Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council April 2021: Issue #4
We have so much in store for you this month!
Please read it all, thank you!

Closer look:
SONC Board Meeting -- Candidate Forum
April 12th, 2021, 6:30pm

Register NOW to vote for the May 11th SONC Election

Remembering Ron Ziff

Next Speaker Series - April 24th, 2pm

Save the Dates: Friday Night Spotlight with the Candidates April 16th, 23rd, 30th & May 7th, 7pm

SONC Committee Updates -- Flying saucers have landed in VNSO Park!!!! April Fools!

SONC Monthly Meetings
for April 2021

April 1st, 2021, 6:30pm

April 6th, 2021, 6pm

April 12th, 2021, 6:30pm

April 13th, 2021, 6:30pm

April 15th, 2021, 6:30pm

*Please check the calendar.

*Please check the calendar.
To view webinar details,
please visit the calendar.

April 19th, 2021, 7pm

April 20th, 2021, 7pm

April 27th, 2021, 7pm

April 28th, 2021, 6:30pm


Please visit the committee
pages for agendas.

*=Visit Committee page to confirm date & time.
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 is here. COVID vaccinations are more readily available. Restrictions on schools and businesses are being relaxed. We are hopeful.

Two items I’d like you to focus on this month. (1) the SONC Elections, May 11th – you are deciding who will represent you on the Neighborhood Council. And (2) nominations for Youth Representative on the Board.
SONC Elections

It’s easy to say that’s weeks away, I’ll get to it. But with pandemic restrictions, the election this year is all Vote-By-Mail. And add to that, the rules governing who can vote for whom, which candidates in which Area, isn’t well understood.
Jeffrey Hartsough
President of SONC
Community Interest 2
First, who can you vote for?
Let’s address the “who can vote for whom” question. The SONC by-laws provide that voting is by Area. There are 7 Areas within the geographic boundaries of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council. As an example, if you live, work, or have a community interest in Area 1, then you can only vote for Area 1 candidates. You would not be able to vote for a friend who is a candidate running in Area 7. The LA City Clerk provides details about who can vote and what documentation is required in the 2021 NC Documentation Guide.  

Second, Get your ballot.
As mentioned, elections this year are all Vote-By-Mail elections. It seems simple. Get your ballot. Mark your ballot. Mail your ballot. That’s about right, but it’s more complex.

There are three steps to getting a ballot:

(1) Determine which Area you want to vote in. If you live in one Area but work in a different Area, you need to choose which Area you want to vote in. You can only vote in one Area. Here is a map of the SONC area boundaries.

(2) Register and apply for a ballot. This can be done online at the Vote-By-Mail Application Portal. Or by submitting a paper application.  

(3) Submit documentation showing that you qualify to vote. This documentation is submitted as part of the applications for a ballot when using the Vote-By-Mail Application Portal. If applying using a paper application, the documentation is sent with the paper application. 2021 NC Documentation Guide

Once you get your ballot, the mark your ballot and the mail your ballot is straight forward.

The City Clerk’s website Neighborhood Council Elections has more information for you to review. Take a look at the Vote-By-Mail Application page and the three videos that help explain the Vote-By-Mail process.

Important Dates:
May 4, 2021, 5:00pm – Ballot applications must be received by the City Clerk. Don't wait – do it now.

May 11, 2021 – Ballots must be postmarked no later than May 11th. A postage pre-paid envelope will be sent to you along with your ballot.

It is important that you vote. Please be persistent and allow enough time to complete the process.  

Youth Representative -- Nominations
The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council has a Youth Representative seat on the Board that is reserved for a high school student. The Youth Representative is appointed each year and serves on the Board for the fiscal year, beginning July 1st and ending June 30th.

This is a call for nominations of qualified students who would like to be appointed as the Youth Representative for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

To be eligible the candidate must be “A high school student who attends school or resides within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council, and who is at least 14 years and no more than 17 years of age on the day of the election or selection.”

Please email nominations, name and contact information, to me at jeffrey.hartsough.sonc@gmail.com.

Our committees are working on issues that are important to the quality of life in Sherman Oaks. Please read about what they are doing in this Newsletter and become involved. Thanks for being interested in our community. 

A last note – continue to be thoughtful and kind to others. Pandemic restrictions, economic hardship, front line workers, and daily challenges are still all very real. We need each other’s support.

Please stay safe, healthy, and in good spirits.

--Jeffrey Hartsough
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!


Remembering Ron Ziff


Following are some memories of Ron Ziff who was a long time member of the Sherman Oaks NC. He passed away on April 13th, 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 virus. We hope that Ron Ziff's dedication to the Sherman Oaks community will be an inspiration to you and that you will become more actively involved with your community.
We look forward to your participation.
"Ron was a great friend."

I was shocked and saddened when I learned of Ron Ziff’s passing.

His death made real and personal what had been before daily statistics of the COVID-19 pandemic. I had chatted with Ron the week before he died. He was positive, on the mend, upbeat, and helping Ethel whom he cared for deeply. Yes, a movie perfect couple, married in 1960, 60 years ago, and still very much in love.

My heart goes out to Ethel and Ron’s family and his longtime friends. The Safer at Home and social distancing regimen has made it hard to comfort Ron’s family – to be there for them. And it has made it difficult for Ron’s friends and community to share their grief and to comfort each other. It is difficult to absorb and fully comprehend the loss when isolated from all those that knew him in all the various roles he filled during his lifetime.

My first impressions of Ron were what you might expect. Ron was a distinguished older gentleman, a leader in his Sherman Oaks community. I learned that he had a long successful career in the grocery business, and was PTA president at his children’s school, an Indian Guides father, a wine expert, and a longtime active member of the community, among other things – you get the idea. So, I was surprised when he showed up one day, otherwise conservatively dressed, wearing red high tops. Here was another side of Ron. A man with a sense of humor, who might be a little mischievous, and someone who enjoyed what he did, whatever that might be. It made me smile, and still does now when I think of it.

Ron was an avid reader. He read widely and for hours every day. He attributed this habit to Mrs. Wallace, his 12th grade English teacher, who encouraged such behavior. We benefited from this habit. In many ways, Ron was the “institutional memory” of our Sherman Oaks community. He could recall details of past neighborhood events, sharing the history of what happened and how or why it happened. And maybe what should have happened. If you listened, you could learn not only the content but also the tactics. I will miss his counsel.
Ron was tried and true, persistent and knowledgeable, and learned in the ways of the real world and always so helpful and generous. He got things done. The intransigence of an organization or bureaucracy before him was only one more thing to overcome. Such challenges did not deter him. He was gracious in how he approached those who had different opinions or positions. But he was not easily distracted by the noises around an issue.

It’s difficult to lose a friend. A friend that would welcome your calls and make himself available to listen and help. A friend that would give you an honest answer, nudge you in the right direction, and encourage you to become a better person by being a better member of your community. A friend that led in words and by example. Ron was a great friend.

I will miss him. I hope I can emulate Ron in how he lived each day, with energy and purpose and generosity and kindness. And yes, maybe even those red high tops.
-- Jeffrey Hartsough, SONC President

"Ron was an active and admirable member of the Sherman Oaks Community."

Ron Ziff was an active and admirable member of the Sherman Oaks Community. I had the privilege of meeting Ron as part of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council. He was a dedicated member of the Council and eventually came to be our President of SONC. He put in countless hours to organize meetings, setting up all the equipment and taking it down, too. I stayed late at most meetings to help Ron with the clean up. He was always thankful, and we got to spend some time chatting about a variety of subjects. Ron was passionate about a number of causes, and I remember his hard work on helping to make Castle Park more energy efficient as well as his efforts to improve transportation throughout Sherman Oaks. As we honor Ron's passing at this time last year, I recall him with great fondness and respect. He is most definitely missed.
-- Neal Roden, SONC Board Member

"Ron encouraged everyone to participate..."

Ron Ziff was a loving, caring gentleman who believed strongly in our democratic principles. Ron encouraged everyone to participate and to let their voice be heard. He often told us that only one in eight people vote…they just make my voice that much louder…which is a shame.
-- Jeff Kalban, SONC Board Member

"Ron had his hand on the pulse of Sherman Oaks..."

When I was the LAFD CERT Battalion 10 Coordinator, I cold-called Ron to ask his help in finding a new location to host my monthly CERT Community meetings. Ron had never met me but understood I was trying to help our community become better prepared for a disaster. Ron spent over an hour on the phone with me going through each of his facility contacts and there was so much information that I had to create a spreadsheet with his notes. I still use that list today and have shared it with other local organizations looking for a meeting room. Ron had his hand on the pulse of Sherman Oaks and always knew how to find and give help. I miss his smile and his passion for this world. He is missed. 
-- Christy Adair, Board Member

Special thanks to former Board Member, Kristin Sales for providing photos as well as Jeff Kalban.
Ron Ziff turned "Passion into Action".
-- Senator Hertzberg
Join Madeleine, a 12-year old student from Buckley School, in remembering those who have died of Covid-19.

MAIL 8 inch x 8 inch MEMORIAL SQUARES to:

COVID QUILT
3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd #443
Studio City, CA 91604

Visit CovidQuilt2020.com for more info.
SONC Speaker Series
Saturday, April 24th, 2021,
2pm-3pm

The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (SONC) continues its free Speaker Series. The SONC Speaker Series presents lectures by distinguished authorities on topics of importance to our community and all Angelenos. The first group of lectures address issues focused on systemic racism and social inequity. The SONC Speaker Series shares information that will educate, stimulate discussion, and encourage understanding and empathy within our community.  

Join SONC for the next SONC Speaker Series lecture with Fritzi Horstman, founder of Compassion Prison Project (CPP) on Saturday, April 24th, 2021 at 2:00 pm. 

The free event will be held virtually on the Zoom platform, Webinar ID: 873 0529 1381. You can join using the Internet link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87305291381; or by telephone, dialing 1-669-900-6833 and then enter the 873 0529 1381 #.
 
If you’re interested in compassionate advocacy on behalf of our incarcerated brothers and sisters we have just the event for you! The Founder and Executive Director of CPP will be joining us to share her experience in working to transform prisons through forgiveness and community support. With 95% of the incarcerated men and women eventually returning home, it is imperative that we address the chronic mental health issues in prison with common sense, compassion and urgency. By acknowledging historical patterns of trauma and abuse we open the conversation on how to seek self-forgiveness, healing and renewed faith in ourselves and in each other. Can this set us on the path to manifest kinder, safer, more positive communities? Might we even begin to consider that we have the power to love our neighbor as ourselves? Fritzi Horstman is a Grammy Winning Documentary Producer who made the brave decision to “step inside the circle” and to endeavor to be the change she wanted to see. We all have something to learn from her conviction, bravery and open-heartedness. We hope you can join us to learn from Fritzi’s incredible story.


If you are interested in volunteering with the
LA Regional Food Bank, please visit this link here.


Questions, concerns, please email: 
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 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 12th, 2021.
We hope you join us.

Webinar ID: 85140543942
Telephone: 1-669-900-6833, enter 85140543942 #
SONC Board Meeting November 9th, 2020
April 12, 2021 -- SONC Board Meeting
Election 2021 Candidate Forum

The agenda will be available on April 9th, 2021 on the SONC website, www.shermanoaksnc.org

To join SONC's virtual board meeting on
April12th, 2021 at 6:30 pm.


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 Gil.Imber.SONC@gmail.com.
Volunteer with NHIFP

The season for giving is here! Take advantage of helping out your community.

North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry is looking
for volunteers.

For more information, please visit: https://nhifp.org/volunteering/
How can I help my community?

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.

Start with the ShermanOaksNC.org website and learn more!

To access our schedule of meetings, times, and locations, visit our " Calendar " page.

To access detailed committee information, including agendas, minutes, and documents, visit our Committees page.

To view the rules of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, visit the Bylaws page.

To subscribe & sign up to receive e-mailed agendas, visit the City of Los Angeles' Early Notification System.

For a list of motions and voting history for SONC, view the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council Motions page.

Please continue to scroll down to see SONC Committee Updates and FAQ about your Neighborhood Council.

Register to vote!

Elections for the Sherman Oaks
Neighborhood Council (SONC)

Fourteen (14) SONC Board seats will be up for election on May 11, 2021. Voting for this election will be done with Vote-By-Mail ballots.

It is a great time for you to learn not only about SONC and Los Angeles City Neighborhood Councils in general but also to think about how you might want to become an active participant in your community.

Vote by Mail Registration deadline:
May 4th, 2021, 5pm 

Election Day: May 11, 2021

If you a registered candidate for the SONC Elections 2021 and have questions please visit the LA City Clerk’s website at:


Save the Dates:
Friday Night
Spotlight on the Candidates

There will be a Candidate Forum every Friday night starting April 16th - May 7th, 2021 at 7pm. Please join the conversation and meet your candidates!

Starting April 16th, 2021 - May 7th, 2021
Webinar ID: 862 7646 0314

April 16, 7:00pm Candidate Forum
Area 2 Business
Area 5 Residential

April 23, 7:00pm Candidate Forum
Area 1 Residential

April 30, 7:00pm Candidate Forum
Area 7 Business
Area 7 Residential

May 7, 7:00pm Candidate Forum
All Candidates

*All the forums will be Live on Zoom and/or recorded.

Questions, please reply to SONC.Newsletter@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.
Volunteer with The Valley of Change

The Valley of Change presents "Feed our friends in need" on the Second Saturday of the month from 8:30 - 11:30 AM.

For more information please visit,

Stay connected:
IG: @TheValleyofChange
Twitter: @ValleyChange
Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council
Frequently Asked Questions


Who can join the
Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council?

Whether you are a stakeholder in Sherman Oaks, or simply an interested party, you can receive our newsletter and special bulletins by signing up for our mailing list. You are encouraged to attend committee meetings and become involved.


What is SONC's mission?

-To bridge the gap between our stakeholders and local government.

-To engage the broad spectrum of SONC stakeholders for collaboration and deliberation on matters affecting the community including events, issues and projects.

-To work to achieve the objectives or projects that the SONC desires to support.

-To monitor and promote the delivery of City services within Sherman Oaks.

-To promote SONC stakeholder participation and advocacy in City government decision-making processes and to promote greater awareness of and achieve maximum utilization of available resources.

-To be an advocate for the Sherman Oaks community to government and private agencies.

- To present to the Mayor and the City Council a list of SONC priorities for the City budget as per LAAC ordinance #172728 section 1, div. 22.

- To take any other action that is, or may be, authorized for neighborhood councils of the City of Los Angeles.


What are the boundaries
of SONC's jurisdiction?

Mulholland Drive on the South, Burbank Blvd. on the North, 405 FWY on the West, Coldwater Canyon Blvd. on the East to the 101, then the zip code boundary between Studio City and Sherman Oaks on the East.


What is SONC's mailing address?

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council PO Box 5721 Sherman Oaks, California 91413


Who voted for the independent
Neighborhood Councils to start?

The voters of Los Angeles passed a new City Charter in 1999 which calls for a citywide system of independent neighborhood councils, chosen by the people of the neighborhoods themselves.


What is the purpose of the
Neighborhood Council?

The purpose of neighborhood councils is to promote public participation in City governance and decision-making process so that government is more responsive to local needs and requests. Neighborhood Councils will advise the Mayor, City Council and City Departments on the City budget and will give local residents greater say over the decisions that affect our lives.


What is SONC's purpose?

To promote public participation in City governance and decision-making processes so that government is more responsive to local needs.
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
SONC COMMITTEE UPDATES -- April Updates
VISION & PLUM Committee -- Jeff Kalban, Chair
The City, State and Metro are planning changes to Sherman Oaks and none of these governmental bodies discusses quality of life. Our Planning and Land Use Committee (PLUM) and our Vision Committee are asking how to improve life for everyone in Sherman Oaks. Density and mass transit are going to happen.
We need to demand more open space, more greenery and mass transit that actually works. Join us…it’s the future of our community at stake.

Our April 1 Vision meeting will discuss the Community Plan Updates, Metro and start a study of solutions to the affordable housing crisis.
 
Our April 15 Planning and Land Use (PLUM) meeting will hear a report from our working group about the Chick-fil-A proposal for the Corky’s site on Van Nuys. 
 
Our committees have studied our community for the past eight years and published our Vision 2020 that prescribes means to achieve increased density, housing equality and commercial growth while enhancing the quality of life in a greener Sherman Oaks. As a community we must demand a unified approach. Good urban planning is not a piecemeal process. A link to our Vision 2020: https://www.shermanoaksnc.org/docs/34483599-7325.pdf
 
Please join us and attend our virtual meetings. Vision meets at 6:30 on the first Thursday of the month and PLUM at 6:30 on the third Thursday.
 
We have come a long way in the last 20 years. We cannot let wrong minded legislation and bureaucracy ruin Sherman Oaks!


EDUCATION Committee-- Joe Cappelletti, Chair
The SONC Education Committee is dedicated to establishing and supporting programs and volunteer resources related to education. We are committed to supporting our educators, our families and our community leaders. Monthly meetings provide an open, welcoming forum for stakeholders to get involved in helping us to make a positive impact and to build stronger connections between us.  
Speaker Series Update:

SONC Education Committee has been so fortunate to present engaging speakers for three separate events. George Lipsitz kicked off the program in October, Martinique Starnes joined us in December and just last month Victor Narro and Janna Shadduck-Hernandez co-presented. All of these free virtual (zoom) offerings were recorded and are available on the SONC website. If you were unable to attend our live events – no worries! You can access all three at www.shermanoaksnc.org at your convenience. Each guest provided a well-researched, dynamic and engaging hour related to our theme of racial disparities in housing, education and labor. Our final speaker of this inaugural series will be Fritzi Horstman who will join us on April 24th at 2 pm. Fritzi is the Founder and Director of the Compassion Prison Project (https://compassionprisonproject.org) and will discuss her work with compassionate advocacy. We hope you will be able to virtually attend! This will be our last event for our first “season” of speakers. We will pick back up again in the Fall with a new series and a new theme that will be announced in the near future. 
 
Our goal is this year was to provide a forum to bridge social science professionals and interested neighbors who hope to gain deeper insight into differences of all kinds based on ethnicity with an interest in cultivating a more understanding, engaged and connected community!

If you have a suggestion for us regarding future speakers or general topics of interest - please let us know! We’d love to hear from you. And if you or anyone you know would like to get involved with SONC or the Education Committee…all you have to do is ask! Reach out, introduce yourself and let your voice be heard! More than anything we want to serve this community we all love and we welcome all interested neighbors to be a part of building a better future here in Sherman Oaks!


Tutoring Update:
Tutoring continues at Grant High School where Seniors are tutoring Freshman and Sophomores in a variety of academic subjects including AP Physics, Bio and Spanish. This Program is led by SONC Youth Board member, Marcus Zimmerman.

A new program began at Hi-Tech LA Middle School the week of February 1st. Tutors from Notre Dame High School have been partnered with Middle School teachers who have aligned their area of interest with the students. Nine tutors are assisting students with homework up to three times per week. In addition, the students launched an Art Club, Anime Club, Lego Club, and Mock Trial Club after school. Eventually, they will launch additional clubs including a Current Events Club, Chess Club, and World Sports Club.

The SONC tutoring program has also connected with Van Nuys Middle School about a potential mentorship program with Science Academy STEM Magnet. The goal is to have the Science Academy High School students create and conduct STEM talks for the middle school students and then collaborate on a community service project together. 

We are also working with local Sherman Oaks schools to help to facilitate beautification projects. We hope to assist by helping to connect local mural artists with schools as requested by administrators. Updates soon!

Committee: Joe Cappelletti, Lisa Cappelletti, Fran Kerzner, Alexandria Naseef, Sarah Mirman, Marcus Zimmerman, Chris Wiggins, Owen Cappelletti

To access the next Virtual Meeting on the Zoom Platform,
please see Education Committee page for updates and agendas.

For parents who are teaching their kids at home. Please check out this Education Resource Guide put together by the Education Committee.
Please click on the button below.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Committee-- Gil Imber, Chair
The SONC Government Affairs Committee continues to review, consider, and vote on matters of citywide concern, including city council activity, legislation, and other items involving governing bodies, departments, and individuals.
The Committee generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month and members of the public are invited to attend and provide input on positions the Neighborhood Council should take.

At its March 8, 2021 meeting the SONC Board adopted several items from the Government Affairs committee, including a commitment and support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training in the Neighborhood Council system (CF 20-0990); support for an investigation into city employee involvement in the January 6 insurrection on the US Capitol (CF 21-0051); LADOT's legislative proposals for 2021-22 including measures designed to increase road safety (CF 21-0002-S8); and advocating for Sherman Oaks' position relative to air traffic, noise, and pollution in supporting creation of a Van Nuys Airport (VNY) IFP Gateway Request Working Group with the goal of compelling FAA to modify its departure procedures at VNY, instituted several years ago without input, adequate notice, or consideration for the community's concern.

Pursuant to the March 8 motion, is now officially SONC's position that FAA failed to disclose key findings, facts, and other information and failed to use such information in assessing and ultimately implementing what has become a significantly detrimental and unpopular NextGen program at VNY and BUR, and we now seek remedies, including a new supplemental environmental assessment, as the next step to stand up for Sherman Oaks, which has been disproportionately harmed by FAA's actions. We have requested Los Angeles District 4 Councilmember Nithya Raman assist us in this endeavor.

At its March 23, 2021 meeting, the Government Affairs Committee discussed City Council's motion regarding CARE+ Cleanups at homeless encampments (CF 21-0031) and Asian American / Pacific Islanders / Hate Crimes / Discrimination / Harassment / Violence items CF 21-0002-S61 and CF 21-0264.

Government Affairs will continue its discussion of the ongoing LA City Council and School Board redistricting process at its next meeting, with great regard for considering which City Council District placement will best serve the interests of Sherman Oaks residents and stakeholders.


To access the next Virtual Meeting on the Zoom platform: please see our Government Affairs Committee Page for agendas and webinar info.

OUTREACH Committee-- Sarah Manuel, Chair
Please join the Outreach Committee for our next meeting on Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 at 7pm. We will be continuing the discussion of our 2021 Community Programming.
Outreach has been very busy this month, from the website upgrade (almost finished...fingers crossed)-- thank you committee members, Harold Shapiro and Gil Imber for taking the reigns, to a Care-kit program for our neighbors experiencing homelessness -- huge thanks to Kira Durbin and Pamela Harris for making this project happen and finally, the SONC 2021 Elections -- Candidate Info Sessions, Candidate Forums, Voter Guides 1 & 2 (stay tuned for more) & the Get Out the Vote campaign. Speaking of voting, we want you to vote! Make your voice heard and select the representative you want elevating your voice! Please see President Hartsough's message for details.

Do you want to contribute your ideas to the Outreach Committee? We are a dynamic group of strong personalities willing to work together for the common good. I know, it sounds like a super hero squad doesn't it?! But in all seriousness, we are passionate individuals who are making projects come to life no matter the obstacles we face, we face it together. Do you consider yourself someone who cares about Sherman Oaks, is creative and willing to go the extra mile? Then please, come to our regular meeting a submit your public comment, introduce yourself and let's make it happen! We are always looking for extra hands to take on the roles of Outreach, including communications and community programming.

Also, there are at least 3 different opportunities/platforms to get involved with YOUR community, please see our partner organization ads including The Valley of Change, L.A. Works and North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry. We may be apart but we are still working together.

Want real-time information and updates? Take advantage of being informed and participate in your community. We will continue to post information about volunteering, resources and more, so please "Like" us on FB and follow us on IG.

To access the next Virtual Meeting on the Zoom platform: please see Outreach Committee Page for agendas and webinar info.

PUBLIC SAFETY Committee--
Christy Adair, Chair




The Public Safety Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
The March SONC Public Safety meeting addressed “The Big One”. Many of us have joked about it – but in our meeting we took a closer look at what Sherman Oaks will most likely face when the San Andreas Fault throws off a magnitude 7.8 or greater earthquake. Did you realize most of our city’s necessary resources and lifelines cross this fault?

Local LAFD Leaders, Chief RJ Kilpatrick and EIT Joe Bannan spoke about what our neighborhood will endure post catastrophic earthquake – and what their role is when the city goes into Earthquake Mode. It was another reminder that we all need to be self-reliant for a minimum of “3 days to 2 weeks” while the city focuses on the largest issues in our area. 

For homework, we asked each of the Attendees to online-search their home address and check-out what is located within a mile radius. Are you near a bridge, a body of water, hillsides, a grocery or pharmacy, a hospital? After a significant tectonic shift – our landmarks will look very different. What will you be able to walk to?

Note, these conversations were recorded and will be uploaded to our site. If you have any questions, please email at: SoncPScommittee@gmail.com.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 at 6:30pm.

For our April meeting, we welcome Community Prosecutor, Andy Soliman. He is a dynamic individual and speaker who will offer some insight into the cases he’s worked in the Sherman Oaks Area. Join us to hear how his office has directly helped our neighbors – and how they might be able to help you, your community or your business?
 
By Telephone: Dial 1-669-900-6833, Enter Webinar ID 842 7040 8817, and Press #
Online: Cut and Paste https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84270408817 
Press “Enter”
Or on Zoom join meeting screen enter Webinar ID: 842 7040 8817

To access this Virtual Meeting on the Zoom Platform: please see Public Safety Committee page for agendas and webinar info.

TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION Committee
-- AVO BABIAN, Chair
Our Traffic and Transportation committee is currently working hard to improve traffic issues in Sherman Oaks. We are working to balance the needs of our residential lifestyle with the needs of a large Metropolitan City that requires large amounts of transportation for work, business and overall lifestyle needs. 
The Sepulveda Transit Corridor, which is the funnel between the valley and Westside, is a large contributor to our traffic issues. Currently, METRO, which is a county wide organization, is planning a $10 Billion dollar project to alleviate this traffic choke point. There are 4 major plans being studied. Please attend to learn more.

Recently, flying saucers have landed in the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park. April Fools!!!!!

Our committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. So please join us for our next Virtual meeting. we will provide updates on the METRO Sepulveda Project. We will also be working on ways to improve our parking situations, and promoting our local DASH and improving our biking infrastructure.

If you are interested in learning more about alternative methods of transportation including DASH, riding a bike or learning about the future of the Sepulveda Metro Project, consider attending a Traffic & Transportation meeting. 

To access this Virtual Meeting on the Zoom Platform: please see Traffic & Transportation Committee page for agendas and webinar info.


BUDGET ADVOCATES-- Howard Katchen
Howard wants to hear from you! If you are reading this, you are indeed a Sherman Oaks stakeholder -- your input on the city budget and city services is important. Please contact Howard with questions, for further information or to provide input.
He is here to help you understand the Budget Advocates and what they do to help our community. If you want a copy of Budget Advocates Reports & Updates, please email Howard at Hkatchen@shermanoaksnc.org or please visit www.NCBALA.com for more information.

Please visit this link to view the mid-month report update provided with the recent passage in Congress of the American Rescue Plan Act under which Los Angeles will receive reimbursement for Covid related and other expenses which will offset the budget deficit.

Subscribe to SONC's 
Early Notification System via Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to receive all agendas for both board meetings and committee meetings.






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.
Do you have questions?
The chairs have answers.
Click direct on each hyperlink to send an email.
Board & Executive Committee

Education Committee

Finance Committee

Government Affairs Committee

Green & Sustainability Committee

Outreach Committee

Planning and Land Use (PLUM) and
Vision Sub-Committee

Public Safety Committee

Traffic & Transportation

General questions regarding committees?
Please email Howard Katchen at hkatchen@shermanoaksnc.org
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.