy.
“Today marks a major milestone for our schools,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “When we passed the School Choice resolution, we asked everyone - charter schools, Partnership Schools, Pilot Schools, Universities, local superintendents, UTLA and others - to come together and commit to turning around our failing schools and open our new ones to be models of success. We asked them to commit to reforming our schools and the way we educate our children because they are our future and they deserve a high-quality education and a chance to succeed. Today, we take another step towards giving them that opportunity.”
The School Choice Resolution passed in August and allows for innovative school operators - like public charters schools, teacher collaboratives, successful district schools, and others - to be able to submit a plan for running the schools.
“Today is an historic day, as proven public charter school operators and other quality providers indicate their interest in being part of the education reform efforts in LAUSD through the submission of their School Choice Resolution letters of intent,” said Jed Wallace, President and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association. “Public charter school leaders and their community supporters, stand ready to deliver on their commitment to serving students in the high priority neighborhoods by providing families significantly improved educational options.”
Upon submission of Letter of Intent today, school operators have two months to submit their specific plans for operating the schools. These plans must be based on real data and set real benchmarks and metrics for progress and achievement. The Superintendent will then review the plans and recommend his choices to the Board. The Board will vote in February.
City of Los Angeles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2009
CONTACT
Sarah Hamilton
213-978-0741
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, CHARTER, COMMUNITY AND CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS STAND
TOGETHER FOR CHANGE IN OUR SCHOOLS
Thanks outside operators for submitting Letters of Intent to Operate Schools available under the School Choice Resolution
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Villaraigosa marked today's deadline for submission of Letters of Intent to operate LAUSD schools made available under the school choice motion this morning at the New Open World Academy.
“Today marks a major milestone for our schools,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “When we passed the School Choice resolution, we asked everyone - charter schools, Partnership Schools, Pilot Schools, Universities, local superintendents, UTLA and others - to come together and commit to turning around our failing schools and open our new ones to be models of success. We asked them to commit to reforming our schools and the way we educate our children because they are our future and they deserve a high-quality education and a chance to succeed. Today, we take another step towards giving them that opportunity.”
The School Choice Resolution passed in August and allows for innovative school operators - like public charters schools, teacher collaboratives, successful district schools, and others - to be able to submit a plan for running the schools.
“Today is an historic day, as proven public charter school operators and other quality providers indicate their interest in being part of the education reform efforts in LAUSD through the submission of their School Choice Resolution letters of intent,” said Jed Wallace, President and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association. “Public charter school leaders and their community supporters, stand ready to deliver on their commitment to serving students in the high priority neighborhoods by providing families significantly improved educational options.”
Upon submission of Letter of Intent today, school operators have two months to submit their specific plans for operating the schools. These plans must be based on real data and set real benchmarks and metrics for progress and achievement. The Superintendent will then review the plans and recommend his choices to the Board. The Board will vote in February.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
8330 McGroarty
Dear Neighbors,
On October 19, 2009 at the STNC's Land Use Committee, the committee voted to unanimously support the neighbors around 8330 McGroarty that the protected oak trees in this area should be preserved.
Below is an status update from Council District 2.
For more information and updates, please attend the next STNC meeting on Wednesday, November 18 at 7 p.m.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
www.stnc.org
follow at http://stncnews.blogspot.com/
>>>Hi Cindy,
Since there is considerable interest in the issue among Sunland-Tujunga residents, I would appreciate it if you could forward this e-mail to your list.
I just talked to Public Works Commissioner Andrea Alarcon about Mr. Vella's request to be relieved of the street improvement requirements at his property so as to preserve the several trees that are located in the affected area. I informed the Commissioner that CD-2 supports preserving the trees and expressed the community's and the Council District's gratitude for any help she could give us. She will be doing a site visit with her staff in the next few weeks, and she invited me to attend. She will make her decision after the field meeting.
I will let you know how the meeting goes.
Dale Thrush
Director of Planning and Economic Development
Council District 2<<<
On October 19, 2009 at the STNC's Land Use Committee, the committee voted to unanimously support the neighbors around 8330 McGroarty that the protected oak trees in this area should be preserved.
Below is an status update from Council District 2.
For more information and updates, please attend the next STNC meeting on Wednesday, November 18 at 7 p.m.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
www.stnc.org
follow at http://stncnews.blogspot.com/
>>>Hi Cindy,
Since there is considerable interest in the issue among Sunland-Tujunga residents, I would appreciate it if you could forward this e-mail to your list.
I just talked to Public Works Commissioner Andrea Alarcon about Mr. Vella's request to be relieved of the street improvement requirements at his property so as to preserve the several trees that are located in the affected area. I informed the Commissioner that CD-2 supports preserving the trees and expressed the community's and the Council District's gratitude for any help she could give us. She will be doing a site visit with her staff in the next few weeks, and she invited me to attend. She will make her decision after the field meeting.
I will let you know how the meeting goes.
Dale Thrush
Director of Planning and Economic Development
Council District 2<<<
Friday, November 13, 2009
City's PLUM & Public Safety to meet RE: Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
An important joint meeting of the PLUM and Public Safety Committees is scheduled for next Monday, November 16th at 8:30 a.m. The topic of the meeting is the City Attorneys proposed regulatory ordinance for medical marijuana dispensaries. Without such an ordinance there is no guidance for city officials or the police on how or how not to deal with the estimated 1000 establishments that currently deal with medical marijuana. Without such an ordinance there are no standards for the development of a zoning ordinance that governs where these establishments should or should not be located. It is important that something be enacted so we have a chance to bring order to the current chaotic condition that exists in Los Angeles. It is also important that you let your council members and the members of the committee know how you feel about this matter. If you can attend the meeting please do so, if not then send an email, a fax or make a phone call to express your thoughts on this important matter. It is important that the city council hear from persons on both sides of this issue. We have been told that whatever ordinance is passed out of committee will be before the council on Wednesday, November 18th. It’s important that we have people at the city council meeting. If there is choice between the committee meeting and city council, come to the council meeting.
The members of the two committees and their emails are as follows:
Greg Smith councilmember.smith@lacity.org
Tony Cardenas councilmember.cardenas@lacity.org
Jan Perry councilmember.perry@lacity.org
Ed Reyes councilmember.reyes@lacity.org
Dennis Zine councilmember.zine@lacity.org
Jose Huizar councilmember.huizar@lacity.org
For your consideration, I’ve included a copy of an email sent by Jane Usher who is currently a Special Assistant City Attorney.
Dear Neighbors --
We are writing to provide you with an update regarding medical marijuana in this City. There is considerable misinformation circulating on this topic. We hope to inform you and to encourage you to share your views in this matter with the City Council. We do not have a City Council hearing date, but will write again once the day and time are known. Our proposed medical marijuana ordinance is attached.
1. What is the law? Both state and federal law ban and criminalize the sale of marijuana. California voters created an exception for the seriously ill in our 1996 Compassionate Use Act. This Act and its implementing state legislation immunize "qualified patients" and their "primary caregivers" from criminal prosecution if their only conduct is the collective cultivation of medical marijuana for personal use to treat specific serious illnesses. The Compassionate Use Act ballot argument stated that the Act would not allow the sale of marijuana. The California Supreme Court has confirmed that this is our law. On Monday, the Obama administration also advised us that the federal government will honor California law.
2. What has happened in Los Angeles? California cities are authorized to write their own local regulations governing access to medical marijuana, consistent with state law. Los Angeles has yet to take this step. As Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Chalfant ruled this week, our temporary rules have expired. Even so, to date, they were not being enforced. In this vacuum, as many as 1,000 marijuana dispensaries have opened in Los Angeles for the commercial sale of marijuana. No one knows the sources for the vast citywide quantity of marijuana, but it is apparently not the result of cultivation by patients and caregivers. Unlike for every other product that we consume or ingest, there is no local, state, or federal agency that oversees the quality, content, and potential threat of chemical or foreign matter contamination. Moreover, the increased crime at and around the pot shops is taxing our police force and our neighborhoods.
3. What is the next step? Los Angeles needs to adopt regulations about where and how true medical marijuana collectives can operate. The City Attorney transmitted this office's draft ordinance to the City Council yesterday. The draft enables collective cultivation for compassionate use, but does not allow the outright sales that Los Angeles is currently experiencing. Once the City adopts a permanent ordinance, we can begin to close shops operating illegally and monitor legitimate collectives that lawfully provide medical marijuana to residents in need.
4. How can you help? Marijuana advocates who want to legalize retail sales turn out in force for the City Council hearings on this topic. While it is also common for the hearings to include a handful of chronically ill patients who rightfully deserve access to medicinal marijuana, most speakers appear to be profiteers, with little compassion for patients and much concern for their personal pocketbooks. These profiteers are well organized and are confident that they can ride roughshod over this City. Who is missing from these hearings? Missing are the pot shop customers, ranging in age from 14 to 30, who are not in medical need of marijuana but, rather, are recreational users. More importantly, you are missing. It is critical that you and your neighbors be heard. The downside risk is too great that this City will continue to be the lawless Wild West for unregulated marijuana shops and their attendant crime and social ills.
Many thanks for reading. Please let the City Council know your views. Please write or email us back with your questions.
Jane Usher
above message sent to us by:
Leonard J. Shaffer
Chair, LANCCoalition
info@lanccoalition.org
www.lanccoalition.org
The members of the two committees and their emails are as follows:
Greg Smith councilmember.smith@lacity.org
Tony Cardenas councilmember.cardenas@lacity.org
Jan Perry councilmember.perry@lacity.org
Ed Reyes councilmember.reyes@lacity.org
Dennis Zine councilmember.zine@lacity.org
Jose Huizar councilmember.huizar@lacity.org
For your consideration, I’ve included a copy of an email sent by Jane Usher who is currently a Special Assistant City Attorney.
Dear Neighbors --
We are writing to provide you with an update regarding medical marijuana in this City. There is considerable misinformation circulating on this topic. We hope to inform you and to encourage you to share your views in this matter with the City Council. We do not have a City Council hearing date, but will write again once the day and time are known. Our proposed medical marijuana ordinance is attached.
1. What is the law? Both state and federal law ban and criminalize the sale of marijuana. California voters created an exception for the seriously ill in our 1996 Compassionate Use Act. This Act and its implementing state legislation immunize "qualified patients" and their "primary caregivers" from criminal prosecution if their only conduct is the collective cultivation of medical marijuana for personal use to treat specific serious illnesses. The Compassionate Use Act ballot argument stated that the Act would not allow the sale of marijuana. The California Supreme Court has confirmed that this is our law. On Monday, the Obama administration also advised us that the federal government will honor California law.
2. What has happened in Los Angeles? California cities are authorized to write their own local regulations governing access to medical marijuana, consistent with state law. Los Angeles has yet to take this step. As Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Chalfant ruled this week, our temporary rules have expired. Even so, to date, they were not being enforced. In this vacuum, as many as 1,000 marijuana dispensaries have opened in Los Angeles for the commercial sale of marijuana. No one knows the sources for the vast citywide quantity of marijuana, but it is apparently not the result of cultivation by patients and caregivers. Unlike for every other product that we consume or ingest, there is no local, state, or federal agency that oversees the quality, content, and potential threat of chemical or foreign matter contamination. Moreover, the increased crime at and around the pot shops is taxing our police force and our neighborhoods.
3. What is the next step? Los Angeles needs to adopt regulations about where and how true medical marijuana collectives can operate. The City Attorney transmitted this office's draft ordinance to the City Council yesterday. The draft enables collective cultivation for compassionate use, but does not allow the outright sales that Los Angeles is currently experiencing. Once the City adopts a permanent ordinance, we can begin to close shops operating illegally and monitor legitimate collectives that lawfully provide medical marijuana to residents in need.
4. How can you help? Marijuana advocates who want to legalize retail sales turn out in force for the City Council hearings on this topic. While it is also common for the hearings to include a handful of chronically ill patients who rightfully deserve access to medicinal marijuana, most speakers appear to be profiteers, with little compassion for patients and much concern for their personal pocketbooks. These profiteers are well organized and are confident that they can ride roughshod over this City. Who is missing from these hearings? Missing are the pot shop customers, ranging in age from 14 to 30, who are not in medical need of marijuana but, rather, are recreational users. More importantly, you are missing. It is critical that you and your neighbors be heard. The downside risk is too great that this City will continue to be the lawless Wild West for unregulated marijuana shops and their attendant crime and social ills.
Many thanks for reading. Please let the City Council know your views. Please write or email us back with your questions.
Jane Usher
above message sent to us by:
Leonard J. Shaffer
Chair, LANCCoalition
info@lanccoalition.org
www.lanccoalition.org
Monday, November 09, 2009
Land Use Committee - Nov. 9th, 2009 at 7 pm
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
7747 Foothill Blvd., Room 101, Tujunga CA 91042
(818) 951-7411 FAX (818) 951-7412
www.stnc.org
Land Use Committee
Monday, November 9, 2009 – 7:00 p.m.
North Valley Neighborhood City Hall
7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga
The public is requested to address the Board/Committee on any item of the agenda prior to the Board/Committee taking action on an item. Comments from the public on Agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered and at the discretion of the presiding officer(s). Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the agenda can be heard during Open Forum Period. Public Comment is limited to two minutes per speaker, unless waived by the presiding officer(s) of the Board/Committee. **Time limits may take more or less time. Order of items on this agenda may be changed by the DAC chairman** All items may be acted upon whether specifically listed for action or not. In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting, may be viewed at 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga, at our website by clicking on the following link: www.stnc.org or at the scheduled meeting. In addition, if you would like a copy of any record related to an item on the agenda, please contact the STNC office.
7:00 PM - Call to order – Tomi Lyn Bowling, DAC Chairwoman. Committee Members: Debby Beck, Cindy Cleghorn, Mark Seigel, Elaine Brown, Lloyd Hitt, Dean Sherer, Karen Zimmerman, Olina Lowe, Chaz. van Aalst, Nina Royal, David Long (alt), William Malouf (alt), Bill Skiles (alt), Bob Douglas (alt).
1. Introductions - LUC, City staff, Neighbors & Guests
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS – non agenda items and community announcements
3. LUC Chair announcements/reports – Tomi Lyn Bowling Ask for recusals.
a. Updates on recent committee member activities & LUC chair comments
*** Best of Business Awards ***
b. Station Fire – Neighbor and resources updates, debris flow maps, DWP, STNC motion.
c. STNC Board Elections
4. Citywide Items: Brief review of these items for possible future agenda or other STNC committee review
a. Proposed Ordinance to extend DCP entitlements (PM, TTM, VTTM by additional 24 months. (Ref. CF09-2057 and AB333)
b. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) CF-09-2589 and City Planning workshops, interim guidelines, State regulations.
c. Hillside Ordinance – status
d. 36th PY Consolidated Plan 3rd Yr Action Plan – review Mayor’s letter
5. Team Project Updates: if any
a. Auto Uses in the Foothill Corridor – report and update – Berj Zadoian
b. Department of City Planning fees ordinance [Draft Ordinance Amending Sections 19.01 and 19.02 of the LAMC Relating to Fees for Filing Appeals with Dept. City Planning dated 10-9-09 (CF09-0600-S50) http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2009/09-0600-S50_RPT_ATTY_10-09-09.pdf] – status and updates – Cindy Cleghorn
6. Medical Marijuana Ordinance (CF-09-0360) – Discussion/Action to adopt resolution supporting City Attorney’s proposed Medical Marijuana Collectives ordinance and request addition of an emergency clause. Sunland-Tujunga currently has 14 sites throughout the community.
7. LUC & CD2 - Status Updates/Discussion/Action: (30 minutes)
a. 8344 Foothill – new tattoo shop
b. ANGELES NATIONAL GOLF CLUB – 9401 Sunland Blvd. CPC-1996-0243-CU-PA2 – Updates and status. Hearing extended to November for determination on appeals filed by ANGC & Dept. Fish & Game and ANGC compliance with conditions. What is the status on 240 acres dedication?
b. 7200 Foothill – Foothill-Commerce Town Center – (updates if any) – Debby Beck
c. 8040 Foothill – K-Mart property (updates if any) – Tomi Lyn Bowling & Cindy Cleghorn
d. 10249 Plainview – Appeal to City Planning Determination Letter filed by STA on 9-30-09 – When will hearing be scheduled?
e. Verdugo Hills Golf Course – updates and announcements – if any
g. 7937 Foothill Blvd – former Coffee Stop site – (updates if any)
h. Other CD2 Updates – Dale Thrush/Jim Dantona
8. PRESENTATION: Sunland-Tujunga Land Use committee presentation on success stories and concerns that the LUC has reviewed through the years.
9. Approve minutes of 10/19/09 LUC meeting.
10. Discussion re: other future LUC agenda items
11. Announcements: Please note these are the Monday dates for the rest of the year for our LUC meetings in 2009: Nov 23rd. Dec 14th. These have all been booked in the big room at the NVCH. There may be some changes if we need to (as time goes on) or additional "Special Meetings". If we have Special Meetings you will find out by email or by checking the web site at www.stnc.org -- All meetings to be held at North Valley City Hall. Announce: Next STNC Board Meeting is November 18 (**DATE CHANGE DUE TO VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY**) at North Valley Neighborhood City Hall. Review LUC meeting dates for 2010.
12. Adjourn
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assisted listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting by contacting Cindy Cleghorn, at (818) 951-7411, toll-free at (866) LA HELPS, or e-mail secretary@stnc.org Agenda is posted for public review at: Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce 8250 Foothill Blvd. Unit B, Sunland; North Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga and Sunland Senior Center, 8640 Fenwick Street, Sunland.
7747 Foothill Blvd., Room 101, Tujunga CA 91042
(818) 951-7411 FAX (818) 951-7412
www.stnc.org
Land Use Committee
Monday, November 9, 2009 – 7:00 p.m.
North Valley Neighborhood City Hall
7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga
The public is requested to address the Board/Committee on any item of the agenda prior to the Board/Committee taking action on an item. Comments from the public on Agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered and at the discretion of the presiding officer(s). Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the agenda can be heard during Open Forum Period. Public Comment is limited to two minutes per speaker, unless waived by the presiding officer(s) of the Board/Committee. **Time limits may take more or less time. Order of items on this agenda may be changed by the DAC chairman** All items may be acted upon whether specifically listed for action or not. In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting, may be viewed at 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga, at our website by clicking on the following link: www.stnc.org or at the scheduled meeting. In addition, if you would like a copy of any record related to an item on the agenda, please contact the STNC office.
7:00 PM - Call to order – Tomi Lyn Bowling, DAC Chairwoman. Committee Members: Debby Beck, Cindy Cleghorn, Mark Seigel, Elaine Brown, Lloyd Hitt, Dean Sherer, Karen Zimmerman, Olina Lowe, Chaz. van Aalst, Nina Royal, David Long (alt), William Malouf (alt), Bill Skiles (alt), Bob Douglas (alt).
1. Introductions - LUC, City staff, Neighbors & Guests
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS – non agenda items and community announcements
3. LUC Chair announcements/reports – Tomi Lyn Bowling Ask for recusals.
a. Updates on recent committee member activities & LUC chair comments
*** Best of Business Awards ***
b. Station Fire – Neighbor and resources updates, debris flow maps, DWP, STNC motion.
c. STNC Board Elections
4. Citywide Items: Brief review of these items for possible future agenda or other STNC committee review
a. Proposed Ordinance to extend DCP entitlements (PM, TTM, VTTM by additional 24 months. (Ref. CF09-2057 and AB333)
b. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) CF-09-2589 and City Planning workshops, interim guidelines, State regulations.
c. Hillside Ordinance – status
d. 36th PY Consolidated Plan 3rd Yr Action Plan – review Mayor’s letter
5. Team Project Updates: if any
a. Auto Uses in the Foothill Corridor – report and update – Berj Zadoian
b. Department of City Planning fees ordinance [Draft Ordinance Amending Sections 19.01 and 19.02 of the LAMC Relating to Fees for Filing Appeals with Dept. City Planning dated 10-9-09 (CF09-0600-S50) http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2009/09-0600-S50_RPT_ATTY_10-09-09.pdf] – status and updates – Cindy Cleghorn
6. Medical Marijuana Ordinance (CF-09-0360) – Discussion/Action to adopt resolution supporting City Attorney’s proposed Medical Marijuana Collectives ordinance and request addition of an emergency clause. Sunland-Tujunga currently has 14 sites throughout the community.
7. LUC & CD2 - Status Updates/Discussion/Action: (30 minutes)
a. 8344 Foothill – new tattoo shop
b. ANGELES NATIONAL GOLF CLUB – 9401 Sunland Blvd. CPC-1996-0243-CU-PA2 – Updates and status. Hearing extended to November for determination on appeals filed by ANGC & Dept. Fish & Game and ANGC compliance with conditions. What is the status on 240 acres dedication?
b. 7200 Foothill – Foothill-Commerce Town Center – (updates if any) – Debby Beck
c. 8040 Foothill – K-Mart property (updates if any) – Tomi Lyn Bowling & Cindy Cleghorn
d. 10249 Plainview – Appeal to City Planning Determination Letter filed by STA on 9-30-09 – When will hearing be scheduled?
e. Verdugo Hills Golf Course – updates and announcements – if any
g. 7937 Foothill Blvd – former Coffee Stop site – (updates if any)
h. Other CD2 Updates – Dale Thrush/Jim Dantona
8. PRESENTATION: Sunland-Tujunga Land Use committee presentation on success stories and concerns that the LUC has reviewed through the years.
9. Approve minutes of 10/19/09 LUC meeting.
10. Discussion re: other future LUC agenda items
11. Announcements: Please note these are the Monday dates for the rest of the year for our LUC meetings in 2009: Nov 23rd. Dec 14th. These have all been booked in the big room at the NVCH. There may be some changes if we need to (as time goes on) or additional "Special Meetings". If we have Special Meetings you will find out by email or by checking the web site at www.stnc.org -- All meetings to be held at North Valley City Hall. Announce: Next STNC Board Meeting is November 18 (**DATE CHANGE DUE TO VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY**) at North Valley Neighborhood City Hall. Review LUC meeting dates for 2010.
12. Adjourn
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assisted listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting by contacting Cindy Cleghorn, at (818) 951-7411, toll-free at (866) LA HELPS, or e-mail secretary@stnc.org Agenda is posted for public review at: Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce 8250 Foothill Blvd. Unit B, Sunland; North Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga and Sunland Senior Center, 8640 Fenwick Street, Sunland.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Alternative Technologies -- Important Meeting Monday Nov. 9
Dear Stakeholders,
On Monday, November 9, 2009, the City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works is expected to hear the recommendation from the Alternative Technologies project to begin contract negotiations with the only remaining proposer under the emerging technology category for the development of the first emerging Alternative Technology facility in the City. The Board Report and the agenda will be available on-line on November 6, 2009 for public review. Go to
You are welcome to attend the Board meeting in person at City Hall (Edward R. Royball BPW Session Room, Room 350, City Hall) or calling to listen to the Board's proceedings that day (213-621-CITY (Metro), 818-904-9450 (Valley), 310-471-CITY (Westside), 310-547-CITY (San Pedro Area). Board of Public Works meetings begin at 9:30am. You may also call the Executive Officer at 213-978-0262 for information on the agenda.
We are committed to keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process. Should you have any other questions, contact Miguel Zermeno, Project Manager at (213) 485-3611.
On Monday, November 9, 2009, the City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works is expected to hear the recommendation from the Alternative Technologies project to begin contract negotiations with the only remaining proposer under the emerging technology category for the development of the first emerging Alternative Technology facility in the City. The Board Report and the agenda will be available on-line on November 6, 2009 for public review. Go to
You are welcome to attend the Board meeting in person at City Hall (Edward R. Royball BPW Session Room, Room 350, City Hall) or calling to listen to the Board's proceedings that day (213-621-CITY (Metro), 818-904-9450 (Valley), 310-471-CITY (Westside), 310-547-CITY (San Pedro Area). Board of Public Works meetings begin at 9:30am. You may also call the Executive Officer at 213-978-0262 for information on the agenda.
We are committed to keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process. Should you have any other questions, contact Miguel Zermeno, Project Manager at (213) 485-3611.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Dear Neighbors,
Foothill Community organizations are hosting the Los Angeles City Council District 2 Candidates Debate tomorrow, Saturday at North Valley City Hall. Meet and Greet the candidates Christine Essel and Paul Krekorian at 12 noon. Debate begins at 1 p.m.
Award winning broadcast journalist and our own community resident Christine Gonzalez (FOX 11) will moderate the debate. There will be several community specific questions, audience questions and a chance for the candidates to ask each other a question.
Sample ballots have started to arrive in the mail for this special runoff election to be held on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009.
Light refreshments will be available. Please tell your friends and neighbors. More details on the event are below.
Special thanks to the community groups listed at the bottom of this e-mail for their time in coordinating this event so you can be informed about each of these candidates before voting.
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
-Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
Foothills Community Debate
A Special Runoff Election will be held on
December 8, 2009 to replace
City Council Member, Wendy Greuel
MEET THE CANDIDATES
At our L.A. City Council District 2
Foothills Community
Debate with candidates
Christine Essel & Paul Krekorian
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Meet & Greet 12-1 p.m.
Debate begins at 1 p.m.
North Valley Neighborhood City Hall
7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga
Moderated by award winning broadcast journalist
Christina Gonzalez, KTTV FOX 11
The choice is yours. This is your chance to be informed
Invite your friends and neighbors.
For more info/updates:
Visit the CD2 Election Blog at http://cd2election.blogspot.com/
REGISTER TO VOTE AT THIS EVENT OR GO TO LAVOTE.net
Event hosted by the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC) stnc.org, Sunland-Tujunga Alliance (STA) sunlandtujungaalliance.com, Los Angeles Horse Council, Equestrian Trails, Inc. (ETI), Foothill Trails District Neighborhood Council, Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council, Wentworth Woods Homeowners Association, La Tuna Canyon Homeowners Assn, Shadow Hills Property Owners Assn, Lake View Terrace Improvement Assn, Verdugo Hills
Golf Course Committee, Verdugo Men’s Club, VOICE, L.A. Trails Project, War Horse & Militaria Heritage Foundation and other participating groups after printing of this flyer.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
IMPORTANT: Survey LA at Bolton Hall on Nov. 12 2-4:30 PM
Dear All:
Please join us at one of the following SurveyLA Neighborhood Coordinator/Coordinating Committee Training Sessions:
Thursday, November 12, 2009
2:00 -4:30 p.m.
Bolton Hall Museum
10110 Commerce Ave.
Tujunga, CA 91042
Street parking available.
RSVP: Monday, November 9, 2009
Please come prepared with ideas on how your respective community/neighborhood can participate, the geographic area in which you want to concentrate your efforts, and information on existing historic resource information available (past surveys, etc.). Also, identify others who you believe would like to work with you and invite them to participate in the session.
We will provide light refreshments and all materials needed, and any information we have about your respective community/neighborhood.
Please confirm your participation and let us know if anyone will be joining you.
Thank you all and we look forward to seeing you on the 12th
Rita Moreno
Management Assistant
Office of Historic Resources
City Planning Department
200 N. Spring St., #620
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-1192
(213) 978-0017 Fax
rita.moreno@lacity.org
Please join us at one of the following SurveyLA Neighborhood Coordinator/Coordinating Committee Training Sessions:
Thursday, November 12, 2009
2:00 -4:30 p.m.
Bolton Hall Museum
10110 Commerce Ave.
Tujunga, CA 91042
Street parking available.
RSVP: Monday, November 9, 2009
Please come prepared with ideas on how your respective community/neighborhood can participate, the geographic area in which you want to concentrate your efforts, and information on existing historic resource information available (past surveys, etc.). Also, identify others who you believe would like to work with you and invite them to participate in the session.
We will provide light refreshments and all materials needed, and any information we have about your respective community/neighborhood.
Please confirm your participation and let us know if anyone will be joining you.
Thank you all and we look forward to seeing you on the 12th
Rita Moreno
Management Assistant
Office of Historic Resources
City Planning Department
200 N. Spring St., #620
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-1192
(213) 978-0017 Fax
rita.moreno@lacity.org
Hillside Area Amendment Status Update
Greetings All:
I just wanted to give you all a status update regarding the Hillside Area Amendment (not the Baseline Hillside Ordinance), in light of information which was recently brought to my attention.
Per the City Clerk's preparation of the City Council's Action on the Hillside Area Amendment (unanimously approving the proposal), the Ordinance is still needs to be prepared and signed by the City Attorney's Office. It should essentially be the same action, just in their particular format. This is a step normally taken by the City Clerk's Office after the Planning & Land Use Management Committee issues its recommendation and before the City Council makes a decision on a matter, but in this case was not done this way. Once that document is prepared, the Ordinance will move towards being in effect. At this time I do not have a specific effective date, but I can tell you that it should be approximately 45 days after this is addressed.
It is my understanding that this situation does not change the fact that the City Council has approved this amendment, but is only a formality that needs to be taken care of. When there is any further change in status, I will be sure to let you all know.
Sincerely,
Erick Lopez
City Planner
Department of City Planning
Community Planning Bureau - West Coastal Division
200 N. Spring St., Room 621
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-1243
(213) 978-1226 - fax
erick.lopez@lacity.org
I just wanted to give you all a status update regarding the Hillside Area Amendment (not the Baseline Hillside Ordinance), in light of information which was recently brought to my attention.
Per the City Clerk's preparation of the City Council's Action on the Hillside Area Amendment (unanimously approving the proposal), the Ordinance is still needs to be prepared and signed by the City Attorney's Office. It should essentially be the same action, just in their particular format. This is a step normally taken by the City Clerk's Office after the Planning & Land Use Management Committee issues its recommendation and before the City Council makes a decision on a matter, but in this case was not done this way. Once that document is prepared, the Ordinance will move towards being in effect. At this time I do not have a specific effective date, but I can tell you that it should be approximately 45 days after this is addressed.
It is my understanding that this situation does not change the fact that the City Council has approved this amendment, but is only a formality that needs to be taken care of. When there is any further change in status, I will be sure to let you all know.
Sincerely,
Erick Lopez
City Planner
Department of City Planning
Community Planning Bureau - West Coastal Division
200 N. Spring St., Room 621
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-1243
(213) 978-1226 - fax
erick.lopez@lacity.org
Monday, November 02, 2009
Police Chief Town Hall Meetings with the Mayor
The Mayor will be hosting a series of Town Hall style meetings to introduce his Chief of Police Nominee to the community. The Mayor would like to extend an invitation to all community members for this special event.
The Town Hall meeting in the San Fernando Valley will take place on:
LAPD-Valley Bureau
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM at the Van Nuys City Council Chambers, 14410 Sylvan Street, 2nd Floor Van Nuys, CA 91401.
The schedule we have Citywide is as follows:
LAPD- South Bureau
Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
EXPO Center ~ 3rd Floor Gym
3980 Menlo Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90037
LAPD-Central Bureau
Thursday, November 5, 2009, Time-TBA
El Sereno Senior Center
4818 Klamath Place Los Angeles, CA 90032
If there are any questions, please contact Yolanda Fuentes Miranda, Associate Director of the Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa Neighborhood and Community Services at (818) 778-4990.
The Town Hall meeting in the San Fernando Valley will take place on:
LAPD-Valley Bureau
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM at the Van Nuys City Council Chambers, 14410 Sylvan Street, 2nd Floor Van Nuys, CA 91401.
The schedule we have Citywide is as follows:
LAPD- South Bureau
Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
EXPO Center ~ 3rd Floor Gym
3980 Menlo Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90037
LAPD-Central Bureau
Thursday, November 5, 2009, Time-TBA
El Sereno Senior Center
4818 Klamath Place Los Angeles, CA 90032
If there are any questions, please contact Yolanda Fuentes Miranda, Associate Director of the Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa Neighborhood and Community Services at (818) 778-4990.
Main Break Update - 1:00 p.m.
Main Break Update - 1:00 p.m.
Van Nuys Blvd. & Sherman Way
LOS ANGELES — LADWP crews continue working to shut off the water main on Sherman Way near Van Nuys Blvd. Water flow has been diminished significantly and full shut-down is expected shortly.
A break that occurred on an 8-inch connector pipe is the source of the leak that occurred this morning at 10:42 a.m. The fitting taps into a 54-inch ductile iron pipe used to convey recycled water. It does not appear the 54-inch pipe sustained any direct damage.
Recycled water is treated and purified water that is used for irrigation and industrial purposes. Recycled water is of very high quality however it is not used directly for drinking water. Non-potable recycled water goes through a separate pipeline system, known as "purple pipe," to customers. It is completely separate from LADWP's drinking water pipeline system.
Regular water service to LADWP customers has not been interrupted. No damage to area structures has been reported. Local businesses remain open.
Eastbound traffic along Sherman Way is currently closed. Two westbound lanes on Sherman Way are open, as are all lanes on Van Nuys Blvd.
Additional information will be posted at www.ladwpnews.com as it becomes available.
Greg Bartz
LADWP Government & Neighborhood Relations Liaison
City Council Districts 2,4,6,7 & 13
East Valley & Central Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Areas
(213) 367-2800
Van Nuys Blvd. & Sherman Way
LOS ANGELES — LADWP crews continue working to shut off the water main on Sherman Way near Van Nuys Blvd. Water flow has been diminished significantly and full shut-down is expected shortly.
A break that occurred on an 8-inch connector pipe is the source of the leak that occurred this morning at 10:42 a.m. The fitting taps into a 54-inch ductile iron pipe used to convey recycled water. It does not appear the 54-inch pipe sustained any direct damage.
Recycled water is treated and purified water that is used for irrigation and industrial purposes. Recycled water is of very high quality however it is not used directly for drinking water. Non-potable recycled water goes through a separate pipeline system, known as "purple pipe," to customers. It is completely separate from LADWP's drinking water pipeline system.
Regular water service to LADWP customers has not been interrupted. No damage to area structures has been reported. Local businesses remain open.
Eastbound traffic along Sherman Way is currently closed. Two westbound lanes on Sherman Way are open, as are all lanes on Van Nuys Blvd.
Additional information will be posted at www.ladwpnews.com as it becomes available.
Greg Bartz
LADWP Government & Neighborhood Relations Liaison
City Council Districts 2,4,6,7 & 13
East Valley & Central Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Areas
(213) 367-2800
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
“Southern California Wildfires: Protecting Our Homes and the Natural Environment”
I thought that you and the organizations you represent would be interested in the following free presentation and discussion hosted by the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants and the City of Glendale, given the impact of the recent fires in the area.
I have attached a PDF of the flyer and pasted the content below, along with additional background information about our guest presenters/speakers.
We have also invited local public and fire officials throughout the area, so we're hoping to have an interesting discussion over the course of the evening.
Please contact me or Lily Singer at the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants (lili@theodorepayne.org or 818-768-1802) if you require additional information.
Keith Malone
(323) 441-0000
--------------------------------
The Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants and The City of Glendale Department of Public Works present
“Southern California Wildfires: Protecting Our Homes and the Natural Environment,” a special event with Richard W. Halsey, Director, The California Chaparral Institute, and Jon E. Keeley, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey.
Join two of the region’s most respected experts on fire, local ecology and post-fire regeneration for an evening of information and interchange.
Saturday, November 7
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Clark Magnet High School Auditorium
4747 New York Ave.
La Crescenta 91214
This important and timely program is FREE to the public.
Richard W. Halsey is the Director of the California Chaparral Institute, a nonprofit research and educational organization focusing on the ecology of California's shrubland plant communities, wildland fire, and how Mediterranean-type ecosystems have helped shape human culture. He has given more than 300 presentations over the past five years concerning chaparral ecology, how communities can adapt to fire-prone environments, and the importance of nature education. Mr. Halsey taught biology for over thirty years in both public and private schools and was honored as Teacher of the Year for San Diego City Schools in 1991.
Mr. Halsey earned undergraduate degrees from the University of California in environmental studies and anthropology. During graduate work he received teaching credentials in life, physical and social science and a Master's degree in education. He has also been trained as a Type II wildland firefighter. The second edition of his book, Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California, was awarded the 2008 Best Nonfiction-Local Interest Book by the San Diego Book Awards Association.
Dr. Keeley is a Research Ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, stationed at Sequoia National Park. He earned his Ph.D. in botany and ecology from the University of Georgia in 1977. He also holds a Master's degree in biology from San Diego State University. Prior to this appointment in Sequoia National Park, Dr. Keeley served one year in Washington, D.C. as director of the ecology program for the National Science Foundation.
A professor of biology at Occidental College for 20 years, Dr. Keeley has over 250 publications in national and international scientific journals and books. His research has focused on ecological impacts of wildfires as well as other aspects of plant ecology, including rare plants, rare habitats such as vernal pools, and plant physiology. In 1985 he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowshipand is a Fellow of the Southern California Academy of Sciences and an Honorary Lifetime Member of the California Botanical Society. He has served on the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning Environmental Review Board, the State of California Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP) Board of Scientific Advisors.
I have attached a PDF of the flyer and pasted the content below, along with additional background information about our guest presenters/speakers.
We have also invited local public and fire officials throughout the area, so we're hoping to have an interesting discussion over the course of the evening.
Please contact me or Lily Singer at the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants (lili@theodorepayne.org or 818-768-1802) if you require additional information.
Keith Malone
(323) 441-0000
--------------------------------
The Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants and The City of Glendale Department of Public Works present
“Southern California Wildfires: Protecting Our Homes and the Natural Environment,” a special event with Richard W. Halsey, Director, The California Chaparral Institute, and Jon E. Keeley, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey.
Join two of the region’s most respected experts on fire, local ecology and post-fire regeneration for an evening of information and interchange.
Saturday, November 7
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Clark Magnet High School Auditorium
4747 New York Ave.
La Crescenta 91214
This important and timely program is FREE to the public.
Richard W. Halsey is the Director of the California Chaparral Institute, a nonprofit research and educational organization focusing on the ecology of California's shrubland plant communities, wildland fire, and how Mediterranean-type ecosystems have helped shape human culture. He has given more than 300 presentations over the past five years concerning chaparral ecology, how communities can adapt to fire-prone environments, and the importance of nature education. Mr. Halsey taught biology for over thirty years in both public and private schools and was honored as Teacher of the Year for San Diego City Schools in 1991.
Mr. Halsey earned undergraduate degrees from the University of California in environmental studies and anthropology. During graduate work he received teaching credentials in life, physical and social science and a Master's degree in education. He has also been trained as a Type II wildland firefighter. The second edition of his book, Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California, was awarded the 2008 Best Nonfiction-Local Interest Book by the San Diego Book Awards Association.
Dr. Keeley is a Research Ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, stationed at Sequoia National Park. He earned his Ph.D. in botany and ecology from the University of Georgia in 1977. He also holds a Master's degree in biology from San Diego State University. Prior to this appointment in Sequoia National Park, Dr. Keeley served one year in Washington, D.C. as director of the ecology program for the National Science Foundation.
A professor of biology at Occidental College for 20 years, Dr. Keeley has over 250 publications in national and international scientific journals and books. His research has focused on ecological impacts of wildfires as well as other aspects of plant ecology, including rare plants, rare habitats such as vernal pools, and plant physiology. In 1985 he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowshipand is a Fellow of the Southern California Academy of Sciences and an Honorary Lifetime Member of the California Botanical Society. He has served on the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning Environmental Review Board, the State of California Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP) Board of Scientific Advisors.
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study Meeting 10/28
Just received this notice of a meeting Wed., Oct. 28 starting at 7 p.m.
The National Park Service is conducting a “special resource study” of
portions of the San Gabriel River watershed and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Many people missed the initial public meetings because of the Station Fire.
If you didn't get a chance to attend one of the earlier public meetings,
please join us on:
Wednesday, October 28
7pm to 9pm
Northeast Valley City Hall Auditorium
7747 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042
Read up on Alternatives A, B and C and then come tell the National Park
Service (NPS) what you think of their Alternatives for the Angeles
National Forest.
More Info at:
http://www.nps.gov/pwro/sangabriel/
and the Preliminary Findings PDF file: Alternative Concepts – Public
Meetings Presentation (2.3 MB, PDF file is available on the NPS website
link above.
Come and meet the planning team and learn about the preliminary study
findings and alternative concepts. We look forward to meeting you and
hearing your ideas and comments!
LADWP Power Outage Update
Good morning East Valley and Central L.A. NCs,
Below are the power outage updates from last night through 9:00 AM this morning.
Also, I’d like to take a minute to recount an incident I encountered yesterday. Last night as I was returning home from a meeting, I came across a street closure, with LAFD shutting down the westbound lanes of a major arterial in the Valley for an entire block. I got out of my car to find out what had happened.
From across the street, I observed that there was a 40-foot tall tree that had fallen into a power line. The tree was in a yard right next to the sidewalk, leaning toward the street. The power line looked like it was holding up the tree, preventing it from falling into the street.
I watched two, 2-man DWP crews work the incident from their cherrypickers, 30-40 feet up in the air. They coordinated their efforts, one crewmember using a handsaw to cut through numerous branches up to six to eight inches in diameter. (There are many incidents like this where power tools cannot be used for safety reasons).
All this time the wind was blowing with some gusts so strong that they almost pushed me off the curb where I was standing. It took the crews about a half hour to finish the job and then they were on their way to their next calls.
It’s easy to talk about how dedicated and skilled our crews are, but when you see them in action, literally putting their lives on the line, it makes one realize the dangers they constantly face and how fortunate we are to have them out there. Please keep in mind the LADWP crews that are on the job in very difficult conditions making sure that your power is restored.
Greg Bartz
LADWP Government & Neighborhood Relations Liaison
City Council Districts 2,4,6,7 & 13
East Valley & Central Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Areas
(213) 367-2800
Power Outage Update
As of 9:00 a.m.
LOS ANGELES — Approximately 9,400 of 1.4 million Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) electric customers are without power as of
9:00 a.m. this morning. Strong winds and heavy gusts caused outages in several Los Angeles neighborhoods last night. LADWP crews restored power to more than 33,400 customers. At this hour, the following communities are most impacted:
METRO AREA
* Hollywood: 2,348
* Mar Vista: 1,757
VALLEY
* Northridge: 1,031
LADWP crews continue to work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Further updates will be posted online at www.ladwpnews.com. The next outage update will be posted at approximately 12:00 pm.
Power Outage Update
As of 5:00 am
LOS ANGELES — Strong winds and heavy gusts last night caused power outages in several Los Angeles neighborhoods. Approximately 13,400 of 1.4 million Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) electric customers are without power as of 5:00 am this morning. Since last night, LADWP crews worked throughout the night and have already restored power to more than 24,700 customers. At this hour, the following communities are most impacted:
METRO AREA
* Hollywood: 3,664
* Crenshaw: 2,265 * Sawtelle: 651
* Mar Vista: 1,757
VALLEY
* Northridge: 1,476
LADWP crews continue to work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Further updates will be posted online at www.ladwpnews.com. The next outage update will be posted at approximately 9:00 am.
Power Outage Update
As of 11:00 pm
LOS ANGELES — Approximately 27,000 of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP’s) 1.4 million electric customers are without power as of 11:00 pm tonight. Strong winds throughout the Southland caused outages in several neighborhoods. The following communities are currently most impacted:
METRO AREA
* Cheviot Hills: 1,484
* Montecito Heights: 496
* Korea Town: 1,479
* South Los Angeles: 913
* Hollywood: 1,873
* Crenshaw: 2,648
* San Pedro: 751
* Hyde Park: 3,441
* Pacific Palisades: 1,228
* Mar Vista: 3,397
VALLEY
* Northridge: 3,057
* Reseda: 516
* Van Nuys: 705
* Panorama City: 729
LADWP crews will work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Updates will continue to be posted online at www.ladwpnews.com. The next outage update will be posted at approximately 5:00 am.
Below are the power outage updates from last night through 9:00 AM this morning.
Also, I’d like to take a minute to recount an incident I encountered yesterday. Last night as I was returning home from a meeting, I came across a street closure, with LAFD shutting down the westbound lanes of a major arterial in the Valley for an entire block. I got out of my car to find out what had happened.
From across the street, I observed that there was a 40-foot tall tree that had fallen into a power line. The tree was in a yard right next to the sidewalk, leaning toward the street. The power line looked like it was holding up the tree, preventing it from falling into the street.
I watched two, 2-man DWP crews work the incident from their cherrypickers, 30-40 feet up in the air. They coordinated their efforts, one crewmember using a handsaw to cut through numerous branches up to six to eight inches in diameter. (There are many incidents like this where power tools cannot be used for safety reasons).
All this time the wind was blowing with some gusts so strong that they almost pushed me off the curb where I was standing. It took the crews about a half hour to finish the job and then they were on their way to their next calls.
It’s easy to talk about how dedicated and skilled our crews are, but when you see them in action, literally putting their lives on the line, it makes one realize the dangers they constantly face and how fortunate we are to have them out there. Please keep in mind the LADWP crews that are on the job in very difficult conditions making sure that your power is restored.
Greg Bartz
LADWP Government & Neighborhood Relations Liaison
City Council Districts 2,4,6,7 & 13
East Valley & Central Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Areas
(213) 367-2800
Power Outage Update
As of 9:00 a.m.
LOS ANGELES — Approximately 9,400 of 1.4 million Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) electric customers are without power as of
9:00 a.m. this morning. Strong winds and heavy gusts caused outages in several Los Angeles neighborhoods last night. LADWP crews restored power to more than 33,400 customers. At this hour, the following communities are most impacted:
METRO AREA
* Hollywood: 2,348
* Mar Vista: 1,757
VALLEY
* Northridge: 1,031
LADWP crews continue to work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Further updates will be posted online at www.ladwpnews.com. The next outage update will be posted at approximately 12:00 pm.
Power Outage Update
As of 5:00 am
LOS ANGELES — Strong winds and heavy gusts last night caused power outages in several Los Angeles neighborhoods. Approximately 13,400 of 1.4 million Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) electric customers are without power as of 5:00 am this morning. Since last night, LADWP crews worked throughout the night and have already restored power to more than 24,700 customers. At this hour, the following communities are most impacted:
METRO AREA
* Hollywood: 3,664
* Crenshaw: 2,265 * Sawtelle: 651
* Mar Vista: 1,757
VALLEY
* Northridge: 1,476
LADWP crews continue to work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Further updates will be posted online at www.ladwpnews.com. The next outage update will be posted at approximately 9:00 am.
Power Outage Update
As of 11:00 pm
LOS ANGELES — Approximately 27,000 of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP’s) 1.4 million electric customers are without power as of 11:00 pm tonight. Strong winds throughout the Southland caused outages in several neighborhoods. The following communities are currently most impacted:
METRO AREA
* Cheviot Hills: 1,484
* Montecito Heights: 496
* Korea Town: 1,479
* South Los Angeles: 913
* Hollywood: 1,873
* Crenshaw: 2,648
* San Pedro: 751
* Hyde Park: 3,441
* Pacific Palisades: 1,228
* Mar Vista: 3,397
VALLEY
* Northridge: 3,057
* Reseda: 516
* Van Nuys: 705
* Panorama City: 729
LADWP crews will work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Updates will continue to be posted online at www.ladwpnews.com. The next outage update will be posted at approximately 5:00 am.
LAPD Top 3 Police Chief Candidates: Beck, McDonnell & Moore
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2009
Contact:
David Beltran
213-978-0741
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, POLICE COMMISSION ANNOUNCE DEPUTY CHIEF BECK, FIRST
ASSISTANT CHIEF McDONNELL, DEPUTY CHIEF MOORE AS TOP CANDIDATES FOR NEXT
CHIEF OF THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mayor outlines process and criteria for selection of the next chief of
police
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today formally accepted the
Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners’ recommendations for the
next Chief of Police. The Police Commission’s top three candidates
are-in alphabetical order- Deputy Chief Charles Beck, First Assistant
Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chief Michel Moore.
“Choosing the next Chief of Police is the single most important
decision I will make for the remainder of my term as Mayor,” said
Mayor Villaraigosa. “This process will be comprehensive and thorough,I
will move expeditiously, but will take all the time I need to make the
very best decision for the people of Los Angeles.”
At a City Hall press conference with the Police Commission, the Mayor
said he will thoroughly evaluate the candidates-not just on
experience-but on their character, integrity, and fortitude. The Mayor
also stated that he would discuss with the candidates their views on
community partnerships, their plans for supporting reforms that have
transformed the department, as well as their commitment to the City’s
new approach to keep kids out of gangs and to address the root causes of
crime.
In preparation for the deliberation of the Police Commission’s
recommendations, the Mayor has called upon a distinguished group of
experts to provide him with thoughtful advice, including a
decision-making framework, and their perspectives about the most
important leadership attributes the next chief must posses.
The Mayor’s Advisory Group includes the Honorable Lourdes Baird,
Stewart Kwoh, Ron Olson, Connie Rice and Warren Christopher, who will
serve as its chairman.
In addition to bringing together a highly qualified Advisory Group,
Mayor Villaraigosa will seek the counsel of a broad cross section of
Angelenos that will include community, religious and law enforcement
leaders.
A brief biography of each of the candidates is available at this link.
October 27, 2009
Contact:
David Beltran
213-978-0741
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, POLICE COMMISSION ANNOUNCE DEPUTY CHIEF BECK, FIRST
ASSISTANT CHIEF McDONNELL, DEPUTY CHIEF MOORE AS TOP CANDIDATES FOR NEXT
CHIEF OF THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mayor outlines process and criteria for selection of the next chief of
police
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today formally accepted the
Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners’ recommendations for the
next Chief of Police. The Police Commission’s top three candidates
are-in alphabetical order- Deputy Chief Charles Beck, First Assistant
Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chief Michel Moore.
“Choosing the next Chief of Police is the single most important
decision I will make for the remainder of my term as Mayor,” said
Mayor Villaraigosa. “This process will be comprehensive and thorough,I
will move expeditiously, but will take all the time I need to make the
very best decision for the people of Los Angeles.”
At a City Hall press conference with the Police Commission, the Mayor
said he will thoroughly evaluate the candidates-not just on
experience-but on their character, integrity, and fortitude. The Mayor
also stated that he would discuss with the candidates their views on
community partnerships, their plans for supporting reforms that have
transformed the department, as well as their commitment to the City’s
new approach to keep kids out of gangs and to address the root causes of
crime.
In preparation for the deliberation of the Police Commission’s
recommendations, the Mayor has called upon a distinguished group of
experts to provide him with thoughtful advice, including a
decision-making framework, and their perspectives about the most
important leadership attributes the next chief must posses.
The Mayor’s Advisory Group includes the Honorable Lourdes Baird,
Stewart Kwoh, Ron Olson, Connie Rice and Warren Christopher, who will
serve as its chairman.
In addition to bringing together a highly qualified Advisory Group,
Mayor Villaraigosa will seek the counsel of a broad cross section of
Angelenos that will include community, religious and law enforcement
leaders.
A brief biography of each of the candidates is available at this link.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Oak Trees on McGroarty
At the October 19, 2009 meeting of the STNC's Land Use Committee the property owner informed the community that the City is requiring him to remove old oak trees to widen the street in the 8330 area of McGroarty in Sunland. The meeting room was filled with surrounding neighbors opposed to this demand by the City.
The LUC has voted unanimously to support the neighbors that these oaks not be removed and that a waiver be granted to this property owner.
Write to the City with your comments to:
REF: 8330-1/2 McGroarty Street, Sunland, CA 91030
ATTN:
Cynthia Ruiz, President
and
Geraldine Rodriguez, Executive Secretary
City of Los Angeles
Board of Public Works
Room 361-P, Mailstop 464
200 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012-4801
BY E-MAIL:
geraldine.rodriguez@lacity.org
cynthia.ruiz@lacity.org
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
LAPD Foothill Area
Town Hall Meeting
Date: November 17, 2009
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM
Place: Council District #2 Office
7747 Foothill Blvd Tujunga
Topics of discussion:
• Opening remarks (Foothill Area Command Staff)
• Crime updates
• Guest Speaker
• Open Forum
For additional information you can contact the Foothill Community Relations Office at (818) 756-8866
Final Chance to Comment on the Creation of a San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation Area on Wed., Oct. 28th in Tujunga!!
Final Chance to Comment on the Creation of a San Gabriel Mountains
National Recreation Area on Wed., Oct. 28th in Tujunga!!
Please join your friends and neighbors next Wednesday, Oct. 28th at 7 p.m. at the Northeast Valley City Hall Auditorium to support a National Recreation Area for the San Gabriel Mountains which could bring in new rangers and resources to the mountains and could even help with fire restoration. Click here for directions.
Volunteers helping to restore San Antonio Creek in the San Gabriel Mountains. Join them on Wednesday, Oct. 28th in Tujunga to advance a visionary proposal to bring in more rangers and resources to the mountains that could even help with fire restoration.
Your presence, comments and support are urgently needed next Wednesday. A congressional study team has released a once-in-a-generation draft study with a range of visionary alternatives for the San Gabriel Mountains.
The alternatives include a proposal to incorporate the San Gabriel Mountains into a new National Recreation Area (NRA) modeled after the highly successful Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in the western reaches of Los Angeles.
An NRA could mean great things for the San Gabriels like more rangers and resources; but it doesn't have a chance if we don’t come out to support it. Click here and let me know if you can make it.
Please arrive at 6:30 p.m. to receive recommended comments. Look for our San Gabriel Mtns Forever Signs. Once you sign in you will also receive an “Our Kids Want an NRA!” lapel sticker. The resources study team will be making a presentation at 7 p.m., followed by a chance for public comment.
San Gabriel Mountains Forever volunteers will be in Tujunga next Wednesday night supporting a National Recreation Area!
The draft “San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resources Study" has found that the San Gabriel Mountains are nationally significant, which means that they are eligible for more federal resources.
Opponents of these proposals will no doubt be there, too, including people who want to see more motorcycle and jeep trails in our forest backcountry—so we need you to be there so our voices are heard!
Please RSVP to: juana.torres@sierraclub.org Thanks!
Best,
Juana Torres
Sierra Club
(213) 387-6528 x226
TUJUNGA MEETING: Wednesday, October 28th from 7-9 p.m.
Northeast Valley City Hall Auditorium
7747 Foothill Blvd.
Tujunga, CA 91042
FREE LECTURE -- Southern California Wildfires: Protecting Our Homes and the Natural Environment
A Special Event with Richard W. Halsey and Jon E. Keeley
Co-Sponsored by the Theodore Payne Foundation and The City of Glendale Public Works Department
Friend of Theodore Payne,
On Saturday, November 7, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., the Theodore Payne Foundation and The City of Glendale Public Works Department will present an important and timely lecture that is free to the public -- Southern California Wildfires: Protecting our Homes and the Natural Environment. Richard W. Halsey and Jon E. Keeley, Ph.D., two of the region's most respected experts on fire, local ecology and post-fire regeneration, will present science- and research-based information about wildfires and how to best adapt one's home environment.
Richard W. Halsey is the Director of the California Chaparral Institute, a nonprofit research and educational organization focusing on the ecology of California's shrubland plant communities, wildland fire, and how Mediterranean-type ecosystems have helped shape human culture. He has given more than 300 presentations over the past five years concerning chaparral ecology, how communities can adapt to fire-prone environments, and the importance of nature education. Mr. Halsey taught biology for over thirty years in both public and private schools and was honored as Teacher of the Year for San Diego City Schools in 1991.
Mr. Halsey earned undergraduate degrees from the University of California in environmental studies and anthropology. During graduate work he received teaching credentials in life, physical and social science and a Master's degree in education. He has also been trained as a Type II wildland firefighter. The second edition of his book, Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California, was awarded the 2008 Best Nonfiction-Local Interest Book by the San Diego Book Awards Association.
Dr. Keeley is a Research Ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, stationed at Sequoia National Park. He earned his Ph.D. in botany and ecology from the University of Georgia in 1977. He also holds a Master's degree in biology from San Diego State University. Prior to this appointment in Sequoia National Park, Dr. Keeley served one year in Washington, D.C. as director of the ecology program for the National Science Foundation.
A professor of biology at Occidental College for 20 years, Dr. Keeley has over 250 publications in national and international scientific journals and books. His research has focused on ecological impacts of wildfires as well as other aspects of plant ecology, including rare plants, rare habitats such as vernal pools, and plant physiology. In 1985 he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship and is a Fellow of the Southern California Academy of Sciences and an Honorary Lifetime Member of the California Botanical Society. He has served on the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning Environmental Review Board, the State of California Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP) Board of Scientific Advisors.
The program will be held at:
Clark Magnet High School Auditorium
4747 New York Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
First come, first seated!
More About Theodore Payne, Native Plant Library, Planting Guides, Nursery Inventory and More! http://www.theodorepayne.org/
SB1818 - Judge Invalidates Controversial Densification Bill; Citizens Win another Court Battle with City
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Los Angeles acted illegally when it approved a controversial “densification” ordinance without first conducting environmental review of the potential impacts of the ordinance. The coalition of community groups that brought the challenge hailed the ruling as an opportunity for the City to redraft the ordinance to advance the twin goals of affordable housing and environmental protection.
A state law (S.B. 1818) mandates that cities allow density bonuses to developers proposing to build a percentage of affordable units at a proposed development. The Los Angeles ordinance that was the subject of the lawsuit, filed by the Environment and Housing coalition Los Angeles (EAHCLA) in April of 2008, went far beyond the state mandate, in some cases allowing up to 300% of the bonus required by state law. EAHCLA’s lawsuit claimed that, because the City went beyond the requirements of state law, the City first had to study the environmental impact of the ordinance. The Court agreed, holding that those sections of the ordinance that go beyond State law are invalid. The Order issued on Monday by Superior Court Judge Thomas I. McKnew, Jr. prohibits the City from processing applications for density bonuses or incentives that exceed State mandates, and also invalidates approvals that already have been granted based on the ordinance.
“We are very pleased with the Court’s decision” said EACHLA spokesman Rob Glushon. “The judge clearly recognized that while the City had to do something to implement the state law, the City went about implementing the law in the wrong way, by approving a deeply flawed ordinance and illegally refusing to first consider the environmental effects of its approval. We now hope to work with the City in redrafting the ordinance so that both the environment and affordable housing are protected.”
The Santa Monica firm of Chatten-Brown & Carstens litigated the case. Doug Carstens, a partner at the firm, was pleased with the ruling. “The Court clearly understood that the City, by going well beyond the requirements of state law, incurred an obligation to first study what the environmental impacts of the ordinance would be. Not only were existing communities being adversely impacted by inappropriately dense development, but affordable housing has been lost as developers tear down apartments to build condominiums. This decision affords the City a great opportunity to correct the mistakes made the first time around, to implement a policy of no net loss of affordable housing, and to advance state policy on affordable housing in an environmentally sensitive manner.”
EAHCLA is a coalition comprised of a wide range of residential and homeowner associations, civic organizations, and concerned individuals. The case is Superior Court Case Number BS114338.
Above from CityWatch citywatchla.com
A state law (S.B. 1818) mandates that cities allow density bonuses to developers proposing to build a percentage of affordable units at a proposed development. The Los Angeles ordinance that was the subject of the lawsuit, filed by the Environment and Housing coalition Los Angeles (EAHCLA) in April of 2008, went far beyond the state mandate, in some cases allowing up to 300% of the bonus required by state law. EAHCLA’s lawsuit claimed that, because the City went beyond the requirements of state law, the City first had to study the environmental impact of the ordinance. The Court agreed, holding that those sections of the ordinance that go beyond State law are invalid. The Order issued on Monday by Superior Court Judge Thomas I. McKnew, Jr. prohibits the City from processing applications for density bonuses or incentives that exceed State mandates, and also invalidates approvals that already have been granted based on the ordinance.
“We are very pleased with the Court’s decision” said EACHLA spokesman Rob Glushon. “The judge clearly recognized that while the City had to do something to implement the state law, the City went about implementing the law in the wrong way, by approving a deeply flawed ordinance and illegally refusing to first consider the environmental effects of its approval. We now hope to work with the City in redrafting the ordinance so that both the environment and affordable housing are protected.”
The Santa Monica firm of Chatten-Brown & Carstens litigated the case. Doug Carstens, a partner at the firm, was pleased with the ruling. “The Court clearly understood that the City, by going well beyond the requirements of state law, incurred an obligation to first study what the environmental impacts of the ordinance would be. Not only were existing communities being adversely impacted by inappropriately dense development, but affordable housing has been lost as developers tear down apartments to build condominiums. This decision affords the City a great opportunity to correct the mistakes made the first time around, to implement a policy of no net loss of affordable housing, and to advance state policy on affordable housing in an environmentally sensitive manner.”
EAHCLA is a coalition comprised of a wide range of residential and homeowner associations, civic organizations, and concerned individuals. The case is Superior Court Case Number BS114338.
Above from CityWatch citywatchla.com
Friday, October 16, 2009
Congress Passes Fire Prevention Funds for Valley
For Immediate Release
October 16, 2009
House Passes Fire Prevention Funds for Valley
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) announced that the House of Representatives has approved his project request for $500,000 in federal funding for vegetation management in high burn hazard areas in the north San Fernando Valley.
The program will enable the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to clear vegetation in areas that pose the greatest risk of wildfires and threat to life and property. The LAFD will collaborate with other agencies to survey high hazard areas, plan for vegetation trimming and removal, clear "laddering fuels" (the undergrowth that wildfires climb into the tree canopy), dense trees and thickets, and overgrowth of chaparral.
The funding was included in the FY2010 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which was recently agreed upon by members of both the House and Senate. Passage by the Senate and a signature from President Obama are assured, according to Congressman Sherman.
"It is often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this project is a good example," said Congressman Sherman. "The damage caused by the Station Fire could have been limited had we implemented more of these projects before the fire started. We need to learn from that experience."
The Station Fire burned more than 160,000 acres and caused in excess of $93,779,000 in damage. The fire damaged or destroyed 266 structures.
Last fall, three major wildfires ravaged the north San Fernando Valley in the City of Los Angeles burning over 30,000 acres and destroying or damaging over 750 structures, including nearly 500 mobile homes. The wildfires, which were declared a major federal disaster by the President, were fanned by seasonal Santa Ana winds and fueled by dry brush in the hillsides above heavily populated communities. All three North Valley fires, the Marek, Sesnon, and Sayre were in Congressman Sherman’s district.
Pre-disaster planning for wild fires could also potentially prevent mudslides and ground movement during the rain seasons.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
STNC Meeting - October 14 at North Valley City Hall
Next STNC meeting is Wednesday, October 14 at NVCH.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Empower LA 2009
Workshop Schedule for Empower LA 2009: A Congress of Neighborhoods
Join us on
Saturday October 10, 2009 for
EMPOWER LA 2009: A Congress of Neighborhoods
at City Hall
The Congress is your day - a day for your stakeholders and people from Neighborhood Councils across the City to empower themselves and their communities through the information, contacts, and opportunities to be heard that only the Congress provides.
Neighborhood Council and community leaders have devoted many hours of volunteer time designing the Congress program in order to ensure that there will be a substantial experience of civic involvement for everybody who attends.
For a schedule of the workshops, please click here.
Here are ways you can help ensure that this Congress is the best ever!
Announce the Congress and distribute flyers and other informational materials at all of your board, committee and community meetings. Click here for flyers in English and Spanish.
Add information about the Empower LA 2009 Congress to your Calendar of Events.
Promote at least 25% Board Members' participation on October 10th.
Reach out to people who have never before attended a Congress, encouraging their attendance so their voices may be heard.
If you have any questions or require more information, call the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment at (213) 485-1360, or go to www.EmpowerLA.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us on
Saturday October 10, 2009 for
EMPOWER LA 2009: A Congress of Neighborhoods
at City Hall
The Congress is your day - a day for your stakeholders and people from Neighborhood Councils across the City to empower themselves and their communities through the information, contacts, and opportunities to be heard that only the Congress provides.
Neighborhood Council and community leaders have devoted many hours of volunteer time designing the Congress program in order to ensure that there will be a substantial experience of civic involvement for everybody who attends.
For a schedule of the workshops, please click here.
Here are ways you can help ensure that this Congress is the best ever!
Announce the Congress and distribute flyers and other informational materials at all of your board, committee and community meetings. Click here for flyers in English and Spanish.
Add information about the Empower LA 2009 Congress to your Calendar of Events.
Promote at least 25% Board Members' participation on October 10th.
Reach out to people who have never before attended a Congress, encouraging their attendance so their voices may be heard.
If you have any questions or require more information, call the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment at (213) 485-1360, or go to www.EmpowerLA.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
USGS Report on Mudslides & Debris Flows
Pacoima Canyon, Big Tujunga Canyon, the Arroyo Seco, the West Fork of the San Gabriel River and Devils Canyon as being 80% likely to experience flows of up to 100,000 cubic yards of debris, enough cover a football field with mud and rock to about 60 feet deep.
To read the Times article, go to:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/10/federal-scientists-say-risk-of-mudslides-extremely-high.html
And to access the USGS Open File Report, including the PDF download, go to:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1227/
To read the Times article, go to:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/10/federal-scientists-say-risk-of-mudslides-extremely-high.html
And to access the USGS Open File Report, including the PDF download, go to:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1227/
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Certified Election Results for CD2 - Runoff will be Dec 8th
The City Clerk has just released the Certified Election Results for the CD2 Special Election held on September 22, 2009. A runoff will be held between Paul Krekorian and Chris Essel on December 8th. The STNC in coordination with several community groups, other neighborhood councils and organizations will hold a Candidates Forum on Saturday, November 7. More details soon. If you would like to get involved to help with the Forum, please contact me at secretary@stnc.org or call 818-951-7411. Volunteers welcome!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)