Hello neighbors.
As readers of Heart of the Valley know, combating climate change is one of my highest policy priorities. Whether it be through supporting watershed bills that establish recycling targets for plastic waste or providing a smoother transition to green energy, members of Team Hertzberg and I cannot express just how much we value all efforts to slow if not reverse environmental degradation.
Thankfully, this righteous cause does not always reach fruition in the form of legislation. Many of our own community members have played leadership roles making our neighborhoods cleaner and safer for old, young and those to come.
When I think of such a resident, Jill Mather springs to mind.
After noticing during daily walks how much trash was littered throughout her San Fernando Valley neighborhood, Jill, on her own, instantly kick started a mission of promoting environmentally friendly practices – and Volunteers Cleaning Communities was born.
Soon afterward, she put Adopt-1-Street on her cleanup schedule.
Then she added a section of the LA River and Bike Path.
Then a portion of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Refuge.
From Sylmar to Thousand Oaks, a green army of about 225 volunteers dedicate their time to her cause, each member making a year-long commitment to pick up trash, log graffiti and report large, illegally dumped items on their streets.
A culmination of sorts came last November, when Jill created the first-ever Environmental Awareness Day. It featured information booths and activities for kids such as painting rocks and turning trash into art.
Her unpaid, volunteer work isn’t stopping there. Jill’s next goal is to create an in-school Scavenger Hunt with the purpose of educating children on the importance of recycling.
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(PHOTO COURTESY: JILL MATHER) |
It is clear that Jill is an environmental leader, one who has made truly remarkable strides toward an exceptionally crucial cause. I am proud to live in a community that consists of her and her hundreds of hardworking volunteers who genuinely are making a difference.
Let’s work together to make our neighborhoods safe and clean, not just for ourselves, but for our children and future generations.
Learn more about VCC HERE. Watch, listen to Jill on YouTube HERE.
For additional news you can use, scroll down to read about free Metro passes for college students, the resumption of outdoor watering for Burbank and City of San Fernando residents, and MORE.
Now tell me what is on your mind. Reach out via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my email, or call my office at (818) 901-5588.
Be well, stay safe and remember we are all in this together.
Bob Hertzberg
VALLEY NEWS
(PHOTO CREDIT: LAIst)
LA TO REOPEN SECTION 8 HOUSING WAITLIST FOR FIRST TIME IN FIVE YEARS
For the first time since 2017, the City of Los Angeles will be reopening its waitlist for the Section 8 housing vouchers program. Starting Oct 17, residents will have two weeks to submit an application online to be added to a lottery waiting list. There are 30,000 vouchers available and a projection of 365,000 eligible applicants, giving Angelenos a 10-percent chance of being selected. Those individuals will have 180 days to secure a unit, the rent for which must meet program limits. Eligible families must meet the Housing and Urban Development’s “extremely low” and “very low” income standards. They can be US citizens, noncitizens with legal immigration status, or mixed households where at least one person has legal immigration status. The online application is not available yet, but is expected to be posted online by Tuesday, Oct. 4 HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: LA County Public Health)
LA COUNTY EASING COVID MASK-WEARING RULES
As COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Los Angeles County, health officials have announced that they have lifted the requirement for face coverings in correctional facilities, homeless and emergency shelters, and in cooling centers. The eased rules will affect counties where COVID activity is rated as low. Masks will, however, continue to be required at healthcare and long-term care facilities, as well as on many forms of public transit. Officials remind residents considered to be at higher risk of infection or severe illness to wear a mask in crowded indoor public places. The County’s guidance for the general public regarding masking, testing and vaccinations align with California’s updated orders. More HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: MTA)
FREE METRO PASSES FOR 500,000 LA COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS
The Los Angeles Community College District is using a $1 million grant to provide free passes for up to 500,000 students to ride Metro buses and trains. Part of LA Metro’s GoPass Program, the goal is to double ridership over the next year to reduce inequity and help eliminate barriers to students’ education. More HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: LA Daily News)
BURBANK, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO RESIDENT’S RESUME OUTDOOR WATERING
With recent completion of repairs to the water pipeline connecting the Colorado River to customers in Los Angeles County, residents and businesses in Burbank and the City of San Fernando are among communities now allowed to resume limited outdoor watering. (Other cities include Beverly Hills, Glendale, Long Beach, Pasadena and Torrance.) However, officials ask residents to continue to save as much water as possible to help mitigate the effects of the drought.
VALLEY ACTIVITIES
(PHOTO CREDIT: MTA)
LA METRO RAIL LOOKING FOR APPLICANTS FOR YOUTH COUNCIL
In an effort to better represent local communities while meeting the needs of residents, LA Metro Rail is calling all 14-17 year olds to join their Youth Council. Applicants must live in LA County, make a one-year commitment, attend a mandatory welcome session and participate in monthly virtual meetings. Benefits for members include leadership development, mentorship and civic engagement. Applications are open until Oct. 14.More HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Studio City Neighborhood Council)
STUDIO CITY LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES NOW OPEN
The Studio City Neighborhood Council has open seats for a Youth Member and Business Representative. The Youth Member position is for those aged 14-17 and applications can be sent to [email protected]. The Business Representative is for those 18 and older who provide goods or services in Studio City and possess a City of Los Angeles Tax Registration Certificate. Applications can be sent to [email protected]. More HERE.
OUT AND ABOUT WITH BOB
(PHOTO CREDIT: Mercedes Ortiz)
HOPE OF THE VALLEY RESCUE MISSION CELEBRATES 13TH ANNIVERSARY
North Hills-based Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission recently celebrated its 13thth anniversary with kudos from Sen. Bob Hertzberg, far left. From humble beginnings, the Mission today operates more than 17 shelters, including six home villages, three family shelters, a youth shelter, two bridge housing shelters and the new 107-bed Trebek Center.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Eveline Bravo-Ayala)
TEQUILA TASTING HELPS RAISE MONEY TO HELP SFV YOUTH
About 3,000 supporters of the Andrés Y María Cárdenas Family Foundation, including Sen. Bob Hertzberg, attended last week’s fundraising event that was part of the 4th Annual LA Tequila Fest. Every year AMCFF uses the proceeds to award scholarships to underserved San Fernando Valley youth who overcome all odds to graduate high school and pursue higher education. AMCFF has supported students’ educational goals by giving over $1.3 million over the past 25 years in support of over 1,300 students. More HERE.
REMEMBER, WE ARE A TEAM
I appreciate hearing from you. If you have a specific question or concern, or a story about the Valley to share, please click here to send me an email or call my office at (818) 901-5588. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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