Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council July 2021: Issue #7 |
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SONC Election 2021
Candidate Results
Visit this link to view the City Clerk's official results. Thank you to all the candidates who ran, for the community members who voted in the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council 2021 Election.
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SONC Monthly Meetings
for July 2021
July 1st, 2021, 6pm
July 6th, 2021, 6pm
*Please visit calendar for date.
July 12th 2021, 6:30pm
July 13th, 2021, 6:30pm
*Please visit calendar for date.
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To view webinar details,
July 15th, 2021, 6:30pm
July 20th, 2021, 7pm
*Please visit calendar for date.
July 27th, 2021, 7pm
*Please visit calendar for date.
*=Visit Committee page to confirm date & time.
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Message from the President
Jeffrey Hartsough
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Welcome to the Ziff Flyer, the newsletter for the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (SONC).
Thank you for being an interested and involved member of the Sherman Oaks community.
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New Fiscal Year
July 1 begins a new year for the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council. 14 just elected council members take their seats. A new fiscal year begins. And the clouds of the pandemic are clearing—starting to get back to the “new” normal.
Six months ago, January 1, some of us made resolutions. It’s good to recognize that the things we have made the most progress on are the things that are important to us. I hope your involvement in SONC was one of those resolutions.
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Jeffrey Hartsough
President of SONC
Community Interest 2
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Voices Heard
Neighborhood Councils are supposed to be a bridge between their communities and local city government. SONC represents local Sherman Oaks stakeholders in the City’s decision-making process. It is a difficult task under the best of circumstances.
It is even more difficult if stakeholders don’t make their voices heard. How is the Council to represent the whole community if only a small segment is actively involved? We would like to get input from all areas of Sherman Oaks on issues that affect our community.
Our challenge is how do we get the whole of Sherman Oaks involved. We need to identify the issues, educate our stakeholders about the issues, define how those issues impact all of Sherman Oaks, and get thoughtful, fair, and balanced feedback on those issues.
We need to hear your voice.
Listen and Reflect
It is also a challenge to actually listen to the voices. Sometimes when we are engaged and passionate about an issue, we have difficulty listening to other or opposing voices. At other times, the way the message is delivered overshadows the message itself. Really listening is hard.
The problems we face are not always simple. Often the problems aren’t just about one part of Sherman Oaks but all of Sherman Oaks, the Valley, and Los Angeles. And answers often include give-and-take. We need to be good neighbors, thoughtful neighbors. Neighbors that listen.
Let us know how we can help you be an informed and active member of our Sherman Oaks community whose voice is heard and who also listens.
We need your help.
Please continue to be thoughtful of and kind to yourself and others. It makes a difference. Even without those difficulties caused by the pandemic, we all have daily challenges. We need each other’s support.
Stay safe, healthy, and in good spirits.
-- Jeffrey Hartsough
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Not sure what area you live in and who your
Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council representative is? Email SONC.Newsletter@gmail.com with your address or cross-streets with the navigational direction -- we will help you out!
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Join Madeleine, a 12-year old student from Buckley School, in remembering those who have died of Covid-19.
MAIL 8 inch x 8 inch MEMORIAL SQUARES to:
COVID QUILT
3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd #443
Studio City, CA 91604
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If you are interested in volunteering with the
LA Regional Food Bank, please visit this link here.
Questions, concerns, please email:
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Virtual SONC Meetings – Join Us
On March 12, 2020, the City, in response to the pandemic, suspended all meetings, activities, and events of SONC. We missed the annual Spring Tree Giveaway. We missed you at our meetings. In May 2020, SONC began to hold “virtual” meetings. These “virtual” meetings are held by way of teleconferences and video conferences.
Information about the meetings and how to “join in” is available on the SONC website: www.shermanoaksnc.org. Please give us your feedback and comments.
The next SONC Board meeting
is on July 12th, 2021.
We hope you join us.
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SONC Board Meeting November 9th, 2020 |
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July 12th, 2021 -- SONC Board Meeting
To join SONC's virtual board meeting on
July 12th, 2021 at 6:30 pm.
By Telephone:
By the Internet:
(1) Follow link:
(2) Press “Enter”
Or from a Zoom “Enter the Meeting” Screen:
(2) Press “Enter”
(3) Enter your Email Address and Your Name, and
(4) Press “Enter”
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Volunteer with NHIFP
The season for giving is here! Take advantage of helping out your community.
North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry is looking
for volunteers.
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SONC's Public Safety
Kids Personal Safety Series
The Public Safety Committee has partnered with KMA, a martial arts studio in Sherman Oaks, to bring a summer Kids Safety series that will culminate in a free Kids Self-Defense Workshop in September.
The Instructors will bring Kids Safety tips and demos at the PSC monthly meetings - then will host an in-person workshop in Sept.
The June PSC meeting will be the longest of the presentations (25 min) and will address the profile of the typical kid-predator, lures they use and some Kid Rules that are easy for kids to follow.. and for Parents to help enforce.
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June 8th, 6:30pm – 25 min. presentation
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July 13th, 6:30pm – 5-10 min presentation & kid demos
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August 10th, 6:30pm – 5-10 min presentation & kid demos
- **September we will celebrate the end of the Series with a free, in-person kids Safety Workshop (date/times tbd)
Next meeting will be next Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 at 6:30pm.
Phone: 1-669-900-6833,
Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817
Zoom Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817
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Subscribe to SONC's
Early Notification System via Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to receive all agendas for both board meetings and committee meetings.
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Volunteer with
The Valley of Change
The Valley of Change presents "Feed our friends in need" on the Second Saturday of the month from 8:30 - 11:30 AM.
For more information please visit,
Stay connected:
IG: @TheValleyofChange
Twitter: @ValleyChange
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L.A. Works
Join L.A. Works and learn about all the volunteer opportunities available here in our great City of Los Angeles!
Facebook - @laworks
Twitter - @LAWorksNow
Instagram - @laworksnow
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Sherman Oaks Branch Library Updates:
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Help your Sherman Oaks
Branch Library
While adding a little Adventure and Mystery to your life...
Drive-thru Grab Bag Book/DVD Sale
$5 for a bag
(10 items per bag)
You choose the category (the adventure)
We provide a selection (the mystery)
When: Saturday, July 17, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM or until we run out of bags
Where: Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church Parking Lot
14847 Dickens Street
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Choose from the following categories
when you arrive:
FICTION - Mystery/Thriller, General Fiction, Science Fiction, Romance
NON-FICTION - Biography, Politics/History, Improve Yourself, Religion, Cookbooks
CHILDREN - Picture, Chapter, Young Adult
DVDs - Adult, Family
Brought to you by the Sherman Oaks Friends of the library With much gratitude to the Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church for allowing us to use their parking lot...this is a great community service and we thank you!
Don't miss our next online
Eventbrite event on July 19
The Monuments Men and the Getty
Date and time
Mon, July 19, 2021
6:15 PM – 7:45 PM PDT
Register at:
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LAUSD Updates from Tammy Ramirez
Deputy Director of School and Community Engagement
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2021-2022 Calendar
I’m happy to share with you that there are no major changes to the calendar for next school year, which is in alignment with the feedback that parents shared. The next school year will be starting on Monday, August 16. And you’ll continue to have a 3 week winter break, and 1 week spring break. Please see attached calendar for further details.
Local District Town Halls
The local districts are forging ahead with their monthly town halls. Northeast will be holding theirs during the first week of June. I encourage your family to tune in because they’ll be reviewing what graduation season looks like, as well as summer school.
Summer School
For the second year in a row, LAUSD will be offering comprehensive summer school options to all students who want it. Summer school enrollment opened on Monday, May 14. And the summer enrichment window opens on June 1st. There will be a mix of in-person and online options available. To learn more and register, you may visit: achieve.lausd.net/summer2021.
Vaccinations
The CDC announced that youth ages 12+ are eligible for the Pfizer shot. LAUSD is currently operating 3 vaccination sites in the San Fernando Valley at Panorama High School, Monroe High School, and Maclay Middle School. Students and their household members, be it an older sibling, parent, grandparent, etc - can make an appointment by calling (213) 328-3958. They’ll then connect you to the closest site that has Pfizer available.
Starting today, mobile vaccination units will travel to middle and high schools to offer the vaccine to anyone who wants it. At this time, the vaccine is not mandatory for either students or staff. And a parent/guardian must be present if you’re a minor.
Tammy is always available via email. Please reach out to SONC.Newsletter@gmail.com
if you have a question and we will connect you.
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RECAP of SONC's Virtual Movie Series -
Dinner and a Movie
Marsha Hunt's Sweet Adversity was screened on June 19th, 2021. SONC hosted film Director, Roger Memos as he shared details and cherished anecdotes about Sherman Oaks former Honorary Mayor, Marsha Hunt's life as an actor and activist.
Special thanks to all those who attended and very special thanks to Outreach Committee Members, Pamela Harris, Harold Shapiro and Jeffrey Hartsough. We are especially grateful for Roger Memos and the work he has done to promote and share the amazing life of Marsha Hunt. Who is very much still with us at the age of 103 1/2 years young! If you like to learn more about Marsha Hunt, please email Roger direct.
If you are interested in learning more please check out Marsha Hunt's book:
The Way We Wore from Bear Manor Press:
If you would like to watch the documentary please check out the following resources.
Amazon Prime Link:
And if you like to view the Question and Answer between Roger Memos and the community please follow this link:
Thank you to Marsha Hunt, Roger Memos for your work and advocacy for the Sherman Oaks community.
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SONC COMMITTEE UPDATES -- July Updates |
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VISION & PLUM Committee -- Jeff Kalban, Chair
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Metro is studying five concepts for the Sepulveda Corridor Transit project. Three of them currently threatening our community with above ground trains that will wipe out countless single family homes, condos and apartments from Sepulveda and Valley Vista up the entire length of Sherman Oaks and into Van Nuys. |
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Recently, Jeff Kalban (SONC) and Bob Anderson of SOHA toured these proposed routes with Councilmember Raman and discussed their potential impact. She shared our concern and agrees the 100% underground concepts are preferred.
At the same time the State is proposing bills that will do away with single family zoning. Making every residential property in Sherman Oaks multifamily. SB 9 will allow 4 to 6 units where one house is allowed today and SB 10 will allow a 10 unit apartment house to be built on every single family lot and you can do nothing about it. Tell Senator Hertzberg and Assemblymember Nazarian that they MUST vote no and that you will not let your community and your home be destroyed by SB 9 and SB 10.
Please join us and attend our virtual meetings. Vision meets at 6:30 on the first Thursday of the month and PLUM at 6:30 on the third Thursday. We will be discussing the Community Plan Updates, Metro, the State housing bills and real solutions to the affordable housing crisis.
To access the next Virtual Meeting on the Zoom Platform,
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EDUCATION Committee-- Joe Cappelletti, Chair
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The SONC Education Committee is dedicated to establishing and supporting programs and volunteer resources related to education. We are committed to supporting our educators, our families and our community leaders. Monthly meetings provide an open, welcoming forum for stakeholders to get involved in helping us to make a positive impact and to build stronger connections between us.
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Speaker Series Update:
SONC Education Committee has been so fortunate to present engaging speakers for three separate events. George Lipsitz kicked off the program in October, Martinique Starnes joined us in December and just last month Victor Narro and Janna Shadduck-Hernandez co-presented. All of these free virtual (zoom) offerings were recorded and are available on the SONC website. If you were unable to attend our live events – no worries! You can access all three at www.shermanoaksnc.org at your convenience. Each guest provided a well-researched, dynamic and engaging hour related to our theme of racial disparities in housing, education and labor. Our final speaker of this inaugural series was with Fritzi Horstman who joined us on April 24th at 2 pm. Fritzi is the Founder and Director of the Compassion Prison Project (https://compassionprisonproject.org) and she discussed her work with compassionate advocacy. This was our last event for our first “season” of speakers. We will pick back up again in the Fall with a new series and a new theme that will be announced in the near future.
Our goal this year was to provide a forum to bridge social science professionals and interested neighbors who hope to gain deeper insight into differences of all kinds based on ethnicity with an interest in cultivating a more understanding, engaged and connected community!
If you have a suggestion for us regarding future speakers or general topics of interest - please let us know! We’d love to hear from you. And if you or anyone you know would like to get involved with SONC or the Education Committee…all you have to do is ask! Reach out, introduce yourself and let your voice be heard! More than anything we want to serve this community we all love and we welcome all interested neighbors to be a part of building a better future here in Sherman Oaks!
Tutoring Update:
Tutoring continues at Grant High School where Seniors are tutoring Freshman and Sophomores in a variety of academic subjects including AP Physics, Bio and Spanish. This Program is led by SONC Youth Board member, Marcus Zimmerman.
A new program began at Hi-Tech LA Middle School the week of February 1st. Tutors from Notre Dame High School have been partnered with Middle School teachers who have aligned their area of interest with the students. Nine tutors are assisting students with homework up to three times per week. In addition, the students launched an Art Club, Anime Club, Lego Club, and Mock Trial Club after school. Eventually, they will launch additional clubs including a Current Events Club, Chess Club, and World Sports Club.
The SONC tutoring program has also connected with Van Nuys Middle School about a potential mentorship program with Science Academy STEM Magnet. The goal is to have the Science Academy High School students create and conduct STEM talks for the middle school students and then collaborate on a community service project together.
We are also working with local Sherman Oaks schools to help to facilitate beautification projects. We hope to assist by helping to connect local mural artists with schools as requested by administrators. Updates soon!
Committee: Joe Cappelletti, Lisa Cappelletti, Fran Kerzner, Alexandria Naseef, Sarah Mirman, Marcus Zimmerman, Chris Wiggins, Owen Cappelletti
To access the next Virtual Meeting on the Zoom Platform,
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For parents who are teaching their kids at home. Please check out this Education Resource Guide put together by the Education Committee.
Please click on the button below.
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Committee-- Gil Imber, Chair
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The SONC Government Affairs Committee continues to review, consider, and vote on matters of citywide concern, including city council activity, legislation, and other items involving governing bodies, departments, and individuals. |
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The Committee generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month and members of the public are invited to attend and provide input on positions the Neighborhood Council should take.
At its March 8, 2021 meeting the SONC Board adopted several items from the Government Affairs committee, including a commitment and support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training in the Neighborhood Council system (CF 20-0990); support for an investigation into city employee involvement in the January 6 insurrection on the US Capitol (CF 21-0051); LADOT's legislative proposals for 2021-22 including measures designed to increase road safety (CF 21-0002-S8); and advocating for Sherman Oaks' position relative to air traffic, noise, and pollution in supporting creation of a Van Nuys Airport (VNY) IFP Gateway Request Working Group with the goal of compelling FAA to modify its departure procedures at VNY, instituted several years ago without input, adequate notice, or consideration for the community's concern.
Pursuant to the March 8 motion it is now officially SONC's position that FAA failed to disclose key findings, facts, and other information and failed to use such information in assessing and ultimately implementing what has become a significantly detrimental and unpopular NextGen program at VNY and BUR, and we now seek remedies, including a new supplemental environmental assessment, as the next step to stand up for Sherman Oaks, which has been disproportionately harmed by FAA's actions. We have requested Los Angeles District 4 Councilmember Nithya Raman assist us in this endeavor.
At its March 23, 2021 meeting, the Government Affairs Committee discussed City Council's motion regarding CARE+ Cleanups at homeless encampments (CF 21-0031) and Asian American / Pacific Islanders / Hate Crimes / Discrimination / Harassment / Violence items CF 21-0002-S61 and CF 21-0264.
Government Affairs will continue its discussion of the ongoing LA City Council and School Board redistricting process at its next meeting, with great regard for considering which City Council District placement will best serve the interests of Sherman Oaks residents and stakeholders.
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OUTREACH Committee-- Sarah Manuel, Chair
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Please join the Outreach Committee for our next meeting on Tuesday, July 20th, 2021 at 7pm. We will be continuing the discussion of our 2021 Community Programming. |
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Do you consider yourself someone who cares about Sherman Oaks, is creative and willing to go the extra mile? Then please, come to our regular meeting, submit your public comment, introduce yourself and let's work together! We are always looking for extra hands to take on the roles of Outreach, including communications and community programming.
Also, there are at least 3 different opportunities/platforms to get involved with YOUR community, please see our partner organization ads including The Valley of Change, L.A. Works and North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry. We may be apart but we are still working together.
Want real-time information and updates? Take advantage of being informed and participate in your community. We will continue to post information about volunteering, resources and more, so please "Like" us on FB and follow us on IG.
To access the next Virtual Meeting on the Zoom platform: please see Outreach Committee Page for agendas and webinar info.
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PUBLIC SAFETY Committee--
Christy Adair, Chair
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The Public Safety Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
If you have any questions, please email at:
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We have 2 Speakers on July 13th. Returning Blackbelt Instructors from KMA Blackbelt Champions Studio and our featured Speakers are from California Wildlife who will discuss living with wild Coyotes.
1) As part of SONC's monthly Public Safety Committee meeting - the next 3 months will offer free tips/techniques for Parents and Kids to stay safer in their world.
Our bodies are designed to keep us alive! With some simple techniques and awareness – kids can use their senses to get to safety before it is too late. Kids should always trust their Spidey Senses when they sense danger and kids should always know how to get to Safety.
Tuesday, July 13th – we will have a 10-minute demo:
1. Personal Fence: verbal and physical barriers
2. Empower your child to say NO with confidence
3. Watch 2-3 Role Play Scenarios of Common Lures
And don’t forget, at the end of the Series - there will be a FREE Kids Self-Defense Workshop in September – sponsored by KMA Blackbelt Champions and your SONC Public Safety Committee.
2) Lt. Westphal, Los Angeles Animal Services, is a Wildlife Specialist who will help us better understand our native wildlife – specifically COYOTES. She has a 6-minute video that will lead-into other topics like coyote avoidance techniques; how to keep your pets safe and answer if there is truly an overpopulation issue. Bring your questions!!! Depending on popularity – we will ask her back to enlighten us on other issues like using a vendor to move wildlife away from your home; who to call for help with injured or dead animals; or how to handle that snake who slid into your garden.
Phone: 1-669-900-6833, Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817, Press #
Zoom Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 at 6:30pm.
By Telephone: Dial 1-669-900-6833,
Enter Webinar ID 842 7040 8817, and Press #
Online:
Cut and Paste
Press “Enter”
Or on Zoom join meeting screen enter
Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817
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GREEN & SUSTAINBILITY Committee &
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION Committee
-- AVO BABIAN, Chair
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Our Green and Sustainability committee is working on raising awareness regarding native landscaping, which requires less water and can still look beautiful. We are balancing water conservation while keeping with the style and preferences in the esthetics of our neighborhood. |
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We are also working on a list to promote Green and Environmentally friendly businesses in Sherman Oaks. We also are working hard to preserve our tree covers which make our neighborhood more enjoyable. We don't just focus on our neighborhood but we also work hard to take a stand on City Council Activities and Files. This month we will be discussing the new rules on Oil extraction in our city, the new expectation of LADWP in regards to renewable energy and the future of single use plastics in our City.
Our Committee meetings are on the first Wed of every month. Please join us for our next Virtual meeting to help with local and city wide issues.
Traffic and Transportation Committee
Our Traffic and Transportation committee is currently working hard to improve traffic issues in Sherman Oaks. We are working to balance the needs of our residential lifestyle with the needs of a large Metropolitan City that requires large amounts of transportation for work, business and overall lifestyle needs. Last month we took action to pressure our city council to spend the funds on projects that provide results to improve traffic in Sherman Oaks. The Sepulveda Transit Corridor, which is the funnel between the valley and Westside, is a large contributor to our traffic issues. Currently, METRO, which is a county wide organization, is planning a $10 Billion dollar project to alleviate this traffic choke point. There are now 5 major options being studied. METRO has voted for funds to study the options. We have taken action in the past to promote an underground option only. The solution they will implement will affect Sherman Oaks for many years in the future. Therefore a solution that includes what is best for Sherman Oaks should be considered
Our committee meets on the 2nd Wed of every month.
So please join us at our next Virtual meeting. We will provide updates on the METRO Sepulveda Project. We will also be working on ways to improve our parking situations, and promoting our local DASH
If you are interested in learning more about alternative methods of transportation including DASH, riding a bike or learning about the future of the Sepulveda Metro Project, consider attending a Traffic & Transportation meeting.
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BUDGET ADVOCATES-- Howard Katchen
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Howard wants to hear from you! If you are reading this, you are indeed a Sherman Oaks stakeholder -- your input on the city budget and city services is important. Please contact Howard with questions, for further information or to provide input. |
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He is here to help you understand the Budget Advocates and what they do to help our community. If you want a copy of Budget Advocates Reports & Updates, please email Howard at Hkatchen@shermanoaksnc.org or please visit www.NCBALA.com for more information.
Please visit this link to view the mid-month report update provided with the recent passage in Congress of the American Rescue Plan Act under which Los Angeles will receive reimbursement for Covid related and other expenses which will offset the budget deficit.
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Subscribe to SONC's
Early Notification System via Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to receive all agendas for both board meetings and committee meetings.
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Interested in joining the LAPD Volunteer program?
For more information about Van Nuys Neighborhood Watch News please visit this link. |
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Get Involved!
What interests you?
If you live, work, own property, own a business or belong to a non-profit organization, school or religious institution in Sherman Oaks, you are a stakeholder in Sherman Oaks. We hold monthly Board of Directors and various committee meetings which you are invited to attend to learn about and participate in your community. Join SONC's Mailing List today.
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