Standard Blog Whole Post | Sunland Tujunga Community News, Business and Culture

State Senator Portantino Proposes Segment of CA-134 Freeway be Named After President Obama

Tuesday, Senator Anthony J. Portantino introduced Resolution, SCR 8, which will name the segment of the CA-134 freeway between the Glendale CA-2 and the Interstate 210 Freeway the “President Barack H. Obama Freeway”.

President Obama attended Occidental College in Eagle Rock from 1979 to 1981 and lived in Pasadena during his sophomore year. His attendance at Occidental College influenced his political trajectory and led him to become one of our most revered and respected Presidents in American history.

For his contributions as a community activist, constitutional scholar, United States Senator and President, it is only fitting to honor our 44th President by naming a part of a freeway he most certainly used while living in the area, Portantino said.

Over this past weekend, local activists in the 25th Senate District suggested to Portantino that given the President’s connection to Southern California and Eagle Rock in particular, it would be appropriate to memorialize his time in Southern California with a freeway naming.

Portantino said he has spoken with Asm. Jimmy Gomez who currently represents Eagle Rock and he will be joining Portantino on this resolution. Portantino represented Eagle Rock while in the Assembly.

“I am honored to be in a position to bring appropriate respect to President Obama’s leadership, his fond memories of living in the 25th Senate District, his college days in the 51st Assembly District and his tremendous legacy. California has a long history of designating our freeways as reminders of the accomplishments of important leaders who have shown character, strength, and passion. President Obama is a laudable person to showcase and for Southern Californians to appreciate,” commented Sen. Portantino.

December 19, 2019

0 Comments

Tuesday, Senator Anthony J. Portantino introduced Resolution,

Community, Development, Government, Senator

Senator Portantino Recognized for Adolescent Health Efforts Presented with Children’s Hero Award

Marina Del Rey, California – State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada Flintridge) was recently honored by the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CALACAP) as the 2019 Children’s Hero Award recipient. CALACAP recognized the Senator at its recent conference in Marina Del Rey for his dedication to youth mental health. Senator Portantino has long made mental health issues a key component of his legislative agenda. In particular, this year Senator Portantino held two mental health first aide workshops in his district.

“As a father of two daughters, I try to legislate through the lens of a parent. Being recognized for efforts to destigmatize mental health and expand care for all our children during these complex times is humbling and very appreciated. Sadly, far too many of our children grapple with anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health issues. This is a serious issue facing kids and unfortunately the discussion of mental health is often treated as taboo. I look forward to continuing to work with the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to further bring recognition to the issues and help those in need,” commented Senator Portantino.

Dating back to his time in the Assembly, Senator Portantino has long been a consistent and passionate voice in advocating for increased mental health research and services. The Senator has previously authored bills such as SB 972, which requires schools to print the suicide hotline on student identification cards. Additionally, Senator Portantino worked extremely hard over the course of three years to pass SB 328 to push back start times for middle schools and high schools. Scientific data and research shows that later school start times lead to improved mental health for kids, with reductions in instances of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Mental health issues have become a crisis for the state of California and the Senator will continue to passionately advocate for this vulnerable group.

“California Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (CALACAP) is proud to present our 2019 Children’s Hero Award to Senator Portantino. Every year, CALACAP presents this award to a legislator or professional who has made an outstanding contribution to the children and families of California. This year, Senator Portantino has authored and supported several bills that would significantly impact and improve the overall health and well-being of the children in our state. We thank the Senator for his continued support,” commented Christopher Thompson, M.D., President of the California Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

December 19, 2019

0 Comments

Marina Del Rey, California – State Senator

Business, Community, Government, Senator

Accomplished Women Celebrated at Senator Anthony Portantino’s 25th Senate District Women in Business Luncheon

Burbank, California – On Wednesday, December 4^th, California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (La Cañada Flintridge) hosted the annual 25^th State Senate District Women in Business Legislative Update & Awards Luncheon at The Castaway in Burbank, California. The Women in Business Awards honor local women who have contributed to the economic vitality and diversity of the 25^th Senate District. Women in Business additionally celebrates women who have contributed to the greater good of our community. Honorees celebrated inspire others, stimulate our workforce and run some of the most impressive non-profits, healthcare organizations and businesses in the 25^th State Senate District.

This year’s luncheon proudly featured Keynote Speaker Dr. Lucy Jones, founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society and Research Associate at the Seismological Laboratory of Caltech. She has been at the forefront of all seismic movement experienced in California and nationwide. Additionally, the event included music performed by the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and Cantor Ruth Berman Harris.

Trailblazer ~ Ellen Ligons (Pasadena) & Sally De Witt (San Marino)

Volunteer ~ Talin Yacoubian (Los Angeles), Nancy E. Guillen (Burbank), Margie Green (San Dimas), Sonja Stump (Claremont), Veronica Chavoor (Burbank), Christina Ellixson (Burbank) & Jennifer Choi (La Cañada Flintridge)

Young Entrepreneur ~ Monique Vobecky (Glendora), Delilah Curry (South Pasadena) & Rhiannon Gillis (Atwater Village)

Empowerment ~ Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Filipino American Business Association of Glendale & Glendale Council PTA

Small Business ~ Keshia Bowen (Monrovia), Linda Sells (Monrovia) & Meredith Miller (Altadena)

Law ~ Judge Armenui A. Ashvanian (Glendale), Genoveva Talbott (Claremont), Diane Lambillotte (Glendale) & Lucy Varpetian (Glendale)

Corporate ~ Bianca Vobecky (Glendora), D’Aquino Imports (Duarte) & Patricia D’Aquino (Duarte)

Medicine ~ Dr. Srpouhi Gasparyan (Pasadena), Dr. Wendy Shem Yeh (Pasadema), Dr. Andrea Brault (San Dimas) & Dr. Alexandra Levine (Duarte)

Education ~ Ani Keshishian (Montrose), Rebeca Andrada (La Crescenta), Sharon Cuseo (Burbank) & Taline Krikorian Arsenian (Glendale)

Non-Profit ~ Tara Peterson (Glendale), Judith Arandes (Burbank), Marianna Gatto (Los Angeles), Debra Manners (Pasadena), Tina Hughes (Upland), Michelle Kim (Pasadena), Barbara Miller (Burbank) & Vickie Reinhardt (Pasadena)

Inspirational ~ Reverend Cassie McCarty (Glendale) & Cantor Ruth Berman Harris (Pasadena)

Arts ~ Nina Crowe (Glendale), Marlene Hitt (Sunland Tujunga) & Anna Sheklow (La Crescenta)

Environment and Sustainability ~ Dominique Hargreaves (Pasadena) & Susana Reyes (Glendale)

“It is a pleasure to honor successful women in the 25^th State Senate District. Having a wonderful spouse who is a thriving business executive gives me a unique window into the challenges, opportunities, and successes of women business leaders throughout my district. The women we honored this year are impressive and humble servants for their non-profits, businesses, and professions. It is important to pause and to thank our deserving honorees for their successful service that touches all of us in such a positive way,” commented Senator Anthony J. Portantino.

The main objective of the event was to celebrate exceptional women whose professional skills and commitment to their community have made them leaders and trailblazers in the 25^th Senate District. The careers of the honorees varied across the spectrum of professions, including science and technology, corporate and small business, environmental protection, as well as non-profit organizations. The Women in Business Award Luncheon was initiated by then Assemblymember Jack Scott over two decades ago.

Senator Portantino is the Chair of the California State Senate Select Committee on California Armenia, Artsakh Trade Art and Cultural Exchange. He recently returned from his third trip to Armenia and New York City where he helped launch the historic trade MOU signed by Governor Newsom and the Government of Armenian.

December 19, 2019

0 Comments

Burbank, California – On Wednesday, December 4th, California State

Assemblywoman, Business, Community, Council Women, Government, Senator

Valley Alarm Celebrates Renovation of Historic Elks Lodge

The long-time Los Angeles area security provider hosted an event attended by state and local dignitaries to mark the opening of its renovated headquarters.

Valley Alarm, a leading security provider in the Los Angeles region, recently opened its new headquarters here, located in the sprawling San Fernando Valley.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 3 was attended by State Assemblywoman Luz Rivas; San Fernando Mayor Joel Fajardo, San Fernando Chief of Police Anthony Vairo, the office of State Senator Hertzberg, City Council members, the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce, industry icons, and hundreds of friends and colleagues.

Following a catered reception, the assemblywoman, mayor and chief of police gave speeches commending Valley Alarm for renovating the venerable 1931 Elks Lodge building, which now blends historical and contemporary design.

The dignitaries also praised the company’s commitment to the community. Valley Alarm CEO Robert Michel spoke of the company’s commitment to the San Fernando community and to its own employees through a culture of service and personal and professional growth.

Valley Alarm’s renovation of the historic building was a complete makeover that included a new roof, HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing renovation, advanced lighting, paint inside and out, refinishing of all natural historic wood, a new decorating scheme, and a change of use from banquet hall to office building.

A main theme of the renovation was the preservation of the beautiful, historic character of the building, while incorporating contemporary systems and design elements.

December 19, 2019

0 Comments

The long-time Los Angeles area security provider

Assemblywoman, Community, Council Women, Government, Senator

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas Provides Update on Local Assistance Center Opening in Response to the Saddle Ridge Fire Recovery Efforts

SYLMAR – Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) announces the opening of a Local Assistance Center (LAC) at the Sylmar Recreation Center for residents impacted by the recent Saddle Ridge Fire.

On Thursday, October 10th, at approximately 9 p.m., an aggressive fire broke out in Sylmar, California. As of October 15, 2019, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported the fire at 8,391 acres with 45% containment. The Fire has damaged 40 single residences, 17 multiple residences, 1 nonresidential commercial property, and 3 minor structures; and destroyed 12 single residences, 5 nonresidential commercial property, and 4 minor structures.

“Since the outbreak of the Saddle Ridge Fire, my team and I have been working to connect residents with resources to ensure that no needs go unmet,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas.

The City of Los Angeles is leading the efforts to open LAC to provide local residents with recovery efforts on-site for individuals, family members, and business owners to obtain information on services and assistance needed as a result of damages to personal property. Along with city resources, the Department of Motor Vehicle, Franchise Tax Board, Contractors State License Board, and the Department of Insurance will be present at the LAC, ready to help anyone in need.

LAC Location: Sylmar Recreation Center, 13109 Borden Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342

Open to the Public: Thursday, October 17, 2019 to Saturday, October 26, 2019

Hours of Operation:

Thursday, October 17: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Tuesday, October 22: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 18: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Wednesday, October 23: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 19: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.	Thursday, October 24: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 20: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.	Friday, October 25: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday, October 21: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Saturday, October 26: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact my District Office at (818) 504-3911.

Assemblywoman Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and San Fernando.

###

CONTACT:
Judy Yee, Judy.Yee@asm.ca.gov, 916.319.2039

December 18, 2019

0 Comments

SYLMAR – Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) announces the opening

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas - Identifying Homeless Children

Assemblywoman, Community, Council Women, Government, Senator

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas’ Fight to Support California’s Homeless Children Continues

SACRAMENTO – Earlier this year, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) partnered with Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember James Ramos (D–Highland) to request an audit looking into the state’s existing policies that are used to identify and provide support to youth experiencing homelessness. Today, the State Auditor issued a scathing report that found California’s K-12 education system has been ineffective at identifying and providing supportive services for homeless youth.

“My office knew something was wrong when we discovered over one-quarter of California’s schools reported having zero homeless students. The results of the audit confirms what my staff had heard last year when we convened a roundtable discussion with stakeholders and state agencies. Earlier this year, I introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 16, which directly aligns with the concerns raised in the Auditor’s report, and would have established policies to ensure there was a standardized process to oversee and identify homeless youth,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “While the Governor vetoed AB 16, given the results of the audit, it shows that we were on the right track, and I am even more committed to advancing legislation to help these children.”

AB 16 sought to create three Geographic County Offices of Education to develop Regional Assistance Centers (Centers). These Centers would have provided critical assistance to local governments, and provided them with needed resources to identify homeless families with children, and connect them with the services necessary to get back on their feet. In this year’s budget, prior to the release of the audit, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas was able to secure new positions for Statewide Homeless Coordinators to assist local communities.

“Student homelessness is not an issue that will simply go away if we pretend it isn’t happening,” said Assemblymember David Chiu. “If students experiencing homelessness are not being identified, they are not getting access to the services they need to be successful. I am grateful for the State Auditor’s work to identify ways we can all do more to support students experiencing homelessness.”

“While the State Auditor’s report shows we have much work to do, I am hopeful this will frame our efforts in the legislature and in our communities. When we can communicate best practices at the state and local level to identify students experiencing homelessness, and link those students and families with the resources they need, we can break the cycle of homelessness for at-risk students and families in the Inland Empire and across California,” said Assemblymember James Ramos.

“Our current system is systematically flawed and we are allowing our most at-risk youth, especially in communities of color, to slip through the cracks,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “I look forward to continue working with my colleagues and the Governor’s office when I reintroduce AB 16 in the upcoming year to better align my policy to the recommendations stemming from this audit. I want to thank my friends and colleagues, Assemblymember David Chiu, Assemblymember James Ramos, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond for partnering with me this past year to bring visibility to the hidden homeless population.”

Assemblywoman Rivas proudly represents the 39^th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and San Fernando.

December 18, 2019

0 Comments

SACRAMENTO – Earlier this year, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) partnered

Travel

14 incredible National Parks within driving distance of L.A/Sunland

Yosemite National Park — Photograph: Courtesy Leo Serrat

There’s never been a better time to show your support for this country’s incredible National Park system. We’re lucky to live in a nation that protects and preserves 61 separate parks (nine of which are in California, the most in any state) totaling 52.2 million acres of land. We highly suggest making the trip to as many of these parks as possible, but have chosen to highlight those within a day’s drive (eight hours or less) from Los Angeles—some are perfect for a day trip; others are better reserved for a road trip or weekend of camping. So get out there and enjoy (before it’s too late!).

14 National Parks within driving distance of L.A.

Photograph: Michael Juliano

Joshua Tree (California)

2hr 30min from L.A.

This exotic desert landscape is populated by thousands of specimens of the famous Joshua tree—along with boulders and rock formations that make the views so iconic. Changes in elevation make for starkly contrasting environments including bleached sand dunes, dry lakes, rugged mountains, valleys full of wildflowers and giant clusters of granite monoliths.

Photograph: Courtesy Jared Murray

Channel Islands (California)

2hr drive, plus a 1–4hr boat ride, from L.A.

Five of the eight Channel Islands are protected, and half of the park’s area is underwater. The Islands are home to more than 2,000 species of land plants and animals, and 145 are unique to the Islands, including the Island Fox.

Photograph: Courtesy Josh Carter

Sequoia (California)

3hr 45min from L.A.

This park protects the Giant Forest, which boasts some of the world’s largest trees, General Sherman being the largest in the park. It also has more than 240 caves, a scenic segment of the Sierra Nevada (including the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States) and a staircase climb to the top of Moro Rock.

Photograph: Michael Juliano

Kings Canyon (California)

4hr 15min from L.A.

This park is home to several giant sequoia groves and the General Grant Tree (the world’s second largest). It also features part of the Kings River, which flows through Kings Canyon, and the San Joaquin River, as well as Boyden Cave.

Photograph: Courtesy Meriç Dağlı

Death Valley (California and Nevada)

4hr 30min from L.A.

Death Valley is the hottest, lowest and driest place in the United States, with temperatures topping an insane 130 degrees. It’s home to Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in North America. That being said, the park is home to a diversity of colorful canyons, desolate badlands, shifting sand dunes and sprawling mountains, as well as more than 1,000 species of plants, plus salt flats, historic mines and hot and cold spring oases.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/tom_stromer

Pinnacles (California)

4hr 30min from L.A.

Pinnacles is famous for its massive black and gold monoliths of andesite and rhyolite, which are popular with rock climbers, and it’s many quiet trails crossing scenic Coast Range wilderness. The park is home to the endangered California condor as well as a large population of prairie falcons, and more than 13 species of bats living in the park’s caves.

Photograph: Courtesy Aniket Deole

Yosemite (California)

4hr 45min from L.A.

Yosemite features towering granite cliffs, dramatic waterfalls and old-growth forests, as well as the rock faces Half Dome and El Capitan, the Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls, one of the country’s tallest waterfalls. Three giant sequoia groves, along with a pristine wilderness in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, are home to an abundance of rare plant and animal species.

Photograph: Courtesy Tom Gainor

Zion (Utah)

6hr 30min from L.A.

Geologically diverse Zion boasts colorful sandstone canyons, mountainous mesas and countless rock towers. There are four distinct ecosystems here: desert, riparian, woodland and coniferous forest, plus natural arches and exposed plateau formations.

Photograph: Courtesy Alan Carrillo

Grand Canyon (Arizona)

7hr 15min from L.A.

The Grand Canyon is carved by the mighty Colorado River; millions of years of erosion and carving by the Colorado River have exposed 277 miles of colorful layers of the Colorado Plateau. The Canyon itself is a mile deep and at it’s widest expanse, 15 miles wide. Grand Canyon National Park is the second-most visited park at over 6 million visitors per year.

Photograph: Courtesy Christoph von Gellhorn

Saguaro (Arizona)

7hrs 30min from L.A.

This park, part of the dry Sonoran Desert, is home to a great variety of life. Beyond the namesake giant saguaro cacti, there are barrel cacti, chollas and prickly pears, as well as bats, spotted owls and javelinas (hoofed mammals that look a lot like mini boars).

Photograph: Courtesy Ben Turnbull

Bryce Canyon (Utah)

7hr 45min from L.A.

Bryce Canyon is a giant geological amphitheater on the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The unique area has hundreds of tall sandstone hoodoos (tall, thin rock spires) formed by erosion. The region was originally settled by Native Americans and later by Mormon pioneers.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/James Marvin Phelps

Great Basin (Nevada)

8hr from L.A.

Based around Nevada’s second tallest mountain, Wheeler Peak, Great Basin National Park contains 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines, a rock glacier and the limestone Lehman Caves, and is home to animals like bats, pronghorns and trout. It also boasts some of the country’s darkest night skies.

Photograph: Courtesy Patrick Bösiger

Lassen Volcanic (California)

8hr from L.A.

This park has four types of volcanoes including Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world. Lassen Peak last erupted in 1915, but much of the rest of the park is continuously active: molten rock heats numerous hydrothermal features including fumaroles, boiling pools and bubbling mud pots.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/James Marvin Phelps

Petrified Forest (Arizona)

8hr from L.A.

This “forest” is made up of a large concentration of 225-million-year-old petrified wood. The surrounding Painted Desert features eroded cliffs of red-hued volcanic rock, dinosaur fossils and more than 350 Native American sites.

Article Courtsey : Here

December 18, 2019

0 Comments

All of these National Parks are within