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Encino Neighborhood Council | |
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The Oak Tree Flyer
September / October 2024, Edition
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A Note From The ENC President
and Outreach Chair
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Hello, Neighbors!
This is Josh Sautter, your Encino Neighborhood Council President and Chair of the Outreach Committee. I’m writing to share some important updates about what’s happening in our beloved community.
First, I want to acknowledge that many of you are feeling concerned about the recent surge in burglaries. It’s a topic that’s come up frequently in the news, and I’ve had the opportunity to speak publicly about how this issue is impacting Encino. Recently, I attended several community meetings, including one on Bosque Street, where residents came together to organize a neighborhood watch after a series of break-ins. It was powerful to see nearly 40 of our neighbors rallying around the shared goal of creating a safer environment for their families.
At the Encino Neighborhood Council, we’re taking proactive steps to address this concern. We’ve identified strategies to make homes less vulnerable to burglaries, and we’re working on ways to build more effective neighborhood watches using technology like WhatsApp and group chats. Our goal is to ensure these tools are used productively, not just to create large, ineffective groups.
I’m excited to announce that in mid-October, we’ll be hosting a burglary prevention and home hardening event, open to the entire community. Our public safety representative, Roy Nwaisser, an expert in home protection, will lead the discussion and share valuable tips on safeguarding your home. Stay tuned for more details – we hope to see as many of you there as possible!
Another pressing issue is the fires in the Sepulveda Basin. As a homeowner in Encino Village, right near Burbank and Louise, I understand firsthand the anxiety these frequent fires cause. Just this week, while walking my 100-pound English Mastiff, Gus, I watched helicopters overhead responding to yet another blaze. Fires have become a near-daily occurrence, and I hear from so many of you about the toll they’re taking on our community.
In response, I’ve joined a task force led by the Army Corps of Engineers and Council District 6 to tackle this issue head-on. We’re collaborating with Congressman Brad Sherman’s office and Senator Alex Padilla’s staff to find long-term solutions. Whether it’s clearing brush, reducing trash, or addressing the homeless encampments in the Basin, we are committed to making meaningful progress on this multi-faceted problem.
As we work on these urgent issues, we’re also focusing on bringing positive events to Encino. We’re in the process of planning another community movie night, and I’m thrilled to share that Mayor Karen Bass and our city council member, Nithya Raman, are showing great interest in supporting our efforts.
I want to remind you that the Encino Neighborhood Council is here to serve you. I’ve been reaching out to residents, like Lauren, who recently experienced a burglary attempt. Her courage in stopping the intruders was inspiring, and it reminded me how important it is for us to support each other. Please don’t hesitate to invite us to your community meetings – we’re more than happy to attend, listen, and offer resources. We’re not just here to talk; we’re here to find solutions together.
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.
Warmly,
Josh Sautter
President, Encino Neighborhood Council
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Encino residents enjoying a lovely evening at Encino Park for the ENC Movie Night. Join our mailing list for updates on the upcoming movie events in 2025. | |
Meet our LAPD Senior Lead Officer,
Pravind Walia, Encino Area,
LAPD West Valley
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Officer Walia's Tip For The Fall:
In this month's safety tip, Senior Lead Police Officer Tim Walia of Encino highlights a growing concern in our community—car break-ins, burglary, and theft. Understanding the distinction between these crimes can help us better protect our possessions.
A "theft" typically occurs when you leave property inside an unlocked car. It's a crime of opportunity, allowing thieves to easily take whatever is visible without having to break in. On the other hand, "burglary" involves a more aggressive approach where the perpetrator breaks into a locked vehicle, often by smashing a window, to steal items stored inside.
Given the rise in vehicle-related thefts, Officer Walia emphasizes the importance of not leaving valuables in plain sight. If thieves see something tempting in your car, they are more likely to attempt a break-in. He advises a simple yet effective strategy to deter these crimes:
"Lock it, hide it, keep it."
Here are three key steps to follow:
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Lock Your Vehicle - Always ensure your car is locked when leaving it unattended, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
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Hide Your Valuables - Store any valuables in the trunk or other out-of-sight areas before reaching your destination.
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Keep Your Property - By following the first two steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and keep your belongings safe.
We can't stress enough the importance of being connected to your immediate neighbors and being aware of the happenings on your street. Let's work together to keep our community safe by taking these precautions and looking out for each other. Remember, the best guard against car theft is caution and prevention.
By fostering these relationships, you create a network of trust and vigilance. You’ll be better equipped to identify unfamiliar faces and situations that seem out of place. The more connections you have in your neighborhood, the safer you’ll be. Start by reaching out to those who live across the street and on your block. Building a community of watchful and caring neighbors is a key step in ensuring everyone’s safety.
Please report all property crime to the LAPD!
For emergencies call 911
For non emergencies 877-ASK-LAPD (877-275-5273)
If you see something, Say Something!
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Meet our new Treasurer, Laure Stevens | |
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A Note from Laure Stevens, Encino Neighborhood Council Treasurer
Hello Encino Neighbors,
I’m Laure Stevens, and I’ve been fortunate to call Encino Hills home for the past 18 years. Growing up in nearby Lake Balboa, I’ve always loved this area, and over the years, I’ve spent much of my career in TV commercial production, working on projects across the globe—including right here in Encino!
My journey into community involvement began when my neighborhood, Escalon Drive, became overwhelmed with cut-through commuter traffic, thanks to navigation apps like Waze. Practically overnight, our peaceful street turned into a busy route for speeding, distracted drivers looking for shortcuts. This was the wake-up call for many of us that something had to change.
So, a few of my neighbors and I went door-to-door, connecting with over 200 households. We set up an email list, started a Facebook group, and built a network to address these traffic concerns. But what happened next was unexpected—and wonderful. What began as an effort to make our street safer grew into a thriving community where we share everything from recommendations for roofers and dog walkers to tips on dealing with rattlesnakes (tip: call 911). Robert Newman even organizes regular trash clean-ups along Mulholland Drive, which many of us take part in.
It’s about more than just staying safe; it’s about building meaningful connections with the people around us. We check in on each other, share local news, and celebrate the small-town feel we’ve created in the middle of this busy city. For me, this sense of community makes a huge difference, and I believe it’s something that can happen across all of Encino.
We’ve often talked in this newsletter about the importance of knowing your neighbors—not just for safety reasons, but to build a sense of connection. When you know the people around you, life feels just a little more manageable, more enjoyable, and yes, even safer. I’m proud to say my street is proof that this sense of belonging is possible, even in the heart of a bustling city like Los Angeles.
As for the traffic? Well, we’re still working on that. More updates to come soon about what the city is doing to address these issues across Encino.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to making our community so special. I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.
Warm regards,
Laure Stevens
Treasurer, Co-Chair Traffic and Transportation Committee
Encino Neighborhood Council
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Homeowners and other property owners will see a 22% jump in sewer service rates — and more.
Los Angeles property owners will see a 22% sewer service rate increase starting in October, following the approval of new rates by the L.A. City Council on Sept. 10. This hike is part of a broader plan, with smaller increases scheduled through 2028, aimed at maintaining operations and upgrading aging infrastructure. The ordinance passed with an 11-3 vote and now awaits Mayor Karen Bass' final approval.
Sewer rates in the city had remained unchanged since 2020, largely due to the economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez, Kevin de León, and Heather Hutt opposed the increase, citing concerns about its financial impact on property owners and businesses.
Rodriguez emphasized the need for infrastructure investment but criticized the lack of communication to residents about the upcoming rate hike. She proposed modernizing the city's Proposition 218 process to better inform the public about such changes.
Proposition 218 requires the city to notify property owners and hold public hearings before raising fees. Despite sending notices to over 786,000 parcels, only 7,864 written protests were received.
Councilwoman Traci Park, who supported the increase, highlighted the environmental benefits, including cleaner beaches and healthier coastlines. Council President Paul Krekorian added that the delayed process was necessary to prevent sinkholes and sewage discharges in Los Angeles streets and oceans.
Starting in October, single-family households will see their bi-monthly sewer service charge increase from $75.40 to $92.04, with further increases raising the fee to $155.48 by July 2028. The rates are calculated based on water usage. According to the city’s sanitation bureau, one-third of L.A.’s pipes are over 90 years old, far exceeding their life expectancy. The rate increases will help fund over $3 billion in infrastructure projects over the next five years, including pipeline rehabilitation and water reclamation initiatives.
Reprinted with permission of LakeBalboaNC.org
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SHERMAN OAKS STREET FAIR IS COMING!
The Largest FREE Event in the Valley! | |
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GOT POTHOLES?
Many of you have probably noticed the dreadful state of some of our streets in Encino after the heavy rain. We'd like to tell you about a convenient way to report potholes or other street maintenance issues.
You can now use the new MyLA311 App on your phone and easily report issues you may see.
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
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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 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.
See links below.
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