Zero Waste Plan Public Meetings

The City of Los Angeles is releasing a Notice of Completion (NOC) for the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR) on the Solid Waste Integrated Resources Plan (SWIRP), also known as the Zero Waste Plan. The NOC is to inform the public that the SWIRP Draft PEIR has been completed and is ready for public comment from October 31, 2013 to December 20, 2013. SWIRP is a long-range plan to meet the City's solid waste management needs through 2030. The plan identifies various policies, programs, and facilities that will be needed to reach the City's goal of 90% landfill diversion by 2025. The attached NOC gives the details of public meetings, where the Draft PEIR is available, and where to submit written comments. It can also be accessed through www.lacity.org/san We look forward to your participation during this public review period, and hope you join us at one of the scheduled meetings.

Mules - LA Aqueduct

In Search of 100 Mules Walking Part 1 from SunlandTujungaNC on Vimeo.

Healthy LA Roadshow coming up for the North Valley

The Plan for a Healthy Los Angeles launched its new, interactive website featuring community and citywide health profiles. Please check out the website for regular updates on upcoming events or news on the new health and wellness project. The website has already been covered by Atlantic Cities and got a mention on LA Observed. We are also now on social media! Please like/follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Please help us spread the news about this new data tool and our social media pages to your networks. The Plan for a Healthy Los Angeles is doing a roadshow at the seven Area Planning Commissions over the next few weeks. A flyer with presentation dates is attached. Please share with neighbors. Lys Mendez Outreach Coordinator and Planner Raimi + Associates lys.mendez@lacity.org

Definition of Kennels - are Pet Shops Excluded ?

The City has a Citywide case open regarding the Clarification/Interpretation that the definition of kennels excludes pet shops. If you have an interest in this, please contact Katherine Peterson at 213-978-1445. The STNC's Land Use Committee will be monitoring the progress of this case as it moves along. Case Nos. ZA-2013-3104-ZAI and ENV-2013-3105-CE

BIG TUJUNGA WASH Maintenance Oct 23-24

MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 23 THROUGH OCTOBER 24, 2013 Please be aware that maintenance activities will be conducted throughout the Big Tujunga Wash Mitigation Area beginning on Wednesday, October 23 and continuing through Thursday, October 24, 2013. Maintenance activities consist of clearing debris from trails. The crews will generally be working between the hours of 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. Please be watchful when riding horses or hiking in the vicinity of where the crews are working. Crews will be cautious when horseback riders or hikers are in the vicinity of their work area, but it would be most helpful if you can avoid their work areas. If you do come upon a crew, please call out to them if they do not see you so they can stop their equipment until the equestrian or hikers pass by. ECORP’s biologists will be monitoring the maintenance activities to ensure that sensitive biological resources are not damaged during the maintenance activities. If you have any questions regarding the maintenance activities, please contact Los Angeles County Department of Public Works at BTWMA@dpw.lacounty.gov.

STNC News

"In Search of 100 Mules Walking"

NOVEMBER 5, 2013 MARKS THE 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE LOS ANGELES AQUEDUCT 100 mules will traverse the 240 miles of pipelines and canals that bring water from the Eastern Sierra through a gravity-fed system to Los Angeles, passing through three counties and nearly 50 communities along the way. Mule power shaped the modern West and was a primary force in constructing the aqueduct, an engineering feat that took only seven years to complete despite the rough terrain. The parade will take nearly a month commencing at the Intake and will culminate in a Veterans Day Parade down Western Avenue in Glendale to welcome the mules into the City of Los Angeles on November 11, 2013, followed by a ceremony at the Equidome to celebrate our country’s equine labor force—the mule. This commemorative action is a prelude to Bending the Los Angeles River Back into the City, a work that will pierce the concrete jacket of the Los Angeles River and use a sixty-foot waterwheel to reconnect the land to the river that originally supplied all the city’s water. This action is coordinated with the support of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) that has itself been working to make a new century of water delivery happen. Also see: http://www.laaqueduct100.com/

In Search of 100 Mules Walking Part 1 from SunlandTujungaNC on Vimeo.

Land Use Committee 10-21-13 at 7 p.m.

Sunland-Tujunga Branding Initiative: Realizing Our Full Potential

Everyone and everything has a brand. We either decide what that brand is or we let others decide it for us. Allowing the latter is dangerous for small business and for communities. Branding isn’t limited to big companies. Branding is important for small business and maybe even more important for communities. A strong brand can bring a wealth of opportunities for a community, helping it define itself, present its value, and become a magnet to draw others (people, businesses, economic investment, government funding, etc.). And while full-blown branding initiatives can be extensive, time-consuming and costly (check out the town of Hardeeville in South Carolina – their branding initiative is costing them $20,000), there are ways to begin branding a community that don’t require major expense or effort. Given that the VP of Community Improvement has a background in and is recognized as an expert in marketing, she is leading the effort; to that end, Sunland-Tujunga branding presentations (available online here) were made to the Neighborhood Council and the Chamber, both of which voted to moved forward on the initiative. A community stakeholder volunteer ad-hoc committee has been formed to further flesh out the plan and its execution options. One of the first steps is to put out for public vote as well as for input and further submissions our first identity element – our logo. When it comes to community branding and associated logos, a great example to review is from a town in Iowa called Grinnell. They’ve branded themselves as the “Jewel of the Prairie.” Why do they brand themselves that? According to their Mayor’s message, it’s because “Some say that this town sparkles. Some say this town has verve! Others say it is called that because the people are so friendly and helpful. Still others say we are the Jewel of the Prairie because we are a handsome and robust community full of life. We are all of these for a lot of reasons, but chief among them is the fact that the folks who live here have a very positive attitude and a desire for an excellent quality of life…” Grinnell determined what they believe makes them unique, and they claimed for themselves a brand with many interpretations, all of which are intangibles…”the town sparkles.” We in Sunland-Tujunga have a very tangible claim to make, one that will serve us well in this “phase one” of our branding initiative. As a matter of fact, back in 1971, a group of Sunland-Tujunga residents calling themselves the “Gateway ‘76” began the branding initiative, making it their mission to seek an identity for this area, and realizing its potential if we were to leverage our community’s proximity to the Angeles National Forest. As told in an article written by Marlene Hitt in the April 2013 edition of the North Valley Reporter, one of the group’s leaders Bob McKee wrote in July, ‘71 (Record Ledger) that Gateway ‘76 “would give the community a chance to adopt a brand new lifestyle, improve property values, enhance local business and, for the first time, give a chance to place direction on where this town is going.” Following through on what the Gateway ’76 group started, we have claimed for ourselves and are in the process of trademarking: Sunland-Tujunga “Gateway to the Angeles National Forest.” (Note: trademark costs as well as initial logo concept costs were 100% paid for by private donations.) To realize Sunland-Tujunga’s full potential, we’re going to leverage the indisputable and immediately recognizable draw of the Angeles National Forest. Doing so affords us the following: • We immediately give the rest of the world a sense of where we are geographically. • We immediately put forth to everyone a visual of the beauty that is our backdrop. • We immediately underscore the importance of our position as a community and become instantly recognizable. • We “piggy back” on all of the branding and promotion and information that exists and attracts in relation to the Angeles National Forest itself. • We bridge our past (Gateway ’76) and what they started with our present and build into our future. • We benefit from instant traction, allowing us to focus our real energies and efforts to bringing our brand to life and using it to get what we need and deserve. There are several questions related to this branding initiative, and some people may even think that it’s a waste to brand a community unless and until we actually have something “major” in our town to offer. After all, some people say, there are so many other things a community in need could focus on. That’s sort of like saying “I’ll eat healthier as soon as I have a heart attack.” Our community may be well on its way to experiencing its own heart attack, or in other words, it may be falling further and further into ruin. The time is now to eat healthier…to act as if you already are a healthy eater. Acting “as if” is a way to more quickly bring to life that which we wish to be a reality. We are creating buzz and making it so, simply by the power of putting our brand out into the universe. By socializing our brand, the essence of our brand will more quickly be adopted, shared, and internalized. And we’ll reap the rewards sooner rather than later. Other questions and concerns as well as informational tidbits regarding the Sunland-Tujunga branding initiative are addressed on its dedicated Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SunlandTujungaGateway. Thoughts – as well as volunteers – are welcome!

LOCAL GIRL MAKES IT BIG! STNC Board Member LYDIA GRANT has been appointed by the Mayor and affirmed by the LA CITY COUNCIL to serve as a COMMISSIONER on the BOARD OF NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSIONERS!

Thank you to Krystee Clark for these great photos! http://flic.kr/s/aHsjKWwqsG

Lydia Grant, Board of Neighborhood Commissioners Confirmation from SunlandTujungaNC on Vimeo.

October Neighborhood Watch Recap

October Neighborhood Watch Meeting Recap If you see empty shopping carts in your neighborhood, call 1(213) 393-4624 or 311 to have them picked up. Car thieves are targeting 2004 and older Honda and Toyotas. If you have one of these cars, it is advised that you put a CLUB on the steering wheel. This is enough to make the thieves move on. Two Freshman from Verdugo Hills High School were arrested for the house robberies in the neighborhood surrounding the school. These were crimes of opportunity done during the day. The robbers gained access through open windows. The LAPD and other agencies have been trying to get the homeless man who lives at the bus stop near Tom Cat in Sunland to accept medical attention. He has refused any and all help. Pedestrian Safety: An officer went "undercover" as a pedestrian to catch drivers not stopping for pedestrians crossing at Foothill and Tujunga Canyon. He reported that the majority of people did stop as they were supposed to, except for two drivers who were ticketed. An officer played the part of the pedestrian, once again, but this time crossed Foothill Blvd. near Haines Canyon (Chevron Station). The drivers were not so patient and courteous at this intersection and a number of tickets were written there. People came very close to hitting him a number of times. Remember, the pedestrian always has the right of way. Also, it is not considered J-walking to cross a street that does not have "controls" (stop sign, street light) on both corners. So crossing at Haines Canyon is not illegal for the pedestrian. It's very dangerous but not illegal. Next Neighborhood Watch Meeting is Tuesday November 19th 6:30pm North Valley City Hall. Possible guest is a Crime Analyst. Next Community Coffee meeting with the Senior Leads is November 5th 8:00am-9:30am Starbucks, inside the Tujunga Albertson's. These meetings are a great chance to voice your concerns about safety in your neighborhood, ask questions or just get to know your Senior Lead Officers. Special thanks to Robin Meares for providing this recap.

Zero Waste LA Franchise System Workshops

The City of Los Angeles is transitioning to a new waste and recycling system, called Zero Waste LA, for all businesses and large apartment complexes. Zero Waste LA will not affect single family home residents—or anyone serviced by the City of Los Angeles. The new waste and recycling system is scheduled to begin in early 2017. The Bureau of Sanitation is conducting public workshops with community, businesses and environmental leaders to increase awareness and stakeholder input. The goal of these meetings is to generate vital stakeholder input as to what we should expect and require of participating waste haulers. · Monday, October 28, 2013, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Office of Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, 19040 Vanowen Street, Reseda, CA · Monday, October 28, 2013, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, South LA Sports Activity Center, 7020 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA · Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Pacoima City Hall, 13520 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 220, Pacoima, CA · Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, San Pedro Municipal Building, 638 S. Beacon St., 4th Floor Meeting Room, San Pedro, CA · Wednesday, October 30, 2013, 2:00pm – 4:00 pm, Downtown LA City Hall, 200 N. Spring St. 4th Floor Media Room, Los Angeles, CA · Wednesday, October 30, 2013, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Palms – Rancho Park Library, 2920 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA Please RSVP at ZeroWasteLA@lacity.org or call (213) 485-2260 with any questions. You may also visit our website at www.lacitysan.org for more information. If you require Spanish translation services, please notify us 72 hours in advance.

Free Workshops: Seminar on Fair Housing, Tenant's Rights & LA RSO

LA LAW LIBRARY - PRO BONO WEEK Oct 20-26

LA Law Library Celebrates Pro Bono Services From October 21-26 the Law Library calendar is packed with free workshops, information sessions and services for the public, as well as continuing legal education classes for lawyers who want to learn more about volunteer public service. http://probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org/ On Saturday, October 26th more than 25 legal aid organizations, government agencies, social services and community and faith-based groups will be represented at the Public Legal Services Fair. Legal and lawyer referral programs will be available to provide free consultations and referrals for those in need of legal assistance. Information and assistance regarding: Artists Consumer Protection Dispute Resolution Domestic Violence Low-Wage Workers Family Law Foreclosure Prevention Haircuts / Makeovers Health Care Homeless Veteran Services Housing /Eviction Defense Government Benefits Immigration Mental Health Lawyer Referral Services Low-Income Seniors Slum Housing Conditions Tenant Organizing Small Claims War Please forward this information to everyone you know who could benefit from participating in the LA Law Library Celebration of Pro Bono Week.

General Board Meeting Agenda for 10/9/13

Land Use Committee Agenda for 10/7/13 at 7 p.m.

Opening Session with Mayor Garcetti at the NC Congress - Sept. 28

Video prepared by the NC Congress Planning Committee Volunteers - Chuck Loring, North Hollywood North East NC And....Photos by STNC Board Member Krystee Clark at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjK7SXth

Day of the Horse

The Day of the Horse, 10/02/2013 from SunlandTujungaNC on Vimeo.

Seeking Applications for the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC)

Applications require recommendation letters. If you have an interest, be sure to let the STNC know. Letters of recommendation will be on the Oct. 9 meeting agenda. Re:Code LA: The City of Los Angeles is embarking on re:code LA, the first comprehensive revision of its Zoning Code in 67 years. Modernizing and streamlining the antiquated Code is a key component of the City's Development Reform Strategic Plan and is one of the Department of City Planning's (DCP) priority projects. DCP is seeking applications from local leaders and stakeholders to participate in a Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC), a policy-oriented body formed specifically to advise DCP on the code rewrite on this critical multi-year effort. More info here: http://recode.la/

RePowerLA - Job Opportunities & More this Saturday Oct 5 - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Councilman Fuentes and Councilwoman Martinez are co-hosting this event. Check it out!

LADWP initiates environmental process for Groundwater Replenishment Project

LADWP initiates environmental process for Groundwater Replenishment Project LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has begun soliciting public input on the scope of the environmental impact report (EIR) for its proposed Groundwater Replenishment Project. As part of the required California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process, the utility issued an initial study and notice of preparation of a draft EIR in early September, and hosted the first scoping meeting on September 25th at the Sepulveda Garden Center. Two more are scheduled—one on Thursday, October 3rd, 7 p.m. at the Canterbury Elementary School at 13670 Montague Street in Arleta, and another on Saturday, October 12th, 10 a.m. at the John Ferraro Building, 111 N. Hope Street in Downtown Los Angeles. All are invited to attend and provide verbal or written input about the environmental aspects of the project that should be considered in the report. Comments must be submitted by October 21st. LADWP’s Groundwater Replenishment Project plans to use highly purified water from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant each year to replenish the San Fernando Groundwater Basin at existing spreading grounds and new injection wells in the San Fernando Valley. The project will replenish local drinking water supplies and help reduce the city’s reliance on imported water. Implementation of the project is a critical part of LADWP’s Urban Water Management Plan which details the department’s roadmap towards more sustainable local drinking water supplies. The project is expected to be operational by 2022. The initiation of the EIR phase of the Groundwater Replenishment Project follows several public meetings and presentations conducted by LADWP since 2008.The two-year environmental process will result in a draft EIR available for public comment by mid to late 2014, and a final EIR for adoption by the Board of Water and Power commissioners in 2015. See more information about the Groundwater Replenishment Project on the LADWP project page. To stay informed about the EIR process, see LADWP’s environmental notices page or the GWR EIR update.