September 27, 2024

Every year, LA City’s Department on Civil + Human Rights asks each Councilmember to nominate an outstanding woman in their community who has broken barriers and succeeded in numerous endeavors. This year, I was extremely proud to nominate the incredible LAPD Deputy Chief Ruby Flores.

Deputy Chief Ruby Flores has had a distinguished career in the Los Angeles Police Department since 1994, serving in various roles and receiving numerous accolades. In December 2020, she was appointed as the department’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. In this pioneering role, she was responsible for establishing and leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Group.

In January 2024, she received a historic promotion to lead the Operation Valley Bureau, making her the first woman to receive this command and the first Latina promoted to Deputy Chief within the Los Angeles Police Department. Deputy Chief Flores is a trailblazer for women in law enforcement. She is known for her dedication to fostering positive change, providing exemplary service, and mentoring the next generation of law enforcement leaders within the department.

I am always honored to be able to support our veterans and I was thrilled to join the incredible men and women of the Wings Over Wendy’s veterans group for their annual gala. This gathering of incredible people celebrates the accomplishments of our veterans and honors their longstanding contributions to our country.

Together, we solemnly recognized and remembered those who have flown west, shared stories and celebrated numerous birthdays, some of which crossed the centennial mark! I am grateful for their sacrifices, courage, and friendship.

I would be remiss not to give a shoutout to the latest cohort participating in the LEE12 Excellence in Leadership program.

With 23 students selected to participate, this latest group will continue the traditions of this unique program where students learn more about the functions of the City of Los Angeles, participate in the political and civic process, formulate public policy, and expand their leadership capacity. I look forward to seeing their success and will share updates about their progress in the near future.

And lastly, I would like to somberly recognize Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is an important observance that reminds the public to remain aware of ovarian cancer and the importance of early detection. Through education, support, and advocacy, we can collectively impact the health of women for the better and ensure that we are doing everything possible in our fight against cancer.

NEW PEDESTRIAN HYBRID CROSSWALK BEACON AT HIAWATHA AND ZELZAH

Exciting news! A new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is now live near Granada Hills Charter High School.

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is a traffic control device designed to enhance pedestrian safety at crosswalks by stopping traffic for pedestrians who are crossing.

After hearing concerns from neighbors, parents, and faculty near Granada Hills Charter High School, my office instructed the Department of Transportation to begin the process of implementing this improvement at Zelzah Avenue and Hiawatha Street.

This vital addition will make crossing the street safer for our students and community. Remember, drive safe and stay focused.

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

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.

LAPD Operations Valley Bureau Community Police Academy

Take an inside look at the Los Angeles Police Department and various functions of law enforcement! Participants in the Community Police Academy will be introduced to police operations such as Traffic Enforcement, Special Weapons and Tactics, Terrorism Awareness, Homicide Detectives, Human Trafficking, Hate Crimes, and Communications Division.

Additionally, during the Academy, students will be introduced to Community Policing and how this form of policing can help build partnerships and solve problems that arise in the community.

When: This is a five-week Academy starting October 3, 2024 - November 7, 2024
Hours: 6pm - 8pm

Where: LAPD Davis Training Facility (Granada Hills) 12001 Blucher Ave., Granada Hills, 91344

Requirements:
- 18 yrs. or older
- Have no convictions for serious crimes
- Do not have pending arrest warrants
- Do not have pending criminal cases
- Living or working in the OVB area (San Fernando Valley)

For more information, please contact Officer Robert Rothman & Officer Cody Briscoe at OVBCOMM@lapd.online.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

9/27 - S.O.L.I.D.’s 27th Annual “All You Can Eat” Pasta Dinner

A community favorite returns! Join the Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire TONIGHT for a night of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Click here to see the flyer.

9/27 - Crime Buster Bingo Night

Come by LAPD Devonshire PALS for an evening of food and entertainment with Crime Busters Bingo. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

9/28 - FREE Latino Heritage Day Event

Bring the entire family down to the Museum of the San Fernando Valley to celebrate Latino Heritage Day with live music, food vendors, arts & crafts, and games! Follow this link to view the flyer.

9/28 - Topanga PAL Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament

Support your local neighborhood PAL organization and play a fun game of poker. Test your luck and follow this link to get all the details.

9/28 - 6th Annual Los Angeles Libros Festival

Come down to the Central Library in Downtown L.A. for a day of entertainment for all ages featuring Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, performances, workshops, and award-winning authors. You won’t want to miss it! Follow this link for the details.

9/28 - Magnolia Science Academy 7’s Free Community Resource Fair

Discover local services, connect with helpful organizations, and access valuable resources—all under one roof! Follow this link to get all the details.

9/29 - Blood Drive at St. Andrew and St. Charles Episcopal Church

One of the simplest ways to save a life. Visit St. Andrew and St. Charles Episcopal Church in Granada Hills to donate blood. Click here for more information.

9/29 - Chatsworth Community Street Cleanup

Join Kiwanis of Chatsworth and Chatsworth Neighborhood Council as they clean up Chatsworth Street from De Soto Ave to Mason Ave as part of the City of Los Angeles ADOPT-A-STREET Program. Follow this link for the details.

9/30 - ACE’s 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

Combine your passion for golf with a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community. Follow this link to get your tickets.

10/2 - Chatsworth Book Club Celebrates 200 Books Reads

The first meeting of the Chatsworth Library Book Club was on May 11, 2005. The group was led by Mr. John Thorpe, then President of the Friends of Chatsworth Library. The first book read was Little Scarlet by Walter Mosley. On Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 1:30pm the Chatsworth Library Book Club will celebrate reading over 200 books with cake and a discussion of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. Join us at the Library, which is located at 21052 Devonshire Street in Chatsworth.

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!

10/6 - 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!

10/6 - 10/8 - Saint Bernardine Fall Festival

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

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!

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

Northridge Branch Library Temporary Closure

Due a plumbing issue, the Northridge Branch Library is closed at least through Monday 9/30. The “We Write the Book” Craft Series Kickoff has been rescheduled. 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.

Call for Valley Artists

The Valley Art Fair is coming soon, and they are looking for San Fernando Valley artists to participate! This event, sponsored by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley in collaboration with the Northridge Neighborhood Councils (Northridge West, Northridge East, and Northridge South), aims to provide a vibrant platform for local artists to showcase and sell their work.

Follow this link to apply, and email janiskraftnwnc@yahoo.com with any questions you may have.

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: It was my pleasure to join the folks at the First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills for their Fall Food Pantry event! Every year, these incredible people hold this food drive to collect canned goods to donate to CSUN students who benefit from a helping hand.

TOP RIGHT: With Lee Choong Woo, the Mayor of Yeoju, Korea, and staff during their visit to Los Angeles City Hall.

BOTTOM LEFT: At the North Valley Neighborhood Council Summit!

BOTTOM CENTER: Celebrating my friend, and Chief of Staff, Hannah Lee at the Central City Association’s Chief of Staff Reception.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Proud to join AYSO Region 71 in celebration of their 50th anniversary!

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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