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Greetings!
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You Can Give Back
to Chatsworth
ONCE a year, the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council adds stakeholders as
voting members of each of our six committees. Two of the committees
will be doing that this week. Stakeholders must attend this week's committee
meeting to be eligible, although new members can be added later if not all seats are filled at this first meeting of
the board year.
The Outreach Committee meets 7 p.m. today at the Chatsworth Train Depot, 10038 Old Depot Plaza Road. Public Safety & Transportation meets
7 p.m. Wednesday at the Rockpointe Club House, 22300 Devonshire St. .
For descriptions of the committees and meeting times, click HERE. Questions can be sent to info@chatsworthcouncil.org. Stakeholder
members have full voting status and are expected to attend and
participate in the monthly committee meetings. Each committee has a
limited number of stakeholder seats that may be filled on a competitive
basis.
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council Bylaws require that all committees reconstitute at the
beginning of a new board year. The Nov. 1 Council election and
subsequent installation of new board members marked the start of the
2008-09 board year.
All stakeholders are always welcome and encouraged to attend committee
or board meetings. Every meeting includes time for stakeholders to
make public comments. ---
NOW you can read any of the previous Chatsworth Roundup newsletters online. Just click HERE for the archive.
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POINT-COUNTERPOINT
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Is There a Place
for 'Sober Living'?
Do so-called "Sober Living" halfway houses belong in residential neighborhoods? The debate rages: Thom Senzee: Give sober living a chance to thrive. Proposed
legislation to restrict the number of sober-living houses in Los
Angeles will result in fewer housing options for addicts and alcoholics
who have just completed rehab programs. View Full StoryGreig Smith: These unlicensed businesses are causing significant negative impacts on the quality of
life.We have been working on a citywide ordinance that would regulate these homes. In this response, a member of our
community underscores the need to regulate unlicensed group homes in
residential neighborhoods. View Full Story |
OFFER YOUR OPINION
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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.
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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: Enhancements.
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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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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Flooding, Mudslides Threaten
Area Below Sesnon Fire Zone
From the Office of Councilman Greig Smith
Heavy
rains have been forecast for the Los Angeles area
lasting through Thanksgiving weekend, bringing the possibility of
flooding and mudslides in the areas that recently experienced wildfires.
Winter rains
could cause floods, landslides, mudslides and erosion in neighborhoods
where the fires have burned away vegetation that normally holds runoff
water and stabilizes hillsides.
Sand and bags have been deployed to critical locations so that City crews can place
sandbags where needed to address flooding as quickly as possible.
Residents can get their
own sandbags for free if they wish to use then around their
driveways, yards and in front of doorways to protect their
own homes from water.
All Fire Stations
in the City of Los Angeles also have burlap bags and several have sand
that residents can pick up for free. Firefighters can offer
advice on how to properly use them.
The Department of
Transportation (LADOT) and Street Services have provided extra
K-railing to be strategically placed to divert mudslides and protect
homes.
The City has emergency crews on watch to respond quickly if flooding or mudslides become a problem.
General mangers of City Departments have beren notified to be on
alert during the approaching storm and be ready to take action if
needed.
For ongoing flood and emergency updates visit LA Fire Department website http://LAFD.org.
SAND & BAGS AVAILABLE FOR FREE:
Burlap bags used
to make sandbags are available at all Fire Stations. The LAFD website
has information on where to find all locations where free sand is
available, as well as instructions on properly using sandbags at http://lafd.blogspot.com/2008/11/lafd-provides-sandbags-for-homeowners.html.
SAND IS AVAILABLE AT THESE FIRE STATIONS
Fire Station 96
21800 Marilla St., (1 block south of Lassen, 1 block east of Topanga Cyn.) Chatsworth
FireStation 18
12050 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills
Fire Station 28
11641 Corbin Ave., Porter Ranch
Fire Station 87
10124 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills
SAND IS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS
Browns Canyon
At De Soto Ave. and the 118 Freeway, Chatsworth
Knollwood Country Club Parking Lot
12040 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills
The bridge at O'Melveny Park
17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills
POST-SESNON WILDFIRE TASK FORCE UPDATE: Immediately after
the Sesnon fire was brought under control, the District 12 Council Office brought together members
of City, County, State and Federal agencies and Neighborhood Councils
for a Post-Sesnon Wildfire Task Force Meeting to discuss potential
flooding and landslides in the burned areas.
The task force reported that:
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The LA Fire
Department has already used bulldozers to cut "water bars" or trenches
in the hills above O'Melveny Park in Granada Hills to divert runoff
water into areas with green vegetation and
prevent flooding. .
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County Flood
Control crews have cleared out all debris basins in the area to be
ready to divert debris in case of flooding and mudslides.
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The U.S. Geological
Survey has provided the most accurate and up-to-date maps
showing where hillsides may be weakened and pose potential landslide
threats.
- Street Services
and DOT are working together today to assess potential flood areas and
they will be strategically placing K-rails to protect homes from
possible flooding and mudslides.
The Council Office will continue to post updates from the Post-Sesnon Wildfire Taskforce at www.CD12.org.
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If you have an immediate, fire-related issue, contact the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council at info@chatsworthcouncil.org. Put the word "Fire" in the subject line.
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ALL ABOUT THE COUNCIL SYSTEM |
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RALPHS RECYCLING CLOSES
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Here's Where You Can Still RecycleThe recycling center at the Devonshire Street Ralphs market in Chatsworth closed Nov. 14. However, you can still recycle bottles and cans at: Vons Shopping Center,  20440 Devonshire St. Valley Recycling Center, 20220 Plummer St., 818-885-7318 Budget Recycling, 21250 Nordhoff St., 818-998-1700
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METRO HOLDS FINAL ORANGE LINE MEETINGS |
Typical ultra-modern platform at North Hollywood Station.
Plans for Lassen Street Bridge,
Bus Platform Canopies UnveiledBy Judith DanielsPresident, Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilThe last in a series of community meetings about the Orange Line extension to Chatsworth were held last week in Chatsworth and Canoga
Park. Nearly 100 stakeholders attended the two meetings, which
included question and answer periods.
In response to a question, Metro representatives said they planned to
build their ultra-modern Orange Line station canopies on the south side
of the Chatsworth Train Depot. The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council and
the Design Review Board that oversees the Devonshire-Topanga Specific
Plan believe the canopies would conflict with a city code that requires
all new structures on that portion of Devonshire to be Western or
Spanish Colonial architecture. Among the examples of those styles are
the Chatsworth Library and the train station. Representatives
of Metro showed the design for a 2,000-foot-long bridge that will bring
the articulated buses from the busway along Canoga Avenue just north of
Prairie Street into the station, crossing over Lassen Street. The
imprinted designs on the east and west sides of the bridge were inspired by the
distinctive contours of the mountain peaks to the west, according to
the architect.
 Because the bridge and a bus turnaround will consume much of the
parking on the south side of the train station, spaces will be shifted
and added on the north side, with a net gain of more than 100 spaces.
However, the parking lot will extend to 120 feet south of Devonshire,
leaving a small area for later development of community or retail
space. Metro representatives continue to say that they might build a
parking structure, although it would not be directly on Devonshire.
The landscaped bike and pedestrian path being built next to the
dedicated busway will separate south of Lassen Street where the bridge begins and continue at
street level, connecting with the existing bike path along the Browns
Creek wash. When completed, the bike path will run continuously from
north of the train depot to the terminus of the Orange Line in North
Hollywood.
If the Metro board votes to expedite the nearly $300 million
project, construction of the 4-mile extension from Warner Center could
begin in 2010. The project is expected to take 30 months to complete. Metro also plans to develop property it owns along Marilla Street west
of Owensmouth to park the large Orange Line buses when they are not in service.
The western portion of that property along Topanga Canyon Boulevard is now used
by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which provides police
services for Metro. If you have questions, please call the Project Hotline at 818-276-1289. For more details on the project visit metro.net/canoga. |
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FESTIVAL FOR KIDS
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Council Contributes to Children's Day
 Aja Campbell plays trumpet with the
Granada Hills Highlander Band during a parade at the Nov. 22 San
Fernando Valley Children's Day festival at Woodley Park in Encino. The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council provided the loud-speaker system for the festival stage. The day featured
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. [Daily News Photo / Evan Yee]
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FIRST-PERSON REPORT
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Ham Radio Links Olive View Medical Center to City During Sayre Wildfire
By Marty WollFormer Chatsworth Neighborhood Council presidentWhen I
set up a portable Amateur Radio ("ham") station at Olive View Medical
Center as part of the recent Great Southern California ShakeOut preparedness
exercise, I had no idea that I would be back there less than 48 hours
later under very different circumstances.  A ham radio operator
for more than 40 years, I am a volunteer with the Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES), a free nationwide disaster-communications resource provided
to the public by the American Radio Relay League.
Around 3 a.m.. on Saturday morning, I received an urgent telephone call that the County Department of Health
Services had lost contact with Olive View, located in Sylmar, just as
the flames from the Sayre fire were advancing on that facility.
Since I had not yet unpacked equipment from my car after the ShakeOut,
it was not long before I was on the road with radios, antennas, batteries
and cables, heading toward the hospital. As I approached Olive
View on surface streets, I ran into one roadblock after another.
I finally got out of the car, quickly donning goggles, a dust mask and
reflective vest, and walked over to the checkpoint. After
explaining why I had been dispatched to the hospital and showing my
credentials I was allowed to pass. I
arrived at Olive View but could
not park close to the building due to the long line of ambulances waiting
to transport patients to alternate facilities. I grabbed what
equipment I could carry, met up with another ARES member and made my
way into the main building. We were greeted by guards and a
metal detector; I smiled and told them we had plenty of equipment to
set off their detector and asked that we be allowed in.
After a look at our ID cards, the guards waved us through, and
they proceeded down smoky corridors to the command center. We
quickly established radio contact with another operator at the County
offices south of Downtown Los Angeles and gave him a status report. We two hams stayed until power and telephone service were restored,
at which time we were released.
On my way home, I checked in by radio
with the Los Angeles Fire Department's Auxiliary Communication Service,
with which I also volunteer. The net control operator asked me to stop by the evacuation center at Chatsworth High School. I arrived, met with the shelter manager, and stayed until early afternoon
just in case a communication problem among the shelters arose. All in all, it was a busy morning, but this is one
of the reasons Amateur Radio exists. I encourage other hams to
get the appropriate training and offer their services through ARES.
When day-to-day communication systems fail, Amateur Radio comes through,
and I don't see the need for our help going away any time soon. [Hams can raise Marty Woll at NV6I, and the rest of us can find him at http://n6vi.com/.]
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CHATSWORTH IN THE NEWS
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 Jim Federico stands outside the entrance to his Box Canyon home, where
he has lived for 18 years. He and his wife are weighing a move to
Arizona. [Ventura Star Photo / Rob Varela]
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| ACTION CALENDAR |
 The Chatsworth Holiday Parade is scheduled to march down Devonshire Street beginning at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14.
 LAPD 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.
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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 11.25.08 |
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