Join us on Monday -- Cell Towers on the agenda + other updates.
-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
http://www.stnc.org
Land Use Committee
Monday, February 1, 2010 – 7:00 p.m.
North Valley Neighborhood City Hall
7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga
7:00 PM - Call to order – Tomi Lyn Bowling, LUC 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 - STNC Land Use Committee members and alternates. CD2 staff, Neighbors & Guests
2. LUC Chair comments – Tomi Lyn Bowling
• 2010 Best of Business Awards
• STNC Candidates for the 2010 STNC Elections – introduce candidates present
3. Discussion: Los Angeles City Budget
4. Public Comments – non agenda items and community announcements
5. Discussion/Recommendation: Presentation of Cell Tower Proliferation/Regulation by Barbara Kohn, President Pacific Palisades Residents Assn. an all volunteer organization concerned with issues of environmental protection and community preservation.
Motion/LUC recommendation: The Board of Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council respectfully requests that:
1. With the City attorney’s guidance and consistent with his recommendations, the City enact a comprehensive new ordinance with clear and consistent standards and procedures regulating all wireless telecommunications facilities in the City, authorizing regulation of aesthetics and providing protection to communities and residential neighborhoods to the full extent of the law.
2. The City immediately impose a moratorium on all wireless telecommunications facility installations in the City and/or applications for approval of such installations in the City.
6. Discussion/Possible Action re: Presentation of AT&T Co-Location at 10189 Tujunga Cyn. (Community Christian Church) cell tower by Margaret Chang representing AT&T (Noah McCoy, Dept. City Planning invited).
NOTE: The LUC recommended approval for the TMobile redesign of the existing Verizon tower with increased height on 10/5/09. Addition of AT&T changes the overall design.
7. Early Notification Announcements, Public Hearings for Sunland-Tujunga
a. 6433 La Tuna Cyn (Verdugo Hills Golf Course) – early notice for VTT 69976
b. 10051 Pinewood - Clearwire rooftop WTF on existing apartment building.
c. 11370 N. Alethea Dr., Sunland – Clearwire request for 80 ft. hillside WTF where 45 ft. allowed.
8. Status updates on:
a. Foothill Blvd. Corridor Specific Plan – updates, status and progress on various sites
b. Angeles National Golf Club – Status on conditions
c. Valley Village SB1818 at City Council 1/29/10
d. ADU Ordinance draft
e. Community Care Facilities ordinance
f. Medical Marijuana Ordinance
9. Discussion: Future LUC agenda items/presentations: CDBG, auto uses
10. Committee member reports, updates and comments.
11. Announcements:
b. Education committee meeting on 2-8-10
c. Next STNC Board meeting is Wednesday, February 10, 2010 starting at 7:00 p.m. at North Valley Neighborhood City Hall.
12. Adjourn.
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 LUC 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: http://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.
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, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
DONE Staff Reductions Possible by June 2010
Message From General Manager BongHwan Kim
As some of you may be aware, a report from the CAO will be made public tomorrow, recommending to City Council that the Department be reduced by 19 positions before June 2010. It is anticipated that this matter will be considered by the Council's Budget and Finance Committee on Monday, February 1st and by the full City Council on Wednesday, February 3rd. This comes in response to the worsening city budget crisis.
Should this recommendation be adopted by the Council, our department will be left with 17 full time positions (not including 5 existing vacancies and 2 Early Retirement staff.) This is obviously a major setback for the Neighborhood Council system and I am deeply saddened at the prospect of so many dedicated and committed individuals being laid off. More than ever, it will be critical for our Department to dramatically re-focus and shift our services on those things that are most important in advancing the effectiveness of the Neighborhood Council system. I will be preparing a management plan to the Mayor and Council in response to the cutbacks which will significantly narrow our focus and the services we will no longer be able to offer. But before doing so, I want to engage Neighborhood Council leaders across the City as full partners to help us in identifying the most critical elements to advancing NC effectiveness and formulating creative and collaborative ways to continue advancing our shared vision of an empowered Neighborhood Council system with even fewer resources. I hope that you will join with me to discuss how we can come together as a community and more effectively leverage the rich human resources of this volunteer driven system. We will be organizing regional meetings in February and March so please read our regular Eblasts for the best meeting for you to attend.
As some of you may be aware, a report from the CAO will be made public tomorrow, recommending to City Council that the Department be reduced by 19 positions before June 2010. It is anticipated that this matter will be considered by the Council's Budget and Finance Committee on Monday, February 1st and by the full City Council on Wednesday, February 3rd. This comes in response to the worsening city budget crisis.
Should this recommendation be adopted by the Council, our department will be left with 17 full time positions (not including 5 existing vacancies and 2 Early Retirement staff.) This is obviously a major setback for the Neighborhood Council system and I am deeply saddened at the prospect of so many dedicated and committed individuals being laid off. More than ever, it will be critical for our Department to dramatically re-focus and shift our services on those things that are most important in advancing the effectiveness of the Neighborhood Council system. I will be preparing a management plan to the Mayor and Council in response to the cutbacks which will significantly narrow our focus and the services we will no longer be able to offer. But before doing so, I want to engage Neighborhood Council leaders across the City as full partners to help us in identifying the most critical elements to advancing NC effectiveness and formulating creative and collaborative ways to continue advancing our shared vision of an empowered Neighborhood Council system with even fewer resources. I hope that you will join with me to discuss how we can come together as a community and more effectively leverage the rich human resources of this volunteer driven system. We will be organizing regional meetings in February and March so please read our regular Eblasts for the best meeting for you to attend.
DWP Major Initiatives Update
Note: I apologize but the links do not work. Contact me at secretary@stnc.org and I will forward to you.
-Cindy
Hello to East Valley and Central Area NCs in 2010,
Following up on input I received as I made the rounds to NCs in 2009, for those of you who have expressed to me your interest in more detailed information on some of the Department’s major initiatives and other timely topics, here are some links to such information from the January 5, 2010 and January 19, 2010 LADWP Board meeting agendas.
We’ve just begun the new year but there is a lot happening already.
The topics (and the accompanying links) include:
FY 2009-10 Budget Reduction Amendments
Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget in a cost cutting initiative, resulting in approximately $909 million in capital reduction savings, with $745 million reduction in the Power Revenue Fund and $164 million reduction in the Water Revenue Fund.
PA Consulting Group 3rd-party review of fiscal impact of ECAF cap modification proposal
In response to a request from the City’s Chief Administrative Officer, a resolution authorizing dispersing payments directly to PA Consulting Group, Inc., for obligations arising under a contract between the City of Los Angeles and PA Consulting Group, Inc., to perform an independent third-party fiscal review of the Energy Cost Adjustment Factor cap modification proposal and residential tiered electric rate restructuring proposal. The maximum cost for this review is $250,800.
Report on Solar Generation Community Outreach
Report on LADWP Solar Generation Community Outreach
3rd Quarter 2009 Investment Report
Investment Report, Quarter Ending September 30, 2009.
Customer Bill Redesign
Resolution authorizing execution of Agreement No. 47930 with InfoPrint Solutions Company, L.L.C., to provide LADWP with technological services and equipment, including mainframe printers; peripheral devices with maintenances services; an Automated Document Factory software system; and the redesign, development, and implementation of customer bills. The term of this agreement is three years, with a total amount of $8,019,388, which includes a five-percent contingency.
Expanded LADWP Energy Efficiency Program
Resolution approving an expanded LADWP Energy Efficiency Program.
LADWP Economic Development Strategies and Goals
Resolution approving the proposed LADWP Economic Development strategies and goals.
November 2009 Reports for LADWP Financial Services, Power, Water and Joint Systems.
Financial Services Organization
Power System
Water System
Joint System.
Additionally, information regarding the ongoing 5-year Urban Water Management Plan and the Recycled Water Advisory Group meetings and community outreach will be provided to you as it becomes available.
Hope to see you at the Winter Budget Workshop this Saturday
Regards,
Greg Bartz, LADWP Government & Neighborhood Liaison
City Council Districts 2, 4, 6, 7 & 13
East Valley & Central Area Neighborhood Councils
(213) 367-2800
-Cindy
Hello to East Valley and Central Area NCs in 2010,
Following up on input I received as I made the rounds to NCs in 2009, for those of you who have expressed to me your interest in more detailed information on some of the Department’s major initiatives and other timely topics, here are some links to such information from the January 5, 2010 and January 19, 2010 LADWP Board meeting agendas.
We’ve just begun the new year but there is a lot happening already.
The topics (and the accompanying links) include:
FY 2009-10 Budget Reduction Amendments
Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget in a cost cutting initiative, resulting in approximately $909 million in capital reduction savings, with $745 million reduction in the Power Revenue Fund and $164 million reduction in the Water Revenue Fund.
PA Consulting Group 3rd-party review of fiscal impact of ECAF cap modification proposal
In response to a request from the City’s Chief Administrative Officer, a resolution authorizing dispersing payments directly to PA Consulting Group, Inc., for obligations arising under a contract between the City of Los Angeles and PA Consulting Group, Inc., to perform an independent third-party fiscal review of the Energy Cost Adjustment Factor cap modification proposal and residential tiered electric rate restructuring proposal. The maximum cost for this review is $250,800.
Report on Solar Generation Community Outreach
Report on LADWP Solar Generation Community Outreach
3rd Quarter 2009 Investment Report
Investment Report, Quarter Ending September 30, 2009.
Customer Bill Redesign
Resolution authorizing execution of Agreement No. 47930 with InfoPrint Solutions Company, L.L.C., to provide LADWP with technological services and equipment, including mainframe printers; peripheral devices with maintenances services; an Automated Document Factory software system; and the redesign, development, and implementation of customer bills. The term of this agreement is three years, with a total amount of $8,019,388, which includes a five-percent contingency.
Expanded LADWP Energy Efficiency Program
Resolution approving an expanded LADWP Energy Efficiency Program.
LADWP Economic Development Strategies and Goals
Resolution approving the proposed LADWP Economic Development strategies and goals.
November 2009 Reports for LADWP Financial Services, Power, Water and Joint Systems.
Financial Services Organization
Power System
Water System
Joint System.
Additionally, information regarding the ongoing 5-year Urban Water Management Plan and the Recycled Water Advisory Group meetings and community outreach will be provided to you as it becomes available.
Hope to see you at the Winter Budget Workshop this Saturday
Regards,
Greg Bartz, LADWP Government & Neighborhood Liaison
City Council Districts 2, 4, 6, 7 & 13
East Valley & Central Area Neighborhood Councils
(213) 367-2800
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
STNC Elections - Preliminary List of Candidates 1/27/10
UPDATE -- This is the list from the City Clerk as posted on their website.
Below is the preliminary list of candidates I received from Christopher Garcia at the City Clerk's office. He says that this list is not yet final as they are still processing applications from all NCs in the region. He will email our entire board when it is final. Hopefully that will be Thursday.
TOMI L. BOWLING - First Vice-President
ANTOINETTE "NINA" N. ROYAL - President
DAN R. MCMANUS - President
STEVEN J. VANOVER - President
BARBARA D. JOHNSON - Region 3 Representative
JANET L. LINSALATO - Region 1 Representative
JOHN P. LAUE - Region 1 Representative
BELINDA J. WOODRUFF - Region 4 Representative
EDMUND NOVY - Region 4 Representative
DAVID G. CAIN - Second Vice-President
CYNTHIA E. CLEGHORN - Secretary
CARA M. DECARO - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Student Representative
LYDIA GRANT - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Parent Representative
NANCI K. CAILLOUET - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Historical Societies Representative
OLINA F.R. LOWE - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Senior Representative
RICHARD V. STEWART - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Service Club Representative
THOMAS J. MACAULEY - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Youth Representative
MARK SEIGEL - Treasurer
Below is the preliminary list of candidates I received from Christopher Garcia at the City Clerk's office. He says that this list is not yet final as they are still processing applications from all NCs in the region. He will email our entire board when it is final. Hopefully that will be Thursday.
TOMI L. BOWLING - First Vice-President
ANTOINETTE "NINA" N. ROYAL - President
DAN R. MCMANUS - President
STEVEN J. VANOVER - President
BARBARA D. JOHNSON - Region 3 Representative
JANET L. LINSALATO - Region 1 Representative
JOHN P. LAUE - Region 1 Representative
BELINDA J. WOODRUFF - Region 4 Representative
EDMUND NOVY - Region 4 Representative
DAVID G. CAIN - Second Vice-President
CYNTHIA E. CLEGHORN - Secretary
CARA M. DECARO - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Student Representative
LYDIA GRANT - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Parent Representative
NANCI K. CAILLOUET - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Historical Societies Representative
OLINA F.R. LOWE - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Senior Representative
RICHARD V. STEWART - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Service Club Representative
THOMAS J. MACAULEY - Stakeholder Group Representatives - Youth Representative
MARK SEIGEL - Treasurer
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Update on STNC 2010 Elections
It was a busy day today with the City Clerk. I first heard that the City Clerk's office was not verifying Stakeholder Group reps so I sent out a call for help to Amelia Herrera-Robles (Sr. DONE Advocate) and included BongHwan Kim (DONE Gen'l Mgr) in the email. Within a short time I heard back that they had the questions resolved and they contacted those candidates to get their verifications processed. It was frustrating and stressful for a few hours but it seems to have all worked out.
A number of candidates signed up today and there was a late afternoon rush of filings. I do not yet know the complete list but it should be posted on the City Clerk's website by tomorrow.
I want to extend my appreciation to the board and members of the community for encouraging neighbors to run. With our usual busy lives and meetings, the rains and the clean up from the rains, we've been busy. Some more than others have had a lot to handle. Thank you.
The next step is the write-in period. Write-ins will not be printed on the ballots but their names will be on a list at the Polling place on election day. This is because the position they are running for must be verified by the City Clerk.
To check on the list of candidates tomorrow. Click on this link and then go down to the Candidate List. Right now it says Coming Soon in red. Tomorrow it should have the word NEW in red. http://cityclerk.lacity.org/election/ncdocs/SUNLAND-TUJUNGA%20NC.pdf
Good luck to all who stepped forward to serve your community. I will distribute the complete list tomorrow once it is posted by the City Clerk.
The STNC will continue its 2010 elections outreach efforts with "getting out the vote" for STNC election day on Saturday, March 27, 2010. Save this date and be sure to attend upcoming meetings to meet candidates.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
A number of candidates signed up today and there was a late afternoon rush of filings. I do not yet know the complete list but it should be posted on the City Clerk's website by tomorrow.
I want to extend my appreciation to the board and members of the community for encouraging neighbors to run. With our usual busy lives and meetings, the rains and the clean up from the rains, we've been busy. Some more than others have had a lot to handle. Thank you.
The next step is the write-in period. Write-ins will not be printed on the ballots but their names will be on a list at the Polling place on election day. This is because the position they are running for must be verified by the City Clerk.
To check on the list of candidates tomorrow. Click on this link and then go down to the Candidate List. Right now it says Coming Soon in red. Tomorrow it should have the word NEW in red. http://cityclerk.lacity.org/election/ncdocs/SUNLAND-TUJUNGA%20NC.pdf
Good luck to all who stepped forward to serve your community. I will distribute the complete list tomorrow once it is posted by the City Clerk.
The STNC will continue its 2010 elections outreach efforts with "getting out the vote" for STNC election day on Saturday, March 27, 2010. Save this date and be sure to attend upcoming meetings to meet candidates.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
DWP MOU Oversight Committee Meeting 1/30 8:45 a.m.
DWP MOU OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETS SATURDAY JANUARY 30
Please set your alarm clocks a little earlier next
Saturday morning. The DWP MOU Oversight Committee will
meet at 8:45 a.m. on January 30 in the DWP cafeteria.
This brief meeting will give us a chance to take action
on some important current matters, and to share ideas on
how to improve the NC-DWP partnership under the MOU.
DWP MOU OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING
Saturday, January 30, 2010, 8:45 a.m.
John Ferraro Office Building (DWP Headquarters)
Cafeteria area
111 North Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
AGENDA
8:45 1. Call to Order and Opening Remarks
(Tony Wilkinson, Chair) [2m]
8:47 2. Self-Introductions of Participants and Guests
(Please sign the sign-in sheet!) [3m]
8:50 3. Public Comment and Announcements (Please limit
to two minutes per speaker.) [6m]
8:56 4. Report from the Chair [4m]
9:00 5. DWP Staff Remarks (if staff is present) [8m]
9:08 6. Adoption of minutes for November 21, 2009. [2m]
9:10 7. Possible action on a resolution requesting that
DWP compile and post the results of public input
collected during its series of workshops on the
Solar Plan, as was promised by the consultants
who conducted the workshops. (Public comments
included, for example, requests for cost figures
for elements of the plan, and demands that some
potion of the city-owned component be open to
competitive-bid construction by local
contractors.) [5m]
9:15 8. Possible action on a resolution asking for an
opportunity for public input on the selection of
a permanent General Manager for the DWP (for
example, through a selection of top candidates
by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners in
a process that considers neighborhood council
and other public input -- a method similar to
that used by the Mayor in selecting the new
Chief of Police). [5m]
9:20 9. Possible action on a resolution regarding
neighborhood councils and a possible Rate Payers
Advocate. For example: "Should the city adopt
some form of Rate Payers Advocate, neighborhood
councils that participate in the Memorandum of
Understanding and the public they serve should
have access to the same information that the DWP
provides to the RPA." [5m]
9:25 10. Possible action on a resolution that declares
DWP's role in economic development a Major
Customer Program, for which neighborhood
councils request notice of the extent and plans
for such a program, and (as also requested by
the Board of Water and Power Commissioners) the
sources and amounts of funding for it. [5m]
9:30 11. Discussion and possible action on member
neighborhood council ideas on ways to improve
the NC-DWP partnership under the MOU. [11m]
9:41 12. Public Comment and Announcements (Please limit
to two minutes per speaker.) [4m]
9:45 13. Adjournment
DWP WINTER BUDGET WORKSHOP
With the City Of Los Angeles rapidly nearing bankruptcy,
the financial health of the city's Department of Water and
power is an important issue for city residents. One of
the highlights of the Memorandum of Understanding between
neighborhood councils and the DWP is unprecedented access
to DWP financial information. The results of this access
are shared by neighborhood councils, all ratepayers and
the general public.
On Saturday, January 30, DWP will hold the second of two
annual budget workshops provided for in the MOU. This is
an exceptional opportunity to learn of DWP current and
future plans and financial challenges. It is also an
opportunity to ask senior DWP managers questions about
issues such as the true cost of "green" power to the
utility's ratepayers.
The DWP budget has been revised since the Fall Budget
Workshop presentation.
DWP's budget is about $6.1 billion. That's close to the
size of the general city budget (about $7.0 billion).
DWP's budget is far in excess of the city's non-reserved
budget funds ($3.8 billion) that support fire, police,
the Mayor's office, City Council and city departments.
This meeting is open to neighborhood council board
members and all interested stakeholders.
DWP 2009 FALL BUDGET WORKSHOP
Saturday, January 30, 2009, 10:00 a.m.
John Ferraro Office Building (DWP Headquarters)
Cafeteria Conference Center
111 North Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
PARKING FOR DWP MOU MEETING AND BUDGET WORKSHOPS
Parking will be available in the DWP lot.
Should there be unexpected difficulties parking in the
DWP lot, parking is also available at the Music Center
parking garage at 135 North Grand Avenue (between Temple
and First streets) and at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
garage on the North side of 2nd Street, between Hope and
Grand. Both of these garages are operated by Five Star
Parking (213-687-4484). They open at 7:00 a.m., and
charge $9 for Saturday parking.
The Metro Red Line station at First and Hill Streets is
four blocks from DWP Headquarters. A map of the area,
showing DWP, parking garages and the Red Line station is
located at:
http://www.musiccenter.org/about/mc_map.pdf
Tony Wilkinson
Chair, Oversight Committee
Neighborhood Council - Department of Water and Power
Memorandum of Understanding
http://www.dwposc.org
http://mouoversight.org/dwp.htm
lawilkinson@acm.org
818-785-9355
Please set your alarm clocks a little earlier next
Saturday morning. The DWP MOU Oversight Committee will
meet at 8:45 a.m. on January 30 in the DWP cafeteria.
This brief meeting will give us a chance to take action
on some important current matters, and to share ideas on
how to improve the NC-DWP partnership under the MOU.
DWP MOU OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING
Saturday, January 30, 2010, 8:45 a.m.
John Ferraro Office Building (DWP Headquarters)
Cafeteria area
111 North Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
AGENDA
8:45 1. Call to Order and Opening Remarks
(Tony Wilkinson, Chair) [2m]
8:47 2. Self-Introductions of Participants and Guests
(Please sign the sign-in sheet!) [3m]
8:50 3. Public Comment and Announcements (Please limit
to two minutes per speaker.) [6m]
8:56 4. Report from the Chair [4m]
9:00 5. DWP Staff Remarks (if staff is present) [8m]
9:08 6. Adoption of minutes for November 21, 2009. [2m]
9:10 7. Possible action on a resolution requesting that
DWP compile and post the results of public input
collected during its series of workshops on the
Solar Plan, as was promised by the consultants
who conducted the workshops. (Public comments
included, for example, requests for cost figures
for elements of the plan, and demands that some
potion of the city-owned component be open to
competitive-bid construction by local
contractors.) [5m]
9:15 8. Possible action on a resolution asking for an
opportunity for public input on the selection of
a permanent General Manager for the DWP (for
example, through a selection of top candidates
by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners in
a process that considers neighborhood council
and other public input -- a method similar to
that used by the Mayor in selecting the new
Chief of Police). [5m]
9:20 9. Possible action on a resolution regarding
neighborhood councils and a possible Rate Payers
Advocate. For example: "Should the city adopt
some form of Rate Payers Advocate, neighborhood
councils that participate in the Memorandum of
Understanding and the public they serve should
have access to the same information that the DWP
provides to the RPA." [5m]
9:25 10. Possible action on a resolution that declares
DWP's role in economic development a Major
Customer Program, for which neighborhood
councils request notice of the extent and plans
for such a program, and (as also requested by
the Board of Water and Power Commissioners) the
sources and amounts of funding for it. [5m]
9:30 11. Discussion and possible action on member
neighborhood council ideas on ways to improve
the NC-DWP partnership under the MOU. [11m]
9:41 12. Public Comment and Announcements (Please limit
to two minutes per speaker.) [4m]
9:45 13. Adjournment
DWP WINTER BUDGET WORKSHOP
With the City Of Los Angeles rapidly nearing bankruptcy,
the financial health of the city's Department of Water and
power is an important issue for city residents. One of
the highlights of the Memorandum of Understanding between
neighborhood councils and the DWP is unprecedented access
to DWP financial information. The results of this access
are shared by neighborhood councils, all ratepayers and
the general public.
On Saturday, January 30, DWP will hold the second of two
annual budget workshops provided for in the MOU. This is
an exceptional opportunity to learn of DWP current and
future plans and financial challenges. It is also an
opportunity to ask senior DWP managers questions about
issues such as the true cost of "green" power to the
utility's ratepayers.
The DWP budget has been revised since the Fall Budget
Workshop presentation.
DWP's budget is about $6.1 billion. That's close to the
size of the general city budget (about $7.0 billion).
DWP's budget is far in excess of the city's non-reserved
budget funds ($3.8 billion) that support fire, police,
the Mayor's office, City Council and city departments.
This meeting is open to neighborhood council board
members and all interested stakeholders.
DWP 2009 FALL BUDGET WORKSHOP
Saturday, January 30, 2009, 10:00 a.m.
John Ferraro Office Building (DWP Headquarters)
Cafeteria Conference Center
111 North Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
PARKING FOR DWP MOU MEETING AND BUDGET WORKSHOPS
Parking will be available in the DWP lot.
Should there be unexpected difficulties parking in the
DWP lot, parking is also available at the Music Center
parking garage at 135 North Grand Avenue (between Temple
and First streets) and at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
garage on the North side of 2nd Street, between Hope and
Grand. Both of these garages are operated by Five Star
Parking (213-687-4484). They open at 7:00 a.m., and
charge $9 for Saturday parking.
The Metro Red Line station at First and Hill Streets is
four blocks from DWP Headquarters. A map of the area,
showing DWP, parking garages and the Red Line station is
located at:
http://www.musiccenter.org/about/mc_map.pdf
Tony Wilkinson
Chair, Oversight Committee
Neighborhood Council - Department of Water and Power
Memorandum of Understanding
http://www.dwposc.org
http://mouoversight.org/dwp.htm
lawilkinson@acm.org
818-785-9355
LADWP to Hold Public Workshop on Budget, Budget Cuts and Rates
LADWP to Hold Public Workshop on Budget, Budget Cuts and Rates
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will hold a community meeting regarding the current fiscal year budget, recently enacted budget cuts, and rates on Saturday, January 30, 2010, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the LADWP John Ferraro Building in Downtown Los Angeles (map.) The meeting will feature a presentation on the current fiscal year's budget, a discussion of the Department’s efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by increasing the use of renewable energy and a question and answer period with LADWP Interim General Manager S. David Freeman.
The meeting will provide customers with a forum to learn about the budget and its challenges, ask questions and provide input directly to LADWP management.
Although not required, if you know you will attend, please RSVP here or by logging onto www.ladwpnews.com and selecting "Budget Workshop RSVP" under Contact Us > Forms.
WHO:
S. David Freeman, LADWP Interim General Manager
LADWP Budget Managers
WHAT:
LADWP Public Workshop on Budget, Budget Cuts and Rates
WHEN:
Saturday, January 30, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:
LADWP John Ferraro Building
Cafeteria Conference Center (A-Level)
111 N. Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free parking is available in the LADWP Customer Parking Lot adjacent to the John Ferraro Building.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will hold a community meeting regarding the current fiscal year budget, recently enacted budget cuts, and rates on Saturday, January 30, 2010, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the LADWP John Ferraro Building in Downtown Los Angeles (map.) The meeting will feature a presentation on the current fiscal year's budget, a discussion of the Department’s efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by increasing the use of renewable energy and a question and answer period with LADWP Interim General Manager S. David Freeman.
The meeting will provide customers with a forum to learn about the budget and its challenges, ask questions and provide input directly to LADWP management.
Although not required, if you know you will attend, please RSVP here or by logging onto www.ladwpnews.com and selecting "Budget Workshop RSVP" under Contact Us > Forms.
WHO:
S. David Freeman, LADWP Interim General Manager
LADWP Budget Managers
WHAT:
LADWP Public Workshop on Budget, Budget Cuts and Rates
WHEN:
Saturday, January 30, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:
LADWP John Ferraro Building
Cafeteria Conference Center (A-Level)
111 N. Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free parking is available in the LADWP Customer Parking Lot adjacent to the John Ferraro Building.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
STNC Elections - The Big Picture
Dear STNC Community,
I wrote the following to give the City Clerk the "Big Picture" about the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council and our community so that they would have a good understanding about us, and our beliefs toward our elections.
For our stakeholders that are new to the neighborhood council system, I hope that this may give you some insight into our beginnnings and goals.
Mark Seigel -- STNC Treasurer
-----
To Whom it may Concern,
As the stepchild community of Los Angeles, Sunland-Tujunga has learned that it must be diligent in educating itself as to self representation.
In this document, I use the term "community member" as the City uses the term "stakeholder".
HISTORY
Our community had an active Townhall Community Council formed years before the Neighborhood Council system was in place. And that council would have upwards of 90 to 150 people in regular attendance. That council crafted bylaws to convert to be part of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council system. It took that group about 10 months, with vetting by over 150 people, to craft an effective and fair set of bylaws.
It was clear that the electorate wanted to be able to personally vet the candidates at Election Forums, and Candidate Mixers. The community wished to be able to question each candidate as to their motives and desires, to make sure their representatives would actually represent the community. To fulfill this requirement, write-in candidates and candidates that had not attended the community forums/mixers were barred from running for office. As you can see by our history and our community stakeholder involvement, this process has been the right choice and course of action. We have, possibly, the highest consistent turnouts of stakeholders of any NC and dedicated community participation/involvement in the City of Los Angeles.
The Board structure is designed to provide some redundancy and multiple levels for a community member to access representation to the Board.
As we looked at the structure of other Neighborhood Councils, we wrestled with the secularity of having named Group Reps in the Bylaws, such as "Business Rep", "Faith Rep", or "Homeless Rep". It was determined that Pigeon Holeing of representative positions was not flexible and would exclude representation of many groups of our community. If a new group wished to be represented on the Council, it would require a Bylaws change, and a possible restructuring of the Board. So, in order to provide the community with Representatives for each component of our community, possibly changing components, we set out to have a set of Board positions that were dynamic. To achieve this we designed our "Group Rep" board seats.
COMPOSITION AND DUTIES
We worked with DONE to comply with their rules and the laws set forth in "The Plan" to provide a structure of diverse representation. We came to a compromise of 22 Board members, comprised of 5 Executive Board members, 1 Parliamentarian, 8 Geographic Representatives, and 8 Group Representatives.
The Executive board would handle the administrative part of the council and also assist in representing community members, the parliamentarian would assist in matters of procedure and fairness, and the 16 representatives would work to represent the members of the community.
The Parliamentarian is appointed by the Board, and the rest are elected by the community.
There are 4 Regions in our Council with 2 Geographic Reps positions per region with each Rep providing representation to any community member based in that geographic area.
There are 8 Group Representatives providing representation for diverse groups in our community.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (See Bylaws for exact wording)
Executive Board members must live, work, or own property in the STNC boundaries.
The Parliamentarian must understand Parliamentary Procedure and RobertÃs Rules of Order.
Geographic Reps must live, work, or own property in the area they represent.
GROUP REPRESENTATIVE ERRATA
The selection/candidacy of Group Reps is a little more involved.
The Community Groups that have a Rep on the Board changes each term. They are not predefined as in most NC's.
A prospective candidate would select a group to represent and provide documentation from that group to affirm that that group wished to be represented by that individual. For example, a candidate for "Faith Rep" would submit a letter provided by his/her church; a "Scouting Rep" would provide a letter from his/her Scout Pack or Troop, a "Food Rep" would submit a letter from their Restaurant or food related business, and so on.
Any Community Group in the STNC boundaries could put their candidate up for election to the Board.
Hopefully more than 8 Groups put forth a rep in the election and the community voters select the 8 they wish to see on the Board for the next term of office.
The Election Committee was charged with the responsibility to assist the prospective candidates with the information and assistance to 1) know what groups currently have candidates running to represent them and 2) attempt to suggest/provide a broad range of groups be represented, so that the electorate could have a diverse list of groups/candidates to choose from when voting. The electorate would be able to choose what areas they felt were the most important during the next Board term.
This being said, to achieve this goal, it is vital that the Election Committee be able to provide the current list of candidates and their group being represented to the community during the ìsign upî period, so that community members can be certain that their ìimportantî group has a chance to be represented on the Board, and at the same time that there is not a proliferation of candidates running for the same type of group.
Also, in relation to all the seats, it is important to have the candidate information available and transparent to the community during the sign up process. As you may have found out, there are a limited number of people that are able to commit enough time, energy, and resources to donate to the community for an extended time. As such, it helps the process immensely if the prospective candidates know which positions are currently available so that not everyone is running for the same seat and leaving holes in the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Seigel
Certifications Chair of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
Current Bylaws Chair - 2009/2010
818-430-5244
I wrote the following to give the City Clerk the "Big Picture" about the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council and our community so that they would have a good understanding about us, and our beliefs toward our elections.
For our stakeholders that are new to the neighborhood council system, I hope that this may give you some insight into our beginnnings and goals.
Mark Seigel -- STNC Treasurer
-----
To Whom it may Concern,
As the stepchild community of Los Angeles, Sunland-Tujunga has learned that it must be diligent in educating itself as to self representation.
In this document, I use the term "community member" as the City uses the term "stakeholder".
HISTORY
Our community had an active Townhall Community Council formed years before the Neighborhood Council system was in place. And that council would have upwards of 90 to 150 people in regular attendance. That council crafted bylaws to convert to be part of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council system. It took that group about 10 months, with vetting by over 150 people, to craft an effective and fair set of bylaws.
It was clear that the electorate wanted to be able to personally vet the candidates at Election Forums, and Candidate Mixers. The community wished to be able to question each candidate as to their motives and desires, to make sure their representatives would actually represent the community. To fulfill this requirement, write-in candidates and candidates that had not attended the community forums/mixers were barred from running for office. As you can see by our history and our community stakeholder involvement, this process has been the right choice and course of action. We have, possibly, the highest consistent turnouts of stakeholders of any NC and dedicated community participation/involvement in the City of Los Angeles.
The Board structure is designed to provide some redundancy and multiple levels for a community member to access representation to the Board.
As we looked at the structure of other Neighborhood Councils, we wrestled with the secularity of having named Group Reps in the Bylaws, such as "Business Rep", "Faith Rep", or "Homeless Rep". It was determined that Pigeon Holeing of representative positions was not flexible and would exclude representation of many groups of our community. If a new group wished to be represented on the Council, it would require a Bylaws change, and a possible restructuring of the Board. So, in order to provide the community with Representatives for each component of our community, possibly changing components, we set out to have a set of Board positions that were dynamic. To achieve this we designed our "Group Rep" board seats.
COMPOSITION AND DUTIES
We worked with DONE to comply with their rules and the laws set forth in "The Plan" to provide a structure of diverse representation. We came to a compromise of 22 Board members, comprised of 5 Executive Board members, 1 Parliamentarian, 8 Geographic Representatives, and 8 Group Representatives.
The Executive board would handle the administrative part of the council and also assist in representing community members, the parliamentarian would assist in matters of procedure and fairness, and the 16 representatives would work to represent the members of the community.
The Parliamentarian is appointed by the Board, and the rest are elected by the community.
There are 4 Regions in our Council with 2 Geographic Reps positions per region with each Rep providing representation to any community member based in that geographic area.
There are 8 Group Representatives providing representation for diverse groups in our community.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (See Bylaws for exact wording)
Executive Board members must live, work, or own property in the STNC boundaries.
The Parliamentarian must understand Parliamentary Procedure and RobertÃs Rules of Order.
Geographic Reps must live, work, or own property in the area they represent.
GROUP REPRESENTATIVE ERRATA
The selection/candidacy of Group Reps is a little more involved.
The Community Groups that have a Rep on the Board changes each term. They are not predefined as in most NC's.
A prospective candidate would select a group to represent and provide documentation from that group to affirm that that group wished to be represented by that individual. For example, a candidate for "Faith Rep" would submit a letter provided by his/her church; a "Scouting Rep" would provide a letter from his/her Scout Pack or Troop, a "Food Rep" would submit a letter from their Restaurant or food related business, and so on.
Any Community Group in the STNC boundaries could put their candidate up for election to the Board.
Hopefully more than 8 Groups put forth a rep in the election and the community voters select the 8 they wish to see on the Board for the next term of office.
The Election Committee was charged with the responsibility to assist the prospective candidates with the information and assistance to 1) know what groups currently have candidates running to represent them and 2) attempt to suggest/provide a broad range of groups be represented, so that the electorate could have a diverse list of groups/candidates to choose from when voting. The electorate would be able to choose what areas they felt were the most important during the next Board term.
This being said, to achieve this goal, it is vital that the Election Committee be able to provide the current list of candidates and their group being represented to the community during the ìsign upî period, so that community members can be certain that their ìimportantî group has a chance to be represented on the Board, and at the same time that there is not a proliferation of candidates running for the same type of group.
Also, in relation to all the seats, it is important to have the candidate information available and transparent to the community during the sign up process. As you may have found out, there are a limited number of people that are able to commit enough time, energy, and resources to donate to the community for an extended time. As such, it helps the process immensely if the prospective candidates know which positions are currently available so that not everyone is running for the same seat and leaving holes in the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Seigel
Certifications Chair of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
Current Bylaws Chair - 2009/2010
818-430-5244
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Land Use Committee - 1-25-10 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, January 25, 2010 – 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 LUC 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, LUC 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 - STNC Land Use Committee members and alternates. New CD2 staff, Neighbors & Guests
2. Discussion re: Aftermath of the rainstorms, debris, evacuations, city services and future
3. Public Comments – non agenda items and community announcements
4. Early Notification Announcements, Public Hearings for Sunland-Tujunga
a. 6433 La Tuna Cyn (Verdugo Hills Golf Course) – early notice for VTT 69976
b. 10051 Pinewood - Clearwire rooftop WTF on existing apartment building.
c. 11370 N. Alethea Dr., Sunland – Clearwire request for 80 ft. hillside WTF where 45 ft. allowed.
5. LUC Chair comments – Tomi Lyn Bowling
a. 8330 McGroarty – status re: BPW hearing, oak trees, street widening
b. 2010 Best of Business Awards
6. Status updates on:
a. 7217 Foothill – ongoing improvements for 99 cent store – no FBCSP application filed
b. 8348 Foothill – Tattoo shop still open ?
c. 7937 Foothill – Recycling center / Market
d. 10045 Commerce – wine & beer application
e. 7235 Foothill – development progress
f. Angeles National Golf Club – conditions
g. Valley Village SB1818 at PLUM
h. ADU Ordinance draft
7. Discussion/Action to approve draft recommendations to the proposed Community Care Facilities Ordinance
8. Discussion: Future LUC agenda items/presentations: CDBG, auto uses
9. Committee member reports, updates and comments.
10. Announcements:
a. STNC Elections candidate filing period ends Tues., Jan. 26, 2010
b. Education committee meeting on 2-8-10
c. Next STNC Board meeting is Wednesday, February 10, 2010 starting at 7:00 p.m. at North Valley Neighborhood City Hall.
11. 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, January 25, 2010 – 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 LUC 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, LUC 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 - STNC Land Use Committee members and alternates. New CD2 staff, Neighbors & Guests
2. Discussion re: Aftermath of the rainstorms, debris, evacuations, city services and future
3. Public Comments – non agenda items and community announcements
4. Early Notification Announcements, Public Hearings for Sunland-Tujunga
a. 6433 La Tuna Cyn (Verdugo Hills Golf Course) – early notice for VTT 69976
b. 10051 Pinewood - Clearwire rooftop WTF on existing apartment building.
c. 11370 N. Alethea Dr., Sunland – Clearwire request for 80 ft. hillside WTF where 45 ft. allowed.
5. LUC Chair comments – Tomi Lyn Bowling
a. 8330 McGroarty – status re: BPW hearing, oak trees, street widening
b. 2010 Best of Business Awards
6. Status updates on:
a. 7217 Foothill – ongoing improvements for 99 cent store – no FBCSP application filed
b. 8348 Foothill – Tattoo shop still open ?
c. 7937 Foothill – Recycling center / Market
d. 10045 Commerce – wine & beer application
e. 7235 Foothill – development progress
f. Angeles National Golf Club – conditions
g. Valley Village SB1818 at PLUM
h. ADU Ordinance draft
7. Discussion/Action to approve draft recommendations to the proposed Community Care Facilities Ordinance
8. Discussion: Future LUC agenda items/presentations: CDBG, auto uses
9. Committee member reports, updates and comments.
10. Announcements:
a. STNC Elections candidate filing period ends Tues., Jan. 26, 2010
b. Education committee meeting on 2-8-10
c. Next STNC Board meeting is Wednesday, February 10, 2010 starting at 7:00 p.m. at North Valley Neighborhood City Hall.
11. 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.
Safety Committee 1-25-10 at 6 pm
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
7747 Foothill Blvd., Room 101, Tujunga CA 91042
(818) 951-7411 FAX (818) 951-7412
www.stnc.org
Safety Committee
Monday, January 25, 2010 –6:00 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 Safety 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.
6:00 PM - Call to order – Nina Royal, Chair
1. Introductions – Capt. Ivan Minsal, LAPD and CD2 staff
2. Discussion re: rainstorms and the City and community preparation and response. STNC’s participation. What did we do and how can we improve?
3. Discussion & Motion: Long Term Recovery program – Tammy Flores, Sylmar NC, CD 7
4. 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
Safety Committee
Monday, January 25, 2010 –6:00 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 Safety 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.
6:00 PM - Call to order – Nina Royal, Chair
1. Introductions – Capt. Ivan Minsal, LAPD and CD2 staff
2. Discussion re: rainstorms and the City and community preparation and response. STNC’s participation. What did we do and how can we improve?
3. Discussion & Motion: Long Term Recovery program – Tammy Flores, Sylmar NC, CD 7
4. 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.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Storm Update from CM Krekorian
January 22, 2010
Dear Friends,
Good morning. Yesterday, I spent much of the day in my Tujunga Field Office, where the rain steadily poured down in droves as it did, I'm sure, around your neighborhood too. It was a busy day and I want to update you on the latest weather, evacuation and traffic news to keep you safe, moving and as dry as possible.
I began yesterday morning by filling dozens of sandbags, which residents came by to pick up for their homes. After that, I joined the mayor and officials from the LAFD, LAPD and the American Red Cross at a news conference to update Angelenos on the latest news, which you will find below.
We then drove up to the Upper Blanchard Canyon Debris Basin. The basin, which is monitored around the clock by L.A. County officials, is now about 1/3 full with silt & debris. Water is flowing steadily through the basin and into the flood control channel and officials have found no problems at this time.
Blanchard Canyon road is accumulating some surface mud but it is still passable and preparations by county officials have kept the area below the basin safe. The fire department continues to monitor the area.
We also visited the Haines Canyon Debris Basin, which is supervised and monitored by the Army Corp of Engineers. It is about halfway full with silt and one foot of debris and no problems have been reported there at this time. The fire department also monitors this site regularly.
Attached is a picture of me and the mayor monitoring the debris flow of our canyon.
Weather
We have so far recorded between 4-8 inches of rain in the Coastal and Valley areas, 8-16 inches in the Foothill areas, and up to 20 inches in the burn areas (South Facing Coastal Slopes). Numerous showers and scattered thunderstorms will continue through this evening. Any thunderstorm could produce peak rainfall rates over one inch per hour, an intense output that has the potential to produce flash flooding and debris flows - especially in and around recent burn areas.
Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation, which is why it is imperative that you heed the directions of our police and fire crews when they ask that you evacuate your homes.
Residents in or below the recent burn areas are urged to take the steps necessary to protect their property. Persons in the watch area should remain alert and follow directions of emergency preparedness officials.
We are at the tail end of this round of storms, which should abate by the weekend. There is a 20% chance of rain on Tuesday, but the rest of the week is expected to be sunny.
But, just because the rain ends, does not mean the danger does. Debris flow and significant mudslides could happen for 48 hours or so after the rain stops, so please exercise extreme caution in the Foothills.
Evacuations
176 additional homes in the Foothill area have been given mandatory evacuation orders. They were notified by the County's Notification System and LAPD gave door to door notification.
The areas that have been affected are:
Alpine Way, Zachaou Canyon, Haines Canyon, Riverwood, Rowley Canyon, Blue Gum Canyon, Thundering Hooves Ranch, Rancho Ybarra, and Blanchard Canyon. No return date has yet been determined for evacuated residents.
Information on evacuation orders can be obtained by calling 323-441-1187.
Shelter locations
The city is working with the American Red Cross in sheltering displaced residents at:
Sunland Tujunga Recreation Center
8651 Foothill Blvd, Sunland
Phone: (818) 352-5282
Fax: (818) 353-0210
Street Closures
The city's Department of Transportation will continue to respond to many calls that include traffic control at intersections affected by the rain.
County closures can be found here: http://gis.dpw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/main.cfm
Animal Shelters
Small animals will be sheltered at:
Sunland Recreation Center
8651 Foothill Blvd, Sunland,
CA, 91040
(818) 352-5282.
Northeast Animal Shelter
15321 Brand Boulevard,
Mission Hills, CA 91345
(818) 837-2609.
Large Animals will be sheltered at:
Pierce College
6201 Winnetka Ave
Woodland Hills
(818) 719-640.
Finally, I want to remind residents to remain vigilant and let everyone know that we are not out of the woods yet. Evacuation measures are still in place and more may be ordered depending on the severity of today's rain. Thank you to those residents who have cooperated with police and fire officials when they asked you to evacuate. For those who have stayed in their homes despite mandatory evacuation orders, please consider leaving. Authorities will get you back home as soon as possible.
Very truly yours,
Paul Krekorian
Councilmember, CD2
Los Angeles City Council
Mayor's SF Valley Updates
Below you will find some pertinent updates from the San Fernando Valley
office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Please contact us with any
questions. Stay dry!
PARENT CHOICE MEETING
In August 2009, the LAUSD passed a Public School Choice motion. Valley
Region Elementary School #10 will be located at 7335 N. Lubao Ave. in
Canoga Park, and it will relieve the following schools:
Fulbright Elementary School, Melvin Elementary School, Sunny Brae
Elementary School, Winnetka Elementary School
Applicants: LAUSD (Local Dist. 1), Ivy Academia Charter Schools,
Magnolia Charter Schools
At this meeting, parents will learn about the process and the concept
behind each applicant’s plan to educate our youth.
When:
Monday, Jan. 25
5:30 p.m.
Where:
Sutter Middle School
7330 WINNETKA AVE.
CANOGA PARK, CA 91306
RAIN STORM UPDATE
All evacuation orders for Sunland and Tujunga area residents have been
lifted with the exception of one home. The areas affected by the
evacuation orders in Sunland and Tujunja include: Zachaou Canyon, Rowley
Canyon, Blue Gum Canyon, Haynes Canyon, Thundering Hooves Ranch, Rancho,
Ybarra, and Blanchard Canyon.
Residents have been urged to follow instructions by LAPD and LAFD and
to continue to exercise caution and to remain vigilant to their
surroundings. Residents can continue to call (323) 441-1187 or (323)
441-1188 to be updated on the latest information.
"RANDAL SIMMONS PARK" DEDICATION
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilman Dennis Zine, and the Department
of Recreation and Parks invite you to a ceremony for the renaming of
West Valley Park in Reseda in honor of fallen SWAT Officer Randal D.
Simmons.
Thursday, Jan. 28
11:00 a.m.
6731 Wilbur Ave.
Reseda, CA 91335
Randal Simmons was the slain SWAT officer who died in a gun battle in
February 2008. He worked closely with inner-city kids and, as a tribute
to his memory, the West Valley Park is being renamed in his honor. There
will be a small reception at the West Valley LAPD Community Room at
19020 Vanowen Street Reseda, CA 91335 prior to the unveiling.
DAY OF SERVICE WITH LAUSD
Please join Mayor Villaraigosa in a Day of Service in partnership with
LAUSD on Saturday, Mar. 20. This is a chance to roll up our sleeves and
make a difference in our schools and in our community.
Next planning meeting will take place on:
Wednesday, Jan. 27
12:45 p.m.
Where:
Limerick Elementary School
8530 Limerick Avenue
Canoga Park, CA 91306
Please join us!
CENSUS
Happy Census Year! Please join Mayor Villaraigosa's Call to Action to
ensure that ALL people living in the SF Valley get counted in the
Census. 2010 is an important year, especially with these tough economic
times, and an accurate count will ensure that we get our fair share of
federal funds.
The Mayor's Office of Census 2010 is currently calling on all of our
community partners to join our planning efforts for March 2010 to
GET-OUT-THE-COUNT (GOTC) in the SF Valley. We will be dedicating a
month of service to the Census, and we can't do it without you.
Our next meeting will take place:
Wed, Feb. 3 @ 10:00 a.m.
Van Nuys State Building
6150 Van Nuys Blvd. (1st Floor auditorium)
Please visit our website: www.LAcounts2010.org
BUDGET SURVEY
Please visit http://labudgetchallenge.lacity.org to take the LA Budget
Challenge. This is your chance to share your input on the City Budget
with the Mayor. This year's Budget survey is more informational and
more interactive than ever before.
CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM
The Mayor's Office of Homeland Security & Public Safety is recruiting
Crisis Response Team (CRT) members. CRT members are community
volunteers who respond to traumatic incidents at the request of the Los
Angeles Police and Fire Departments. CRT provides immediate on-scene
crisis intervention, attends to survival and comfort needs, acts as a
liaison between the victim and emergency personnel, and gives referrals
to victims and their families affected by death, serious injury, violent
crimes, and other traumatic incidents.
Training will take place Tuesday and Thursday evenings from Feb. 2 -
Mar. 25 at the L.A. Police Academy in Westchester.
Please submit resume to Jeffrey Zimerman, M.S.W. and CRT Manager, at
LACRT@lacity.org
office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Please contact us with any
questions. Stay dry!
PARENT CHOICE MEETING
In August 2009, the LAUSD passed a Public School Choice motion. Valley
Region Elementary School #10 will be located at 7335 N. Lubao Ave. in
Canoga Park, and it will relieve the following schools:
Fulbright Elementary School, Melvin Elementary School, Sunny Brae
Elementary School, Winnetka Elementary School
Applicants: LAUSD (Local Dist. 1), Ivy Academia Charter Schools,
Magnolia Charter Schools
At this meeting, parents will learn about the process and the concept
behind each applicant’s plan to educate our youth.
When:
Monday, Jan. 25
5:30 p.m.
Where:
Sutter Middle School
7330 WINNETKA AVE.
CANOGA PARK, CA 91306
RAIN STORM UPDATE
All evacuation orders for Sunland and Tujunga area residents have been
lifted with the exception of one home. The areas affected by the
evacuation orders in Sunland and Tujunja include: Zachaou Canyon, Rowley
Canyon, Blue Gum Canyon, Haynes Canyon, Thundering Hooves Ranch, Rancho,
Ybarra, and Blanchard Canyon.
Residents have been urged to follow instructions by LAPD and LAFD and
to continue to exercise caution and to remain vigilant to their
surroundings. Residents can continue to call (323) 441-1187 or (323)
441-1188 to be updated on the latest information.
"RANDAL SIMMONS PARK" DEDICATION
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilman Dennis Zine, and the Department
of Recreation and Parks invite you to a ceremony for the renaming of
West Valley Park in Reseda in honor of fallen SWAT Officer Randal D.
Simmons.
Thursday, Jan. 28
11:00 a.m.
6731 Wilbur Ave.
Reseda, CA 91335
Randal Simmons was the slain SWAT officer who died in a gun battle in
February 2008. He worked closely with inner-city kids and, as a tribute
to his memory, the West Valley Park is being renamed in his honor. There
will be a small reception at the West Valley LAPD Community Room at
19020 Vanowen Street Reseda, CA 91335 prior to the unveiling.
DAY OF SERVICE WITH LAUSD
Please join Mayor Villaraigosa in a Day of Service in partnership with
LAUSD on Saturday, Mar. 20. This is a chance to roll up our sleeves and
make a difference in our schools and in our community.
Next planning meeting will take place on:
Wednesday, Jan. 27
12:45 p.m.
Where:
Limerick Elementary School
8530 Limerick Avenue
Canoga Park, CA 91306
Please join us!
CENSUS
Happy Census Year! Please join Mayor Villaraigosa's Call to Action to
ensure that ALL people living in the SF Valley get counted in the
Census. 2010 is an important year, especially with these tough economic
times, and an accurate count will ensure that we get our fair share of
federal funds.
The Mayor's Office of Census 2010 is currently calling on all of our
community partners to join our planning efforts for March 2010 to
GET-OUT-THE-COUNT (GOTC) in the SF Valley. We will be dedicating a
month of service to the Census, and we can't do it without you.
Our next meeting will take place:
Wed, Feb. 3 @ 10:00 a.m.
Van Nuys State Building
6150 Van Nuys Blvd. (1st Floor auditorium)
Please visit our website: www.LAcounts2010.org
BUDGET SURVEY
Please visit http://labudgetchallenge.lacity.org to take the LA Budget
Challenge. This is your chance to share your input on the City Budget
with the Mayor. This year's Budget survey is more informational and
more interactive than ever before.
CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM
The Mayor's Office of Homeland Security & Public Safety is recruiting
Crisis Response Team (CRT) members. CRT members are community
volunteers who respond to traumatic incidents at the request of the Los
Angeles Police and Fire Departments. CRT provides immediate on-scene
crisis intervention, attends to survival and comfort needs, acts as a
liaison between the victim and emergency personnel, and gives referrals
to victims and their families affected by death, serious injury, violent
crimes, and other traumatic incidents.
Training will take place Tuesday and Thursday evenings from Feb. 2 -
Mar. 25 at the L.A. Police Academy in Westchester.
Please submit resume to Jeffrey Zimerman, M.S.W. and CRT Manager, at
LACRT@lacity.org
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Mayor's Storm Update - 1/21/10
I just returned from seeing the Mayor and Councilman Krekorian at North Valley City Hall. Big thanks to them for coming out to help with sandbagging and meeting our many volunteers. We appreciate their presence and guidance as our community goes through the storms.
-Cindy
MAYOR ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA
City of Los Angeles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2010
Contact:
Casey Hernandez
(213) 978-0741
RAIN STORM UPDATE - WEATHER, EVACUATION CENTERS, STREET CLOSURES,
SHELTERS, AND ANIMAL SHELTERS
LOS ANGELES - Below is an overview of information regarding evacuations
and street closures resulting from the rainstorms, as well as locations
for shelters and animal shelters throughout the affected areas in Los
Angeles.
Weather:
The next round of storms are scheduled to arrive around 12pm today and
remain until 6pm. Rainfall is expected to average approximately
.5"-.75" per hour.
By Friday, a total rainfall is expected to reach 4-8 inches in Coastal
and Valley areas, 8-16 inches in the Foothill areas, and up to 20 inches
in the burn areas (South Facing Coastal Slopes). The cumulative affect
of these storms will bring threats of significant flash flooding and
debris flow in the burn areas, and the threat of urban and small stream
flooding and rock slides in other areas.
The entire City of LA is currently under a flash flood watch. The most
recently issued flash flood watch was for downtown LA.
Evacuations:
176 additional homes in the Foothill area have been given mandatory
evacuation orders. They were notified by the County’s Notification
System and LAPD gave door to door notification. The areas that have
been affected are: Alpine Way, Zachaou Canyon, Haines Canyon, Riverwood,
Rowley Canyon, Blue Gum Canyon, Thundering Hooves Ranch, Rancho Ybarra,
and Blanchard Canyon. No return date has yet been determined for
evacuated residents.
Information on evacuation orders can be obtained by calling
323-441-1187.
Shelter locations:
The City is working with the American Red Cross in sheltering displaced
residents at:
Sunland Tujunga Recreation Center
8651 Foothill Blvd, Sunland
Phone: (818) 352-5282 Fax: (818) 353-0210
Street Closures:
In the City, Southbound Woodley Ave at Victory Blvd, Burbank Blvd
between Balboa Blvd and the 405 and Southbound Burbank Blvd at the 405
off-ramp are closed. The Dept of Transportation is responding to many
calls that include traffic control at intersections affected by the
rain.
County closures can be found here:
http://gis.dpw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/main.cfm
Animal Shelters:
Small animals will be sheltered at:
● Sunland Recreation Center
8651 Foothill Blvd, Sunland,
CA, 91040
(818) 352-5282.
● Northeast Animal Shelter
15321 Brand Boulevard,
Mission Hills, CA 91345
(818) 837-2609.
Large Animals will be sheltered at:
● Pierce College
6201 Winnetka Ave
Woodland Hills
(818) 719-640.
Other Info:
● As of 10:30am DWP is reporting approximately 1,700 customers without
power. Neighborhoods affected include small portions of Mission Hills
and Hyde Park, among other small scattered outages.
For more information, residents can call 800-439-2909 or 3-11 or visit
readyla.org.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
STNC Elections - Run for a seat on the board
UPDATE:
THERE IS A STAKEHOLDER CANDIDATE INFORMATIONAL MEETING TO HELP ANYONE WHO WANTS HELP FILLING OUT YOUR FILING FORM OR THEY WILL ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS REGARDING THE DOCUMENTATION NEEDED
IT IS THIS COMING SATURDAY FROM 9:30AM TO 11:30AM AT NORTHEAST VALLEY CITY HALL
7747 FOOTHILL BOULEVARD
TUJUNGA CA 91042
STNC Stakeholders & Board Members,
Only 4 business days left to file for candidacy to run in the STNC election. Your candidate filing form must be received and complete by next Tuesday, January 26. Do not wait until Tuesday to fax in your form. If anything is missing, you will likely not get it in by the deadline and will become a write in candidate. Write in candidate names will not be printed on the ballot but will be on display somewhere in the polling place.
Send in your form today. If you have already filed your candidate application, thank you!
The STNC election for all 21 seats will be conducted by the Los Angeles City Clerk on March 27, 2010 at North Valley Neighborhood City Hall. The STNC will be tackling issues of public safety, land use, community improvement and beautification, neighborhood services and the Citywide budget in the coming year. If you want to make a difference in Sunland-Tujunga, seriously consider running for a board seat. Visit the STNC website at http://www.stnc.org/election.html for more details and links to forms and STNC bylaws.
Send in your completed Candidate Filing Form
to be received by January 26, 2010 by by FAX: 213-978-0376
or MAIL:
City Clerk-Election Division
City of Los Angeles
555 Ramirez Street
Space 300
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Please also send your candidate statement to the webmaster for posting on the STNC website: office@stnc.org
Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
THERE IS A STAKEHOLDER CANDIDATE INFORMATIONAL MEETING TO HELP ANYONE WHO WANTS HELP FILLING OUT YOUR FILING FORM OR THEY WILL ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS REGARDING THE DOCUMENTATION NEEDED
IT IS THIS COMING SATURDAY FROM 9:30AM TO 11:30AM AT NORTHEAST VALLEY CITY HALL
7747 FOOTHILL BOULEVARD
TUJUNGA CA 91042
STNC Stakeholders & Board Members,
Only 4 business days left to file for candidacy to run in the STNC election. Your candidate filing form must be received and complete by next Tuesday, January 26. Do not wait until Tuesday to fax in your form. If anything is missing, you will likely not get it in by the deadline and will become a write in candidate. Write in candidate names will not be printed on the ballot but will be on display somewhere in the polling place.
Send in your form today. If you have already filed your candidate application, thank you!
The STNC election for all 21 seats will be conducted by the Los Angeles City Clerk on March 27, 2010 at North Valley Neighborhood City Hall. The STNC will be tackling issues of public safety, land use, community improvement and beautification, neighborhood services and the Citywide budget in the coming year. If you want to make a difference in Sunland-Tujunga, seriously consider running for a board seat. Visit the STNC website at http://www.stnc.org/election.html for more details and links to forms and STNC bylaws.
Send in your completed Candidate Filing Form
to be received by January 26, 2010 by by FAX: 213-978-0376
or MAIL:
City Clerk-Election Division
City of Los Angeles
555 Ramirez Street
Space 300
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Please also send your candidate statement to the webmaster for posting on the STNC website: office@stnc.org
Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
The Winners of the 2009 BEST of Sunland Tujunga Contest are:
BEST RESTAURANT - Joselitos West
BEST PERSONAL SERVICE - Image West
BEST FAST FOOD - Panda Express
BEST FOOD DELIVERY - Pizza Hut
BEST OVERALL BUSINESS - Do It Center
BEST STOREFRONT - Sunland Martial Arts
BEST POST OFFICE - Sunland
BEST SCHOOL - Verdugo Hills High School
BEST CAFE - Old Towne Cafe
BEST ENTERTAINMENT - Steel Pit
BEST DELIVERY SERVICE - UPS
BEST SUPERMARKET - Von's
BEST COMMUNITY SUPPORTER - C&M Printing
BEST COMMUNITY GROUP - Little Landers
BEST CLOTHING STORE - Fashion Gal
BEST PERSONAL SERVICE - Image West
BEST FAST FOOD - Panda Express
BEST FOOD DELIVERY - Pizza Hut
BEST OVERALL BUSINESS - Do It Center
BEST STOREFRONT - Sunland Martial Arts
BEST POST OFFICE - Sunland
BEST SCHOOL - Verdugo Hills High School
BEST CAFE - Old Towne Cafe
BEST ENTERTAINMENT - Steel Pit
BEST DELIVERY SERVICE - UPS
BEST SUPERMARKET - Von's
BEST COMMUNITY SUPPORTER - C&M Printing
BEST COMMUNITY GROUP - Little Landers
BEST CLOTHING STORE - Fashion Gal
Evacuations ordered by 9 a.m. 1-20-10
UPDATE: Coordinated Agency Recovery Effort link at http://dpw.lacounty.gov/care/
Update: http://lafd.blogspot.com/2010/01/evacuation-order-for-city-of-los.html
Evacuations for over 260 homes have been ordered by 9 a.m. Wednesday.
For more info on these orders visit the LAFD Information blog at http://lafd.blogspot.com/2010/01/evacuation-order-for-city-of-los.html
Earlier last night, Chief Beck sent out an email to affected hillside neighborhoods and Reverse 911 in progress to notify residents to evacuate.
The Sunland Park Evacuation Center will be open beginning at 7 am.
The Red Cross will handle feeding the neighbors who are evacuated, but they do not take care of the First Responders who will be at City Hall. The Council Office would like our community members to volunteer snacks and coffee for our responders, police, fire personnel, etc. Refreshments can be dropped off beginning at 8 am. If you are able to assist with these efforts, please let Ed Rock at the STNC office know. He can be reached at 818-951-7411 after 7 a.m.
Our First Responders are being proactive and taking every precaution for what is expected to the the biggest storm of the week beginning tomorrow afternoon.
Huge thank you to the STNC board members who volunteered on Monday with food and help at NVCH and the STNC office. We will need your help again Wednesday and Thursday.
Sunloand-Tujunga Neighborhood Council is standing by to help as needed.
Update: http://lafd.blogspot.com/2010/01/evacuation-order-for-city-of-los.html
Evacuations for over 260 homes have been ordered by 9 a.m. Wednesday.
For more info on these orders visit the LAFD Information blog at http://lafd.blogspot.com/2010/01/evacuation-order-for-city-of-los.html
Earlier last night, Chief Beck sent out an email to affected hillside neighborhoods and Reverse 911 in progress to notify residents to evacuate.
The Sunland Park Evacuation Center will be open beginning at 7 am.
The Red Cross will handle feeding the neighbors who are evacuated, but they do not take care of the First Responders who will be at City Hall. The Council Office would like our community members to volunteer snacks and coffee for our responders, police, fire personnel, etc. Refreshments can be dropped off beginning at 8 am. If you are able to assist with these efforts, please let Ed Rock at the STNC office know. He can be reached at 818-951-7411 after 7 a.m.
Our First Responders are being proactive and taking every precaution for what is expected to the the biggest storm of the week beginning tomorrow afternoon.
Huge thank you to the STNC board members who volunteered on Monday with food and help at NVCH and the STNC office. We will need your help again Wednesday and Thursday.
Sunloand-Tujunga Neighborhood Council is standing by to help as needed.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
CD2 Storm Report from Mr. Krekorian
January 19, 2010
Dear Friend,
Yesterday, I spent much of the day at both my Tujunga Field Office and the Valley Incident Command Center in Panorama City. I conferred closely with fire, police and emergency management officials as we monitored the start of what is expected to be heavy storms this week.
I want to give you brief to update on what happened yesterday and what we could see in the next couple of days. In these circumstances, prompt and accurate information is key to helping you stay safe.
Yesterday's storm was just as powerful as advertised, but it did run through Southern California faster than expected. Because of strong winds coming in from the coast, rains lasted about four hours instead of the six that some had predicted.
Still, the precipitation levels were high for half a days worth of rain. For example, Little Tujunga saw 1.97 inches, La Tuna Canyon 2.17 inches and the area near Hansen Dam recorded 3.07 inches of rain.
About 3,000 CD2 residents lost power yesterday. Thanks to the swift action of DWP workers who fanned out across the city on the holiday, most customers had their power restored quickly. As of 9 a.m. today, 34 customers out of the estimated 3,000 are still without power and officials expect them to regain service very soon.
I just got off the phone with weather officials and they expect today's system to be colder, though not as windy and not as wet. It should also move through Southern California fast with the heaviest rains likely to occur between 1 and 4 p.m. today. Tomorrow and Thursday, however, appears likely to produce significant rainfall.
Evacuation orders have been lifted for all portions of the Foothills, but fire crews advise residents to remain vigilant, because evacuations could resume at any moment. If public safety officers come to your door, or if you receive a call from emergency services, please heed their directions to leave your home as needed. Their primary job is to keep you, your family and your pets safe. As they did yesterday to those who were evacuated, they will get you back home as soon as possible.
As always, my staff is ready to help in whatever way we can. Both of my field offices stand ready to offer services and my Tujunga office has sandbags free of charge.
Please stay safe, dry and cautious, and remember that we are here to help.
Very truly yours,
Paul Krekorian
Councilmember, CD2
Los Angeles City Council
Field Offices
North Hollywood
6350 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Ste 201
North Hollywood, CA 91606
Phone: (818) 755-7676
Sunland-Tujunga
7747 Foothill Blvd.,
Tujunga, CA 91042
Phone: (818) 352-3287
Dear Friend,
Yesterday, I spent much of the day at both my Tujunga Field Office and the Valley Incident Command Center in Panorama City. I conferred closely with fire, police and emergency management officials as we monitored the start of what is expected to be heavy storms this week.
I want to give you brief to update on what happened yesterday and what we could see in the next couple of days. In these circumstances, prompt and accurate information is key to helping you stay safe.
Yesterday's storm was just as powerful as advertised, but it did run through Southern California faster than expected. Because of strong winds coming in from the coast, rains lasted about four hours instead of the six that some had predicted.
Still, the precipitation levels were high for half a days worth of rain. For example, Little Tujunga saw 1.97 inches, La Tuna Canyon 2.17 inches and the area near Hansen Dam recorded 3.07 inches of rain.
About 3,000 CD2 residents lost power yesterday. Thanks to the swift action of DWP workers who fanned out across the city on the holiday, most customers had their power restored quickly. As of 9 a.m. today, 34 customers out of the estimated 3,000 are still without power and officials expect them to regain service very soon.
I just got off the phone with weather officials and they expect today's system to be colder, though not as windy and not as wet. It should also move through Southern California fast with the heaviest rains likely to occur between 1 and 4 p.m. today. Tomorrow and Thursday, however, appears likely to produce significant rainfall.
Evacuation orders have been lifted for all portions of the Foothills, but fire crews advise residents to remain vigilant, because evacuations could resume at any moment. If public safety officers come to your door, or if you receive a call from emergency services, please heed their directions to leave your home as needed. Their primary job is to keep you, your family and your pets safe. As they did yesterday to those who were evacuated, they will get you back home as soon as possible.
As always, my staff is ready to help in whatever way we can. Both of my field offices stand ready to offer services and my Tujunga office has sandbags free of charge.
Please stay safe, dry and cautious, and remember that we are here to help.
Very truly yours,
Paul Krekorian
Councilmember, CD2
Los Angeles City Council
Field Offices
North Hollywood
6350 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Ste 201
North Hollywood, CA 91606
Phone: (818) 755-7676
Sunland-Tujunga
7747 Foothill Blvd.,
Tujunga, CA 91042
Phone: (818) 352-3287
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunland-Tujunga Prepares for Rain Storms
Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to our neighbors for your prompt response to the email sent Friday for an Emergency Phone Tree. Over 50 neighbors with expertise and resources have responded to this call to action.
If you are on Twitter and Facebook please add the following:
ReadyLA -- the City's Emergency Management Department is on Twitter and Facebook.
LAFD - on Twitter
Please see the following information from Nina Royal, VP Outreach and STNC Safety Chair.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
818-951-7411 - STNC office
818-353-7135 - office
818-429-6699 - cell
www.stnc.org
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Regarding the upcoming storms, I spoke with Mary Benson, Senior Community Representative for Councilman Paul Krekorian. Councilman Krekorian, his staff and members of the LAPD and LAFD took a helicopter tour of our foothills on Friday, in order to prepare for possible future destruction that may be caused by the coming rain storms. Mr. Krekorian wants to assure community members that there will be rapid response when assistance is necessary. Mrs. Benson also attended the Community Police Advisory Board meeting (CPAB) that took place on Thursday and reported that Captain Ivan Minsal of the Foothill Division said "officers of the LAPD's Foothill Station are on alert. In the event evacuations are necessary, LAPD will utilize reverse 911, go door-to-door and use bull horns for warnings."
Like flash floods, there is no early warning for rapid deadly debris flow. Community members must be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice. If you feel you are in a dangerous path for debris flow, it is best to stay out of harm's way and make other living arrangements until it is safe to return. If you stay, please be prepared to leave immediately when asked to do so. Do not delay.
I have also been in contact with both the LAPD & LAFD regarding their emergency plans for our area and believe we will be well covered. However, as LAPD Deputy Chief Moore said during the Station Fire Debriefing Meeting, "We must all take responsibility for our own safety and not just depend on the Government for help."
LAFD - The call-out team is always reachable via the automated system. LAFD does not deploy before a Field resource contacts OCD and makes the request. LAFD are always ready to help.
LAPD from Captain Ivan Minsal - Yes, we have a plan and it is in place and working. All the City departments are working together to prepare for the rain. LAFD and LAPD are the lead agencies when the command post is activated. LAFD and Foothill have extra patrols checking the burn areas in S/T and Lakeview Terrace. We have worked to identify key points that may become areas of concern if the rain is too intense and mud starts to move. Cooperation and understanding is what we need from the folks up there. In addition, all of them need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Thank you to all for keeping communications moving and working together.
Nina Royal, VP Outreach & Chair, Safety Committee
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
818-618-1648
"With seasonal rain soon to resume, the Los Angeles Fire Department is encouraging local residents to take the precautions necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property from storm damage.
When rainstorms impact the Los Angeles area, flood control channels, rivers, and arroyos can quickly fill with fast-moving water, creating a potentially life-threatening danger to anyone who gets caught or swept away.
It is against the law to be inside a flood control channel in Los Angeles, regardless of the weather!
We urge you to visit and bookmark the EDIS website:
http://edis.oes.ca.gov
...and listen to NOAA Weather Radio
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr
...or local radio and television stations
http://www.enewswires.com/lanews.html
...for the latest weather or emergency information.
FLOOD PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS:
* Ensure that all drains, gutters and downspouts are functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings!! (yes, one errant tennis ball can ruin a home or business!)
* Keep ground-level drains and drainage areas (ditches, swales, small channels) free of debris.
* Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding.
* Identify and collect important documents that you may require in case of evacuation.
* Contact your insurance agent to assure that your flood and storm coverage is adequate and in effect.
* Review your Family Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Supply Kit (http://www.ready.gov) that includes food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear and first aid supplies
* Plan for the needs of pets at home and if you are evacuated.
* Keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.
* Identify the safe routes from your home or workplace to high ground. * Establish out-of-state family contacts so that friends and relatives can determine your location and status.
* If necessary, consult an engineer or licensed contractor to design or build permanent water and debris control systems for your property. * Landscape slope areas with plants that are fire retardant and suitable for erosion control.
* Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hand tools and other materials handy for addressing stormwater issues.
WHAT IF YOU NEED SANDBAGS?
In an effort to assist Los Angeles residents with extreme storm needs, the Los Angeles Fire Department and Bureau of Street Services are making ready-to-fill sandbags available at locations citywide, including ALL NEIGHBORHOOD FIRE STATIONS.
To find your Neighborhood Fire Station or nearest Bureau of Street Services location, contact the City's 3-1-1 Ambassadors at any hour. They are pleased to direct you to the closest source of sand and sandbags.
TIPS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY DURING A FLOOD:
* Avoid the urge to sightsee. Remind all household members not to play or linger near flood control channels and storm drains.
* Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number-one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
* Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their car than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
* Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number-two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical currents can travel through water.
* Report downed power lines in the City of Los Angeles to the Department of Water and Power (800-DIAL-DWP) or emergency officials.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FALL IN MOVING WATER?
* Avoid getting into this dangerous situation.
* Remain calm. Don't waste energy yelling for help after someone has spotted you.
* Get ready to be rescued.
* Try to float on your back with your legs straight and your feet pointed downstream.
* Use your legs to shove yourself away from obstructions.
* Keep your head up so that you can see where you are going.
* Watch for obstacles and debris! If a tree or other stationary object is blocking the channel, forcing water over it, try to flip over on your stomach and approach the obstacle head-on, crawling over the top of it. * Most victims in swift water die when they get pinned against obstacles, or get trapped in submerged debris and vegetation.
WHAT IF YOU SEE SOMEONE FALL INTO MOVING WATER?
* Do not go into the water after the victim.
* Do not try to pull the victim out with your hands, rope, or similar device. Do not attach anything to yourself and toss it to a victim in the water. The force of the current will pull you in.
* If possible, throw a floatation device to the victim, such as a boogie board, styrofoam ice chest, basketball, or other unattached object. * Immediately call 9-1-1.
* Tell the 9-1-1 operator that someone fell into the channel and is being swept downstream. Say that swift water rescue teams need to respond. * Give accurate information about where and when you saw the victim and what the victim was wearing.
* Though members of your Los Angeles Fire Department are specially trained and equipped to respond to water rescues, not every victim survives. We therefore remind you that when it comes to swift moving water: 'Stay Away and Stay Alive!'
WHAT IF YOU WITNESS STORM DAMAGE?
City of Los Angeles residents should call 3-1-1 or (866)4-LACITY to report potholes, downed street trees, inoperative traffic signals, clogged street drains and any storm-related property damage requiring an inspection or action by City of Los Angeles officials.
WHAT IF YOU EXPERIENCE STORM DAMAGE?
If despite your best efforts, you become a victim of storm or floodwater damage, please visit LAFD.ORG for helpful recovery tips - and kindly think of sharing this information with your friends and neighbors!"
Thank you to our neighbors for your prompt response to the email sent Friday for an Emergency Phone Tree. Over 50 neighbors with expertise and resources have responded to this call to action.
If you are on Twitter and Facebook please add the following:
ReadyLA -- the City's Emergency Management Department is on Twitter and Facebook.
LAFD - on Twitter
Please see the following information from Nina Royal, VP Outreach and STNC Safety Chair.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
818-951-7411 - STNC office
818-353-7135 - office
818-429-6699 - cell
www.stnc.org
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Regarding the upcoming storms, I spoke with Mary Benson, Senior Community Representative for Councilman Paul Krekorian. Councilman Krekorian, his staff and members of the LAPD and LAFD took a helicopter tour of our foothills on Friday, in order to prepare for possible future destruction that may be caused by the coming rain storms. Mr. Krekorian wants to assure community members that there will be rapid response when assistance is necessary. Mrs. Benson also attended the Community Police Advisory Board meeting (CPAB) that took place on Thursday and reported that Captain Ivan Minsal of the Foothill Division said "officers of the LAPD's Foothill Station are on alert. In the event evacuations are necessary, LAPD will utilize reverse 911, go door-to-door and use bull horns for warnings."
Like flash floods, there is no early warning for rapid deadly debris flow. Community members must be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice. If you feel you are in a dangerous path for debris flow, it is best to stay out of harm's way and make other living arrangements until it is safe to return. If you stay, please be prepared to leave immediately when asked to do so. Do not delay.
I have also been in contact with both the LAPD & LAFD regarding their emergency plans for our area and believe we will be well covered. However, as LAPD Deputy Chief Moore said during the Station Fire Debriefing Meeting, "We must all take responsibility for our own safety and not just depend on the Government for help."
LAFD - The call-out team is always reachable via the automated system. LAFD does not deploy before a Field resource contacts OCD and makes the request. LAFD are always ready to help.
LAPD from Captain Ivan Minsal - Yes, we have a plan and it is in place and working. All the City departments are working together to prepare for the rain. LAFD and LAPD are the lead agencies when the command post is activated. LAFD and Foothill have extra patrols checking the burn areas in S/T and Lakeview Terrace. We have worked to identify key points that may become areas of concern if the rain is too intense and mud starts to move. Cooperation and understanding is what we need from the folks up there. In addition, all of them need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Thank you to all for keeping communications moving and working together.
Nina Royal, VP Outreach & Chair, Safety Committee
Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
818-618-1648
"With seasonal rain soon to resume, the Los Angeles Fire Department is encouraging local residents to take the precautions necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property from storm damage.
When rainstorms impact the Los Angeles area, flood control channels, rivers, and arroyos can quickly fill with fast-moving water, creating a potentially life-threatening danger to anyone who gets caught or swept away.
It is against the law to be inside a flood control channel in Los Angeles, regardless of the weather!
We urge you to visit and bookmark the EDIS website:
http://edis.oes.ca.gov
...and listen to NOAA Weather Radio
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr
...or local radio and television stations
http://www.enewswires.com/lanews.html
...for the latest weather or emergency information.
FLOOD PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS:
* Ensure that all drains, gutters and downspouts are functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings!! (yes, one errant tennis ball can ruin a home or business!)
* Keep ground-level drains and drainage areas (ditches, swales, small channels) free of debris.
* Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding.
* Identify and collect important documents that you may require in case of evacuation.
* Contact your insurance agent to assure that your flood and storm coverage is adequate and in effect.
* Review your Family Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Supply Kit (http://www.ready.gov) that includes food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear and first aid supplies
* Plan for the needs of pets at home and if you are evacuated.
* Keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.
* Identify the safe routes from your home or workplace to high ground. * Establish out-of-state family contacts so that friends and relatives can determine your location and status.
* If necessary, consult an engineer or licensed contractor to design or build permanent water and debris control systems for your property. * Landscape slope areas with plants that are fire retardant and suitable for erosion control.
* Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hand tools and other materials handy for addressing stormwater issues.
WHAT IF YOU NEED SANDBAGS?
In an effort to assist Los Angeles residents with extreme storm needs, the Los Angeles Fire Department and Bureau of Street Services are making ready-to-fill sandbags available at locations citywide, including ALL NEIGHBORHOOD FIRE STATIONS.
To find your Neighborhood Fire Station or nearest Bureau of Street Services location, contact the City's 3-1-1 Ambassadors at any hour. They are pleased to direct you to the closest source of sand and sandbags.
TIPS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY DURING A FLOOD:
* Avoid the urge to sightsee. Remind all household members not to play or linger near flood control channels and storm drains.
* Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number-one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
* Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their car than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
* Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number-two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical currents can travel through water.
* Report downed power lines in the City of Los Angeles to the Department of Water and Power (800-DIAL-DWP) or emergency officials.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FALL IN MOVING WATER?
* Avoid getting into this dangerous situation.
* Remain calm. Don't waste energy yelling for help after someone has spotted you.
* Get ready to be rescued.
* Try to float on your back with your legs straight and your feet pointed downstream.
* Use your legs to shove yourself away from obstructions.
* Keep your head up so that you can see where you are going.
* Watch for obstacles and debris! If a tree or other stationary object is blocking the channel, forcing water over it, try to flip over on your stomach and approach the obstacle head-on, crawling over the top of it. * Most victims in swift water die when they get pinned against obstacles, or get trapped in submerged debris and vegetation.
WHAT IF YOU SEE SOMEONE FALL INTO MOVING WATER?
* Do not go into the water after the victim.
* Do not try to pull the victim out with your hands, rope, or similar device. Do not attach anything to yourself and toss it to a victim in the water. The force of the current will pull you in.
* If possible, throw a floatation device to the victim, such as a boogie board, styrofoam ice chest, basketball, or other unattached object. * Immediately call 9-1-1.
* Tell the 9-1-1 operator that someone fell into the channel and is being swept downstream. Say that swift water rescue teams need to respond. * Give accurate information about where and when you saw the victim and what the victim was wearing.
* Though members of your Los Angeles Fire Department are specially trained and equipped to respond to water rescues, not every victim survives. We therefore remind you that when it comes to swift moving water: 'Stay Away and Stay Alive!'
WHAT IF YOU WITNESS STORM DAMAGE?
City of Los Angeles residents should call 3-1-1 or (866)4-LACITY to report potholes, downed street trees, inoperative traffic signals, clogged street drains and any storm-related property damage requiring an inspection or action by City of Los Angeles officials.
WHAT IF YOU EXPERIENCE STORM DAMAGE?
If despite your best efforts, you become a victim of storm or floodwater damage, please visit LAFD.ORG for helpful recovery tips - and kindly think of sharing this information with your friends and neighbors!"
EMERGENCY Phone Tree
UPDATE: THANK YOU! Over 50 neighbors have responded to this call for help, including professionals and resources.
Dear Neighbors,
See the following note from Tomi Lyn Bowling, STNC VP Community Improvement and Land Use Chair.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
STNC
The foothills of Los Angeles are being warned of 3-4 storms back-to-back coming this way starting Sunday 1/17. The estimates now are for up to 20 inches of rainfall in the now denuded hills. This can be a tremendous down pour of rocks, debris and mud. There is no way to predict what gutters might back up, or where this rush of water can end up.
We need teams of strong people available on very short notice that can meet, form groups to sand bag, help evacuees or whatever is needed. This is when we pull together. BEFORE the event so we can effectively assist and avoid any horrible outcomes. Please email me, Tomi Lyn Bowling to tomi@tomirealty.com. If you can and are able to help in this effort send me your name, number and how you can help. We have little time to organize so please step up.
This video shows what can happen in rains over areas that have been denuded by fire:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr5uw_q3_7Q&feature=related
Please sign up. We don't know where the blockages may be until they occur and then action is need PRONTO. Man power, bodies, help is needed at that time. If we are well prepared, maybe we won't actually need it!
Best,
Tomi
818-353-9143
http://www.stnc.org/Officers.html
http://www.stnc.org
Dear Neighbors,
See the following note from Tomi Lyn Bowling, STNC VP Community Improvement and Land Use Chair.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
STNC
The foothills of Los Angeles are being warned of 3-4 storms back-to-back coming this way starting Sunday 1/17. The estimates now are for up to 20 inches of rainfall in the now denuded hills. This can be a tremendous down pour of rocks, debris and mud. There is no way to predict what gutters might back up, or where this rush of water can end up.
We need teams of strong people available on very short notice that can meet, form groups to sand bag, help evacuees or whatever is needed. This is when we pull together. BEFORE the event so we can effectively assist and avoid any horrible outcomes. Please email me, Tomi Lyn Bowling to tomi@tomirealty.com. If you can and are able to help in this effort send me your name, number and how you can help. We have little time to organize so please step up.
This video shows what can happen in rains over areas that have been denuded by fire:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr5uw_q3_7Q&feature=related
Please sign up. We don't know where the blockages may be until they occur and then action is need PRONTO. Man power, bodies, help is needed at that time. If we are well prepared, maybe we won't actually need it!
Best,
Tomi
818-353-9143
http://www.stnc.org/Officers.html
http://www.stnc.org
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 15, 2010Dear Friend,
It has been a busy and terrific first two weeks in City Hall. I wanted to take a few moments and share with you what we have been up to as we work toward making the Valley a better, safer and more economically viable place to live and work.
Magnolia Project, Valley Village
After assuming office Jan. 5, I got right to work. The first motion I introduced will allow the Valley Village community the opportunity to continue to be heard in opposing a development that could be at odds with the unique character of that neighborhood. I was proud to deliver on this campaign promise and help out the residents of Valley Village who brought this matter to my attention.
Saving the McGroarty Oaks
A few days later, I spoke to the Board of Public Works and asked them not to go through with a planned street project in the Sunland-Tujunga community. The unnecessary and expensive plans would have needlessly widened the street and, in the process, uprooted 10 Oak trees (at right) from the neighborhood. I was very pleased that the board unanimously agreed with me that this would have been a waste of time and money, and would have destroyed irreplaceable natural treasures.
On the Docket: Curbing Medical Marijuana Clinics
Next week, we plan on voting for a series of measures that could finally clamp down on the uncontrolled growth of medical marijuana clinics throughout CD2 and Los Angeles. One ordinance on the table would create a 1,000-foot buffer zone to separate these pot shops from schools, parks, libraries and other sensitive areas. As always, my staff and I will keep you informed.
Upcoming Events
Looking ahead, I am very excited for this weekend. On Saturday, I will help reopen a portion of Valley Plaza Park in North Hollywood that had been closed for 9 months. Park crews just finished laying down a synthetic soccer field that will save the city money and about two million gallons of water a year! The event will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the northwest corner of the park, which is on the corner of Whitsett Avenue and Vanowen Street. Bring the family!
Finally, on Sunday, we will hold a community-wide event in Van Nuys City Hall when I will be ceremonially sworn-in by Sheriff Lee Baca. The event will include speeches from community members, elected officials and will be emceed by Fox11 reporter/CD2 resident Christina Gonzalez. If you would like to attend the event, which starts at 1 p.m., please call (818) 849- 5200 to RSVP.
Weather Alert
Officials expect a major storm to pound Southern California in the coming days. In an effort to assist Los Angeles residents with extreme storm needs, the Los Angeles Fire Department and Bureau of Street Services are making ready-to-fill sandbags available at locations citywide, including ALL NEIGHBORHOOD FIRE STATIONS.
To find your Neighborhood Fire Station or nearest Bureau of Street Services location, call the city's 3-1-1 Ambassadors at any hour. They are happy to direct you to the closest source of sand and sandbags.
I hope everyone has a safe, dry and pleasant weekend.
Best,
Paul Krekorian
Councilmember, CD2
Los Angeles City Council
cd2.lacity.org
STORM INFORMATION 1/15/10
FROM: U.S. Geological Survey
STORM INFORMATION
Currently, the strong El Nino is reaching its peak in the Eastern Pacific, and now finally appears to be exerting an influence on our weather. The strong jet has been apparent for quite some time out over the open water, but the persistent block had prevented it from reaching the coast. Now that the block has dissolved completely, a 200+ kt jet is barreling towards us.
Multiple large and powerful storm systems are expected to slam into CA from the west and northwest over the coming two weeks, all riding this extremely powerful jet stream directly into the state. The jet will itself provide tremendous dynamic lift, in addition to directing numerous disturbances right at the state and supplying them with an ample oceanic moisture source. The jet will be at quite a low latitude over much of the Pacific, so these storms will be quite cold, at least initially. Very heavy rainfall and strong to potentially very strong winds will impact the lower elevations beginning late Sunday and continue.
This is where things get even more interesting, though. The models are virtually unanimous in "reloading" the powerful jet stream and forming an additional persistent kink 2000-3000 miles to our southwest after next Sunday. This is a truly ominous pattern, because it implies the potential for a strong Pineapple-type connection to develop. Indeed, the 12z GFS now shows copious warm rains falling between days 12 and 16 across the entire state. Normally, such as scenario out beyond day seven would be dubious at best. Since the models are in such truly remarkable agreement, however, and because of the extremely high potential impact of such an event, it's worth mentioning now. Since there will be a massive volume of freshly-fallen snow (even at relatively low elevations between 3000-5000 feet), even a moderately warm storm event would cause very serious flooding. This situation will have to be monitored closely. Even if the tropical connection does not develop, expected rains in the comi
In addition to very heavy precipitation, powerful winds may result from very steep pressure gradients associated with the large and deep low pressure
centers expect ed to begin approaching the coast by early next week. Though it's not clear at the moment just how powerful these winds may be, there is certainly the potential for a widespread damaging wind event at some point, and the high Sierra peaks are likely to see gusts in the 100-200 mph range (since the 200kt jet at 200-300 mb will essentially run directly into the mountains at some point). The details of this will have to be hashed out as the event(s) draw closer.
In short, the next 2-3 weeks (at least) are likely to be more active across California than any other 2-3 week period in recent memory. The potential exists for a dangerous flood scenario to arise at some point during this interval, especially with the possibility of a heavy rain-on-snow event during late week 2. In some parts of Southern California, a whole season's worth of rain could fall over the course of 5-10 days. This is likely to be a rather memorable event.
Stay tuned...
Samuel Y. Johnson
Western Coastal and Marine Geology
U.S. Geological Survey
Pacific Science Center
400 Natural Bridges Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-4746 voice
(831) 252-0812 cell
(831) 427-4709 FAX
sjohnson@usgs.gov
Roger J. Keith
Area C DMAC
365 W. Mariposa Unit E
Sierra Madre, Ca 91024-2388
Phone: 626-355-3862 Fax: 626-355-3862
Cell: 626-622-8857
e-mail: areacdmac@madre.net
Disasters Happen - Be Prepared!
STORM INFORMATION
Currently, the strong El Nino is reaching its peak in the Eastern Pacific, and now finally appears to be exerting an influence on our weather. The strong jet has been apparent for quite some time out over the open water, but the persistent block had prevented it from reaching the coast. Now that the block has dissolved completely, a 200+ kt jet is barreling towards us.
Multiple large and powerful storm systems are expected to slam into CA from the west and northwest over the coming two weeks, all riding this extremely powerful jet stream directly into the state. The jet will itself provide tremendous dynamic lift, in addition to directing numerous disturbances right at the state and supplying them with an ample oceanic moisture source. The jet will be at quite a low latitude over much of the Pacific, so these storms will be quite cold, at least initially. Very heavy rainfall and strong to potentially very strong winds will impact the lower elevations beginning late Sunday and continue.
This is where things get even more interesting, though. The models are virtually unanimous in "reloading" the powerful jet stream and forming an additional persistent kink 2000-3000 miles to our southwest after next Sunday. This is a truly ominous pattern, because it implies the potential for a strong Pineapple-type connection to develop. Indeed, the 12z GFS now shows copious warm rains falling between days 12 and 16 across the entire state. Normally, such as scenario out beyond day seven would be dubious at best. Since the models are in such truly remarkable agreement, however, and because of the extremely high potential impact of such an event, it's worth mentioning now. Since there will be a massive volume of freshly-fallen snow (even at relatively low elevations between 3000-5000 feet), even a moderately warm storm event would cause very serious flooding. This situation will have to be monitored closely. Even if the tropical connection does not develop, expected rains in the comi
In addition to very heavy precipitation, powerful winds may result from very steep pressure gradients associated with the large and deep low pressure
centers expect ed to begin approaching the coast by early next week. Though it's not clear at the moment just how powerful these winds may be, there is certainly the potential for a widespread damaging wind event at some point, and the high Sierra peaks are likely to see gusts in the 100-200 mph range (since the 200kt jet at 200-300 mb will essentially run directly into the mountains at some point). The details of this will have to be hashed out as the event(s) draw closer.
In short, the next 2-3 weeks (at least) are likely to be more active across California than any other 2-3 week period in recent memory. The potential exists for a dangerous flood scenario to arise at some point during this interval, especially with the possibility of a heavy rain-on-snow event during late week 2. In some parts of Southern California, a whole season's worth of rain could fall over the course of 5-10 days. This is likely to be a rather memorable event.
Stay tuned...
Samuel Y. Johnson
Western Coastal and Marine Geology
U.S. Geological Survey
Pacific Science Center
400 Natural Bridges Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-4746 voice
(831) 252-0812 cell
(831) 427-4709 FAX
sjohnson@usgs.gov
Roger J. Keith
Area C DMAC
365 W. Mariposa Unit E
Sierra Madre, Ca 91024-2388
Phone: 626-355-3862 Fax: 626-355-3862
Cell: 626-622-8857
e-mail: areacdmac@madre.net
Disasters Happen - Be Prepared!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA
City of Los Angeles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010
CONTACT
David Beltran
213-978-0741
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ISSUES STATEMENT ON HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS
Mayor Villaraigosa encourages Angelenos to donate to Red Cross Haiti
International Relief Fund
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today issued the following
statement on the relief efforts currently underway in Haiti after
Tuesday's 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The Los Angeles Fire Department
resources are joining in the international relief effort.
“On behalf of all Angelenos I want to extend our thoughts and prayers
to the Haitian people, as well as to the family and friends of
earthquake victims affected by this unthinkable tragedy.
The City of Los Angeles stands ready and willing to help in any way it
can to ease the suffering and aide in the recovery of this devastating
earthquake.
Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Saxelby and Captain II
Rick Godinez have joined the international relief effort through the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Red Incident Management Team.
I encourage all Angelenos to answer the call of the American Red Cross
to donate to their relief fund to assist the Haitian people."
Angelenos interested in donating to the American Red Cross
International Relief Fund can contact the American Red Cross at (800)
REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767), text 90999 'Haiti' or visit the
organization’s website, www.redcross.org.
City of Los Angeles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010
CONTACT
David Beltran
213-978-0741
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ISSUES STATEMENT ON HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS
Mayor Villaraigosa encourages Angelenos to donate to Red Cross Haiti
International Relief Fund
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today issued the following
statement on the relief efforts currently underway in Haiti after
Tuesday's 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The Los Angeles Fire Department
resources are joining in the international relief effort.
“On behalf of all Angelenos I want to extend our thoughts and prayers
to the Haitian people, as well as to the family and friends of
earthquake victims affected by this unthinkable tragedy.
The City of Los Angeles stands ready and willing to help in any way it
can to ease the suffering and aide in the recovery of this devastating
earthquake.
Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Saxelby and Captain II
Rick Godinez have joined the international relief effort through the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Red Incident Management Team.
I encourage all Angelenos to answer the call of the American Red Cross
to donate to their relief fund to assist the Haitian people."
Angelenos interested in donating to the American Red Cross
International Relief Fund can contact the American Red Cross at (800)
REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767), text 90999 'Haiti' or visit the
organization’s website, www.redcross.org.
L.A. City Budget Survey
Dear Neighborhood Council members:
Here is your chance to give your input on the Budget. Please go to
http://labudgetchallenge.lacity.org/budgetchallenge and take this
year's Budget survey. It is more interactive than ever before - just
press the "TAKE ACTION" button (located at the top of each page) to send
us your additional feedback.
Office of the Mayor
City of Los Angeles
ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2009
Contact: David Beltran
(213) 321- 8917
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF INTERACTIVE BUDGET SURVEY
New survey is designed to garner feedback and educate residents on the
challenges of balancing the City’s Budget
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today announced the launch of
the ‘Los Angeles Budget Challenge’, an interactive online budget
survey that allows Angelenos to provide input on real budget issues the
City is facing through a budget balancing simulation. The Budget
Challenge is also designed to educate users on the inner workings of the
City’s Budget.
“Balancing the budget is an obligation that has become an ever
greater challenge in difficult economic times,” said Mayor
Villaraigosa. “This year's Budget survey is more interactive and gives
neighborhood council members the opportunity to understand what is at
stake by simulating the real financial decisions our City is facing.”
An important part of the budget development process, the City Charter
requires that each neighborhood council have the opportunity to present
the Mayor and Council an annual list of priorities for the City budget.
For the past four years, Mayor Villaraigosa has implemented a structured
process to ensure that all neighborhood councils and community members
have the opportunity to become informed about the City budget and have
the ability to submit their ideas, comments, and budget priorities
directly to his office.
“This year's Budget survey is a far more interactive tool than ever
before,” said Larry Frank, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood and Community
Services. “It provides a profound opportunity for neighborhood
council members to gain a deeper understanding of the situation, while
giving feedback in a meaningful way. It digs in on the size of the
deficit, the Modified Coverage Plan at the Fire Department, the pension
issue, as well as the possible revenue opportunities.”
“I thank Mayor Villaraigosa for his continued engagement with
neighborhood councils through the Budget process,” said Michele
Siqueiros, president of the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners. “This
is a great way to ensure that residents of Los Angeles understand the
difficult choices facing our city leaders in these grim economic times
and have an active voice in prioritizing the services and expenditures
that we believe are most important.”
The Los Angeles Budget Challenge asks respondents to address next
year’s projected General Fund budget deficit of approximately $400
million by making decisions on reductions to programs and services,
implementing citywide cost cutting measures and raising revenue through
taxes or other initiatives.
The Los Angeles Budget Challenge is also intended to provide
educational information about the City’s finances and opportunities
for community input, thereby making the budget process more transparent
and accessible.
A link to the Los Angeles Budget Challenge will be available on the
City’s homepage at http://lacity.org/
The Los Angeles Budget Challenge can also be directly accessed by
visiting:
http://labudgetchallenge.lacity.org/budgetchallenge/
Responses to the Los Angeles Budget Challenge will be compiled,
analyzed and presented to Neighborhood Council budget representatives
and community members at a budget workshop meeting in early March.
Participants will be able to provide additional input on budget
priorities as well as take part in a dialogue on City budget issues.
The Mayor’s Office licensed the budget challenge software from Next
10, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that in 2005 released the
“California Budget Challenge” to engage Californians in the State
budget process. Next 10 is online at www.nextten.org.
Barri Worth
West Valley Area Director
Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
14410 Sylvan Street, Room 211
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 778-4990 (office)
(818) 778-4995 (fax)
Make LA Count in Census 2010.
LA Counts When You Count!
www.LACounts2010.org
Here is your chance to give your input on the Budget. Please go to
http://labudgetchallenge.lacity.org/budgetchallenge and take this
year's Budget survey. It is more interactive than ever before - just
press the "TAKE ACTION" button (located at the top of each page) to send
us your additional feedback.
Office of the Mayor
City of Los Angeles
ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2009
Contact: David Beltran
(213) 321- 8917
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF INTERACTIVE BUDGET SURVEY
New survey is designed to garner feedback and educate residents on the
challenges of balancing the City’s Budget
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today announced the launch of
the ‘Los Angeles Budget Challenge’, an interactive online budget
survey that allows Angelenos to provide input on real budget issues the
City is facing through a budget balancing simulation. The Budget
Challenge is also designed to educate users on the inner workings of the
City’s Budget.
“Balancing the budget is an obligation that has become an ever
greater challenge in difficult economic times,” said Mayor
Villaraigosa. “This year's Budget survey is more interactive and gives
neighborhood council members the opportunity to understand what is at
stake by simulating the real financial decisions our City is facing.”
An important part of the budget development process, the City Charter
requires that each neighborhood council have the opportunity to present
the Mayor and Council an annual list of priorities for the City budget.
For the past four years, Mayor Villaraigosa has implemented a structured
process to ensure that all neighborhood councils and community members
have the opportunity to become informed about the City budget and have
the ability to submit their ideas, comments, and budget priorities
directly to his office.
“This year's Budget survey is a far more interactive tool than ever
before,” said Larry Frank, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood and Community
Services. “It provides a profound opportunity for neighborhood
council members to gain a deeper understanding of the situation, while
giving feedback in a meaningful way. It digs in on the size of the
deficit, the Modified Coverage Plan at the Fire Department, the pension
issue, as well as the possible revenue opportunities.”
“I thank Mayor Villaraigosa for his continued engagement with
neighborhood councils through the Budget process,” said Michele
Siqueiros, president of the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners. “This
is a great way to ensure that residents of Los Angeles understand the
difficult choices facing our city leaders in these grim economic times
and have an active voice in prioritizing the services and expenditures
that we believe are most important.”
The Los Angeles Budget Challenge asks respondents to address next
year’s projected General Fund budget deficit of approximately $400
million by making decisions on reductions to programs and services,
implementing citywide cost cutting measures and raising revenue through
taxes or other initiatives.
The Los Angeles Budget Challenge is also intended to provide
educational information about the City’s finances and opportunities
for community input, thereby making the budget process more transparent
and accessible.
A link to the Los Angeles Budget Challenge will be available on the
City’s homepage at http://lacity.org/
The Los Angeles Budget Challenge can also be directly accessed by
visiting:
http://labudgetchallenge.lacity.org/budgetchallenge/
Responses to the Los Angeles Budget Challenge will be compiled,
analyzed and presented to Neighborhood Council budget representatives
and community members at a budget workshop meeting in early March.
Participants will be able to provide additional input on budget
priorities as well as take part in a dialogue on City budget issues.
The Mayor’s Office licensed the budget challenge software from Next
10, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that in 2005 released the
“California Budget Challenge” to engage Californians in the State
budget process. Next 10 is online at www.nextten.org.
Barri Worth
West Valley Area Director
Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
14410 Sylvan Street, Room 211
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 778-4990 (office)
(818) 778-4995 (fax)
Make LA Count in Census 2010.
LA Counts When You Count!
www.LACounts2010.org
U.S. Census Bureau OPEN HOUSE
U.S. Census Bureau
OPEN HOUSE
Please join us to celebrate the opening of our new
Local Census Office
January 20, 2010, 2:00 PM
2727 W. Alameda Avenue, Suite 300
Burbank, CA 91505
The local Census Office located in your community will serve to conduct census operations and provide jobs within the local community.
Every 10 years, we conduct a census of our population. The results help determine your representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in your community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety.
To RSVP for this event, please call 818-531-7087
OPEN HOUSE
Please join us to celebrate the opening of our new
Local Census Office
January 20, 2010, 2:00 PM
2727 W. Alameda Avenue, Suite 300
Burbank, CA 91505
The local Census Office located in your community will serve to conduct census operations and provide jobs within the local community.
Every 10 years, we conduct a census of our population. The results help determine your representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in your community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety.
To RSVP for this event, please call 818-531-7087
Donations for Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
Please see the following from the Emergency Management Department
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2511/452051/
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2511/452051/
Empower Yourself Event 1-14-10
To all STNC stakeholders and board members:
The STNC election for all 21 seats will be conducted by the City Clerk on March 27, 2010. The STNC will be tackling issues of public safety, land use, community improvement and beautification, neighborhood services and the Citywide budget in the coming year. If you want to make a difference, seriously consider running for a board seat. Visit the STNC website at http://www.stnc.org/election.html for more details.
Send in your completed Candidate Filing Form
to be received by January 26, 2010 by FAX: 213-978-0376
or MAIL:
City Clerk-Election Division
City of Los Angeles
555 Ramirez Street
Space 300
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Also, please send your candidate statement to the STNC office for posting on the STNC website: office@stnc.org
You can also attend a City Clerk hosted event: Empower Yourself on (tonight) Thursday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m. - ends at 8:30 p.m.
Civic Engagement -Empower Yourself
San Jose Elementary - Auditorium
14829 Clymer Street
Mission Hills, CA 91345
*Find out more about neighborhood councils and the election at the Empower Yourself event scheduled tonight with details above.
The STNC election for all 21 seats will be conducted by the City Clerk on March 27, 2010. The STNC will be tackling issues of public safety, land use, community improvement and beautification, neighborhood services and the Citywide budget in the coming year. If you want to make a difference, seriously consider running for a board seat. Visit the STNC website at http://www.stnc.org/election.html for more details.
Send in your completed Candidate Filing Form
to be received by January 26, 2010 by FAX: 213-978-0376
or MAIL:
City Clerk-Election Division
City of Los Angeles
555 Ramirez Street
Space 300
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Also, please send your candidate statement to the STNC office for posting on the STNC website: office@stnc.org
You can also attend a City Clerk hosted event: Empower Yourself on (tonight) Thursday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m. - ends at 8:30 p.m.
Civic Engagement -Empower Yourself
San Jose Elementary - Auditorium
14829 Clymer Street
Mission Hills, CA 91345
*Find out more about neighborhood councils and the election at the Empower Yourself event scheduled tonight with details above.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Audit of NC Funding Program
Message from General Manager BongHwan (BH) Kim
General Manager Kim Response to Controller Greuel
Audit of NC Funding Program
I would like to thank Controller Greuel for conducting, at my request, an audit of the Neighborhood Council (NC) Funding Program. This Program has grown into one of the most important resources for empowering neighborhoods to be more involved with their local NCs and city government. This program helps broaden NC partnerships while helping to improve city services and the quality of community life.
The audit rightly points out that management was lax in enforcing existing policies and procedures. Some of the findings should have been acted upon earlier. As the General Manager of this Department, I am responsible for ensuring that the Program is running properly. I have recently shifted management responsibilities over the Funding Program and will be working very closely with my management team to set and achieve clear and measurable performance benchmarks for improvements.
A parallel problem is that the underlying system of checks and balances is fraught with problems. Unless the system is fixed, the Program will continue to be subject to criticism and scrutiny from our elected officials and the media. We will actively seek the involvement of several key City Departments AND Neighborhood Council Boards to properly design and implement user friendly systems which also meet fund management standards for our precious tax dollars.
The Department took the initiative to request this audit because we felt that the 2006 audit, conducted by then Controller Chick, didn't focus enough on the unique needs of this Program. We were seeking to establish a starting point so that we could work in collaboration with the Office of the Controller and other City Departments responsible for the fiscal management of public tax dollars in addressing a Program which has been under-resourced and inconsistently managed since its inception in 2002. Different interpretations and applications of policies and accounting practices, management and staff turnover, and the current City budget crisis are the greatest challenges facing the Department as we seek to re-design the entire system. Developing a financial management system which must balance the needs of a volunteer driven system, which is at the heart of the NCs, with existing financial management systems intended for City workers as the principle end users exists no where else in the city. Successfully re-designing such a system will require the cooperation of all relevant City Departments, NC leaders, and elected officials.
To be clear - the Controller's audit has no bearing on the outstanding issue of roll over balances. The Department is solely responsible for this task. In a prior E-Blast, I had notified NCs to submit an adjusted budget which includes figures for the roll over balances based on the NC's financial records so that they may begin to tap those funds - subject to our approval. To date, 81 NCs have submitted budgets including roll over balances. In the meantime, I have instructed the accounting staff to embark on a complete forensic accounting for each and every NC since Program inception. It is estimated that it will take existing Department staff 2 months (including overtime) to complete this major task. If you are interested in volunteering to help our staff with reconciliations, please contact Jacqueline Mendez @ Jacqueline.Mendez@lacity.org.
We have recently convened a group of NC Treasurers to work with us on a number of projects including an NC Treasurer and Mentoring Program to assist in the development and standardization of policies, processes, budgets, documents and communication protocols with NC Treasurers. We will be announcing shortly, new policies and procedures around such things as standardized budgets and tracking, fingerprinting of Treasurers, reduction or elimination of petty cash, returning incomplete payment requests, required Board approval of expenditures (including consequences), etc. These changes are designed to both improve accountability and reduce staff workload. This will ensure that the Program can be properly managed with fewer resources.
Despite the severe budget challenges, I have prioritized making the necessary changes to the NC Funding Program. With a solid system in place, we can pursue raising additional private funds to continue supporting the great work that is going on in neighborhoods throughout the City.
Please click here to view audit.
General Manager Kim Response to Controller Greuel
Audit of NC Funding Program
I would like to thank Controller Greuel for conducting, at my request, an audit of the Neighborhood Council (NC) Funding Program. This Program has grown into one of the most important resources for empowering neighborhoods to be more involved with their local NCs and city government. This program helps broaden NC partnerships while helping to improve city services and the quality of community life.
The audit rightly points out that management was lax in enforcing existing policies and procedures. Some of the findings should have been acted upon earlier. As the General Manager of this Department, I am responsible for ensuring that the Program is running properly. I have recently shifted management responsibilities over the Funding Program and will be working very closely with my management team to set and achieve clear and measurable performance benchmarks for improvements.
A parallel problem is that the underlying system of checks and balances is fraught with problems. Unless the system is fixed, the Program will continue to be subject to criticism and scrutiny from our elected officials and the media. We will actively seek the involvement of several key City Departments AND Neighborhood Council Boards to properly design and implement user friendly systems which also meet fund management standards for our precious tax dollars.
The Department took the initiative to request this audit because we felt that the 2006 audit, conducted by then Controller Chick, didn't focus enough on the unique needs of this Program. We were seeking to establish a starting point so that we could work in collaboration with the Office of the Controller and other City Departments responsible for the fiscal management of public tax dollars in addressing a Program which has been under-resourced and inconsistently managed since its inception in 2002. Different interpretations and applications of policies and accounting practices, management and staff turnover, and the current City budget crisis are the greatest challenges facing the Department as we seek to re-design the entire system. Developing a financial management system which must balance the needs of a volunteer driven system, which is at the heart of the NCs, with existing financial management systems intended for City workers as the principle end users exists no where else in the city. Successfully re-designing such a system will require the cooperation of all relevant City Departments, NC leaders, and elected officials.
To be clear - the Controller's audit has no bearing on the outstanding issue of roll over balances. The Department is solely responsible for this task. In a prior E-Blast, I had notified NCs to submit an adjusted budget which includes figures for the roll over balances based on the NC's financial records so that they may begin to tap those funds - subject to our approval. To date, 81 NCs have submitted budgets including roll over balances. In the meantime, I have instructed the accounting staff to embark on a complete forensic accounting for each and every NC since Program inception. It is estimated that it will take existing Department staff 2 months (including overtime) to complete this major task. If you are interested in volunteering to help our staff with reconciliations, please contact Jacqueline Mendez @ Jacqueline.Mendez@lacity.org.
We have recently convened a group of NC Treasurers to work with us on a number of projects including an NC Treasurer and Mentoring Program to assist in the development and standardization of policies, processes, budgets, documents and communication protocols with NC Treasurers. We will be announcing shortly, new policies and procedures around such things as standardized budgets and tracking, fingerprinting of Treasurers, reduction or elimination of petty cash, returning incomplete payment requests, required Board approval of expenditures (including consequences), etc. These changes are designed to both improve accountability and reduce staff workload. This will ensure that the Program can be properly managed with fewer resources.
Despite the severe budget challenges, I have prioritized making the necessary changes to the NC Funding Program. With a solid system in place, we can pursue raising additional private funds to continue supporting the great work that is going on in neighborhoods throughout the City.
Please click here to view audit.
Monday, January 11, 2010
DWP Public Workshop 1-12-10 at 6 pm
YOU ARE INVITED!
Please join the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at a public workshop to share your views regarding Los Angeles' water supply as the City prepares it's
2010 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Please see attached flyer for workshop information.
McGroarty Oak Trees Saved
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2010
Contact: Jeremy Oberstein, (213) 473-7002
At Krekorian's Urging, McGroarty Trees Saved
LOS ANGELES -- Following through on a campaign pledge, Councilman Paul Krekorian on Monday personally appeared before the city's Board of Public Works to urge that 10 trees on McGroarty Street in Sunland be saved from destruction.
"These trees are such an important part of the rural character of the Sunland community," Councilman Krekorian said. "This part of McGroarty Street lies at the base of oak covered hills and these trees blend perfectly with the wooded character of the area. McGroarty Street in this area has very little traffic. It would be a tragedy to lose these trees in order to accommodate a street widening that we will never need."
The board unanimously agreed with Krekorian, voting 5-0 to oppose the removal of the 10 Coast Live Oak trees on the 8000 block of W. McGroaty St.
"I am very pleased that the board stood up for the neighborhood and the natural beauty the Sunland-Tujunga community offers," Krekorian added. "I especially want to thank and applaud Commissioner Andrea Alarcon for her strong advocacy on this issue, and for actually coming out to the community to visit the site and hear our concerns. This is how the system is supposed to work."
The decision saves the homeowner, who would have been saddled with the cost of uprooting the trees, hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, the city will not have to bear the brunt of any costs associated with street improvements.
During his recent campaign for City Council, Krekorian pledged to the Sunland-Tujunga community to save the trees, which neighbors said were an integral part of their community.
Los Angeles Second Council District stretches from Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills to Big Tujunga Road in the Verdugo Hills. It also includes Lake View Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sun Valley, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Van Nuys. Follow Councilman Paul Krekorian on Twitter (@PaulKrekorian) and become a fan of his on Facebook.
January 11, 2010
Contact: Jeremy Oberstein, (213) 473-7002
At Krekorian's Urging, McGroarty Trees Saved
LOS ANGELES -- Following through on a campaign pledge, Councilman Paul Krekorian on Monday personally appeared before the city's Board of Public Works to urge that 10 trees on McGroarty Street in Sunland be saved from destruction.
"These trees are such an important part of the rural character of the Sunland community," Councilman Krekorian said. "This part of McGroarty Street lies at the base of oak covered hills and these trees blend perfectly with the wooded character of the area. McGroarty Street in this area has very little traffic. It would be a tragedy to lose these trees in order to accommodate a street widening that we will never need."
The board unanimously agreed with Krekorian, voting 5-0 to oppose the removal of the 10 Coast Live Oak trees on the 8000 block of W. McGroaty St.
"I am very pleased that the board stood up for the neighborhood and the natural beauty the Sunland-Tujunga community offers," Krekorian added. "I especially want to thank and applaud Commissioner Andrea Alarcon for her strong advocacy on this issue, and for actually coming out to the community to visit the site and hear our concerns. This is how the system is supposed to work."
The decision saves the homeowner, who would have been saddled with the cost of uprooting the trees, hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, the city will not have to bear the brunt of any costs associated with street improvements.
During his recent campaign for City Council, Krekorian pledged to the Sunland-Tujunga community to save the trees, which neighbors said were an integral part of their community.
Los Angeles Second Council District stretches from Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills to Big Tujunga Road in the Verdugo Hills. It also includes Lake View Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sun Valley, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Van Nuys. Follow Councilman Paul Krekorian on Twitter (@PaulKrekorian) and become a fan of his on Facebook.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
How will you balance the City's budget?
This is a great time to get involved in setting the future priorities for the City and its services.
Attend the Wednesday, January 13, 2010 STNC meeting to find out just how serious the financial situation is with the City and what you can do to help.
Attend the Wednesday, January 13, 2010 STNC meeting to find out just how serious the financial situation is with the City and what you can do to help.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
STNC Elections - Candidate Filing Open
Candidate filing period is now open for the STNC Elections to be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010.
Please visit the STNC Elections page for more info, including links to the forms and calendar of events.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
Please visit the STNC Elections page for more info, including links to the forms and calendar of events.
--Cindy Cleghorn, Secretary
STNC Board Seats Open
At the January 13, 2009 STNC meeting the board will vote to fill two vacant Group representative seats. If you have an interest in joining the STNC board call the STNC office for more info. A statement of interest will be needed prior to the meeting as well as your attendance at the meeting.
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