Covering Porter Ranch, Northridge, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, and Valley Communities West of the San Diego Freeway

Volume 5, Number 5 May, 2010

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A Bankrupt City?By David A. Lehrer

The numbers are staggering, in fact, overwhelming: the City of Los Angeles’ annual pension and retirement health benefit

bills (just for police and fire) will escalate over the next five years from $423 to $1 billion. That makes the paltry few million dollars shortfall that the city is being tied in knots over today small change.

A few months ago we blogged about the appalling absence of local leadership as the city budget projections kept getting worse and worse and our leaders’ responses ever more inadequate,

Last month, the Council—-to the amazement of most observers of the local scene—-failed to cut the city budget despite the Mayor’s and the city’s Chief Administrative Officer’s (“CAO”) unquestioned warning that financial disaster was imminent. There is a budget gap of $218 million for this fiscal year and a projected $484 deficit for next year.

The CAO urged that 1,000 jobs be cut—-there is virtually no other place to find the savings necessary to keep us solvent. There is no question as to the scope and depth of the crisis—-everyone acknowledges it. There is only a shocking unwillingness on the part of a large majority of the council to demonstrate the political backbone to make very difficult and, possibly, unpopular choices.

* * *

The immediate short-term fiscal crisis may have been averted because of new found revenue for this year. But that doesn’t address the structural problems that the pensions present.

Amazingly, there are few voices speaking out about what is going to happen to our city in very short order. Recently, the LA Times featured a commentary about Community Advocates’ chairman, former Mayor Richard J. Riordan, one of the only leaders willing to talk honestly about what LA’s future looks like if things continue as they are and the pension crisis remains unresolved.

As he told the Times, “We need some adults to come alive in the city and talk through how to meet that liability…if that doesn’t happen we shouldn’t rule out bankruptcy.” Riordan warned the Daily News, “the city, the way it is going, is unsustainable.”

Clearly, we are not alone.Whether the answer is bankruptcy, changing

the retirement structure going forward, or even discussions with unions to alter the plans presently in place—-the failure to be forthright about the dire circumstances we face is not an option.

Yet the LA City Council dithers. In January it defeated an effort to place a measure on the June ballot to roll back benefits for newly hired city workers and future hires. Mayor Villaraigosa’s spokesman said, “this is not the time to panic.” He and a representative of city council president, Eric Garcetti, said they thought they could achieve more by negotiating directly with the unions that represent civilian city employees. Lots of luck, the city’s unions were even opposed to the January measure that was aimed at future hires.

The time for kicking the can down the road and hoping for some other level of government to take their chestnuts out of the fire is past. Virtually every level of government faces the same stark choices. As the Pew Center wrote, it’s time to “start exploring reforms”—-however painful that may be.

Mayor Riordan may be the only local leader telling it like it is and acting like an “adult.”

- Community Advocates

‘10

Students in “Shock”Granada Hills Charter H.S.Impacted by Bus Cutbacks

By Hyeon Hye Yun, Valley Voice Reporter

Post Office Closing?

The Porter Ranch Post Office is expected to close soon, moving into

the Reseda Blvd. main office, the Valley Voice has learned.

The local postmaster has already been transferred, and remaining workers have been instructed not to talk to the press.

Lower revenues, bigger losses, and higher rents for the P.O. system?

Due to the ailing economy and following the firing of many teachers, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has announced another

decision: charter high schools’ bus transportation will not be provided next school year.

Actually, the LAUSD’s decision was predictable; officially and unofficially, many reports have warned that LAUSD’s financial situation is getting worse and that it is going to affect students increasingly. The LAUSD officials believe they made the best decision under the circumstances, but there are some people who are disadvantaged by their decision.

This decision is particularly difficult for Granada Hills Charter High School (GHCHS) students.

“When I was notified by deans, I thought it was a joke at first. It felt unjust in a way because so many students come by bus to Granada everyday, and it is not easy,” said Julie Lee, 10th grader in GHCHS. She added that in order to get on the bus, people who are living in downtown LA have to get ready to go school by 6 to 6:30 a.m. depending on the bus schedule. Additionally, she only had one day to notify her parents and get a signature from them, explaining what their response will be; they had to decide whether they could provide their children’s rides or made them transfer out. She felt victimized, because she understood herself to be a student with a right to an education, “it makes me feel like I am being forced to quit on something I was really determined to accomplish.” Although she has many options, she does not want to switch schools in the middle of her high school years.

Another student from downtown LA indicated her opinion with resignation. “Well, since my parents have already read several articles about the bus transportation in LAUSD, they did not really seem surprised. Although I am going to be in 11th grade next year, which will be the most important year, I am going to transfer out because I cannot attend Granada anymore without the bus service,” said Soo-Jeong Jeong, 10th grader. She is now looking to

attend a new high school which is scheduled to open next school year in downtown LA, near her house.

However, some students are trying to find any way possible in order to continue going to the school. Some parents are trying to gather people for car-pools: “I have to come by car now because I still want to come to Granada,” said Alexis Hernandez, 11th grader in GHCHS. Some people are actually thinking of moving to a house in the school’s district. “Right now I am thinking of staying at my friend’s house because I do not want to start everything over again in a new school, and ruin my junior year, the most important year in my high school experience,” said an anonymous student, a 10th grader in GHCHS.

This decision does not only affect the students of Granada Hills Charter High School. Next school year, 1,180 students from Palisades Charter High School will no longer be able to take the bus to and from school. In all, proposed cuts will affect more than 5,000 LAUSD middle and high school students.

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EliE WEisEl: Jerusalem is

Above PoliticsWorld renowned author and activist Elie Weisel, a Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor, took out full page ads in major American newspapers to express his views on the city of Jerusalem. Here are his words as published.

It was inevitable: Jerusalem once again is at the center of political debates and international storms. New and old tensions surface at a

disturbing pace. Seventeen times destroyed and seventeen times rebuilt, it is still in the middle of diplomatic confrontations that could lead to armed conflict. Neither Athens nor Rome has aroused that many passions.

For me, the Jew that I am, Jerusalem is above politics. It is mentioned more than six hundred times in Scripture -- and not a single time in the Koran. Its presence in Jewish history is overwhelming. There is no more moving prayer in Jewish history than the one expressing our yearning to return to Jerusalem. To many theologians, it IS Jewish history, to many poets, a source of inspiration. It belongs to the Jewish people and is much more than a city, it is what binds one Jew to another in a way that remains hard to explain. When a Jew visits Jerusalem for the first time, it is not the first time; it is a homecoming. The first song I heard was my mother’s lullaby about and for Jerusalem. Its sadness and its joy are part of our collective memory.

Since King David took Jerusalem as his capital, Jews have dwelled inside its walls with only two interruptions; when Roman invaders forbade them access to the city and again, when under Jordanian occupation, Jews, regardless of nationality, were refused entry into the old Jewish quarter to meditate and pray at the Wall, the last vestige of Solomon’s temple. It is important to remember: had Jordan not joined Egypt and Syria in the war against Israel, the old city of Jerusalem would still be Arab. Clearly,

while Jews were ready to die for Jerusalem they would not kill for Jerusalem.Today, for the first time in history, Jews, Christians and Muslims all may freely worship at their shrines.

And, contrary to certain media reports, Jews, Christians and Muslims ARE allowed to build their homes anywhere in the city. The anguish over Jerusalem is not about real estate but about memory.

What is the solution? Pressure will not produce a solution. Is there a solution? There must be, there will be. Why tackle the most complex and sensitive problem prematurely? Why not first take steps which will allow the Israeli and Palestinian communities to find ways to live together in an atmosphere of security. Why not leave the most difficult, the most sensitive issue, for such a time?

Jerusalem must remain the world’s Jewish spiritual capital, not a symbol of anguish and bitterness, but a symbol of trust and hope. As the Hasidic master Rebbe Nahman of Bratslav said, “Everything in this world has a heart; the heart itself has its own heart.”

Jerusalem is the heart of our heart, the soul of our soul.

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All parents look forward to healthy pregnancies and routine deliveries, but if something unexpected should happen, our new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will be a technologically-advanced unit capable of caring for the special needs of your baby. Later this year, the medical center will be adding a new Women’s Pavilion that will feature state-of-the-art birthing and postpartum suites, and the most advanced neonatal intensive care unit in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.

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$17.6 Billion Pension Shortfall: The Budget Is Hardly Balanced

By Jack Humphreville

$17.6 billion is the total unfunded liability of the Los Angeles City Employees Retirement System and the Fire and Police Pension Plans based on the market value of the assets on June 30, 2009 and a realistic rate of return assumption.

As such, our pension funds are only 52% funded, representing a debt of around $11,000 per household. This is over four times the amount of the General Fund, two and a half times the total revenues of the City, over five times the annual payroll, and is over $400,000 per employee. On the other hand, the City states that the liability is “only” $4.6 billion. Why the $13 billion difference?

If the assets of the pension plans are “marked to market” as mandated for public owned companies, this results in a $6.9 billion difference from the “Actuarial Value” of the assets, a methodology devised by the funny money accountants setting the rules for government pensions.

The remaining $6.1 billion is the result of using a realistic rate of return on investments of the pension funds. The City uses the “8% Myth,” a rate of return based on aspiration. If the more realistic rate of return of 7% is used, the combined liability related to future benefits of $30.6 billion would increase by about 20% to $36.7 billion, an increase of $6.1 billion.

However, this era of “professional gamesmanship” is about to end according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal . The Government Accounting Standards Board is preparing to adopt more realistic accounting and disclosure rules, despite the opposition of 27 state treasurers and representatives of 61 representatives of public pension systems. This increased level of transparency will be vigorously objected to by governmental unions.

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Porter ranch notice

It has come to our attention that a law firm is mailing a “Newsletter” to homeowners in Porter Ranch. Law firms, like this, often try to create the impression that

they have received calls from dozens of homeowners claiming to have defects in their homes when, in reality, it appears that certain law firms locate homeowners merely by searching the public records and then mass mail these “newsletters” in an effort to drum up business. DO NOT BE FOOLED. The California State Bar has specific limits on such attorney advertisements.

As a precautionary measure, homeowners should be aware of a recent 2009 California Appellate Court decision entitled Larry Calemine, et al., v. Walter Samuelson (171 Cal. App. 4th 153) requiring a Seller to disclose to all potential Buyers the existence of any prior lawsuit alleging construction defects regardless of whether or not the alleged defects were repaired and/or the lawsuit was settled and dismissed. As a result, homeowners will need to disclose the lawsuit even if the lawsuit is later settled and dismissed.

-Shappel Homes

Your opinions:Valley Still Dividedover health care

By Austin Kang, Valley Voice Reporter

T he health care reform bill has always been very controversial, but with its passage on March 23, it has sparked even more dispute

among the valley locals. However, regardless of whether they are for or against it, most seem to be unaware of what exactly the reform bill does.

“From what I’ve heard about it, I think it will be generally better for society. I know that everyone still has to pay for health care, and that’s pretty much all I’ve learned about it,” Jonathan Park of Northridge said.

Firstly, the health care reform bill is actually called the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, and was amended a week later on March 30 by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act. Although the law is very comprehensive, it primarily serves to extend health care benefits to more people, while balancing this cost by increasing the tax on the high-income groups as well as by more fees on health-related companies.

Contrary to popular opinion, the reform bill has had immediate effects as soon as it was enacted, such as allowing the Food and Drug Administration to approve generic versions of biologic products after granting manufacturers 12 years of exclusive use. However, the bill does have other provisions that will become effective at future dates including one where children will be able to stay on their parents’ insurance plans until they are 26 years of age.

“I thought it was really cool how I would be able to stay on my parents’ insurance until I was much older. Since it affects me personally, I’m very interested in this particular section of the bill,” Matthew Seeman of Northridge said.

Most of the opponents of the bill admit that although the reform may be morally appropriate for the country, it is just too impractical to implement especially during this time of financial woes. The bill has become associated with socialism and economic troubles as some locals fear that it’ll burden our already decrepit economy.

“I feel that it really is a great thing and can help a lot of people, but it should’ve been introduced during a prosperous time,” Jaclyn Hope of Sylmar remarked.

“We’re already in a recession and it’ll be worse for us later on, although our economy will probably still be struggling either way,” Suejean Kim, a resident of Chatsworth commented.

However, the Congressional Budget Office has actually predicted a reduction in the federal deficit by about $130 billion in the first decade, assuming everything goes as planned. The enormous cost of the bill estimated at about $900 billion is to be financed by various supplemental taxes as well as reductions on the growth of Medicare.

Ultimately though, the economic and societal impact of the health care reform bill is unknown and debatable. We’ll just have to wait and see to find out whether our President made the right decision.

(Continued on page 7)

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DWP “Pressured”By City Council

A fter weeks of increasingly acrimonious dispute, the Board of Water and Power Commissioners bowed last month to pressure from the City Council and

voted unanimously to increase electricity bills by an average of 4.8 percent starting July 1.

The rate hike is considerably smaller than the 6.5 percent increase the board approved on March 18 and a 5.7 percent increase approved March 31. Both those increases were vetoed by the council.

The council reiterated that it would support a rate hike of no more than 4.8 percent during a recession.

The rate hike approved by the board will take the form of a six-tenths of a cent per kilowatt hour increase in the DWP’s Energy Cost Adjustment Factor surcharge.

Of that amount, a half-cent would be used to offset the DWP’s failure in recent years to collect a large enough surcharge to cope with volatile fluctuations in the prices of oil and natural gas.

The other tenth of a cent would be used to fund programs to develop new sources of renewable energy.

Large businesses can expect a 5.3 percent rate hike; medium-sized businesses, 4.7 percent; and small business, 4.3 percent.

The breakdown for residential customers will be determined, in part, by a rate restructuring ordinance pending before the council, said Joseph Ramallo, spokesman for the DWP.

MWD Water Woes

T he amount of water being supplied to Southland consumers and businesses by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will be limited for the

second year in a row, meaning another year of mandatory water conservation restrictions.

The water-allocation plan approved by MWD’s board represents the first time in history of the agency there have been back-to-back years of mandatory conservation requirements – due primarily to environmental restrictions on drawing water from Northern California, Metropolitan officials said.

“The supply restrictions require us to continue saving water now and into the future,” said MWD board Chairman Timothy F. Brick. “Our water challenges today are not going to be solved by one or two wet winters.”

The board voted to continue restricting supplies to MWD’s member public agencies, effective July 1. The board also approved a 7.5 percent rate increase that will take effect Jan.1.

Close the door on dryer firesBy Ron Rauschenberger, State Farm® agent

you could be heating up more than clothes in your laundry room. According to the U. S. Consumer

Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated 15,500 dryer fires annually, resulting in nearly $100 million in damage.

The most frequent causes of these fires are improper ventilation and/or poor maintenance, which allow lint to accumulate. When lint covers

heaters, switches and motors in the dryer, fires can result.

TipS According to the National Fire Protection Association,

there are some things you can do to help prevent dryer fires:Avoid leaving the dryer running when away from your •

home.Clean the lint trap after every use.•Don’t dry oily rags in your dryer.•Don’t operate the dryer without a lint filter•Ensure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for •

its electrical needs.Keep the dryer area free of combustibles such as clothing •

and boxes. Adequate ventilation is key to not only the safety but the performance of your dryer as well. The dryer duct should vent directly outdoors, not into an attic, crawl space or indoors. Ducts should be kept free of lint and combustible debris to prevent a fire from spreading outside of the dryer. Use only metal dryer ducts. Plastic ducts can collapse, causing blockage and lint buildup within the dryer. Plastic ducts may ignite or melt, and will not contain a fire within the dryer. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions on the length of ducting you should use, since appliances are tested and certified according to certain specifications. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual for more information.

HoT SpoTSWhile there are no sure signs that your dryer may catch

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dry.Clothes are hotter than usual at the end of the cycle.•The flapper on the vent hood won’t open when the dryer •

is on. Consider having a professional disassemble your dryer to clean the lint and debris covering the heaters, switches and motors in your dryer and help prevent fires from occurring.

Same Water Policy:Use Less, Pay More

Despite a population growth of 1 million people, the residents and businesses of Los Angeles are together using the same amount of water now that

was used in 1979, the city’s Department of Water and Power said.

The DWP credited “extraordinary conservation efforts” to city water users, and said the average residential customer has cut water use by 29.2 percent in the nine months since conservation rates and rules were imposed.

Last summer, the city banned automatic water sprinkler use except on two days a week, and then only allows lawn to be automatically watered before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. It also required customers to fix leaks, and prohibited people from hosing down their driveways and sidewalks.

Higher rates have been imposed for those who consumer excessive amounts of water. The DWP also reduced the amount of water that consumers can buy at the lowest rate.

During the nine months that these restrictions have been in place, Angelenos have cut their water use by nearly 30 billion gallons – enough to serve 231,000 households for a year, according to the DWP.

As a result, the DWP is slated to purchase 16 percent less water from the Metropolitan Water District than it had planned to, during the current fiscal year.

The conservation rules were imposed as a result of a three-year drought, the DWP said.

Angelenos whose lawns are turning brown because of the water restrictions can take advantage of the DWP’s turf removal program, which rebates customers $1 per square foot of lawn removed and replaced by drought-tolerant plants or permeable hardscape. The rebate limit is $2,000.

Tips for conserving water are available online at www.ladwp.com, or by calling 1-800-DIAL DWP.

Angelenos whose lawns are turning brown because of the water restrictions can take advantage of the DWP’s turf removal program, which rebates customers $1 per square foot of lawn removed and replaced by drought-tolerant plants or permeable hardscape. The rebate limit is $2,000.

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Whenever we try to reach a particular goal, doesn’t it feel as if our little victories are often followed by mistakes or failures? It’s like taking three steps forward, only to take two steps backward. However, doing a little subtraction shows us that that the difference is one step forward, which means we’re still moving in the right direction! While it is called “learning the hard way,” we have the opportunity to learn just as much from our mistakes as we do from our successes. But in order to continue to progress, we must acknowledge when a mistake is made, and have the courage to correct our errors. As we wrap up our study of “The Father of Our Faith” at Shepherd of the Hills Church, we see that Abraham exemplified what it means to learn from one’s mistakes and to move forward to attain an awesome reward.

We saw in last month’s article how Abram (his name before God changed it to “Abraham”) took a major step of faith by leaving his home and moving to a land God called him. What we didn’t talk about is that, soon after, there was a severe famine in the land and Abram took a step backward by getting off course in the face of this adversity. He decided to head over to Egypt, instead of staying the course toward the Promised Land. While God did not directly forbid this departure to Egypt, Abram ignored his customary practice of first seeking God’s leading and direction, which could have helped him avoid this ultimately costly detour.

Have you ever experienced a personal or spiritual famine? As a result, did you choose to make a detour instead of trusting in God’s promise? Second Corinthians 5:7 says that we are to “walk by faith, not by sight,” and while Abram is the paragon of faith to both Jews and Christians alike, even such a faithful man lost sight of God’s promises for a moment, by taking matters into his own hands. We can learn several things from Abram’s mistake:

First, we see that even people of faith occasionally experience famines. These are times of spiritual dryness, when the soul is thirsty and the eyes feel gritty, making it difficult to see what God is doing or how He could possibly come through. But it is what we do with famines that is important. Will we trust in our own abilities, choose the convenient or comfortable, or try to blaze our own trails instead of following God’s path?

Next, we learn that sin is always a slippery slope. You see, Abram not only detoured from his course, but also from his principles. Before entering Egypt,

Pastor Dudley C. Rutherford - Shepherd of the Hills

ThrEE sTEPs ForWArd,TWo sTEPs BAckWArd

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Abram feared that his wife Sarai’s beauty would capture the attention of the Egyptians, and that they would kill him because of her (Genesis 12:11-13). So he told her to lie and say she was his sister. Abram compromised his morals by lying and by not putting his wife’s well being and safety at the forefront of his priorities.

Finally, we learn that sin has dire consequences…and the pain of reaping always exceeds the pleasure of sowing. How often have we seen a “little white lie,” an attempt at a “fast dollar,” or a moment of pleasure turn into a season of heartache? You see, in Abram’s case, after Pharaoh became enamored by Sarai and brought her into his palace to be his wife, “the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household” until the king of Egypt released them and sent the couple on their way (Genesis 12:17). Additionally, Abram’s relationship with God was fractured, he lost his self-respect, his relationship with his wife was damaged, and his testimony and reputation were tarnished.

But praise be to God that He never quits on us, even when we falter! The Lord extended grace (“undeserved favor”) to Abram and Sarai by removing them from the situation in which they placed themselves. He helped them to get back on track and delivered on His promise to give them land and make their offspring a great nation. Like Abraham, we must understand the nature of famines—that they are but a season. We must not be afraid of them, trusting that God has promised to be with us wherever we go and to work all things for our good (see James 1:2-4, Joshua 1:9, and Romans 8:28). We must review the consequences of sin, trust in God’s plan, and return to His grace. If you have found yourself in a position of compromise and are seeking a way out, please join us at Shepherd as we begin a new series called “The Book of Faith.”

Pastor Dudley C. Rutherford is the Senior Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch. Edited by Rhona Cue

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LOCAL Events

Jay KimDa Som Seo

Hyeon Hye YunAustin Kang

The Valley Voice is published every last

Wednesday of the Month.

Deadline forsubmission is the15th of the month.

Kids Love Summer Kids will love summer more than ever with four outstanding

programs scheduled by leading schools in our community. Sierra Canyon, Chatsworth, is offering 6 camps within

one; a day camp, athletic, culinary, moviemaking, adventure and a teen camp, from June 21 to Aug. 20, for ages 4 - 14. You’re invited to an open house, May 16, from 1 – 4 p.m. Bring the ad in this issue to receive a complimentary overnight and a special discount rate. Visit SierraCanyonDayCamp.com or call (818) 882- 8121.

Chaminade College Preparatory currently has online registration for its two campuses, with camps scheduled for June 21 – July 28. Pick from a middle school program, high school, sports camp, Little Eagles Vacation Bible Camp, Robotics, Arts, Drama, Speech, and Debate Camps. Go to www.chaminade.org/summerprograms/start.htm. Phone (818) 366-9284 ext.555.

Delphi Academy’s camp – Bright Happy Kids for ages 4 – 17 runs June 21 through Aug. 20. Your child could point, read, square dance, picnic on the beach, sing, swim, hike, and learn fractions. With limited enrollment, call now, (818) 583-1070. www.delphila.org

Chatsworth Hills Academy will be host to PlanetBravo’s Techno-tainment Summer Camp for four weeks in July and August. PlanetBravo’s Techno-tainment camp offers computer and technology courses to elementary and middle school students. As a special promotion for coming to Chatsworth Hills Academy for the first time, PlanetBravo has taken $100 off its regular price for all four weeks of camp. Registration is currently open. For more information, visit PlanetBravo’s website at www.planetbravo.com, or call 310.443.7607.

Sierra Canyon FairEach spring, more than 4,000 people from throughout the

San Fernando Valley attend the school-wide fair at Sierra Canyon Lower School. The event offers an evening of fun and entertainment for the entire family. This year, Sierra Canyon School focused on Middle Ages and invites the community to join them at their capstone event, the Medieval Faire on Friday, April 30, from 1 to 7 p.m. For more information about the fair, you can visit the Sierra Canyon School Web site or call the main office at 818-882-8121.

Mad About “Lucia”!Love, jealousy, betrayal, madness, murder - this is Opera

with a capital “O”! Center Stage Opera presents Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor,” May 1 and 2 at the Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park. Tickets are $25-$36, with a $5 discount for seniors and students, and may be ordered on the Center Stage Opera website, www.centerstageopera.org, or by calling (818) 517-4102 or (818) 347-9419.

Chabad FestivalLag Baomer, “Festival of Unity,” will be celebrated Sunday, May 2,

1 – 3 p.m., at Northridge Park, Reseda and Lemarsh, behind the baseball field. Free admission, nominal charge for bbq, and an awesome acrobat show. For more information, please contact Chabad of Chatsworth (818) 718-0777.

Yoga ClassTeens and Adults! Join us for a free, energizing class in

Vinyasa Yoga with Angelica Robinson on Thursday, May 6, 6:30 p.m. at the Porter Ranch Library, 11371 Tampa Ave. Call to reserve your place. (818) 360-5706.

Smith Honored by VICValley Interfaith Council (VIC) is holding its annual Spirit of

VIC Awards dinner on Thursday, May 6 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, Universal City. This year, the Government Leadership Award is being awarded to Councilmember Greig Smith. For more information or reservations, call (818) 718-6460 x3012 or visit www.VIC-LA.org.

Boys & Girls ClubThe Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley will host

its Sixth Annual Club de Cuba event Friday, May 7, at the Warner Center Marriot Hotel, 21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills. The Caribbean-themed evening features an evening of casino gaming and Casino Cash, music, dancing, silent and live auctions, and dinner. Individual tickets can be purchased for $100 each. Telephone: (818) 610-1054. Website: www.wvbgc.org.

CSUN Fashion ShowThe Spring event at California State University, Northridge

(CSUN) that highlights the most talented designers in the area will take place on May 7th at 7pm, inside the Northridge Center at CSUN 1811 Nordhoff Street.

Mason BasketballMason Recreation Center has announced dates for its Summer

Youth Basketball Program. With early mail registration held in April, you may walk in for a number, pending availability. Priority number registration is May 8, open sign-ups starts May 12 at 3 p.m. Registration is on a first come first serve basis, but leagues may fill on priority number registrations. Fee of $140 due at registration. Co-ed divisions, ages 5-15, girls division 8-15, by July 1, 2010. Evaluations: May 22 – 23.

Earth DayJoin Friends of the L.A. River for an environmental clean-up event

in honor of Earth Day, Saturday, May 8, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Lake Balboa Park (enter from Balboa Blvd. 1/2 block south of Victory Blvd.). For more information visit www.FOLAR.org or call (323) 223-0585.

SOLID PancakeDon’t miss Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire’s (SOLID)

All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast Saturday, May 15, 7:30 am to 10:30 am at Devonshire Community Police Station, 10250 Etiwanda Street. Come enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast served up by Devonshire Police Officers and community leaders. Free photo IDs for children will be available. $7 per person.

Free Tire RecyclingGet rid of your used and old tires in a safe and environmentally

responsible way at the used tire collection event on Saturday, May 15, Saturday, May 15, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at West Valley District Yard, 8840 Vanalden Ave., Northridge. The collected tires will be recycled. Passenger and light truck tires only. No tires on rims or tires from businesses will be accepted. ID required to verify residence in City of Los Angeles.

Camp KehillahCamp Kehillah will hold an open house May 16 from 2 p.m. to

4 p.m. for its June 28-Aug. 27 Summer School, for kids in 1st thru 8th grades. Registration is now underway. Call Temple Ahavat Shalom at (818) 360-2258, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge.

Political MemorabiliaOn Sunday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., members of the public

can buy political Americana, have political items appraised (and possibly auctioned off), and meet other collectors at the annual political memorabilia show & sale hosted by the American Political Items Collectors (APIC) at 10100 Balboa Blvd at Mayall Street (just south of Devonshire Blvd). For more information, call (818) 894-6113.

Jewish Community CenterThe Jewish Community Center’s Cooking Workshop begins with

the “around the World” series on Monday, May 17, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Easy to create gourmet dishes that will rival any Italian restaurant. You get to eat what you make. Location of class will be given upon registration. For registration or more information, please call 818-360-2211.

Educator AwardsThe Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce’s 10th Annual

Unforgettable Educator Awards dinner recognizes outstanding teachers on Thursday, May 20, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at The Odyssey Restaurant, 15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills in Granada Hills. The awards include the Unforgettable Educator; the Principal of the Year; the PTA President of the Year; the Science & Technology Teacher; and the Creative Arts Teacher. To make a nomination, visit www.chatsworthchamber.com or call (818) 341-2428.

Valley Greek FestivalSave the date for the 36th Annual Valley Greek Festival

over Memorial Day weekend, May 29 – 31 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, corner Plummer St. and Balboa Blvd. in Northridge.

Enjoy a weekend of Greek culture, music, food and dancing for the whole family. There will be live music, dancing, booths with gourmet Greek food, homemade pastries, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, a Greek market, and a shopping boutiques. Admission is free. For info visit www.valleygreekfestival.com

G.H. Vets ParkWork is nearly complete on the Granada Hills Veterans’ Park

and the date is set for the grand opening ceremony on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 5:00 pm, corner Zelzah Ave. and Chatsworth Street. For information about donating for tribute bricks, contact John Weitkamp at (818) 363-3144 or jweitkamp@aol.com.

Chatsworth Senior CenterThe Chatsworth Seniors meet every Monday and Thursday

at the Mason Park Recreation Center, 10500 Mason Avenue. Hours are 9:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. Coffee and conversation at 9:30 a.m. and hot lunches at 11:30 a.m. Lunch donations are $1.25 for seniors 60+ and $4.50 for seniors 50-60. Chair exercises at 10:30 a.m. and Mah Jongg, Bridge, Poker, and more at 12:30 p.m. For more information, call (818) 534-7100.

Jewish Community Fd.The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles will again

offer its annual complimentary educational series for professional advisors through Dec. 8. The series, entitled “New Directions in Charitable Giving 2010,” features prominent speakers in tax, estate and charitable gift planning. All sessions will be conducted at the Warner Center Marriott Woodland Hills, 21850 Oxnard Street, on Wednesday mornings from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., and will include breakfast. Space is limited. For registration and additional information, call (323) 761-8704 or e-mail hglynn@jewishfoundationla.org

Professional Mgmt.Professional Entertainment Manager

of 20 plus years will tell you every-thing you always wanted to know about the entertainment industry,

for both adult and child actors.Go to www.actorconsulting.com

May, 2010 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 7

 

New Yoga Studio Open in the San Fernando Valley

Mukhande Yoga Studio 17609 Chatsworth Street Granada Hills, CA 91344

818-831-6000

www.MukhandeYogaStudio.com info@mukhandeyogastudio.com

It would be wonderful to share space with you.

FREE CLASS to new students with this ad  

Dear TeacherA Listening Ear; A Listening Heart

“Dear Teacher is looking forward to hearing from you.

dearteacher@verizon.net or Dear Teacher - P.O. Box 7011 - Mission Hills, CA 91346

Editor’s Note:“Dear Teacher” is finally a way for students, parents, and teachers to express their concerns, ask questions, and seek problem resolution regarding issues facing us in the educational arena.

“Sometimes we are limited more by attitude than by opportunities.” Anonymous

Dear Teacher, My teacher played volleyball in college, and she expects us to be wonderful. We’re not. E.E., grade 6Dear E.E., Your teacher’s love for the sport, along with her expertise, aren’t enabling her to realize that it might take time to develop the necessary skills to be a great player. Enjoying the game and learning how to be a team player are really what’s important. I’m sure she’s happy that you try your best.Dear Teacher, My teacher is sad. Her mom died. She just isn’t the same. G., second gradeDear G., Unfortunately, you’re learning at an early age that there is great sadness upon losing a loved one. This is a time for you and your classmates to be understanding and help your teacher through this. You’d be surprised how much all of you can brighten her day. Also, time has a way of helping people recapture their smiles.Dear Teacher, Springtime brings a renewal of life. Any suggestions for my class for a science or art exhibit that will draw them into nature’s beauty and Spring’s essence? I teach 4th grade. Mrs. B.

By Sandy Ojeda, Valley Voice Education

Dear Mrs. B., There are oh so many ways to enjoy nature and spring. Butterfly gardens are great, and they enable the students to actually witness the metamorphosis in action. Also, pressed flowers are great expressions of the beauty around us. If you’re allowed to have art lessons, which I certainly hope you are, then drawing, painting, molding, etc. are fabulous activities where they can create their own springtime art work. Dioramas are fantastic.Dear Teacher, My daughter is 16 and feels our school night curfew of 10:00 p.m. is too early and harsh. It’s a school nightand we really don’t want her out beyond that. Mr. W.Dear Mr. W., You need not explain yourself or give excuses to me or to your daughter. She is still your responsibility, and she lives under your house and under your rules. I personally don’t feel you’re being harsh. I’m sure you relax the curfew on weekends and for special needs.happened to the basic core beliefs of educating our children?

Worthwhile Web - www.freetranslation.com

Read ‘n “Weep!” Crossing the BorderIf you cross the North Korean border illegally, you get 12 years hard labor.If you cross the Iranian border illegally, you are detained indefinitely.If you cross the Afghan border illegally, you get shot.If you cross the Saudi Arabian border illegally, you will be jailed.If you cross the Chinese border illegally, you may never be heard from again.If you cross the Venezuelan border illegally, you will be branded a spy and your fate will be sealed.If you cross the Cuban border illegally, you will be thrown into political prison to rot.

If you cross the U.S. border illegally, you get:1 - A job,2 - A driver’s license,3 - Social Security Card,4 - Welfare,5 - Food Stamps,6 - Credit Cards,7 - Subsidized rent or a loan to buy a house,8 - Free Education,9 - Free Health Care,

$17.6 Billion Pension Shortfall

As an aside, the DWP Retirement System reports an unfunded liability of $808 million. However, the pension shortfall increases to almost $4 billion based on the market value of the assets and a 7% rate of return, implying a funded ratio of only 59%. This liability is almost five times the annual payroll and is about $450,000 per active employee.

Yet the pension issue is the elephant in the room that nobody wants to address. The Mayor and the City Council have refused to address the issue, including the March 2009 Study prepared by The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles, preferring to bury the issue in committees. See Council File 09-0952 that was created in April 2009.

So when you are driving through our third world streets listening to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa claim in his State of the City address that the City has miraculously balanced its budget, just think “PENSION” and “$17.6 Billion” as your car is devoured by the next pot hole.

It is pure, unadulterated baloney. (Jack Humphreville writes LA Watchdog for CityWatch He is the President of

the DWP Advocacy Committee and the Ratepayer Advocate for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council. Humphreville is the publisher of the Recycler -- www.recycler.com. He can be reached at lajack@gmail.com) - CityWatch

10 - A Lobbyist in Washington,11 - Billions of dollars worth of public documents printed in your language12 - AND the right to carry your country’s flag while you protest that you don’t get enough respect.

- From a blogger

(Continued from page 3)

May, 2010 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 8

AccreditedÊbyÊtheÊCaliforniaAssociationÊofÊIndependentÊSchools

“Lights Out” for UtilitySmith Moves to Reform DWP

Councilman Greig Smith introduced a package of eight motions last month to restructure and reform the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and establish much-needed transparency and rate-payer advocacy.This major reform includes changes to the City Charter and will restructure the

DWP and hold it accountable to residents, businesses and Neighborhood Councils. “Residents and businesses in L.A. have had enough and they demand reform of

the DWP. We need to bring comprehensive reform to restore citizens’ trust in this utility that they own,” Smith said.

The motions would: - Improve customer service and make customer billing more transparent and

easier to understand.- Put a charter reform measure on the ballot to require the DWP’s budget, which

was previously a closed book, to be voted on and adopted by the City Council.- Put a charter reform measure on the ballot requiring Council approval for all

rate increases.- Put a charter reform measure on the ballot for wage parity, leveling the “paying

field” between DWP positions, which pay much higher salaries, and identical positions in other City Departments.

- Discourage employee migration to DWP by preventing them from vesting in the DWP pension system for five years.

- Put a charter reform measure on the ballot to enable the City Council to remove any DWP Commissioner with a 2/3 majority vote.

- Put a charter reform measure on the ballot to enable the City Council to remove any DWP General Manager with a 2/3 majority vote.

- Reform the DWP Board of Commissioners, removing the Mayor’s sole appointment authority and dividing it among the Mayor, City Council and Neighborhood Councils. A certain number of Commissioners would also be required to have requisite expertise in specific industries.

Councilman Smith also introduced a motion in October, 2009 to create an Inspector General position that would serve as a completely independent watchdog over the DWP. He also introduced a motion that now requires an independent financial review for any rate increases.

To see all of the complete motions, visit http://tinyurl.com/DWPreform.

PRNC ElectsThe PRNC welcomes two new members Maha Batta and Richard Rippey to the council and thanks outgoing members Ronald Nagai (past President) and Treasurer Chris Cooper for their outstanding service. The board elected new officers at the April meeting including Mel Mitchell as President, Paula Cracium as Vice President, Ali Dabirian as Secretary and Maha Batta as Treasurer.

The next meeting is May 4, 6pm at Shepherd of the Hills Church. Find out more at www.PRNC.org.

City Layoffs Smaller

U p to 750 city employees could lose their jobs under a plan proposed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to close a budget deficit of about $485 million in the next fiscal year beginning July 1.

The layoffs would follow the issuance of 105 pink slips in the current fiscal year.

Villaraigosa’s plan calls for shrinking the size of the city’s workforce by 3,546 positions in 2010-11.

Of those positions, 2,400 were held by employees who took incentives to retire early, and 396 were held by employees who either transferred to self-supporting departments or resigned.

The mayor intends not to replace them.About 750 employees are presently occupying positions that the mayor

wants to eliminate starting July 1.Over the last several months, Villaraigosa has repeatedly said layoffs can

be minimized if labor unions agree to pay cuts.“If all city employees agreed to a 5 percent pay cut, we could save $150

million,” he said in February. “If civilian employees, firefighters and police officers agreed to a 15 percent pay cut, we could save $450 million.”