October 4, 2024

Over the course of the last year, my office has been working closely with the Los Angeles Police Department and Bureau of Street Lighting on a plan to install 100 Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras in all communities throughout Council District 12.

This week, alongside LAPD Chief Dominic Choi and our officers, I was proud to officially announce the implementation of this technology and discuss the benefits it will bring to our neighborhoods.

ALPRs are a technology already used by law enforcement agencies throughout the country that help find patterns in the incoming and outgoing traffic of a specific area, and ultimately play a vital role in narrowing the search for specific suspects.

These cameras do not know any basic details beyond the vehicle information and license plate and thus represent police work that takes guessing out of the equation and is completely driven by data and real-time information.

It is important to note that this information is also extremely well-protected by strict LAPD data policies. A majority of officers only receive information passively, recorded data becomes unavailable in the system after two years and deleted after five unless required for prosecution, and the system is additionally safeguarded from misuse by the department’s Auditing Division.

Many of you know that I am a strong supporter of our LAPD and ensuring that they have the support and resources they need. This tool will undoubtedly improve the department's capability to conduct investigations as they work to keep our communities safe.

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

On the topic of public safety, I’d like to commend Mayor Karen Bass on her choice of Jim McDonnell as the new Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. His extensive experience and proven leadership in law enforcement make him an exemplary choice for this vital role. Chief McDonnell’s experience in the LAPD, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and Long Beach Police Department, as well as his commitment to community policing and public safety, will serve him well in this role. I am confident and hopeful that his innovative approach will lead to a positive impact on Los Angeles. I look forward to working with him to achieve our shared vision for a safer Los Angeles.

I would also like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Chief Dominic Choi for his unwavering commitment to serving the City of Los Angeles these past months as Chief of Police. He has provided steadfast leadership during this time, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his continuing capacity as Assistant Chief.

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

Recap of Pioneer Woman Awards

Last week, I was honored to recognize the myriad achievements of Deputy Chief Ruby Flores at the City’s Pioneer Woman Awards. Check out the video above from our friends over at LA This Week to see more.

“A Weekend at the Gallery” Art Show

The Maureen Gaffney Wolfson Gallery of Dreams invites Angelenos to a special art show weekend aimed at benefitting the Los Angeles Animal Services Department and the West Valley Animal Shelter.

Come marvel at the incredible works of Maureen Gaffney Wolfson and potentially take home your very own piece, with the satisfaction of knowing that you are also helping out local pets in desperate need.

25% of all art sales will go towards directly benefitting animals via the Spay/Neuter Trust Fund and the Animal Welfare Trust Fund, including dog treats, pet toys, and grooming supplies. Click here to see all the details.

Annual BioBlitz Challenge

The Los Angeles Public Library's Neighborhood Science Initiative is excited to announce the fourth annual LA BioBlitz Challenge, in collaboration with LA Sanitation and Environment’s Biodiversity Program, LA Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

In a call to action to protect and support biodiversity in the city of Los Angeles, the LA BioBlitz Challenge encourages Angelenos to observe and photograph native wildlife, including animals, insects, and plants, using the iNaturalist mobile app.

The Library and its partners will also be hosting special programs to engage local communities about biodiversity, native wildlife and sustainability. Click here to learn more.

California Paid Family Leave Program Grants

Small businesses across California can now receive grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. This initiative, funded by the California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, aims to support small businesses in managing additional costs when employees take leave. These grants can help cover expenses such as cross-training existing staff and hiring and training new or temporary employees, ensuring business continuity during employee absences.

Follow this link to learn more.

Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit

The SESD Summit is designed to foster economic growth within the Los Angeles Region by connecting business owners and entrepreneurs with sports and entertainment partners. This is a unique opportunity to learn how to access capital and seize forthcoming opportunities available with the anticipation of the World Cup in 2026, Super Bowl in 2027 & Olympics & Paralympics in 2028. The event will include an expo of 30 resource providers, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and much more! RSVP here!

Stoney Point Ranch Request for Proposal Extension

Since its purchase by the City in 2007, Stoney Point Ranch Equestrian Center has been used as an equestrian boarding facility. The City’s Department of Recreation and Parks has been developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to invite competitive bids from the public for the operation and maintenance of this critical site.

The Stoney Point Ranch RFP proposal submission deadline has been extended to October 22, 2024 at 2:00PM. Please click here for additional information on the extension.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

10/6 - 32nd Annual Chatsworth Historical Society Pioneer Day
Another community classic returns! Join the Chatsworth Historical Society for Pioneer Day and a day of old-time fun, including panning for gold, leather crafts, butter churning, and more! Visit this link for all the info!

10/5 - LA Made Presents: Guzheng and Vocal Performance: An Exploration of Asian American Music

Experience the dynamic sounds and voice of the guzheng and learn the rich history of the guzheng through traditional, contemporary, and extended playing techniques. Stop by the Northridge Branch Library at 3:30pm.

10/5 - Johnny Cash Americana Music Concert

The Granada Hills Library will host Michael Jay’s “Johnny Cash Americana Music Concert” on Saturday, October 5, at 3:30pm. Stop by for a night of unforgettable music to pay tribute to the Man in Black!

10/12 - Rotarians Feeding San Fernando Valley

Join your fellow Rotarians to pack food for families in need in the San Fernando Valley. Follow this link for more information and to register.

CORRECTION: 10/18 - 10/20 - Saint Bernardine’s Fall Festival

Make the most out of your weekend at Saint Bernardine’s Fall Festival. Enjoy live entertainment, food and beverages, and fun for the entire family. Click here for more information.

10/19 - Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth Oktoberfest

The Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth invites you to their annual Oktoberfest celebration. Follow this link to get your tickets.

10/19 - Friends of the Chatsworth Library Giant Used Book Sale

The Friends of Chatsworth Library are once again holding their quarterly book sale. The Library is located at 21052 Devonshire Street in Chatsworth, and the sale is in the Community Room and includes thousands of almost-new hardback books and a huge selection of paperback books, all at a fraction of the cost of new. Go to laplchatsworthfriends.org or call (818) 341-4276 for more information.

10/26 - Granada Hills Library Book Sale

The Granada Hills Library is hosting a BOOK SALE on Saturday, October 26th in the Community Room of the Library located at 10640 Petit Avenue. The Book Sale will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the library. Hope to see you there!

10/26 - CD12 Drive-In Movie Night

Come enjoy the classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at one of CD12’s signature events. See here for all the details!

10/30 - Halloween Game Day and Luncheon with the Granada Hills Woman’s Club

The Granada Hills Woman’s Club is sponsoring a Halloween Game Day and Luncheon at the clubhouse located at 10666 White Oak Avenue starting at 10 AM. Doors open at 9:30 AM. Pre-paid reservations only, in the amount of $25, payable to GHWC, are to be mailed to the Woman’s Club at the same address listed above before October 25. Prizes for the best costume (but costumes are optional) Questions? Contact Yolanda Petroski at 818-363-9844.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

Northridge Branch Library Temporary Closure

The Northridge Branch Library remains closed until further notice. All of the events originally scheduled for Saturday, October 5 will be rescheduled to a later date, as will events scheduled for Monday, October 7. Please click here for information about the library.

Volunteer Volleyball Coaches Needed at the Chatsworth Recreation Center!

The Chatsworth Recreation Center is in need of volunteer volleyball coaches. If you have the time, we strongly encourage you to give it a shot. Click here for information.

Northridge Branch Library’s Teen Council

Teen Council is a fun way for those between the ages of 11 and 18 to gain leadership experience, express creativity, and make a difference in the community. Help plan events, design displays, build the YA (teen & young adult) book collection, and more! This group meets on the first & third Tuesdays of each month at 4:00pm at the Northridge Branch Library. Click here to join the Los Angeles Public Library's Teen Council.

LA Sanitation Condiments & Utensils Drive

La Sanitation & Environment’s City Facilities Recycling Program is collecting sealed, unused utensils and condiment packets, which many of us receive with takeout and delivery meals but do not use. Click here to see drop-off locations.

Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy, National Citizenship Education Teacher Award

The Veterans of Foreign Wars invite you to participate in their annual essay contests. Please click the links below to read about this year’s contests, including the writing prompt, entry requirements, and prizes:

Bulky Item Drop-Off Events

LA Sanitation will be accepting bulky items at five locations around the city each month throughout 2024. Furniture, carpet, yard trimmings, shelving, and wood will be accepted. To find out more information, click here.

WEEK IN REVIEW

TOP LEFT: Another successful S.O.L.I.D. Pasta Dinner! Dare I say the best one yet?

TOP RIGHT: Happy faces at the Pasta Dinner! The shirt is a very unique type of flattery.

BOTTOM LEFT: At a press conference with local leaders advocating for changes to our criminal justice system!

BOTTOM RIGHT: Chatting with KCAL News anchor Rudabeh Shahbaz about the launch of Council District 12’s ALPR Program! Here are links to more news coverage:

COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
By appointment only. Please call or email.
9207 Oakdale Avenue, Suite 200
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Phone: (818) 882-1212
Fax: (818) 701-5254

LOS ANGELES CITY HALL
By appointment only. Please call or email.
200 North Spring Street, Room 405
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 473-7012
Fax: (213) 473-6925

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Chatsworth, CA 91311
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