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April 26, 2024

This week, Los Angeles was keenly focused on recognizing important moments for various groups throughout the city. From participating in Denim Day to raise awareness against domestic violence to joining together to celebrate cultural traditions and history, our city had no shortage of moments to commemorate.

It was an honor for me to join with leaders in the Armenian community at Cabayan Elementary in North Hills to solemnly recognize the 109th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. As home to one of the largest diasporas of Armenian people in the world, Los Angeles remains committed to ensuring their history is not forgotten and stands united in the effort to prevent the tragedies of the past from repeating.

Similarly, I joined leaders from across Los Angeles to celebrate Passover with a Passover Seder. Passover commemorates the Jewish people's exodus from Egypt and the Israelites' freedom from slavery to the Egyptians. The Seder explained the Jewish people's story of liberation, redemption, and faith. It is incredible to see how the story of the Jewish people's exodus from Egypt continues to inspire hope and courage in people around the world. It was a beautiful and educational experience and I'm grateful to the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles for the opportunity to have been a part of it.

It was also a momentous week for local educators in the San Fernando Valley. Every year, the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts the Heroes in Education Awards, which brings attention and recognition to educators who have dedicated themselves to our students and gone above and beyond for our local schools. My office proudly supports this annual tradition as I remain firmly committed to supporting our local schools, students, administrators, and teachers.

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

Addressing Illegal Dumping

The Council District 12 team recently helped Volunteers Cleaning Communities to address a massive amount of illegal dumping that was occurring near Santa Susana Pass.

VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY PATROL STRIKES AGAIN

Last week, our newsletter featured members of the LAPD’s Volunteer Community Patrol (VCP), who are working to reduce speeding. VCP was started as a pilot program funded by CD12 in 2016 to help address burglary problems in Porter Ranch when many residents left the area due to the gas leak. Since then, they have expanded their duties and now patrol throughout the entire Devonshire Division.

Due to increased thefts from cars at several city parks, VCP members have been checking cars and leaving notes if they spot valuable items left in plain sight. At O’Melveny Park, VCP members were flagged down by hikers who had lost their car keys on the trail, only to discover that whoever found them had stolen their car. Luckily, an Air Tag was hidden inside the vehicle, and from the time VCP put out a stolen car alert, less than 15 minutes passed before a responding patrol unit found the car.

LAPD finds that AirTags or similar tracking devices placed in cars or personal items have proven helpful in their recovery if lost or stolen. In this case, they made for a very happy car owner.

VCP units have been established in other LAPD divisions but Devonshire’s remains the largest and most active unit in the entire city. If you are interested in learning more about VCP, please contact Officer Harrison at 31445@lapd.online.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

5/11 - Mother’s Day - AAPI Pottery Class
In celebration of Mother’s Day and AAPI Heritage Month, Council District 12 is hosting a free Pottery Class for all ages. Kids are welcome, and snacks will be provided. RSVP is required and spots are limited. Click here to register.

4/27 - Rotarians Feeding San Fernando Valley

The Rotarians need your help! Join them at LAPD Devonshire PALS to help pack food and feed families in the San Fernando Valley. Click here to view the flyer and click here to sign up!

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

4/27 - Granada Hills Library Book Sale

The Granada Hills Library is hosting a BOOK SALE in the library’s Community Room, 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 to celebrate at Salute to Recreation’s Senior Dance '24. Click here for the information!

5/5 - Paper Shredding at First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills

Come by First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills and rid yourself of documents you don’t need. Follow this link to learn more.

5/5 - Troop 92 Fundraiser

Troop 92 asks for your support at their upcoming breakfast burrito fundraiser. $15 at the door. Rumor has it these are the best burritos ever. Click here to see the flyer!

5/6 - Troop 10 Fundraiser

Don’t forget about Troop 10! Keep the giving spirit going and head to Osborne Pizza Kitchen in support of the kids. Present this flyer to make sure 15% of the proceeds go towards the cause.

5/9 - 10th Annual Inspirational Women of the San Fernando Valley

Join the United Chambers of Commerce to celebrate five incredible women who have undoubtedly made the San Fernando Valley a better place. Click here to see more information.

5/18 - AAPI Community Day of Service
Join Council District 12 at InChrist Church to help clean up our community! Volunteers will meet at InChrist Church and access the Limekiln Canyon Trail through the gate behind the church to clean up the trail. Additionally, we'll be cleaning the Rinaldi Street sidewalk from Corbin Avenue to Tampa Avenue. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3QgYt8L 

THROUGHOUT APRIL

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.