The Oak Tree Flyer Summer 2025 Edition



Together, We Rise:

Community, Connection, and the Work Ahead

By Josh Sautter, President Encino Neighborhood Council

Dear neighbors,

First and foremost, thank you.

In our most recent election, more Encino residents voted than in any Neighborhood Council election across Los Angeles this year. That’s not just an achievement - it’s a statement. It shows how deeply people care about our neighborhood and how ready we are to step up and shape its future. Whether you ran, voted, volunteered, or simply encouraged someone else to get involved, you played a part in that movement - and I’m incredibly grateful.

As we turn the page and begin this new term, our work together becomes even more urgent.

At the heart of our focus this year is the Sepulveda Basin. If you live in Encino, you’ve likely noticed: fires are happening there nearly every day. Some are small. Some are massive. All are dangerous. These aren’t freak accidents - they’re symptoms of deeper, layered issues that have gone unaddressed for far too long.

The basin is one of our community’s greatest treasures - and right now, it’s at risk.

The fires are directly tied to a broader humanitarian and environmental crisis that includes homelessness, lack of basic maintenance, insufficient brush clearance, and a striking absence of coordinated action from political leaders. It’s not enough to simply react. We need to demand real, sustained solutions - from stronger emergency preparedness to compassionate and effective outreach, and yes, from elected officials who can no longer afford to ignore what’s happening in our own backyard.

But while the challenges are serious, we aren’t without power.

Our greatest strength in Encino is our people - and the way we show up for one another.

That’s why this year, in addition to pressing for action, we’re also going to invest in community connection. We’re planning a series of events - like neighborhood movie nights and a follow-up to our massively successful EncinoFest - not just to bring people together, but to create opportunities for education, organizing, and collective momentum. These aren’t just celebrations (though they’ll be fun!); they’re part of our strategy. Because when people feel connected, seen, and invested, real change becomes possible.

Let’s keep this spirit of connection alive. Let’s support each other, speak up for what matters, and continue to make Encino a place where people feel proud to live - and empowered to make a difference.

Please join us for the first meeting of the new Encino Neighborhood Council board on Tuesday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. We’ll be meeting in person at the Encino Community Center (4935 Balboa Blvd), and there will be food and refreshments provided. It’s a great chance to meet your local representatives, connect with your neighbors, and help set the tone for the year ahead.

We’d love to see you there.

With gratitude and determination,

Josh Sautter

President, Encino Neighborhood Council

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2025 Funding Recap:

A Year of Connection and Community Impact

By Laure Stevens, Treasurer Encino Neighborhood Council

As I reflect on this past year, one word keeps rising to the top: connection.

At its heart, everything we do at the Encino Neighborhood Council (ENC) is about building connections - between neighbors, between neighborhoods, and between our community and the larger systems of government that shape our everyday lives.

In 2025, we focused heavily on outreach, not only to strengthen our visibility, but to amplify the voice of Encino. From the Mayor’s Office and our City Council to the LA County Board of Supervisors and the State Assembly, we’ve worked to make sure Encino is not only on the map - but on the radar.

When outreach is done right, it becomes more than flyers and events. It becomes a vehicle for helping people understand what the ENC is and how we serve. We are the most local level of government, closest to our residents. Without strong outreach, the community remains invisible. But with it, we are powerful. We are heard. And more importantly - we make change happen.That change takes many forms. Sometimes it’s something tangible like getting brush cleared along Mulholland or fixing a pothole that’s been ignored for months. Other times it’s something bigger: funding for wildfire safety, increased LAPD patrols, or infrastructure improvements that make Encino a safer, more vibrant place to live.

Investing in Events That Bring Us Together

In 2025, we supported a wide range of events designed to educate, uplift, and unite:

• Movie Night in Encino Park - $2,300
• CERT Emergency Preparedness Training - $1,000
• Encino Community Center Halloween Event - $360
• One Generation Senior Resource Fair - $1,000
• Southwest Valley Community Plan Info Session - $250
• Home Security Awareness Event - $250
• Encino Day Festival at Encino Park - $3,000

Each of these gatherings created opportunities for neighbors to connect, learn, and collaborate. They weren’t just line items - they were moments of community-building.

Funding That Reflects Encino’s Values

Another important part of our work is administering Neighborhood Purposes Grants (NPGs) and Community Improvement Projects (CIPs). These programs allow us to invest ENC funds directly and locally into public benefit, organizations, schools, beautification efforts, and more. 

In 2025, the ENC proudly allocated over $23,000 in grants and improvements:

• Academy for Enriched Sciences - $5,000 for an interactive science fair
• Encino Charter Elementary - $950 for new playground equipment
• San Fernando Valley Girls’ Softball League - $5,000 for a new scoreboard
• AYSO Encino - $2,500 for two free youth soccer clinics
• Friends of the LA River - $2,500 for Sepulveda Basin Earth Day habitat restoration
• She is Hope - $2,000 to support single mothers at risk of homelessness
• Can of Sardines Mural Restoration - $3000
• Shakespeare By The Sea - $2500

We also proudly supported arts and culture, helping restore a beloved piece of public art - the “Can of Sardines” mural at the Hayvenhurst underpass by the 101 - and providing funding for the upcoming Shakespeare in the Park performance at the Sepulveda Garden Center on June 27.

Gratitude for the People Powering Encino

As treasurer, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the community organizations and individuals behind these efforts. It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate with people so committed to making a difference - from educators enriching student learning, to volunteers leading sports leagues and emergency training, to artists creating beauty and meaning in our shared spaces.

What I’ve seen again and again is that Encino is full of people who care deeply and give generously.

The Encino Neighborhood Council is proud to support and amplify that energy in a direct and meaningful way. Thank you for being part of it.

With appreciation,

Laure Stevens

Treasurer, Area 6 Representative, Encino Neighborhood Council

Thank You, Encino!

A Record-Breaking ENC Election

The results are in, and this year’s Encino Neighborhood Council election was one for the books. With over 650 voters participating, it was among the highest-turnout elections in ENC history. That’s something our entire community can be proud of.

To everyone who ran for Neighborhood Council or other local offices: thank you. And to everyone who cast a vote: thank you. This election would not have been possible without your engagement, your time, and your belief in making Encino better.

In a time when fewer people are willing to step into the public eye, each candidate showed real courage and commitment by running. Whether you won or not, your voice matters - and Encino is stronger because of you.

Congratulations to our newly elected Encino Neighborhood Council Board Members:

  •  Area 1 Representative: Josh Sautter

  •  Area 2 Representative: Adam Wright

  •  Area 3 Representative: Shaindi Schwebel

  •  Area 4 Representative: Joanna C. Power

  •  Area 5 Representative: Diane Rosen

  •  Area 6 Representative: Laure Stevens

  •  Area 7 Representative: Jennifer Moghaddam Novian

  •  At-Large Representatives: Kristin Moss, Anita Kamjoo, Heather Michaels

  •  Business Representatives: Varant Majarian, Victoria Biddle

  •  Community Interest Stakeholder Rep: Jennifer Luce

  •  Homeowners Organization Representative: Roy Nwaisser

  •  Parks and Environment Representative: Glenn Bailey

  •  Renters Representative: Pilar Defreest

  •  Youth Representative: Tess Guralnick

We’re excited for what’s ahead. Thank you again for showing up, speaking out, and helping shape the future of Encino.



https://clkrep.lacity.org/election/Official_Results_Encino_NC.pdf

Meet our LAPD Senior Lead Officer:

Pravind Walia, Encino Area, LAPD West Valley

Join us at our regular ENC monthly board meeting on 6/23 at 7pm on Zoom to connect with Officer Walia.

(zoom link posted on ENC website 72 hours prior to meeting.)

Officer Walia’s Summer Safety Tips:

Vacation Security

Planning a summer getaway? Officer Walia reminds us that the best way to protect your home while you’re away is to make it look lived-in, secure it properly, and notify the right people.

 Make It Look Like You’re Home:

  •  Use light timers for lamps or radios to mimic daily routines.

  •  Leave curtains and blinds in their usual positions - don’t over-adjust.

  •  Keep up your yard - a mowed lawn and tidy garden signal that someone’s home.

  •  Ask a trusted neighbor to check in regularly or consider a house sitter if you’ll be away for a while.

Secure Your Property:

  •  Lock all windows and doors, including side gates, garages, and sliders.

  •  Put valuables away in a safe or off-site location.

  •  Install a security system and consider motion-activated lighting to deter unwanted visitors.

  •  Trim overgrown bushes or trees that could conceal someone near your home.

Notify the Right People:

  •  Let your alarm company know you’ll be away and give them any special instructions.

  •  Pause mail and newspaper delivery or ask a neighbor to collect them.

  •  Tell nearby neighbors to keep an eye out - and return the favor when they travel.

  •  Avoid sharing your travel plans on social media until you return.

With a few simple steps, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. Stay safe and have a great summer, Encino!

Upcoming Events in Encino!

The ENC is very excited to be co-sponsoring two fun & free family events:

Shakespeare By The Sea "As You Like It" at the Sepulveda Garden Center on Friday 6/27. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy this Shakespeare classic. MAP

AYSO Free Youth Soccer Clinics for ages 5-12. 7/18 and 7/19 at Balboa Sports Complex. Register by sending an email to AYSOGU12Encino@gmail.com. MAP

For information on your rights please visit: LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs

Stay Informed with the

Encino Neighborhood Council!

From Van Nuys Airport noise to Fires in the Sepulveda Basin to Ventura Blvd development and traffic concerns, the ENC is actively working on the issues that matter to our community.

Most meetings are held via Zoom and are open to the public. To join, just visit our ENC Calendar, click the meeting you’re interested in, and access the agenda and link (posted 72 hours in advance).

Get involved—your voice makes a difference!