April 12, 2024

Having the opportunity to support the next generation of leaders remains one of my key efforts as the representative of the Twelfth Council District. Earlier this week, I welcomed student-athletes from Granada Hills Charter High School to City Hall to celebrate their recent championship victories.

Both the girls’ soccer and basketball teams won their respective Southern California Division III Regional Championships and became the first sports teams at Granada Hills High to capture these titles in the school’s history. As a proud Highlander, it is a privilege for me to be able to uplift the incredible students at this school and celebrate their accomplishments in a way that is meaningful and brings attention to their talents.

Day of the Horse continues to be one of Chatsworth’s great traditions and I was thrilled to once again join the festivities. Chatsworth’s equestrian history dates back over many decades and seeing the community’s continued respect and appreciation for this culture reassures me that this part of our community’s history remains alive and well. To see all the festivities, please watch the video above, courtesy of Mark Hovater.

If you’re already looking for the next thing to do in the community, I encourage you to come by Chatsworth’s next big event, Blockfest! The Chatsworth Blockfest brings together community vendors and entertainment for a day of fun, community, and connection. Come learn more about local businesses, meet neighbors, and find new organizations focused on making Chatsworth the best version of itself. See you there, rain or shine!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Moratorium on Dog Breeding Permits

This week, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance that would place a moratorium on the issuance of new dog breeding permits until the cumulative shelter population throughout Los Angeles drops below 75% capacity for three months.

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

Feedback on Topanga Canyon Blvd Safety Enhancements

Caltrans is proposing new bike lanes and other pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements to Topanga Canyon Blvd between Mulholland and SR118. Caltrans believes these improvements will help members of the community feel safer walking and biking to destinations along the route. They are currently seeking feedback on different configurations under consideration as well as information on other features the community would like to see.

An online survey is available to fill out here.

Metro Telephone Town Hall

On April 16, starting at 6pm, join L.A. Metro for a Telephone Town Hall to share feedback about the agency's Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. Share your thoughts on funding priorities: public safety, cleaning, and service enhancements.

Register for Metro’s TTH meeting at https://tthm.wufoo.com/forms/metro-telephone-town-hall-signup/ 

Alternatively, the public may join via phone at the time of the event by dialing (888) 400-1932 for English and (888) 400-9342 for Spanish.

Those participating with computers can access the town hall via the following links:  

English: https://janus.teletownhall.us/?id=Metro&eid=102025
Spanish: https://janus.teletownhall.us/?id=Metro-sp&eid=102026

Mosquito Awareness Week

As we enter the mosquito season, vector control experts stress the importance for residents to take preventative measures against mosquitoes. The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD/District) joins other public health and vector control agencies across the state to commemorate California Mosquito Awareness Week, April 14-20. This annual statewide campaign aims to raise awareness and educate the public on effective mosquito prevention and bite reduction measures, thereby preventing the spread of diseases.

Visit their website to access resources and learn about the ways you can get involved in mosquito prevention.

Workforce Development with LADWP

LADWP recognizes the importance of a strong workforce to continue the work to build a stronger Los Angeles. As a jobs creator and employer, LADWP maintains a workforce of 11,000 and promotes economic development in the region by providing secure, well-paying civil service jobs. LADWP is also committed to creating paths to secure employment, especially for members of underserved communities, promoting STEM education that may lead to future employment at LADWP, while also investing in the leaders of the future. Click here to learn more about potential opportunities with the department.

April 24th is Denim Day

Join people around the world in observance of the 25th anniversary of Denim Day. As the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history, Denim Day asks community members, elected officials, businesses, and students to make a social statement with their fashion statement by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence. Participation is simple; put on a pair of jeans.

If you’d like to show even more support, visit their website and learn more about the initiatives and ways to get involved.

Revised Closure Schedule of Topanga Canyon Boulevard

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has ONCE AGAIN RESCHEDULED the closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) in the San Fernando Valley for bus pad construction.

Portions of the southbound lane will be closed Monday through Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., starting April 15. The lane will reopen at 6:00 a.m. after each night.

The construction will impact the following intersections of Topanga Canyon Boulevard:

Southbound Mayall Street
Southbound Lassen Street
Southbound Plummer Street
Southbound Prairie Street
Southbound Nordhoff Street
Southbound Gresham Street
Southbound Parthenia Street
Southbound Chase Street
Southbound Roscoe Boulevard
Southbound Strathern Street

Closures are weather-permitting and subject to change.

Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program

The City is seeking to implement a citywide Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program. As a result, the City has released a Notice of Availability and Draft Program Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Program. The report analyzes and discloses the potential environmental effects of the proposed program, identifies ways to reduce significant environmental effects, and identifies feasible alternatives to avoid or minimize significant environmental effects.

The City will hold three separate virtual public meetings to provide an overview of the proposed program and environmental analysis to assist in developing comments on the report. To register for the public meetings, please visit https://laplasticsceqa.eventbrite.com/.

The City would like to receive your comments on the potential environmental effects of the proposed program. Your written comments and input will be accepted throughout a 45-day public review period, ending at 5 pm on April 26, 2024.

To learn more about the proposed program please visit: https://www.lacitysan.org/ceqa.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

4/14 - 2nd Annual Autism Acceptance Resource Fair

Join Councilmember John Lee for the 2nd Annual Autism Acceptance Resource Fair. Come find new resources, and celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with a day dedicated to the autistic community!

TONIGHT - Grand Opening of the Granada Hills Farmer’s Market

Come by Historic Old Granada Hills for the grand opening of the only certified farmer’s market in the community. Click here to learn more.

4/13 - Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library Book Sale

The Friends of the Mid-Valley Regional Library invite you to their upcoming book sale! Friends of the Library members get exclusive access to the book pre-sales on the Friday before each Saturday listed in the link above, from 9:30am to 3pm. The general public will be admitted on Friday after 12pm.

4/13 - Chatsworth Blockfest

The Chatsworth Blockfest returns! Come enjoy food trucks, live music, games, art, and so much more. This event is happening rain or shine! Click here to get all the details.

4/13 - MSA-7 Community Market

Join Magnolia Science Academy - 7 for their first annual community market! Whether you're looking to sell or shop, come support students and the school’s community. Saturday, April 13th, from 10 am to 3 pm. Magnolia Science Academy-7 18355 Roscoe Blvd. Northridge, 91325.

4/15 - Los Toros Charity Golf Tournament

Clear your calendars! Come enjoy a round of golf that helps the Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth fund various events, programs, and scholarships to benefit members of the community. Click here to get your tickets.

4/16 - Board of Police Commissioners Meeting

Join the Board of Police Commissioners for the next evening Community Commission Meeting in Operations Valley Bureau on Tuesday, April 16th at 6pm.

4/17 - Electric Vehicle Car Show at CSUN

Join the CSUN Institute for Sustainability’s annual EV Car Show on Wednesday, April 17th from 10am-3pm. The event is free to all and hosted on the grounds of the Institute for Sustainability (corner of Vincennes and Lindley).

4/20 - Table Talk Tea at the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley
Join the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley for a panel discussion celebrating women and featuring bright teens and influential women. Follow this link to see the flyer.

4/20 - Arab American Heritage Month at the Mid-Valley Regional Library
Join the Mid-Valley Regional Library for a demonstration of how to prepare hummus and baba ganoush and enjoy a sample of these delicious dips alongside a cup of mint tea! Click here for details!

4/20 - 30th Annual S.O.L.I.D. All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast

Start your weekend off right with an unlimited amount of pancakes! Every dollar raised goes directly towards providing essential resources to our law enforcement professionals. Click here to view the flyer.

4/20 - Giant Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Chatsworth Library are once again holding their quarterly book sale! The sale will take place 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.

4/20 - Encino Food & Wine Festival

ONEgeneration is excited to announce the Encino Food & Wine Festival! Come on out with your family and friends and enjoy endless samples of local wine, beer, and food from vendors across Southern California. Follow this link to buy your tickets that go towards supporting ONEgeneration.

4/22 - OneGeneration Wilkinson Senior Center Labyrinth Walk

ONEgeneration invites you to join them for a walk through a labyrinth that will aim to awaken the senses, promote flexibility, and encourage relaxation. Click here to read all about it.

4/23 - Coffee with a Cop

Come by ONEgeneration for the latest Coffee with a Cop event. Meet, speak, and ask questions of your Senior Lead Officers.

4/24 - Heroes in Education Appreciation Celebration

The North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to this year’s Heroes in Education Celebration where educators and volunteers from local schools are honored for their work. Here is more information.

4/27 - Earth Day at Chatsworth Nature Preserve

Celebrate Earth Day at the Chatsworth Nature Preserve. This celebration will start with a blessing ceremony and feature guided hikes, exhibitions, and more. Click here to read all the details.

4/27 - Policy con Pan Dulce

Come join a free forum with community leaders honoring Congressman Tony Cárdenas’ 28 years of dedicated public service. Come engage directly with your local elected officials on social, economic, and political issues. Registration is required to attend, click here to RSVP.

4/27 - Granada Hills Library Book Sale

The Granada Hills Library is hosting a BOOK SALE in the Community Room of the library located at 10640 Petit Avenue. The Book Sale will be held from 9:30am to 3:30pm. All proceeds benefit the library!

4/28 - Sock Hop with Granada Hills Woman’s Club

Join the Granada Hills Woman’s Club for their Sock Hop event! Donate to the group’s cause and in return receive a spaghetti dinner! Donations are required by April 14th! Click here to view all the details.

5/3 - Salute to Recreation’s Senior Dance

The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Office of Councilmember John Lee, and various Council District 12 Neighborhood Councils invite you celebrate at Salute to Recreation’s Senior Dance '24. Click here for the information!

THROUGHOUT APRIL

Free Tax Filing with Direct Filing

Direct File is a new IRS service that is helping people save time and money by filing their taxes online, for free, directly with the IRS! Direct File is safe and easy to use – with no fees or surprises! You can use Direct File on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer to file your taxes in English or Spanish in as few as 30 minutes.

Visit directfile.irs.gov to see if you’re eligible and start filing today. Direct File is currently available to eligible taxpayers in 12 states.

Non-Perishable Food Drive

LA Sanitation is collecting non-perishable food to donate to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, St. Francis Center, and Inside Safe participants, local organizations that provide services to Angelenos in need. Click here to see the list of accepted items and drop-off locations.

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

ALL: Council District 12’s Rapid Response Team continues tirelessly addressing illegal dumping across the district and working to beautify parts of the community in need.

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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