Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
The Chatsworth Roundup
Breaking News from your Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
Sunday, November 2, 2008
6 VOLUNTEERS ARE RETURNED TO THE BOARD
10 Members Elected to Your Council

VotersStakeholders vote during rain storm Saturday at Chatsworth Train Depot. [Photo / Jelena Csanyi]
In This Issue
  • 10 Elected to Council
  • Floods Threaten Chatsworth
  • Tree Honors Local Heroes
  • CanStruction to Benefit Food Banks
  • Ready for the Next Disaster?
  • Action Calendar

  • Greetings!

    NOW you can read any of previous Chatsworth Roundup newsletters online.
    Just click HERE for the archive.

    Join Our Mailing List!

    WORKSHOP REQUIRED

    You May Qualify for Free Baby Seat

    Eligible low income participants in a child car seat safety workshop may receive a seat for free.  The program, run by New Economics for Women, is funded by Los Angeles County.

    The next workshop is 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7006 Alabama Ave., Canoga Park.  You must RSVP with David Flores at [email protected] or call (818) 887-3877.
    OFFER YOUR OPINION

    Take Budget and Culture Surveys

    You can help determine how your Chatsworth tax dollars will be spent and also shape the cultural landscape of Los Angeles by participating in two city-sponsored online surveys.
      
    Click here for the budget survey.

    Click here for the cultural survey.

    For more information, please visit www.culturalplan.lacity.org or call (213) 202-5539.

    About the Council

    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.

    When We Meet

    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.

  • Quick Links
    Quick Phones

    Neighborhood Council

    (818) 464-3511

    West Valley Alliance (graffiti removal)
    (818) 885-8885

    Police Tipoff Line
    (818) 832-0563

    L.A. City Infoline
    311

    City Services

    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.
    CNC Contact

    Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
    Post Office Box 3395
    Chatsworth, CA 91313-3395

    Ph:  (818) 464-3511
    Fax: (818) 464-3585

    Email:
    i[email protected]
    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

    4 New Council Volunteers to Be Seated at Wednesday Meeting

    The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council will welcome four new members at Wednesday's meeting.  Andre van der Valk, who is returning to the board after an absence of three years, will be joined by Mary Kaufman, Vernalie Deirmenjian and Lucie Volotsky.  All seats are at-large.

    The remaining six are incumbents.  Those elected Saturday in balloting at the Train Depot will serve until 2012.

    The full board is made up of 21 elected community volunteers.  The balance of the seats will come up for election under new city rules in 2010.

    This was the last Council election to be run by the local  volunteer Election Committee. Chairman Allen Glazer said, "I wanted to thank all the volunteers who came out to help with the election and the ballot counting. Thank you for taking your time on the weekend to help out your community."

    The next election will be organized by the City Clerk.

    Wednesday's Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Lawrence Middle School, 10100 Variel Ave.  All Chatsworth stakeholders are welcome.  New board officers will be elected and committees reorganized.  Stakeholders who attend the first committee meeting of the new board year may be invited to join committees as full voting members.
     
    Election Results
    Linda van der Valk 211 
    Andre van der Valk 206 
    Judith Daniels
    201 
    Art Schlefstein
    197 
    Mary Kaufman
    195 
    Kamesh Aysola
    188 
    Vernalie Deirmenjian
    183 
    Diana Dixon-Davis
    180 
    Richard Nadel
    160 
    Lucie Volotsky
    107 
    Janice Eddy-Languein 104
    Hember Maldonado   39
    Joseph A. Martin   32
    Robert Searcy
      23
    The top ten elected vote-getters are indicated in boldface.

    ALL GOVERNMENTS ON TASK FORCE

    Residential Area Threatened
    By Floods After the Wildfire


    Residential Chatsworth and other areas downstream of the wildfire-scorched hills and canyons may face flooding as winter rainy season begins, according to an emergency task force.

    The Sesnon fire has elevated concerns about debris clogging Browns Creek and possible flooding. Equestrians and others who use the extensive trails throughout Chatsworth need to be on alert to conditions that may raise safety issues, task force members agreed.

    Councilman Greig Smith convened the group of federal, state, county and city representatives to discuss current wildfire recovery efforts and how to anticipate potential safety issues.  Chatsworth Neighborhood Council President Judith Daniels is one of the task force participants.

    The Sesnon fire consumed vegetation in the city as well as Los Angeles and Ventura counties. So, possible flooding, landslides, air and water quality are key issues. Rehabilitation of burned areas, communications among multiple government agencies and how volunteer groups such as Neighborhood Councils can offer help, are also on the agenda.

    Dr. Lucy Jones, most visible locally as a CalTech earthquake spokeswoman, is chief scientist of the U.S. Geological Survey Multi-Hazards Demonstration Project in Southern California. The project, she told the task force, integrates hazards science in urban areas with economic analysis and emergency response.  The objective is to increase community resiliency to natural disasters.

    The project creates models that use science to study potential after-effects in areas damaged by fires and other natural disasters. Combining those models with predictions of how much rain is likely helps officials determine where to concentrate efforts and plan for possible flooding.

    For instance, city or county agencies might need to clear catch basins more often if it is likely that there will be more runoff in an area like Browns Canyon. Participants were told that fire stations have sandbags and sand available for anyone needing them.

    Another critical factor under study is the high 12.5 pH factor in the ash on the charred hillsides.  That's the same as drain cleaner.  Wind and rain will stir or possibly spread this ash. 

    DIGGING DEEP

    Tree PlantingCity leaders including Councilman Greig Smith, (L-R  from center), Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Smith's chief of staff, Mitch Englander, plant a tree in honor of all those who came to the rescue following the Metrolink train wreck and the Sesnon wildfire.  They attended a Public Safety and Community Appreciation Picnic Sunday at Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park in Porter Ranch. [Photo / Saul Daniels]

    CONTEST AT CHATSWORTH HIGH

    CanStruction to Benefit Food Banks

    Students in the ED Tech Academy of Chatsworth High School are collecting non-perishable food items to create harvest season-themed sculptures. The food collected will be donated to local food pantires.

    The CanStruction Contest will be held 3:30-5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, in the Quad at Chatsworth High School, 10027 Lurline Ave.
    To participate or donate canned goods, RSVP by Nov. 19. Details, contact Amy Aviv at [email protected].

     TALK WITH THE EXPERTS

    Prepare for the Next Disaster

    Learn how you and your family can become better prepared for earthquakes, wildfires, floods and other disasters, 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, at Fire Station 87, 10124 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills.

    Emergency planning experts will explain the best ways to prepare yourself, your family and your workplace in the event of a disaster. Kids can ride on the Yogi Bear Earthquake Simulator. The event, co-sponsored by area Neighborhood Councils, will feature booths, displays and demonstrations.

    For more information, call (818) 756-8501.
    ---
    Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
    Click banner for details
    ACTION CALENDAR

    Election logoTuesday, Nov. 4, is presidential Election Day Remember to cast your ballot at your local polling precinct for national and state offices as well as local propositions. Details HERE.

    StarburstPre-Veterans Day program is planned for 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, at Lawrence Middle School, 10100 Variel Ave. Details, call Bruce Troe or Marylee Pena at (818) 678-7900.

    StarburstMore 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.

    StarburstThe 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 Olym
    pics.

    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.

    StarburstA Child Car Seat Safety Workshop is 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7006 Alabama Ave., Canoga Park.  RSVP with David Flores at [email protected] or call (818) 887-3877.  Eligible participants will get a free child car seat.

    StarburstPrepared for earthquakes, wildfires, floods and other disasters, at a safety fair, 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, at Fire Station 87, 10124 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills. Details, call (818) 756-8501.

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilMetro 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.

    MetroMetro 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, 21
    425 Cohasset St. Canoga Park.

    StarburstThe CanStruction Contest will be held 3:30-5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, in the Quad at Chatsworth High School, 10027 Lurline Ave. To participate or donate canned goods, RSVP by Nov. 19. Details, contact Amy Aviv at [email protected].

    StarburstMore than 30,000 kids from across the San Fernando Valley are expected for the first Children's Day celebration, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Woodley Park, Saturday, Nov. 22.  The park, between Victory and Burbank Blvds., Van Nuys, will feature Radio Disney, NBC's Fritz Coleman, David Beckham Soccer Academy, Laker Greats, L.A. Kings, Elmo, the voice of Bart Simpson, music, rides, sports and more.  Details, click HERE.

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilHoliday Toy Express arrives at the Chatsworth Depot, Sunday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. with a festive gathering beginning at 5 p.m.



    SantaThe Chatsworth Holiday Parade is scheduled to march down Devonshire Street beginning at 1 p.m., Sunday,  Dec. 14.


    StarburstLAPD Devonshire PALS are collecting new and unwrapped toys, games and books for underprivileged youth through Dec. 19.  Bring items to the Devonshire police station, 10250 Etiwanda Ave., Northridge.  Details, call Elizabeth Sandoval at (818) 772-1717 or Dan Slater at (818) 756-8270.

    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: ________________________________________
    While supplies last                                                                11.2.08