Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council August 2021: Issue #8 |
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Don't miss this:
SONC Committee Updates
and more!
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SONC Welcomes
New Board Members
Visit this link to view the list of SONC's Board of Directors. Not sure who represents you? Email SONC.
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SONC Monthly Meetings
for August 2021
August 3rd, 2021, 6pm
*Please visit calendar for date.
*Please visit calendar for date.
August 9th, 2021, 6:30pm
August 10th, 2021, 6:30pm
*Please visit calendar for date.
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To view webinar details,
*Please visit calendar for date.
Dark for the month of August.
*Please visit calendar for date.
August 24th, 2021, 7pm
August 25th, 2021, 7pm
*=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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Welcome New
Board Members
Please join me in welcoming our newly elected and appointed Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (SONC) board members. These fifteen Board members, led by Councilmember Nithya Raman, took the oath of office at the July 12th SONC Board Meeting. I congratulate them and thank them for their pledge to fairly serve the Sherman Oaks community.
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Jeffrey Hartsough
President of SONC
Community Interest 2
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They need your support, understanding, and participation to effectively represent you and the Sherman Oaks community.
One of the challenges that Board Members have is how to fairly represent Sherman Oaks stakeholders. As issues come before the SONC Board, how Sherman Oaks stakeholders feel about those issues is not always clear. There are over 60,000 stakeholders in Sherman Oaks. If 20 or so stakeholders who are very passionate about a topic come to a committee meeting and speak in favor or against an issue, do they represent the wishes of all Sherman Oaks stakeholders? Further, the question before committees and the Board is not only what is best for Sherman Oaks but also what is best for our City of Los Angeles as well. And sometimes the immediate short-term answer may not appear to stakeholders to be what’s best for our local community or the City of Los Angeles.
When chosen to be on the SONC Board, individuals need to go through something of a transformation and a change of perspective. Board members are no longer first and foremost an individual with a personal point of view--they are not on the Board to lobby for and get what they personally think is the best for Sherman Oaks. They need to subordinate their personal views and represent their constituents. And on certain issues the constituents that they need to represent may not be current residents but the future residents of Sherman Oaks. For example, the proposed Metro subway in Sherman Oaks won’t be built for years and will have a lasting influence on the quality of life in a future Sherman Oaks—those future residents need to be considered.
The Board needs your help. They need to hear from you regarding what you think needs to be done to improve the quality of life in Sherman Oaks. What you think about issues that come before the Board and its committees and what advice and action the Board should take is important and essential in making the Board your effective representative. Some issues become flashpoints and there is lots of feedback, comments at meetings, emails by the dozens, and posts on social media. ON other issues, nothing. It is important that Board members listen to those stakeholders who actively make their voices heard. It is also important that Board members reach out to hear and listen to those stakeholders that have not made the effort to have their positions heard. All sides of an issue should be considered when making a decision, those heard and those not heard. Just because a voice isn’t heard doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be represented.
Our social contract—an implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for mutual social benefit, is under attack. My hope is that we can share a wide range of perspectives and benefit and learn from the inclusion of divergent and unfamiliar points of view. Our discussions and dialogues can and should be models of civil interaction and polite discourse that is reality and fact based, free from bullying and name calling. Let us work together, cooperatively, civilly, to improve our community
As we continue to be challenged by the pandemic and all the daily challenges and complexities of life in Los Angeles please be respectful and kind to others. Kindness is important.
Thank you for being part of Sherman Oaks and being interested in what goes on here.
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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Summer Kick Off Coming to a close -
Kids Personal Safety Series
Please join SONC's Public Safety Committee on August 10th meeting will feature returning Blackbelt Instructors from KMA Blackbelt Champions Studio who will continue to enlighten us with ways to keep the kids we know a little safer in our world.
We will have a 10-minute Discussion & Demo:
- Empower your child to say NO with confidence
- Setting Rules with Your Kids NOW
- At Home, At School, At the Store, At the Park
Phone: 1-669-900-6833, Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817, Press #
Zoom Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817
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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 August 9th, 2021.
We hope you join us.
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SONC Board Meeting November 9th, 2020 |
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August 9th, 2021 -- SONC Board Meeting
To join SONC's virtual board meeting on
August 9th, 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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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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Council District 4 Updates:
Provided by Alexandria Naseef
District Staff Member
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Hi Neighbors,
My next community meetup will be Friday August 6th at 5pm. I look forward to meeting with constituents, and discussing concerns we share for our neighborhood. Please join my meetup by clicking on this link.
Next Saturday August 7th, our office will be hosting our first Sherman Oaks Food Distribution. This drive-up distribution is in partnership with the LA Regional Food Bank. It will be held at the Westfield Fashion Square Mall from 10am-1pm. See attached flyer for more information.
If you would like to volunteer at this event. Here is the link to sign up.
SoCAL Families for Safe Streets is hosting a picnic at the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park on August 7th from 12-3pm. Here is the link for more information, and to sign up.
The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council's Vision sub committee meets August 5th at 6:30pm. You can find a link to the agenda and zoom information here.
The Van Nuys Neighborhood Council Human Services Committee meets August 7th at 6pm. Here is the link to their calendar with the agenda and zoom information.
There is stil time to nominate an inspirational woman for the 2021 Inspirational Women Awards, sponsored by the United Chambers of Commerce. If you are interested, please complete the submission form here, and email it to marian@unitedchambers.org.
Virtual Briefing on the Proposed FAA Redesign of VNY Departure Procedures
August 9, 6 PM to 9 PM
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) hosts the FAA for a briefing on the proposed redesign of the Van Nuys Airport departure procedures. This briefing is a result of the Southern San Fernando Valley Airplane Noise Task Force (SFVAN Task Force) recommendation number two, to modify VNY area navigation (RNAV) flight paths. The SFVAN Task Force was established by Los Angeles World Airports and the Burbank Airport Authority to address BUR and VNY noise issues.
If you would like to be mentioned in our Sherman Oaks newsletter, or CD4 Wrap-up, please let me know. Have a rest-filled weekend.
DISTRICT 4 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: WEEK OF 7/26 TO 8/1
CD4 OFFICE EVENTS AND UPDATES
Small Business Owners: Fill Out Our Rent Debt Survey
Council District 4 and LA County are trying to understand the potential issues that could arise at the end of the Commercial Eviction Moratorium.
Please complete our Small Business Team’s short survey on how commercial rent debt may affect your business HERE. Your responses may help local government officials create a plan of action.
Fresh Food and Volunteer Opportunities At Our Upcoming Food Distributions!
Our Office is working with community partners to provide fresh food to residents across the district. Anyone who needs to stock up is welcome to come by. We also need volunteers to help us distribute food!
Join us this Saturday, July 31 at Television City’s food distribution at 7800 Beverly Blvd. Food distribution goes from 9 am to 12 pm. Volunteer shifts will start at 7:30 am—sign up to help out at bit.ly/cd4distro-731!
And if you can’t make it this week, join us next Saturday, August 7 for our distribution at the Sherman Oaks Fashion Square at 14006 Riverside Dr. Food distribution is from 10 am to 1 pm. Volunteer shifts will start at 9:30am — sign up at bit.ly/cd4distro-87 and we’ll follow up with more details!
COMMUNITY NEWS, EVENTS, & PROGRAMS
New Funding Rounds for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced today that there will be three additional rounds for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.
In accordance with the signed legislation (SB 151), there will be a closed round for existing eligible applicants who were waitlisted in previous rounds. These applicants do not need to reapply. There will be at least one additional round for nonprofit cultural institutions. Additional information can be found at CAReliefGrant.com and below:
Round 7: Waitlisted applicants from certain previous rounds
Selection Window: Tuesday, August 3 through Thursday, September 16
Eligible applicants: This is a closed round and only available to eligible applicants who were waitlisted in certain previous rounds. Selection does not guarantee approval or an award. If you were waitlisted, you do not need to reapply. New applications will not be accepted in this round.
Eligible grant award: $5,000 to $25,000
Details: This is a closed funding round; no new applications will be accepted.
Round 8: Nonprofit cultural institutions only
Application window: Friday, August 27 through Wednesday, September 8
Eligible applicants: Only nonprofit cultural institutions of any revenue size that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com
Eligible grant award: $5,000 – $25,000
Details: Approximately $16 million remain under the Nonprofit Cultural Institutions Program. Eligible nonprofit cultural institutions must complete a new application even if they already applied in Rounds 1, 2, 5 or 6; nonprofit cultural institutions that applied in Round 4 do not need to reapply. Grants will only be available to nonprofit cultural institutions that did not receive funding in any previous rounds. Grants will be prioritized based on the documented percentage revenue declines based on a reporting period comparing Q2 and Q3 of 2020 versus Q2 and Q3 of 2019.
Round 9: New Applicants and Waitlisted applicants from certain previous rounds
Application window: Thursday, September 9 through Thursday, September 30
Eligible applicants: Current waitlisted applicants from certain previous rounds and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com
Eligible grant award: $5,000 – $25,000
Details: Applicants not selected to move forward in the review process in Rounds 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, or 7 do not need to re-apply and will be automatically moved into Round 9. New applicants will need to apply at CAReliefGrant.com.
Free WiFi HotSpots For Students
Does a student in your household need a WiFi hotspot for school? You can request one through the Angeleno Connectivity Trust (ACT) Program. The hotspot is free, and there’s no financial obligation.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
K-12 students who meet the following requirements are eligible:
Live in or attend school in the City of Los Angeles, or receive services from any one of our regional partners
The student is (only one need apply):
Homeless, housing insecure, or living in unstable housing
Foster youth
Student with a disability
Student who has dropped out of school or is having trouble staying in school this year due to the lack of internet connectivity
Have not already received a T-Mobile hotspot provided by LAUSD
HOW TO SIGN UP?
Call the Los Angeles Public Library Angeleno Connectivity Trust Hotline 213-228-7393.
Leave your contact number on the Hotline Voicemail
Expect a return call from a Library Team Member who will help you sign up for the Angeleno Connectivity Trust WiFi hotspot program. There is absolutely no financial commitment and the device and 5-year internet is free.
Plan to pick up your device from the assigned L.A. Public Library location following COVID-safe practices. (The location will be communicated by the Librarian.)
For more questions, call the Los Angeles Public Library Angeleno Connectivity Trust (ACT) Hotline @ 213-228-7393.
HCID August 2021 - LIVE WEBINARS (for Landlords and Tenants): City of Los Angeles COVID-19 Residential Tenant Protections
Join the Housing + Community Investment Department at one of our scheduled webinars as we discuss the City’s “COVID-19 Residential Tenant Protections.” This webinar will provide an overview of the City’s current tenant protections, and an update to the State of California COVID-19 eviction protections. The webinar will also include a brief overview of the City’s newly adopted Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance, and a summary of the legal services that will be provided by the new COVID-19 Eviction Defense Program (EDP).
These workshops are for City of Los Angeles renters, landlords, and property managers who want to know their rights and responsibilities. They are also recommended for landlords and their family members who assist them in managing their properties, banks, lenders, trustees, servicing companies, listing agents, and anyone contemplating buying or selling rental property in the City of Los Angeles.
The workshops will be presented by HCIDLA's Rent Stabilization Division staff.
Sessions will be via Zoom. Register to attend HERE.
AUGUST 2021 - English
3:00 PM, Tuesday, August 10
AUGUST 2021 - Spanish
3:00 PM, Tuesday August 17
Free Backpack And School Supplies For Back To School!
LA Care and Blue Shield Promise Resource Center are hosting a walk-up and drive-through back to school and food pantry event! Stop by to get a free backpack filled with school supplies, and a bag of assorted groceries on Friday, August 6th between 9 AM and 12 PM at 4100 Marathon St.
FORUMS & UPDATES
Share Your Input At District 4’s Upcoming Redistricting Forum
The LA City Council Redistricting Commission (LACCRC) is hosting a virtual forum for District 4 on Wednesday, August 4th @ 6pm -- register for the hearing HERE to learn more and share input on this once-a-decade process to redraw Council district lines.
To find out more about the redistricting process prior to the event, LACCRC has relaunched its website with information such as proposed district maps, the most recent redistricting report, and timelines. To visit the site, click HERE. If you’re interested in opportunities for your community group to get a hands-on walkthrough of the redistricting process, reach out to our Office at contactCD4@lacity.org
Upcoming Community Meetings For Purple (D) Line Sections 1,2,& 3 Construction
Join Metro Los Angeles on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 12 PM for an update on the Purple (D) Line sections 1 (Wilshire/La Brea Westbound Directional, Wilshire Blvd. near La Jolla) ,2, and 3. This meeting will take place on zoom, and broadcast live to Facebook.
Webinar ID: 966 2647 6708
No Password.
Submit Your Feedback On The Ridgeline Protection Ordinance
On June 17th, City Planning held a public hearing on the proposed Ridgeline Protection Ordinance, which can help preserve and protect the natural crests of the mountains that surround the City of Los Angeles. Public input and engagement are critical to this phase of the process, and City Planning welcomes your thoughts and comments to inform the upcoming revisions of the draft ordinances. The comment period for both of these ordinances has been extended.
Public input and engagement are critical to this phase of the process. City Planning has extended the comment period to Monday, August 2, 2021. Please share your thoughts to inform the upcoming revisions to the draft ordinance. You can submit comments and questions to Planning.Ridgelines@lacity.org .
Help End The Pandemic: Get Vaccinated!
Keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated! Vaccinations are FREE, regardless of health coverage, do not require you to share your immigration status or show ID, and are often available without an appointment.
Go to the county’s vaccination site HERE for locations and hours, information on rides and in-home vaccination, and how to prepare for your visit.
Need Help? Call the DPH Vaccine Call Center at 833-540-0473 if:
You don’t have a computer or need help making an appointment
You need transportation to a vaccination site
You are homebound and need to get vaccinated at home (availability may be delayed due to high demand). You can also request an in-home vaccination here.
The Call Center is open daily 8am to 8:30pm. Information is also available in multiple languages 24/7 by calling 2-1-1.
All the best,
Alexandria Naseef
District Staff
District line: 213-473-7004
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Sherman Oaks Branch Library Updates:
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Upcoming Events at Sherman Oaks Martin Pollard Branch Library
August 3, 2021 12:15 PM
Send the link for a video that always makes you happy and lets end the summer with laughter and smiles! All videos should be PG-13 and will...
Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Join us for Toddler Storytime on Zoom, presenting songs, finger plays and stories for 15-20 minutes. Sign up for the Children's Events...
August 16, 2021 6:30 PM
Join the Sherman Oaks Book Club for a discussion of the selected book.
Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Join us for Toddler Storytime on Zoom, presenting songs, finger plays and stories for 15-20 minutes. Sign up for the Children's Events...
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LAUSD Updates from Tammy Ramirez
Deputy Director of School and Community Engagement
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For the fall 2021-22 school year LAUSD will offer full day in-person instructional programming to all students who are in Early Education, Elementary, Middle and High school.
This would be 5 days a week on all campuses with safety continuing to be paramount.
The California Department of Health is currently requiring that students, staff, and visitors in K-12 schools and childcare continue to mask regardless of vaccination status to ensure the safest environment possible.
LAUSD will continue testing and disinfecting of school grounds and high touch areas.
This pandemic revealed the great need for before and after school options for our families.
For families whose students who attend school in person for will have the opportunity to participate in Beyond the Bell after school programs until 6 pm weekdays.
The pandemic impacted our students both mentally and academically, and LAUSD is committed to providing extra support to our students to mitigate any learning loss and trauma.
Elementary school students will receive extra support such as additional reading and math teachers to address learning loss and additional mental health services for students who may be in need of those services.
Additionally, teachers will be provided at the Secondary level to provide more individualized instruction.
Tammy is always available via email. Please reach out to SONC.Newsletter@gmail.comif 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 -- August 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, September 21st, 2021 at 7pm. We will be continuing the discussion of our 2021 Community Programming. We are going dark in the month of August. |
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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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For our July meeting, our main speakers were Officers Westphal and Shepphird, Wildlife Specialists with Los Angeles Animal Services. They provided some incredible insights into Coyotes and their typical behavior patterns.
· Keep Wildlife Wild– Coyotes are not domestic animals. If you see a coyote stomp, clap, yell
· Coyotes breed 2x a year. Currently, adults are teaching their pups how to survive
· Coyotes are smart & opportunistic - they’ll snatch your fur-baby if they get a chance
· Look around your home & see if it is attractive to unwanted wildlife
Our August 10th meeting will feature returning Blackbelt Instructors from KMA Blackbelt Champions Studio who will continue to enlighten us with ways to keep the kids we know a little safer in our world.
We will have a 10-minute Discussion & Demo:
Ø Empower your child to say NO with confidence
Ø Setting Rules with Your Kids NOW
o At Home, At School, At the Store, At the Park
Phone: 1-669-900-6833, Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817, Press #
Zoom 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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