Earlier this week, Council District 12 welcomed Mayor Karen Bass to the Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center for a robust Conversation with Councils on the city budget for the upcoming year. From questions regarding homelessness to discussions on how Los Angeles aims to bring up the number of LAPD officers, Mayor Bass candidly shared her thoughts and views with our Neighborhood Council board members on the issues facing our city and how she plans to make Los Angeles a better place for all.
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LA ANIMAL SERVICES UPDATES
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This week the Los Angeles City Council made significant progress in addressing the various issues that have continually plagued our city's animal shelters. Starting Wednesday, June 28th, all shelters in the City of Los Angeles will no longer require appointments to visit or adopt any of the available pets. This simple change will help alleviate the overcrowding at shelters by making the adoption process simpler and more accessible.
Prior to her Council confirmation, I personally met with Ms. Dains to express my concerns about the current state of our animal shelters. I also shared with her the opinions of the many volunteers who have been vocal about the overcrowded conditions and volunteer engagement at our shelters.
I am impressed with Ms. Dains' qualifications, passion for animals, and positive attitude. I believe she will be an effective leader for the department and for the betterment of the pets who desperately need better conditions. If you are interested in adopting any of the available pets, please visit the LA Animal Services website to see all the animals available for adoption. In addition, the department will be offering free microchips and tags for pets starting Saturday, June 24 through July 9 (while supplies last).
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Small Business COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Program
The application window is now open for the California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program. Qualified organizations with 26-49 employees who paid supplemental sick leave during 2022 may be reimbursed up to $50,000 for their sick leave expenses. Funds are limited and will be awarded based on eligibility and availability of funds. Applications must be received by June 28 at 11:59 p.m.
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Apply to Join the LA Youth Council
The Olivia Mitchell LA City Youth Council is now accepting applications to join the next cohort of youth leaders who will impact and help guide Los Angeles into the future. During their term, members learn about the inner working of local government, drive special community projects and civic events, and make policy and budget recommendations to elected and civic leaders of the City to improve the well-being, safety, and achievement of young Angelenos. Click here to learn more and view the application.
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LASAN Lateral Rebate Program
The City of Los Angeles, LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN), is offering two sewer lateral rebates on a first-come, first-served basis, conditional upon the completeness and accuracy of the rebate application and supporting documentation, and are available until annually allocated funds are exhausted. All property owners who own residential, multifamily, commercial, and/or industrial property, and are in good standing with their sewer service charge fees paid to the City of Los Angeles, are eligible to apply. Click here to learn more and apply (make sure you are logged into your MyLA311 account before applying.)
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Mosquito Control Awareness
As we welcome warmer weather, it is a good time to remember that controlling mosquitos is a shared responsibility. The Greater Los Angles County Vector Control District continues providing information and tips on how to manage and prevent the threatening illnesses that come with mosquito bites. Click here to visit their website and learn about the many ways in which you can help prevent mosquitos from breeding.
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LAHD Handyworker Program
The Handyworker Program uses licensed general contractors for minor home repairs and accessibility improvements at no cost to eligible homeowners and renters by correcting safety and health hazards that could cause injury or illness, or jeopardize the safety and livability of a home. Click here to read more about the program and eligibility.
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Santa Susana Field Lab Final Program Environmental Impact Report
On June 8, the State's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released the long-awaited Final Program Environmental Impact Report (FPEIR) for the cleanup at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). My office is carefully reviewing this detailed and lengthy document. Access the FPEIR and related documents here.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Tommy Gelinas
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When it comes to capturing the essence of the San Fernando Valley, no one embodies this vibe more than Tommy Gelinas and his iconic entity, the Valley Relics Museum. Originally located in a small strip mall in the industrial section of Chatsworth, the Valley Relics Museum now occupies a hangar near the Van Nuys Airport and was recently named one of the preeminent museums in all of Los Angeles. Even though Tommy and the VR Museum are not officially in Council District 12 any longer, they are still considered a part of the extended CD12 family and will always remain there through a powerful and collaborative relationship that has breathed life into some of Councilmember Lee's cornerstone projects.
In addition to his day job as a silk screener for most of the top entertainment performers in Southern California, Tommy has also generously collaborated on CD12 projects such as the Making Movies that Matter Youth Short Film Festival and the Educator's Roundtable. Tommy has also offered some of his collection of SFV memorabilia and artifacts to display in the CD12 District Office in Chatsworth and has made the meeting space at the museum available for CD12 and other community organizations.
When you meet and engage in conversation with Tommy, it is immediately apparent that he lives, eats, and breathes all things SFV and is more than qualified to do so. When you mention his hometown, Tommy rattles off long-gone landmarks and recalls the giant slides and trampolines, the themed eateries, and Uncle Ben’s Kiddieland. The department store-filled Panorama City was “a miniature Beverly Hills.” As a kid, he says, “I didn’t think there was a life outside the Valley.”
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Tommy is a business owner and avid collector whose fascination with the history of the San Fernando Valley began at a very young age. He began collecting artifacts from our valley’s past a little over 20 years ago and now the collection is the largest of its kind pertaining to the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. One of Tommy’s dreams was not only to preserve and protect our local history but to open a museum to showcase the collection. In late 2012 the Valley Relics Museum was established as a non-profit and opened its doors to the public in October 2013. Through hard work and perseverance, the San Fernando Valley now has a spotlight on its amazing accomplishments and rich history.
We thank Tommy, his team, and the Valley Relics Museum for their commitment to preserving the rich history of the Valley and to improving the quality of life for all Angelenos. If you are interested in using the VR Museum for an event or want to simply visit one of the coolest venues in Southern California, please visit the museum website at https://valleyrelicsmuseum.org/.
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6/24 - Chatsworth Nature Preserve Earth Day Open House
After being postponed, the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Earth Day Open House returns. Join us tomorrow for a ceremonial blessing and a chance to see this protected space.
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6/24 - Low & Slow at Cal State Northridge
CSUN welcomes you to a car show and their popular exhibition, "The Politics of Low & Slow." This car shows features beautiful lowriders and delves into the history of this quintessential LA culture.
6/24 - Topanga Community Police Station Open House
Come take a station tour and meet local officers. Click here to learn more.
7/4 - Shepherd Church's 4th of July Spectacular
Celebrate our nation's independence at Shepherd Church's fireworks show. This beloved professional fireworks show is a community tradition. Click here to learn more.
7/8 - 7/9 - Orcutt Ranch Orange Fruit Pick
The Department of Recreation and Parks welcomes you to Orcutt Ranch for the annual fruit pick. Come by on either date to pick oranges. Please bring your own bags. Click here to see the flyer.
7/9 - A Wild, Wild West Mystery Plan & Chili Cook-Off
Join the Granada Hills Woman's Club for a fundraiser that invites participants to solve a mystery and participate in a chili cook-off. Follow this link to read more and support the organization.
7/15 - Giant Used Book Sale
The Friends of Chatsworth Library will be holding their quarterly book sale in Community Room of the Chatsworth Library. Go to laplchatsworthfriends.org or call (818) 341-4276 for more info.
7/17, 7/24 - "My L.A." Tiny Painting Party
The Northridge Library's Tiny Canvas Painting Party returns! Register for one of the two sessions starting on July 11th and enter your artwork into Tiny Painting Gallery for a chance to win prizes.
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THROUGHOUT JUNE
- Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley June Needs
Click here to view the June list of items most needed by the Rescue Mission Alliance (formerly the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission).
- Northridge Branch Library Closure
The Northridge Branch Library will be closed from June 20 - July 10 for maintenance and will reopen Tuesday, July 11 at noon.
- All-American VFW Post 2323 June Events
VFW Post 2323 has a series of events lined up throughout the month. Click here to see everything they have in store.
- LASAN Provides Additional One-Time Brush Collection
Did you know? In addition to your regular green bin collection, LA Sanitation offers a once-a-year service to collect as many 30-pound bags of brush/yard waste/branches (cut up to 4ft), especially useful around brush clearance time! To arrange for pick up, call 1-800-773-2489 a day before your regular collection day and provide the quantity of bags.
- 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.
- 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.
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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
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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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