Neighborhoods of CD12
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City Hall Office
200 N. Spring St., Room 405
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 473-7012
Fax: (213) 473-6925
Email:
Councilmember.Englander@
Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Phone: (818) 882-1212
Fax: (818) 701-5254
What's New in CD 12
A Note from Councilmember Mitchell Englander on the L.A. City Budget Hearings...
On April 27, the City Council Budget and Finance Committee began its hearings on the City's 2012/2013 Budget. Every year, the Mayor proposes the Budget, which is the annual overarching spending plan for the City. The Budget and Finance Committee examines every dollar and every item in the proposed budget and develops recommendations for the City Council to vote on. To see the Mayor’s proposed Bugdet, schedule of hearings, and other Budget related information, click here. The power to approve, reject and amend the Budget is one of the City Council's largest and most important functions, and has an impact on everything that the City does. The City Charter deadline for the City Council to adopt a budget is June 1. As Vice Chair of the City Council's Budget and Finance Committee, I am deeply committed to ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of the City. As your Councilmember, my top budget priority remains preserving the core City services that our communities demand and deserve: public safety, City infrastructure, streets and sidewalks, sanitation, and planning. - Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District.
To read more, click here.
Save the Date for the Valley Family Festival...
Get ready for a day of family-friendly fun in the park at the Valley Family Festival and Movies Under the Stars, coming up on Saturday, June 2 at Northridge Park.
We are proud to host this event in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Northridge and L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks. There will be live music and dance performances, vendor booths, food, games, and a free outdoor screening of the animated family film Puss in Boots.
Saturday, June 2, 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Northridge Park. 18300 Lemarsh St., Northridge
Call for Performers and Booth Sponsorship for the Valley Family Festival...
You can be part of making our Valley Family Festival happen! We are seeking musical, dance and other performances by talented community members for this wonderful family event.
If you are a community member, cultural organization or school group and would like to preform on stage at the Valley Family Festival, please contact Semee Park at semee.park@lacity.org or (818) 882-1212.
We are also offering opportunities for local businesses, non-profit organizations and other community groups to help support this great event and be part of the celebration. For information on booths, sponsoring, or donating to the event, please contact Megan Cottier at
megan.cottier@lacity.org
or (818) 882-1212. Click here for the sponsorship and booth forms.
Safeguarding Our Public Safety Infrastructure...
We introduced a motion on Wednesday, April 18 requesting that the General Services Department, Information Technology Agency, and the Los Angeles Police Department report on the status of the Valley Communications Dispatch Center (VCDC), efforts that are underway to bring it back online, and a detailed work plan for its restoration to service.
The VCDC and the Metropolitan Communications Dispatch Center (MCDC) at Mt. Lee are the two 911 Dispatch Centers in the City. Having two Dispatch Centers provides a back-up system so that our public safety and emergency response systems will be operating at all times. This is crucial to protecting the public safety of the citizens of Los Angeles.
On April 3, the entire citywide Police dispatch system was shut down for 12 hours when General Services Department (GSD) conducted a power test that shut down the MCDC system. This occurred while the VCDC had been out of operation due to electrical problems for nearly a week. All 911 calls at the time were being handled by the MCDC, and when it also went offline, it left the City completely without its dispatch capabilities.
GSD knew that Valley Communications Dispatch Center was not functioning, and did not check in with the Police Department before it conducted its test on Mt. Lee. Thanks to the excellent capability of our Police Department, all 911 calls were still answered and handled, and fortunately, no large-scale emergencies took place that day. However, it did leave the public and officers in the field vulnerable to unacceptable risks because dispatchers no longer had the ability to directly communicate with officers.
The Valley Communications Dispatch Center is still off line. Not having a system of redundancy puts the people of Los Angeles and our public safety personnel in serious jeopardy. Those that are responsible for maintaining this system need to be held accountable.
To see the motion, visit
http://tiny.cc/yye1cw.
Protecting Our Street Infrastructure...
On Wednesday, April 18, the City Council approved our motion to ensure that street repairs done by outside contractors are up to the City's quality standards. The City issues over 10,000 permits for utility installation and repairs, many of which are done by contractors on public right-of-way. This often requires removing then repaving large sections of City streets. Although contractors are required to obtain permits and have inspections of the work to ensure traffic safety and quality control, it rarely happens.
It has become an epidemic to see extremely shoddy re-surfacing work after a contractor has finished a job, and with no inspections and no permits, there is no one to hold accountable and the City is left with the cost of re-doing the shoddy work. Our motion calls for implementing bonding and insurance requirements for contractors and sub-contractors (but not City agencies), as has been done successfully to address similar problems with sewer construction work. We would also want to implement a prohibition on contractors who violate the policy from working on City streets for up to three years. The Bureau of Engineering is to report back with recommendations on how to implement the measures.
To see the motion, visit http://tiny.cc/hoa1cw.
FIRESTAT-LA Approved by City Council...
On Tuesday, April 17, City Council approved our motion to begin implementation of FIRESTAT-LA, a new system modeled after the LAPD’s highly successful COMPSTAT. FIRESTAT-LA will enable us to use today’s leading-edge technology and innovative management techniques to make the best Fire Department in the country even better.
Since 2002, LAPD has applied technology and management accountability to address crime. COMPSTAT is founded on the principles of accurate and timely intelligence clearly communicated to all, rapid concentrated deployment of resources using the most effective strategies, and relentless follow-up and assessment, to constantly find efficiencies and make improvements. This system has proven highly effective in New York, Washington D.C. and has helped reduce crime rates in Los Angeles to their lowest levels in decades.
Near real-time data collection and mapping of incidents would be key components of FIRESTAT-LA, as well as frequent meetings to open more dialogue between all levels of the Fire Department. Under Chief Brian Cummings’ outstanding leadership the Fire Department has already made great strides in incorporating technology to improve deployment and operational efficiency. FIRESTAT-LA will take this to the next level. The motion requests that the Fire Department report to the Public Safety Committee in 60 days on the capabilities of the technology platforms currently being used by the LAFD, an analysis of the solutions that would be necessary to meet the operational objectives of the Department in the context of “FIRESTAT-LA,” an operational plan for frequent management meetings and a timeline for implementation.
To see the motion visit
http://tiny.cc/gxc1cw.
Motion - Lowest-Prices for Purchasing City Supplies
Councilmember Mitchell Englander introduced a motion on Tuesday, April 3 calling for new policies to enable the City to get the lowest prices for the hundreds of millions of dollars worth of materials and supplies the City purchases every year, in order to save taxpayer money. "We need to do what every family in Los Angeles does when money is tight – find savings, eliminate wasteful spending, and shop for the best prices,” said Councilmember Englander, who serves as Vice Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee.
The motion directs the City Administrative Officer (CAO) and Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA) in consultation with the General Services Department (GSD) to report to the Council with recommended procedures for all new procurement contracts that would allow departments to shop for lower commodity pricing; negotiate with suppliers on new pricing; and purchase from a lower-cost supplier if the contracted supplier fails to meet or beat the lower price. The motion also asks GSD to contact the City’s current contractors and ask them to voluntarily comply with a lower commodity pricing policy. It also would require all current contracts be extended only if the vendor agrees to offer a lower pricing policy. Click here to see the press release. Click here to see the motion.
Working To Bring Leading Edge Technology to the Fire Department...
Councilmember Englander introduced a motion last week requesting that the Fire Department (LAFD) report on the possibility of implementing AVL, or Automatic Vehicle Location technology (similar to GPS) for all fire and emergency vehicles. This would include an assessment of the system's costs, how the system would be overseen and managed by Fire personnel, and how the system would be used to enhance emergency operations. The LAFD is working to modernize its operations, which is increasingly important with the transition to a new citywide deployment plan. AVL technology uses GPS to transmit locations in real time to a centralized monitoring center. The benefits include ensuring that the closest available Fire Department vehicle is always sent to an emergency. A comprehensive AVL system would enable the Department to track the location of every vehicle in the field, whether it is at a fire station or on the road. This would help maximize the use our existing emergency response people and vehicles. Click here to see the motion .
Performance-Based Budgeting: Improving the Way the City Manages its Money...
The City Council approved my motion to implement Performance-Based Budgeting to improve the way the City manages its budget, on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. I introduced the motion on Dec. 2, 2011. Performance-Based Budgeting is already practiced in cities including Dallas, Austin and San Jose. It is a way of incorporating strategic planning into the creation of performance metrics that can determine the effectiveness of government services. It’s time to change the way the City budgets nearly $7 billion and provide strategic, goal-oriented priorities that are transparent and measurable. The City's current practice is to base each department's budget for the new year on their budget from the previous year, not on what the department needs and how well it performs its functions. Performance-Based Budgeting can create efficiencies, reduce duplicative functions and hold General Managers accountable for measurable outcomes. It will constantly measure and evaluate the performance of our City departments and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of our services and our General Managers. Performance-Based Budgeting will be phased in with the Planning Department and the Bureau of Street Lighting in the 2012-13 Budget. The City Administrative Office will report back on performance-based budgeting during the budget process this spring. To see the motion and the Budget & Finance Committee report, click here.
- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District
Off-Site Budget & Finance Committee Meeting...
The City Council's Budget & Finance Committee is holding one of its regular off-site meetings in the San Fernando Valley on Wednesday, March 28. Councilmember Englander is Vice Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee. Wednesday, March 28, 6:00 pm at Van Nuys City Hall, 14410 Sylvan St., Van Nuys.
At the meeting, there will be an update on the City's financial situation from the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA) and the City Administrative Officer (CAO).
Banning Mobile Billboard Blight in L.A...
The City Council unanimously approved amendments to the City's ordinance prohibiting mobile billboard advertising displays in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 7.
The restriction applies whether they are standing alone or attached to a motor vehicle, on any Los Angeles City street. Once a 24-hour advance warning citation has been issued to a first-time offender, we will be able to impound the ad trailers that have blighted our streets.
I have worked for nearly 9 years on this legislation, in close cooperation with City Attorney Michael Nagle and Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield, on the City Council and as Chief of Staff to the previous Councilmember.
To see more photos,
visit our photo galleries.
Assemblymember Blumenfield's state bill AB 1298 cleared a path so the City of Los Angeles could create regulatory tools to address this as a traffic safey and public safety issue. Mobile billboard advertising displays are a visual blight, pose significant safety hazards for motorists, reduce available on-street parking and impair the visibility of pedestrians and drivers. In order to address the proliferation of this blight and safety hazard, the State gave cities the authority to regulate advertising on non-motorized vehicles.
Unfortunately, mobile billboard operators constantly found and exploited loopholes in the law and began attaching billboards to sleds, bicycles and inoperable vehicles, and moving them a few inches at a time to avoid the 72-hour parking restriction. The state legislation also gave us the authority to establish a minimum distance a vehicle must be moved after 72 hours.
- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District
Statement on the Change in LAPD's Impound Policy...
I oppose and have always opposed the change to the LAPD's impound policy regarding unlicensed drivers. I believe it is a matter of public safety that unlicensed, untrained and uninsured drivers should not be encouraged to break the law by lessening the consequences for doing so. That said, the LAPD is governed by a Citizen's Commission, that voted 4-1 on Tuesday, Feb. 28, in favor of the change to the impound policy.
I still believe that there are questions as to the legality of these changes. I have raised those questions on the record with our City Attorney, based on the State Office of Legislative Council's concerns and others. Additionally, District Attorney, Steve Cooley issued a letter to Chief Charlie Beck about the impound policy change stating: "...such policies are contrary to State law and likely would create risks both to public safety and to public treasuries." I agree and eagerly await the City Attorney’s response to more than twenty critical legal questions that I addressed to him in the Public Safety Committee last week in addition to the single question raised by the Police Commission.
- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District.
A Year of Emergency Preparedness...
January 17 is the 18th anniversary of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, so it was a great opportunity to kick off our Year of Emergency Preparedness in Los Angeles. As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, my top priority is working to protect public safety in Los Angeles.
Throughout 2012, we will be working on legislation, programs and public awareness efforts to help the residents of Los Angeles be better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. Los Angeles, and in particular the San Fernando Valley, has always been the epicenter of major emergencies, including earthquakes, seasonal wildfires, floods and wind events. Even a large-scale power outage could be a disaster if residents are not prepared.
Weekly Additions to the Preparedness Checklist
Every week during our Year of Emergency Preparedness, we will feature in our newsletter a new item or step for our Emergency Preparedness Checklist. These are simple steps that everyone in Los Angeles should take in order to be prepared for any disaster. If you follow each item on this checklist, you will be highly prepared at the end of the year.
Week 12: Get CPR Training
If an earthquake or other major disaster strikes, we must be prepared for the possibility that emergency responders will not be able to reach everyone immediately. Roads can be destroyed or blocked, and emergency resources will be responding to the largest and most urgent incidents first.
Getting trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid could save the lives of your family members or neighbors. Take an American Red Cross first aid and CPR training course, and find out who in your neighborhood is also trained in first aid and CPR so that if disaster strikes, you can be ready to be self-sufficient until help arrives. To find where Red Cross classes are offered near you,
click here.
To see our printable Emergency Preparedness
Checklist,with every week's entry
NO Vote on DWP's Proposed Water Quality Factor Increases...
On Wednesday, Feb. 1, I voted NO on the Department of Water and Power's (DWP) proposed water quality factor increases. The vote for the "emergency" increase came only two days after the independent Rate Payer Advocate was appointed by the Council, leaving no opportunity for him to review the proposed increase first. According to DWP, the increase was needed to maintain the City's water supply and comply with federal environmental standards. Voters approved creating a Rate Payer Advocate and Office of public Accountability last year in order to scrutinize proposed increases before they come to the Council. I will not support any proposed increase that has not first been examined and approved by the Rate Payer Advocate. The Rate Payer Advocate is a positive step toward increasing the DWP's transparency and accountability as the citizens have demanded, and we must let him do the work that the position was created to do.
- Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District
Last Marijuana Store in District 12 Closed Down in Police Raid...
As an LAPD Reserve Officer, and Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I was proud to be on hand as a team of Devonshire Division Narcotics Enforcement Officers shut down the last remaining storefront marijuana business operating in the Northwest Valley in a raid on Monday, Jan. 30.
"Herbal Medicine Care" on Topanga Canyon Blvd. near Devonshire St., made over $600,000 in profit last year, and was the last of 60 pot shops that were once operating in the Devonshire Division area, according to the LAPD. The Devonshire Police conducted an extensive investigation of the business. During the raid, the Police arrested three people and seized over 50 lbs. of marijuana ready for sale, 156 plants, extensive equipment for the growing and processing of marijuana, and thousands of dollars in cash. To see more photos, visit our photo gallery.
When California voters approved the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, the intention was for dispensaries to operate as non-profit collectives that would help sick patients share resources and access to medical marijuana. What we have seen in Los Angeles is an out-of-control explosion of storefront marijuana stores where recreational drug users can get marijuana prescriptions for anything from headaches to insomnia.
The storefront pot shops have become a nuisance that attract crime to our neighborhoods. At one point, there were more pot shops in L.A. than Starbucks stores, with over 200 in the Valley alone. Since 2008, Police conducting raids of illegal marijuana businesses have made over 74 arrests citywide, and seized over $2 million in cash, assault weapons, 9 kilos of cocaine, and large amounts of other illegal drugs. - Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District
Honoring Amazing Athletic Achievements by Granada Hills Students...
We were proud to honor the girls volleyball, golf and tennis teams of Granada Hills Charter High School on Friday, Jan. 27 in City Council in recognition of several city championship wins. Each team won their league and City Section Championships, several of them for multiple years in a row. Granada Hills is the largest charter high school in America. They consistently rank at the top of the region in academics, and also in sports. Congratulations to the volleyball team: Amanda Abesamis, Sonia Aghoyan, Rose Atarodi, Alyssa Blackman, Samantha Cramer, Kendall Dunmore, Caitlin Eelum, Julia Erickson, Alice Kang, Emma Levanen, Paige McFerren, Hannah Patton, Emma Romack, Lauren Romestant, Claire Simon and Cheyanne Valentine and Coach Tom Harp. Congratulations to the golf team: Coach Steve Thompson, and team members Jordan Adachi, Sharon Chee, Connie Kim, Alia Lee, Melissa Metzelar, Megan Tiny, and Julia Yoon. Congratulations to the tennis team: Sarah Nuno, Samantha Nuno, Analyssa Tallas, Cassandra Fisbeck, and Meena Jana-krabu-anhad, and Dianne Sarmiento, and Coach Simon Robertshaw and Assistant Coach Jon Bent. To see more photos, click here to visit our photo galleries.
Restricting Pot Shops in L.A...
Councilmember Englander, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, seconded a motion to enact a City ordinance that would repeal the current Medical Marijuana ordinance, and temporarily ban storefront marijuana businesses. The ban would be in place until the California Supreme Court clarifies the extent to which local governments can regulate marijuana facilities. On Friday, Jan. 13, the motion was approved by the Public Safety Committee The next steps are for this legislation to be vetted by the Central Planning Commission, as well as the full City Council.
The City's experiment with medical marijuana stores has failed and the ordinance is unmanageable. Although California voters approved medical marijuana, it remains illegal under federal law, and on the local level our neighborhoods have continued to suffer the negative impacts of storefront marijuana businesses. To see the motion, click here.
Hundreds Voice Their Opposition to End of 30-Day Impound Policy at Police Commission Meeting in Northridge...
Nearly 400 community members came to the public Police Commission Meeting at St. Nicholas Church in Northridge and spoke out in strong opposition to the LAPD's proposal to end the 30-day impound policy. Ending the policy of impounding the cars of people caught driving without a driver's license will make us all less safe on the roads. If a driver has no driver's license, it means that they have not learned about and passed tests on traffic laws and safe driving. It also means that they are uninsured, which is required under California law. The threat of having your car impounded for 30 days is an effective deterrent. The decision to end it has broad implications for the safety of the public, and as such, it should be heard publicly by the Public Safety Committee and the City Council.
To read the article in ChatsworthPatch.com about the meeting, click here . To see more photos from the meeting, visit the photo gallery page on our website .
Working to Help L.A. Businesses Thrive...
Councilmember Mitchell Englander was the guest speaker at the San Fernando Valley Green Team's Brokers and Bankers Forum event about Green Buildings on Jan. 12, 2012 at Corporate Pointe in West Hills. The event covered the ways that energy efficiency retrofits can lower costs, enhance property values, and improve marketability, as well as
the newest and most financially viable green building programs and incentives being offered through the City of Los Angeles. To see more photos from the event, click here.
Councilmember Englander, who is the strongest pro-business voice on the City Council, emphasized the importance of working to help L.A.-based companies thrive, create jobs and boost our local economy. He also discussed the many benefits for businesses operating in the State Enterprise Zone, which we have in our District in the Chatsworth/Northridge Industrial Zone.
The event packed the conference room at Corporate Pointe, the only LEED Gold Certified building in the San Fernando Valley. The partners on the event were the San Fernando Valley Green Team, The Valley Economic Alliance.
Speakers and panelists included David Hodgins, President, Sustento Group Los Angeles Commercial Building Performance Program; Renee Watkinson, Vice President Property Management, CBRE; and Derek Brown, Managing Director, Clean Fund.
The San Fernando Valley Green Team is an independent working group of business, academic, legal, regulatory, financial, marketing, and government experts and community leaders serving businesses, academic institutions, non-profits and community groups in the Valley. To learn more about their work, visit www.valleygreenteam.org.
Police Commission Meeting in Northridge...
Join the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, Councilmember Mitchell Englander, and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck on January 17, 2012 for a community meeting in Northridge to discuss public safety issues in the Devonshire Area and the City of Los Angeles.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 6:30 pm
St. Nicholas Greek Church. 9501 Balboa Blvd. (at Plummer St.), Northridge
Under the City Charter, the Board of Police Commissioners is the head of the Police Department. Established in the 1920's, the Board consists of five civilian volunteer Commissioners who set overall policy while the Chief of Police manages the daily operations of the Department and implements the Board’s policies or policy direction and goals.
Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices and other auxiliary aids and/or services are available upon request. To ensure availability, all requests for reasonable accommodation must be made at least three business days (72 hours) in advance.
For more information, please call (213) 236-1400.
New Recruits Wanted for the West Valley LAPD Cadet Program...
The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking new recruits between 13 and 20 years old to join its free Cadet Law Enforcement Program.
The program offers young people the chance to participate in real-world Police activities with the LAPD Officers, the nation’s most highly trained Police. It helps foster positive relationships between the Police and the community, builds sharp minds and physical fitness, and helps young people develop leadership, confidence and a sense of civic participation and public service. It also helps young people find out if a career in law enforcement is right for them.
Candidates must maintain at least a “C” average in all school work through the twelfth grade; have no criminal record; obtain a written recommendation; undergo a medical examination; and attend and graduate from the Cadet Academy. To learn more or to sign up, call (818) 374-7690 or visit
www.LAPDcadets.com.
Congratulations to Chatsworth Sierra Canyon on Winning the State Championship!
Our heartfelt congratulations go out to the Chatsworth Sierra Canyon football team players, coaches, and their families, teachers and fellow students for winning the state championship!
In an exciting game on Dec. 16, Chatsworth Sierra Canyon defeated Northern California's Le Grand 34-13 to win the California Division IV title. Sierra Canyon's Xavier Menifield ran for 129 yards and three touchdowns.
The Sierra Canyon Trailblazers had an iron defense, despite Le Grand's average of over 58 points per game and a 21-game winning streak. Sierra Canyon's defense also recovered two fumbles in the second half. It looked as if Le Grand might hold their winning streak when the Bulldogs took a 13-7 lead on in the final minute of the first quarter. But the Trailblazers shut down the Bulldogs and scored the final 27 points. To see the ChatsworthPatch.com article about the championship game, with statistics and video,
click here.
We are proud to have such excellent young athletes in our community!
Check Out Our Special Holiday Green Edition Newsletter...
Last week we sent out a special Green Edition of Councilmember Englander's E-News weekly newsletter. It was filled with lots of useful information to help you go green over the holidays. There is information on how to recycle your Christmas tree, where to find free mulch for your garden, how to make your home or business green and much more. To see the newsletter click here.
Motion Calling for Accounting of Costs of Occupy L.A.
Councilmember Mitchell Englander introduced a motion on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 calling for a thorough report on all of the costs that the City of Los Angeles incurred because of the Occupy L.A. protest encampment.
“At a time when the City has to weigh the cost of every service, every dollar spent and every employee hour, it’s our duty to the taxpayers to explain and justify the massive expenditure of resources associated with the Occupy L.A. encampment,” said Englander, who is Chair of the Public Safety Committee and Member of the Budget and Finance Committee. “I commend Chief Charlie Beck and the LAPD Officers who were careful to avoid the kind of violent clashes we have seen in other cities, when they cleared the park.”
Our motion calls for the City Administrative Officer (CAO), Police, Fire, Transportation, Recreation and Parks, Bureau of Sanitation and any other impacted City Department, to report on all of the public resources that were expended during the 60-day illegal encampment that was built on the lawns of L.A. City Hall.
For 60 days, Police Officers and Firefighters were working, or on standby, to manage the protest encampment and the associated damage to public property, crime, drug and alcohol use, and public health and safety threats that had emerged. We must have an accounting of those costs. For 60 days, all of those resources were diverted away from providing the regular City services that L.A. residents depend on, and the public needs to know what that impact was.
The operation to remove the encampment on the night of Tuesday, Nov. 29, involved 1,400 officers and large numbers of other personnel, vehicles and other resources.
To see the motion, visit
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18553158/OccupyLAMotion11_30_11.pdf.
To see our press release, visit
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18553158/OccupyLACostRecoveryPressRelease11_30_11.pdf.
Motion to Help Bring New Auto Dealerships, Jobs and Revenue to L.A...
We were proud to join Mayor Villaraigosa and Council President Eric Garcetti to announce that Beverly Hills Porsche would be moving to a location in the City of Los Angeles, during a press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 8. We also announced a motion that we co-authored with Council President Garcetti to eliminate the business tax for auto dealerships selling new cars in the City in an effort to lure them to locate in L.A. The City has lost 95 car dealerships over the last 25 years.
Car dealers contribute a far greater amount in sales tax than in business tax to the City. All together, L.A. car dealerships paid a total of only $2.9 million in business tax, but $29 million in sales tax. They employ 5,200 people in the City, generating $640 million in wages and benefits, according to the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association.
The car dealerships create a variety of high-quality jobs, including sales, finance, mechanics, service and administration. They also generate a great deal of business for the surrounding local economy, which also helps create more jobs. The sales tax revenues they would generate would help fund crucial City services such as police, fire and infrastructure.
To read the Daily News article about the motion,click here.
First Non-Profit Summit...
We were proud to host our first CD 12 Non-Profit Summit to help community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, charities and schools in our community build stronger partnerships, find resources and advance their causes, on Monday, Nov. 7 at the PALS Youth Center in Northridge.
We brought together over 70 local organizations, and offered them tools and information to help them build stronger partnerships in the community. At this exciting, free workshop, we featured a presentation by
L.A. Shares, a non-profit organization that takes donations of unwanted office furniture, office equipment, educational supplies and many other materials from local businesses and individuals, and distributes them for free to Los Angeles- based schools and non-profit organizations. Over the past 11 years,
L.A. Shares
has redistributed over $80,000,000 worth of goods and materials to over 2,500 local organizations and schools! It also reduces the waste that goes to landfills, so
LA Shares
is great for the environment too.
More Local Control for Van Nuys Airport...
On Nov. 2, we co-authored a motion calling for more local control and accountability to help improve Van Nuys airport, together with Councilman Tony Cardenas. The Valley is overdue for a positive change to focus on improving Van Nuys Airport. The Airport is one of the nation's busiest general aviation airports, used by more than 320,000 people every year, and is one of the City's most valuable assets. An economic impact study from 2007 found that it contributed more than $1.3 billion to the local economy and supported over 12,300 jobs. But because it is so far removed from L.A. International Airport and is the smallest airport under Los Angeles World Airports' (LAWA) management, the neighboring community members, business partners, airport users, and other Van Nuys Airport stakeholders have been neglected for years. Click here to see the motion.
Putting Teeth into the City's Barking Dog Ordinance...
This week the City Council changed the City's ordinance regulating nuisance dogs, establishing a new hearing procedure and fine structure. Before, a citation could only be issued for licensed dogs because the citation was attached to the license. The owner first had to be forced to get a license. Under the new code, Animal Control officers can now issue citations even if the dog is unlicensed. (The dog owner must still get a license.) A dog is a "nuisance" if it barks continuously for 10 minutes or for 30 minutes in a three-hour period. The owner first receives a written warning allowing them to improve the situation. If it persists, a hearing is held where the owner could get a $250 fine for the first offense, $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense.
To report nuisance barking dogs, please call West Valley Animal Care Center at (888) 452-7381.
Don't Miss Our Next Northwest Valley Business Roundtable...
We were proud to host the Northwest Valley Business Roundtable at the Gas Co. in Chatsworth on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Owners and managers of San Fernando Valley-based manufacturers, industrial and tech companies joined us to hear
information from Department of Water and Power officials about incentives and assistance that can help businesses reduce their water and energy use to save money. We provided valuable information about the benefits of operating in a State Enterprise Zone, which we have in our District, and offered updates on State and City legislation affecting the business community.
For information or assistance for your business, please contact Erik Richardson, the CD 12 Business Liaison at (818) 756-8501 or by e-mail at Erik.Richardson@lacity.org.
Sidewalk Repair Program...
Sidewalk Repair Program...
As you may know, there has been a proposal for the City to abandon responsibility for repairing sidewalks in Los Angeles and make home and property owners responsible for repair and maintenance, and liable for trip and fall lawsuits. I oppose that proposal. Repairing sidewalks fits squarely within the basic infrastructure and core services that the City should be providing to residents and businesses, and has been providing since 1973.
I conducted a very informative interview on John Phillips's radio talk show on KABC AM 790. To hear a recording of the interview click here. To read a detailed explanation of the issue, click here.
Information on the Sewer Service Charge...
As you may know, on Wednesday, Oct. 19, the City Council unanimously approved the Bureau of Sanitation (BOS) request for a 4.5% increase in the Sewer Service Charge (SSC) for the first three years and a 6.5% for each of the seven remaining years to make crucial infrastructure improvements.
The increase is expected to come to about $2 per month for the average user. This can be offset by reducing your water use using simple methods. These include shutting off water while brushing teeth or washing hands and dishes, running the dishwasher or laundry machine only when full, watering the lawn at or before dawn so less water is lost to evaporation, ensuring that sprinklers are off when it rains, and finding and repairing any leaking indoor or outdoor faucets. To learn more about how to reduce your water bill by conserving water, visit www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp001242.jsp.
SUB-METERS: During the Oct. 19 Council meeting, I instructed City staff to make information on sub-meter installation and benefits available to all ratepayers; to require sub-meters on all new single-family homes built; and to contact the County Assessor's office about adding loans for the sewer connection program to the Property Tax Bill, so that they could be paid off over time, as they are with lighting districts.
I also clarified that the SSC increase is only on the water that is used inside the home, not the water used for irrigation. The department already subtracts from the SSC the water used for landscape irrigation because most of that percolates into the groundwater, rather than the sewer. Also, the SSC is assessed by averaging the lowest two-month period of use over the winter season - a time when most residents are watering their properties the least. (Remember to turn off sprinklers when it rains.) It is based on an estimate, not actual use. Installing a sub-meter would measure the exact amount of domestic water use versus landscape irrigation use. The department also said that they will make individual adjustments based on extenuating circumstances, such as an emergency draining and replacement of pool water.
For information on how to apply for a sub-meter rebate, please visit http://www.lacitysan.org/fmd/pdf/submtrres.pdf.
Special Report: Councilmember Englander's First 100 Days in Office...
Dear Friends:
On March 8, 2011, you placed your trust in me to represent you on the Los Angeles City Council. For this I am truly honored.
In the 100 days since taking office as your Councilmember on July 1, we have made tremendous progress on achieving those goals that are so important to our community.
I listened to your thoughts and concerns and made it my mission to return the City's focus to providing core services such as public safety and infrastructure; to making the City more business friendly to help create jobs and grow the economy; protecting the quality of life of our neighborhoods; and bringing common sense and customer service back to City Hall.
I am embracing the effort to improve customer service, transparency and accountability in City government by offering you this report on how we have been working for you during our first 100 days. Please read it and share it with your neighbors and friends.
And, as always, please feel free to contact me directly with suggestions and ideas on how we can work together to improve City services.
Click here to read the report.
91311 - The Day to Celebrate Chatsworth!
Check out the
photo album from the event here.
We were proud to declare the date "Chatsworth Day" throughout the City of Los Angeles and to declare Sept. 13, 2011 "Chatsworth 91311 Day" in City Council!
The Chatsworth community gathered on Sept. 13 to celebrate the day with music and children's activities. Attendees also had an opportunity to enjoy cuisine from local restaurants and participate in a community photo. St. Stephen Presbyterian Church hosted the event and a number of organizations came together to showcase community pride including the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, Chatsworth/Porter Ranch
Chamber of Commerce, Chatsworth Historical Society, Chatsworth Business Improvement District, Corral 54, Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth and Northridge/Chatsworth Rotary Club. Students from Lawrence Middle School also volunteered their time to make this event a great success.
All of the proceeds from the event went to benefit the Young Masters Performing Arts Academy, which offers free music classes to children between the ages of 7 and 19. For more information about the event, visit think91311.com.We are proud to have Chatsworth, a vibrant, active and involved community in Council District Twelve and encourage the community to Think91311 all year long!
Working to Support the Chatsworth/Northridge Industrial Zone and Boost the Economy...
As part of his ongoing efforts to improve the L.A. business climate and help local companies thrive and create jobs, Councilmember Mitchell Englander introduced a motion meant to encourage more companies to come to Chatsworth/Northridge Industrial Zone.
The motion calls for a feasibility study on an ordinance that would expand the uses allowed in the light industrial zone in Council District 12. It would allow more businesses that fit with the character of the light industrial zoning to occupy the prime vacant areas. Under the current zoning code, those types of companies would only be allowed after a lengthy and expensive variance process.
The zoning code has not been updated since the 1990s, and it excludes companies in the computer, technology, manufacturing and green technology sectors. Those are the the kinds of companies that we would like to see in our industrial zone. They create high-value jobs, and are competitive in the current global economy.
Any change would still need to be consistent with the purpose of the light industrial zone as stated in the municipal code, and would still be subjected to limitations on noise, pollution, dust and other impacts. To see the motion, visit http://tiny.cc/faa8a.
Congratulations and Welcome to the New LAFD Fire Chief Brian Cummings...
As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Brian L. Cummings on his appointment as the new Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Chief Cummings, who was appointed in September, is a 31-year veteran of the (LAFD, with an exemplary record as a Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief and Chief of Staff.
He commanded several battalions, overseeing numerous Fire Stations across the City simultaneously. He has built strong relationships with community-based organizations everywhere he worked, as well as with the LAPD, the L.A. County Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Authorities, Chambers of Commerce and other entities. He also commanded the Recruit Training Section of the LAFD, managing training facilities in the San Fernando Valley, Downtown Los Angeles, and San Pedro.
Chief Cummings was born and raised in Los Angeles. His father was a 30 year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department. He graduated from Loyola High School and attended both West Los Angeles College and the University of California, Los Angeles. He is married and is the proud father of two daughters.
You May Be Able to Save Money On Your Sewer Service Charge...
The Bureau of Sanitation has proposed rate increases for the Sewer Service Charge. The Sewer Service Charge (SSC) appears on your DWP bill and is based upon the lowest average daily delivered water to the property during the last winter rainy season (approximately mid-October to the end of April). They look at the two months in that period when your use is lowest.
DWP bases its assessment for this charge on water use during the winter rainy season because it is traditionally the time of least landscape watering. Likewise, it is assumed that during this season most of the domestic water used is for household purposes and therefore discharged into the sanitary sewer, unlike irrigation water which mostly filters down to groundwater, forgoing the sewer system. This daily average of wastewater generation is used to determine the customer’s SSC bill throughout the following year (six billing periods).
Customers with above average water use for irrigation, but who do not use much household water, may see a significant reduction in their SSC. In anticipation of the SSC increase, residents can find out if installing a sub-meter would save them any money. A sub-meter would break out your water use into irrigation and household uses so that the billing will be more accurately based on your actual use, rather than averages or estimates.
To learn more, or to find out if you qualify for a sub-meter, click here. If your Neighborhood Council or community organization would like to request a Bureau of Sanitation presentation at your meeting about the Sewer Service Charge call JoAnn Moss at (213) 485-2368.
Council District 12 Welcomes New Commanding Officer of LAPD Devonshire Division...
As Chair of the Public Safety Committee and an LAPD Reserve Officer, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome Capt. Kris Pitcher as the new commanding officer of LAPD's Devonshire Division.
Captain Pitcher has been a member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years and has worked a variety of assignments including uniformed patrol, training, vice enforcement and various investigative entities. He was appointed to the rank of Captain in December of 2000 and served as the Commanding Officer of Foothill and North Hollywood Patrol Divisions, Vice Division and Force Investigation Division before being appointed the Commanding Officer of Devonshire Area in August of 2011.
He earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master's in Public Administration from CSUN. He is a Certified Litigation Specialist (CLS) from AELE, is certified by the Force Science Research Center in use of force analysis, graduated from Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) Executive strategic management program and has attended Harvard's Kennedy School of Government executive education program.
Councilmember Englander Announces $75,000 Reward to Catch Perpetrator of Vicious Double Homicide in San Fernando Valley...
Councilmember Mitchell Englander held a press conference on Friday, August 19, at City City Hall to announce a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who committed a vicious double homicide in the San Fernando Valley. Councilmember Englander, Chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, represents the area where the murder was committed. He introduced the motion for the $75,000 reward on Friday, August 19 in City Council. Councilmember Englander will be joined by LAPD Commander Jim Cansler, Operations Valley Bureau, Lt. Tim Torsney, Commanding Officer of Devonshire Detectives, Capt. Kris Pitcher, Commanding Officer of Devonshire Division and Capt. Maureen Ryan of Devonshire Division. Anyone with information relevant to the case is urged to contact Devonshire Division Detectives at (818) 832-0609 or (877) LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with the letters "LAPD."
Community Members Recognized at Movies Under the Stars & LAPD National Night Out for Volunteerism & Community Service with First Community Excellence Awards
At the Movies Under the Stars & LAPD National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Mason Park in Chatsworth, we launched the first of Councilmember Mitchell Englander's Community Excellence Awards!
Over 25 people received Excellence Awards at the event in recognition of their contributions to the community.
The purpose of the Community Excellence Awards is to recognize ordinary community members who do extraordinary things, and make volunteering and community service a way of life in CD 12.
To see more photos, visit our
photo galleries. Thank you for your service, and congratulations!
Motion to Increase the Transparency of the DWP Rate Process Unanimously Approved by City Council...
Councilmember Englander’s motion calling for the Department of Water and Power (DWP) Board of Commissioners to first review the report of the Office of Public Accountability (OPA) before it takes any rate or fee increase actions, was approved unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday, August 2.
“When voters passed Measure I and created the OPA, they made clear that they demand more transparency at DWP,” Councilmember Englander said. “With this motion, the DWP Board will consider the OPA report and the Council’s third party review at the same time, increasing the public accountability.”
Councilmember Englander introduced the motion on his first day in office, Friday, July 1, 2011. As Chief of Staff to former Councilmember Greig Smith, Mitchell Englander worked for years on numerous pieces of legislation to bring greater accountability and transparency to the DWP. Councilmember Smith introduced the motion that now requires third party review (the so-called “Smith Report”) before any proposed DWP rate actions. Councilmember Englander’s motion calls for both the Smith Report and the OPA report to both be considered by the Board of DWP Commissioners before any rate actions. All rate actions are then reviewed by the City Council. The motion fulfills the voters’ intent to have a thorough review of any proposed rate increase before action is taken. Click here
to see the motion.
Mid-Year Crime Statistics Show a Continuing Decrease in Crime in L.A...
On July 12, 2011, the LAPD released its 2011 Mid-Year Crime Snapshot. At the mid-year point, overall crime and violence are down citywide for the 9th consecutive year and there is a continuing overall reduction in every major crime category.
Total violent crimes are down 9.6% from 2010, and down 35% from 2005. Homicides are 8.1% lower than in 2010 and 41% lower than in 2005. Gang-related crimes are down 16% from 2010. Total property crimes are down 7.3% from last year and 27.2% from 2005.
As Chair of the Public Safety Committee and as an LAPD Reserve Officer, Councilmember Englander's top priority is public safety. The men and women of the LAPD who risk their lives protecting and serving our community have our unwavering gratitude and support. To see the full report,
click here.
Free Handyworker Program for Seniors...
The Handyworker Program offers a wide variety of free minor home repairs for qualified low-income or disabled senior homeowners in Los Angeles, in order to help them
continue living in their home independently. Available repairs include repairs to doors and windows, repairs to fences, gates, porches, steps, walkways, interior flooring, walls and ceilings, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, electrical and plumbing repairs, accessibility improvements including ramps, hand rails, grab bars and disabled access toilets. Earthquake safety improvements include water heater braces and seismic gas shutoff valves. All work is subject to availability of funds, and the handyworkers are certified and bonded. To apply or for more information, call (213) 808-8803. For hearing impaired TTD service call (213) 978-3231 (TDD).
Updated Parks of CD12 Pamphlet...
Be sure to check out our updated version of our popular pamphlet "The Parks of CD12," which lists every park in Council District 12. It includes handy information on every park, including location, hours, amenities, special features, programs and more. To see the online version of the pamphlet, which you can save, print out or email to a friend, click here
.
Councilmember Mitchell Englander Begins First Term Representing the Twelfth District...
On Councilmember Mitchell Englander's first day on the City Council, Friday July 1, he introduced four motions, finalized a new lease for Chatsworth Neighborhood Council and honored the Granada Hills Charter High School Academic Decathlon Team for winning the 2011 national championship. To read about the motions, visit our press release page and our legislation page.
Over 800 Attend Community Inauguration of Councilmember Mitchell Englander, Helping Raise Thousands for PALS Youth Center in Northridge...
We were proud to hold the Community Inauguration Ceremony for incoming Councilmember Mitchell Englander at the LAPD Greig Smith Devonshire Youth Center in Northridge on Saturday, June 25. Click here to see more photos from the event.
The event was attended by over 800 community members, representatives of community-based organizations and Neighborhood Councils, business leaders, elected officials, and friends and supporters. Guests attending also donated thousands of dollars to support the Police Activity League Supporters (PALS) after-school programs for at-risk youth, which are offered at the Youth Center. The festive event featured dance performances by local youth groups, including a group of young girls who participate in a folk dance class at the Youth Center. Mitchell Englander was given the oath of office by his two daughters, with his wife Jayne holding the family Talmud that belonged to Mitchell's uncle. His uncle was killed while being robbed by gang members in Canoga Park. This experience inspired him to join the LAPD Reserves as a Reserve Police Officer.
We worked to help raise more than $2.5 million to get the beautiful, modern PALS Center built and we are proud that the guests to this event generously donated to help support the important programs. To learn more about PALS, click here. Thank you!
Expanding Our Adopt-A-Street Program...
In mid-May 2011, we introduced a motion to expand the pilot Adopt-A-Street program to be available citywide. We launched the Adopt-A-Street program to offer community members, Neighborhood Councils, schools, community groups and businesses a way to boost community pride and help keep our streets and sidewalks clean and beautiful.
Adopting a street means an individual or community group commits to doing some form of agreed-upon maintenance such as cleaning up trash, removing graffiti, weeds or illegal signs, storm drain clean up etc. at least once every three months. The Office of Community Beautification will provide trash bags, landscaping tools, paint, gloves and other equipment and the Bureau of Sanitation will remove filled trash bags. After the second verified quarterly clean-up, the Adopt-a-Street sign with the name of the person or group is awarded and placed.
If you or your community-based organization, Neighborhood Council or school would like to Adopt-a-Street in our District, please call (818) 756-8501 or email
Semee.Park@lacity.org
and we will walk you through the process.
Give Your Input on CSUN's Community Relations...
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) wants to hear your ideas, concerns and feedback about the university and its relationship with the community. As part of its efforts to strengthen its relationships with its neighbors and the community, CSUN is conducting a survey and holding focus groups with community members. If you take the 5 -10 minute online survey, you could win a $50 food gift card.
To take the survey, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/csunneighbors. For more information, call (818) 677-2123 or email communityrelations@csun.edu.
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