Council Meets 7 p.m.. Tonight, at Lawrence Middle School DETAILS BELOW
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
The Chatsworth Roundup
Breaking News from your Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
It's April Fools Day!                                                                             Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Valleywide Art Show
[Photo / Saul Daniels]
ALL FOR ART -- Taft High School Jazz Band performs at the 9th Annual Valleywide Student Art Show Sunday at the train depot. The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council was a festival co-sponsor.
In This Issue
  • Terrorism Response Training
    		•
  • When in Doubt, Dial It Out
    		•
  • Ready for Water Rationing?
    		•
  • Dealing With Foreclosure
    		•
  • You Can Recycle Locally
    		•
  • City Services
    		•
  • Celebrate 'Day of the Horse'
    		•
  • Unhitched Trailer Billboards
    		•
  • Confirm Your CERT Class
  • Citrus Sunday Is May 3
    		•
  • Postal Food Pick Up
    		•
  • Hike the Resevoir
    		•
  • Garden Festival Is April 26
    		•
  • Park Update
    		•
  • Chatsworth in the News
    		•
  • Action Calendar

    		•
    Greetings!

    During these challenging financial times, both for our stakeholders and for the City of Los Angeles, the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council watches every penny of our annual $50,000 in funding.

    The Council is make up of volunteers who are elected to act as your liaison to Councilman Greig Smith, the mayor and other city officials.

    We vote to spend as much of our allotment as possible for the betterment of Chatsworth by supporting an array of community organizations and activities.

    Here is just a partial sampling of the ways we have reached out during the six years since the Council's founding:

    -- Provided $20,000 to help buy property surrounding Stoney Point, a city historic landmark, to preserve as city parkland.

    -- Supported every public school within our boundaries with enrichment programs, computers and reading gardens for elementary schools.

    -- Sponsored CERT, CPR and first aid classes.

    -- Bought display cabinets for the Chatsworth Historical Society museum and storage cabinets for the Chatsworth library.

    -- Provided MLB-type stadium seating for the 2-time national championship Chatsworth High School boys' baseball team and an indoor electronic scoreboard for Chatsworth Park South.

    -- Helped sponsor a youth sports and recreation information fair.

    -- Sponsored the Day of the Horse celebration each year, as well as countless community clean-up events.

    -- Held an equestrian and pet chip-a-thon to help identify lost animals with microchips.

    -- Bought chairs for a senior-center exercise program, American flags for a VFW memorial, an electronic  speed sign on Mason Avenue and children's library books.

    -- Bought 2 wall-size, museum-quality original artworks of our historic landscape on display inside the Train Depot.

    -- Provided a water tank for Save Chatsworth which established a new park at the north end of Canoga Avenue, then informational kiosks and replacement fencing after the 2008 Sesnon fire damaged the area.

    -- Refurbished the library at a local boys' home, including new study carrels and computers.

    -- Bought refrigerators, a commercial-grade ice maker and GPS units for our fire stations, office chairs for LAPD detectives and helped refurbish the Devonshire Division LAPD gym.

    -- And we also proudly provided about 1,000 full meals for LAPD officers and other first-responders on duty in the 48 hours after the 2008 Metrolink crash.

    We send this electronic newsletter to about 1,500 stakeholders. In our "spare time," we conducted a "Be Safe, Be Seen" safety campaign with free nighttime flashers for pedestrians, equestrians and bicyclists. We attracted 400 entries this year for the children's safety poster contest in conjunction with the Day of the Horse. We enter a float in the Chatsworth Holiday Parade each year. We have an extremely active Land Use Committee and attend a multitude of Planning Commission hearings each year.

    Judith Daniels
    President
    Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
    DON'T FORGET

    Your Neighborhood Council Meets
    This Evening

    Join us at 7 p.m., at Lawrence Middle School, 10100 Variel Ave., for the meeting and light refreshments.

    There will be short presentations on:

    -- The LA Floodplain Management Plan, which allows stakeholders and business owners to buy  discounted flood insurance.

    -- And the LA Alternative Technologies project, which will help divert waste from landfills.

    Bring your questions and civic announcements.

    Join Our Mailing List!
    ALL ABOUT
    THE COUNCIL SYSTEM

    CNC Video
    Click image for VIDEO.
    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, 10100 Variel Ave.

  • 2nd Tuesday:
    •  Beautification.

  • New 2nd Wednesday:
    •  Equestrian.

  • New 3rd Tuesday:
    • Public Safety & Transportation.

  • 3rd Wednesday:
    •  Enhancements.

  • 3rd Thursday:
    • Land Use.

  • 4th Tuesday:
    • Outreach

    Check the CNC website for last-minute changes.
    BE PREPARED

    STAR

    Terrorism Response Exercise Planned

    The School Terrorism Awareness and Response Exercise on May 9 will be a combination of training and simulation geared to preparing for and responding to a terrorist takeover at a school.

    Participants will learn how to assist rather than impede
    critical efforts to protect their children in such situations. Stakeholders can then take back to their families and businesses what they have learned.

    Law enforcement and other agencies will be participating under the coordination of the FBI and its InfraGard program.  

    The exercise will take place 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
    El Rancho High School, 6501 S. Passons Blvd.,  Pico Rivera. 

    Online registration opens 
    Monday, April 6. Go to
    http://cawnps.org and click on the Event Registration icon. For more information email FBI Special Agent Regina Miles or call (310) 692-9802.
     
    STARTING APRIL 18

    When In Doubt,
    Dial It Out
    New phone numbers in the San Fernando Valley will have a "747" area code starting May 18.

    On April 18, all phone calls from within the "818" area code will require the caller to first dial
    "1 + area code," even when calling other "818" numbers.

    The new area code change will not affect the cost of a phone call.

    For questions or complaints about the area code change please call your phone service provider, or the Area Code Hotline at (866) 340-6147.

    DROUGHT BUSTERS

    Are You Ready for Water Rationing?
    How will city water rationing affect you? Join with our friends at the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council to learn the answer, 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 7 at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch.

    The speaker will be Nance Walker-Bonnelli, Utility Services Manager for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Customer Service Division. Ms. Walker-Bonnelli has more than 27 years with DWP and is responsible for field investigations, revenue security, Owens Valley customer service and the Water Conservation Team (formerly known as the Drought Busters).

    Come find out about how proposed DWP Water Rationing will affect you.
    HELP IS AVAILABLE

    Facing Foreclosure?
    Pick Up the Phone
    Need help with your mortgage? Call (888) 89-LA NHS, email counseling@lanhs.org or see http://www.lanhs.org/.

    County Offers Foreclosure Aid: The County's Department of Consumer Affairs is offering a variety of information and assistance for homeowners and property owners at risk of foreclosure, trying to refinance, or otherwise navigating through today's economic turbulence. 

    For more detailed information on the range of homeowner-related programs and services the department offers, visit the Homes page.

    Beware of Property-Tax Scams: Beware of firms charging a hefty fee to "assist" area homeowners in filing property assessment reduction forms. You can download them free, here: Change in Assessment form, and visit the County's Assessment Appeals page for full details on all aspects of property assessment, including proposed reductions. Property owners can also call toll-free (888) 807-2111 for assistance.

    Gas Co. Has Energy Aid: For information on the Gas Company's bill assistance programs, visit www.SocalGas.com/assistance, or call toll-free at (800) 427-2200. For energy saving tips, click HERE.
     
    KEEP IT GREEN

    Here's Where You Can Recycle Locally

    Vons Shopping Center,
    20440 Devonshire St.

    RecycleValley Recycling Center,
    20220 Plummer St.,
    818-885-7318

    Budget Recycling,
    21250 Nordhoff St.,
    818-998-1700
     
     Disaster Links


    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 toward 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:
    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

    211 logo

    311 logo
    SATURDAY, APRIL 18

    Chatsworth to Celebrate
    Annual 'Day of the Horse'
    A Free, Fun Day for the Whole Family

    DOTH     [Photo / Beverly Mills]
    Jamie Saylor takes a jump at last year's event.

    By Steve Columbus
    Chairman, Equestrian Committee

    Chatsworth Neighborhood Council's 6th Annual Day of the Horse is Saturday, April 18 -- a free, fun day for the whole family.

    The 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. festival at Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship, 21126 Chatsworth St., just east of Canoga Avenue, celebrates the equestrian lifestyle, Chatsworth's western heritage and the special services that Ride On provides to the disabled. In addition, prizes will be awarded to local students for best equine-safety posters (see story below). 

    Street parking, admission and lunch are free, although lunch donations are suggested.

    There will be demonstrations and vendor booths. This year the award-winning Blue Shadows Drill Team will be performing as well as the Valley Vaulters. There will be demonstrations of jumping and dressage. For the first time, HQ Troop Second Squadron 11th Cavalry Regiment will have an encampment on the property. They will also be performing some military maneuvers.
     
    Children will have a stick horse competition, always one of the cutest events. The children decorate their stick horses and then "ride." Some may even go over a small jump. Bring your camera for this one.

    Guinness, the world's largest horse at 23 hands, will be back again this year as well.

    There will be a demonstration by the Chatsworth High School Equestrian Team. Also see dressage by Gioia Lamendolathe, the Ride On Riders, horse chiropractic and gaited horses.

    Enjoy displays, food and exhibits, as well as the Disaster Animal Response Team and equestrian crafts.

    Ride On offers therapeutic horsemanship to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. They also have lessons for able-bodied siblings and the general public. The non-profit group was founded in 1994.
     
    For more information, check the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council website http://chatsworthcouncil.org. For information on Ride On, see http://www.rideon.org.
     
    For general information contact Steve Columbus at (818) 300-1469.

    ---------

    Overall winner
    Overall winner by John Francis of St. John Eudes School.

     400 Students Enter Artwork
    In Equestrian Poster Contest
    4th-Grader John Francis Is Top Winner

    By Mary Kaufman
    Equestrian Committee

    More than 400 works of art were entered in Ari's Safety Poster Contest this year, up by 100 over last year.

    This year the winning trophy returns to St. John Eudes School where overall winner is John Francis, a 4th grader. His artwork is truly outstanding, judges said. He wins prize money, a ribbon, and  gets his name engraved on the perpetual trophy which his school displays for one year.

    Last year, the trophy was won by Ashlee Macalino, who is also a student at St. John Eudes School. Ashlee said that she is going to put her prize money toward trip expenses when her school Trophychoir travels to New York to perform at Madison Square Garden.

    Schools with students participating included: Chatsworth Park Elementary School, Germain Street School, Chatsworth Hills Academy, St. John Eudes, Sierra Canyon School and Lawrence Middle School. This was the first year that Chatsworth Hills Academy joined the contest. They submitted some amazing watercolors, judges said.

    The posters were judged in three divisions: Kindergarten through second grade, third grade through fifth grade and the last division is the middle school division.

    A Special Artistic Award went to Kenneth Ferman of Lawrence Middle School.

    The Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Division had the following winners:

    1st place: Naomi Ogden, 1st grade, Sierra Canyon School.
    2nd place: Megan Lee, 2nd grade, Germain Street School.
    3rd place: Natalie Estrada, 1st grade, a Chatsworth stakeholder.
    Runner-up: Tanyer Lameh, Kindergarten, Chatsworth Park Elementary School.

    Third through 5th Grade Division had the following winners:

    1st place: Jacqueline Villanueva, 4th grade, Germain Street School.
    2nd place: Grant De Grasse, 5th grade, Chatsworth Park Elementary School.
    3rd place: Amanda Lee, 3rd grade, a Chatsworth stakeholder.
    Runner-up: Joyanne Tracy, 4th grade, Chatsworth Park Elementary School.

    The Middle School Division had the following students as winners:

    1st place: Sergio Maldonado, Lawrence Middle School.
    2nd place: Jacqueline Morris, St. John Eudes.
    3rd place: Monique Moe, Lawrence Middle School.
    Runner-up: Donally Maya, Lawrence Middle School.

    Honorable Mention:
    Alexandra Jakob, Sierra Canyon School 
    Ben Amiel, Sierra Canyon School
    Cameron Choi, Chatsworth Hills Academy
    Charlotte Harrison, Chatsworth Hills Academy
    Erin Valdez, Lawrence Middle School
    James Duran, Chatsworth Park Elementary School
    Kaylee Kasimian, Chatsworth Hills Academy
    Kruti Patel, Chatsworth Park Elementary School
    Matthew Boerner, Chatsworth Hills Academy
    Samantha Mejia, Lawrence Middle School
    Shylah Bucher, 1st Grade, Sierra Canyon School
    Stephanie Maldonado, Lawrence Middle School 

    The judges said it was difficult to decide which entries were the best. From a judging standpoint, they looked at the message the poster was trying to convey as well as the art work. Judging was performed by the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council Equestrian committee and guests.

    The winning posters will be on display at the 6th Annual Chatsworth Day of the Horse.

    Sponsors of the Ari Student Poster Contest include:   Councilman Greig Smith, Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Andy Dack, Sierra Canyon School, Jennifer Hughes of Peppertree Ranch, ETI Corral 54, Paula Weiser, Nat's West Inc., Marcella Gardner, Laminate It! and Sybil Adler.

    SIGNS OF THE TIMES

    Unhitched Trailers
    [Photo / Saul Daniels]  
    PARKED -- Advertisements mounted on unhitched trailers line Devonshire Street and other throughfares in Chatsworth. The wheeled billboards are considered vehicles under the traffic laws enabling them to be parked along the curb. They must, however, be moved every 72 hours -- even a few feet -- to stay within the law.

    EMAIL PROBLEMS

    Did You Get a CERT Class Confirmation?
    You May Have to Register Again

    There seems to have been an Internet glitch in some of reservations to attend the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council's free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class.

    If you made an email reservation to attend, but did NOTreceive a CERTconfirmation, please telephone the Council's Voicemail at (818) 464-3511 and leave your name, email address and telephone number.

    There are only a few seats left, so a waiting list may be necessary. The Council wants to encourage everyone to learn how to help themselves, their loved ones, neighbors or co-workers in the event of a disaster. 

    The 17.5-hour CERT course is taught by instructors from LA City Fire Department.  The course will introduce up to 90 participants to earthquake preparedness, fire suppression, first aid, triage and basic search and rescue techniques that include hands-on practice. The Council has previously offered CERT, CPR and First Aid classes.

    The CERT course is normally seven sessions.  However, this class will be offered on six Monday evenings, May 4, May 11, May 18, June 1, June 8 and June 15, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Chatsworth Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, 21500 Lassen St., just south of the Chatsworth Train Depot. There will be no class on Memorial Day. Participants can make arrangements to attend makeup classes at another location if they miss any in Chatsworth.

    To register, email cert@chatsworthcouncil.org or call (818) 464-3511. Leave your name, phone number and email address. Registration will be on a first-registered-first-served basis. 

    FEED THE HUNGRY ON MAY 3
     
    Citrus Sunday to Yield Harvest of Plenty

    The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council is joining with other community groups for Councilman Greig Smith's 4th Annual Citrus Sunday, May 3.

    Help the hungry when you pick extra citrus from Citrus Sundaytrees in your yard. Put the washed fruit in plastic bags. Drop it off at either Chatsworth Fire Station between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fruit will be donated to area food banks. Station 107 is at 20225 Devonshire St.  Station 96 is at 21800 Marilla St.

    If you have fruit trees but are unable to pick, call (818) 756-8501 for assistance.

    Volunteers from the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council will be on hand to assist stakeholders arriving to drop off fruit. Northridge East, Northridge West, Granada Hills North, Granada Hills South, and West Hills Neighborhood Councils as well as the San Fernando Valley Jaycees have agreed to "adopt" Fire Stations that will serve as fruit drop-off locations.

    For more information, see www.CD12.org or call (818) 756-8501.
    DONATE ON MAY 9

    Postal Carriers Will Pick Up Food Parcels

    By Pamela M. Olkiewicz
    United States Postal Service, Chatsworth

    Every year, the United States Postal Service puts on their Food Drive in  May. This year that will be Saturday, May 9th.

    The food that is gathered is distributed to area food banks, helping those in our own community. All you need do is put non-perishable food in a bag and leave it by your mailbox. The carriers will pick it up when they deliver the mail.

    This year it is particularly important because of the state of the economy. I understand there are a lot of people out there who are struggling to make ends meet, but there are also a lot of people who can't even afford to eat. I encourage any and all support on your part.

    CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

    Hike Chatsworth Reservoir on April 5

    The Chatsworth Nature Preserve and Reservoir is open to the Earthdaypublic one day a year. This year you can visit 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 5. It's a free family event.

    Hikes will be led by Audubon or other groups, according to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.  There will be  Chumash story telling at the Ceremonial Circle, guided nature hikes around the lake to view the more than 200 bird species, and a host of plants and animals.

    Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket or small folding chairs, and wear your hiking boots.  Be prepared to carry out all of your trash.
     
    Finding the Chatsworth Nature Preserve: Go west about one-half mile on Plummer Street from Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The gate is on the south side of the street, parking is along the road outside of the gate. Map.
    VISIT THE HOMESTEAD ACRE

    Raise Your Pinky Finger
    for High Tea at the Garden Festival

    Mark your calendar for the Chatsworth Historical Society's Annual Garden Festival on Sunday, April 26.

    A highlight of the day is the Garden FestivalDuchess of  Devonshire's High Tea served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the beautiful gardens at the Homestead Acre, Chatsworth Park South, 10385 Shadow Oak

    There will be arts and crafts, gardening, food booths, demonstrations, the Polynesian Dance Revue, a quilting display and more. Proceeds benefit the Chatsworth Historical Society. $4 donation requested. High tea is $7.

    Free parking is available at the Chatsworth Train Depot and there will be free shuttle buses to the festival from 11 a.m. to 4 pm. The Homestead Acre is located within Chatsworth Park South at the end of Devonshire Street, west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The rest of the park remains closed.      

    For more information call (818) 882-5614.
    CHATSWORTH PARK SOUTH UPDATE

    Funds Found to Map Park for Cleanup

    More than a year after Chatsworth Park South was closed because of lead traces found in the soil, city officials told the Daily News that funding has been secured to map out the areas that need to be cleaned.

    The popular San Fernando Valley park closed last year on Valentine's Day and has remained shut after state toxics regulators warned of a positive test for lead. The park used to be the site of a skeet range.

    Meanwhile, the deteriorated recreation center gym floor has been replaced.  The $100,000 repair was funded through Proposition K indebtedness, said Megan Cottier, field deputy for Councilman Greig Smith.

    Now the 80-acre park must undergo a "characterization study," to be approved by the state Department of Toxic Substances Control, before cleanup begins, the Daily News reported.

    "The challenge has been funding," said city Recreation and Parks spokeswoman Jane Kolb.

    The city was able to secure $250,000 to begin the characterization study. More money will have to be secured to clean up the park.

    There is still no target date for reopening the gym and the park, Cottier said. Elsewhere, portions of Mason Park are scheduled to close this month to replace the sprinkler system.
    CHATSWORTH IN THE NEWS

    Girls Basketball
    [John McCoy / Daily News]
    WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS -- Chatsworth High defeated the Taft girls basketball team in the CIF Los Angeles City Section Championship game recently played at the Galen Center at USC. Chatsworth #42 Shelbie Wooton, #3 Jasmine Wooton and #20 Destinee Sellers hoist the championship trophy.

    ACTION CALENDAR

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilChatsworth Farmer's Market
    Every Saturday. 4-8 p.m., St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, 20121 Devonshire St. Farmer's Market features pony rides, petting zoo, jumpers, hot food, sweets, live entertainment, and fresh vegetables and fruit.

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilVisit Chatsworth Reservoir
    This unspoiled preserve is open to the public one day a year. Visit on Sunday, April 5 for docent-led tours. See native plants and various species of birds which inhabit the area. Picnic under 500-year-old oak trees and hear the history of the decommissioned reservoir. Take blankets to sit on, food and water to snack on. Sun-block is recommended. Be aware that refuse must be packed out so that the area is protected. For entry, head southeast from the intersection of Woolsey Canyon Road and Valley Circle Boulevard. Map    .

    Pointing fingerTerrorism Preparedness
    Online registration opens Monday, April 6. Go to
    http://cawnps.org and click on the Event Registration icon. For more information email FBI Special Agent Regina Miles or call (310) 692-9802. The exercise will take place 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at El Rancho High School, 6501 S. Passons Blvd.,  Pico Rivera. 

    Pointing fingerWater Rationing
    How will city water rationing affect you? Join with our friends at the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council to learn the answer, 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 7 at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch.

    Pointing fingerFeel Taxed? See a Free Family Movie
    Forget your tax troubles and take time off to laugh with the classic comedy "Ma and Pa Kettle," 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, 20121 Devonshire St. Details, (818) 360-7460

    Pointing finger    Tip-A-Cop
    Gratuities from dinner at the Claim Jumper Restaurant in Northridge, 5 - 9 p.m.,     Thursday, April 16, will benefit the Special Olympics. Local police officers will wait tables. 9429 Tampa Ave. Details: Call David Bush  (818) 599-3538 or email R2493@earthlink.net.

    Day of the HorseDay of the Horse
    The 6th Annual Day of the Horse celebration sponsored by the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship, 21126 Chatsworth St. Admission is free. Click HERE for details.

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilValley Youth Olympics
    The Valley Korean American Parents Association's 12th Annual Valley Youth Olympics will be 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Chatsworth High School, 10027 Lurline Ave. Details, email Jenny Park at jennyseopark@hotmail.com or call (818) 632-3979.

    Pointing fingerGiant Book Sale
    10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 18. Sponsored by Friends of the Chatsworth Library. Hardcovers $1, paperbacks 50-cents, children's books 3 for $1. 21052 Devonshire St.

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilNew Dialing Rules
    St    arting on Saturday, April 18, all phone calls from within the "818" area code will require the caller to first dial "1 + area code," even when calling other "818" numbers. Details, call the Area Code Hotline at (866) 340-6147.

    Pointing fingerProperty Assessment Seminar
    The County Assessor's office will offer a seminar in Van Nuys at the Bernardi Senior Center, 6514 Sylmar Ave., Wednesday, April 22, 2 p.m. Parking is free, entrance on Hamlin Street. Click HERE for more details or call (213) 974-4240.

    Pointing fingerNeighborhood Watch
    The next meeting is 7 p.m., Thursday, April 23, at St. John Eudes Church, 9901 Mason Ave.

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilEarth Day Cleanup in Chatsworth
    Volunteers meet 9 a.m., Saturday, April 25, at Chatsworth Park North.  Projects include a graffiti paint-out, sandbox sifting and trash pick-up.

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilGarden Festival at the Historic Acre
    11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, April 26 at the entrance to Chatsworth Park South, west end of Devonshire Street. Parking is limited, so plan to use the free shuttle service from the Chatsworth Train Depot -- every 15 minutes. $4 donation requested. Children $1. Under 5 free. High Tea $7. Details, (818) 882-5614.

    Pointing fingerDisaster Preparedness, Crime Prevention Expo
    There will be a wide range of booths and demonstrations with information on home and business crime prevention, emergency preparedness, auto theft prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, child safety, identity theft prevention and more, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, Magnolia Walk, CSUN campus, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Dodger Dogs will be on sale for $5. Details, call Kit Espinosa at (818) 677-5816 or email Kit.Espinosa@csun.edu.

    Pointing fingerCitrus Sunday
    Pick the extra citrus from trees in your yard  Sunday, May 3. Put the washed fruit in plastic bags. Drop it off at a Chatsworth fire stations between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Station 107 is at 20225 Devonshire St.  Station 96 is at 21800 Marilla St. Fruit will be donated to area food banks. Details, www.CD12.org or call (818) 756-8501.

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilPostal Service Food Drive
    Bag non-perishable food donations Saturday, May 9, for pick-up by your postal carrier.  Donations will be delivered to area food banks.

    Pointing fingerElectronics Waste Pick Up
    Drop off used eletronic devices such as computers, TVs, c    ellphones or anything with a microchip in it so that it can be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, May 9, at Beckford Avenue School, 19130 Tulsa St., Northridge. The Northridge West Neighborhood Council will also provide free, confidential document shredding, a great way to protect against identity theft. Details, call Beckford Avenue School, (818) 360-1924.

    Chatsworth Neighborhood CouncilSOLID Pancake Breakfast
    Enjoy delicious, home-made pancakes by our local police officers 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 16.  Proceeds benefit SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire), a non-profit group that provides non city-supplied equipment for the police officers at Devonshire Division. Devonshire Community Police Station, 10250 Etiwanda Ave., Northridge. Details, www.soliddev.org.

    Pointing fingerLAPD Safety Fair and Car Show
    Come check out the classic cars, hot rods, race cars and custom choppers, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Saturday, May 30, at Petit Park, 16730 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills . There will be police helicopter flyovers, skydivers, booths and demonstrations. See LAPD bomb squad vehicles, mounted police units, LAPD helicopters and more. There will be live music, prize drawings, a pancake breakfast and BBQ lunch. Admission is free. Details, call Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8146 or (818) 644-8142
    • Submit an event HERE.
    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                                                                4.1.09