This week I had the pleasure of celebrating an organization that is near to my heart, the LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center.
For 50 years, this outstanding organization has been connecting youth with LAPD officers to not only improve community relations but to also provide guidance and mentorship to youth in Council District 12. The work of this program has grown leaps and bounds over its five decades of service, expanding the breadth of services provided to kids and families to include life skills, enrichment classes, and even preparing kids on their journey to a career or college.
I give my sincere appreciation to all those who over the years have cared enough about their community to give their time and resources to build up this program, making it into what it is today.
|
|
|
|
Last week, Council District 12 hosted the community's first Autism Acceptance Resource Fair. Check out this video out from our friends at Channel 35 to learn more about this event.
|
|
Mother's Day Cooking Class
As a part of Los Angeles’ celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we invite you to join us for a Mother’s Day cooking class to learn the art of dumpling making from the incredibly talented Chef Jet Tila. Hear about the history of the dish, the ingredients, and learn about the importance of AAPI cuisine as a whole. Click here to RSVP. Please note that reservations are limited and there is a minimum requirement of two tickets per order.
|
|
|
Making Movies that Matter Film Festival
Following many months of preparation, Council District 12 and the 33 schools participating in the Making Movies that Matter Film Project officially invite you to join us for the culminating event at The Soraya. Students throughout the San Fernando Valley have been involved in an immersive process through which they've learned how to film, act, direct, edit, and produce films. Please consider joining us for the culminating event that will screen the films and conclude with an awards ceremony. Follow this link to RSVP.
|
|
|
LA2050 Grants Challenge
What do YOU care about, LA? We’re excited to share that our partners at LA2050 have launched voting in the 10th annual LA2050 Grants Challenge. Each year, LA2050 gives $1 million to nonprofits and other social impact organizations making LA better. But, it’s up to Angelenos to determine what issue areas will receive funding – from homelessness and income inequality to park access – through online voting. Voting is online through May 8th, available in 10 languages, and open to all ages. We encourage you to vote now!
|
|
|
|
Round 3 Small Business Rental Assistance
Round 3 of the Small Business Rental Assistance Program is now open through May 24. This program hosted by the Los Angeles Economic Workforce Development Department provides businesses that are in need of COVID-19 financial recovery assistance with grants. Businesses must be located in the City of LA, in operation before March 2020, and if you were rejected previously due to lack of documentation, you are now eligible to apply.
|
|
|
Restaurants Care Resiliency Fund
A new cycle for grant funding is available for independent restaurants. Restaurants Care is partnering with SoCalGas, PG&E, and SDG&E to provide restaurants with grants that can go towards kitchen equipment, technology upgrades, and any difficult or unforeseen circumstance. Applications are now open through May 7 and restaurants with less than $3 million in annual revenue are encouraged to apply. Follow this link to learn more and apply.
|
|
|
Council District 12 Year in Review
We invite you to take a look at the newest volume of Council District 12's Year in Review, which highlights some of our accomplishments over the past year. Working together we were able to continue supporting our first responders, welcome new businesses into the community, and find common sense solutions that increased the quality of life for our neighborhoods.
|
|
|
Senior Citizen/Disability Lifeline Program
The Lifeline Rate Program is a City of LA Office of Finance program that offers senior and disabled citizens an exemption on their electric and other utility bills. This rate is available under provisions of the Los Angeles Municipal Code or the Revenue and Taxation Code of the State of California. To learn more about this program and to apply, visit the City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance website.
|
|
|
Legal Help for Small Business Owners
Are you a small business owner in Los Angeles? Could you benefit from FREE legal help? Los Angeles Economic Workforce Development Department has teamed up with its various partners for the LA Regional Small Business Legal Aid program, which offers free legal help, from basic legal information and guides to representation by an attorney to help address immediate/long-term issues. Visit lalegalhelp.org to connect with a legal expert now!
|
|
|
MAKING MOVIES THAT MATTER
Darren Abraham
|
|
|
For this week's Making Movies that Matter spotlight, we introduce you to Mr. Darren Abraham. Mr. Abraham's peers at Patrick Henry Middle School describe him as an industrious, dedicated individual. His comical and kind rapport with his students gains respect, creates confidence, and promotes an excellent dynamic for learning. Teaching in Los Angeles for over 20 years, Darren Abraham has become an outstanding instructor with one of the most successful video programs in the district. He has a passion for helping his students develop skills to create short films that have a meaningful impact on their community.
From his years of experience within the media world on stage and behind the scenes, Mr. Abraham suggests that a student filmmaker needs to not only hone technical skills but also their ability to tell stories, a skill that allows them to convey important messages that have the potential to effect social change. “We can develop these skills by giving the students real-world projects that require them to research, plan, and execute their ideas- their values," said Mr. Abraham. "I encourage and motivate my students to collaborate with their peers, give and receive feedback on their work. I tell them not to be afraid of criticism- that’s your friend helping you improve.”
Mr. Abraham’s students have produced films on a wide range of topics, from environmental sustainability to social justice issues to mental health awareness. They have won numerous awards and accolades for their work, including 1st Place and 1st Place overall recognition from the Los Angeles Unified School District and John Lee’s Making Movies That Matter. Although his students have been nominated and won more awards within our program than any school in the LA district, we feel that one of the most impactful films he worked on with his students was a tear-jerking public service announcement titled My Best Friend. This heartfelt fictional, all-be-it factual story, helped raise awareness about the unseen issue of homelessness in the school system and led to changes in local policy. When watched for the first time at the Making Movies that Matter event, the audience literally gasped. He is very proud of his students for their hard work and dedication to making a difference through their films. When praised about his awards at a recent Making Movies luncheon, Darren was quick to correct, “It’s the students that do the work, I just push them to their limits so they can see a glimpse of the possibilities." He jokingly continued, "The awards do feel good though.”
The highly anticipated Making Movies that Matter Culminating Event is fast approaching and already has over 1,300 RSVPs. If you are interested in attending, follow this link to reserve your seat before it completely sells out
Mr. Abraham’s student films, along with all of the great Making Movies That Matter submissions can be screened at cd12movies.com.
|
|
Home Delivery of COVID-19 Test Kits
The United States is once again offering home delivery of COVID-19 test kits. Each order is limited to 4 tests per household. Follow the link to order yours.
COVID-19 Information
Click here for resources and the latest updates from the County Department of Public Health.
|
|
5/6 - 5/7 - National Pet Adoption Month
In celebration of National Pet Adoption Month, LA Animal Services is offering reduced adoption fees this weekend. Please follow this link to learn more and see the pets available for adoption.
5/6 - CSUN Taiko Drumming Ensemble
The Granada Hills Branch Library invites you to a special performance by the CSUN Japanese Taiko Drumming Ensemble. Click here for details.
5/6 - VFW Post 2323 Day of Service
The Veterans of Foreign Wars are hosting a day of service in Granada Hills and ask for your assistance in kicking off veteran-led community service projects. Follow this link to learn more.
5/7 - Classic Chevys of Southern California Classic Car Show
Rancho San Antonio Boys Home opens its doors to you for the 40th Annual Classic Car Show hosted by Classic Chevys of Southern California Car Club. Click here to learn more.
5/11 - United Chambers of Commerce Inspirational Women's Awards
The United Chambers of Commerce invites you to join in celebrating 5 outstanding women in the San Fernando Valley. Follow this link to learn more about attending this paid event.
5/13 - PearlCon 5 Fundraiser
The Daniel Pearl Magnet High School PTSA is hosting a fundraiser called PearlCon. This event is a mix of car show, craft fair, and comic book convention. Click here for more information.
5/17 - Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce Mix & Mingle
Swing by the Elks Lodge to meet both current and prospective members of the Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce. Click here to see the flyer.
5/20 - Northridge West Neighborhood Council Ice Cream Social
Celebrate the community, meet neighbors, and best of all, enjoy free ice cream. Follow this link to learn more about this event and beloved community event.
5/20 - Mother's Day Appreciation Event with Shades of Motherhood
Shades of Motherhood and Rock the Spectrum Northridge invite all mothers to a day of pampering with a team of Paul Mitchell School hairstylists and manicurists. Here's the info.
5/20 - Father's Day Card Making at the Chatsworth Library
Come to the Chatsworth Library to create memorable Father's Day cards. It is open to teens and adults. Call (818) 341-4276 for more information.
5/21 - BSA Troop 92 All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Support BSA Troop 92 and buy tickets to their all-you-can-eat breakfast fundraiser. Pre-sale tickets are $10 and tickets at the door are $13. Click here for all the information.
5/27 - Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Stroke Health Fair
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center will be hosting a free stroke health fair that will provide health education and screenings, and meet and greets. Click here to learn more.
|
|
THROUGHOUT MAY
- 118 Freeway Reseda Off-Ramp Update
According to updates provided to my office from Caltrans, work on the 118 Freeway Reseda off-ramp has been delayed due to water mitigation efforts and supply delays. Caltrans' contractor is moving to a seven-day-a-week work schedule and is developing an updated project timeline to share with the public.
Although Caltrans is a state agency, my office has continued to be at the forefront of pushing for progress and updates in recognition of the fact that our community is impacted by the closure, and we will provide updates as they become available.
- LAHD Webinars for Tenants and Landlords
If you are interested in learning about Los Angeles' current rules regarding tenant protections, follow this link to register for one of LAHD's upcoming sessions.
- LASAN's Toiletries Drive
Join Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment and donate unopened toiletries that will be donated to the St. Francis Center and LA Sanitation's Livability Services Division. Click here to see items needed and drop-off locations.
- LASAN's OrganicsLA
Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment customers should use their green bins to dispose of all food scraps and food-soiled paper, along with their existing yard waste. To help residents start collecting food scraps, the City is providing 2-gal kitchen pails. Residents can start making appointments to pick up their pails through the LASAN's scheduling system.
- Free Bulky Item Drop-Off
LA Sanitation & Environment is accepting bulky items at five locations around the City monthly. Click here to see the dates, times, and details.
- Economic Opportunity Grant Program
Phase 2 of the Economic Opportunity Grant Program is now open and invites small businesses and nonprofits to apply. Click here to learn more and to apply.
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
