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October 6, 2023

This week, with assistance from Mayor Karen Bass, our partners at LAHSA, city departments, and various service providers, we successfully carried out another Inside Safe operation in Council District 12 near the intersection of Devonshire and Balboa.

This location has undoubtedly been one of the biggest areas of concern for residents in the community. We have received numerous calls about issues in this area and we have been working tirelessly to address the community’s concerns. Outreach workers from LAHSA, LA Family Housing, and Hope the Mission worked closely with those residing in the encampments and I am pleased to share that we were able to house 32 individuals, remove 1,800 pounds of debris from the street and sidewalk, and all in all, we were able to successfully make contact with 47 individuals.

I want to express my gratitude to all the organizations, agencies, and individuals who played a role in making this a success. This operation was no small feat and consisted of incredible coordination and partnership with the various offices that took part in this operation. Although a few individuals remain on Devonshire, I am confident that we will be able to have everyone off of the street. This operation is a step in the right direction for everyone involved.

I am excited to continue working with Mayor Bass' office to bring Inside Safe to even more locations in Council District 12.

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Sarah & Harry Wong

For this week’s community spotlight, we are highlighting a duo known for their sincerity and passion for their community, Harry Wong and Sarah Wong. The Wongs are longtime members of Supporters in Law Enforcement in Devonshire (S.O.L.I.D.) and other initiatives in the district.

Sarah and Harry have been involved with S.O.L.I.D. since the 2000s. It all started with a pasta dinner 17 many years ago, an event which they learned about from their co-worker. Through the famous Pasta Dinner hosted by S.O.L.I.D., the Wongs were able to meet and connect with countless neighbors. Through their experience and many years of support for the organization, the Wongs are two of the many unofficial cheerleaders of the LAPD Devonshire Division and other public safety oriented groups.

Sarah and Harry grew up in areas of Los Angeles known as Uptown and Arlington Heights. Although their early years took place nearly a decade after World War II, many Japanese and Asians still faced racial tensions and discrimination. For many years, Harry and Sarah were oblivious to this fact because the neighborhoods they grew up in successfully protected them and other kids their age from any racial contempt. Sarah credits many of the religious organizations that came together to find housing for the Japanese Americans who were displaced as the reason why so many people in her neighborhood were able to thrive and overcome the prejudices of the time.

Now that they have been living at Council District 12 for over 30 years, they share that the support and communal nature of the Northwest San Fernando Valley is reminiscent of the neighborhoods that raised them. Sarah says that here, she knows that she has a community she can depend on for everything, including support and friendship. Those are just a few of the reasons why she loves to give back by volunteering for community work and engaging civically.

We thank the Wongs for their incredible work in the community and appreciate their partnership over the years.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

10/6 - S.O.L.I.D.’S 26th Annual “All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner”

Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire invite you to join them in support of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Division. Click here to visit S.O.L.I.D.’s website.

10/6 - 10/8 - Saint Bernadine’s Fall Festival

Swing by Saint Bernadine’s Fall Festival for a 3-day extravaganza featuring brunch, silent auctions, and great music. Click here to see the full schedule.

10/7 - Valley Hive’s 5th Annual Honey Competition and Dessert Contest

Join the Valley Hive in a day of drinks, food, and fun to benefit the LA County Beekeepers Association! Follow this link to find out more.

10/7 - Sit, Stay, Read to the Dogs

Bring your little ones by to increase their reading skills and self-confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. Click here to view the flyer.

10/7 - 10/8 - Shepherd Loves Local

Shepherd Church invites you to their yearly Shepherd Loves Local Weekend which connects the community with local businesses. Click here for more information.

10/14 - Kiwanis Oktoberfest

The Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth welcomes you to come by the Chatsworth Junior Baseball League Field to celebrate a classic October tradition. Follow this link to see the flyer.

10/14 - Used Book Sale at Mid Valley Regional Library

Friends of the Mid-Valley Regional Library invite you to their used book sale. Click here to view the flyer.

10/14 - SFV Museum’s 2nd Annual Latino Heritage Day

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley invites you to join them for a day of art, culture, dance, music, and more to celebrate the Annual Latino Heritage Day. Follow this link to view the flyer.

10/15 - VFW Auxiliary Dinner

VFW Post 2323 invites you to join them for dinner and live music to celebrate the presentation of their new auxiliary flag! Click here to find out more.

10/19 - Metro Telephone Town Hall

Metro invites the public to provide feedback about the agency’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget process during a live, interactive Telephone Town Hall. Click here to register.

10/19 - Great Shakeout

Join the City of Los Angeles’ Emergency Management Department’s Great Shakeout. Click here to learn how to participate in the world’s largest earthquake drill.

10/21 - Granada Hills Street Faire

This beloved community event returns once again! Come by for an all-day affair with food, drinks, classic cars, vendors, and so much more. Follow this link to learn more.

10/21 - Giant Used Book Sale Book at Chatsworth Library

The Friends of Chatsworth Library are holding their quarterly book sale. Go to laplchatsworthfriends.org or call (818) 341-4276 for more information.

10/21 - Political Collectibles Show & Sale

Come see, marvel, and purchase political trinkets and collectibles from various decades. Click here for more information.

10/21 - Granada Hills Rotary Foundation’s 9th Annual Oktoberfest

Enjoy a tasting of the valley’s finest beer and wine at Granada Hills Rotary’s 9th Annual Oktoberfest to benefit the community!  Follow this link to view the flyer.

10/26 - Chatsworth Charter High School Blood Drive

Chatsworth Charter High School is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. Follow this link to register.

10/26 - Halloween Game Day and Luncheon

Granada Hills Woman’s Club invites you to join them for a fun-filled Halloween Game Day and Luncheon Fundraiser. Contact Yolanda Petroski for more information (818) 363-9844

10/28 - Granada Hills Charter 8th Grade Open House

Granada Hills Charter is hosting an open house for potential incoming grade 9 students and families! For more information, click here.

10/28 - YMCA Trunk & Treat Event

Swing by the North Valley YMCA for a spooktacular event. Enjoy a costume contest, games, a spooky maze, and so much more. Click here for the flyer.

10/28 - 3D Printing Halloween Program

Learn about the magic of 3D printing at Granada Hills Library and go home with your very own 3D-printed Halloween-themed item. Follow this link to find out more information.

10/28 - Northridge Recreation Center’s Monster Mash

Come and join Northridge Recreation Center for a fun-filled Halloween-themed carnival and costume contest, you won’t want to miss out on this fun. Follow this link to get all of the details.

WEEK IN REVIEW