One of the most common questions from stakeholders centers on group homes that have been springing up throughout not only Chatsworth, but also most other areas of the North Valley. Residents are concerned that they often don't know that these homes are operating until there is some trouble in the neighborhood.

The homes are not subject to any local control, but Councilman Greig Smith has introduced a city ordinance that would require them to obtain a Conditional Use Permit, which would require notification to all neighbors within a 500-foot radius and a public hearing. Although this would not stop a group home from opening in a single-family neighborhood, it would at least give notice to neighbors and allow them to voice their concerns to the city.

These homes are governed by state legislation, which makes it more difficult for the city to limit them.

The Department of City Planning will present a written report to the City Council's Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM) with recommendations for a draft ordinance to regulate sober living homes next week. The meeting is Tuesday, June 17 at 2 p.m. in Room 350 at City Hall, 200 N. Spring St.

The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council is among several Valley-area Neighborhood Councils that are supporting such an ordinance. Individuals are encouraged to contact Councilman Smith's office to let him know if you support this action. The council office counts the number of constituents who support legislation, so make your voice heard now. You can e-mail, regular mail, fax or phone your comments to Councilman Greig Smith at 1004 Old Depot Plaza Rd., Chatsworth, CA 91131, (818) 701-5253, (818) 756-8501 or fax (818) 756-9122 or go to cd12.org.

Another issue that garners lots of comments from stakeholders is the proliferation of unhitched trailers with advertisements on our main roads. The Neighborhood Council supports local businesses and encourages advertising, however, these signs present many safety issues, especially in high-wind areas.

When these signs are in the roadway, they can flip over and land in traffic lanes. Some signs have been knocked over into equestrian trails, making it impossible for horses to stay on the trails. Along Topanga Canyon Boulevard, this has resulted in horses having to walk on the busy highway when the trails were blocked by these advertising signs.

The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council is working closely with Councilman Smith to add parking restrictions to limit where these unhitched trailers can be parked. New parking-restriction signs will be added soon on the west side of De Soto Avenue, between Chatsworth and San Jose streets.

We are keeping a list of other major roads where these advertising signs are regularly appearing and are clearly hazards, with the intention of adding parking limits in those areas.
 
The parking limits should not affect horse trailers, they are aimed only at advertising signs on unhitched trailers on major roads.

This is an effort to respond to stakeholders' concerns. We hope you see the benefit to our community.

Remember, we are your voice in City Hall. We want to hear from you about your concerns about our community. We are here to try to help you and help our neighborhoods.