By Nina Royal

The City Administrative Officer/Chief Legislative Analyst have released their joint report on the “Development Services Reform”, Council File #13-0046 and the City’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee is recommending the City Council instruct the General Managers of LA Dept. of Building and Safety, Dept. of City Planning, Public Works, Bureau of Engineering to develop “Memoranda of Agreement” that will establish a division of authority, roles, and responsibilities between LADBS and DCP for zoning and land use compliance and review. LADBS should continue to work collaboratively with DCP on a transition plan to shift zoning compliance review to DCP and establish the division of authority for discretionary approval condition compliance and enforcement based upon the issuance of the certificate of occupancy or final inspection. DCP should continue to oversee and monitor compliance of conditions of approval, but should not dedicate full time staff to enforcement after the certificate of occupancy is issued. For the remaining recommendations please se PLUM report on the Council File Management System at http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&ncfms=&cfnumber=13-0046
reCodeLA has released their Zoning Code Evaluation Report which covers the following sections: Distinct Neighborhoods, Housing, Affordability and Diversity, Centers and Corridors, Transportation Choice, Jobs and Innovation, A Strong Core, A Healthy City, Code Delivery, Summary of Recommendations. Visit the recode.la website to get involved.
North Valley Military Institute College Preparatory Academy, the 1st military school in the LAUSD, is a free public co-ed charter school in Granada Hills, 6-12 grades, and serves students throughout the San Fernando Valley. They have a military framework, challenging curriculum, with emphasis on physical fitness. They provide students with the academic and leadership skills necessary for college and career success and a foundation for lifelong health and well being.
The Elaine Whittington Scholarship Program fundraiser sponsored by the San Fernando Valley National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM-SFV), an affiliate of the Institute of Supply Management, is offering companies the opportunity to show and demonstrate their products and services, and network with purchasing and supply chain professionals during their annual dinner on Wednesday evening, May 14, at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills. Call 818-878-4706 for more information and/or reservations.
Elaine Whittington, C.P.M., A.P.P., was one of the first female buyers in aerospace, winner of the prestigious Shipmen Gold Medal and president of the Institute for Supply Management. This Scholarship Program was her baby. She passed away in September 2013, as a result of injuries from a car accident. She and her husband, Gary, were residents of Sunland-Tujunga.
Income Tax Payment Day, Tuesday, April 15th is coming up fast. The IRS publishes FREE Information Booklets. It is a very valuable resource whether you prepare your own taxes or have it done by a professional. The most popular and most useful booklet is Publication 17,called “Your Federal Income Tax Guide for 2013.” It is approximately 300 pages and will answer 95% of your questions on the tax rules. It can be obtained by calling the IRS at 800-829-3676 and will it be mailed to you as soon as it is published. It is also on line and sent PDF to you computer from www.irs.gov/publications/index.html. Bob Castle Tax Service, via the Old Granada Hills Residents Group, provided this important information.
LAFD CERT Boot Camp, is a 2 day Free CERT Training – 8 hours per day commitment being held Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at CA National Guard Armory, 17330 Victory Blvd. Van Nuys. There is a free breakfast and lunch each day. There are some options: dinner or Ham Radio test prep class, which have a cost in involved. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.cd3-psc.com/