RECENT LEGISLATION 

Englander Reelected Council President Pro Tempore…

On July 1, I was honored to be unanimously re-elected by my fellow Councilmembers to serve another term as President Pro-Tempore of the Los Angeles City Council. In addition, we welcomed two new members to the Los Angeles City Council, Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson and David Ryu.

This is an exciting time of change in the City of Los Angeles. The past two years this Council has made significant strides in every aspect of governance but we still have much to do.

Over the next few years, we must continue to create a more responsive City Hall, fund core City services first – police, fire, streets, sidewalks, graffiti removal, parks and planning, concentrate our efforts on increasing the available affordable housing stock in the region, and make it easier for businesses to create jobs and grow our economy.

As we embark on this journey, I remain as committed to our community as I was on day one. I have enjoyed hearing your ideas and suggestions for improving and maintaining our neighborhoods and I hope you will continue to reach out.

    

-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember Twelfth District

Exploring New Technologies for LAPD…
This week, I submitted a motion requesting the Los Angeles Police Department report on the feasibility of using a mobile app to expedite and automate police reporting, similar to the one being utilized by the Palm Springs Police Department.

When police officers respond to a scene of the crime, they are responsible for completing paper forms that document what occurred at the scene. Police officers may have to complete 50 to 60 forms depending on the type of incident. In addition to being time consuming, paper forms are costly for police departments. However, technology may be able to reduce the need for paper forms, and in turn, create efficiencies in police reporting.

The Palm Springs Police Department recently piloted the use of a new mobile app called SceneDoc. This app securely digitizes paperwork and slashes reporting time for incidents. The mobile app takes the paper forms and populates them into a mobile dashboard. The officers can open the app on their mobile devices and access and complete the necessary forms. Police officers are also able to take pictures and record audio at the scene and add it to the case file. The date/time and GPS location of the photos and videos are automatically placed in the app’s photo log.

The mobile app has transformed the Palm Springs Police Department’s reporting system from a multi-step system to a single step. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office, which also uses the app, stated that the County saved $80,000 in paper costs alone and $800,000 in salary costs.

The use of a mobile app would not only create efficiencies in police reporting, but would also allow police departments to keep more officers out in the field by reducing the time needed to complete the required paper forms. This is crucial for departments who may be facing issues with their staffing and who struggle to maintain a consistent level of deployment coverage.

Click here to read full motion.

-Mitchell Englander, Chair of Public Safety Committee

 COMMUNITY NEWS 

VIDEO: From Tragedy to Triumph: The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission’s Home Again Family Shelter…

Shepherd of the Hills Church 17th Annual Fourth of July Spectacular…
Shepherd of the Hills Church is proud to present their Fourth of July Spectacular where the entire community can celebrate our great nation during a free, family-friendly environment. Enjoy a day filled with great food vendors, live Americana-style music, face painting, and a 21-minute fireworks finale just after sundown.

Saturday, July 4
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Shepherd of the Hills Church
19700 Rinaldi St.
Porter Ranch

For more information, call (818) 831-9333 or go to www.theshepherd.org.

7-Eleven: All Youth Swim Free…

7-Eleven has partnered with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks to host “7-11 Day: All Youth Swim FREE” at pools throughout the City of Los Angeles. On Saturday, July 11, 2015, youth (0-17) can swim FREE at 47 pools across the city.

Saturday, July 11
Click here for a list of free pool sites.

With swim season here, it’s time to get your kids a City of Los Angeles Summer Swim Pass! For only $10, youth (ages 0-17) can enjoy endless summer pool season entries through Labor Day, September 7. For each child ages 0-7 who buys a pass, one adult can accompany them for FREE. Visit any LA City swimming pool to purchase.

-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember Twelfth District

Movies Under the Stars…
Our community Movies Under the Stars summer movie series continues on July 18 with “Paddington” at Shadow Ranch Park in West Hills. Admission is free and popcorn, face painting and children’s activities, including a rock climbing wall, will also be available at no charge.


Saturday, July 18
Event begins at 7:00 pm
Movie will begin at nightfall (approximately 8:00 PM)

Shadow Ranch Park
22633 Vanowen St.
West Hills

Join us for a great night of family fun! For more information call (818) 882-1212.

-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember Twelfth District

Did you catch our video last week? SFV Rescue Mission: Homelessness in LA County…

 UPCOMING EVENTS 

Department of Building & Safety and LADOT Coming to CD12 Community Service Center…
We are now taking reservations for community members to meet one-on-one with representatives of City Departments at our Community Service Center in Chatsworth.

We have regularly scheduled time slots for community members to meet with the Planning, Police, Transportation (LADOT), Housing & Community Development, Neighborhood Empowerment Departments and the Bureau of Sanitation. This will offer community members a chance to get information and assistance in Chatsworth without having to travel all the way to Downtown.

Meetings are by appointment only. The following Departments are currently taking appointments:

Department of Building and Safety
Tuesday, July 7
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Department of Transportation
Wednesday, July 8
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Our Community Service Center is located at 9207 Oakdale Ave., Second Floor, in Chatsworth.

For more information call (818) 882-1212.

Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park Summer Sunset Hikes…
The Summer Sunset Hikes is a popular two hour, easy to moderate level hike that that will take you to the perfect destination to grab a bite to eat while enjoying a view of the San Fernando Valley, all while learning interesting facts about the park.

Saturday, July 4
7:00 pm

Lilac Lane Entrance
Park in the dirt parking lot and meet at the kiosk.

To get to Lilac Lane Trail Head: Take Topanga Canyon Boulevard north, and just past Stoney Point is the Santa Susana Pass Road. Turn left. After the Rocky Peak exit off the 118 Freeway, turn left on Lilac Lane. Drive a short way and look to your left for a large dirt parking lot with a State Parks wooden kiosk.

For more information, call (818) 784-4849 or email [email protected]. Please do not park on the street.


The Museum of the San Fernando Valley Historic North Hollywood “NoHo” Walking Tour…
Attendees of the North Hollywood walking tour will learn about real cowboys, pioneer families, movie television and recording stars, the Spanish conquest, Mexican ranchos, great steam trains, vast ranches and orchards, land barons, wars, architecture, and much more!

Saturday, July 11
10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Tour meets at Amelia Earhart Statue
NW corner of Tujunga St. & Magnolia Blvd.
5211 Tujunga Ave.
North Hollywood

Attendees are encouraged to make a $10 suggested donation in advance to: www.themuseumsfv.org/events/tours. Attendees can also pay on site. Thank you and we look forward to having you on an upcoming historic walking tour.

City of Angels Children’s Chorus Summer Musical Theatre Camp…
The City of Angels Children’s Chorus Summer Musical Theatre Camp will include 7 sessions of professional vocal instruction and choreography and on stage performance and full day admission to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure.

From Saturday, July 11 to Saturday, July 25
8:30 am to 12:30 pm

St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church
20121 Devonshire St.
Chatsworth

For more information and to register, go to www.coacc.net or email [email protected].


Save the Date: The 8th Annual Valley Disaster Preparedness Fair…
Prepare yourself by attending the Annual Valley Disaster Preparedness Fair. This is a great opportunity for everyone to come out and get information on how to protect your family, pets, neighbors, and friends when a disaster strikes. There will be demonstrations and hands-on practice on how to handle emergencies, a speaker series, a multitude of exhibitors, raffles, and free Family Emergency Preparedness Starter Kits (while supplies last).

Bring your emailed voucher to the Express Check-in lane at the Registration booth the day of the event and you’ll be quickly on your way. You will receive Fair updates, directions, and a map. Best of all, you’ll receive a free gift when you check in.

Online registration opened on July 1, 2015.
Saturday, October 3
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Fire Station 87
10124 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills

For more information and to register, please visit http://www.valleydisasterfair.com/.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater San Fernando Valley Mixer…
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter (AFP-GSFV) is having a mixer open to everyone who is interested in networking and learning more about fundraising, development, nonprofit work and leadership. Talk with men and women from NGO’s and NPO’s with experience ranging from volunteer management, grant writing, event planning, major gifts, planned giving, leadership, database management, writing, campaign development and more!

Thursday, July 9
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

The Front Yard at The Garland
4222 Vineland Ave.
North Hollywood

For more information email Jenny Daniels Freese at [email protected].

The Porter Ranch Library Discussion Group Invites You to Join…
The Porter Ranch Library will be hosting a discussion group to talk about the book, Miral by Rula Jebreal.

Saturday, July 11
10:00 am

Porter Ranch Library
11371 Tampa Ave.
Porter Ranch

For more information, call (818) 360-5706.

Chatsworth Host Town Special Olympics Luncheon Fundraiser…
The Chatsworth Host Town Committee and St. Sava Church San Gabriel are hosting a Special Olympic Luncheon in order to raise funds for the Chatsworth Host Town. The Chatsworth Host Town will be hosting over 100 Special Olympics Athletes as they prepare for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games beginning on July 25.

Sunday, July 12
12:30 pm

St. Sava Church San Gabriel
1640 S. San Gabriel Blvd.
San Gabriel

For more information, email: [email protected]. To donate to Chatsworth Host Town and to find out how you can volunteer for the Special Olympics, go to http://www.la2015.org/host-town/chatsworth.

Mid-Valley Regional Library Music Program…
Celebrate Americana Heritage with a Music Program, featuring Jennifer Seidman and Andy Watson, will sing classic songs from the Great American Songbook.

Saturday, July 18
11:00 am

Mid-Valley Regional Library
16244 Nordhoff St.
North Hills

For more information, call (818) 895-3650.

LAPD Devonshire Police Activity League Supporters (PALS) 36th Grand Golf Invitational…
This year, golfers will have lots of fun on the course with a chance to win a car, a vacation, and MORE! Non-golfers can still join PALS for dinner and auction. All proceeds directly benefit the Devonshire PALS Youth program.

Monday, July 20
Golfing Registration:
9:00 am
Dinner:
5:00 pm

Porter Valley Country Club
19216 Singing Hills Dr.
Northridge

For sponsorship, golfer, adopt-a-cop golfer, scholarship or prize donations and dinner information, please contact Hank Miller, our Golf Committee Chair, at [email protected] or visit www.devonshire-pals.org/news-events/.

CD 12 Special Olympics World Games Law Enforcement Torch Run…
Join Councilmember Mitchell Englander and Council District 12 as we welcome the torch into our community in preparation of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. The Special Olympics World Games will be in Los Angeles where we will welcome over 10,000 athletes and coaches from over 170 Countries around the world.

The Flame of Hope will be lit from the rays of the sun in Greece, the home of the Olympics, and will travel across the sea to the United States, once there, it will journey to communities throughout the country and Southern California, coming through Council District 12 and ending at the Opening Ceremony in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to start the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games.

Thursday, July 23
8:15 am – 9:30 am

Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship
10860 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Chatsworth

For more information, call our office at (818) 882-1212 or email [email protected].

Great Streets Revisit Reseda Blvd. Art Walk and Scavenger Hunt…
Last summer, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the Great Streets Initiative for 15 streets throughout the City of Los Angeles. Being an iconic street in the San Fernando Valley with wide sidewalks and mid-century modern architectural features, Reseda Boulevard was selected to be a Great Street.

In celebration of the unveiling of the Phase Two improvements made along Reseda Blvd., we will be hosting an art walk and scavenger hunt to highlight the changes that have been made along the boulevard. Various businesses have committed to discounting prices and showcasing artwork hosted by local artists. Other activities include live music, free bike share facilities/bike valet, live artwork, henna tattoos, arts & crafts for all ages, photo booths, and food sampling.

Although it recently received formal recognition as a great street, Reseda Blvd. has always been a highly diverse commercial strip that has continued to bring the community together. We hope that you will join us in celebrating this Great Street designation as it would not have been possible without your continued support!

Thursday, July 30
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

On Reseda Blvd. between Parthenia St. and Nordhoff St.
Northridge

For more information, call our office at (818) 882-1212, email [email protected] or to online to resedablvd.wordpress.com.

 STAFF REPORTS 

Reports From Our Staff…
Our Communications Director, Stephanie Saporito, wants to remind you to make this Independence Day fun and SAFE for your pets! Some people love big gatherings and loud noises – but that can be frightening for our pets. Here are some Pet Safety Tips for Independence Day:

PLAN AHEAD—Make sure your pet is licensed and microchipped and that the microchip registration has your current address. In addition, make sure your dog is wearing a license tag. These two simple steps help us reunite families if a pet does get lost.

Click here for more information about getting your dog microchipped. You can also contact any of our L.A. Animal Services Shelters and schedule an appointment to have their companion animal microchipped. The cost for the public is $25.00 per animal. Most veterinary clinics also offer microchipping.

KEEP PETS INDOORS—Keep your pets inside. If you are having guests over, keep pets in a room that is off-limits to guests with plenty of water and food.

CREATE A CALMING ENVIRONMENT—Surround pets with their favorite toys and other familiar objects. Play soothing music and keep the room as quiet as possible by closing doors, windows, and blinds.

KEEP AWAY FROM FIREWORKS—Even if your pet does not seem obviously upset by fireworks, they can still cause harm to pets. Avoid potential burns, injuries, or possible ingestion by keeping all pets out of the vicinity of fireworks.

ADOPT and Help Us Save MORE Animals—The fourth of July is a time shelter when staff knows that we will have a sudden influx of lost and frightened animals. Our shelters are already over-crowded. If you are considering adopting, please visit our shelters and adopt NOW or consider fostering a great dog or cat! They are counting on us. We are all they have.

For more information please visit http://LAAnimalServices.com or call (888) 452-7381.