The Oak Tree Flyer



Holiday Edition

November / December 2024

www.encinonc.com 

Hello, Encino Neighbors!

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the past year — the challenges we’ve faced, the progress we’ve made, and the incredible community we continue to build together. When I stepped into the role of President of the Encino Neighborhood Council earlier this year, it wasn’t something I initially sought. But when the opportunity arose, I felt called to serve, driven by a deep desire to help make a difference for our neighborhood.

Over the last several months, one message has been central to our efforts: the importance of connection. A stronger, more connected community doesn’t just feel better — it is better. It means we’re stronger advocates for the issues that matter to us, whether it’s zoning changes, increased traffic, airport noise, or supporting educational priorities for Encino families. When we come together, we amplify our voices and ensure they’re heard by decision-makers at every level.

In the context of the Neighborhood Council and the work we are mandated to do on behalf of the community, having a strong, engaged, and connected community is essential. It gives us the strength to advocate effectively for the interests of Encino residents and ensures that our collective voice is heard.

Encino faces many complex issues, and building a unified community voice begins at the most local level. That’s why we’ve focused on encouraging neighbors to connect with one another and get involved. Community involvement doesn’t have to start with something big —  it can be as simple and enjoyable as attending a movie night or joining a neighborhood event or liking/commenting on our social media posts!

These small but meaningful steps have allowed us to strengthen connections not just within Encino, but also with our city and state government. Together, we’re building bridges that help us advocate for our community’s needs on a larger scale, ensuring that Encino is represented and recognized where it matters most.

As we welcome the new year, it’s natural to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. This year, I encourage you to embrace one simple but transformative goal: connect. In times of uncertainty, the greatest risk isn’t just the challenges we face — it’s the apathy that can take hold. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to think, “This is all too much. I don’t even know what’s true anymore,” and to retreat from engagement. But I urge you to resist that instinct.

It doesn’t have to be a monumental effort. Get involved in your community in any way that feels meaningful to you. Join a local group. Attend a neighborhood meeting. Volunteer for a cause that resonates with you. Participate in a discussion group or even run for a local office. Whatever it is, find a way to be present and active. Democracies were built on the principle of everyday people shaping their communities — and when we step back from that, we lose something vital, not only for our society but for ourselves.

Sociologist Robert Putnam once famously noted the decline of communal activities, using the example of Americans no longer joining bowling leagues - many now “bowl alone.” This decline in real-life engagement and civic activity is part of what has left so many feeling isolated, disconnected, and powerless. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Participating in your community, whether through political or apolitical efforts, is an antidote to the sense of isolation that so many feel. It reminds us that we are not alone and that we can make a difference. And it’s good for your mental health, too—helping you feel more grounded, connected, and hopeful.

Since stepping into this role, I’ve made it my priority to elevate Encino’s presence and impact. My goal has been to connect more of our community members, build stronger relationships with our local government representatives, and ensure that Encino has a voice that’s heard. Together, we’re striving to make Encino a community that our leaders recognize and prioritize.

This year, we’ve achieved some amazing milestones:

• Expanded Representation: We were thrilled to welcome Eric Kingsley, Board President of Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue, as a religious (alt.) representative on our general board. Valley Beth Shalom is one of the largest and most vibrant communities in the Valley, and Eric’s leadership and insight have already made a meaningful impact. His involvement strengthens our council’s efforts and broadens our perspective as we work to serve and represent all of Encino.
• Revived Committees: Our Youth and Education Committees are back and thriving! With Youth Representative Max Furberg’s energy and ideas, we’re engaging the next generation in meaningful ways. Meanwhile, Education Representative Geraldine Hernandez-Abisror is bringing innovative strategies to connect with local schools and superintendents.
• Tackling Airport Noise: We re-established an Airport Committee to address the growing concerns about flight traffic over Encino. With the Van Nuys Airport expanding, we’re making sure our voices are heard and our community’s needs are prioritized.

Our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. This year, we’ve received encouraging calls and support from the offices of Mayor Karen Bass, Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel, Council Member Nithya Raman CD4, and even Governor Gavin Newsom. Each connection is a step toward ensuring Encino’s voice is respected and valued at every level of government.

Looking ahead, we have so much to be excited about:

• Public Safety Town Hall: Mark your calendars for January 15, 2025, when we’ll host a forum focused on burglary prevention and home security. This is a valuable opportunity to learn practical tips and connect with experts to help keep our community safe.
• Encino Day Festival: In March, we’ll come together at Encino Park for a day of live music, activities, and great food — celebrating all that makes Encino special.
• Movie Nights Under the Stars: Our May and August movie nights will continue to bring families together for an evening of fun and connection.

As I look back on this year, I’m deeply grateful for all we’ve accomplished together. Despite the uncertainties of the world around us, I am filled with hope for the future of Encino. Together, we are building something meaningful — one event, one conversation, one connection at a time.

Here’s to a joyful holiday season and an inspiring year ahead. Thank you for being the heart of this wonderful community.



Warmly,

Josh Sautter

President, Encino Neighborhood Council

If you have concerns, ideas, or just need to talk, I’m always available. You can reach me directly at 202-494-2332. Let’s continue working together to make Encino a safe, vibrant, and thriving community for all of us.

Wishing all our Encino neighbors a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, connection, and hope. As we celebrate this special time of year, let’s continue to build the bonds that make our community strong and look forward to all we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.

JOIN THE MAILING LIST HERE

INTRODUCING MAX FURBERG,

ENC YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE

Hello Encino-ans!

I’m Max Furberg, an Encino resident for the last three years and — as of this July — the ENC’s new Youth Representative. I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about the importance of youth in politics, and how our Neighborhood Council is working to engage its young constituents in decision-making.

In last week’s election, less than 45% of young people around the country voted, compared to almost 65% of the general population. As countries such as Austria, Germany, and even Somaliland have lowered their voting ages to 16 and below, American youth have become increasingly apathetic towards the political process, and haven’t been contributing their vital ideas and perspectives to our public discourse. Politically-engaged youth have, throughout history, been able to effect social change on a global scale, from the Civil Rights and anti-war movements of the 60s to the modern-day Arab Spring and Fridays for the Future. Youth engagement strengthens democracy, brings attention to overlooked issues, and ensures government accountability — but in the United States, youth continue to be excluded from the body politic, and the whole nation suffers the consequences.

Youth seats on LA neighborhood councils are intended to reverse this trend, and I intend to use my position to involve Encino youth in decision-making processes. I’m currently working to establish the ENC Youth Committee, which, I’m excited to say, held its first meeting last week. As an official ad-hoc committee of the ENC, it will have the power to address issues important to our neighborhood’s youth, and to present proposals — ranging from Community Impact Statements to funding recommendations — to our board. On our first meeting, November 18th, we discussed topics ranging from outreach and recruitment to youth involvement in the 2028 Olympics. I encourage any and all Encino youth who are politically minded or simply want to serve their community to consider joining the committee and contributing their ideas for how to improve our neighborhood. 

Thanks for reading, and have a great day!

Maxwell Furberg

ENC Youth Representative



Meet our LAPD Senior Lead Officer,

Pravind Walia, Encino Area, 

LAPD West Valley

Officer Walia's Tip For The Holidays:

A Holiday Safety Reminder from Officer Tim Walia, Senior Lead Police Officer of Encino

Hello, Encino neighbors!

As we enter the holiday season, many of you may be planning trips to visit family or take a well-deserved vacation. I want to remind you of a few simple steps to help keep your home safe while you’re away:

1. Notify a Trusted Neighbor: Let your neighbors know about your plans so they can keep an eye on your property. Having someone nearby who knows you’re away adds an extra layer of vigilance.
2. Use Light Timers: Set timers on indoor and outdoor lights to give the appearance that someone is home. This small step can deter potential burglars looking for unoccupied homes.
3. Secure Your Home: Double-check that all doors and windows are locked, and consider using a home security system if you have one.

A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your home during the holidays. Wishing you all a joyful and safe season!

– Officer Tim Walia

Senior Lead Police Officer, Encino



Encino Resident & Volunteer, Robert Newman, Picking up litter on Mulholland Drive, Encino

Encino’s Community Service MVPs

By Laure Stevens, ENC Area 6 Representative

I am very excited to introduce a new feature of our newsletter. In the months ahead we will be featuring Encino community members who are quietly doing their own thing to make a difference. Neighbors making grass roots efforts, spending some of their free time to make our community a better place. 

The first ENC MVP is the wonderful, one and only, Robert Newman. Robert is a dedicated litter picker-upper. I first met Robert in my neighborhood, on Escalon Drive, walking his dog, the leash in one hand and a trash picker in the other. He effortlessly picked up nails and screws and plastic waste along our lovely street. This evolved into organized trash pick-ups with neighbors along Mulholland Drive from Encino Hills Drive all the way to the 405. You may have seen these groups of dedicated neighbors in their yellow vests early on weekend mornings. It is amazing to see the multiple large bags of trash that have been picked up on these bimonthly pick-ups. I have joined in on many of these pick-ups and it is incredibly satisfying to pick up litter in your neighborhood while you chat and get exercise with your neighbors. The best is when cars and bikers ride by and people yell "thank you!" I often wonder what the road would look like without his efforts.  

Here is a bit more from Robert:

Question: How long have you lived in Encino? 

Answer: 22 years

Question: What inspired you to start picking up litter? 

Answer: I started picking up litter before moving to Encino when I lived in West LA. I noticed litter on my street and didn't like the sight of it or knowing that much of it would flow into the ocean so I decided to take action.  

Question: What is the weirdest piece of litter you have ever picked up? 

Answer: Over the years I have picked up many weird objects. On one occasion, with help from a few other volunteers we retrieved a stolen safe that had been dumped down the hillside on Mulholland. The back of it had been pried open but there was no treasure inside.  

Question: What do you want the community to know about your efforts? 

Answer: It takes time to coordinate cleanups and requires ongoing effort plus more volunteers are needed. It's not a case of one and done. 

Question: How can others join in the fun? 

Answer: Weather permitting, a Mulholland cleanup is currently scheduled from 9-10:30am on the third Sunday of every month. If you are interested in helping out, please DM me, via facebook, your email address and I will add you to my Volunteer list. Emails are sent (BCC to protect your privacy) in advance of cleanups. 

Please also check out 

www.VolunteersCleaningCommunities.com 

and sign up for their weekly emails listing cleanup events across the

Valley and elsewhere. 

Question: What is the best thing about doing this kind of voluntary work? 

Answer: Aside from getting some exercise and enjoying the outdoors, this voluntary work is rewarding in so many ways. I really enjoy meeting others who have taken time out of their busy schedules to help beautify our community. Aside from Mulholland, I have organized periodic community cleanups through the Encino Buy Nothing group that encourages the participation of young children. It is incredibly satisfying seeing how excited they are to be picking up litter and learning about the need to protect the environment. Finally, it's an amazing sense of accomplishment driving along a stretch of road the day after we completed a cleanup and not seeing any litter. 

If you like to join a local clean-up go to:

https://volunteerscleaningcommunities.com

you can also email Lstevensencino@gmail.com and your email will be forwarded to Robert to join his email list.

If you know a community volunteer working in the Encino community. Email me at Lstevensencino@gmail.com

Les Perry's 11th Annual Toy Drive benefitting LA Family Housing

December 7, 2024 | 12 pm - 4 pm (PT)

The Valley Inn Restaurant & Bar

4557 Sherman Oaks Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 

New, unopened & unwrapped toys and gift cards will be accepted.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Hope the Mission's Drumstick Dash LA 2024: The 8th annual 5K/10K Walk/Run

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28

Raises funds for the nonprofit to provide hot meals for those in need. Registration is open now online. Also, volunteers needed on race day.

Event schedule: Expo, and race-day registration if you miss earlier registration dates and packet pick-up, 6 a.m.; dance contest, 7:15 a.m.; costume contest, 7:30 a.m.; "Lil' Gobblers" race, 8:15 a.m.; 5K/10K, 9 a.m.

Race Day information:

raceroster.com/events/2024/75680/hope-the-mission-drumstick-dash-la/page/race-day-info.

Event takes place in the NoHo Arts District. 818-392-0020. Email: info@hopethemission.org.

hopethemission.org. www.drumstickdashla.com

Join The Office of Jesse Gabriel for a Holiday Toy Drive!

In the spirit of the holiday season, we invite you to join us for a special Drive-Thru Holiday Toy Drive benefiting local nonprofits that will make the holidays brighter for some special kids and families in our community.

To participate, please drop off a new, unwrapped toy (or several!)

Wednesday, December 11

4pm - 6pm

ONEgeneration

17400 Victory Blvd.

Van Nuys, CA 91406

(Entrance is on Victory Blvd.)

Please note that this event is for donating toys only. Toys will be distributed at a later date to families in need.

Is the Van Nuys & Burbank Airport noise bothering you? We encourage residents of Encino to get involved with our Airport Committee. Please see our calendar for the upcoming meetings. We would also like to tell you about the airnoise.io website that allows you to file noise complaints very easily for free. Check out Airnoise.io. This is not an mobile app, it is a website that allows you to report airport noise with the click of a button. The Van Nuys airport is expanding and we have seen unprecedented growth in air traffic over Encino in recent years from both Burbank and Van Nuys Airports..if we don't do something soon it will be the next LAX.

Airnoise.io.

Earthquake Warning California

Earthquake Warning California is the country’s first publicly available, statewide warning system that could give California residents crucial seconds to take cover before you feel shaking. Managed by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Earthquake Warning California uses ground motion sensors from across the state to detect earthquakes before humans can feel them and can notify Californians to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in advance of an earthquake. For more info: https://earthquake.ca.gov

To receive earthquake warnings, individuals and family members can download the MyShake App and ensure phone settings are adjusted to receive emergency alerts, including:

• MyShake App: Free smartphone app that provides iPhone and Android users with audio and visual warnings [magnitude 4.5 or higher and Modified Mercalli Intensity III (weak) shaking].

DOWNLOAD THE AP HERE:

 APPLE IPHONE

GOOGLE / ANDROID

• Android Earthquake Alerts: Android phones with updated operating systems are automatically subscribed to Android Earthquake Alerts, which uses the same technology as the MyShake App; and
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): No-cost text messages for emergency situations [magnitude 5.0 or higher and Modified Mercalli Intensity IV (light) shaking].

If you live in or travel to areas that could be impacted by an earthquake, preparation is vital, as these events can strike suddenly, at any time, with little warning. Visit My Hazards to see if you live or work in an area prone to earthquakes.

With the MyLA311 app

City information and services are just a few taps away. Use the app to quickly and easily request the City's most popular services, including graffiti removal, pothole repair, and bulky-item pickup. Other features include access to the City Services knowledge base, map of nearby City facilities, City Social Media feeds, and more. Download the MyLA311 app for Android or iPhone or submit requests using the MyLA311 website.  

DOWNLOAD APP iPhone

DOWNLOAD APP ANDROID

The 311 Call Center provides various options to connect to a wide variety of non-emergency City services and general City information. Some of the most popular City services can be requested by calling 311 or (213) 473-3231. or visit https://myla311.lacity.org



Stay Informed with the Encino Neighborhood Council!

Feeling concerned with the increasing noise from Van Nuys Airport or the ongoing developments along Ventura Blvd? Interested in finding solutions to the traffic and congestion issues in Encino? The Encino Neighborhood Council is here for you, actively addressing community concerns through its dedicated committees.

To keep abreast of these discussions and contribute your voice, we invite you to join our committee or general board meetings. Our ENC Calendar is your go-to resource for all meeting schedules, most of which are conveniently held via video conference to ensure easy access for everyone.

Meeting links and agendas are made available 72 hours in advance and can be accessed through the agendas posted for each event. Simply visit our live calendar, select the event of interest, and find all the details, including the video conference links, in the posted agenda.

Stay connected and informed about the developments in Encino by joining us in our efforts to make our community a better place.

Encino Neighborhood Council Calendar

View Live Links: https://www.encinonc.org/calendar

Contact: joshsautter.enc@gmail.com 

www.encinonc.org