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September 1, 2023

This week marks the four-year anniversary of my tenure as the Councilmember representing the Twelfth Council District of Los Angeles. Serving as your Councilmember has been one of my life's greatest honors, and together we have worked to address the issues that most deeply impact our local community.

On homelessness, I have worked to bring housing options to our district where none previously existed. Through collaboration with our partners at Hope the Mission and Volunteers of America, we successfully opened both The Trebek Center and The Devonshire Lodge. Additional housing, such as the Extended Stay in Northridge, is coming online in the coming months so that we continue to provide safe and supportive alternatives to living on the street. Recognizing that housing is not the singular answer to the crisis, we are also employing CARE+ cleanups to ensure that our public spaces receive the attention they need.

On public safety, I have been a staunch advocate for law enforcement and the Los Angeles Police Department. My commitment to our police officers has been unwavering and I have fought to ensure that as a city we continue providing the department with the necessary resources to keep our communities safe and protected. Through partnerships with organizations like Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire and with local leaders, Council District 12 ensures that the men and women of the LAPD receive the support and appreciation for the service they provide. Similarly, I have worked to ensure that the Los Angeles Fire Department, whose paramedics and firefighters respond daily to our calls for assistance and care, receives the resources they need to continue providing quality service to the residents of our district.

In the local community, we have placed a high priority on working with our City departments to deliver core services- maintaining our streets and trees, ensuring that street lights are timely repaired, and putting additional funding towards weed abatement and graffiti removal. We have brought myriad improvements to our local parks, replacing playgrounds, reconditioning playing fields, installing safety fencing, and launching the long-awaited refurbishment of the Granada Hills Pool. I have supported our schools and businesses through innovative initiatives that assist and uplift. With programs like Making Movies that Matter and the LEE12 Excellence in Leadership program, my office is working to expand opportunities in arts education and civic leadership to students across the district. Small businesses have undoubtedly felt the biggest impact through and in the recovery from, the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with organizations like The Change Reaction, we have kept beloved businesses in our community afloat through our most difficult times. 

Finally, this community is stronger thanks to the work of dedicated non-profit and service organizations and volunteers across the district who invest so many hours into helping shape your neighborhoods and city for the better. Whether it be volunteering for a Neighborhood Council, spending days cleaning up our community, or fulfilling an organizational or personal mission to help those in need, your tireless work alongside me and my staff is appreciated.

Still, there is much more that remains to be done. I am honored every day to serve as your Councilmember and look forward to continuing the important work that will ensure our district remains one of the best places to work, live, and play.

CD12 COMMUNITY UPDATES

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Lisa Waters

In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, there are individuals whose actions shine a light on the true essence of community care and commitment. Meet Lisa, a resident of Chatsworth Lake Manor since 2010 and someone who has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the safety of her fellow community members.

It was a fateful day when Lisa witnessed a car veer off the highway and into the embankment. Quick to respond, she dialed 911 to report the incident. Unfortunately, the individual involved did not survive but this experience sparked a fire within Lisa. She transformed her concern into a mission to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

Taking matters into her own hands, Lisa reached out to the Council District 12 office to advocate for new guardrails along a dangerous stretch of road that had been notoriously dubbed, "Dead Man's Curve" on Woolsey Canyon. Her tenacity and drive culminated in a significant accomplishment - the installation of the guardrails. Lisa's efforts will undoubtedly save countless lives, making her community a safer place to navigate.

What brings Lisa the most gratification in her service to the community is the tangible impact she sees. As cars wind up Woolsey Canyon, she finds solace in knowing that her collaboration with CD12 has safeguarded those travelers, offering them protection on their journey back downhill.

Beyond her community service, Lisa is known for her love of surprising others with wrapped gifts and delicious baked goods. Her interests span from family and nature to music and a wholesome lifestyle. She is driven by a deep curiosity about people, art, cultures, and communities, leading her to study their past, present, and future. Remarkably, Lisa's commitment to serving others extends even further. She proudly shares her identity as a Red Cross blood donor with over 15 gallons worth of donations, equating to more than 120 donations to those in need.

When asked about her favorite community experiences, Lisa's face lights up. She cherishes attending the Annual Earth Day festival at the Chatsworth Reservoir, where she can celebrate nature and community unity. And when it comes to food, her heart belongs to My Thai on Devonshire.

Lisa's story is a testament to the power of individual action in shaping a safer and more caring community. Her dedication to public safety, her love for her surroundings, and her genuine concern for others stand as an inspiration for us all. Through her actions, Lisa proves that positive change begins with a single person's heartfelt commitment.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UPCOMING

9/2 - 9/3 - Labor of Love Adoption Event

LA Animal Services is offering reduced adoption fees for dogs and cats on Saturday, Sept. 2, and Sunday, Sept. 3.  Follow this link to view the pets available for adoption and ready to make your family complete.

9/6 - Adult Gaming at Chatsworth Library
Come by the Chatsworth Library for a variety of board games and card games. Games available include checkers, backgammon, Uno, and Monopoly. For more information call (818) 341-4276.   

9/7 - Granada Hills Woman's Club Prospective Members Reception
Those who are interested in joining the Granada Hills Woman's Club are invited to a reception to learn more about the group and mingle with current members. Follow this link to find out more. 

9/9 - Touch a Truck - ONEgeneration
See, touch, and hear different types of vehicles! Climb in a dump truck, run the sirens on a police car, and even lift the hose of a fire truck. Proceeds from this event help support ONEgeneration.

9/9 - Chili Cook Off & Flag Retirement Ceremony
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church and Preschool is hosting a chili cook-off and flag retirement ceremony. RSVPs are crucial to ensure enough food for attendees. Here's the info.

9/9 - LAPD Hiring Workshop & Testing Seminar

The LAPD Recruitment and Employment Division invites those interested in protecting and serving their community to attend a hiring seminar at the Ahmanson Recruit Training Center. Click here to learn more and register for the event.

9/10 - Family Fun Day at The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley invites you to a Fall Family Fun Day to enjoy ice cream and art! Click here to see the flyer.

9/12 - Neighborhood Watch Meeting with Senior Lead Officer Parker

Join Senior Lead Officer John Parker for a discussion on department-wide crime stats and get an update on extra patrols in the community. Follow this link to access the flyer.

9/16 - Declutter and Donate Drive

Late on your spring cleaning? A donation drive to benefit Operation Blankets of Love is ready to accept any new or gently used blankets, towels, and pet supplies you are ready to get rid of. Click here to find out what they need and where to drop off supplies. 

9/23 - LAPD Topanga PAL Charity Poker Tournament

Come by for an evening of poker at the LAPD Topanga PAL Charity Poker Tournament! Participation in this poker tournament gives you the chance to win fantastic prizes while contributing to a worthy cause.

9/23 - VCC All Street Clean-Up Event
Volunteers Cleaning Communities invites you to help pick up litter along Nordhoff Street. They are aiming to clean 11+ miles in 2 hours. Click here to learn more. 

9/23 - 9/24 - Fall CSUN Food Pantry Drive
First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills is sponsoring a Fall CSUN Food Pantry on Saturday, Sept. 23, 10am - 1 pm, and Sunday, Sept. 24, 8:30 am - 11:00 am.  To help food-challenged CSUN students, they are asking for canned or boxed food items and toiletries. Please no glass containers or expired items. Checks made payable to CSUN Food Pantry are also welcome. The address is 10400 Zelzah Ave., Northridge, CA 91326

9/26 - Chatsworth Coordinating Council Meeting

The Chatsworth Community Coordinating Council will hold its first meeting following the summer break at Chatsworth West United Methodist Church. Click here for more information.

9/28 - Free Movie Matinee at the Chatsworth Library

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 1:30 PM there will be a free showing of the movie Cyrano at the Chatsworth Library. Light refreshments will be available. For more information call (818) 341-4276.

IN REVIEW