Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council December 2021: Issue 12 |
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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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Metro Needs You
Let me start out by simply saying SONC needs your help. SONC wants you to be actively involved in your Sherman Oaks community. It’s a challenge. We all have the daily demands of our family, children, school, and work.
One of the challenges that SONC faces is how to get our community actively engaged in events or issues that are important to the Sherman Oaks community. Things that affect the quality of life.
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Jeffrey Hartsough
President of SONC
Community Interest 2
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Some of these issues are more immediate, requiring something to be done in the next few weeks, such as the Holiday Clothing Drive on December 18 (mentioned later in this newsletter).
Other issues don’t have that immediate reward, that sense of doing good now, helping your community now. SONC needs you to participate on those issues as well, those that will affect our future Sherman Oaks community.
One of those longer-term issues is Metro’s Sepulveda Corridor Transit Project (SCTP), which will create a transit service connecting the San Fernando Valley and the Westside. Metro is asking for community input on what that transit service should be. What do you think should be built? Subway or monorail? Underground or above ground? Where should stations be located?
It will be years before the transit solution will be built and operational, sometime in the 2030s as currently scheduled. But decisions about what, where, and how it will be built are being made now. SONC wants you to let Metro know what you think will be best not only for our Sherman Oaks community but for the San Fernando Valley overall.
The period for giving feedback on the SCTP project has already begun. Metro calls it the “Scoping” period. It started on November 30 and ends February 11, 2022. Currently Metro is looking at six alternatives. Three are monorail based. Three are heavy rail based. You can learn about the SCTP Project and the six alternatives on Metro’s website – SCTP Project.
In 2019, SONC reviewed the alternatives being considered by Metro at that time. SONC strongly prefers the currently offered Alternative 6 – an underground heavy rail solution that goes along Van Nuys Boulevard and connects with the Metro E Line on the Westside. Alternative 6 avoids above ground alternatives that would be disruptive and noisy and provides the best route for shared economic growth and development.
SONC would like you to support Alternative 6 when you provide your feedback to Metro. But just as important, SONC want you to participate in this process today so that Sherman Oaks and the Valley will benefit in the distant future.
I look forward to hearing about your interaction with Metro and which of the alternatives you want to be built in Sherman Oaks. And someday, I hope to take a ride on that Metro.
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.
Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season and in the New Year.
Please stay safe.
Jeffrey Hartsough
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Holiday Drive
Join Hope of the Valley and SONC
on Saturday, November 18th from 10a-2pm to donate Men's and Women's New Undergarments and New Socks.
Special Thanks to Notre Dame High School
for helping us out with the event.
We hope to see you there!
Please wear a mask upon drop-off.
Notre Dame High School
Woodman Ave. Entrance
13645 Riverside Dr.
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To view webinar details,
Please see calendar for update.
December 2nd, 2021, 6:30pm
December 7th, 2021, 6:00pm
December 13th, 2021, 6:30pm
December 14th, 2021, 6:30pm
Please see calendar for update.
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Please see calendar for update.
December 16th, 2021, 6:30pm
December 20th, 2021, 7pm
Canceled.
December 28th, 2021, 7pm
*=Visit Committee page to confirm date & time.
Save the Date's below
for 2022.
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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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NC Awareness & Engagement Survey for
Angelenos Citywide
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The Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) has issued a new survey soliciting public response regarding our Neighborhood Council. The Awareness & Engagement Survey is being shared via email to about 1.2 million Angelenos Citywide. The questions measure awareness of - and participation in - the LA Neighborhood Council system, and also ask respondents to share their top local issues and concerns. This survey is being conducted in partnership with leading LA social research firm Evitarus. Invites started going out on October 6th with the subject line, “City of LA Neighborhood Council Awareness & Engagement Survey – Please Share Your Opinion.” If you didn’t receive this notice, or would like to participate in this survey, please submit a request by filling out this form: http://tiny.cc/AwarenessSurveyRequest
Once the survey is complete, the data will be made available to you and your NC, to help plan community outreach efforts.
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Join the Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, December 14th, 6:30pm
Last month we got a look inside calling 911 – how the calls are routed, who responds to each type of incident and most importantly, insights to help Responders find you when you need help. Thank you to the very funny and helpful, Jackie Aguilera and Brandi Holley of LAPD Communications Division Community Relations Unit!! If you missed it – go here to catch the replay: https://youtu.be/8BXedvLpCd8
In December, we will have a presentation by our own Committee member, Penny Johnson, with suggestions on ways to keep Porch Pirates from targeting your home and best practices to keep your packages safe during the holiday season!
Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 14th, 2021.
This SONC Public Safety Committee meeting is Tuesday, December 14, 2021, 6:30pm
Phone: 1-669-900-6833, Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817, Press #
Zoom Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817
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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 December 13th, 2021.
We hope you join us.
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December 13th, 2021 -- SONC Board Meeting
To join SONC's virtual board meeting on
December 13th, 2021 at 6:30pm.
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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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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SONC Committee Monthly Updates |
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VISION & PLUM Committee
Jeff Kalban, Chair
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In 2021 the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM) and Vision Committee published the Sherman Oaks Vision Pursuing Equitable, Affordable Housing study. |
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An approximately 90 page document that put forward a positive basis for local jurisdictions to approve and encourage affordable, equitable housing in a manner that is appropriate for their community. This report was approved by the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council Board and is available on our website https://www.shermanoaksnc.org/committees/viewCommitteeFile/252. My thanks to the members of PLUM, Vision, community members and the SONC Board for participating in this study, bringing ideas, concepts and potential solutions that resulted in a vital document for us all to use as Sherman Oaks faces increased market and political pressures to increase the density of our community. Our goal is to guide these developments into opportunities that will enhance the quality of life in Sherman Oaks, creating a more vibrant, greener and more walkable place to live, work and shop. In 2022 we need to keep working with our Councilmember, Nithya Raman, and our Planning Department to get smart development including open spaces, plazas and small parks into Community Plan Updates.
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, |
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welcoming forum for stakeholders to get involved in helping us to make a positive impact and to build stronger connections between us.
We also have some great high school academic tutors available! If your student is in need of some extra help with their studies please let us know. We are able to pair great peer mentors with younger students here in Sherman Oaks. Parents, Teachers, Administrators - please reach out. We are here to help!
The Education Committee is excited to announce that we will be welcoming a new series of speakers in the coming months. Our first group of distinguished guests addressed issues of systemic racism and social inequality through the lens of education, housing, employment and the American prison system.
This year we look to expand the discussion to a wider range of social concerns facing our neighborhoods right here in Sherman Oaks. While the program is still in development it is our intention to create a platform from which to engage in respectful, empathetic and critically constructive dialogue. We believe we can build bridges of deeper understanding and solution-oriented improvements for all of the members of our community, while taking a look at some of the marginalized groups of neighbors among us.
Our intention has always been to work towards building a stronger and more compassionate community through connection and cooperation. We endeavor to create and fortify true bonds of community in an open and inclusive forum that welcomes divergent perspectives. We hope to inspire positive and spirited activism.
We will continue with our tutoring program with students from Notre Dame High School working with students from High Tech LA Middle School. It was a rousing success as there was significant improvement in the performance of the students tutored by our volunteers. Many thanks to Chris Wiggins and Fran Kerzner for leading this program.
We are looking to partner with any local schools where High School students can be both tutors and mentors.
We are looking forward to meeting with the PTA’s of our local schools in the fall to see how we can support the efforts of students and teachers.
We are also looking for opportunities to beautify our schools with murals. Let us know if your school could use some beautification! Do we have the muralists for you…!:)
We would love to hear from you! Please let us know if you’d like to get involved in the work we are doing and if you have any other ideas in how we can improve Sherman Oaks through Education (and community spirit!)
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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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Committee
Lindsay Imber, Chair
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The Government Affairs Committee generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month and considers matters of citywide concern. |
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As we approach the legislatively-specified December 18, 2021 deadline for City employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, absent permissible exemptions, the Government Affairs Committee voted to adopt a motion supporting the City's employee vaccination policy, with an emphasis on City Council Files 21-0921 (COVID-19 City employee vaccination ordinance) and CF 21-1283 (sworn personnel / LAFD noncompliance with the vaccination ordinance).
The adopted motion pending before the SONC Board supports the city's existing COVID-19 vaccination requirements for City employees (including the indoor spaces requirement previously supported by SONC in CF 21-0878), with specific emphasis on city employees that may encounter vulnerable members of the public susceptible to complications from COVID-19, such as LAFD or sworn personnel rendering aid to such persons. It is the Committee's stance that public safety personnel should put the safety and wellbeing of the community first by getting vaccinated, where practicable.
Visit the Government Affairs homepage on the SONC website to see upcoming agendas or to submit written comments, such as agenda item requests.
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OUTREACH Committee
Sarah Manuel, Chair
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Please join the Outreach Committee for our next meeting on Tuesday, January 18th, 2021 at 7pm. Outreach will be going dark for the month of December. Join in the conversation and take advantage of the opportunity to raise your hand and make your voice heard. |
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Outreach is also looking for only 1 more committee member. Could it be you? 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 looking for extra hands to take on the roles of Outreach, including communications and developing community programming. If you don't help us, who will? Recommend the Council to a friend or neighbor.
Also, there are many opportunities/platforms to get involved with YOUR community, please see our partner organization ads including The Valley of Change, L.A. Works, North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry and LAPD Volunteer Program.
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, follow us on IG and subscribe to SONC's Youtube Channel.
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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Last month we got a look inside calling 911 – how the calls are routed, who responds to each type of incident and most importantly, insights to help Responders find you when you need help. Thank you to the very funny and helpful, Jackie Aguilera and Brandi Holley of LAPD Communications Division Community Relations Unit!! If you missed it – go here to catch the replay: https://youtu.be/8BXedvLpCd8
In December, we will have a presentation by our own Committee member, Penny Johnson, with suggestions on ways to keep Porch Pirates from targeting your home and best practices to keep your packages safe during the holiday season!
Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 14th, 2021.
This SONC Public Safety Committee meeting is Tuesday, December 14, 2021, 6:30pm
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 making short videos to help raise awareness regarding native landscaping, which requires less water and can still look beautiful. It is important to show simple solutions and how to achieve them, such as what type of plants and where to buy them. |
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We also are working hard to preserve our tree covers which make our neighborhood more enjoyable. We will have a presentation from a representative from CFAC, the Community Forest Advisory Committee, regarding the Tree Inventory for Sherman Oaks, and other programs to help our urban forest.
Southern California remains in a drought condition. Water resources are at their lowest level in 20 years. The SONC Green & Sustainability committee is developing a program with interested Sherman Oaks residents/homeowners to inform the community on how they can create a truly eco-friendly garden, that makes use of native plants, promotes the spread of seeds via wildlife, leverages natural solutions instead of toxic pesticides, and most importantly, that are drought tolerant.
The program will consist of a series of recorded videos or 'virtual garden tours', streamed via Youtube.com. If you are a resident of Sherman Oaks with a sustainable garden, and would like to share it and the methods you used to create it, with your Sherman Oaks neighbors, we would like to hear from you. Contact Harold Shapiro.
We will also be discussing and taking a stand on the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan Implementation Guidance Memorandum. It is important to have community input into the future of the Mulholland Scenic Parkway
Our Committee meetings are on the first Wednesday of every month. Please join us for our next Virtual meeting in December 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.
Bike riding infrastructure is lacking in our neighborhood and we are pushing the city to help with results. We will have a Presentation by LADOT on new Protected Bike Lanes that are planned. Our neighbors deserve more options, and we will have community input on future Bike Lanes that would benefit Sherman Oaks.
We will also be working on ways to improve our parking situation, and promoting our local DASH.
Our committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.
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BUDGET ADVOCATES
Howard Katchen
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Current Budget Advocate activities
Our focus at the moment is on meeting with City departments senior staff and drafting recommendations and reports about our thoughts on their budgets and the services they provide Angelenos.
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Once we get a better feel on what is coming, we will start drafting the annual White Paper and hope to have it and the reports out to everyone by January.
The Budget Advocates are always looking for people to work with us on our various projects shining a light on the City budget process and ensuring that the City prioritizes the services our tax dollars are supposed to provide
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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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What's happening in the neighborhood? |
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Please check out this next section as it has information from CD4, LAUSD, Sherman Oaks Library and all our partner organizations that are seeking volunteers. Stay informed and share! |
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Council District 4 Updates:
Provided by Alexandria Naseef
Field Deputy, CD4
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Join Councilmember Raman, Santa, and the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association at this Sunday's 23rd Annual Toy Drive. We will be collecting new unwrapped toys in the Gelson's parking lot, at 4520 Van Nuys Blvd., from 11-2pm. Please see the flyer below for more information.
The LAUSD Homeless Education Office invites you to participate in its annual "Sponsor a Family" initiative. As we head into the holiday season, please consider making a donation. Gift cards starting at $75 will go toward easing food insecurity and providing much needed resources to the more than 14,000 students in LAUSD experiencing homelessness and housing insecurities. Please see the flyer below, and use this link to contribute.
The Bureau of Street Services/StreetsLA Street Renewal Division/Slurry will be working in the areas listed below. Please look over the list, and be aware of temporary parking restrictions.
Thursday, December 16, 2021
GREENBUSH AV - b/w BURBANK BL & ALBERS ST
ALBERS ST- b/w ALLOTT AV & VENTURA CANYON AV
ALBERS ST- b/w BUFFALO AV & WOODMAN AV
MAMMOTH AV - b/w BURBANK BL & ALBERS ST
MATILIJA AV- b/w ALBERS ST & CUMPSTON ST
CUMPSTON ST- b/w NAGLE AV & GREENBUSH AV
Thursday, December 16, 2021
MORRISON ST VISTA DEL MONTE AV & CEDROS AV
MAGNOLIA BL SEPULVEDA BL D/E W/O
TYRONE AV HUSTON ST & RIVERSIDE DR
TILDEN AV HUSTON ST & RIVERSIDE DR
Our neighbors at The Woodman would like to hear from you if you have any issues with or concerns with the restaurant. If you live near The Woodman, and would like to share a concern you have, please see the flyer below with more information.
Closures on US 101 to Replace Concrete Median Barrier
LOS ANGELES — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces continued demolition work to replace the concrete median barrier on US 101 (Hollywood Freeway/Ventura Freeway) between De Soto Avenue and Winnetka Avenue in Woodland Hills.
Night work are as follows:
- Sunday, December 5 through Friday, December 10 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Sunday, December 12 through Friday, December 17 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Sunday, December 19 through Thursday, December 23 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Monday, December 27 through Thursday, December 30 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Residents and businesses located near the freeway are advised to anticipate noise, vibrations, and dust associated with construction activities.
Some lanes may be closed in either direction or both directions simultaneously to facilitate a safe work zone for workers and motorists. At least one or two lanes in each direction will remain open for traffic while work is underway.
The schedule is weather-permitting, and all dates and times are subject to change.
Motorists should expect delays and are strongly advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Additionally, motorists can check traffic conditions before they leave by visiting the Caltrans Quickmap (quickmap.dot.ca.gov).
Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and “Slow for the Cone Zone."
Warmly,
Alex Naseef
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LAUSD Updates from Tammy Ramirez
Deputy Director of School and Community Engagement
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Good Afternoon
I have several updates to share this month, so I’m going to dive right in. First off, Board Member Schmerelson is hosting a webinar on LAUSD’s Civic Center Permits process. Community groups have the ability to lease LAUSD facilities (like athletic fields and auditoriums) for recreational activities, meetings, and public discussions during non-school hours. If you want a primer or refresher on the process, this webinar is for you. It will be held on Wednesday (12/8) from 6 to 7 PM; flier attached. Click here to register.
The Board's Family & Community Engagement Committee, which Mr. Schmerelson chairs, will reconvene this Thursday, December 9, at 5 PM. Tune in to learn more about LAUSD's school-based parent engagement positions (ie. community representatives, parent resource assistants, and parent resource liaisons), and hear an update from the Division of Adult and Career Education. Click here for more information. Please share the attached promotional graphic with your stakeholders.
Last week, the LA City Council approved new boundaries for LAUSD Board of Education Districts. The new lines go into effect January 1, 2022. Attached you’ll find a side-by-side image depicting the old vs. new boundaries.
· Board District 3 will gain the following schools: Calabash Charter Academy, Valley View ES, Anatola ES, NVOC Aviation Center, Cantara ES, Lorne ES, Stagg ES, Cohasset St. ES, Sylvan Park ES, Columbus Ave. ES, Van Nuys HS, Rogers Continuation HS, Van Nuys ES, Kindergarten Learning Academy, Cardenas ES, and Hazeltine ES
· And will sadly lose: Lokrantz Special Ed Center, Vanalden ES, Shirley ES, SOCES Magnet Leichman Special Ed Center, Reseda ES, Emelita Academy Charter, Erwin ES, Kittridge ES, Grant HS, Monlux ES, Madison MS, Coldwater Canyon ES, Lankershim ES, Carlson Hospital, and Rio Vista ES
In the coming weeks, LAUSD will be hosting a series of public health town halls on the COVID-19 vaccine. Please see the attached flier for webinar dates and topics. To join, you may click here.
Over winter break, the following resources will be available to families:
· MEALS - From 8-11 AM on December 20, December 27, and January 3, LAUSD will operate 63 Grab-and-Go Food Centers. Each student will receive one food box that includes meals for 7 days, as well as one additional box from the food bank (while supplies last). Parents may pick up food boxes on behalf of their students. Click here to find the nearest location near you. A promotional flier is attached.
· COVID-19 TESTING – Pacoima MS (9919 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331) and Monlux Testing Center (Corner of Bluebell Ave and Erwin St.) will be closed from 12/23 - 1/2, but will reopen on January 3 with extended hours (7:15 AM to 4:30 PM). Flier attached.
· COVID-19 VACCINE - Vaccine appointments for children ages 5 and above are available at Madison Middle School from 7:45AM to 3pm on the following dates: December 11 and December 18.Visit dailypass.lausd.net to make an appointment.
Please let me know if you have any questions. And happy holidays in case we don’t connect before the end of the year!
My best,
Tammy Ramirez
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Sherman Oaks Branch Library Updates: |
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Volunteer with NHIFP
Take advantage of helping out your community.
North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry is looking
for volunteers.
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LA Food Bank Pantry
If you are interested in volunteering with the
LA Regional Food Bank, please visit this link here.
Questions, concerns, please email:
amartinez@lafoodbank.org
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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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Volunteer with
The Valley of Change
The Valley of Change presents a volunteer opportunity 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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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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