'Back to the Future' - Movies Under the Stars, Sat. July 12
The next outdoor film screening for Movies Under the Stars is "Back to the Future" Saturday, July 12 at Northridge Park!!!
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Metro Green Lights Canoga Ave. Extension of Orange Line Busway
The Metro Board of Directors approved a plan to build an extension of the Orange Line dedicated busway from its endpoint at Warner Station along Canoga Ave. to Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station, on Thursday, June 26.
The new busway, which Councilman Smith has supported and worked for, will create a multi-modal public transit hub, linking the highly successful Orange Line to Metrolink Train and Amtrak service and open an entire new transit system serving Northwest Valley residents.
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Tightening the Belt, Preserving Essential Services: 2008/2009 Budget Highlights
In this column, Councilman Smith discusses highlights from this year's hearings for the 2008/2009 City Budget. Facing a $400 million shortfall, the Council was still able to increase essential police and fire services. Councilman Smith cut his own office budget as well.
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Beat the Heat! Tips to Cope With High Heat
Heatwaves can bring many problems, especially in the Valley. There are many ways to beat the heat, such as going to a mall, public swimming pool or library...
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Op-Ed Article: "Leading the Nation in Environmentally Responsible Trash Policy"
We recently submitted this opinion editorial piece to the Daily News and the Los Angeles Times about our trip to visit and learn from the world's leading trash conversion technology facilities.
It marks significant progress in our RENEW LA Plan, and will allow us to "kick the tires" on the leading edge trash conversion technology plants that are coming soon to L.A.
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Councilman Smith Introduces Motion to Ban Smoking in Outdoor Dining Areas
Councilman Smith introduced a motion that would make it possible for non-smokers, including children, to be able to enjoy an outdoor meal in Los Angeles without breathing second-hand cigarette smoke.
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Councilman Smith Introduces Motion to Reduce the Blight of Abandoned Foreclosed Homes
We introduced a motion Wednesday, June 11, that would develop a substantive framework requiring owners and banks to maintain foreclosed properties in order to avoid deterioration of neighborhoods. The current home foreclosure crisis makes abandoned homes in disrepair a common sight.
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Groundbreaking Signals Start on Devonshire PALS Youth Center!
We kicked off construction of the new LAPD Devonshire Police Activity League Supporters (PALS) youth center at a groundbreaking celebration Thursday, June 5 in Northridge. The center will be named "The Councilman Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire Area Youth Center."
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Brush Clearance to Help Prevent Wildfires!
Summer is fire season, so be sure to comply with brush clearance regulations for the safey of hillside neighborhoods!
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New Laws on Use of Cell Phones While Driving Start July 1
Please mark your calendar - Starting July 1, two new traffic safety laws go into effect in California regulating the use of cell phones while driving. The first law prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Drivers under 18 years old may not use ANY cell phone behind the wheel. Emergency calls are exempt. The laws do not apply to passengers, only those driving the car.
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Massive Las Lomas Project Blocked in City Council
Our motion to have the City make a policy decision to stop the Las Lomas development, stop the annexation of the land into Los Angeles and reject the Supplemental Fee Agreement to allow the developer to expedite the project, was approved by the City Council Wednesday, March 19.
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Community Hike
Nearly 70 people joined us for a guided nature walk at Chatsworth Nature Preserve, Saturday, Feb. 23.
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Councilman Smith Advances City's Green Policy With Adoption of Environmental Purchasing Policy
Councilman Greig Smith's motion to implement an Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy for the City was unanimously approved by City Council Tuesday, Feb. 19.
The policy, a key component of RENEW LA, directs City Departments that need supplies to always purchase the available and appropriate product choices that are environmentally friendly, rather than choosing only based on the price. It is meant to minimize negative environmental impacts of the City's activities by reducing the waste going to landfills, boosting recycling and saving valuable natural resources.
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First Meeting of City Council's New Business Committee Jan. 15
Councilman Smith invited L.A.-based businesses to give their input on improving the business climate at the first meeting of the City Council's Jobs, Business Growth and Tax Reform Committee, Tues., Jan. 15 at Van Nuys City Hall.
Councilman Smith Chairs the Committee.
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New LAPD Bomb Squad Facility Open in Granada Hills
We were proud to cut the ribbon on the new Prop. Q Bond funded LAPD Bomb Squad facility in Granada Hills. It is LEED certified, and will improve public safety in the Valley.
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Smith & Zine Announce Naming Contest for New Police Station in West San Fernando Valley
Councilmembers Greig Smith and Dennis P. Zine (District 3) are announcing a contest to name the new police station in the West San Fernando Valley.
If you live or work in Woodland Hills, West Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, and a small portion of Chatsworth, you are welcome to participate by printing out the attached ballot and hand-delivering it to Smith or Zine's offices, or to one of the ballot boxes at West field Topanga Plaza Mall and Northridge Fashion Center Mall.
The name will be selected by a committee, and the person who submits the winning name will receive a $1,000 shopping gift certificate from Westfield.
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Multimillion Dollar West Valley Animal Care Center Unveiled
The new expanded West Valley Animal Care Center was unveiled at a press conference and grand opening ceremony Thursday, Nov. 29 in Chatsworth.
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Nearly 200 Community Volunteers Join Clean Up Day, Sat., Nov. 3!
Our Community Service Partnership Project clean-up had almost 200 volunteers, who planted trees, painted over graffiti, cleaned up trash, and trimmed trees. Join us for our next event!
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Councilman Smith Proposes Citizen Oversight Panel for DWP Rate Increases
Councilman Greig Smith introduced a motion Tuesday, Oct. 30, calling for a Citizens Oversight Committee to insure that the DWP's proposed power rate increases go toward improving the City's power infrastructure, not the general fund. The Department of Water and Power (DWP) has proposed a power base rate increase, citing the need for extensive maintenance, repair, and replacement of the City's aging power infrastructure.
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New Equestrian Safety Signs Remind Drivers to Slow Down and Pass Wide for Horses
To alert drivers to the unique characteristics of our equestrian community in Chatsworth, where horses are still commonly ridden on the street, we have installed new equestrian traffic safety signs.
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White Paper on Las Lomas
Councilman Greig Smith's White Paper on the Proposed Las Lomas Development Project.
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Councilman Smith's Column - 'Declaring War on Weeds & Graffiti'
In his most recent column, Councilman Smith lays out our ramped up efforts to attack graffiti and overgrown weeds to maintain the high quality of life in our community.
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City Draws Closer to RENEW LA Goal of Ending Use of Landfills With Launch of Multifamily Recycling
The City took a significant step closer to achieving the goal of Councilman Greig Smith's RENEW LA Plan to end our dependency on landfills, with the launch of citywide Multifamily Recycling Monday, July 16.
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Councilman Smith Calls for Audit of City Vehicles in Response to Innapropriate Vehicle Use
Councilman Greig Smith introduced a motion Wednesday, June 27, calling for an audit of the City fleet of vehicles and a comprehensive review of City policy on fleet vehicle use, in response to serious questions about inappropriate use of City-owned vehicles.
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Councilman Smith Joins Operation Gratitude for 250,000th Care Package for Our Troops Overseas! (NEW)
Councilman Greig Smith joined Operation Gratitude for its inspiring event to celebrate sending its 250,000th care package for our troops overseas. Councilman Smith presented Operation Gratitude a $1,000 check!
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2007/2008 Budget Highlights: Benefits For Our Community
In his most recent column, Councilman Smith discusses the recently approved 2007/2008 City Budget, and what it means for our community for the year to come.
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Councilman Smith Moves to Improve Levels of Pet Spay/Neutering and Licensing (NEW)
Councilman Greig Smith motions Friday, June 1, to improve pet licensing and pet spaying and neutering rates in Los Angeles, which will support the City's progression toward its "no-kill" policy.
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Volunteers Make Citrus Sunday a Huge Success! (NEW)
More than 140 volunteers joined Councilman Greig Smith for Citrus Sunday, May 6, to pick fruit for needy Valley residents at food banks.
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SOLID Pancake Breakfast 2007 (CLICK FOR PHOTOS)
Dozens of community members joined Police Officers and community leaders for the annual Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire's (SOLID) all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast.
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Valley Police Hotel Unit Honored for Oustanding Achievement and Protecting Public Safety (PHOTOS)
Councilman Greig Smith Proudly commended the members of LAPDs Valley Hotel Task Force in City Council on Friday, May 4, in recognition of their oustanding work in protecting public safety.
The Hotel Task Force has demonstrated exemplary professionalism and investigative work, consistently arresting violent and repeat criminals operating out of San Fernando Valley hotels and motels.
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Nearly 100 Volunteer For Earth Day Environmental Clean Up! (Click to see photos)
Nearly 100 volunteers observed Earth Day by participating in our Environmental Clean-Up on Sunday, April 22. Volunteers had free lunch, and received free trees, compost and re-usable shopping bags.
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Councilman Smith's Column: 'A Citizens' Public Safety Bill of Rights'
In the April column, Councilman Smith discusses his legislation to require a basic level of regular police patrols in every community. The legislation aims to restore the police patrol as the core function of the Police Department.
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Residents Enjoy Community Hike With Councilman Smith and Sierra Club (NEW)
Over 30 residents joined Councilman Greig Smith and the Sierra Club for a great community hike on Saturday, March 31 at beautiful O'Melveny Park in Granada Hills.
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Valley's Newest Photo-Enforced Signal Unveiled (NEW)
Councilmembers Greig Smith and Tony Cardenas unveiled the newest photo-enforced traffic signal in the San Fernando Valley that is part of the City's ongoing upgrade and expansion of the Photo Red Light system, at a press conference Thursday, March 22. The signal is at Balboa Blvd. and Vanowen St. in Van Nuys.
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Councilman Smith Moves to Include 'Green Funds' in Options for City Pension Plans
Councilman Smith introduced a motion on Tuesday, March 20, that would have the City's Deferred Compensation Plan include a portfolio of so-called "green mutual funds." Green funds are invested only in companies that meet strict environmental guidelines, based on products, services and other criteria that are sustainable and benefit the environment.
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Councilman Smith Moves to Preserve Local Historic Relic (NEW)
Councilman Smith introduced a motion to have the "Dynamite Shack," a piece of pioneer history right in our backyard, declared a City historical-cultural monument. The Dynamite Shack, in Chatsworth Park South, once stored the dynamite used to build the Santa Susana Railroad Tunnel.
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Councilman Smith Moves to Create City 'Environmental Inspectors' With Legal Power to Stop Polluters
Councilman Smith proposed an ordinance to allow the Environmental Affairs Department to issue "cease-and-desist" orders to any source of pollution that threatens public health or public safety. The move would provide a valuable tool for the City to stop polluters.
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Stoney Point Acquisition Well On Its Way! (NEW)
The Board of the Department of Recreation and Parks this week approved our proposal to acquire five acres of land adjacent to Stoney Point Park in Chatsworth! We are working to expand this beautiful, unique nature area and preserve it as an equestrian and recreational resource.
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Save the Date for Councilman Smith's Community Hike, March 31 (NEW)
Mark your calendar! Councilman Smith's Community Hike is on Sat., March 31, at 9:30 am, at O'Melveny Park in Granada Hills. Join the fun!
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Community Emergency Response Team Class Offered in Northwest Valley! (NEW)
Sign up now for this free Community Emergency Response Team class starting March 13. Help your family, and your community be prepared for emergencies.
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Challenge to All Neighborhood Councils to Hold Emergency Training Classes! (NEW)
As part of our Year of Earthquake Preparedness, we challenge all Neighborhood Councils to host Community Emergency Response Team Classes (CERT). Residents should be self-sufficient for 72 hours in a disaster, and the free CERT training can get you prepared!
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Councilman Smith Introduces Motion to Prohibit Throwing Guns & Ammo in the Trash (NEW)
Councilman Smith introduced a motion Weds., Feb. 7 to protect the environment, public employees, and the community from the possible dangers posed by throwing away guns and ammunition into the trash.
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'Citizens Public Safety Bill of Rights' Would Ensure Minimum Police Staffing & Patrols (NEW)
Councilman Smith introduced legislation Friday, Jan. 19, that would require minimum police staffing levels to ensure that all communities have adequate police patrols.
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Councilman Smith Announces $1 Million Grant For Devonshire PALS Youth Center (NEW)
On Friday, Jan. 12, Councilman Greig Smith announced to the stunned Board Members of the
LAPD Devonshire PALS (Police Activity League
Supporters) that they had received a $1 million
grant to help build their community youth center. The board was there for a presentation to honor Nancy Cartwright, voice of Bart Simpson, for her fundraising work for the youth center.
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Councilman Smith Announces Legislative Package to Improve City's Emergency Preparedness (NEW)
Councilman Greig Smith introduced a legislative package with motions designed to improve the City's emergency preparedness on Jan. 17, the anniversary of the 1994 Northridge earthquake. (Click for more information)
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Porter Ranch Residents Come Together For Community Tree Planting at Holleigh Bernson Park (NEW)
Neighborhood residents came together at Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park in Porter Ranch for a community tree planting. Dozens of trees were planted that will make this terrific new park even more beautiful and provide shade.
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Granada Hills Rotary Club Memorial Dedicated on Veterans Day for Those Who Served Our Country (NEW)
Councilman Greig Smith and the Granada Hills Rotary Club were joined by Veterans of Foreign Wars on Veterans Day to dedicate the Rotary's project to refurbish and beautify a Veterans memorial at Zelzah Ave. and Chatsworth St.
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Valuable Resource for Residents to Find Assistance (NEW)
Needy residents of the Northwest Valley seeking assistance on anything from legal and financial assistance to healthcare, can find a comprehensive online listing of non-profit organizations, public agencies, schools and other community resources at the "Healthy City" website.
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Aliso Canyon Park Committee Formed to Weigh Uses for the New Park (NEW)
The Aliso Canyon Park Committee, which Councilman Greig Smith recently formed, is now actively seeking input and ideas from the horsekeeping community and the community at large, to help determine the amenities and uses of the beautiful new park. Call (818) 756-8501 if you would like to give your input on the new park.
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More Than 100 Northridge Residents Beautify Park, School & Libraries at Volunteer Clean-Up (NEW)
More than 100 local residents joined the Councilman Greig Smith's Community Service Partnership clean-up day in Northridge Sunday, Oct. 8.
Volunteers collected trash and weeded on streets, at the park, at libraries and Dearborn Elementary. To sign up for the next clean-up day, email Elizabeth.Wiessner@lacity.org or call (818) 756-8501.
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Getting On the Canoga Busway (NEW)
In this month's column, Councilman Smith outlines why now is the time to push for
an extension of the Orange Line busway up Canoga Ave. to Chatsworth Depot train station.
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Councilman Smith Lobbies MTA Board to Extend Orange Line Busway Into the Northwest Valley (NEW)
Councilman Smith urged the MTA Board of Directors at its Sept. 28 meeting to build a new dedicated busway extending from the end of the successful Orange Line at Warner Center, north to the Chatsworth Depot train station, opening an entire new transit system for the Northwest Valley.
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Councilman Smith Only Councilmember to Vote Against the Trash Fee Increase (NEW!)
Councilman Smith cast the sole vote against the proposed 154-percent hike in the trash fee on July 25. Councilman Smith, who has a long record of fiscal constraint and finding efficiencies on the City Council and as a member of the Budget Committee, thought the trash fee was too much, too fast, and lacked transparency.
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Councilman Smith Hosting First Southern Califorina Emerging Waste Technologies Forum
Councilman Greig Smith, joined by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Senator Richard Alarcon, Assembly Member Cindy Montanez, UCLA's Hydrogen Engineering Research Consortium (HERC), City Bureau of Sanitation and Environmental Affairs Departments and County Department of Public Works, will discuss new technologies to convert trash into renewable energy, clean fuels, chemicals or other useful products.
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The Sole Vote Against the Trash Fee
In his July column, Councilman Smith explains why he voted in Budget Committee against the trash fee increase, which he thought was too much, too fast.
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Councilman Smith Presents Strategy to Support Northwest Valley Businesses
Councilman Greig Smith presented his initiative to support businesses in the Chatsworth/Northridge industrial area to preserve high-quality, local jobs. Mayor Villaraigosa, and several Valley Councilmembers and business leaders also spoke at "The Future of Businesses in the San Fernando Valley," which Smith organized, more than 250 heads of companies heard the strategy.
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