Second Update from Abby 7/16/08

Evening Update!

We heard back from the Dispute Resolution Program office, about the copy of the file we’ve been waiting for. Just as I suspected. They will have it ready for us to pick up - guess when? Friday, July 18, at 3:00. Isn’t that lovely? Just the right time to make a quick run downtown. And oh yeah, that gives us plenty of time to look at it before Monday’s arbitrary deadline for community response.

The Council office informs me they’ve been notified that a copy is available for them on Friday afternoon, too.

I’d like to mention another point in relation to the letter from Avis. In the Stipulation to Stay the Litigation between Home Depot and the City Attorney, the wording about the Home Depot meeting with “community leaders”, (the reason we are in this mess in the first place), is pretty clear. Community Leaders. I don’t think 2 random Home Depot supporters qualify as Community Leaders. Just thought I’d mention that.

Our email in-box is full of letters you all have sent to Avis. We’re very pleased with the response to the Action Alert! BTW, Avis hasn’t responded at all to the question about completing an evaluation.

Update from Abby 7/16/08

Here We Go Again …

The community is being asked to jump thru the Dispute Resolution Program hoop of Dialogue and Mediation, again. It’s really annoying. By now, everyone who attended or contributed to the Dialogue Day back in April, has received a letter from the office of Avis Ridley-Thomas. Said letter is full of holes.

In her letter she is requesting that we, the community, provide her with names of groups who should represent the community for the next round of discussion. At least she acknowledged our group and the S-T Neighborhood Council.

Suggested in her short list of “groups” she includes “Residents of Sunland-Tujunga who have expressed support for Home Depot should also be represented.” HUH? I didn’t know there was a Group, as in organized group, of residents who support Home Depot. Let’s tell it like it is; describing a few scattered employees of Home Depot as a group is total bias and obvious influence by Home Depot and their lawyers. Isn’t the DRP supposed to be neutral? Sure, there may be a few in town who think a Home Depot is a good idea, but there are not many, and certainly not an organized group. And I’m not the only one to take offense at this statement, the phone is ringing and the emails are pouring in!

More Questions

Another questionable point in said letter is the statement, “A majority of participants expressed a preference for the Dispute Resolution Program to continue to convene the dialogues.” That statement needs to be backed up with facts. Personally, I don’t believe it. I only know of a few who answered yes to that question on the evaluation form we filled out at the end of the day on April 26. Let’s see a chart, a list, an analysis, an evaluation of those forms! None has been provided.

Where is the transparency here? Avis said she would be evaluating the materials collected from the Day of Dialogue, and if she has written any summary, it hasn’t been made public. Wendy’s office tells us they haven’t received anything either.

Remember the day Joe and I went downtown to view the Dialogue File? (You can read about the warm welcome we received there towards the end of my July 5 post). The file included the participant’s evaluation forms and evaluation forms filled out by the faciliators, with answers to the question about whether people wanted to continue the dialogue process. But because the file was so large, we requested a full copy of the file, rather than sitting there and taking notes. And guess what? We’re still waiting for it!! So far, not a word from the DRP office in response to emails and phone calls asking when it will be ready. We were told about 2 weeks, and that was on June 30.

Do you think we’ll get our copy of the file before the short July 21 deadline imposed by the DRP for the community response to their letter?

Didn’t the participants who showed up that day make it abundantly clear that there is no place for a Home Depot in Sunland-Tujunga?

There is no dispute, and there is nothing to “resolve”. Why are we being asked to participate in this farce?

CALL TO ACTION

Please let Avis Ridley-Thomas know your thoughts. (213) 485-0390 or email mediate@lacity.org

Update from Abby 7/05/08

Catching Up!

I know, I know! I haven’t posted here for a while. We’ve been busy, what can I say? There’s always something; if its not Home Depot taking up our time, its fund raising, or other community involvement. Mostly we’ve been having fun, but then there’s always Home Depot …

I’ll tell you about the Fun Stuff first!

In S-T, the July 4th Celebration is an all day affair! The STA parade float this year was designed to include our two most important efforts - The No Home Depot Campaign and Save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course. This was our fourth year in the parade, and as usual, we were greeted with lots of cheers and thumbs-ups from the people along the parade route!

It’s always a group effort to put this type of thing together. Many thanks to our volunteers who helped organize, decorate, march, and film the days fun, with a special thank you to Gary Knowlton, our local tree arborist, who donated the use of his big truck as our lead vehicle, and to Donna for bringing the bagels and cream cheese!

STA members handed out fliers along the parade route with information about the new Home Depot permit application and contact names to write a letter to City Planning (we’re always working to inform the community about what’s going on and how to participate). You can click here for the letter writing info.

Our community is truly united in the goal of having a livable neighborhood, and our float was the result of a coordinated effort with the Save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course Committee. The Golf Course Committee is comprised of many important neighborhood groups, and it’s the people in the organizations who give me a sense of connection to this place, and I’m proud to be a part of this town.

Am I being sappy? Feeling connected to a place and the people is important to me; I’ve set down roots here. This is our country’s time to celebrate! What better time to come together as a community?

After the parade, we went over to the High School for the Family Fireworks Festival! The STA was part of the planning group for this annual tradition, too. Our sincere thanks to Regina Clark for her time, and for representing us during the many organizing meetings with other groups and businesses. Our information booth was visited by a lot of people, so again, we were able to get the word out about the STA and the many activities we’re involved in. We had a great time, visiting with neighbors, enjoying the festival, the food, and the fireworks!

Our congratulations to “Mrs. T” for winning the Honorary Sheriff contest! But, they didn’t announce the raffle prize winners … ! I’ll try to find out more about that and let you know if you won a prize! Thanks to everyone who helped support the STA by attending our events, volunteering your time and purchasing vote tickets! We’d like to especially thank Earl and others at the Elks Club, Fran & Ray, Cindy Cleghorn, owner of C&M Printing, Regina, Sheri, Paula, Carol, and the Bluegrass Billionaires for their extra efforts in helping with our Vote for Joe campaign! It’s a great way to raise funds while having some local fun! We’ll have to sell more votes next time!

And Now, The Not So Much Fun Report

Remember the Sunland-Tujunga Dialogue? I know, it seems like ages ago. It was. April 26, to be exact.

On Monday, last week, Joe and I went downtown to view the files from that day at the City Attorney’s Dispute Resolution Program office. It was possibly the most disturbing experience I’ve had since becoming a volunteer involved in neighborhood activities. We were forced to wait almost half and hour before being subjected to an unusual search procedure, like criminals, because of unsubstantiated rumors about how vicious the No Home Depot Campaign is. The City Attorney’s office obviously fell hook, line, and sinker for Home Depot’s new smear tactics. It appears that the City’s public servants aren’t able to separate truth from fiction.

We didn’t find anything of much interest in the file, tho it took two months for Avis Ridley-Thomas, Director of the Dispute Resolution Program, to make the information available in response to our public document request.

Sigh.

Update from Abby 6/18/08

What a week! Be sure to read all the way to the end!

On June 11, the No Home Depot Campaign initiated a major email and telephone call-in campaign to the LAUSD to voice our outrage about the Home Depot Open House scheduled for June 24 at Mt. Gleason Middle School. Today, June 18, the Home Depot has canceled their event.

The Home Depot, intending to promote their store, sent out fancy brochures to the community inviting everyone to an Open House. This didn’t go over too well with the neighborhood. Complaints poured in because public schools are supposed to be used for community groups or non-profits and not corporations trying to pitch their business to a neighborhood who doesn’t want or need them.

The short version of the week’s events.

We thought it would be good to know exactly what the school districts rules were for allowing the use of a public school. We learned about the State Civic Center Act, which is very clear about what type of groups are allowed to use public schools for specific types of activities. And we also researched LAUSD district policy. We found that LAUSD had (yes, that’s right, had) a policy in place which stated schools were for use by non-profit groups only. You’ll notice earlier, I said LAUSD had a policy in place, that’s because on June 12, they changed their policy! The LAUSD website was literally changed right before everyone’s eyes to omit the non-profit only clause, and instead, rewrite the text to state “not for profit” events, meaning no admission fees are allowed to be charged. Sorta different, but not different enough. Especially when you consider that LAUSD officials told us they wanted the process to be “fair, neutral, and transparent.” Well, they were transparent by changing the rules to accommodate Home Depot, but that didn’t seem very neutral to us. We continued the email and call-in campaign, and also Joe spoke with the district officials on a daily basis, or corresponded by email.

Ron Kaye, former editor at the Daily News, found the story interesting enough, and posted some great pieces on his blog - ronkayela.com. Check it out for more perspective and a good “diary” of the past week.

But I digress.

The Home Depot is a for profit Corporation, and their only intention was to promote their profit making business. Allowing a Corporation the use of a school for the sole purpose of making money, whether they charged admission or not, appeared to violate the policy and set a bad precedent for future use of the school. And besides, after we looked at Home Depot’s permit application, we found that they said their event would be a public meeting. Huh? Public meetings, in our opinion, are way different than an Open House to promote a profit making business. And besides that, there were no City staff, public agencies, or City anything involved with this event. So, we continued to let the LAUSD know this was a hot potato and in our opinion, the permit should be revoked and the event canceled.

Here’s the end of the story -

At 1:00 pm today, Ron Kaye posted LAUSD’s response to his questions about the controversial permit. The LAUSD would not revoke the permit, and the Home Depot would be allowed to hold their event. Then, about 4 hours later, Julie Korenstein, LAUSD Board Member, District 6, called Joe to say that Home Depot would be canceling their event.

We don’t have a formal statement from either Home Depot or the School District, but we hope to have some details later. Stay tuned! There may be another chapter!

And now something fun!

Please join us for a Dinner and Line Dancing Party at the Elks Club on Saturday night! Line Dancing instruction begins at 6 and The Bluegrass Billionaires will play from 7-9. Grab your dancing shoes and support the STA and the ST Chamber of Commerce by helping to elect Joe as Honorary Sheriff of S-T. Each raffle ticket, only $1 each, is a vote for Joe!

We have some terriffic raffle gifts lined up to give away Saturday night ~ a Backyard BBQ Basket, a Family Picnic Basket. We also have gift certificates from the Do It Center, Old Towne Cafe, Sunland Chiropractic, and a Swarovski Crystal collectible!

You won’t want to miss this fund raiser before the Honorary Sheriff ticket sales close on June 26!

Saturday, June 21, 2008 ~ 10137 Commerce Ave. ~ Roast Beef and BBQ Turkey, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw and Cookies ~ No Host Bar

6 - 9 pm ~ Chamber of Commerce raffle tickets are included ~ $15.00/adults ~ $7.00/children 12yr and younger ~ kids under 4 are FREE!

See you Saturday night!

Update from Abby 6/8/08

We did it again!

If I do say so myself, the STA knows how to throw a good party! Today’s Pancake Breakfast & Bluegrass Bash was a huge success! This was definitely a first, but I think, not the last, because we had so much fun! The Bluegrass Billionaires provided some terrific music and inspired us to do some country dancing. Nina showed us some steps, and after a little practice, I think we got it! I had a blast and burned some calories, too!

Also a big thanks and hug to all the volunteers that worked their butts off to make this happen today!

And another big thanks to everyone who turned out today to help elect Joe “Honorary Sheriff”!

It’s always a pleasure to see so many neighbors and friends, to share a meal, and a laugh.

To see some pictures from today’s event go HERE.

Update from Abby 6/6/08

Vote for Joe!

If you’re looking for something fun and different to do this weekend, I’ve got just the thing! We’re having a Pancake Breakfast & Live Bluegrass Bash! This is a fund raiser event to elect Joe as Honorary Sheriff. All proceeds will benefit the STA and the S-T Chamber of Commerce.

This is definitely a first! Bring the family, come on down to the Elks Lodge and join us for a good time! Music will be provided by the Bluegrass Billionaires and Earl will be serving up some tasty hotcakes, meaty and veggie sausage, fresh fruit and all the trimmings!

Elks Lodge 10137 Commerce ~ 8:30-11am ~ Sunday, June 8

$10/adult breakfast & 5 raffle tickets ~ $5/child breakfast & 1 raffle ticket Kids under 4 are Free!

See you Sunday!

Introducing A Good Neighbor!

We stopped in at Arnie’s Cafe this evening. Did you know there is live music every Thursday night? It’s a real comfortable place and the music was fine! Arnie is a great host and to show his support for our volunteer efforts, he gave Joe a pound of freshly ground coffee as a gift! Now that’s a good neighbor!

Be sure to stop by Arnie’s Cafe. He has WiFi, comfy couches, all kinds of coffee drinks, sandwiches, snacks and sweet goodies. Plenty of free parking, too! He opens at 6am if you’re looking for an early start!

6864 Foothill at the corner of Marcus Ave.

Update from Abby 6/1/08

OFF TOPIC?! Not really. This is about shopping, eating and other fun stuff!

Please join us for a Pancake Breakfast & Bluegrass Bash to Elect Joe Barrett as Honorary Sheriff of Sunland-Tujunga. The STA is sponsoring Joe, and all proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the STA and the S-T Chamber of Commerce. Entertainment will be provided by local favorite, The Bluegrass Billionaires. Sunday, June 8, 8:30-11am at the Elks Lodge in Tujunga, 10137 Commerce Ave. Adults/$10 (includes 5 raffle tickets) Children under 12/$5 (includes 1 raffle ticket) Children under 4 Free! Each raffle ticket you purchase is a Vote For Joe! We’ll have pancakes (of course!), veggie and meaty sausage, fresh fruit, coffee, and all the trimmings! See you there!

Shopping! More Fun!

Today I went shopping for clothes. To anyone who doesn’t live in S-T, this is no big deal. But up here, we have a definite shortage of places to shop for nice women’s clothing. I found a gold mine of hip, practically new or lightly used women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry. Yep, right here in the neighborhood, in Shadow Hills. The selection includes really neat-o clothing for all ages and sizes. Kathleen and Sharon, local gals, really know their stuff, and obviously have a great source. Kathy provided excellent service, acting like a personal shopper at Nordstrom; she happily helped me find what I was looking for and even brought choices for me while I was in the large, well lit, dressing room. This is a classy place, with 2 great big comfy armchairs and a coffee area, or if you prefer, they also offer bottled water.

I hope you’ll like shopping there as much as I did. And guys, if you need a gift for the woman in your life, you won’t be disappointed.

ENCORE NOUVEAU Clothing & Jewelry Boutique 9741 Wheatland Ave. Suite 1 ~ Upstairs ~ Shadow Hills 352-0172 11am-6pm Wednesday - Sunday Celebrate Your Girlie Side!

Update From Abby 5/14/08

Before we get into the No Home Depot stuff, I have an exciting announcement!

Joe Barrett, our Fearless Leader, was honored last night by outgoing President of the STNC, Cindy Cleghorn. Joe received the President’s Award for his outstanding volunteer service to our community. Joe wasn’t able to attend the meeting, so I accepted the award on his behalf. We are so proud of Joe for all his hard work and dedication to our neighborhood. Remember, the STA is sponsoring Joe for Honorary Sheriff. We have raffle tickets for sale, and we’re planning a fun event real soon.

Here we go again! It’s All About No Home Depot All The Time!

Victor M. Castro, IV, Chairman, DAC

I think Monday night, May 12, will go down in Sunland-Tujunga history. Home Depot made their first ever formal presentation to the Design Advisory Committee of the Neighborhood Council. Chairman Vic Castro did a wonderful job of keeping everyone on track. The meeting did run for over 4 hours, but didn’t come anywhere near the intensity of the other famous meeting where I’m known to have “grilled” Mr. Keim of LADBS.

The DAC members all had great questions for the HD Team. And during public comment, the community proved how well informed and passionate we are about this ill-planned Project.

Highlights of the meeting included topics such as the DAC Presenters Statement that Home Depot refused to sign, their refusal to agreee to a voluntary EIR, the former Auto Repair area, and the proximity of the site to Apperson Elementary School. Home Depot and their representatives avoided taking any responsibility for the impacts their store will have on our neighborhood by constantly replying that the City will determine the level of environmental review and called our descriptions of well known Home Depot traffic patterns, “speculative”.

Recently, we have learned that the Chief Zoning Adminiistrator, Michael LoGrande is responsible for reviewing the environmental documents pertaining to the permit application. The permit application is currently suspended until Home Depot completes a series of environmental studies. These studies include a Traffic Study, including a physical traffic count, Air Quality Study, Noise Impact Study, Economic Study, and a Phase I Environmental Site Assesment. Phase I is a preliminary review of the property for potential contamination.

We’ve been asking people to write to various City departments to express your thoughts and concerns about the proposed Home Depot for the former Kmart site. Now we are asking you to address your letters to Mr. LoGrande, and send copies to the other departments. Also, send us a copy of your letters! We are compiling everything we receive and will include your letters in our formal STA statement to the City.

Here’s the address:

Michael LoGrande Chief Zoning Administrator, 200 N. Spring Street, Room 720, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Stay tuned! The Home Depot has been invited back for a second presentation to the DAC for the next meeting on June 2. (date changed due to Memorial Day)

Update from Abby 5/5/08

V.O.I.C.E. Celebrates 11 Years!

We accomplished a lot this weekend!

Paula, Tomi, Norma, Debi, and Pat put together another fabulous Yard & Bake Sale. As you know, we rely on donations to support our organization, and these gals worked hard to earn some much needed funds. Oh, and they had fun while they were at it, too! We are so pleased with all the support of our work by people who donated stuff to sell and sweets to eat. I’m so impressed with everyone’s baking skills! Our local bakers are gaining quite a reputation, so if you missed this one, stay tuned - we’ll have another sale after a while.

We also sponsored an information booth at the V.O.I.C.E annual picnic. V.O.I.C.E - Volunteers Organized in Conserving the Environment - celebrating their 11th anniversary this year, was formed in 1997 to address the need to preserve open space in the local mountains. The group’s main focus right now is to Save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course. Sheri and I represent the STA on the Save the Golf Course Committee along with other groups such as the Little Landers Historical Society, Crescenta Valley Historical Society, Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council and many others. We had a great time talking with folks, enjoying the beautiful weather, and we sold some tickets to elect Joe as Honorary Sheriff, too! Which reminds me to plug the sale of those tickets! Each ticket you buy for only $1, is a vote for Joe, enters you in a raffle for some great prizes and goes to a good cause as a fund raiser for our group and the ST Chamber of Commerce.

And yes, Home Depot still has our attention!

The excitement over the “Sunland-Tujunga Dialogue” hasn’t died down. We’re still getting lots of questions from people who want to know what happens next. Weeelll, we’re trying to get a peek at the documentation the Dispute Resolution Program claims to have from those elusive supporters of Home Depot, who didn’t attend the dialogue. Stay tuned. We’ll keep you posted with any info we find out.

In the meantime, Victoria Pynchon, Esq. is interested in our experience, and you can leave your comments and thoughts about the “Dialogue” on her blog. Her business is Settle It Now Dispute Resolution Services, in Beverly Hills.

Here’s Tomi Lyn Bowling speaking at the “Sunland-Tujunga Dialogue”

Update from Abby 4/28/08

There’s a lot to talk about! We’re having a Yard & Bake Sale on May 3 - Vote for Sheriff Joe tickets and a Sheriff Joe party in the works.

But let’s start with Saturday’s “Sunland-Tujunga Dialogue”. I’ll try not to repeat what has already been said on our no2homedepot site. We’ve received a lot of questions from the folks who attended. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Now what?” Now that we’ve proven that the S-T residents are informed, well-spoken, and certain that a Home Depot is inappropriate for the old KMart site - we must let the Planning Department know our thoughts.

The Home Depot filed their Project Permit Compliance Review application with City Planning on April 22. The Stipulation between the City and Home Depot states a 5 month review period, so there’s no time to waste.

We don’t know if the Planning Department will be given the opportunity to review the results of the small groups. We suggest writing a letter expressing your views and comments about your experience, to Councilwoman Greuel and Daniel Scott of City Planning, which will, hopefully, make a difference. Here are the addresses:

The Honorable Wendy Greuel CD2 200 N. Spring St. Room 475 Los Angeles, CA 90012

Daniel Scott, Principal City Planner 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. #351 Van Nuys, CA 91401-2709

Lots of folks have comments and questions about the evaluation form we were asked to fill out at the end of the small groups. I have some of my own, too. I was shocked and horrified at some of those questions. I thought the questions showed a slanted, pre-concieved idea of what someone thought our issues should or would be, not what our concerns really are. I spoke with Barbara Goldfarb, the lead facilitator, about it. Yep, the evaluation form was written by the RAND Corporation, just as the pre-questions were. Ms. Goldfarb agreed with me that some of those questions were way off the mark, too complex to be answered by just checking a box, or unrelated to our actual concerns.

I just want to add that I am so proud of us, all of us who showed up yesterday. We were well prepared, and participated with a mature and honest approach. Also, to those who wrote intelligent, well thought out answers to the questions, I applaud you. There were a lot of people who let us know that they were unable to attend the “dialogue” due to other commitments, but those of us who were there, carried the message loud and clear! No Home Depot in Sunland-Tujunga! Home Depot must follow the rules! We want our EIR!

There’s more going on than just Home Depot!

We’re having our famous Yard & Bake Sale this coming Saturday, May 3 at the corner of Woodward & Apperson, starting at 8am. This is a FUN-RAISER! The STA is an all volunteer group, and we like to have fun raising the money we need to continue. If you want to help out, or have stuff to sell, contact Paula at warnpjs@aol.com. Tomi Lyn is organizing the bakers and she has been telling me all about the mouthwatering goodies everyone is baking …

Mini Cinnamon loaves
Mini Blueberry loaves
Chocolate Cupcakes
Chocolate Chip cookies
Rice Krispie Bars
Chocolate Cakes
Cowboy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Lemon Bars
Seven Layer Cookies
Butter Recipe cupcakes with chocolate frosting
Congo Bars
Yellow Cupcakes
Lemon Poppyseed Poundcake
Ginger Pear Cake

We’ll also have furniture, white bisk china (for china painting), books, clothes, kitchen items, and lots of other stuff. We’ll also have a special booth with BEAUTIFUL professional stained glass. All this- just in time for Mother’s Day! Please stop in, say hello, and bring your appetite! You can also vote for Joe Barrett for Sheriff and purchase Sheriff Joe Tickets at the yard sale.

There’s More! Also on May 3.

The Sunland-Tujunga Alliance is hosting a booth at the annual VOICE Picnic at Camp Max Strauss. Noon - 3. Please stop by and say hello to Joe and Sheri. They’ll have information about our organization and also have Vote for Sheriff Joe tickets available. Remember, your purchase of a raffle ticket for only $1 is a Vote for Joe and benefits both the Sunland-Tujunga Alliance and the S-T Chamber of Commerce.

Update from Abby 4/10/08

I hardly know where to start!

It’s been a busy few weeks since Home Depot and the City Attorney signed that Stipulation to stay the lawsuit. We immediately began asking questions. And immediately received few, if any, answers. After many phone calls and emails to the City Attorney, the Council Office, the City Mediation Program Department we are finally getting some information.

I spoke with Avis Ridley-Thomas on the phone earlier this week and we had a very nice conversation. Actually, two phone conversations, because I had more questions after we hung up the first time. But I digress. She explained to me that we will be using the Study Circles Process. The intent of the “dialogue” is not to settle the legal case, but to promote communication and the participants can bring any concerns we have. We’ve embarked on a crash course about mediation; feverishly reading the books she recommended. Where are the Cliff Notes when you need them? Also, she said anyone can attend.

Everyone I talk to has the same concern that “anyone can attend and participate.” What? You mean even people who don’t live around here, people who won’t suffer the impacts of the traffic, the pollution and the noise? Even people who have a local shopping opportunity for general merchandise in their neighborhood can come up here and have a say in what happens in our neighborhood? Even if they live in, say, Atlanta?

As our friend, Karen Z. points out, the Stipulation states very clearly that the mediation will be between Home Depot and Sunland-Tujunga community leaders. Many thanks, Karen. It’s good to have many eyes and ears out there. Heres the exact wording:

“THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED…..
(5) the City shall facilitate discussions between Home Depot and Sunland-Tujunga community
leaders under the auspices of the City Attorney’s community mediation program to act as a
forum for constructive discussion as the settlement process moves forward.”

Let’s see. Who are the community leaders? The STA is a group that I hope would be considered “community leaders” - hey we filed the appeals, right?

Joe and I both repeatedly called the City Attorney and attempted to have input into the design of the process. We were repeatedly told we could have no say in the matter.

The STNC President, Cindy Cleghorn, also spoke with the City Attorney many times and she was told that there was nothing she could contribute either.

Instead of ranting here, I will be calling Avis tomorrow.

Oh yeah, the Stipulation is being ignored in item 4, too. Home Depot said they would file their Project Permit Compliance Review application in March. It’s now April 10. No application has been filed.

Everyone is urged to attend the “Sunland-Tujunga Dialogue”. You can find all the info on the home page of this website or our other website - www.no2homedepot.com

Stay tuned. I’m sure there will be more excitement as we approach Dialogue-Day!

Update from Abby 3/25/08

What an honor!

This is me with Councilwoman Greuel.

——————————————————————————————————-

I received the Woman of the Year 2007- 2008 award from the Sunland-Tujunga Business and Professional Women tonight, for my volunteer efforts and my community service and activism. I received so many plaques and certificates, it’s almost overwhelming. I think my favorite is from the Little Landers Historical Society, presented to me by Lloyd Hitt. It is an honor all in itself. This little gem is a section of the old flagpole that stood for over 90 years in front of Bolton Hall. And I’m the first ever to receive this type of award. I think I will carry it around in the car so I can show it around at the next community meeting! Really, you should see this piece of history.

I truly believe that I did not earn this honor on my own. Without Joe, Paula, Sheri, Cindy, Vic, Elaine, Regina, Nina, Richard, Debby, Peter, Tomi, Roberta and many others, there would be no award for the NHDC and the STA. We are a team, and each one of us has contributed our time and our hearts to the cause.

I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful community. I know that we will continue to work together as a community united in improving the quality of life in Sunland-Tujunga. Thank you so much.

Update from Abby 3/23/08

An Extraordinary Opportunity!

On Saturday, the Verdugo Hills Golf Course Committee had a rare opportunity to provide a guided tour of the Golf Course site with the actual person who is preparing the environmental documents for the City. City Planner, David Somers, made an impromptu request to tour the site and meet with committee members. I wasn’t able to attend, but those who did were thrilled to have the chance to point out key points and concerns. They discussed already approved projects that will affect traffic, historical relevance, and our vision for a Regional Park.

According to everyone’s reports, it was a very productive day!

If you want to know more about the Golf Course - be sure to attend the Crescenta Valley Town Council Meeting this coming Wednesday night. You can get all the info from the homepage of the STA website.

See you there!

STNC Elections 2008

The list of candidates for the STNC is now out!

We strongly urge everyone to vote this year! Our STNC is considered one of the most successful and cutting edge Neighborhood Councils in all of Los Angeles. The only thing lacking is a large voter turn-out!

Let’s make this year different and set the standard for community participation!

Meet the Candidates for the 2008 STNC Board - Vote April 5th

STNC 2008 Neighborhood Council Election Candidates
Vote Election Day - April 5, 2008 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
North Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga

Attend upcoming Forums & Candidate Mixer and get to know the candidates

Monday, March 24 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 29 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m.
*all events at North Valley City Hall

Executive Board - vote for 1 in each position
Dan McManus - President
Victor M. Castro, IV - 1st Vice President - Community Improvement
Nina Royal - 2nd Vice President - Outreach
Raffe Galoostian - Treasurer
Mark Seigel - Treasurer
Cindy Cleghorn - Secretary

Group Representatives - Vote for up to 8

Tomi-Lyn Bowling - Business
Lydia Grant - Educational
Ricky Grubb - Sierra Club
John (Blue) Herget - Bolton Hall
Danny Ironstone - Cultural Arts
Elizabeth Jahelka - Youth
Marti Marshall - Scouting
Mose Mose, Jr. - Educational
Richard Stewart - Service Club

Region Representatives - Vote for 2 in each region

Olina Lowe - Region 1
Bill Manning - Region 1
DeAnna Riehl - Region 1

Jenny Rodriquez - Region 2
Berj Zadoian - Region 2

Deborah Ray - Region 3
James Speas - Region 3
Marina Totalca - Region 3
Ben Vandertuin - Region 3

Rafael Gonzalez - Region 4
Edmund Novy - Region 4
Leona Swan - Region 4
Belinda Woodruff - Region 4

Update from Abby 2/27/08

There’s lots going on!

I’m pleased and proud to announce that I am being honored as 2007 Woman of the Year by the Sunland-Tujunga Business and Professional Womens Association. There was a regional banquet last November, and the local chapter banquet will be on March 25. Coach D is receiving the Golden Nike Award the same night. Here’s the info:

Elks Lodge, 10137 Commerce, Tujunga

For more info call Penny at 818 541-7543 or to make reservations.

I’d be honored if you would join us. You must RSVP by March 15th!

 

The STA Calendar is filling up fast!

We have so many events in the works, I hardly know where to start. One thing for certain, we’re gonna need lots of volunteers for some of these ideas.

• The STA will be nominating Joe (our fearless leader) as Honorary Sheriff of Sunland-Tujunga. This is a charity fund-raiser for the Chamber of Commerce, tickets will be sold and whoever sells the most tickets wins the title of Honorary Sheriff. The Honorary Sheriff gets to ride in the July 4th Parade and participates in the Fireworks festivities. Joe’s already trying to pick out his holster and a ten-gallon hat! He’s inspired by the sheriff badge Regina made for him.
• We are thinking about sharing a booth with the Verdugo Hills Golf Course Committee at the Easter Carnival. Stay tuned for more details. This is coming up soon, March 21, 22, 23.
• We’re also considering a booth at Our Lady of Lourdes Family Fun Days, too. This hugely popular fair is May 16, 17,18.
• On April 1, (no fooling) we will be making a presentation to the S-T Chamber of Commerce to introduce the functions and goals of our organization.
• And back by popular demand, we will be having another Yard & Bake sale on May 3, just before Mother’s Day. Same location. Mark your calendars, this is an event not to be missed. Call Paula at (81 269-2155 to be involved. We need stuff and plenty of volunteers.

I know, I know, I’ve already said it a bunch of times - but we need people to volunteer their time for any of these ideas to succeed. Our effectiveness is based on your participation. Won’t you join us? Contact Joe - explodingsun@gmail.com

Finally, we wish our good friend, Cindy Cleghorn, STNC President, a speedy recovery after her car accident today. She’s okay, thankfully, but we were sure worried about her.

Update from Abby 2/24/08

Monte Carlo Night was a blast!

I’ve never been to this fun event before - I’m not a gambler. But you don’t need to gamble to have fun there. I met up with Paula and her husband, Caryl. We got a kick out of seeing the big ol’ balloon with our Sunland-Tujunga Alliance name on it.

There was a huge turnout; lots of familiar faces and we made some new friends, too. We made sure we were introduced to the Chamber people, since they didn’t seem to know anything about our organization or who we are. Now they do! We’ll be making a presentation at the next Chamber of Commerce meeting in March to explain our goals and what we want to do in the community.

The food was really good, and there was plenty to go around. Every card table was full, and the place was hoppin’. This is an annual charity event, so don’t miss out next year.

Update from Abby 2/21/08

Monte Carlo Night At the Elks Lodge

February 23, 2008

Elk’s Lodge #2098 - 10137 Commerce Ave., Tujunga

Come for a fun-filled night at this annual charity event hosted by the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce. Monte Carlo Night features casino-style gaming fun! Admission: $20 per person.

For more information, call the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce Tuesday- Friday 8 am - 12 noon 352-4433

The STA is sponsoring a table! We’ll see you there!

Update from Joe 2/16/08

Food, Fun, & Friends!

Saturday’s STA meeting went really well! We had representatives from all aspects of the community, including members of The Foothills Forum, COBRA, The STNC, The DAC, and some of the more pro-active residents of S-T. Regina Clark was inducted as a new boardmember, and just about everyone in attendance received one of the extra fancy STA membership certificates. We talked about particular issues, including just who may wind up replacing Wendy Greuel when she leaves office, The Verdugo Hills Golf Course, Las Lomas, and of course, Home Depot!

The food was delicious, and the atmosphere great! Many thanks to Kris and The Olde Towne Cafe for a great spread.

I think we’ll do this again next month!

Update from Abby 2/11/08

The Sunland-Tujunga Alliance (STA) Community Meeting

We will be holding our first public meeting this Saturday, February 16.
Local residents are encouraged to attend!

We will be updating on the No Home Depot Campaign (you will get info that is not published on the website), the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, our recent amazing Bake & Yard sale, Las Lomas, and more!

Time & Place:

11:30 am

Olde Towne Cafe - 10024 Commerce Ave.

The Olde Towne Cafe is just a great place, the owners are as nice as they come, they support the community, and their food is delicious!

If you are planning on attending please respond to this post or send an email to explodingsun@gmail.com. We would like to prepare the staff for the number of attendees!

See you Saturday!

Here’s a link to the Olde Towne Cafe!

http://www.oldetownecafe.net/

Update from Abby 2/9/08

The Yard & Bake Sale was a GREAT Success!

We had a great turnout today! It was so exciting to see all the wonderful home baked goodies come in. We had all kinds of tasty treats to choose from. I was especially impressed with the homemade chocolate lollipops with happy faces and daisy designs. It was really fun to meet all the folks from the Foothills Forum - so many contributed to the success of the day. In fact, two former S-T residents came up from Burbank to help out. I’ll have a few photos to share with you later. We sold all kinds of stuff, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and a good time was had by all. We far exceeded our fund raising goals, and had so much fun, we just might do another sale in time for Mother’s Day. Thanks to everyone in the community for coming together and making it a very special day.

Update from Abby 2/6/08

We’ve been busy!

The Fund Raising Committee is getting all the final details in order for our Yard and Bake Sale “Fun-Raiser” coming up this Saturday morning, Feb. 9, from 8am-2pm. We’ll have lots of home baked goodies to tempt you and there will be lots of stuff to rummage thru. Come on by and say hello, I’m sure you’ll find something you can’t live without! We’ll see you at the corner of Woodward and Apperson.

Tuesday night was the LA Department of Recreation and Parks Needs Assessment meeting. It was very productive; well presented by Mia Leher and Associates, with lively participation by many community members. The community identified many points about the status and needs of the Los Angeles park system, as well as the local perspective about our neighborhood parks; including park safety, programs for kids, park maintenance, and naturally - saving the Verdugo Hills Golf Course. It’s always fun to get out to community events and say hello to folks, as well.

On Monday night, Kagel Canyon resident, Marlene Rader, represented the Sunland-Tujunga Alliance at the Special Meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Los Angeles City Council. We weighed in on the Las Lomas Development, which just about everyone sees as a bad idea. It went on to City Council the following morning. More on that later. Thank you Marlene, for stepping up to the plate. It’s volunteers like you who make a difference!

Update from Abby 1/31/08

LA Department of Recreation and Parks Citywide

Needs Assessment Community Meeting

Tuesday, February 5

6:30 - 8:30 pm

8651 Sunland Blvd.  (at the Sunland Rec Center)

The City of Los Angeles is asking for public input regarding the Department of Recreation and Parks. This is your opportunity to let the city know what Sunland-Tujunga needs in terms of parks and recreation. It will also be an opportunity to let the City know that they have an opportunity to preserve a 63-acre regional park at the Verdugo Hills Golf Course.

Here are some of the questions to consider:

1. What do you like, or don’t you like, about the park and recreation areas in the City of Los Angeles?

2. What parks or recreation areas/programs do you use? How far do you or would you travel?

3. Do you think the parks could have more features and programs that you might use? Do you think the City has the right number and mix of parks and recreation areas?

4. What general concerns do you have with the park and recreation areas in the City?

5. What additional park and recreation areas do you think are needed in the City of Los Angeles?

6. What additional recreation programs do you think are needed in the City of Los Angeles? Should anything be changed?

7. What would you like to see fixed or changed immediately in your parks or recreation areas? What things do you think would take more time to do?

8. There are various sources of funding available to help offset the costs of park maintenance, land acquisition and improvements. What types of funding and/or partnering opportunities do you think the City should pursue to help offset these costs?

This is an important opportunity to speak up for Sunland-Tujunga, our recreational needs, as well as open space preservation. If you are unable to attend on February 5th, visit http://losangeles.prosconsulting.com/Online%20Survey.htm for an online survey.

See you there!

Update from Abby 1/24/08

Saving the Verdugo Hills Golf Course!

The fight to save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course from development was on the Glendale City Council agenda this past Tuesday, January 22, 2008. The Save the Golf Course Committee has worked very hard over the past year to bring regional entities together to purchase the property. Council District 2, L A County, and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy have already signed on. Hopefully, the City of Glendale would join in…

So, how did it go at Glendale City Council?

It was a long night. We were supposed to be the first item for New Business. But they changed the order and we sat through 3, yes three, hours of public testimony and Council debate for a hot button topic. Sure, we were able to hang in and wait our turn. Long and contentious city government meetings are nothing new to this community! Many concerned Crescenta Valley and Sunland-Tujunga residents spoke in favor of saving the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, including yours truly. The Save the Golf Course Committee presented two very excellent posters - one showing trails, tennis courts and other activities for a proposed “Verdugo Hills Golf Course and Regional Park” and the other suggesting new routes for the Glendale Beeline bus service. A big shout out to Councilman Quintero for his strong support! Here’s the story from the Glendale News Press:

http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2008/01/24/news/gnp-golf24.txt

For more info:

http://savethegolfcourse.org