NEWS

Coyotes A constant problem
Porter Ranch Amublance Service - May 2010
Stakeholder Charges SCGC With Negligence - April 2010
City Budget Crisis and NCs February - April 2010
Grading Nears Completion On New School January 2010
PRNC Holiday Party A Grand Success December 2009
Student Sam Dobry Receives Award December 2009
Dave Hasson Named Volunteer of the Year November 2009
PRNC Awarded for Excellence in Outreach October 2009
PRNC & GHNNC Engage In Boundary Debate October 2009
Limekiln Tree Hazards Removed October 2009
Rattlesnake in ET Park August 2009
School Escrow Closed August 2009
PRNC Funds Street Cleaning July 2009
Shepherd of the Hills Expansion Plan May 2009
Vas Singh Awarded May 2009
Video of BongHwan Kim about NCs in LA May 2009
City Budget & Finance Committee Proposed Budget Reduction to $11,200 May 2009
Street Lighting Update May 2009
Water Rationing April 2009
Graffiti Clean Up March 2009
Paula Cracium, Woman of the Year March 2009
Tamar Galatzan Article About Our School March 2009
Explorers Help With Graffiti Removal, Become Solid Citizens
March 2009
Wendy Greuel Speaks on Transportation February 2009
New School Approved January 2009
Solar Initiative Presentation January 2009

2008 News
2007 News

Stakeholder Charges SCGC with Negligence
At the April 2010 meeting stakeholder Wes Rogers made a brief presentation to the board that Sempra Energy Southern California Gas Company (SCGC) has filed an application to expand their facility known as the Aliso Canyon Storage Facility at the top of Porter Ranch. Their expansion includes running a new high voltage transmission line from Newhall.

Rogers noted that in October 2008 the Sesnon Fire was caused when a SCGC power line fell onto brush that had not been cleared. He requests that the proposed expansion not be approved until SCGC take actions to mitigate against future risk of fire. Read more about the SCGC expansion and CPUC Hearing A0909020.

Porter Ranch Ambulance On Chopping Block

Where O, Where Has the 808 Ambulance Gone? Redeployed to another Fire Station! Porter Ranch is frequently without service, even without the City considering cutting evening service. Photo by Wendy L. Moore

Ambulance Report Given by PRNC Board Member Pat Pope at the May 2010 Board Meeting.
On Friday, April 30th, I spoke to Doug Tripp from Councilman Smith’s office. As of that moment, here is the status (but nothing is set in concrete yet).

In the Fiscal Year starting on July 1, 2010, the LAFD is not scheduling any changes to the BLS ambulance deployment. The 10 least busy BLS ambulances in the city will remain in place. Just like today, they will be “Browned Out” on a rotating basis with other stations in the city.

Currently, there are 3 Geographical Fire Divisions in Los Angeles. Roughly, Division 1 is downtown and the west side, Division 2 is South LA and the harbor, Division 3 is the valley. Each Division is commanded by an Assistant (Division) Chief. There are three platoons (A, B, and C) that rotate 24 hour shifts. So, today there could be 9 Division Chiefs and 9 Staff Assistants. There are some vacant positions, covered by overtime today.

There are 16 geographical battalions in Los Angeles with a Battalion Chief in command with a Staff Assistant. We live in Battalion 15’s area. Today, there could be 48 Battalion Chiefs and 48 Staff Assistants (16 times 3 shifts). Some of those positions are vacant and today are covered by a combination of overtime and brown outs. Each of those battalions also has an EMS Captain (48 positions). The EMS Captain supervises the ambulances in the battalion. Some of those positions are vacant, and are covered by overtime or brown outs today.

As of right now, the mayor’s proposed budget calls for the Modified Coverage Plan (MCP) for FY 2010-2011 to reduce to Division Chiefs to 2 on a rotating basis. The current budget eliminates the Division Chief’s Staff Assistants.

As of right now, the proposed 2010-2011 budget reduces the number of EMS Captains by 9. That means each 24 hour shift will have 3 less EMS Captains in Los Angeles. There would be no reduction in Battalion Chiefs or their Staff Assistants.

There are other reductions in the budget that appear to have already been factored before the decision to keep the ambulances was made.

Factors that could change this:

· The Division Chiefs could convince the city that they need Staff Assistants and/or that only 2 Division Chiefs per shift is unworkable.

· Second, some Council members, including Greig Smith, feel that the mayor’s total budget outlook is too rosy. They feel that the mayor is factoring in increased revenue that is speculative. So, the whole budget will be tweaked by June 30th.

· Third, there will be some mid-year corrections to the budget in late 2010. If the city’s revenue stays at the current depressed level, more reductions are possible.

So, we appear to have won our case to keep ambulances for now, but changes are still very possible and we have to keep on our toes for the whole year, and next year too.

News as of March 10, 2010: Because of the proposal to cut ambulance service from fire station 8, the Porter Ranch Police, Fire, & Safety Committee met with firefighters from stations 8 & 28 on March 6, 2010 to better understand the fire and rescue services in Porter Ranch. The board then sent the following letter to Councilman Greig Smith.

PRNC Letter to Councilman Smith requesting maintenance of Porter Ranch Ambulance.
March 8, 2010
Fire Station Lingo Defined & Fire Station Staffing

As a result of the concern expressed to Councilman Smith by the PRNC and other councils, the City Council postponed the decision. Councilman Smith noted that the proposed cuts during the evening hours are when 40% of the ambulance calls come in. The LA Times reports that he said, "That is not acceptable" and asked to have the proposed revised.

The PRNC received an email from Councilman Smith's Chief of Staff Mitch Englander:

I've been speaking to Pat Pope (both yesterday and today) and let him know that your letter came in loud and clear. Councilman Smith couldn't agree more and today co-authored a motion to send it back to committee to come up with other options and not allow the taking of any BLS ambulance support at any of the stations. The working group will collaborate with LAFD and look to different options that were also presented today in Council.

Thank you again for taking a quick and deliberate position on this critical issue.

Fire Station Staffing

Fire Station 8, Tampa, Equipment and Staffing
Fire Engine 8 = 4 firefighters
BLS 808 = 2 firefighters (frequently used as a manpower pool elsewhere)
Brush Patrol 8 = 2 firefighters (mostly unstaffed)
Total 6 per shift

Fire Station 28, Corbin, Equipment and Staffing, known as a Light Force
Fire Engine 228 = 1 firefighters
Truck 28 = 5 firefighters
BLS 828 = 2 firefighters
Brush Patrol 28 = 2 firefighters (mostly unstaffed)
Total 8 per shift

Fire Station 96, Marilla, Equipment and Staffing known as a Task Force, a more typical Fire Station configuration
Engine 96: 4 firefighters
Engine 296: 1 firefighters – Part of Light Force 96
Truck 96: 5 firefighters – Part of Light Force 96
Rescue 96: 2 paramedics (ALS ambulance)
Total 12 per shift

Budget Crisis: How Will It Impact NCs Now?

Update: April 21, 2010: The Mayor's proposed budget is $41,000 for NCs.

Update: February 23, 2010: For the last several weeks, the City Council and Mayor have been wrestling with the projected June 30th deficit of $200 million. Last week they decided to cut 4,000 jobs from a total of 12,000 and several departments.

Neighborhood Councils will certainly feel the impact of these decisions. The work of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) will be folded into the Community Development Department (CDD).

DONE provided training, support, oversight and financial processing for the 90 neighborhood councils. 16 members of the DONE staff will remain support Neighborhood Councils. View the planned positions. The DONE General Manager, BongHwan Kim will be resigning no later than the end of June. Read BH Kim's resignation letter.  DONE staff that have not already found other employment, are currently on pins and needles awaiting their fate.

While some neighborhood council members have called for a reassignment of DONE's work, others are dubious about the benefits. The Daily News reported on the divergent opinions about the dissolution of DONE.

Yet to be decided is the proposed reduction in Neighborhood Council budgets. They were originally set at $50,000. Last year they were reduced to $45,000, a cut that was commensurate with the balance of the City's budget cuts. Some proposals call for cutting each NC's budget to $22,000.

According to a CityWatchLA article the DONE cuts will save the City $2 million.

Update: February 12, 2010. The matter has been sent to the Education and Neighborhoods Committee chaired by Councilman Krekorian. See CitywatchLA for details.

Read the budget details from DONE
Board of Neighborhood Commissioners Comments
LA Neighborhood Council Coalition Recommendations

February 1, 2010: At the end of January 2010, Controller Wendy Greuel reported that at the current rate, the city would have a $200 million shortfall at the end of the fiscal year, dated June 2010. The Chief Administrative Officer of Los Angeles made a number of proposals to address this problem, including cutting funding for neighborhood councils and for the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.

A number of NCs joined in a BudgetLA meeting on Saturday, January 30 and issued a letter focusing on the mandate for NCs provided by the city charter. They held a press conference (view NC budget press conference video) at City Hall on Monday, February 1, and then proceeded to speak before the city's Budget & Finance committee in a marathon session. Finally, the proposal regarding NCs was removed from the plan. This is a short term reprieve as the subject is expected to return especially regarding the next fiscal year.

View the CityWatchLA article for more information.

Grading Nears Completion on New School - January 2010

The new school planned for K-8 on the southeast corner of Mason and Sesnon continues on schedule towards the fall 2012 opening. Grading is near completion.

LAUSD Facilities is in the process of selecting a contractor using their best value method. Which means that the contractor chosen may not necessarily be the low cost bidder, but may be the best choice for quality in service delivery or other reasons. LAUSD has had great success using this method and opening schools on time.

Groundbreaking is expected in the April - May timeframe. The photo above is looking southeast at the new school site. On that corner will be the multipurpose room. View architectural renderings and building placement layouts: http://prnc.org/new-school.htm

PRNC 2009 Holiday Party A Grand Success!

More than 120 people celebrated the holidays with the PRNC at Musashi at the Porter Ranch Towne Center, Tuesday, December 1, 2009.

Representatives from Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilman Greig Smith were in attendance. Lisa Sarno from Million Trees LA made a presentation about reforesting Limekiln Canyon.

PRNC Boardmembers (L to R) Mel Mitchell, Ali Dabirian, Bright Aregs, Mandhata Chauhan, Vas Singh, Paula Cracium, Sue Hammerland and Semee Park (Councilman's Office).


PRNC Boardmembers Becky Leveque, Paula Cracium join with Barri Worth (Mayor's Office) and Semee Park (Councilman Smith's Office)

Sam Dobry Receives Award

Sam Dobry received an award December 2009 from Councilman Greig Smith for his work in organizing clean ups at the school and in the community. Presenting the award L-R is Field Deputy Jim Dillinger, Principal Vivian Ihori, Councilman Greig Smith, Sam Dobry, Mike Dobry and LAPD Senior Lead Officer Dario Del Core.

Dave Hasson Named Volunteer of the Year

Dave Hasson, a 12-year member of the North Valley Family YMCA board of directors, has been named volunteer of the year by the Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter of the American Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He and four other individual award winners, plus three organizations, will be honored Thursday, Nov. 5, at the AFP annual awards luncheon at the Hilton Woodland Hills.

Hasson received the award for his longstanding commitment to the YMCA and for his recent work as project manager for North Valley’s expansion. A retired civil engineer, Hasson put in 40-hour weeks overseeing placement of two modular units at the YMCA branch in Northridge for additional YMCA classes and upgrades to school buildings at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Granada Hills for a 96-child, YMCA preschool.

“He’s been like an employee here,” said Miki Shelton, North Valley’s Director of Development. “We couldn’t have handled this without his help.”

Hasson has also volunteered as a coach for West Hills Baseball, West Valley Soccer League, and West Valley Eagle Basketball. He has served as president of the Men’s B’nai B’rith in Woodland Hills for several years and sits on the boards of many homeowners associations in Porter Ranch.

National Philanthropy Day is officially set as Nov. 15. It was created 24 years ago by the AFP to recognize and recognize and honor individuals and organizations who make significant philanthropic contributions.
PRNC Awarded for Outreach

At the October 2009 Neighborhood Congress the PRNC received an award, along with Chatsworth Neighborhood Council for excellence in outreach.

Canyon Update: October 20, 2009
The Board of Neighborhood Commissioners (BONC) approved the GHNNC petition to include Aliso Canyon in their boundaries. The canyon is now included in the boundaries of both the GHNNC and the PRNC.

PRNC Debates Jurisdiction Over Aliso Canyon
At the July 7, 2009 meeting the PRNC discussed whether Aliso Canyon was within the boundaries of the PRNC or Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council (GHNNC). Aliso Canyon is located between Reseda and Zelzah and runs north from Rinaldi up past Sesnon. It includes hiking trails.

Aliso Canyon view north from Sesnon.

This discussion was prompted by the GHNNC as they are having to clarify their western boundary as part of a bylaws update. GHNNC boardmembers Eric Rosenberg and Sue DeVandry were present and asked for the PRNC to specify a preference as to the boundary location by August 10, 2009. The PRNC expressed concern about this short timeline of one month to  adequately consider this issue. The GHNNC confirmed that their President, Leon Marzillier, was to have contacted the PRNC after their April 17, 2009 Rules and  Bylaws Committee meeting, but clearly hadn't.

The GHNNC has an opinion from the City Attorney that the PRNC bylaws imply that the  PRNC boundary goes up to the edge of the canyon, but does not include the canyon.

From our bylaws: The 118 Freeway to the south, the east side of Browns Canyon Road from the City Line to the gate at the south of Brown's Canyon, then in a straight line to the 11 8 Freeway on the west, the City line to the north and northwest, and Aliso Canyon to the east.

The first question the PRNC asked was, why does it matter? The GHNNC said their primary concern was updating their bylaws. The implication of having the canyon within the boundaries is the opportunity and responsibility to monitor its condition, weigh in on possible developments, conduct clean ups and fund improvements.

The next question was what is the GHNNC preference? They expressed interest in having the canyon within their boundaries, but would also be interested in sharing the canyon, such that it would be within the boundaries of both councils.

One PRNC member wanted to give the canyon to GHNNC saying that they had done a great job with it and that the PRNC had no plans for it. But other members countered that the PRNC has discussed plans for a park at the eastern edge of Sesnon, participated and sponsored clean ups, and participated in Councilman Smith led planning committees.

Other PRNC members expressed interest in sharing the canyon with GHNNC, noting that they live near the canyon. Many Porter Ranch houses have views directly over the canyon and have an interest in what happens in it.

Stakeholder comments in support of this view pointed out that the canyon is under the jurisdiction of various city entities, including parks and rec and fish and game and there is more than enough work to manage the canyon for both councils to have it in their boundaries. Another stakeholder commented that residents on both sides of the canyon have an interest in the canyon and would probably feel that their council had not adequately represented their interests if their council were to abdicate authority over the canyon.

Another PRNC member wanted to have sole jurisdiction over the canyon so that when the PRNC wants to pursue the park at the east end of Sesnon, they will not have to consult with another neighborhood council.

Aliso Canyon view towards south from Sesnon.

Sean Rivas, from the Granada Hills Recreation Center, noted that if we ever notice any problems in the canyon, we should report them to his office at (818) 363-3556, as they have responsibility to address these concerns.

We  conducted an online poll. We had 100 responses. 68 said the canyon should be shared by both councils.

Letter to DONE requesting postponement of GHNNC boundary decision, pending PRNC position.
Article in Valley Voice about the Aliso boundary.

Limekiln Canyon Tree Hazards To Be Removed
Ron Nagai, Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council
Ran in October 2009 Valley Voice

The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council Beautification Committee is working with the Recreation and Parks Department to address dead trees in Limekiln Canyon. Some trees in the canyon along Tampa were burned in the Sesnon Fire and are not making a comeback. The Beautification Committee alerted the City to this problem and they are taking action to specifically reduce the danger of falling trees near sidewalks and hiking trails. For the remaining dead trees, the City will let nature take its course. The tree removal is scheduled to be completed in September and October 2009.

Rattlesnake Found Heading to ET Park Sandbox
Porter Ranch resident and community activist Mike Dobry sent in this report: Sam and I were going on a bike ride Sunday 8-16-09 17:30 hrs. We entered ET Park from Sesnon and walked our bikes up through the park on the right side of the sand area. There were about 15-20 people around the sand area. As we were passing the tot lot sand area, where all the kids were, I heard from Sam, who was about 20 feet behind me, yell “SNAKE!”

I turned around and a 2-3 foot Diamond Back rattlesnake was headed for the sand area where all the kids were. I quickly turned around and told Sam to get back. The snake was about five feet from Sam. I calmly ordered all the parents in the play area to get their kids and stand back. I threw a stick at the snake to get it to stop from going toward the play area. At that point we monitored the snake and quarantined the area with the help of a couple of adults. I asked for a phone to call 911. Fire Station 8 shift-c responded and took care of the snake. The snake appeared to have been hanging around the sand area and could have injured a child, adult or dog.

I can’t tell you how proud I am of my 10yr old son Sam for his alertness and plan of action to alert the immediate area of the potential danger.

New School Update: Escrow Closed!

Debbie and Tristan Kassel picnic while taking in the grading for the new school in August 2009.

Escrow closed on July 23, 2009 on the new school property located at the southeast corner of Mason and Sesnon. The land is transferred from from the Porter Ranch Development Company to LAUSD. Many thanks to the Porter Ranch Development Company for their hard work on this project and for increasing the amount of free land they have given to this project from 7 acres to almost 13 acres. The increased size allowed this project to include elementary and middle school students in what is called a span school.

Also completed is the agreement to maintain the exterior landscaping by the Porter Ranch Maintenance Association in keeping with the other Porter Ranch slopes.

The project is still in the process of being approved by the State Board of Architects and is on schedule to open fall 2012.

PRNC Funds Street Cleaning In Porter Ranch

During the week of June 27-July 2 2009 street cleaning in Porter Ranch was completed by the City and paid for by the PRNC. The cleaning costs $8,000. Streets and sidewalks cleared:

• Sesnon: From Aliso Canyon to Porter Ranch Drive

• Reseda: Sesnon to the 118

• Tampa: Sesnon to the 118

• Rinaldi: Not in front of retail

• Wilbur: North of Rinaldi

• Corbin: Tampa to the 118

We have had 8-15 workers for a week sweeping sidewalks clear, finishing with blowers and picking it up from the street into a truck to clear the street. They have also been clearing the tree wells. Thanks for a job well done!

Shepherd of the Hills Expansion Plan

The PRNC finished a series of presentations on the proposed Shepherd of the Hills Church expansion at the May 2009 meeting. In March, the PRNC heard a presentation about the proposed Shepherd of the Hills Church Expansion. Stakeholder comments at that meeting were positive.

At the April meeting, the board discussed and approved sending a letter in support of the project. Some stakeholders present at the April meeting expressed concerns. Those stakeholders had not spoken out or were not present at the prior meeting, when there had been a complete presentation.

To allow more time for stakeholder comment, the board again had a presentation at the May meeting. No negative comments were made about the project. The board will send a letter in support of the project, because it is viewed to benefit the community of Porter Ranch. It was also noted that Shepherd of the Hills has been an extremely good stakeholder in Porter Ranch with its community events at July 4th and Halloween and hosting the evacuation center during the fires last October. View the Shepherd Expansion Information.

Vas Singh Awarded
PRNC Board Member receives an award from Sean Rivas for his role on the committee to plan the May 2009 Valley Regional Congress

Valley Regional Congress


Coyote Alert: Harden the Targett
By Becky Leveque

Note: Please see this LA Times article about Coyotes.

Under cover of twilight two coyotes jumped over our backyard fence violently attacking and killing our dog, Smokey on January 15, 2008. My husband, Dave, stood less than 50 yards away from Smokey and heard the violent attack as it was occurring. He ran to the hill and saw the two coyotes running on the cement drain below our home. Smokey climbed up the hill and made her way back into the house. Dave wrapped her in a towel and rushed her to the vet, where she immediately underwent three hours of surgery. Smokey died of her injuries two hours later. It was heartbreaking.

As we investigated the coyote problem we found many neighbors with small, unprotected dogs in their back yards. We need to harden our target for coyotes just like Neighborhood Watch hardened the target for crime. One house at a time. Prevention is the key.

Coyotes are not protected animals. However, Animal Services has a policy of not killing coyotes, because that encourages their growth, with fewer coyotes contending for the same food supply. Officer Pro from the West Valley Animal Shelter told me, “Coyotes have a 76 mile radius, they are very territorial, smart, cunning, quick and hungry.” They can easily jump over a six foot fence. The type of coyotes we have are called “Urban Coyotes”. They adapt very easily.

Coyote Recommendations:
The Southern California Veterinary Medical Association recommends bringing pets inside at night, as most attacks occur at night. Bring pet food inside at night too, remove fallen fruit from trees, and store trash in containers with tight lids. If you see a coyote stalking your pet, they recommend you yell and throw rocks at the coyote and take your pet inside.

The LA County Department of Animal Care and Control notes that backyard brush provides habitat for coyote prey and should be cleared; coyotes would rather dig under a fence than jump over it, so fences should have an “apron” buried at least four to six inches, extending out 20 inches and securely attached to the fence.

Report coyote sightings to the West Valley Animal Care & Control Center at 888-452-7381. For a map of coyote activity, visit www.coyotebytes.org. You may also report coyote sightings to Becky Leveque, PRNC Police, Fire & Safety Chair. Please include the specific date, time, location and number of coyotes.

City Budget & Finance Committee Proposes Reducing NC Budgets by 78%

In a letter from BongHwan Kim, General Manager, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, about May 6, he noted that the City is considering reducing Neighborhood Council budgets to $11,200 from $50,000, a reduction of 78%. This would not be enough for Neighborhood Councils to conduct meetings or outreach much less any neighborhood improvements. Since then, there has been an outcry from Neighborhood Councils across the City. According to a May 18 press release, the City Council has voted to reduce NC funds only from $50,000 to $45,000. Good news!

May Meeting: Street Lighting
We had a presentation on May 5, 2009 by Mr. Stan Horwitz, Senior Project Manager, Bureau of Street Lighting, Department of Public Works. He noted that 85% of the city's lights are high pressure sodium lights, which create an orange colored light. Each light has a photo cell on it that tells it to turn on and off. If a light is on at the wrong time of day, it means that the photo cell is wearing out. Please call 311 to have it fixed.

The city is currently planning to switch to white LED lights this year, pending the mayor's approval. They are testing 12 different manufacturer's lights north of Roscoe, West of Haskell. Changing a light to LED is not just about the light bulb, the whole top of the fixture must be changed and the styles do vary.

They plan change 140,000 of the city's 200,000 lights over a 5 year timeframe. LEDs should  last 10-12 years. One of the benefits to LED lights is that they can be controlled remotely, to turn them off or dim them. They can also be monitored remotely.

So far the city is only using solar lights at bus stops, since the technology does not seem ready to provide consistent service throughout the night.

The Bureau of Street Lighting has a crew of 100 people who complete repairs. Every three months, each light is observed by a night team, to identify repair needs. If a light is out or a tree is blocking it, please call 311. If someone is removing the wires from the light, please call 911.

April 2009 Meeting: Water Rationing
The April meeting was very animated with a full house listening to a presentation by Nance Walker-Bonnelli, Utility Services Manager for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Customer Service Division on proposed water rationing. Review a copy of the DWP Presentation. Stakeholders voiced concerns about water rationing and its impact on their pocketbooks, filling up their pools, maintaining green landscapes for fire prevention and how to keep a lawn green on two days of watering.

The City Council on April 17, 2009 approved requiring a 15% reduction in water usage as of June 1, 2009. If you look at your DWP bill the Tier 1 allowance will be reduced by 15%. Any amount you use over that will be charge a rate that has increased by 44%. Still up for consideration is how many days a week and which ones we are allowed to water our landscapes.

If your water bill does not currently show your Tier 1 water allocation amount you are encouraged to obtain it by contacting the DWP directly at 1-800 Dial DWP (1-800-342-5397). Tips on being WaterWise.

Enthusiastic Support for Porter Ranch Graffiti Clean Up

About 50 people came out on Saturday, March 21, 2009 and painted out graffiti at three locations in Porter Ranch in a matter of two hours. This event was sponsored by Whole Foods, REI, Starbucks, Ralphs, and Castlebay Lane Elementary. Painting supplies were provided by the City of Los Angeles through the West Valley Alliance, which is responsible for graffiti removal in our area. You can contact them at (818) 227-9722. Read about the Devonshire Area Police Explorers who helped in this event.

LAPD Devonshire Captain Kane explained to the students and participants that graffiti is a crime called vandalism. Once it appears in our community it is like a magnet drawing other unsavory elements.

Kids of course, look at this as a giant outdoor art project. Join us next time!

Our Own Paula Cracium, PRNC VP Named Woman of the Year by Assemblyman Smyth!
SACRAMENTO - Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, announced March 5, 2009 that the California State Assembly will recognize Paula Cracium, Director of Development for the Shepherd of the Hills Church and Vice President of the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council, as the 2009 "Woman of the Year" for the 38th Assembly District.

"I am very proud to present Paula as my 2009 Woman of the Year," said Smyth. "I have had the pleasure of working with Paula and Shepherd of the Hills before my election to the State Assembly. The work she does benefits the entire community."

2008 was a trying year for many in the San Fernando Valley. In September, immediately following the tragic Metrolink accident, Ms. Cracium offered help and support and delivered 30 cases of water to the rescue workers at the crash site. The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council on which she serves also provided funds for meals for workers on the scene.

The following month, when the Sesnon fire burned around Porter Ranch and neighboring communities, Paula organized and ran a four day emergency shelter for the fire evacuees and their pets at Shepherd of the Hills - the first partnership of its kind with the American Red Cross.

Ms. Cracium stated, "Those affected by the accident and fires were friends and neighbors. I just wanted to be there for them."

Assemblyman Smyth added, "I can think of no more fitting way to put 2008 in perspective and behind us than to honor one of its heroes, and I'm pleased that Paula has accepted this honor."

Solid Community Effort Brings New School to Porter Ranch
By TAMAR GALATZAN, LAUSD Board member
Printed in the North Valley Community News March 2009

Among those of us who live in the Valley, there is a well-founded suspicion that other parts of the vast city that is Los Angeles are indifferent to our needs. For several decades, Valley residents have, with good reason, believed that their neighborhoods are underserved in such critical areas as law enforcement and street maintenance.

Yet it is not always true that the Valley gets short-changed. There are occasions when elected officials representing communities across the city recognize the importance of supporting a project that benefits primarily Valley families.

This past January, the LAUSD Board of Education voted unanimously to allocate $77 million in bond money for construction of a new K-8 school in Porter Ranch. Construction of the school, which is located in my board district, is expected to be completed by 2012.

I have no doubts whatsoever that there is a desperate need for this school – and position with which the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council and Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith agree. We uniformly recognize it is wrong for parents living in the community to have to send their kids to LAUSD schools several miles away or pay for private schools that are not as crowded.

When I was elected to the Board in May 2007, I told the community that it was one of my top priorities to deliver a new school to Porter Ranch. Over the past 18 months, we have attended several meetings with Councilman Smith’s staff and community leaders during which the design for the school and other key issues were addressed.

From the perspective of the residents of the Porter Ranch, everything looked good. Still, I had lingering concerns about how the vote would go.

Having lived in the Valley almost my entire life, I am well aware that there are certain perceptions about our communities – rich, privileged, entirely self-sufficient – that can be a deterrent to receiving needed government support. With this view in mind, would the Board decide a school for Porter Ranch was not essential, especially given pressing needs elsewhere?

To make the strongest possible case, my office invited three speakers from the PRNC – Becky Leveque, Mel Mitchell and Wendy Moore – along with Mitch Englander, chief of staff to Councilman Smith. We knew from experience that each of these individuals could offer vivid testimony to the longstanding desire of the community to have its own, state-of-the-art school.

As it happened, we could not have wished for a better group of presenters. They spoke passionately about not only the significance of the school, but also their commitment to LAUSD and its educational mission. Their remarks won over the Board, which enthusiastically voted to allocate the funds.

The Valley/downtown divide, though real, is not as impenetrable as the Berlin Wall. With the right strategy, a good project, and a strong level of support, Valley constituents can affect change for the better. Just ask the people of Porter Ranch.

Devonshire Explorers Transformed into Responsible Citizens
Rachel de Leon, CSUN Journalism Student

On the day before her 18th birthday, specks of white and beige paint dappled Marylou Morales’ face and clothing early Saturday morning after she helped clean up graffiti in Chatsworth.

She was still smiling.


LAPD Devonshire Captain Sean Kane Addresses Explorers (on the left), Students and Volunteers explaining that graffiti vandalism is a crime.

Morales joined the Devonshire division of the LAPD Explorers in 2007 after hearing about the program from her mom’s friend. She joined for fun and for the experience, she said.

“I would just be at home doing nothing, so why not help out in other ways?” Morales asked.

The Los Angeles Police Explorer program was established in 1962 because of Chief William Parker’s decision to get the youth involved in the police department, according to Explorer Deshawn Green from the 77th division.

At the time, the program’s goal was to recruit kids and push them toward a career in law enforcement, Green said.

“Now, we take kids who are interested in discipline,” Green said.

“[The Explorers] helps in all careers,” said Kellie Cueto, service officer for the Devonshire Explorers. “It isn’t just geared toward law enforcement.”

The program seeks to teach children discipline and life skills by allowing them to greet and host events within the community, according to Cueto.

Devonshire’s Explorer division is one out of the 21 divisions in the LAPD and accounts for 24 out of the 1,100 Explorers in the program.

The Devonshire division is ranked first in the West Coast for physical fitness and active shooter, which is a type of shooting comparable to a high school shooting, said Natasha Ikejiri, captain of the Devonshire Explorers.

The Explorer program requires their members to be between the ages of 14-20 and must maintain a GPA of 1.5 or above.

On top of keeping up with their schoolwork, applicants must also pass a rigorous 12-week Explorer Academy to join the program, which tests their physical aptitude and knowledge about the history of the program, Ikejiri said.

“You have to be a certain type of personality [to join the Explorers],” Cueto said.

Explorer Steven Estrada joined the program without knowing anyone in it before hand, Estrada said.

Estrada said he wanted to join the police academy ever since he was little and found out about the Explorers by searching for the program online.

“This was all on my own,” Estrada said.

Cueto said that she loves to be able to watch the kids succeed when they’ve been training for so long, but said that the hardest part about her job is watching the kids face tough circumstances.

“We can help them as far as talk, but they have to make the decisions,” Cueto said. “We can’t give advice on family.”

Even though Morales’ friends think being in the Explorers is a waste of time, she said that she’s had a wonderful experience through the program.

“We all get along really great,” Morales said. “We have the same interests.”

Ikejiri said that the program only takes the cream of the crop, but it still transforms kids into better citizens.

“Many even leave the gang life and completely turn their lives around,” Ikejiri said.

Ikejiri has been in the Explorers for three years and said that, like other Explorers who have learned discipline through the program, she has changed for the better.

“This program has definitely shaped my life and, in a way, helped make me who I am today,” Ikejiri said.

Sgt. Jose Torres of the LAPD said that it’s almost a proven fact that the GPA of members of the Explorers raises a full grade level or two after joining.

“If we can bring these kids in a positive environment, there’s a good chance that they’ll step up and meet the other kids who are already in the program,” Torres said.

Ikejiri said that parent involvement is instrumental at the Devonshire division and that she hasn’t heard any complaints from the parents about the program.

“Mostly, this becomes a tool for parents,” Ikejiri said. “Not only do they get to be a part of their child’s path to success, but they get to see how their teen evolves from a child to a young adult.”

According to Torres, the Explorers never ask for money after hosting or monitoring events. He said that they are simply returning a favor to the community.

Volunteer Coordinator Sophie Barcey said that events involving the Explorers expose the community to kids and puts them at ease.

“[The Explorers] are super friendly and very helpful and respectful,” Barcey said. “They take their work seriously and are very regimented.”

Treasurer for the PALS Board, Max Haghighi, said the Explorers helps to familiarize kids with police officers.

“It gives them an idea of who police officers are,” Haghighi said. “They’re here to help . . . they’re not the enemy.”

Volunteer Sylvia Hagge said that she didn’t know about the Explorers until she volunteered with them for a graffiti clean-up.

“I think [the Explorers] is great,” Hagge said. “They need to respond to their community and environment.”

Morales said that she’s changed since she joined the Explorers.

“I used to be quiet,” Morales said. “I learned communication skills . . . It opened up my eyes to a whole new world.”
 
Wendy Greuel February Speaker

Wendy Greuel, LA City Councilwoman and candidate for City Controller in the March 2009 elections spoke at the February meeting about transportation in Los Angeles.

As Councilwoman, she was Chair of the Transportation Committee and has focused on a identifying and implementing short and long terms solutions. Short term solutions include synchronizing street lights, implementing anti-gridlock zones, and banning construction during peak hours.

Synchronizing lights has proven to be very effective. She personally tested it on Victory Blvd between Tujunga and Hazeltine. With the system working, she stopped at 3 lights. Then, for the test, the system was turned off. She stopped at 11 lights and it took 4 minutes longer, which if you multiply that by 2 times a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year adds up. She was pleased to report that lights on Rinaldi have been synchronized.

In anti-gridlock zones, fines have been doubled and cars could be towed.

Long term solutions include extending the Orange Line, and addressing the 405 parking lot. She said that all solutions need to be considered, although it turns out that the 405 is a challenge because of the grade or incline of the road and the fact that there is no one single destination on the other side of the hill.

She closed by encouraging everyone to take public transportation or alternatives periodically. There was only a 4% change in traffic patterns during the 1984 Olympics, but the results were noticeable.

Porter Ranch School Approved January 27, 2009!

Celebrating the school's approval are (L to R) LAUSD's Maria Cano, Councilman Greig Smith's Chief of Staff Mitch Englander, PRNC Board Member Becky Leveque, Castlebay parent Wendy Moore, LAUSD Board Member Tamar Galatzan, PRNC President Mel Mitchell.

The LAUSD School Board voted January 27, 2009 unanimously to accept the Environmental Impact Report and approve funding for the construction of the K-8 school planned at the corner of Mason and Sesnon. This vote happened right on schedule and the school is progressing as planned towards a Fall 2012 opening.

Mitch Englander, Councilman Greig Smith's Chief of Staff, spoke to the Board about the unique partnership of the community, Neighborhood Council, Councilman's office and Shapell Industries that has made this possible. He pointed out that this process began back in 1991 with Board Member Julie Korenstein. PRNC President Mel Mitchell spoke about the community's passion in support of the school. PRNC Board Member Becky Leveque thanked all the LAUSD Board members who have been involved with this and pursued it over the many years to this point. Castlebay parent Wendy Moore spoke about the need for the school and the parents' excitement about getting it built.

LAUSD Board Member Tamar Galatzan, who represents this area spoke about how this community is actually excited to build and attend a community public school and Julie Korenstein described how the school was planned for in the Porter Ranch Specific Plan.

"This is truly a major accomplishment and a great day for the residents of Porter Ranch. We have worked closely with the community, Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council and LAUSD to bring this much needed school to our community" Mitchell Englander, Chief of Staff to Councilman Greig Smith.

LAUSD's Maria Cano explained that this approval will allow the project to go to bid and the construction to begin. She expects Groundbreaking to be held by the end of June. Congratulations Porter Ranch!

January 6, 2009 Solar Initiative Presentation

Update: We have received a copy of the Huron Report, an independent assessment of measure B. They analyze the solar industry and the expected costs of solar energy using this program. They estimate that the cost is 11.9 cents per kWh generated (see page 20).

In January we had speakers on two topics: Mr. Joe Avila, Executive Assistant to the DWP General Manager presenting information on the Solar Initiative, which will be on the March 2009 ballot. Mr. Avila is responsible for covering a number of subject matter areas within the LADWP including legislative policy, business and operational analysis and support to both the Water and Power Services Divisions.

You may review the DWP Presentation. You may be also interested in Solar Initiative Packet that was prepared for the City Council by the City of Los Angeles Chief Legislative Analyst and contains his analysis cover letter, a one page list of findings from the PA Consulting Firm which reviewed the solar initiative before it was sent to the City Council, Draft Copy of PA Consulting's PowerPoint Presentation and a second report prepared by Barua, Block and Company for Solar Green USA.

The LA Times reported the existence of this packet and it was recently made available. The two reports take different views of the Solar Initiative as well as the cover letter prepared by the Chief Legislative Analyst.

This information is an important supplement to the DWP presentation and this information was prepared after the date of the DWP presentation.

We also had John Dierking, in Tax Compliance from the LA City Office of Finance. He spoke on on Business Tax Renewal.

John Dierking is the current Taxpayer Advocate for the City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance. The Taxpayer Advocate serves as a liaison and advisor to taxpayers and provides assistance with complex business tax problems. The Taxpayer Advocate program is designed to provide personal assistance to taxpayers who have business tax problems that have not been resolved in the usual manner. The Taxpayer Advocate is dedicated to researching and resolving issues and complaints from taxpayers after an exhaustive effort has been made to resolve them.

The Office of Finance was created in 2000 as a result of Charter reform efforts. On an annual basis, the Office of Finance collects over $2 billion in revenue from various sources including business taxes, licenses, fees, and permits which pay for numerous essential municipal services to City residents and businesses. Our primary responsibility is to collect revenues, outstanding delinquencies and claims on behalf of other City departments.

The Office of Finance also assists other revenue producing departments in the City by recommending standardized billing and collection procedures based on best practices in an effort to improve the City.s collection of outstanding debt. We carry out the mission statement through the efforts of 342 employees and a budget of $23.4 million. The Office of Finance also provides information to businesses and individuals regarding the City's tax and fee collection program.