Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council Newsletter Vol. 26 Issue 7 | | Welcome to the July 2026 edition of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council's (SONC) newsletter, the Ziff Flyer. | | |
Summer has officially arrived, bringing longer days, neighborhood events, and plenty of opportunities to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors. I hope you are enjoying the season and taking advantage of all that Sherman Oaks has to offer.
June was a memorable month for the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council. We were honored to welcome Mayor Karen Bass to our Board and Community Meeting. This marked the first time a sitting Mayor of Los Angeles has attended and addressed the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council. Mayor Bass shared updates on important City initiatives, discussed issues affecting our neighborhoods, and answered questions from Board members and community stakeholders. We appreciate her willingness to engage directly with our community and thank everyone who joined us for this historic meeting.
Our tradition of bringing City leaders directly to Sherman Oaks continues. At our July 13 Board and Community Meeting, we are pleased to welcome Council District 4 Councilmember Nithya Raman. We invite the community and others to attend, hear updates on issues affecting Sherman Oaks, ask questions, and share their thoughts. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Sherman Oaks Adult Center, 5056 Van Nuys Boulevard. We look forward to seeing you there.
Summer also means the return of one of SONC's favorite community traditions—our Summer Movies in the Park Series at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park. June 27th kicked off the series with the movie “Shrek” and we had the pleasure to greet over 300 community members and others who attended. Thank you to Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park and staff who provided and distributed popcorn. Next up is the movie “Big” on Saturday, July 25th. Bring your family, friends, neighbors, a blanket or lawn chairs, pack a picnic dinner or your favorite snacks, and enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with community members and others and create lasting summer memories. For movie dates, featured films, and additional information about SONC, please visit Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council website.
SONC exists to represent the interests of our residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Community involvement is essential to ensuring our community remains a vibrant, safe, and welcoming place to live, work, and enjoy.
Thank you for your continued involvement and support of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council. Your participation makes our community stronger and more connected. Together, we can continue building a stronger Sherman Oaks. Have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable summer—we look forward to seeing you at our meetings and at the movies!
| | Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was our special guest speaker at the June 8th SONC meeting. The Mayor addressed a good-sized audience of community members on several topics and handed out Certificates of Appreciation to SONC Youth Representatives El-Bethel Debela and Devon Jasiukonis (his mom accepted on his behalf). | | 📅 Upcoming SONC Meetings: | | |
How to Attend SONC Committee Meetings
Whereas in-person monthly Board meetings take place at the larger Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center (5056 Van Nuys Blvd), in-person SONC committee meetings are generally held at Sherman Oaks Martin Pollard Branch Library, 14245 Moorpark Street, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. Note that virtual meetings are held via telephone or Zoom. The President and Committee Chairs are empowered to select a meeting format that works best for their group or committee. Meeting locations, formats (in-person vs virtual), dates, and times are listed on the applicable agenda published before the meeting.
For information on specific times and locations for each meeting please consult the SONC website calendar page:
https://www.shermanoaksnc.org/calendar
| | How to Receive Agendas When They Are Posted | | | | Subscribe to LA City's Early Notification System (ENS) to be notified via email of all upcoming Board & Committee Meetings and to receive meeting agendas. | | | |
Notice Of Changes to SONC Elections and Candidate Eligibility Requirements
SONC is listening. Elections for seats in many of the 7 Areas in the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood council's district will be conducted in 2027 on Thursday, May 6. We have received complaints in the past from community stakeholders wishing to run for council seats regarding the complicated election process and candidate eligibility requirements.
Previous elections required that each individual Area represented on the council had to elect 3 types of stakeholders from their area. And those candidates had to either reside in, work in, run a business in, or be a member of a religious or non-profit organization that existed in, that specific area number. The SONC By-laws have been formally changed so that there are now no requirements for stakeholders running for seats who work in, operate a business in, are a member of a religious or non-profit organization to actually be based in a specific area number. These positions are now referred to as At-Large, and this means that these candidates only have to be associated with a business, religious or non-profit organization that exists within the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council boundaries.
At-Large Business Stakeholder Board Members (BSBM)
These are seats that are open to Stakeholders eighteen (18) years of age or older who work at or own a business or business property within the NC boundaries. Seven (7) At-Large BSBM may be elected to represent the entirety of the SONC geographic boundaries.
At-Large Community Interest Stakeholder Board Members (CISBM)
These are seats that are open to Stakeholders eighteen (18) years of age or older who participate in a religious institution, educational institution, health/safety organization, non-profit organization, neighborhood association. Seven (7) At-Large CISBM may be elected to represent the entirety of the SONC geographic boundaries.
A copy of the current SONC By-laws can be found on the web page here:ByLaws
This by-laws change also applies to appointments to fill empty council seats.
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SONC needs you! Please contact SONC with your interest to possibly serve on the Board in one of the vacant seats listed below. View the SONC area map to see the areas https://www.shermanoaksnc.org/page/map.
There are open seats in the following areas:
Area 2 Business Representative
Area 3 Business Representative
Area 3 Community Interest Representative
Area 5 Business Representative
Area 5 Community Interest Representative
Area 5 Residential Representative
Contact SONC President Howard Katchen to express your interest: hkatchen@shermanoaksnc.org
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On Saturday, July 25th, SHREK visited Sherman Oaks, and kicked off the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council’s FREE 2026 summer Movies in the Park. We were thrilled to have screenwriter producer and west valley resident, Terry Rossio, introduce his movie and even happier to see so many ShOaks folks enjoying time together in the park before the film.
Our next movie will be big. I mean really, “Big,” starring Tom Hanks. Screenwriter and Sherman Oaks resident, Anne Spielberg, will introduce her legendary comedy for children, adults, and more to the point, children of all ages!
So put Saturday July 25th on your calendar, and come to the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park for an evening of entertainment under, and with, the stars. Enjoy a bubblefest and music. Meet members of your Neighborhood Council. Bring a picnic dinner, a blanket, chairs, and maybe a jacket – it gets chilly when the sun goes down.
We look forward to seeing our Sherman Oaks community at this BIG event!
| The Outreach Committee has prepared a Guide to Free Services Near Sherman Oaks pamphlet for those seeking assistance, including information on how to access free food, free showers, and other resources, including housing intake. Click here for SONC's resource guide. | | |
The Low-Rise Ordinance for SB 79 Implementation is Approved
The City of Los Angeles has approved the Low-Rise Ordinance that implements State law SB 79. This is a partial implementation of the state law, allowing approximately half of the height and density otherwise permitted in impacted communities while developing a Local Alternative Plan for full implementation by 2030.
What Does This Mean for Sherman Oaks Neighborhoods?
Residents living near the Orange Line corridor and in the areas surrounding Van Nuys/Ventura and Sepulveda/Ventura may begin to see changes as early as July 2026. At that time, apartment developments could be permitted in areas currently zoned for single-family homes. Initially, building heights would generally be limited to three to four stories; however, future implementation in 2030 could allow buildings up to eight stories in certain locations.
Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council advocacy has already made an important difference in shaping this ordinance. We successfully pushed for an increase in the required rear-yard setback from the four feet originally proposed by the Planning Department to eight feet. In addition, the community requested that developers be allowed to count a 15-foot rear setback as an incentive toward meeting open-space requirements. That recommendation is included in the ordinance.
This is a map of the Low-Rise Ordinance impacted neighborhoods.
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| This is a map of the SB 79 impacted neighborhoods as of 2030. | | |
The future of Sherman Oaks is still being shaped. Over the next several years, residents will have an opportunity to influence the Planning Department's Local Alternative Plan before full implementation occurs in 2030.
We encourage everyone to get involved. Join the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council Vision Committee on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM at the Sherman Oaks Library and help shape the future of our community.
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The Public Safety Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The meeting for July will be held on: Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 starting at 6:30pm via Zoom only. (see agenda for login)
Welcome SONC Board Member, Kira Durbin as the newest member of the Public Safety Committee. We're excited to have you join us!
During the meeting, we'll review current crime data for our area, discuss the latest scams to watch out for and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) - Board Member Christy Adair provides updates on how you can learn to be your own first responder in the event of an emergency. You can also find additional information how to participate in programs such as C.E.R.T., by going to: www.cert-la.com or email: christy.adair.sonc@gmail.com
We'd like to congratulate all the recent C.E.R.T. Graduates (pictured below). These wonderful, engaged community members completed the course and graduated on June 17th. Among the graduates is Penny Johnson, who is also an active member of the Public Safety Committee.
Congratulations to everyone for completing this important course!
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Please join us! Getting to know your neighbors and the events happening in our community are key to increasing our overall safety, and it's a great way to meet new people.
If you have concerns, you'd like to bring to our attention, please join us during the meeting via zoom. You can also request that we add your concern as an agenda item by emailing us prior to the meeting. Requests to have an item added to the agenda must be received no later than 3 working days prior to the meeting date. Email your requests to:
Susan.collins.sonc@gmail.com
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Green Committee
Elizabeth Meshes, Chair
email: elizabeth.meshes.sonc@gmail.com
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Green & Sustainability Committee Update
The Green & Sustainability Committee continued advancing environmental and community beautification initiatives during its June meeting.
The committee approved a recommendation to establish a new subcommittee, Beautification for Sherman Oaks, to engage community members and volunteers in neighborhood cleanup, maintenance, and beautification efforts. If approved by the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council Governing Board, the subcommittee would expand opportunities for resident involvement and support ongoing efforts to improve the appearance and sustainability of Sherman Oaks.
The committee also approved recommendations for several Community Impact Statements supporting state legislation related to water sustainability, environmental justice, and data center transparency:
- AB 2026 (Aguiar-Curry) – Supports streamlining groundwater recharge projects and improving the beneficial use of flood flows while maintaining existing water-right protections.
- AB 2218 (Kalra) – Supports recognition of historical water-related inequities affecting Indigenous Peoples of California and promotes restorative and equitable water policies.
- AB 1577 (Bauer-Kahan) – Supports increased transparency and reporting requirements for data centers regarding energy use, efficiency, and fuel cnsumption to assist with environmental planning and climate resilience efforts.
These recommendations reflect the committee's ongoing focus on sustainable resource management, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and equitable environmental policies.
Please note: The proposed Beautification for Sherman Oaks Subcommittee and the Community Impact Statements described above are recommendations of the Green & Sustainability Committee and are pending consideration and approval by the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council Governing Board at its July 13, 2026, meeting.
The committee will continue work on previously identified priorities, including waste diversion infrastructure, green business recognition, urban greening opportunities, and community beautification projects.
Next Green & Sustainability Committee Meeting:
Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM via Zoom
Community members are encouraged to attend, share ideas, and participate in efforts to make Sherman Oaks a greener and more sustainable community.
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Traffic & Transportation Committee
Stacey Segarra - Bohlinger, Chair
email: staceysegarrabohlingersonc@gmail.com
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If you attended the SONC Traffic & Transportation Committee’s Safety Town Hall held in May, you might recall that a common refrain from representatives of LAPD Traffic Division, and Parking Enforcement in response to questions about patrols was to state that budgets are tight and staff are spread thin. It should be noted that while recent budget cycles have put a strain on most city departments, the LAPD consistently gets budget increases each fiscal year, with their allocation for Fiscal Year 2027 accounting for 24% of the entire city budget.
When navigating our streets, it’s impossible not to notice how frequent L.A. motorists break the law. Whether it’s cars traveling in bike lanes, blowing through red lights, failing to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, speeding, or any of the myriad ways drivers ignore the rules of the road, the blatant disregard for safety makes traveling in L.A. truly hazardous.
And where are the police when these traffic law violations are occurring? If you’d like to ask the LAPD questions about what they’re doing to keep our streets safe, mark Tuesday, August 4th on your calendar! The LAPD Van Nuys Station will be hosting National Night Out 2026 at 6240 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401 in the courtyard area of the Van Nuys Civic Center. There you can meet with LAPD officers, including senior lead officers. There will also be information on crime prevention and “family-friendly activities”. The event runs from 5pm to 7pm.
If you have questions about the event, contact officer Kristan Delatori: 32914@lapd.online
Stay Safe!
-Stacey Segarra-Bohlinger
Chair, SONC Traffic & Transportation Committee
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Human Services Committee
Pamela Harris, Co-Chair
email:pamela.harris.sonc@gmail.com
Sarah Adamski, Co-Chair
email:sarah.adamski.sonc@gmail.com
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The Human Services Committee would like to thank Nicholas Waldon, MPA, Program Manager for the CIRCLE Program with the Mayor's Office of Community Safety, for joining us as the guest speaker at our June meeting.
Nicholas shared the progress and impact of the CIRCLE Program, discussed its continued expansion, and provided insight into the vision for the program's future growth over the next several years.
Please note that our July meeting has been postponed due to the Independence Day holiday weekend. Please visit our committee page for the updated meeting date.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
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Shero Comics is proud to present the fourth annual SheroCon on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM–6:00 PM at the Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys!
Created and hosted by Shero Comics, SheroCon is a free, family-friendly celebration of women in comics, film, gaming, manga/anime, and creative technology. Attendees will enjoy industry panels, cosplay, creators, interactive activities, and opportunities to meet women working in some of today's most exciting creative careers. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Shero and enter our "Your Favorite Shero" Cosplay Contest for a chance to show off their creativity and fandom.
This year's event will feature:
• Shero's Saving Hollywood Panel
• Women Who Run the Game Panel
• Shojo: Where My Girls At in Manga and Anime Panel
• The Shero Alley Creator Marketplace
• Your Favorite Shero Cosplay Contest
• Back-to-School activities for students and families
Admission is FREE, but tickets are required.
Reserve your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989357514879?aff=oddtdtcreator
Saturday, August 1, 2026
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Valley Relics Museum
7900 Balboa Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406
We hope you'll join Shero Comics as we celebrate the Sheros who inspire us all! SheroCon is presented by Shero Comics and made possible through the support of community partners including: The She Angels Foundation, Queen of Mercia, KamRock Entertainment, the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, the Valley Glen Neighborhood Council, and its fiscal sponsor Creative Visions.
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Need help with potholes, street pavement issues, graffiti removal, or other city services? Try submitting a report via MyLA311.
MyLA311 connects residents, local businesses, and visitors to popular City services and information through its call center, website, & mobile app. The mission of MyLA311 is to connect people to City services and information, quickly and easily, via the communication channel of their choice. Click here to visit MyLA311.
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If you need additional assistance with City services, agencies, and departments (trash, abandoned properties, and more), you can contact the Office of District 4 Councilmember Nithya Raman here or via (213) 473-7004.
In addition to contacting the office, for any issues related to homelessness anywhere within Council District 4, you can contact Field Deputy Taleen Keuroghlian (taleen.keuroghlian@lacity.org).
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To subscribe to the Sherman Oaks Public Library e-newsletter, complete the attached.
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Volunteer with NHIFP
Take advantage of helping out your community.
North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry is looking for volunteers.
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LA Regional Food Bank
If you are interested in volunteering with the LA Regional Food Bank, please visit this link.
Questions, concerns, please email:
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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
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Get Involved In Your Community
If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain and starting a Neighborhood Watch Program in your neighborhood, please contact your Senior Lead Officer at the email addresses or phone numbers listed below to obtain further details. There are 4 senior lead officers assigned for all of Sherman Oaks:
Michael Perez
email: 35569@lapd.online
(818) 731-2566
9SL19
Mariana Romo
email: 40229@lapd.online
(818) 731-2563
9SL63
Joel Gutierrez
email: 36816@lapd.online
(818) 731-2560
9SL41
Kristan DeLatori
email: 32914@lapd.online
(818) 731-2562
9SL37
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Get Involved!
What interests you?
If you live, work, own property, own a business, or belong to a non-profit organization, school, or religious institution in Sherman Oaks, you are a stakeholder in Sherman Oaks. We hold monthly Board of Directors and various committee meetings which you are invited to attend to learn about and participate in your community. Join SONC's Mailing List today.
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What is a Neighborhood Council?
The Neighborhood Council system enables meaningful civic participation for all Angelenos and serves as a voice for improving government responsiveness to local communities and their needs. We are an advisory body to the City of Los Angeles, comprised of stakeholder volunteers who are devoted to the mission of improving our communities.
Neighborhood Councils 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. You can view a brief video explaining what Neighborhood Councils do and what it means to be a Neighborhood Council member here.
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