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City Hall Office
200 N. Spring St., Room 405
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 473-7012
Fax: (213) 473-6925
Email:
Councilmember.Englander@
Community Service Center
9207 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Phone: (818) 882-1212
Fax: (818) 701-5254
We regularly post photo galleries of events, projects, and people in Council District 12, as well as events, projects and presentations in City Hall that we are working on for you. To see larger photos that you can download or print out, double-click the album, and it will take you to the online Picasa photo albums.
We were proud to have nearly 100 riders join us and CICLE for our Wild West Chatsworth Community Bike on Feb. 23, 2013. We toured some of the iconic historical and cultural sites of our great community of Chatsworth. It was our Feb. Year of Healthy Living event. Free coffee from Starbucks, bagels from Western Bagel and water from Alliance Beverage.
Councilmember Englander was proud to announce the re-opening of the gymnasium at Chatsworth Park South on the 5th anniversary of the day the park was closed due to lead contamination. Lead buckshot pellets and clay pigeon fragments were left behind from the 1960s when the property was a skeet shooting range, before the City purchased it and turned it into a park in 1978.
We were proud to honor Det. Deborah Gonzales who retired from the LAPD after 31 years of service.
As a member of the Board and a true believer in New Horizons' services to help adults with developmental disabilities reach their potential and fulfill their dreams, Councilmember Englander was proud to cut the ribbon on their new Achievement Center. He worked on this project since its inception in 2009 and worked to secure over $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to get it built.
On Saturday, Jan. 26, we kicked off our CD 12 Year of Healthy Living with a Health Expo in partnership with the North Valley Family YMCA. There were doctors and pharmacists on hand to provide free consultations, booths with information about healthcare services and resources, live entertainment, dance performances, healthy recipe ideas, free snacks and refreshments. Every month in 2013, we have a community activity or event meant to offer families in the community a fun way to get healthy. The events range from community hikes, walks and bike rides, to informational events on nutrition, healthcare and financial health.
We presented a commendation in City Council on Jan. 25, 2013 to Pat McOsker in recognition of his service as former President of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles (UFLAC). After stepping down as leader of UFLAC he went back to working as a Firefighter in his home community of San Pedro. He has been a Los Angeles Firefighter for 31 years.
Councilmember Englander visited the West Valley Animal Shelter in Chatsworth on Jan. 24, 2013 to see some of the kittens and puppies that need foster homes, tour the shelter, and discuss pet adoption with Animal Services Captain Keith Kramer, District Manager.
Counclimember Englander was interviewed on Time Warner Local Edition with Bella Shaw about the Street Repair Bond, our new CD12 Community Service Center, and the upcoming elections. 1.24.13
As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, as an LAPD Reserve Officer, as a motorcyclist, and as a father whose daughter recently got her drivers license, I was honored to be on hand for the unveiling of the LAPD Valley Traffic Division Fallen Officer Memorial. The memorial plaque has the names of every Valley Traffic Division Officer killed in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers go out to families of the fallen Officers. Traffic Officers risk their lives on a daily basis to save lives, keep our roads safe, and keep traffic moving.
Councilmember Mitchell Englander and the Council District 12 staff were happy to host a festive holiday party on this once in a lifetime date! 12-12-12, a great day to celebrate the District 12 community.
Councilmember Englander joined residents of the Sherwood Forest area for the unveiling of the official Sherwood Forest Community Sign on Dec. 7, 2012
Honoring CSUN's Visiting Chinese Scholars in City Council 12.7.12
The staff of Council District 12 was proud to vlunteer to help the North Valley Family YMCA for their annual Thanksgiving Dinner Distribution to benefit less fortunate families in the San Fernando Valley. The YMCA expects to distribute well over 2,000 baskets with turkeys and ingredients for a complete Thanksgiving dinner that families can cook at home.
We were proud to partner with middle-school student Sam Dobry and his fellow student leaders for our Fall Community Clean-Up event on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Limekiln Canyon Park. Student volunteers from several local schools led the clean-up activities, including removal of graffiti, cleaning up trash and debris, and beautification of Limekiln Canyon. Our thanks and congratulations go out to the outstanding young community members who led this effort, and to all of those who volunteered, sponsored and contributed to project to protect and beautify our community green spaces!
Ribbon cutting on the new Nicole Bernson SAFE Center, where San Fernando Valley residents can drop off Household Hazardous Waste, including electronics, pool chemicals, motor oil, fluorescent lightbulbs, batteries, and paint to be safely and properly disposed of. Located on Balboa Blvd. just south of Devonshire St., it is open 9 am to 3 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
We were to proud to join SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire) and our Devonshire Division Police Officers for the 17th Annual SOLID All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner on Friday, Oct. 19 in Northridge. Hundreds of community members enjoyed an unlimited, delicious pasta dinner, with proceeds going to SOLID, a non-profit organization that provides non-City supplied materials and equipment to the Police Officers who protect and serve our community at Devonshire Community Police Station. For more information about SOLID, visit www.SOLIDDevonshire.org.
Launch of OK HELP Earthquake Window Sign with press conference & demonstration by LAFD & CERT Volunteers 10.15.12
We were proud to cut the ribbon on the recently completed Porter Ranch Community School with hundreds of parents, kids,teachers and community members on Oct. 5, 2012. After working toward this goal for many years, since before Councilmember Englander was elected to the City Council, it is one of his proudest moments to open this long awaited and badly needed school.
We were proud to welcome the Port of Los Angeles’ Trade Connect event as part of my Business Roundtable, at the Gas Co. in Chatsworth on Oct. 4, 2012. Representatives of more than 80 manufacturers and industrial companies, most of the from the San Fernando Valley, attended this free business event. The Trade Connect Program offers valuable information to help companies learn how to start exporting their goods and getting into larger, international markets, help them organize trade missions, and help them focus on particular sectors or destination locations. This is exactly the kind of resource we have been working to bring to businesses in our District. We have the largest MR zone for light manufacturing and clean industry anywhere in Los Angeles, with over 1,000 businesses and tens of thousands of employees. We are committed to making all of LA more business friendly. Our business team makes cold calls to businesses, we do regular site visits, and we offer resources and information about incentives and technical assistance.
Councilmember Mitchell Englander was proud to host National Night and Movies Under the Stars at Northridge Park on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Hundreds of families came out to enjoy a safe, fun night out in our park. LAPD, the Fire Department, and many community based organizations and Neighborhood Councils had information booths.
We were proud to host the CD 12 Community Service Center Open House and Art Exhibition on July 23, 2012. As a celebration of Councilmember Englander's first year in office, we held an Open House at our new Community Service Center and Valley Office. We had over 150 pieces of original artwork all done by San Fernando Valley artists, as well as over 350 community members, who came to enjoy music, wine, small bites and view the beautiful array of art pieces. Thanks to all who attended for a wonderful evening!
Elimination of Business Tax for New Auto Dealerships in L.A. Approved in Council 7.3.12
Honoring Granada Hills Charter High on Winning the 2012 National Academic Decathlon & Sign Unveiling 7.3.12
Councilmember Englander testifying in Arts Parks Health & Aging Committee on his motion to offer healthier choices in City Park vending machines instead of only sugar-filled soda. 6.19.12
We were proud to join Jonathan Ward of ICON Motors, as well as Mayor Villaraigosa, to celebrate the expansion and relocation of ICON Motors from Van Nuys to a new, larger facility in CD 12 in Chatsworth. ICON hand-builds high-performance cars and reproductions of classic and retro vehicles, and off road vehicles.
We were proud to cut the ribbon on Metro's Canoga Ave. Orange Line Extension. The 4 mile dedicated busway runs from the Warner Center endpoint of the Orange Line Busway to Chatsworth Depot Metrolink Station, and features beautifully landscaped areas, bike and pedestrian paths, and public art in all of the stations. It will open up the entire regional public transit system to Northwest Valley Commuters, and is fast, safe and inexpensive.
We were proud to join Northridge South Neighborhood Council for their terrific Earth Day clean-up of Aliso Creek Wash in Northridge on Sunday, April 22. We joined community volunteers, neighbors, families with kids, and members of Northridge South Neighborhood Council for this project to beautify an empty lot that become run down and filled with graffiti, trash and weeds. It is crucial to not allow such places to become magnets for crime, especially one so close to Napa Elementary School. The project was a partnership project between our office, Northridge South Neighborhood Council, L.A. City Bureau of Public Works and L.A. Conservation Corps.
We were proud to host the second CD 12 Non-Profit Summit together with Valley Non-Profit Resources on March 12, 2012 at the Devonshire PALS Youth Center in Northridge. Representatives from more than 100 non-profit organizations from the Northwest San Fernando Valley attended. Guest speakers include Nancy Olson from Volunteer Los Angeles, Merri Whitelock from CSUN Community Service Learning, and Victoria Garcia from Directors of Volunteers in Agencies, SFV. The theme was "Strategies for Recruiting and Mobilizing Volunteers."
The City Council unanimously approved the City's prohibition on mobile billboard advertising displays in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 7. The restriction applies whether they are standing alone or attached to a motor vehicle, on any Los Angeles City street. Once a 24-hour advance warning citation has been issued to a first-time offender, we will be able to impound the ad trailers that have blighted our streets. Councilmember worked for 9 years on this legislation, on the City Council and as Chief of Staff to the previous Councilmember. Mobile billboard advertising displays are a visual blight, pose significant safety hazards for motorists, reduce available on-street parking and impair the visibility of pedestrians and drivers. Mobile billboard operators constantly exploited loopholes in the law and attached billboards to sleds, bicycles and inoperable vehicles, and moved them a few inches at a time to avoid the 72-hour parking restriction.
As an LAPD Reserve Officer, Councilmember Mitchell Englander was on hand as the LAPD raided the last storefront marijuana business in Council District 12 on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. At the Chatsworth shop, Police arrested three people, seized over 150 plants, large quantities of marijuana, equipment for the extensive growing operation, and thousands of dollars in cash.
We were proud to honor the Girls Volleyball, Tennis and Golf Teams of Granada Hills Charter High School in City Council for winning their 2011 City Championships!
At the LAPD Police Commission Meeting on Jan. 17 at St. Nicholas Church in Northridge, over 400 people came to speak out against the LAPD's proposal to change the policy of impounding the cars of unlicensed drivers for 30 days. Councilmember Englander opposes this change, which will make our streets less safe by enabling unlicensed - and uninsured - drivers to be driving on our streets.
Councilmember Mitchell Englander was guest speaker at the San Fernando Valley Green Team's Brokers and Bankers forum about green buildings, on Jan. 12, 2012 at Corporate Pointe in West Hills. He discussed the importance of supporting our L.A. based businesses so they can create jobs and economic growth, and the benefits of the State Enterprise Zone, which we have in our District in Chatsworth and Northridge.
Councilmember Mitchell Englander introduced a motion on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 calling for a full accounting of the City resources that were expended managing, and removing the Occupy L.A. protest encampment.
The CD 12 staff was proud to volunteer to help the North Valley YMCA's distribute Thanksgiving dinners to struggling families in the San Fernando Valley. We also donated $1,000 to the Thanksgiving dinner donations, plus $5 for every whole turkey donated by an individual. Each year, the North Valley Family YMCA distributes baskets with a turkey and all the fixings so that a family can have their own complete Thanksgiving dinner at home. This year, they doubled the number to 1,000.
On Nov. 17, 2011, Councilmember Mitchell Englander unveiled the street sign congratulating Granada Hills Charter High School for winning the 2011 National Academic Decathlon Championships. He was joined by GH Charter Executive Director Brian Bauer, the Decathlon Team, the team coach, and students and staff of the school.
At the Movies Under the Stars & LAPD National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Mason Park in Chatsworth, we launched the first of Councilmember Mitchell Englander's Community Excellence Awards! Over 25 people received Excellence Awards at the event in recognition of their contributions to the community. The purpose of the Community Excellence Awards is to recognize ordinary community members who do extraordinary things, and make volunteering and community service a way of life in CD 12. Hundreds of families attended the free outdoor movie night, which featured free food, popcorn, and public safety information booths.
We honored Dr. Jolene Koester, President of California State University, Northridge, who recently announced her retirement. Under Dr. Koester's leadership, CSUN has blossomed into a world-class university with over 39,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff, right in our backyard. Dr. Koester was appointed President in 2000. She has presided over the completion of CSUN's Valley Performing Arts Center, installation of solar energy systems that generate 18% of CSUN's power, the country's largest hydrogen fuel cell on a university campus, and countless other improvements to CSUN's academics, management, and aesthetics. We thank her for her contributions to CSUN and our community, and wish her success and happiness in her retirement!
Vickie Bourdas Martinez was our nominee Pioneer Woman of 2012. She is the Director of Finance for Skateland skating rink in Northridge where she has worked since 1988 and was raised in the San Fernando Valley. She is heavily involved in numerous community and charity activities in the San Fernando Valley, and currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of Devonshire PALS (Police Activity League Supporters). She is also a charter member of the San Fernando Valley Jaycees and serves as Chair of their Board of Directors.
Councilmember Mitchell Englander was proud to participate in a business roundtable at TIG/m in Chatsworth with the Mayor Villaraigosa's business team, and business and community leaders to discuss ways the City can help businesses grow in Los Angeles. Tig/m manufactures environmentally friendly hybrid electric trolleys, including the one at the Grove mall, and has benefited from the City’s economic development policies.
For our July Movies Under the Stars, we showed the great animated film "How to Train Your Dragon." We had over 500 people attending, and as always, served fresh popcorn, picnic dinners and had face painting for kids. Watch www.CD12.org for information on upcoming movie nights!
On Thursday, June 2, we broke ground on new park facilities to serve hikers and equestrians at Aliso Canyon Park in Granada Hills. In 2010, we secured grant funding to make the improvements. They include an outdoor pavilion and picnic area, a pedestrian bridge over the small creek to protect the riparian habitat, a naturally landscaped meadow with native, drought-tolerant plants, an equestrian arena, equestrian parking and staging area, regular parking area, restrooms, and improved trailhead and trail markings for the trails through the canyon. The improvements will allow people to park in the canyon instead of on Rinaldi St., where car burglaries were common. It will also make the park easier for the Department of Recreation and Parks to monitor and maintain, which will help prevent graffiti, vandalism, illegal dumping, fires and other illegal activity.
Our 6th Annual Citrus Sunday Yields a Record Harvest for Families at Valley Food Banks!
This year the volunteers and groups participating in our 6ht Annual Citrus Sunday collected over 40,000 lbs. of fresh citrus fruit, a record over the six years of the event! For Citrus Sunday, volunteers, community-based organizations, Neighborhood Councils and schools pick thousands of pounds of oranges and grapefruits which are distributed to struggling families at Valley food banks. Our sincere thanks and congratulations go out to all those who participated, including Valley Interfaith Council, Northridge East, Northridge West, Granada Hills North, Granada Hills South, West Hills, Porter Ranch, North Hills West and Chatsworth Neighborhood Councils, Old Granada Hills Residents Group, Temple Ahavat Shalom, Granada Hills Charter High School, Northridge Little League, Vons, L.A. Baptist High School and Darby Elementary School.
Over 150 volunteers came together to help keep our community clean and beautiful for the Earthday Community Clean Up of Limekiln Canyon on Saturday, April 9. This terrific volunteer beautification project was organized by middle-school student Sam Dobry and several of his friends. Wal-Mart of Porter Ranch supported this event by donating coffee and pastries for the morning kick-off, and 50 of their employees joined as volunteers as part of Wal-Mart's community involvement efforts. Outback Steakhouse donated a delicious free lunch for all the volunteers. The crews painted over graffiti, cleaned up trash, and removed weeds and debris, and maintained recently planted trees in Limekiln Canyon.
We broke ground on the new Nicole Bernson SAFE Center on Balboa Blvd. in Granada Hills, joined by Board of Public Works Vice President Andrea Alarcon, Bureau of Sanitation General Manager Enrique Zaldivar and City Engineer Gary Lee Moore. It is illegal to throw away such items in the regular trash. Once in landfills, they can leach pollutants into the air, soil and groundwater, posing a threat to the environment and public health. Last year, SAFE Centers collected and recycled, or safely disposed of nearly 7 million pounds of hazardous and household waste. The Balboa SAFE Center is on the former site of an L.A. Fire Station. When the Fire Station was moved across the street to expand and improve the facility, Councilman Greig Smith secured the old Fire Station property to build the new SAFE Center. It will offer Council District 12 residents a closer more convenient place to dispose of electronic, automotive and household hazardous waste than the nearest SAFE Center in Sunland.
Dodgers Dream Field Opening at Northridge Park Feb. 15, 2011. Current and former Dodgers stars and Devonshire PALS kids attended the opening and baseball clinic. We provided buses to bring out 25 PALS kids to participate. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Recreation and Parks General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, and Anita DeFrantz of the LA84 Foundation and unveiled a sign dedicating the "The Councilman Greig Smith Dugout" in recognition of Councilman Smith's work to benefit parks in our District. We commend and thank the Dodgers and the LA84 Foundation for their community involvement!
We held a press conference and signing ceremony with Mayor Villaraigosa, LAPD Chief Beck, Councilmembers Perry and LaBonge for Councilman Greig Smith's motion. Councilman Smith loaned funds to get uniformed LAPD Officers off of jail duty and back on patrol, and to end the 9-month long furlough of detention officers at the new Metro Detention Center. Feb. 16, 2011
Our annual Earthday environmental clean-up on April 25, 2009 at Chatsworth Park North. Hundreds of community members and groups came out to volunteer and help clean up trash and paint over graffiti. We gave away trees and re-usable shopping bags.
Northridge West Neighborhood Council's Operation Clean Sweep, Jan. 15, 2011. Northridge West has been doing volunteer clean-up activities twice a week since summer 2010, removing trash, weeds and graffiti from the streets of Northridge. For more information, visit www.northridgewest.org
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San Fernando Valley Council of Governments approved, July 2010
Boy Scouts Troop 921 held their 6th annual clean up of Stoney Point Park in Chatsworth. They removed trash, glass, and weeds, and cleaned and maintained the memorial plaque for the victims of the Chatsworth Metrolink Train Disaster. Our office, Chatsworth Neighborhood Council and REI Sporting Goods co sponsored the event.
Northridge Pediatric Trauma Center Opening Oct. 1, 2010
Northridge West Neighborhood Council organized volunteer community clean ups every Saturday throughout the summer to clean up weeds and trash in Northridge.
We hosted special tours of the Oakridge Estate, the cultural-historic landmark in Northridge that we purchased for the City. We are working to make it a publicly accessible open space and cultural historic asset that will one house a San Fernando Valley Film Museum. For information, call (818) 756-8501.
Recognition of Granada Hills Historic Preservation Class in Council July 9, 2010
Navy Sea Cadets Honored in City Council, July 2, 2010
Recognition of Jim Featherstone, Bill Robertson & Andre Birotte in Council, June 18, 2010
Enterprise Zone Expansion Press Conference June 15, 2010
Citrus Sunday volunteer fruit drive, June 13, 2010
Presentation of Commendation to Mike Dobry. Nov. 1, 2007
Councilman Greig Smith led a community hike with the Sierra Club at O'Maelveny Park March 31, 2001
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