NEWS 2008

Snow! December 2008
Disaster Preparedness Event November 2008
Sesnon Fire Picnic November 2008
Shakeout November 2008
BongHwan Kim Addresses PRNC November 2008
PRNC Receives BONC Award October 2008
PRNC Response to Sesnon Fire October 2008
Sesnon Fire October 2008
Disaster Preparation, Are You Ready? November 2008
Robertson on Street Repair October 2008
PRNC Assists with Train Accident September 2008
Smith Calls PRNC Best in District, September 2008
Planning Retreat August 2008
YMCA Parking Expansion Proposed July 2008
Sidewalk Repair July 2008
Playground Celebration June 2008
Telephone Tax Discussion January 2008

Current News
2007 News

Snow dusts Oat Mountain in Porter Ranch during storm on December 17, 2008. Photo by Risa Jackson.

Disaster Preparedness Event - November 2008

There was a disaster preparedness event held at Fire Station 87 on Balboa on November 16, right after the Great Shakeout on November 13.

Sesnon Fire Picnic - November 2008

Thousands came out for the celebration to thank the first responders and community on November 2, 2008 at Holleigh Bernson Park.

Local representatives sing the Star Spangled Banner

Neighbors enjoyed free food, disaster preparedness info, rock climbing and face painting.

The Big One - Shake Out - November 2008
Sue Hammarlund, Boardmember

On Thursday, Nov 13th at 10am a vast majority of Californians will be participating in The Great Southern California fornia ShakeOut, a major earthquake drill This includes the schools, government agencies, business and families. I urge you to go on line to www.shakeout.org to find out more information.

What you don’t know could easily make you a victim rather than a survivor.

Shift happens and it can be anytime, anyplace. Are you ready?

LA has been lucky so far in the timing of these events. We won’t always be so lucky. Many have emergency kits at home, but what about your cars? Do you have a backpack in your car that has comfortable shoes, water, flashlight, etc? If you do then you have a good chance of being a survivor (even if after walking home your feet are very tired and sore). It is so easy and cheap to make a kit: How to make a kit. You can find more info at earthquakecountry.info  

You don’t need fancy safety items, just remember the little things like rotating food and water stock.

How many of you have something hanging over your bed? If it falls on you, it could kill you or your loved one. A final but important note is to remember your pet’s needs. Otherwise after a week, you dog might look at you in a different light.

Remember every day we don’t have a disaster, brings us a day closer to having one. The fire department tells us not to count on them for at least 5 days after the event.
Good luck and please be safe.

BongHwan Kim Addresses PRNC: November 2008

BongHwan (BH) Kim, General Manger for the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) was the guest speaker at our November Board meeting. He spoke about the role of neighborhood councils, support provided by DONE, and some proposed changes to the Neighborhood Council system.

"A council's role is advisory to the City Council. An NC's power is not so much in its formal role, but rather in its role as caretakers and stewards of the local quality of life while holding government more accountable," Kim said in describing his vision for councils. The opportunity is to take an issue, get the community to weigh in on it and bring the recommendation to the Councilman's office. NCs become more effective with sufficient notice about pending City Council decisions and a sophisticated understanding about how decisions are made at City Hall.

Asked about the ongoing challenge of effect NC outreach, he said that "the most effective outreach tool is relevance," tackling issues that the community cares about. He noted that the PRNC has done a great job with outreach.

He commented that he would like to see the role of DONE changing from payment processor and enforcer to capacity builder to enable NCs to expand their influence and reach. His challenge is to use 15 field staff to effectively serve 90 councils and 1,700 NC board members. Some ideas include changing the financial system to be one with more NC control and DONE verifying NC financial audits. Online ethics and best practices training would provide a common level of understanding among board members and online reporting of training completed by individual NC board members provides transparency and accountability.

He was careful to point out that his resources could shrink in light of the budget crisis and that there would probably be another look at reducing the $50,000 currently allocated per NC.

Porter Ranch Emergency Response In Line Of Fire
November 2008, North Valley Community News

Just three days before the October 13 Sesnon fire, the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council Outreach committee met to discuss plans for the upcoming year. The conversation however, rapidly moved to a review of the community’s emergency response to the Chatsworth Train accident. One member asked, “What is the Neighborhood Council’s role in an emergency?” “Just to be available to coordinate services as necessary, depending upon the emergency,” stated Paula Cracium PRNC Vice President and Shepherd of the Hills Director of Development.

She wasn’t kidding. With the Sesnon Fire rapidly burning across Oat Mountain, Paula coordinated the evacuation center at Shepherd of the Hills Church. Church staff and volunteers and members of the PRNC connected and began to mobilize resources to help evacuees. Board Members Bright Aregs assisted in setting up cots, Sue Hammarlund contacted the Red Cross, Becky Leveque arranged for some of the first food deliveries.

“We are grateful for such an outpouring of volunteers and community support from all sides,” said Paula Cracium. Walmart provided blankets, pillows, diapers, sanitary supplies and so much more for the 350 – 500 evacuees staying at the church. Food was donated by virtually every restaurant and store in the community. More than 900 people had dinner there on Monday night while they assessed their options.

Hundreds of volunteers helped at Shepherd’s evacuation center which operated as part of a new Red Cross program where the Red Cross partners with existing community organizations. Jerry, from the Red Cross was so pleased with the results, he called it “Shelter Heaven.”

We are grateful for all this support and especially for the exceptional work of the more than 1,400 firefighters who came from all over California to battle this firestorm.

“I expect we will be planning an event as a hearty thank you to the firefighters who saved our neighborhood in the near future,” comments a thankful Mel Mitchell, PRNC President. So stay tuned for more information about that. Help Make Porter Ranch a Better Place to Live, Work and Grow. Check our website www.PRNC.org for more information. The next PRNC meeting is: Tuesday, November 11 at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 6pm. Save the date for the PRNC Holiday Party, Tuesday, December 2 at Baker’s Square in Granada Hills.

PRNC Receives Award from BONC

During the Congress for Neighborhood Empowerment on October 11, 2008 the PRNC received an award from the Board of Neighborhood Empowerment for coming alongside the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council during the Chatsworth Train Accident on September 12, 2008.

Sesnon Fire Blazes Through Porter Ranch

Monday, October 13, 2008 started like any other beautiful, but windswept day in Porter Ranch until a downed power line near Limekiln Canyon, north of Sesnon, set the mountain ablaze. Residents learned for the first time that their mountain was called Oat Mountain. In spite of high winds most thought that it would be a while before the fire reached them.

However, Porter Ranch Estates resident Suzanne Dersahakian didn't hesitate when she saw a group of fire trucks barreling up Tampa from her house overlooking Limekiln Canyon after 10am. She leapt in her car to be among the first to retrieve her children from Castlebay Lane Elementary. Other moms quickly converged on the campus and got a quick education in what that "Reunion Gate" is for as they began to check large quantities of children out from school during an emergency. One panicked parent parked her car blocking the parking lot exit.

By the time Risa Jackson came from work to collect her children, it was increasingly difficult to maneuver through road closures to get to the school. By 1pm, the smoke was thick, directly over the school and surrounding community, raining down ash. Panicked residents began to pack up with a greater sense of urgency. Homeowners were watering lawns and gardens, asking themselves the proverbial question posed by The Clash, "Should I stay or should I go? If I go there will be trouble, And if I stay it will be double. So come on and let me know..."

About 2pm Police let neighbors know loud and clear. They began ordering evacuation of the neighborhood and the school evacuated remaining students around to Canoga Park High School.

One couple who evacuated from their house near Tampa and Wilbur stopped along the golf course further down Wilbur. They took stock of their situation in a sort of tailgate party, having remembered to bring the pizza fresh from the oven. They commented that they forgot the wine. Smoke rose off the mountain heading slightly to the west of where they were perched in their truck. Just south of them the LAPD had blocked access north at the Wilbur / Rinaldi intersection and appeared to be preparing for their next steps.

Shepherd of the Hills Church quickly swung into action mobilizing hundreds of volunteers and partnering with the Red Cross to provide services. Members of the PRNC set up cots and contributed to the food donations. One board member signed in as an evacuee. The PRNC sent out communications about available evacuee services.

More than 900 people had dinner Monday night at Shepherd and took stock of their situation while the fire bore down on the Renaissance community and raced down the many canyons of Porter Ranch: Aliso, Limekiln, Moonshine, Brown's.

Fire crews stayed vigilant for several days to keep an eye on hot spots. They commented that the good brush clearance and many defensible zones helped immensely in this blaze. Still, some weren't so lucky and will be reconsidering their landscaping choices.


Fire Crew from Incline Village, Lake Tahoe puts out a hot spot.

More than 1,400 firefighters came from across the state and the community is more than thankful.

The Sesnon fire rampaged through 14,000 acres, 15 homes and 47 outbuildings and damaging six others. By the end of the week the skies were clear, but the smoke smell hung thick in the air causing respiratory problems as residents unpacked their things, cleared the ash from the front door and tried to get back to normal.

Disaster Preparation: Are You Ready?
November 2008 SFV News
Susan Hammarlund, Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council

Fire Station 96 Commander Chris Cooper and his fellow firefighters completed training on train incidents this last June. This training on top of all his other preparations helped ready him for the chaos and carnage of the Chatsworth Train accident on September 12. Commander Cooper’s focus that sweltering afternoon was on extinguishing the fire powered by the Metrolink locomotive’s dislodged fuel cell, coordinating first responder agencies, expediting casualty extrication, setting up the temporary morgue and triage locations and establishing a safe perimeter to prevent well wishers from injury in a biohazard zone.

“The enormity of this disaster was staggering,” Cooper comments. “And what struck us in particular this time was that these victims might be people we knew.” As one of LAFD’s 80 member Urban Search and Rescue Team he has been sent to help with 911 and Katrina among other disasters. “We certainly gave those efforts our all, but this effort was unique, because these are our neighbors,” said Cooper.

The only time it was difficult for Cooper to be there was when Officer Spree DeSha was removed from the wreckage. It was a very emotional time for the rescuers. The most seasoned firefighters were shedding tears.

While Cooper, Treasurer of the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council was working on site, other members of the Council were working in conjunction with the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, who was taking the lead on coordinating some of the food and supplies needed for victims, families and responders. Both Councils were commended by the City’s Board of Neighborhood Commissioners for coming together to serve the community in a time of need. This type of volunteerism and community outreach is what was hoped for when the Neighborhood Councils were created.

As is evident by October 12’s Sesnon Fire, disaster can strike at any time. And often it takes us by surprise moving faster than expected. In the aftermath of these disasters consider how prepared you are for the next one. An earthquake possibly? One of the best things you can do to prepare is to complete Community Emergency Response training, a free 17 hour all hazard training course to allow you to respond to disasters, especially when official agencies are not available, as will most certainly happen in the next earthquake. Find out more at www.Cert-LA.com.

You can also participate in the Great Southern California Shake Out on November 13. See www.ShakeOut.org.

Be prepared! Join us and Help Make Porter Ranch a Better Place to Live, Work and Grow. Check our website www.PRNC.org for more information. The next PRNC meeting is: Tuesday, November 11 at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 6pm. Save the date for the PRNC Holiday Party, Tuesday, December 2 at Baker’s Square.

William Robertson, Director, Bureau of Street Services Addressed Porter Ranch, October 7, 2008

Left - Right:  William Robertson - Director, Bureau of Street Services, Michael O'Leary - Foundation for Pavement Preservation, Councilman Greig Smith and Nazario Sauceda -  Assistant Director Bureau of Street Services with an award from the Foundation for Pavement Preservation given to Los Angeles in 2005 for its excellence in pavement preservation.

William Robertson, the Director of the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, spoke at the PRNC meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 7pm at Shepherd of the Hills Church.

He discussed how the City is continuing to improve street repair in spite of the current budget crunch. His office has provided us with advance material explaining their methodology in identifying and managing street repair. Please read: Pavement Preservation in the City of Los Angeles.
 
PRNC Assists Victims of Chatsworth Train Accident
September 2008

The PRNC actively reached out to provide support to victims and responders of the Chatsworth Train Accident on September 12, 2008. Christopher Cooper, PRNC Treasurer, is with the LAFD and was among the first on the scene.

Becky Leveque, PRNC Police, Fire and Safety Chair coordinated with Judi Daniels, Chatsworth Neighborhood Council’s President to provide food, supplies, and blankets, sharing the cost between the two councils. She also went to the Red Cross to donate blood.

Paula Cracium, PRNC VP, inquired of Jim Dellinger from Councilman Smith’s office and found that water was needed. She and her family loaded their van with water and delivered it on behalf of the PRNC and Shepherd of the Hills Church. She comments, “The literally hundreds upon hundreds of safely officials were doing an incredible job responding to this tragedy - so as requested, we dropped off the supplies and move out of the area as quickly as possible.” She also offered the church facility as a resting location for responders and other resources.

More on the rescue effort

PRNC Best Council in Smith’s District, September 2008
Mel Mitchell, Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council President


Greig Smith commends outgoing Treasurer Paul Drogichen and Secretary Pat Pope while President Mel Mitchell looks on.

Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith nimbly fielded questions from an animated crowd at the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council meeting on September 9, 2008. During opening remarks he commended the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council for being the best neighborhood council among the 12 in his district for staying focused on its neighborhood. He also thanked outgoing Treasurer Paul Drogichen and Secretary Pat Pope for their outstanding service and installed the new Board resulting from the June election.

He addressed questions of crime, advertising trailers on Rinaldi, parks, trees, traffic police, police station staffing, and home-based business signage. When asked if the northernmost part of Mason could be closed to reduce crime, he responded with an unequivocal no, as California law will not allow a public street to be closed once it has been opened. However, at the request of Renaissance community homeowners he will explore ways to reduce racing, drinking and loitering on Mason through limiting nighttime parking and police patrols among other options.

Smith is working with the Porter Ranch Development Company to create an upscale community shopping mall on Rinaldi just west of Toys R Us. In hopes of creating a center like The Grove, their architect has been hired to craft an elegant design incorporating a water feature. Conceding that in this economy, construction will not begin for some time, the center plans to have upscale restaurants and stores.

Street resurfacing was another hot topic Smith addressed, pointing out that the City has won an award from the Foundation for Pavement Preservation. He explained how streets are evaluated for repair and what repairs are available. William Robertson, Director of the Bureau of Street Services will explain how the City is continuing to improve in street repair even in light of the current budget crises at the next PRNC meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, Shepherd of the Hills Church.

Board Retreat August 2008
Paula Cracium, Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council Vice President

The PRNC held a planning retreat on August 16, 2008 to identify objectives for the coming year. The overall theme was identifying the board's role in assisting the stakeholders of Porter Ranch to improve the community. The budget will be focused on community outreach through various techniques. Each board member identified their personal areas of interest and committee assignments.

The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council identified its new direction with two key elements at a planning retreat in August: to serve as a conduit for stakeholders and to use the budget primarily for outreach.

After some discussion the Board concluded that our primary role is to serve as a conduit for stakeholders, helping you make Porter Ranch a better place to live, work and grow. The Board is all volunteer and has limited time to tackle Porter Ranch improvements single-handedly. However, we are able to assist stakeholders by identifying the right City employees to address concerns. The conduit role goes both ways: to bring stakeholder concerns to the City and Councilman and to bring City issues to the stakeholders.

The Board has struggled with the best use of the budget it controls. Should the funds be used for direct community improvements or outreach? How much can you improve a community with $50,000? The Board has used the funds to provide equipment for fireman and policemen serving Porter Ranch, for equipment for Castlebay Elementary school’s students, for shade covering for Holleigh Bernson Park, for sidewalk cleaning and for local outreach events and communications.

While there are many worthy improvements to be made in Porter Ranch, the Board decided that the best use of funds is to reach out to stakeholders to enable greater participation by the community in its improvements as a whole, thereby leveraging the Board’s money and the community’s influence.

YMCA Proposes Expanded Parking in the North Valley
July 2008
Mel Mitchell, PRNC President

A new Limekiln Canyon Trailhead and expanded YMCA parking are in the works at Porter Ranch. Jane Stanton, North Valley YMCA Executive Director, Dave Hasson, YMCA Board Member and Chris Murray, Rosenheim & Associates Project Consultant presented the plan at the July Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council board meeting.


The YMCA is seeking support from the PRNC and a variance from the City for the addition of 78 parking spaces, which would be created by leveling the berm to the east of the facility. The lot would follow City guidelines to include one tree for every four parking spaces.

They are also responding to community requests to improve safe access to Limekiln Canyon. They propose to grade a foot trail from Corbin near the south end of the YMCA parking lot down to the canyon. “We think this project is a great addition for Porter Ranch, enabling people to really enjoy Limekiln Canyon.” said Jane Stanton.

Having heard the presentation in July, the PRNC took a position in favor of the project at the August 12, 2008 meeting.

Sidewalk Repair Comes to Porter Ranch
July 2008
Ron Nagai, Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council Boardmember

Majestic tree lined streets in Porter Ranch are unfortunately plagued with cracked, broken and dangerous sidewalks. To address this issue, Mr. Ming Gong, Los Angeles Program Manager for the 50/50 Sidewalk Reconstruction Project was the guest speaker at an informative and emotional Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council meeting on July 8, 2008.

He explained that the City has 11,000 miles of sidewalk, 4,000 miles of which needs repair. No permanent repairs were completed from 1976 to 2000. Last year 59 miles were repaired. At that rate it would take the City 83 years to repair sidewalks currently damaged.

The 50/50 program was created to accelerated sidewalk repair. Participating residents pay 50% of the reconstruction cost and the City of Los Angeles contributes the matching funds. The reconstruction cost of $18/square foot includes labor, materials and necessary tree work. Those interested in the program should contact Mr. Gong’s office at 818 374-6857. The first step is to schedule an on site meeting with an estimator. Upon payment of the resident’s 50% share ($9/square foot), the project will be scheduled for completion within 3-6 months. The participating residents are asked to sign an agreement which details the scope of work and their share of the reconstruction cost.

Some benefits of the program include: no permit fees, no inspection fees, workmanship guaranteed for five years and of course safe sidewalks. Signing up for the program moves you up the priority list for sidewalk repair.

This program currently handles about 450 requests a year. They are hoping to add two new crews which would increase capacity to 900 requests per year. The program only applies to residential requests.

Some stakeholders expressed concern at the meeting that the City has created a two tier system for those who can pay and those who can’t, even though all are subject to being sued by people tripping on damaged sidewalks. One resident pointed out that the City’s pine tree in front of her house has caused three temporary repairs, which actually make the sidewalk more dangerous. Shouldn’t the City address the root cause: the tree? Requests were also made to handle damaged sidewalks on Rinaldi and broken crape myrtle trees on Sesnon.

Playground Celebration & Disaster Preparedness Fair
June 7, 2008, 11am-2pm

The event was kicked off by Mrs. Dorfman's Castlebay Kindergarten Class of Indefatigable Winners who led everyone in the pledge of allegiance and sang several patriotic songs. Many attendees received I love Porter Ranch T-Shirts and reusable PRNC shopping bags. Lunch was provided by the PRNC and prepared by the Red Cross as part of their continuing emergency training.

Also on hand were Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girl and Boy Scouts, Boy Scout Venturing, Fire Explorers, Red Cross Youth Volunteers and the YMCA..

Sponsors include Councilman Greig Smith, American Red Cross Disaster & Preparation, Castlebay Lane Elementary School .

Chris Cooper, Mrs. Drogichen & Vas Singh give out reusable shopping bags.	Paula Cracium & Paul Drogichen	Boy Scout Table
Girl Scout Table	New Shade Covering	Mrs. Dorfman's Class of Indefatigable Winners
Councilman Greig Smith, PRNC & Castlebay Singers	Greig Smith celebrates Porter Ranch	Becky Leveque thanks Greg Smith for the PRNC
Sue Hammarlund, event organizer and the lead from the Red Cross	Red Cross chefs	Head Chef in action

PRNC Hosted Telephone Tax Discussion - January 2008
Ray Ciranna, Assistant City Administrative Officer, made a presentation about the proposed Telephone User's Taxx at the January 2008 meeting. He outlined the previous telephone taxes, the reason for this proposed tax and the potential impact of not passing this tax on the February ballot.