April 2022 SONC Newsletter

Posted on 05/08/2022

 
Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council April 2022: Issue #4
 
Message from the President
Jeffrey Hartsough
 
 
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.
 
 
Spring brings better weather, baseball season, the end of the school year, summer vacations, and this year the prospect of less COVID restrictions and a return to normal… and elections. I’d like you to think about the power of your vote. Electing our representatives at every level of our government is one of our most important duties. With our votes, we hold our representatives accountable.
 
 
 
Jeffrey Hartsough
President of SONC
Community Interest 2
 
This year is a little different than the last time we voted. In 2021, redistricting at the state, county, and city levels occurred. District lines were adjusted to respond to and reflect the 2020 Census. Individuals that represented you before redistricting may not be your representative now or in the future.
 
Primary Elections – June 7
With local elections now being held in “even” years, elected offices at the state, county, and city are up for election. The Primary Elections are on June 7, that’s only about 60 days from now. The challenge is how to be informed and prepared to vote.
 
In this year’s June 7 Primary Elections, a Sherman Oaks voter is likely to be voting for 20 candidates to fill the elected offices on the ballot, LA City Measure BB, and something like 166 judicial candidates. The offices up for election -- 3 Federal, 9 Statewide, 2 State legislative, 3 County, and 3 City. Plus the Ballot Measure and 166 Judges.
 
Please don’t let the Primary Elections sneak up on you. Know what the candidates stand for, if they will represent you, and what you think is important in their respective elected offices. It is important to vote in the Primary Elections. Some races can be decided in the Primary Election. If that happens, there will be no need for a General Election for those offices. 
 
Be Prepared to Vote
Here are some resources for you to check out about registering to vote, how voting will take place, and the upcoming Primary elections.
 
California Secretary of State
 
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder / County Clerk
 
LA City – Municipal Elections
 
General Elections – November 8
The results of the Primary Elections will set the stage for the General Elections on November 8. And if you prepare for and vote in the Primary Elections, the General Elections will be that much easier. 
 
Remember, your vote counts. Voting is important. It is how we actively participate in our representative democracy and hold those we elect accountable. Thank you for doing your part.
 
Something Else to Think About – A Very Local Election
Beyond voting in this year’s Primary and General Elections, I encourage you to become more active in our Sherman Oaks community. There are opportunities to volunteer with local non-profits and other organizations in our community to make a difference.
 
One of those opportunities is the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (SONC). SONC elections are scheduled to be held in the Spring 2023. That gives you a whole year to learn about SONC, become involved, and think about being a Neighborhood Council candidate. It might be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. 
 
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 an active and engaged member of our Sherman Oaks community and of the San Fernando Valley. 
 
Please stay safe. Pray for Ukraine.
 
Jeffrey Hartsough
 
 
SONC Monthly Meetings:
 
 
To view webinar details,
please visit the calendar.
April 5th, 2022, 6:00pm
 
April 7th, 2022, 6:30pm
 
April 11th, 2022, 6:30pm
 
April 12th, 2022, 6:30pm
 
April 18th, 2022, 6:30pm
 
April 19th, 2022, 7pm
 
Please see calendar for update.
 
Please see calendar for update.
 
April 21st, 2022, 6:30pm
 
April 22nd, 2022, 7pm
 
April 27th, 2022, 6:30pm
 
 
*=Visit Committee page to confirm date & time.
 
Save the Date's below
for 2022.
 
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!
 
 
 
Say Hello To Spring Tree Giveaway
 
Saturday, April 23rd, 2022
10a-2p
 
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park
14201 Huston St.
 
To adopt a tree, must provide LA City ID.
 
For more information, please visit Cityplants.org or ShermanOaksNC.org
 
 
 
Earth Day Event
April 23rd, 2022
 
8:30a-10:30am
 
Questions, contact Jill@vcc.world
 
 
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 April 11th, 2022 at 6:30pm.
We hope you join us.
 
Webinar ID: 85140543942
Telephone: 1-669-900-6833, enter 85140543942 #
 
April 11th, 2022 -- SONC Board Meeting
 
The agenda will be available on April 8th, 2022 on the SONC website, www.shermanoaksnc.org
 
To join SONC's virtual board meeting on
April 11th, 2022 at 6:30pm.
 
By Telephone:
1-669-900-6833, enter 85140543942 #
 
By the Internet:
(1) Follow link:
(2) Press “Enter”
 
Or from a Zoom “Enter the Meeting” Screen:
(1) Enter the Webinar ID: 85140543942
(2) Press “Enter”
(3) Enter your Email Address and Your Name, and
(4) Press “Enter”
 
Should you have technical questions or issues, please email Stacey.Segarra.Bohlinger.SONC@gmail.com.
 
 
Subscribe to SONC's 
Early Notification System via Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to receive all agendas for both board meetings and committee meetings.
 
SONC Committee Monthly Updates
 
GREEN & SUSTAINBILITY Committee &
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION Committee
Avo Babian, Chair
Kathy Shaffer, Committee Member
 
Conserve Our Water and Save Money
Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council
Green & Sustainability Committee
By: Kathy Schaeffer
 
Increasing temperatures, groundwater depletion and reduced supply sources suggest that California will experience water shortages with increasing frequency and intensity. Water sustainability requires conservation by all consumers. As with all environmentally friendly measures, protection of resources and reducing consumption can also save you money. New water rates for LADWP customers went into effect on January 1, 2022. For water-saving tips, check out the “go green” and “save money” tabs on the residential portion of the LADWP website:
It is also important to be aware of new water restrictions issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. Fines of up to $500 can be issued for any of the following violations:
Outdoor watering that causes run-off
Washing a car with a hose that doesn’t have a shut-off nozzle
Use of a water feature that doesn’t use recirculated water
Landscape watering within 48 hours after measurable rainfall
Landscape watering between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM (9 AM and 4 PM for Los Angeles residents)
Be a part of the solution- save water and save money!
 
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.
 
To access this Virtual Meeting on the Zoom Platform: please see Green and Sustainability Committee page for agendas and webinar info.
 
 
BUDGET ADVOCATES
Howard Katchen
 
 
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.
 
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
 
To learn more about the Budget Advocates and the work we do, visit: https://www.budgetadvocates.org/
 
 
Subscribe to SONC's 
Early Notification System via Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to receive all agendas for both board meetings and committee meetings.
 
What's happening in the neighborhood?
 
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!
 
Council District 4 Updates:
Provided by Ryan Ahari
Councilmember Raman
Field Deputy, CD4
 
Dear Friends, 
As my team and I meet with constituents across our district, something that continues to renew my hope for the future of our city is the number of people looking for ways to take action and make change in their own neighborhoods. This past week in CD4 was a snapshot of ways to get involved! 
 
I kicked off last weekend with a Friday afternoon tour of Rescues Rock, a Laurel Canyon-based animal rescue organization that promotes animal welfare and education. You can help be a part of the Rescues Rock mission by volunteering, or fostering or adopting cuties like these! For more, visit rescuesrock.com.
 
My team and the CD4 Volunteer Corps have also been going door-to-door for renter outreach around the district to share information about State rent relief! Helping connect renters behind on payments to available funds can prevent future evictions, and ensure Angelenos stay housed. 
If you or anyone you know may benefit from this assistance, let them know the deadline to apply is March 31! Click HERE for more information and to apply.
 
Finally, we hosted one of our monthly Neighborhood Support Days in Studio City, adding services like legal aid, housing navigation, and ID assistance to NoHo Home Alliance’s weekly drop-in program for residents experiencing homelessness. Our partners and our Vol Corps volunteers make these events successful, so we hope to have you join us at next month’s event in Hollywood! 
Stay tuned for upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and more chances to join in soon. 
 
With love, 
Nithya Raman
 
 
LAUSD Updates from Tammy Ramirez
Deputy Director of School and Community Engagement
 
 
 
Hello Neighborhood Leaders, 
 
Happy School Breakfast Week and School Social Worker Week! Below I’m sharing several LAUSD sponsored opportunities and resources that may be of interest to your stakeholders. Thank you in advance for your assistance disseminating. 
 
But first, our office is excited to share that North Hollywood High School won the 30th Annual LADWP Regional Science Bowl and is headed to the National Science Bowl! Congratulations to North Hollywood High School, we are truly proud of their accomplishment. 
 
In other exciting news, Mr. Alberto Carvalho began his tenure as LAUSD Superintendent of Schools last month and has been busy in recent weeks visiting schools and meeting with stakeholder groups. He recently released a 100-day plan, which you may review by clicking here. 
 
Local District Northeast is hosting Town Halls this month where families can hear the latest updates regarding their Community of Schools.  Van Nuys/Valley Glen is Thursday, March 24th at 4pm and North Hollywood/Village Town Hall is Thursday, March 24th at 6pm (fliers attached).  
 
Through the end of the semester, that Mount Gleason (appmts available M-W) and Telfair Elemantary (appmts available W-F) will serve as stationary COVID-19 vaccination sites for the West SFV. The hours are 12 to 7 PM. Families can make appointments for students ages 5+ by visiting http://dailypass.lausd.net/
 
The District is co-hosting a virtual Family Financial Literacy Event on tonight, March 9, from 5 to 6 PM in English and 6 to 7 PM in Spanish. The program will focus on the importance of building credit. Please see the attached fliers for Zoom details. 
 
The Board’s Special Education Committee, which Board Member Schmerelson chairs, will reconvene this tomorrow, March 10, at 5 PM. To view the agenda/materials and access the livestream link, visit: https://boe.lausd.net/03-10-22SpEd
 
Applications are now being accepted to serve on the district-wide Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The purpose of the CAC is to help inform LAUSD’s special education policies and programs. If you are a special education advocate (or know one), please consider attending Saturday's (3/12) informational webinar; 10 AM start. The attached flier includes the Zoom link and details on how to apply. Applications are due April 1, 2022.
 
Looking ahead to April, the annual Young Men’s Leadership Conference will be held on Saturday, April 2, from 9 AM to 1 PM (note: the Young Women’s Leadership Conference takes place in the fall semester). Students may click here to register; the deadline is March 25. A promotional flier is attached. 
 
Last but not least, you may find a listing of LAUSD sponsored legislation by clicking here. The District has helped introduce seven legislative proposals and a state resolution on student grading policies.
 
Please reach out if you have any questions. 
 
My best, 
 
Tammy
 
Sherman Oaks Branch Library Updates:
 
 
 
 
We're back with a great used book sale at the Sherman Oaks Library to benefit our very own local library. Our first post pandemic book sale will be held outside on the patio and lawn in front of the library on Saturday, April 9, 2022.  The book sale will run from 12 noon - 4:00 PM.
 
Select from a large assortment of quality children's books, fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, LPs, CDs and DVDs. Most books and media are $1 or less. Help support the Sherman Oaks Library. We look forward to seeing you again.
 
Sponsored by Sherman Oaks Friends of the Library. 
 
 
Secrets of the San Fernando Valley
 Monday, April 18, 2022 at 6:15 PM
 
Sherman Oaks Friends of the Library is presenting Secrets of the San Fernando Valley with the Valley Relics Museum. This event was postponed last October and is now rescheduled for April 18 at 6:15 PM. Please join us as museum founder Tommy Gelinas shares stories of our local history. Use the link below to register for this free online event.
 
 
We hope to see you there.
Sherman Oaks Friends of the Library
 
A Zoom link will be sent 4 hours before the event. Contact us at shermanoaksfriendsofthelibrary@gmail.com if you need assistance.
SHERMAN OAKS FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY is an independent nonprofit organization serving the community by supporting the Sherman Oaks Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, through advocacy, financial and volunteer activities, and special events such as this.
Portions of this program will be photographed and/or recorded. By attending, you consent to your likeness possibly being used in electronic media for any purpose, including commercial and promotional. If you or a child in your care do not want to be photographed or recorded, please turn off your camera. Thank you.
 
Algunas partes de este programa serán fotografiadas y/o grabadas. Al asistir, das consentimiento de que tu imagen puede ser utilizada en medios electrónicos para cualquier propósito, incluidos comerciales y promocionales. Si tú o un menor bajo tu cuidado no desean ser fotografiados o grabados, apaga tu cámara web. Gracias.
For ADA accommodations, call 213.228.7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event.
Para ajustes razonables según la ley de ADA, llama al 213.228.7430 al menos 72 horas antes del evento
 
 
Volunteer Opportunities:
 
 
Volunteer with NHIFP
 
Take advantage of helping out your community.
 
North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry is looking
for volunteers.
 
To sign up, please visit: https://nhifp.org/volunteering/
 
 
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
 
 
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 
 
Please visit LAWorks.com
 
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
 
 
 
Interested in joining the LAPD Volunteer program?
 
Please contact Alan Scher for more information.
 
For more information about Van Nuys Neighborhood Watch News please visit this link.
 
 
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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