January, 2011 - Valley Voice

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Covering Porter Ranch, Northridge, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, and Valley Communities West of the San Diego Freeway
Volume 6, Number 1
January, 2011
Big Changes for Shepherd of the Hills
Special to the Valley Voice
Rendering shows the new, and larger auditorium, looking south from Rinaldi Street.
M
any San Fernando Valley residents know it as the church with the big
fireworks show every Fourth of July. Some may know it as a meeting
place for their community activities or town forums. Others know it
simply as the white, barn-like structure across the street from Walmart. But more
than 10,000 people call Shepherd of the Hills in Porter Ranch their church home—
and many local residents have noticed that this community “home” is undergoing
some major remodeling.
In September 2010, after about 15 years of planning, Shepherd of the Hills
Church broke ground on a construction project on their campus at 19700 Rinaldi
Street in Porter Ranch. When the last nail is hammered and the construction fences
are removed, the existing church campus will have added a larger auditorium, a prayer
tower, a one-level parking deck, and a new access road to their existing sanctuary and
Family Life Center.
It’s a huge undertaking for Shepherd of the Hills—the first church built in the
Porter Ranch community nearly 20 years ago. A challenging financial climate and
limited acreage help explain why the church congregation refers to the project as their
“Miracle in the Making.” Despite these potential hurdles, the church is expanding
now simply to meet the needs of its growing congregation and community.
Dudley Rutherford, Senior Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills, explains, “Church
growth experts will tell you that if your auditorium is 80 percent full, you’re full.
We have added services to accommodate our growth and still our Sunday morning
services are near capacity. Our parking lot is full. These are wonderful problems to
have and make for exciting weekends here, but we want to reach more people and we
never, ever want to be in a position of having to turn anyone away.”
* * *
Shepherd hopes to complete the construction of their new facilities in two
different phases. Phase 1, which began in September, consists of building a one-level,
long-span parking deck that will accommodate 180 cars on its upper level in addition
to ample ground parking, plus the construction of a bridge over a shallow valley
on the church’s campus that will enable a private road to be completed connecting
Corbin Avenue with Porter Ranch Drive.
Traffic mitigation was an important part of Shepherd’s planning for the project.
As local residents know, Rinaldi Street has become a “main street” in the community
of sorts—the traffic artery that services not only Shepherd of the Hills but also the
numerous stores and restaurants in Porter Ranch Town Center including Walmart,
Best Buy, Ralphs and TGI Fridays.
Paula Cracium, Shepherd’s Director of Development, challenged the project
planners and parking consultants to be mindful of these community concerns. “Our
traffic situation is somewhat unique in that we currently have about 1,000 people who
are trying to leave our campus onto a busy street at about the same time that another
1,000 people are arriving,” she says. “And then we repeat that cycle between each
of our services. We hired officers from the Department of Transportation to help
direct traffic on weekends, and given the fact that we only have three driveways on
our campus, I think we’re doing a pretty good job. But expanding our campus will
actually help with traffic. We’ll have three additional driveways in and out of our
campus, access to the traffic signal at Town Center Drive, and most importantly, a
new road that will enable people to bypass Rinaldi entirely.”
Upon completion of Phase 1 in summer of 2011, the church hopes to begin Phase
2 of their expansion plan shortly thereafter with the construction of a new auditorium.
Shepherd’s existing 1,500-seat auditorium would then be remodeled into a smaller chapel
and a fully-equipped children’s ministry facility, along with its existing Little Shepherd’s
Learning Center, a top-rated preschool here in the valley.
Having a larger auditorium is important to the leadership and congregation of
Shepherd of the Hills for several reasons. First, it will enable more of the church family
to worship together at the same time. Besides four satellite campuses located throughout
Los Angeles County—which was the result of outgrowing their current building and
desiring to reach more people, says Cracium—Shepherd currently has five weekend
services at its Porter Ranch location, plus a Spanish service Sunday afternoon and a
college service Sunday night. This is in addition to overflow services held in its Family
Life Center, a basketball gymnasium that is converted every week with tarps on the floor,
tables, chairs, and a large screen with video patched in from the main sanctuary. A larger
space to worship may reduce the number of weekend services needed in the short-term
to accommodate the current congregation.
Second, the new sanctuary and parking deck may alleviate scheduling and parking
concerns. Shepherd of the Hills organizes and/or partners with dozens of ministries such
as Grief Share, Divorce Care, People Between Jobs, Recycling Ministry, The Treasure
Box, and Blanket Blessings—all of whom need a place to hold their meetings during the
week and on weekends. Additionally, Shepherd Sports utilizes the Family Life Center
to offer more than 20 different sports, leagues, clubs, camps or other activities for youth
and adults. There are approximately 3,000 people involved in Shepherd Sports, and at
least 50 percent of them are not members of Shepherd of the Hills, according to Sports
Pastor Josh Merrill.
* * *
inally, having more space will enable Shepherd to broaden its community
service, since rooms of this size are rare in the north valley. In its present
facility, Shepherd opens its doors for a wide variety of community interests,
including LAPD security summits, LAFD community forums, town hall meetings,
community rentals, and emergency evacuations when needed—like in 2008 when the
church served as a Red Cross evacuation center during the Angeles National Forest fire.
It is also used annually by a local Jewish synagogue for their High Holy Day services.
“Community service is in our DNA at Shepherd,” shares Cracium. “It’s who we
are and what we do. In some ways, building these new walls will better equip us to serve
outside of our walls. Over twenty years ago, when our church moved to this location,
we fell in love with the community and the people. We hope to continue to be a place of
hope, encouragement, diversity and unity for Porter Ranch for many years to come.”
But Shepherd’s reach extends beyond the city of Los Angeles—or even the United
States. According to Pastor Rutherford, Shepherd was able to give close to $1.2 million
to worldwide missions in 2009 alone, supporting missionaries in 32 countries and
combining efforts with such organizations and programs as Children’s Hunger Fund,
Angel Tree, Buckets of Hope, Asia Pacific Christian Ministries International, and the
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
“Long after those of us who helped build this new facility are gone,” says Pastor
Rutherford, “I hope Shepherd will be known for its love for Los Angeles and meeting the
needs of those around us. That is, after all, the heart of Jesus.”
Those interested in more information about Shepherd of the Hills Church or its
construction project may visit their website at www.theshepherd.org.
F
January, 2011
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Page 2
T
School Board Approves Earlier
June 1st Start to School Year
San Fernando Valley
GEMboree
Gems-Jewelry-Beads
he Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education approved a proposal to start the school year
about two weeks earlier than usual in hopes of boosting students’ performance on standardized tests.
The board voted 6-1 to begin classes at most elementary, middle and high schools on Aug. 15,
starting next year, and end on June 1. The school year has traditionally started immediately after Labor Day.
The proposal does not affect the small number of campuses on multi-track, year-round schedules.
Eighteen LAUSD schools - 17 high schools, predominately in the San Fernando Valley, and one
elementary school - began operating under the advanced schedule this year as part of a pilot project.
District officials said the earlier calendar would be beneficial for students, because students would finish
their first semester and complete their final exams before the winter break.
* * *
The district also contends the move would lead to students being better prepared for the California High
School Exit Exam and Advanced Placement tests, because teachers would have more time to cover more
material before the tests are administered.
“The new Early Start Instructional Calendar will allow students and teachers to complete academic work
during the fall semester prior to the start of winter break. The advantages of this reform support academic
achievement for all of our students.”
Some critics have contended that starting the school year in mid-August would be problematic at older
campuses that have little or no air conditioning - particularly in the hot San Fernando Valley.
The Three R’s, & Advertising
I
n a move expected to generate about $18 million a year, the Los Angeles Unified School District board
approved a policy allowing the sale of corporate sponsorships and naming rights of facilities on district
campuses.
District officials said the revenue generated by the sales of such sponsorships would be used to help
save jobs and preserve programs most susceptible to budget cuts. Among those are arts, athletics, parentengagement efforts, food services and academics.
Under the policy, companies could purchase the right to post signs in school cafeterias or purchase
naming rights for athletic fields or campus buildings.
Companies could also underwrite district programming on
the KLCS television station or purchase mentions on the
district’s website.
Proposed sponsorship contracts would be reviewed
by a district committee and would need the approval of
the superintendent. The School Board would weigh in on
contracts larger than $500,000.
Proposed sponsors would be reviewed on standards
such as corporate social responsibility, equality in
hiring, charitable giving and environmental friendliness.
Companies would also be reviewed for possible conflicts
or interest or other legal issues.
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Grad Rates Lag
G
raduation rates for students in Los Angeles County
lagged behind those of the state as a whole in the
2008-09 school year, and the dropout rate was
higher, according to figures released by the California
Department of Education.
The graduation rate for high school students across
the state was 78.5 percent.
The rate in Los Angeles County was 75.7 percent,
compared to 77.8 percent the year before. For students in
the Los Angeles Unified School District, the graduation
rate was 69.6 percent.
The dropout rate in California was 21.7 percent, adjusted
for students across the entire four years of high school.
In Los Angeles County, the dropout rate was 24.3 percent
for 2008-09, up from 21 percent in 2007-08. The LAUSD rate
was 29.6 percent, up from 26.4 percent in 2007-08.
City Not Spending
U.S. Stimulus Funds
O
f the nearly $630 million in federal stimulus
funds the city of Los Angeles has received
over the past two years, it has spent only
about a quarter of the money.
Although the city received most of its stimulus
money last March, by mid-October, it had completed just
eight of 108 projects, the Los Angeles Times reported.
City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana told The
Times that other communities have similar problems.
“What’s happening here is happening everywhere,
not just in California, but around the country,” he said.
But according to The Times, other cities have been
spending their stimulus funds faster, indicating that the
problem may be with the city’s bureaucracy.
An audit conducted under City Controller Wendy
Greuel found that four supposedly “shovel-ready”
transportation projects - including 85 left-turn signals
and 25 new traffic lights - were not put up for bid for
seven months after they were given the go-ahead by
state and federal officials in the summer of 2009.
A contract to finish the signal projects was finalized
in December and the work is expected to be completed
in a year.
Outgoing state Inspector General Laura
Chick estimated that only about half of the state’s
$50-billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
funds has been spent so far.
Los Angeles County officials said they have spent
more than 60 percent of their stimulus money, much of it
through existing programs, The Times reported.
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Our Readers Split
Hate Crimes Highest
In San Fernando Valley
By Austin Kang, Valley Voice Reporter
os Angeles County saw an overall 21 percent drop in hate crimes last year, though
religiously motivated crimes in general increased, with the vast majority directed
at Jews and Jewish institutions.
There were 109 sexual-orientation hate crimes reported in 2009, down from
134 in 2008, and were more likely to be violent than hate crimes motivated by race
or religion, according to the annual Hate Crime Report by the Los Angeles County
Commission on Human Relations.
A growing number of hate crimes - 24 percent - included white supremacy
symbols, including swastikas. Jews were targeted in about half of these crimes,
followed by blacks and Latinos.
“We see the same groups - African Americans, Jews, gays and lesbians, and
Latinos - victimized most frequently year after year,” said Robin Toma, executive
director of the Human Relations Commission.
Views on WikiLeaks
W
ith their latest “megaleak” concerning U.S. State department diplomatic cables,
WikiLeaks has incited a continuing controversy over not only about the documents
the we-bsite publishes, but more fundamentally the evident conflict between
governmental security and the rights of free speech and press.
The basis of WikiLeaks constitutes an easily accessible medium through which
information contributed anonymously by anyone around the world can be freely shared.
However, before any documents are published, they are evaluated by the organization’s
advisory board, which is fronted by Julian Assange.
Global opinion about the organization has proven very divisive, which is reflected
upon the valley locals as well.
Celine Ta, a citizen of Northridge, approves of WikiLeaks: “I think people definitely
have the right to view the government files, and I think the organization does a fair job of
providing the means to do so.”
While the First Amendment’s protections of the press extend to WikiLeaks, due to the
highly sensitive material that WikiLeaks exposes, their operations can arguably be charged
with violating the Espionage Act. This act penalizes attempts to promote insubordination in
the military or the disclosure of information that compromises the national defense.
* * *
“The concept of leaking secret government files is just dangerous. Some people might
say that we have the right to know, but some information is better kept hidden if it’s for the
sake of everyone’s safety,” David Lee of Northridge said.
In fact, one of the primary criticisms directed toward WikiLeaks is the potential for
the documents to pose a serious risk on the subjects addressed. This concern was most
exemplified in the Afghan War documents “megaleak” in July when they included the
names and locations of numerous Afghan informants and sympathizers. These people were
thought to be in serious danger from the Taliban, but the Pentagon has concluded that “there
has not been a single case of Afghans needing protection or to be moved because of the
leak.”
Still, locals are of the consensus that this is the most major downside to WikiLeaks.
“Personally, I like the idea of allowing people to know everything the government
does, but I would prefer for them to work with the government to ensure that minimal harm
is done in terms of releasing sensitive information. In consideration of leaks like the Afghan
War documents, I don’t believe that the current way of posting the information is worth the
benefits, if only because lives are of the highest priority,” Orel Vaknin of North Hills said.
WikiLeaks isn’t the only one to blame, however, at least not entirely. Hamidah
Mahmud, a citizen of Granada Hills commented, “I understand the reasons some people
have for supporting WikiLeaks, but I disapprove of it. All governments are allowed some
degree of privacy, even in regards to free speech and press. However, I also think that the
government should take more security measures to protect their information. It had to leak
somehow.”
Ultimately, locals agree that a balance needs to be struck between unnecessary
restrictions on information and unabated exposure of sensitive documents. But at times, the
balance may prove impossible.
“The public wants to know information, but at the same time, lashes out when that
information becomes dangerous. People are never satisfied, and as a result attack both
the government and organizations such as WikiLeaks. It’s a unending paradox,” Mahmud
commented.
January, 2011
L
* * *
Hate crimes occurred across Los Angeles County, but the most were recorded in
the San Fernando Valley.
Crimes targeting Armenians and transgender people rose, though only a handful
of hate crimes against them were reported, according to the commission.
Religion-motivated crime grew by 9 percent, with most 88 percent of the crime
directed at Jews and Jewish institutions, the report said.
In 2008, anti-Jewish hate crimes accounted for 10 percent of hate crimes, and
comprised 65 percent of crimes targeting religious groups. This year, one out of five
hate crimes reported in the county was against Jews, a 49 percent increase in antiJewish crime.
“While the overall decline in hate crimes is a good trend, we remain concerned
about the high levels of hate crimes against Jewish institutions and individuals,” said
Amanda Susskind, regional director of the Pacific Southwest Region of the AntiDefamation League.
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Free Rides
 for Students on 
School Field Trips
S
tudents across Los Angeles County will get
free rides on Metro buses and trains for schoolsponsored field trips starting this month, under
a program approved by the Metro board.
“It’s so important that teachers continue to
pursue enriching educational opportunities off
campus, even when school funds are tight,” said MTA
board chairman and county Supervisor Don Knabe.
“We want our kids to get the best possible education,
and it’s our hope that this new program will help.”
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who proposed
the program, said it will not increase Metro’s
operating costs or reduce revenue.
“Because Metro buses and trains have
unused capacity during school hours, making free
transit available to students is a win-win policy,”
Villaraigosa said.
“By offering our students free transit during field
trips, we allow them to take advantage of museums,
programs and a variety of learning experiences that
take place outside the classroom,” he added. “In
these tough economic times, it is important that
we continue giving students many opportunities to
learn, especially for those students who do not have
the resources for alternative transportation.”
T
Gas Company
at PRNC Meeting
College and Finances for Students
The “Life and Times” of Our Valley Seniors
W
ith deadlines fast approaching, high school seniors were rushed to finish their college applications during the holiday
break. The growing applicant pool and subsequently, the increasingly competitive admissions, are only adding extra
weight to students’ concerns about college.
“College applications killed the holiday mood. Not only are they extremely time-consuming but also very stressful.
I am constantly worrying about getting rejected from schools I am applying to. It’s not too unusual for a person to end up
where he hasn’t wished to” Edward Lee of Northridge said.
Meanwhile, students who were accepted to their early decision or early action schools seem to be free of stress. Others
who only applied to University of California are also less anxious as UC application process ended on November 30th,
significantly earlier than most private colleges.
Amid the frenzy cramming, students are divided on their views of the admission process.
When asked whether he agrees with the admission process, Daniel Choida of Winnetka stated, “I feel as if we’re being
categorized according to our grades and test scores. We’re only numbers to admission officers. Sure we have essays, but it’s
impossible to fully describe or to truly appeal ourselves in a 500-word essay. I believe character should be weighed more in
the process.”
On the other hand, Elliot Kim of Northridge pointed out, “Student’s transcript and test scores are the best reflection of
his or her work ethic. It’s only reasonable to grant a seat to a student who has worked hard all throughout his high school years
than to grant a seat to a student who tries to take a shortcut with a sensational essay.”
Besides the application process, money seems to be a major concern among high school seniors. In fact, a handful of
them are choosing schools solely based on scholarships and grants. The economic woe has certainly taken its toll on students
as well.
“I am only considering schools that offer a generous financial aid or need-based scholarships. I can’t afford to pay full
tuition and I don’t want to graduate with a tremendous debt that I will have to pay off for the next ten years,” Jasmine Kinsey
of Granada Hills said. She then added, “I am also looking into other scholarship opportunities, maybe even local ones. More
is always better.”
Although a number of colleges boast their exceptional financial aid and scholarship funds, most of them do not qualify
international students as eligible for scholarships and require them to resort to other methods to pay for their tuitions.
“I’ve been a legal resident of California for the past five years, but I have to pay all of $50,000 only because I don’t
have my permanent residency yet. I can’t even apply for any scholarships with my status. I hope I won’t have to turn down
my dream school a money issue,” stated a student who wished to remain anonymous.
High school seniors from all backgrounds and of all races are finishing the year with high hopes and big ambitions. And
the new year marks the beginning of the long, anxious wait.
he Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council will have a
guest speaker from the Gas Company at the January
4 meeting at Shepherd of the Hills, 6pm. The guest
speaker will be speaking about the proposed expansion to
their facility in the hills above Porter Ranch. This project
focuses on replacing current gas powered compressors
with electrical ones which will then need additional power
transmission lines run from Newhall to Porter Ranch.
Some stakeholders contend that the Gas Company does
not provide sufficient brush clearance; brush below Gas
Company downed power lines fueled the Sesnon fire in
2008; and any expansion should include brush clearance
requirements. The project is in the Environmental Impact
Report phase. Find out more on PRNC.org.
The PRNC hosted a well attended Holiday Party
in December at Musashi in Porter Ranch. Among informal
discussions were concerns that Fire Station 8 on Tampa
was being considered for closure in the Fire Department’s
2011 belt tightening proposals. Upon further exploration
with Councilman Smith’s office, the Fire Department is still
evaluating its options. The PRNC is working closely with
Councilman Smith’s office to protect our stakeholders and
will inform stakeholders if and when we need to sound the
alarm.
In February the board will have Tamar Galatzan
as the guest speaker. The PRNC: Helping You Make Porter
Ranch a Better Place to Live, Work and Grow. Join us
January 4, February 1, and March 1. Find out more at www.
PRNC.org.
- PRNC
Dream Act Fails
B
oth of California’s senators were among the 55 votes
who were unable to break a threatened filibuster
against the “Dream Act” last month.
Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein both
issued statements lamenting the bill’s failure in the Senate.
“I deeply regret that the Senate did not vote to consider the
Dream Act,” Feinstein said.
“Many of these children know no other country as
their own,” the Feinstein statement read. “And I believe we
should give them a chance to succeed.”
Boxer issued a similar statement.
Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa decried the
death of what he called a “sensible, pragmatic piece of
legislation (that) would have strengthened our economy
and infused the talent and skills of hard-working, educated
young adults into our country’s workforce and military.
The bill was opposed by conservative senators who
viewed it as an unfair reward for people who broke U.S.
immigration laws.
Republican senators urged that the United States
better-secure its borders with Mexico before changing
immigration laws. And they said it was unfair to people who
were waiting outside the country for a shot at citizenship to
allow illegal aliens to register first.
The act would allow children brought to the United
States illegally to register with the government and serve
in the military or go to college, and if they stayed out of
trouble, get in line to apply for citizenship. Although it will
be reintroduced this year, its chances are rated as poor in
this year’s Republican-majority House of Representatives.
January, 2011
By Da Som Seo, Valley Voice Reporter
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Page 5
“If you tell the truth, you don’t have toremember what you said.”
A Personal Umbrella for
a Rainy Day
- Mark Twain
Dear Teacher
Ron Rauschenberger, State Farm® Agent
There are so many “rainy days” that people can experience
- a sick child, a broken-down car or a late mortgage payment.
But what about a lawsuit?
A Listening Ear; A Listening Heart
By Sandy Ojeda, Valley Voice Education Editor
Editor’s Note:
“Dear Teacher” is finally a way for students, parents, and teachers to express their concerns, ask
questions, and seek problem resolution regarding issues facing us in the educational arena.
“Dear Teacher is looking forward to hearing from you.
dearteacher@verizon.net or
Dear Teacher - P.O. Box 7011 - Mission Hills, CA 91346
Dear Teacher,
I’m 16 and very upset about something happening in my life. Any advice
as to how to deal with bad stress? K.K.N.
Dear K.K.N.,
Often, while enduring a rough time, we can’t imagine it getting better.
You’re young, and I empathize, but it helps to start having the perspective that,
in fact, there is a bright sky after the storm. Hang on! We, unfortunately, have
to go through some bad times, but endure, for it too shall pass and make you
stronger.
Dear Teacher,
My daughter, 10, hates to go to bed at night and puts up quite a struggle.
Mr. P.
Dear Mr. P.,
Try explaining to her that you’re not having her go to bed to be annoying
or as a punishment. She actually needs enough sleep to function properly, as
we all do. You might tell her that you would like to stay up later, yourself, but
in order to work well, you can’t. It helps to let her know that you’re feeling her
pain.
Dear Teacher,
My friend sometimes behaves badly, but most people say it’s because her
early childhood was very difficult. What do you think? J.E.M., 15 years old.
Dear J.E.M.,
I’m not one who excuses bad behavior. I understand that bad experiences
influence our lives, but we can’t use that to excuse bad actions later. We all could
drum up excuses, but at some point, you basically need to make a decision to
not lean on the past as an excuse for the present.
Dear Teacher,
Some of my students, the 14 yr. olds, seem to lose their homework a lot.
Mrs. W.
Dear Mrs. W.,
Try having them come up with their own solutions. That autonomy helps
in some cases.
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January, 2011
Valley
Voice • HAIR/Pantages Theatre
For Advertising Rates, Visit
www.evalleyvoice.com
5” x 7.625” • 4 color
Pub Date: 1.1.2011
Page 6
GHHS Charter
In New Bid
G
T
Above Chatsworth
DWP Veto
he Los Angeles City Council failed in a bid
to override the mayor’s veto of a proposed
March 8 ballot measure that would give
the council more control over governance of the
Department of Water and Power.
Overriding a mayoral veto requires 10 votes
from the 15-member council, but only seven voted
in favor of the effort.
If it had been placed on the ballot and approved
by voters, the council would have been given the
authority, by a two-thirds vote, to fire the DWP’s
general manager and board members, or reverse
their removal by the mayor.
Villaraigosa spokeswoman Sarah Hamilton
said he stood by the veto.
After about an hour of discussion, only
council members Tony Cardenas, Paul Koretz, Tom
LaBonge, Parks, Perry, Bill Rosendahl and Greig
Smith voted in favor of the override.
ranada Hills Charter High School (GHCHS)
announced it has submitted their official bid to
become the operator of the new Valley Region
High School #4.
GHCHS Executive Director Brian Bauer
joined representatives from several Charter Schools
seeking to operate other L.A. area schools as well as the
California Charter School Association at a press conference
where they announced the bids.
The new school is on the site of the former Granada
Hills Hospital at Balboa Blvd. and Devonshire St.,
which closed in 2003. It would be operated as a branch
of GHCHS, and would consist of three small learning
communities, with classrooms, science labs, performing
arts classrooms, library, multi-purpose room, gymnasium,
lunch area, central administration, playing fields and a
multi-story parking garage.
Councilman Greig Smith supports the bid by
GHCHS, the largest Charter School in the United States
and has some of the highest academic achievement scores
in L.A. He said GHCHS has developed highly successful
and efficient educational and management models that
have improved student achievement, reduced class size,
and saved money.
Community members, parents, teachers and
ighty nonprofit organizations in the city of Los
stakeholders can continue to give their input on
Angeles will have the opportunity to work with the
what the GHCHS new school plan should include
Department of Water and Power next year to identify
by visiting www.ghchs.com/apps/news/show_
news.jsp?REC_ID=149622&id=0. The website ways to lower their energy and water usage.
The purpose of the “energy audits” is to identify
also has information on how to be involved and
easy fixes that will help nonprofit groups lower their DWP
stay up-to-date on the new school.
bills, which could include replacing inefficient light bulbs
and installing programmable thermostats, occupancy
sensors and high-efficiency toilets.
The audits and subsequent fixes will be covered by
a $2 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block
Grant awarded through the U.S. Department of Energy.
To qualify, organizations need to have been in the
city of Los Angeles for at least five years and maintained
their nonprofit status continuously for the past three years.
The groups must also directly occupy the space to be
improved and demonstrate a commitment toward energy
efficiency and water conservation.
Letters of interest are due to nonprofitgrants@
ladwp.com by 5 p.m. on Jan. 21.
DWP Nonprofits
E
t l”
s o
e o
“B ch
d S
te te
o
V iva
r
P
CHA
Old Boeing
Cite Getting
“Cleanup”
A
greements were reached between the
state and two federal agencies to remove
contaminated soil from portions of a heavily
polluted former nuclear reactor and rocket engine
test facility on the western edge of the San Fernando
Valley.
The agreements between the state of
California and the U.S. Department of Energy and
National Aeronautics and Space Administration for
clean-up of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory come
after more than 18 months of negotiations and public
comment.
Boeing owns the laboratory, a formerly topsecret U.S. government facility perched in the
mountains above Chatsworth, Calabasas and Simi
Valley.
Tons of radioactively-tainted or chemically
contaminated rock and soil sit above the suburban
neighborhoods surrounding the site, which the federal
government considers one of the most polluted areas
in the country.
* * *
The Santa Susana Field Laboratory is located
30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles in
southeastern Ventura County, near the crest of the
Simi Hills at the western border of the San Fernando
Valley.
A former rocket engine test and nuclear research
facility, the 2,849 acre field laboratory has been the
focus of a comprehensive environmental investigation
and cleanup program, conducted by Boeing, the DOE
and NASA, and overseen by the Department of Toxic
Substances Control.
21523 Rinaldi Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Chatsworth Hills Academy
OPEN HOUSE
& Family Picnic
Saturday, February 12th, 12:00-3:00
RSVP (818) 998-4037
www.chaschool.org
KNOWN FOR ADVANCED
MEDICINE & EXCEPTIONAL
PATIENT CARE & CLIENT SERVICE
es
Now Introduc
Pampered Boarding
Under a Doctor’s Watchful Eye
•Doctor Supervised •Extraordinarily Clean
•Large Heated/Air Conditioned Runs and Suites
•Gated Off-Leash Play Area
•Heated Floors
OPEN 7 DAYS & HOLIDAYS
Preschool
Through
8th Grade
www.chatvet.com
Enjoy lunch and family activities, tour our scenic
campus, meet our warm faculty and see why CHA is right for your child.
January, 2011
341-7770
21418 Devonshire Chatsworth 91311
For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com
Page 7
LOCAL Events
Mason Recreation Center
Mason Recreation Center has set registration for its
children’s winter classes for Jan. 4 at 10 a.m., 10500 Mason
Ave., Chatsworth, according to Juan Soto, park director.
Classes, which need a minimum of five students, begin
the week of Jan. 24 and will be in session for eight weeks,
unless otherwise noted. Space is limited, and there will be no
refunds, unless classes are cancelled.
BEGINNING SOCCER: Mondays, 4:30-5 p.m. and
5:30 p.m., ages 5-6, $50.
KARATE: Teaching self defense for beginners and
intermediates. Only new issued uniforms allowed. Mondays
and Fridays, meet twice a week, 6-7 p.m., ages 5 to 17. Costs
for new students, $150, and continuing students, $100.
TINY SOCCER: Learn basic skills in a non-competitive
environment. Tuesdays, 4-4:30 p.m., and 4:30 to 5 p.m., 3-4
ages, $50.
COOKING FOR KIDS: Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., for
ages 7 to 11, $20.
PRE-BALLET: Thursdays, 3:30 – 4 p.m. and 5:15 –
5:45 p.m., 3 to 4 years of age, $50.
BEGINNING BALLET: Thursdays, 4:15-5 p.m., ages
5 to 8, $50.
BEGINNING SOCCER: Intro to basic skills. Fridays ,
4:30-5 p.m. and 5 to 5:30 p.m., $50.
All information is subject to change and cancellation
without prior notice. More info? CALL 818-998-6377.
Tree Recycling
Jay Kim
Da Som Seo
Hyeon Yun
Austin Kang
City residents will again be able to recycle their
Christmas trees this year, with Los Angeles officials urging
residents to avoid throwing trees in the garbage. Residents
should remove all decorations and the stand from the tree,
cut it into pieces and place it into the green yard-trimming
bin. Residents who are unable to cut up the tree or place it
in a bin can leave the tree on the curb on the weekly trashcollection day.
The city will also have 20 drop-off sites that will be
open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 2. A list of drop-off sites will
be posted at www.lacity.org.
Crisis Response Team
The Crisis Response Team (CRT) is recruiting new
volunteers to assist people who have been traumatized
from accidents, violent crimes, or disasters. The CRT
volunteers are specially trained and are called in by the
Police and Fire Department to provide on-scene crisis
intervention, grief counseling, act as liaisons between
the victims and emergency responders, and give refer
victims and their families to social services.
The CRTs receive training from officials from the
Police and Fire Department, Coroner’s Office and other
agencies on first responder protocol and emergency
room protocol, cultural and religious needs and more.
The training sessions for new CRT volunteers are
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, January 18 through
March 3, 2011.
For information or to request an application call
Sgt. David Podesta at (310) 444-0743 or email
32305@lapd.lacity.org or visit https://local.nixle.com/
alert/4252697/?sub_id=165917. Historic Neighborhoods
The Speakers Bureau of Survey LA, a project of the
Office of Historic Resources in the Department of City
Planning is calling for volunteers. The five-year citywide
survey identifies and documents important places, features
and storeis in the City’s history. The survey will eventually
be conducting research in our community. They first
need Speakers Bureau volunteers to do presentations to
Neighborhood Councils, schools and other community
groups about the project.
No public speaking experience is needed. The two
training sessions are on January 8 and January 22 in
Hollywood. To apply as a volunteer or for more information,
visit http://preservation.lacity.org/survey/volunteer or
contact Bryan Fahrbach at bryan@historicla.com or (323)
469-2349 x10.
Child Safety Seat
Every Thursday from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, at LAPD
Valley Traffic Station, 7870 Nollan Place in Panorama City,
LAPD Officers that are Nationally Certified as Child Seat
Technicians will help you properly install your child car seat
or inspect the one you already have to ensure it is properly
installed. This service is free, but an appointment is required.
Please call (818) 644-8143 to make an appointment or for
more information. You will need to bring your car manual
and your car seat manual.
Hillcrest Open House
Experience a Winter Wonderland at Hillcrest Christian
School’s Open House. Join us Friday, January 28th at 6:00 pm
or Saturday, January 29th at 10:00 am. Visit our classrooms,
meet our teachers and staff, and enjoy performances by our
Drama Dept, our Harvest Choir, The Eagle Band and the 6th
Grade Choir. See science come to life with Bridge Breaking,
Barbie Bungee Jumping, and Roller Coaster Building. Friday
Night, our Lunch Pavilion will become an Italian Café for
dinner and desserts. Saturday morning, we will be offering
Danish, muffins, hot chocolate and coffee. Come join us for
2 days of fun family activities. Hillcrest Christian School
is located at 17531 Rinaldi St, Granada Hills. For more
information, call (818) 368-7071 or visit our website at www.
hillcrestchristianschool.org.
Gourmet Cooking
Gourmet Cooking Made Easy Cooking Classes from
“The-J” will be on Thursday, January 20, at 7:00 – 9:00
p.m. Chocolate Mania - It’s chocolate, more chocolate, &
yes… even more chocolate! We’ll open your eyes to the
many ways it can be used in cooking. And it’s not just for
desserts!! $60. For registration or more information, please
call (818)360-2211 or email us at nvjcc@yahoo.com
The Valley Voice is published every last
Wednesday of the Month.
Deadline for submission is
the 15th of the month.
January, 2011
For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com
Page 8