Van Nuys Neighborhood Council

Budget & Finance Committee Meeting
2024-02-20 17:45 - 18:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Budget & Finance Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 5:45pm at the Van Nuys Library.

Executive Committee Meeting
2024-02-20 18:15 - 20:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Executive Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 6:15pm at the Van Nuys Library.

Planning and Land Use Committee Meeting
2024-02-22 17:00 - 20:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Planning and Land Use Management Committee Meeting on Thursday, February 22, 5pm at the Van Nuys Library.
On our agenda:

Orange (G) Line Transit Neighborhood Plan
15477 Victory demolition to build a child care facility
7205 N. Van Nuys Blvd Alcohol permit
Sepulveda Basin

Board Meeting
2024-02-28 19:00 - 21:30 | Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Bl, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the next Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 28, 7pm at the Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd.
On our agenda:

Consider sending a letter to the Planning Department to support a proposed project (Case No. ZA-2022-8047-CU) that will replace a single family residence with a child care facility serving children from ages 18 months to 6 years, located at 15477 Victory Blvd. (corner of Victory and Firmament).

Consider an application for a Neighborhood Purposes Grant (NPG) of $4,365.28 for Meals in Motion to cover the costs of food and materials for 8 free Family Cooking Night events (2 per month through June) to be held at Valley Presbyterian Hospital and serve up to 15 families per session.

Agree to send a letter of endorsement that can be included in the City’s proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation for a $25 million grant to fund some projects in the Vision Plan for the 2000-acre Sepulveda Basin. These projects would create a more accessible, safe, and connected space within the Basin that would enable pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users to take advantage of the Basin’s many amenities.

Board Meeting-Cancelled
2024-03-13 19:00 - 21:30 | Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Bl, Van Nuys, 91401
Meeting cancelled. Join us April 10 for our next meeting
2nd Wednesday

Outreach Committee Meeting
2024-03-27 18:00 - 19:30 | CA
There will be a Joint Meeting of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council and the Outreach Committee on Wednesday, March 27, 6pm in the conference room of the Marvin Braude Constituents Building, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401
Special Jt Mtg of VNNC and Outreach Comm on 03.27.24 Agenda-1
Free parking is across the street in the Chase Bank lot.

Executive Committee Meeting
2024-04-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
The Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Executive Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 2, 6pm at the Van Nuys Library Community Room, 6250 Sylmar to plan our next Board Meeting.

Planning and Land Use Committee Meeting
2024-04-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
The Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Planning and Land Use Management Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 3, 6pm at the Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar.
On our agenda:

Public Storage at 15350 W. Sherman Way
Alcohol Permit at 7261 Van Nuys Blvd
Alcohol Permit at 14860 Vanowen
Mayor’s Executive Directive 1

Board Meeting
2024-04-10 19:00 - 21:30 | Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Bl, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the next Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 7pm at the Marvin Braude Constituent Building, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd.

Learn about the City’s process for licensing cannabis retail shops.
Letter of support sought for application to City Planning to convert an underused office building into a public storage facility.
Three Van Nuys restaurants seek letter of support for Conditional Use permit to serve beer and wine with food.

Public Safety, Human Services, and Animal Welfare Committee Meeting
2024-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the first meeting of the VNNC Public Safety, Human Services, and Animal Welfare Committee on Monday, April 22, 6pm at the Van Nuys Library.

Outreach Committee Meeting
2024-04-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the next Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Outreach Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 6:30pm at the Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar.

Planning and Land Use Management Committee Meeting
2024-04-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the next Special Joint Meeting of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council and the VNNC PLUM Committee, which will take place on Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at the Van Nuys Branch Library.

Budget & Finance Committee Meeting
2024-04-30 17:30 - 18:30 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
The Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Budget & Finance Committee will meet Tuesday, April 30, 5:30pm at the Van Nuys Library.

Executive Committee Meeting
2024-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
The Executive Committee will meet Tuesday, April 30, 6:30pm at the Van Nuys Library.

Board Meeting-Cancelled
2024-05-08 19:00 - 21:30 | Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Bl, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 7pm at the Marvin Braude Constituent Services Center.
On our agenda:

Consider request for a Neighborhood Purpose Grant to help Van Nuys Community Elementary School update two murals on the school grounds.
Decide whether to support a planning application to expand kitchen and storage and modernize the interior of the McDonald’s restaurant at the corner of Victory and Kester.
Decide whether to support a City Council motion to encourage replacement of traditional streetlights with solar-powered streetlights whenever feasible.

Special Meeting Cancelled
2024-05-22 19:00 - 21:30 | Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Bl, Van Nuys, 91401
Tonight’s Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 7pm has been cancelled. We apologized for the inconvenience.
Please support Van Nuys!

Planning and Land Use Management Committee Meeting
2024-05-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the next meeting of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Planning and Land Use Committee on Thursday, May 23, 6pm at the Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar.

Budget and Finance Committee Meeting
2024-06-04 17:30 - 18:30 | CA
The Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Budget & Finance Committee will meet Tuesday, June 2, 5:30pm at the Van Nuys Library.

Executive Board Meeting
2024-06-04 18:30 - 21:30 | 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. Council Chambers Room, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA, 91401, United States
The Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Executive Board will meet Tuesday, June 2, 6:30pm at the Van Nuys Library.

Board Meeting
2024-06-12 19:00 - 21:30 | Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Bl, Van Nuys, 91401
Van Nuys community members are invited to attend the meeting of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Braude Center to learn details from the Department of Sanitation about a long-anticipated project to transform the median on the westside of Sepulveda Blvd. between Haynes and Lemay Streets from an eyesore into a green oasis.

Other topics to be considered at the Board meeting include:

Update on the status of the VNNC budget for the fiscal year ending June 30 and plans for Fiscal Year 2024/25.
Recommendations to file Community Impact Statements on three City Council Motions.

Budget & Finance Committee Meeting
2024-07-02 17:30 - 18:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the VNNC Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Tuesday, July 2, 5:30pm at the Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave.

Executive Committee Meeting
2024-07-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
The VNNC Executive Committee will meet on July 2, 6pm at the Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, to plan our next Board Meeting.

Board Meeting-Cancelled
2024-07-10 19:00 - 21:30 | Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Bl, Van Nuys, 91401

Outreach Committee Meeting
2024-07-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the next Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Outreach Committee Meeting Tuesday, July 30, 6:30pm at the Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar.

VNNC Planning and Land Use Committee Meeting
2024-08-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
Join us for the next Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Planning and Land Use Committee Meeting on Thursday,
August 1, 6pm at the Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar.
On our agenda:

Hero Motor Sports – 14358 Calvert Street
Mini-Mart & Recycling Center – 6826 Kester Ave
Residential Lot Split – 6443 Columbus Ave
Arts in Van Nuys
Artificial turf at Van Nuys parks

Agenda details:
Van Nuys Neighborhood Council
PLUM Committee Meeting
AGENDA
August 1, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Van Nuys Branch Library
Community Room
6250 Sylmar Ave.
Van Nuys, CA 91401

Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance
Comments from the new PLUM Chair
Discussion and possible action: Motion to nominate VNNC board members Ann Kalb and Brian Edelman to the PLUM Committee. Status of suspension for board member John Hendry.
Discussion and possible action: Hero Motor Sports – 14358 Calvert Street. Conditional use permit to allow the use of a 9656 sf automotive body shop with spray booth in the C2-1VL zone. Case No. ZA-2023-1603-CU. Supporting Documents: Project Plans, Application, Findings, Vicinity Map, Exhibits. Representative: Arturo Gonzalez
Discussion and possible action: Mini-Mart & Recycling Center – 6826 Kester Ave. A Conditional use permit to grant the offsite sale of beer and wine in conjunction with an existing mini market of 1470 SQ.FT with hours of operation from 7 am to 6 pm daily. Case No. ZA-2024-2372-CUB. Supporting Documents: Application, Project Plans, Findings, Vicinity Map. Representative: Alexa Garcia of Imagine Architecture.
Discussion and possible action: Residential Lot Split – 6443 Columbus Ave. Subdivision of one R1 lot into three R1 lots for the construction of one duplex and one SFD and two ADU’s located in the R1-1-RIO Zone. Case No. AA-2023-6458-PMLA-HCA. Supporting Documents: Application 1, Application 2, Environmental Determination, Parcel Map, Tentative Tract Map, Site Plan. Representative: James Woodson of JRW Consulting Services.
Discussion and possible action: Bringing arts program to Van Nuys. Utilizing city’s art development fees to bring art to the Van Nuys Community and collaborate with the VNNC. Presenter: Ayndrea Wilson
Discussion and possible action: VNNC Board file a CIS in support of CF 24-0602 and amended requests for City action by the Energy and Environment Committee. Information can be found below the agenda.

Background: The preamble to the motion outlines negative impacts artificial turf can have on individual health and the environment. The motion (including amendments made by the Energy and Environment Committee) outlines reports that City Departments should make to help determine how the City could transition away from use of synthetic turf and artificial grass and towards the increased use of California drought-friendly landscaping.
We have an example of a problem field in our area. The two City Parks in Van Nuys (Van Nuys Recreation Center and Delano Recreation Center) have artificial turf playing fields, which were installed in 2018. Such playing fields are estimated to have a useful life of an average of 10 years. However, there is an area of the surface of one of the playing fields at Van Nuys Recreation Center where the surface is not level – it has dips that collect water when it rains and that pose a hazard for tripping when dry. Park staff have been told that the only way to “fix” this field would be rip up the field and redo the foundation. Recommend that the VNNC call this problem field to the attention of senior management of the Department of Recreation and Parks, including the Commission that oversees the department, and advocate for a solution to be found.

Discussion and possible action: Questions to ask the Planning Department staff to discuss during a presentation they would like to make to the full VNNC Board on September 11 regarding updates to the South East Valley Community Plan.
Discussion and possible action regarding extending a VNNC welcome to the GALS Middle School, which took occupancy in June 2024 of at its new campus on 14200 Runnymede.
Committee’s planning resources list and topic of discussions (if time allowed):

Orange (G) Line Transit Neighborhood Plan (OLTNP) – Long range planning
South East Valley Community Plans Update – Updating regional community plans
Transit Oriented Community Incentive Program – Housing element program
Transit Demand Management – Mobility and transit tools
Landscape and Site Design Ordinance – design point system program for Pedestrian-First Design, 360 Degree Design and Climate-Adapted Landscape and Site Design – DRAFT
Healthy Streets LA – Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure legislation passed by voters.
City Housing Incentive Plan (CHIP) – housing element rezoning program
East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor (ESFVTC) – construction updates
Sepulveda Transit Corridor – Planning stage
G-Line Improvements Project – Start of Construction in August
Survey LA – Historical Preservation
Sepulveda Basin Vision Plan – Sepulveda Basin vision plan final draft
Van Nuys City Property – Council File 22-1485 – City council file to research in repurposing 5 city-owned property in Van Nuys, near Van Nuys Civic Center.
Urban Forestry (Tree protection) – Urban forestry report.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial – Purposed memorial at Van Nuys Civic Center
John Hendry’s Corner
Reports from the Mobility Summit
Research retail space for VNNC community meetings and displays
VNNC Planning Summit Part II announcement

General Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (2 min per stakeholder)

Committee topics to bring at the next meeting.
Adjournment

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to the health and environmental risks from polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other contaminants, the transition away from use of synthetic turf or artificial grass, transition towards California drought-friendly landscaping, and related matters.
Recommendations for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Blumenfield – Yaroslavsky – Hernandez):

INSTRUCT the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA) to report with the following:

In coordination with the City’s Chief Heat Officer and the Climate Emergency Management Office (CEMO), a summary of policies regarding synthetic grass or artificial turf in jurisdictions with climate and water supply issues analogous to Los Angeles, and their heat impacts citywide.
Recommendations to effectuate a transition away from future installations of synthetic grass and artificial turf citywide.
In coordination with the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP), and the Department of General Services (GSD), an analysis of lifecycle costs (installation, operation and maintenance) for different types of turf surfaces, and recommendations to halt future installation of synthetic grass or artificial turf on City-owned property, including athletic fields, and a plan to remove and replace all current synthetic sports fields.
In coordination with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, (LADWP) recommendations for incentives and rebate programs to remove and replace synthetic turf and artificial grass, and encourage the transition to California friendly landscaping.
In coordination with the City Administrative Officer (CAO), RAP, GSD, and other impacted departments as needed, report on the budgetary and policy changes needed in order to ensure that all city agencies adhere to the intent of this policy.
In consultation with the Los Angeles Unified School District,The Los Angeles Community College District, private schools, and commercial properties, provide options and recommendations to incentivize the replacement of synthetic grass or artificial turf on school playgrounds, athletic fields, and other uses.
In coordination with the LADWP, recommendations to end the practice of watering of synthetic turf and artificial lawns.

INSTRUCT the RAP, and LADWP to immediately begin work on a study that will reveal true maintenance costs needed to keep active recreation fields in good condition and provide citywide access across all districts. This study shall include the following:

Comparisons between synthetic and natural fields in the areas of water consumption, weed and pest abatement, field wear, including downtime for field repair and replenishment, heat mitigation comparisons between natural and synthetic surfaces, and potential liability concerns between material types and state of good repair.
Overview of what RAP has done to address disparities between synthetic and natural fields. RAP staff shall engage with a variety of active sports associations, youth sports associations, parents associations, and environmental organizations in this study.

INSTRUCT the CAO, RAP, and LADWP to identify partners and funds for the study needed.
INSTRUCT the Bureau of Sanitation, with the assistance of the LADWP, to report with recommendations on the environmental and financial impacts associated with the processing of synthetic grass waste in order to not affect the recharge of groundwater aquifers, soils, and biodiversity within the Los Angeles region.
INSTRUCT the Bureau of Street Services, Urban Forestry Division, and the Investigation and Enforcement Division, to work with the CLA, CEMO, and all agencies with respect to the artificial turf policy 24-0602, with regard to the City’s tree canopy and soil health.

Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the CAO nor the CLA has completed a financial analysis of this report.
Community Impact Statement: Yes.
For:
Pico Union Neighborhood Council
Mar Vista Neighborhood Council Summary:
On June 28, 2024, your Committee considered Motion (Blumenfield – Yaroslavsky – Hernandez) relative to the health and environmental risks from PFAS and other contaminants, the transition away from use of synthetic turf or artificial grass, transition towards California drought-friendly landscaping, and related matters. The Motion attached to the Council file includes some background on the matter.
After providing an opportunity for public comment, the Committee moved to approve the recommendations reflected above. This matter is now forwarded to Council for its consideration.
Respectfully Submitted,
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

MEMBER
VOTE

YAROSLAVSKY:
YES

MCOSKER:
YES

BLUMENFIELD:
YES

DE LEON:
ABSENT

RAMAN:
YES

EV 24-0602_rpt_ee_06-28-24
-NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL COUNCIL ACTS-
Council File 24-6020
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Motion
Synthetic grass, or artificial turf, is created by fusing together rubber and certain plastics to create the illusion of lush grasses. In recent years, many people have installed artificial turf / synthetic grass for purposes of water conservation, or recreational activity. These artificial fields were so popular, that in states like California, state laws were updated to at one point ensure that these types of products were essential in water saving policy. However, numerous studies have concluded that the use of artificial turf / synthetic grass has several negative environmental impacts.
Artificial turf is now known to contain harmful substances such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other “forever chemicals.” In April 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration, through the
Environmental Protection Agency, categorized PFAS and other “forever chemicals” as hazardous substances dangerous to human health. The EPA has concluded that exposure to PFAS may lead to reproductive effects, developmental delays, and risks of some cancers. Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, and mucous membrane exposure, including microplastic dust kicked up on artificial turf fields.
Runoff from artificial turf, including tire rubber crumbs and other materials used for cushioning, can cause PFAS and other contaminants to leach into groundwater or runoff into waterways and the ocean, potentially contaminating drinking water. Additionally, additional turf contributes to the urban “heat island” effect, raising local temperatures, while the City is engaged in other efforts to combat urban heat, including cool pavement and increasing the urban forest. Artificial turf does not support life, including insects and birds, and by depriving underlying soil of water, air and light, can kill beneficial organisms in the soil for many years.
In 2023, the State of California enacted SB 676 (Allen), which allows local agencies to prohibit artificial synthetic grass (turf) on residential properties, repealing a previous 2015 state law which had approved artificial grass as a method to save water from irrigation. In fact, several actions have focused on these types of lawns in recent years, such as the 2022 Governor’s order which banned the practice of watering non-functional, or purely decorative artificial / synthetic grass. The Governor’s order provided a potable water statewide estimated savings of between 156,000 acre-feet and 260,000 acre-feet per year, the equivalent of water used by 780,000 households. Unfortunately, decorative lawns cannot be recycled, and are placed in landfills after their use, further allowing chemical deterioration and material breakdown which can find its way into local water sources.
To reduce health and environmental risks from PFAS and other contaminants, the City itself should transition away from future use of synthetic turf or artificial grass, and continue to incentivize the transition towards California drought-friendly landscaping broadly.
I THEREFORE MOVE that the Council instruct the Chief Legislative Analyst to report with:

In coordination with the City’s Chief Heat Officer and the Climate Emergency Management Office (CEMO), a summary of policies regarding synthetic grass or artificial turf in jurisdictions with climate and water supply issues analogous to Los Angeles, and their heat impacts citywide; e Recommendations to effectuate a transition away from future installations of synthetic grass / artificial turf citywide;
In coordination with the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Department of General Services, an analysis of lifecycle costs (installation, operation and maintenance) for different types of turf surfaces, and recommendations to halt future installation of synthetic grass or artificial turf on City-owned property, including athletic fields, and a plan to remove and replace all current synthetic sport fields;
In coordination with the Department of Water and Power, recommendations for incentives and rebate programs to remove and replace synthetic turf / artificial grass, and encourage the transition to California friendly landscaping;
In coordination with the City Administrative Officer, the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Department of General Services, and other impacted departments as needed, report on the budgetary and policy changes needed in order to ensure that all city agencies adhere to the intent of this policy;

In consultation with the Los Angeles Unified School District, The Los Angeles Community College District, private schools, and commercial properties, provide options and recomméndations to incentivize the replacement of synthetic grass or artificial turf on school playgrounds, athletic fields, and other uses

In coordination with the Department of Water and Power, recommendations to end the practice of watering of synthetic turf / artificial lawns.

Presented By: Bob Blumenfield
Seconded By: Kathy Yaroslavski & Eunisses Hernandez

Executive Committee Meeting
2024-08-06 18:00 - 20:00 | CA

Board Meeting
2024-08-14 19:00 - 21:30 | Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Bl, Van Nuys, 91401
Please join us for the next Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 7pm at the Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center Conference Room, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd.
On our agenda:

Consider Neighborhood Purposes Grant to enable Van Nuys Elementary School to update two murals.
Consider support for City Council motion to have City departments explore options to transition away from artificial turf.
Add a new Board member.

Budget & Finance Committee Meeting
2024-09-03 18:00 - 18:30 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
The VNNC Budget & Finance Committee is meeting Tuesday, September 3, 6pm at the Van Nuys Library.

Executive Committee Meeting
2024-09-03 18:30 - 19:30 | Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, 91401
The VNNC Executive Committee will meet Tuesday, September 3, 6:30pm at the Van Nuys Library.

Special Board Meeting
2024-09-04 18:30 - 19:30 | CA
There will be a Special Board Meeting of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council on Wednesday, September 4, 6:30pm at the Van Nuys Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, for the purpose of seating new members and approving expenditure reports.
