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Greetings!
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Your Neighborhood Council Election
Is Saturday, Nov. 1
How you vote on Nov. 1 will affect the way the City of Los Angeles responds to stakeholder needs in Chatsworth. The more votes, the more clout at City Hall. This election to fill 10 Chatsworth Neighborhood Council seats is local. The national election will come a few days later.
When's the balloting?
Vote on Saturday, Nov. 1. Balloting will be 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Chatsworth Train
Depot, 10038 Old Depot Plaza Road. Unlike national and state elections,
advance registration is not required. Just register at the polling place, or fill out this form and bring it with you to save time. There is no provision for absentee ballots. So come out and elect your
representatives for the 2008 - 2012 Board of Directors. Who can vote? If you live, work, own property, board a horse in Chatsworth, or declare a stake in the neighborhood and affirm a factual basis for it, and you are at least 18 years of age on Saturday, Nov. 1, then YOU can vote to fill the 10 at-large seats on the board of directors.Who are the candidates?
Here's an alphabetical list:Kamesh AysolaJudith DanielsVernalie DeirmenjianDiana Dixon-DavisJanice Eddy-LanguenHember MaldonadoJoseph A. MartinRichard NadelArt SchlefsteinRobert Searcy
Andre van der ValkLinda van der ValkLucie Volotsky
The Neighborhood Council also will accept write-in applications until Oct. 25.
How can I learn about them? As they submit their candidate statements, you will find them here.
In addition, there will be notebooks at the polling place with each candidate's campaign flyer available for your review.But why should I vote? If you are concerned about changes in the unique character of our community, you can have a voice. Are development, traffic, open space, public safety, seniors, parks and equestrians among your hot-button issues? Then join the Stakeholders of the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council and help us work with the City of Los Angeles to utilize available city services and make Chatsworth an even better place to live and work.
If you have additional questions please email info@chatsworthcouncil.org or call (818) 464-3511.
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About the Council
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The mission of the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council is to provide an open forum for public discussion of issues concerning the Chatsworth community and to facilitate communication between the City of Los Angeles and Community Stakeholders.
Map of Chatsworth Neighborhood Council boundaries. Click here.
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| When We Meet
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All volunteer committees meet monthly. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Chatsworth Train Depot at
10038 Old Depot Plaza Road, Chatsworth, unless otherwise noted.
1st Wednesday:
CNC Board at Lawrence Middle School.
2nd Tuesday: Beautification.
3rd Tuesday: Equestrian.
3rd Wednesday: Enhancement.
3rd Thursday: Land Use.
4th Tuesday: Outreach.
4th Wednesday: Public Safety & Transportation at Rockpointe Club House, 22300 Devonshire St.
Election Committee, TBA
Check the CNC website for last-minute changes.
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| ACTION CALENDAR |
 Meet the first responders at the Sesnon Wildfire Town Hall
Meeting, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. Details, call (818) 832-0692.
Neighborhood Watch meets 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, at St. John Eudes, 9925 Mason Ave, to discuss Chatsworth's response to the recent Metrolink crash and wildfires. Neighborhood Council President Judith Daniels will speak.
The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council is sponsoring a free first-aid class on
Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The class will be
held at the Chatsworth Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, 21500 Lassen St. RSVP at firstaid@chatsworthcouncil.org. Names are still being taken for a wait-list.
 Saturday, Nov. 1 is Election Day in Chatsworth. Vote to fill 10 open seats on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council. Balloting is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Chatsworth Train Depot, 10038 Old Depot Plaza Road. Details HERE.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, is presidential Election Day. Remember to cast your ballot at your local polling precinct. Details HERE.
More than 3.4 million people in earthquake-endangered Southern California are currently registered to participate in the Great California ShakeOut Drill on Nov. 13, and 1.8 million are from Los Angeles County. Register HERE.
The Special Olympics Tri-Valley Bowl-A-Thon
and raffle will be Saturday, Nov. 15, at AMF Rocket Bowl, 9171 DeSoto Ave., from 10 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. The entry fee is $20 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics.
You can register as a 3-person team or sign up and be placed on an existing team.
One Special Olympics Athlete will join each team as Team Captain.
You can also sponsor a Special Olympics Athlete. Details, call (818) 342-0017.
 Metro will reveal design plans for the Orange Line busway bridge over Lassen Street, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 17, at Chatsworth High School 10027 Lurline Avenue.
Metro will reveal design plans for the Orange Line busway bridge over Lassen Street, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, at New Academy High School, 21425 Cohasset St. Canoga Park.
 Holiday Toy Express arrives at the Chatsworth Depot, Sunday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. with a festive gathering beginning at 5 p.m.
The Chatsworth Holiday Parade is scheduled to march down Devonshire Street beginning at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14.
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CITIZEN SURVEY
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A Message
from the Mayor
Fellow Angelenos: The Mayor of the City of Los Angeles is given
the responsibility by the City Charter to develop a budget plan that
must be presented for City Council consideration by April 20th of each
year. I will develop a budget blueprint that addresses the needs of the
City's diverse communities, reflects shared priorities, and moves the
City toward important goals. As we begin the planning process for
Fiscal Year 2009-10, I invite you to help me develop my proposed budget
by sharing your thoughts on how we should create a balanced budget that
addresses City priorities and remains fiscally responsible. To
ensure that the needs of your neighborhoods are voiced, my office has
created a budget survey to help guide the development of the City
budget. This survey asks you to make very tough choices regarding real
decisions that I will need to make. This year, the City of Los Angeles
will be challenged by many issues, including the uncertain impact of
the turbulent national economy, likely revenue shortfalls, and
increased service demands. Given these daunting challenges, it
is important to hear from community members about their budget
priorities and their thoughts regarding the City's revenues and
expenditures. I urge you to participate by completing the budget
survey. Your participation will help ensure that budget priorities
encompass the most pressing needs of our City. Very truly yours, Antonio R. VillaraigosaMayor Click HERE for the survey.
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Quick Phones
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Neighborhood Council
(818) 464-3511
West Valley Alliance (graffiti removal)
(818) 885-8885
Police Tipoff Line
(818) 832-0563
L.A. City Infoline
311
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City Services
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Zero Waste
The City has a Zero Waste
team soliciting opinions on how to reduce solid waste.
Find out how you can participate.
Zero waste brochure.
Bureau of Sanitation
The BOS is working to
convert our solid waste into renewable energy.
Read the brochure. Be Prepared for
the 'Big One'
This is the 150th
anniversary of the last great San Andreas Earthquake.
Dare to Prepare is a campaign to prepare for the next
big quake. Find out what you can do at the
Dare to Prepare site. Read the
LAFD letter.
Free Shade Trees
You can get free shade trees through DWP.
Read about the Trees for a Green LA program
DWP Residential Energy and
Water Saving Programs
The DWP offers incentives to recycle your old
refrigerator and buy an energy efficient one. Other
appliance incentives are available too. Receive $100
towards an ultra low flush toilet. Read about DWP rebates.
Online Service Requests
You
can place service requests for street repair, tree trimming,
downed trees or palm fronds in the street
online.
This
is a service provided by the
Bureau of Street Services.
Property Activity Reports
Did you know that you
can view all permit requests for a property online?
Click here to access the City's online reporting
system. Enter in the address and view the permits.
This is a service
provided by the
Department of Building and Safety.
--Adapted from the PRNC newsletter.
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| CNC Contact |
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
Post Office Box 3395
Chatsworth, CA 91313-3395
Ph: (818) 464-3511
Fax: (818) 464-3585
Email:
info@chatsworthcouncil.org
Web:
http://www.chatsworthcouncil.org
Complete CNC activities calendar:
http://www.chatsworthcouncil.org/activities.php
Complete community events calendar:
http://www.chatsworthcouncil.org/events.php
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The air is so foul you can taste it on the back of your tongue. Rivers are running from your eyes. Once again Chatsworth has been slapped across the face.
"This is the sleepiest little town in the world," Cindy Todd said, "but I
swear to God, there's a demon that's infested our little town."
Todd, who evacuated her home near Stoney Point Park in Chatsworth, told the Los Angeles Times that it was the third time she had done so in five or six years.
Just as the demon of the Sept. 12 Metrolink train
wreck which killed 25 passengers was being exorcised, last week's wildfire brought another disaster to our streets.
Heavy winds blew down an electric line in a remote unincorporated
area north of Porter Ranch, fire officials told the Times,
sparking a 14,703-acre blaze that destroyed 15 homes and damaged six more,
destroyed 47 outbuildings and may have contributed to the death of a
motorist driving on the 118 Freeway.
Fire officials reported 100% containment Saturday
afternoon.
More than 2,100 firefighters worked to fight
the flames Monday and Tuesday. Saturday, several hundred doused remaining hot spots within the containment lines.
"We're not going to leave there until we are sure it's out," Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Greg Cleveland, told the Times.
Town Hall Meeting Wednesday
First responders to the wildfire that threatened Porter
Ranch, Chatsworth and Granada Hills, will talk about emergency response at a Sesnon Wildfire Town Hall
 Meeting, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch.
Personnel from LAPD, LAFD, Crisis Response Team,
California Emergency Mobile Patrol (CEMP), American Red Cross,
Department of Transportation, Office of Public Safety, L.A. Unified
School Police and California Highway Patrol will attend.
For more information, call Devonshire Police Station at (818) 832-0692.
Many residents who helped strangers after the train crash found
themselves needing help from within the Chatsworth community as the winds
whipped flames and embers through our neighborhoods.
There were mandatory and voluntary evacuations of homes, schools
and stables. Some of our friends and neighbors lost their homes and all
their possessions.
With the hillsides scorched, residents may see
more wild animals seeking food and shelter and the community may face floods if
there is a heavy rainy season.
Evacuations and Damage
Many horse-boarding stables in Chatsworth had to be evacuated and
some sustained damage. People fleeing the Marek fire in Sylmar with
their horses had come west seeking safety only to find the fire from
Oat Mountain had spread quickly below the 118 Freeway.
Although the smokey air still reminds us a week later of how
frightening a whirlwind of fire can be, it is comforting to know that once
again, Chatsworth Cares. Friends and neighbors helped one
another. And the incredible first responders were here again to show
that they are the best in the world.
Councilman Greig Smith's office is planning a community
get-together to honor the first responders and citizens who helped with
the Metrolink aftermath and the firefighting efforts. The date is still to be determined.
"With the train accident and the recent fires, our communities have
been through a great deal and I have never been more proud -- not just of
our heroic police and firefighters, but the hundreds of neighbors
helping neighbors and local businesses responding at the most critical
times of need," Councilman Smith said.
"We truly live in the best community of the Valley
because of the caring and compassionate people here."
Mayor Antonio Villariagosa agreed. On Oct. 11 he honored the Chatsworth Neighborhood
Council for its effort to help the community and first
responders to the Metrolink crash. The mayor presented
a plaque during the Congress of Neighborhood Councils, which was held
at City Hall and attracted more than 700 participants.
Wild Animals in Your Yard
Recognition is nice, but Chatsworth still faces challenges. The Wildlife Division of L.A. Animal Services warns that many animals driven out by the wildfire may
appear more frequently around homes.
Exercise caution when seeing wild animals as they may be
frightened, distressed or injured. Some of these animals may have suffered burns
from the fire and some may have a condition known as Mange which leaves open
sores and bald patches that resemble burns. Be patient with displaced
animals as they will need to feel a sense of safety before moving on or returning to
areas that have been burned.
Pets that are normally kept outside should be kept indoors to avoid conflict with
wildlife and also to protect them from the particulate matter in the air caused by
the smoke from the fire. Should a wild animal appear sick, injured or distressed
please do not approach the animal; instead call (888) 452-7381 for assistance.
Be Wary of Contractors
Owners who suffered damage to their homes in the wildfires
must now begin the daunting insurance claim and rebuilding process.
Among immediate tasks will be fending off looters by boarding up and
fencing the property, contacting their insurers and finding new places
to live after leaving emergency shelters. Then they will begin the long
process of working with claims adjusters and contractors.
The Times says to be wary of contractors who show up and offer to do repairs on the spot
for a large cash deposit. Under state law, the down payment cannot
exceed $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less.
Always get a written contract that details the work and ask to see
the contractor's state license and other identification. Get a minimum
of three bids and check contractor references.
The Times suggests some resources for homeowners:
Horse rescued from smoke and flames is led along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. [Jonathan Alcorn's Blog]
Horses Turned Loose
Volunteers
wearing paper masks fanned out looking for horses trapped in
barns and stables in the area cut off from concerned owners by
roadblocks and massive traffic snarls created by freeway closures. One
person told the Times 100 to 150 horses had been turned loose in Browns Canyon
as the flames neared because they could not be evacuated in time.
Domestic pets and farm animals were welcomed at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, the Los Angeles Police Department said.
County animal shelters also filled up as
families fled with dogs, cats, birds, snakes and hamsters, the Times reported. At
Chatsworth High School, one couple clutched 2-month-old Doberman
pinscher puppies as they awaited word on the path of the blaze above
Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
Dog owners evacuated during the wildfires can receive free dog food at the West Valley Animal Care Center, 20655 Plummer St.
Animal
Rescue Resources Foundation has donated truckloads of dog food. For more information, call Linda Gordon at L.A. Animal Services at (213) 413-2367 or email Linda.A.Gordon@lacity.org.
Former Neighborhood Councilmember Anna Cox sorts through family photographs that she recovered from her
burned home Tuesday in the Twin Lakes neighborhood of Chatsworth. [Al Seib / Los Angeles Times]
Scout Spirit Endures
Among those who lost their homes was Scout leader Les Salay of Troop/Pack 921.
Not only was his Porter Ranch home lost, but all of the Scout camping gear burned. He emailed friends:
 Despite the fact that we are going through a lot at this time regarding our
own issues with the fire that destroyed our home, I still wanted very badly to
do Scouting's 6th anniversary of the "Stoney Point Clean-Up," if for no other
reason, then to try to bring some sense of normalcy of volunteering back
into my own life by doing my own personal Scout Best in giving
back to the community.
"However, as much as I wanted the "project" to go forth the Department of Public
Works, whom I have to always coordinate this effort with, has stated that
because Stoney Point is burned in totality there is nothing that anyone can do
at this time to "Clean-Up."
"It was agreed with Department of Public Works and myself that next year, we
will not only be "cleaning up" but we will be planting trees and various plants
to restore Stoney Point to its natural habitat.
"Thanks in advance to all of you that were gearing up to do this community
project but we will still have an opportunity to "Give Back" in the
future.
Be well and keep up your Scouting and environmental spirit and  remember to
"Leave No Trace" wherever you go!
Forever a Scout.
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IRRIGATION UPGRADE
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Mason Park to Be Closed for 6 Months
Mason Park will be closed for a minimum of six months beginning as early as January to install a new sprinkler system, according to Megan Cottier, field deputy for Councilman Greig Smith.
This is the second major Chatsworth park to be shut down. Chatsworth Park South has been off limits since last February because of lead contamination in the soil. Only the Historic Acre in the northeast corner of the park remains open. Chatsworth Park North is still in operation.
The City of Los Angeles is funding the Mason Park irrigation project with $760,000 in Proposition
K funds with $572,000 going
toward construction, Cottier said.
"We do not know yet what date portions the park will close, but we
are expecting it early 2009. If the project moves forward as
presented, it will be closed for approximately six months," she said.
However, the recreation center and childcare center will remain open while the construction is underway.
Juan Soto, the park director, will be rescheduling organized
sports activities that will be affected by the closure, she said. Soto can be
reached at (818) 998-6377 or juan.soto@lacity.org
The closure of Mason Park will not have any effect on speeding up the re-opening of Chatsworth Park South, Cottier said.
There are no plans to rotate construction to small sections, so much of the park can be kept open. "The community did ask the Bureau of Engineering to look at that
as an option. Unfortunately due to the positioning of the main water
valve, the project would take longer and would exceed our budget if it
were done in two phases," Cottier said. "Also, AYSO soccer would be tremendously
impacted. We have not ruled out this option, but it does present many
challenges."
The Mason Park Irrigation Focus Group has met several times to go over the project. At the last two meetings, community members strongly objected to the closure of the entire park, when portions of the park could be closed in a rotating fashion. This
idea has been met with resistance from the Bureau of Engineering, according to Steve Columbus, a member of the Focus Group as well as the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council.
Neighborhood Council members on the Focus Group include Chuck Knolls, Vicki
Briskman and Steve Columbus, along with members of the community,
AYSO, other sports organizations and representatives from Parks and Recreation plus Cottier of Councilman Smith's office.
Stakeholders who want to comment on the project can contact Ray Araujo of the Bureau of Engineering at (213) 473-1717 or Ray.Araujo@lacity.org.
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GREAT CALIFORNIA SHAKEOUT |
Are You Ready for the 'Big One'? The Great Southern California ShakeOut is a week of special events
featuring the largest earthquake drill in United States history,
organized to inspire Southern Californians to get ready for big
earthquakes, and to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. What
we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine what our lives will
be like after. The ShakeOut drill will occur in houses, businesses, and
public spaces throughout Southern California at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13.
Free registration at www.ShakeOut.org/register
will pledge an individual's or a group's participation in this
important preparedness event. Participants will receive information on
how to prepare for the inevitable major earthquake in the region and
what actions to take during and after the shaking.
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EDUCATOR, MENTOR, COMMUNITY LEADER
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Council Plants Oak for Jon Lauritzen
A California Coastal Oak was planted during Chatsworth's Pioneer Day on Oct. 5 to honor former School Board Member Jon Lauritzen. When he died last year of a brain tumor,
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council President Judith Daniels  suggested that a tree be
planted in his honor. "The Learning Tree" was planted at Chatsworth's Historic Acre at Chatsworth Park South. Lauritzen's family received a commemorative placque. Lauritzen, right, spearheaded the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council organizing committee and was a teacher at Columbus Middle School and Canoga Park
High School for almost 40 years. He died of a brain tumor in 2007.  Lauritzen was diagnosed the previous year, yet never missed a school board meeting,
even after brain surgery. Once he had surgery on a Thursday and was at
the school board meeting the following Tuesday. Lauritzen was active with the Santa Susana Mountains Park
Association and the Iris Society. He came from a family of educators. Lauritzen started the computer science program at
Canoga Park High, but earlier taught history and math. He was one of
the first computer science teachers in the LAUSD. A graduate of
CSUN (BA and MA) Lauritzen lived in Chatsworth for most of his adult life. Both his mother and his wife Jan, above, were teachers and
his daughter is a science teacher at Lawrence Middle School.
He was elected to the L.A. Unified School Board in 2003 and served until 2007. He established a district office at
the former Devonshire Elementary School. He held regular open
houses at that office so parents and students could have local services instead
of having to travel downtown to interact with a school board member. Lauritzen was all about education. He was a champion of the average
guy and had a great reputation as a teacher -- from students, other
teachers and administrators.
"The Learning Tree" was donated by the Sierra Canyon School.
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L.A. CULTURAL MASTER PLAN SURVEY
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City Seeks Your Ideas
Help Shape the Cultural Landscape of Los Angeles and participate in the online survey as part of the Cultural Master Plan.
The survey will help the City learn
more about the ways in which residents engage in arts and cultural
activities in Los Angeles as part of the Cultural Master Plan. The
Cultural Master Plan will be a common vision for how culture and
creativity in all its forms can contribute to community and quality of
life for residents and visitors.
Take the survey here.
There will also be a meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 29,
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Northridge Park, Devonshire House, 18300 Lemarsh St., Northridge.
For more information, please visit www.culturalplan.lacity.org or call (213) 202-5539.
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ANIMAL ALERT
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Mandatory Spay/Neuter Law in Effect
As part of the City's efforts to reduce the numbers of stray and
abandoned pets and move toward the goals of the "No-Kill" policy, the
City passed a new spay/neuter law.
As of Oct. 1, pet
owners are required to spay or neuter cats and dogs older than four
months. The fines for violations start at $100.
Pets that compete as
approved breeds in recognized shows, as well as service, guide, police,
military, and rescue dogs are exempt. Veterinarians can certify that an
animal should not be spayed or neutered for health reasons.
For more detailed information, click here.
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| Free Gift |
Bring this coupon to the next Neighborhood Council Meeting and receive a free Be Safe, Be Seen safety flasher. Wear it while jogging, cycling, walking the dog.
Name: ________________________________________
Email: ________________________________________
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While supplies last 10.20.08 |
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