serving northridge, porter ranch, granada hills and chatsworthome sales in los angeles county jumped...

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2 Cents Worth Of PoliticsBy Jay Kim, Valley Voice Reporter

Local voters and non-voters were asked about President-Elect Barack Obama’s most pressing objectives.

Eligible Voters“Financially speaking, I know it’s going to be tough to stabilize our

economy during his presidency, but somehow work towards that.” - Elaine Yoon, Porter Ranch, 24

“Concentrate on reformatting the war. Have a new plan on the state’s economy also.” - Alexander Park, Granada Hills, 23

“He has to figure out what to do with the GM crisis. The company is tied to over 900,000 jobs in the U.S. If GM goes down, unemployment rate in the U.S. will easily shoot up to 10%.” - Christopher Johnson, Granada Hills, 34

“I personally think he should swiftly assume his leadership and get the nation together as one in this tough time.”- Kylie Avunjian, Chatsworth, 26

“He needs to work on getting the gas prices down lower, also to make sure that the taxes do not go up.” - John Smith, Chatsworth, 48

“He needs to work on getting his cabinet together, and make sure that he’s aware of what he will be doing for our economy during his presidency.”

- Michelle Lopez, North Hollywood, 64

“Obama needs come up with clear and stern solutions to our economic problems. Our economy, as of right now, is top priority.”

- Philip Sim, 18, Porter Ranch

Too Young to Vote“Obama needs to diplomatically negotiate with the terrorists, to ensure the

future protection of our country.” - Jenny Lee, 14, Northridge

“Our troops in Iraq need to be pulled out first. The war has been irrational and pointless, the army needs to come back home.”

- Louie Aquino, 17, North Hollywood

“He needs to create a plan and outline what he’s going to do in order to get our economy back up and running.” - Andrew Flores, 16, Granada Hills

“I would hope that Obama immediately begins to take action in order to steady our economy. The economic failures in our country are affecting us all.” - Jacques Harmandjian, 16, Northridge

“Hopefully Obama will be wise enough to choose the right men for his cabinet. The men that surround, work and influence the president are always important.” - Nicole Hsieh, 15, Northridge

“Obama should wisely and swiftly apply all the changes that he had promised and hope for the best, because things aren’t going too well with what we have in our country right now.” - Tim Lee, 16, Porter Ranch

“He needs to get on top of our economic issues as soon as he’s inaugurated.”

- Harene Gupta, 15, Chatsworth

Leaving HomeBy Susan Estrich

As the fires burned across Southern California, the all-news radio station I listen to kept running tape of a guy advising people about what to put in their "grab-and-go" boxes. He was from some insurance association, so — big surprise — his focus was

on insurance documents.I almost laughed. As one of the world's worst housekeepers and organizers, it could

take me the better part of a day to remember where my insurance documents were, much less such things as the title to my house and the other stuff he was recommending people grab on their way out the door. I know where my passport is, but that's about it.

No, as I put myself in the position of the thousands of people racing out of their homes, it wasn't jewelry or cash that I imagined myself grabbing, but pictures. The one of my parents at their wedding nearly 60 years ago. The one — the only one I have — of my father and me just before I went off to college. The one of my daughter and son, ages 3 and 0 respectively, in their matching blue striped pajamas, laughing. And, of course, my dogs.

Fancy houses and the people who own them generally get more media attention than mobile homes or apartments and the people who live in them. But the faces of those who were devastated by the fires make clear that how much your home was worth has nothing to do with the measure of your loss. In my experience, anyway, there is often an inverse correlation: The less you have, the greater the pain in losing it.

When I was in college, I packed all the things from my childhood bedroom into a single trunk, which my father was going to keep for me until I had a home bigger and more stable than a dorm room. The trunk was lost or destroyed, by a flood or a thief; I was never sure what happened, only that it was gone forever. The dolls I saved to give to my children, the little piece of my favorite blanket, the pictures and report cards and awards — all of it was gone.

After my father died, I moved to Washington without my trunk, all of my remaining possessions fitting neatly into my Ford Maverick. A few months after I arrived, there was a fire in my new apartment, and then a burglary while they were cleaning up from the fire, and that was that. Cleaned out again.

Serving Northridge, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills and ChatsworthServing Northridge, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills and Chatsworth

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Following the Sesnon fires, Porter Ranch Meadows residents thought they've seen everything, until a small herd of cattle wandered from Browns Canyon, about one mile away. Homeowners were in no "moo-d"for this trespassing, organized a round-up, and sent them on their way.

Home Sales Jump 56%

Home sales in Los Angeles County jumped by 56.2 percent in October, compared to the same month a year ago, while prices dropped 29 percent, a real estate information service reported.

A total of 6,824 homes sold in October, up from 4,368 for October 2007, while the median price of a home in Los Angeles County last month was $355,000, down from $500,000 in the same month a year ago, according to La Jolla-based MDA DataQuick.

According to DataQuick, home sales in the six-county Southern California region in October soared by 66.7 percent over the same month last year, reaching their highest level for any month this year.

“You could easily imagine a meaningful decline in sales in October, given the seasonal norm and the dire financial news that potential buyers had to ponder in September,” said John Walsh, MDA DataQuick president. “But we have yet to see any big, sudden drop in the number of transactions closing escrow. It tells us there were a lot of very serious buyers in the market during late summer and early fall - buyers who consider housing a relatively good buy or investment.”

The median price of a Southern California home was $300,000 in October - a 67-month low. The media price was down 2.8 percent from $308,500 in September and down 32.6 percent from $445,000 in October 2007.

Continued on page 3

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The Golden RuleThose with GoldMake the Rules

Reiter-Wrong?By Mel Reiter, Valley Voice

Remember the “Golden Rule?” Well it still holds that those with the gold make the rules.

Your heads are already full of the serious situation facing almost every individual, business, and government entity – your town, city, county, state, and federal government.

I do know that two years after the subprime fiasco, have you heard of any arrests for criminal acts?

It was only a few years ago that the nation thought the government was finally making progress in punishing corporate wrongdoers. Remember Ken Lay of Enron, Dennis Kozlowki and Bernie Ebbers? Looking no further than our own area, who is investigating the possible fraud charges of Countrywide Mortgage and IndyMac?

William Black, who blew the whistle on the “Keating Five” in the eighties, claims the Department of Justice has done little in the way of investigations. “In this case,” he states, “the foxes truly were guarding the hen house.”

One blogger best sums up the inaction of the feds.

“I’m in jail for holding up a 7-11. I got $125. Damn, should have been an overpaid, useless CEO.”

I usually don’t comment on the stock market, but in last month’s column, both Senators Barack and McCain (prior to the election) were challenged to move quickly in addressing our nation’s numerous problems. As it turns out, Treasury Secretary Paulson announced that the government will take no further “bailouts,” until the first of the year. That and other Treasury statements led to another two-day loss of nearly 1,000 points.

Hoping the incoming administration would not wait until January to reassure the nation, President-elect Barack Obama named his new treasury secretary, at a time when the Dow was down approximately 200 points on Nov. 21. His nominee, Timothy Geithner, president of the New York Federal reserve, was so well received by Wall Street, the market closed up nearly 500 points.

Taking a giant leap, Obama unveiled some economic plans over the weekend, focusing on 2.5 million more jobs, major public works projects, and moving quickly into alternative energy sources, on taking office Jan. 20.

“We will put people back to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing schools…and building wind farms and solar panels,” Obama said.

Hopefully, with Congress, he will begin to solve many of the problems Americans now face.

I had mixed emotions when the Big 3 auto executives were sent home from Washington, D.C. empty handed late last month. My first journalism job was editor

of the Lansing (Mich.) Labor News, published by the UAW-AFL-CIO, from 1960 to 1966. With a circulation of more than 50,000, our weekly paper went to 40,000 UAW members. Oldsmobile and Fisher Body were the two largest employers in the area.

Whether you worked on the assembly line, one of the many tool shops, forging plants, or just about any unit supporting GM, it was no fun. The plants were cold in the winter, hot in summer, unbearable noise levels, bathroom breaks were very limited, no windows, and the monotony of keeping up with a never ending, moving, assembly line. I couldn’t begin to count the number of men and women with permanent hearing aids, and the endless number of workers with missing fingers.

When I arrived at nearby Michigan State University in 1955, GM could not find enough labor for their 24-hour operations, that students were getting great paying jobs splitting shifts at the plants. There were so many student applications, GM gave preference to the numerous war veterans on campus – a great policy.

Eleven years later, no thanks to automation and foreign competition, our paper’s circulation had dropped by 20,000, indicating that many had been furloughed. Now, more than 40 years later, the plight of the American automakers comes as little surprise.

One of the saddest parts of leaving the UAW (I was considered “management” of the newspaper and couldn’t hold a union position) was leaving a great gentleman, leader, and “boss,” Walter Reuther, longtime UAW president.

First, the three CEO’s did their companies little good, arriving to meet Congress in three private jets, and “with cups in their hands.” When asked if given a bailout, they would work for one dollar a year, only Chrysler’s head agreed.

Having presented no business plan, Congress has put off a vote on bailing out the auto industry until early this month. Also wondering if this plea for funds ($25 billion) would be their last, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “Until they show us the plan, we cannot show them the money.”

Ranking Republican Senator Shelby of Alabama said “I believe their best option would be Chapter 11 bankruptcy.” Others asked “If the airlines can operate under

(Continued on page 9)


Northridge Hit in ‘94EarthquakE Drills

hElD in north VallEy

Millions of Southern California residents dropped to the floor and crawled under desks Nov. 13 as part of a regional earthquake preparedness drill that assumed the area was hit with a magnitude-7.8 temblor that killed nearly

2,000 people and overwhelmed emergency responders.The Great Southern California ShakeOut earthquake drill – involving more than

5.3 million people and billed as the largest ever undertaken in the United States - was intended to test the capabilities of local and state agencies and show Californians what they need to do to prepare for a major disaster.

“If you are prepared, it gives you an automatic sense of calmness because you have the tools and equipment necessary to function,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda, who took part in a preparedness drill at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills. Its neighbor, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center played a key role in the drill.

At schools across the region, students evacuated classrooms and gathered on athletic fields. Many businesses had their employees take cover and evacuate in recognition of the mock temblor.

The scenario envisioned 1,800 people dying, 53,000 suffering injuries and 1,500 buildings collapsing in a temblor that would cause $213 billion in damages by striking on the San Andreas Fault with 50 times the intensity of the Northridge Earthquake of Jan. 17, 1994.

The Northridge shaker, which occurred along a blind thrust fault near the San Andreas Fault, struck with a magnitude of 6.7, killing 57 people and causing $20 billion in damages.

Ruda said his home was damaged in the Northridge quake, and his level of preparedness helped him ensure the safety of his own family and then allowed him to go on to help others.

Of the 5.3 million participants in exercise, about 3 million were students in Los Angeles and Riverside county schools.

At Bishop Alemany High School, fire crews simulated a building collapse with 300 to 500 students injured. Many students took part in the drill by posing as casualties. The students were on the ground moaning – and alternately giggling and joking with their classmates - as rescue crews rushed to their aid under the close watch of dozens of news crews.

Sean Parker, a 17-year-old senior from Northridge, was portraying a casualty with a head injury caused when he was struck by a classroom fan.

“You live in California, there's going to be an earthquake,” he said. ``There always is.''

“I can say without a doubt, Los Angeles is the best prepared city in America. That doesn't mean there isn't much more we can do,” said Councilman Greig Smith.

21 Challengers Seek Mayor’s JobThe initial filing period ended Nov. 8 for the March 3 Los Angeles city election, and

as expected, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa did not draw any high-profile opponents. Five more would-be mayoral candidates filed by the deadline – including Michael Arthur Hirt, who listed his occupation as “exorcist of presidents” – bringing the total number of possible challengers to 21.

The best known are attorney Walter Moore, who finished sixth in the 2005 mayoral race with 11,409 votes, or 2.77 percent, and blogger and gadfly David “Zuma Dogg” Saltsburg.

Much of the suspense went out of the race, when developer Rick Caruso announced he would not be a candidate, saying “the obligation of serving as mayor would put a burden on my family that is too much at this point in their lives.” Experts said Caruso's wealth would have enabled him to conduct a credible campaign.

Although Villaraigosa has said he loves his job and has filed to run for a second term, he has also been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate. His inclusion on an economic advisory panel for newly elected President Barack Obama has also raised speculation that he might be offered a job in the Obama administration.

Chatsworth Hills Academy Photo

Floods, Slides Feared in AreaCouncilman Greig Smith recently brought together members of City, County, State

and Federal agencies and Neighborhood Councils for a Post-Sesnon Wildfire Task Force Meeting, to discuss potential flooding and landslides in areas burned in the recent wildfires.

Every year during winter rains, floods, landslides, mudslides and erosion threaten hillside neighborhoods in areas where wildfires have burned away vegetation that normally holds in runoff water.

The task force reported that: - The LA Fire Department has already used bulldozers to cut trenches in the

hills above O'Melveny Park in Granada Hills to divert runoff water into areas with green vegetation.

- The debris catchment basins of the major canyons in our area have been cleared and are ready to catch as much flowing debris as possible.

For more information, please call (818) 756-8501.

Councilman Greig Smith (left) awarded a certificate

of appreciation to Chatsworth Hills Academy

for its role in the rescue efforts in the Metrolink

crash. Accepting the award is F. Graham Brown,

headmaster.

I have moved enough to know that houses aren't forever, that "my" house isn't really mine — actually, it's mostly the bank's — and certainly isn't forever. Last month, most of the homes sold in Southern California were foreclosures. Fires are not the only way we lose our homes, just the fastest and most unforgiving.

Still, while we live in them, while we fill them with our treasures and our tears, mark the wall to show our children how tall they've grown, agonize over things that seem to matter so much, like the color of the paint or the carpet or the right washer and dryer, they are the foundation of our lives, our shelter, our refuge. I drive up to my house, see my dogs at the door, breathe that sigh of relief at being home. At having one.

The fires, by Los Angeles standards, were far away from where I live. I listened to the names of the places where homes were burning — Diamond Bar, Sylmar, Brea, Chino — and the truth is, I've never been to any of them. I know them only as words I used to say when I read traffic reports on the radio.

But even where I live the air has been thick with smoke. I cannot see the fires, but I can smell them. They may be far away, but loss is in the air. We are surrounded by reminders that life is short and precious, that there is no such thing as security except in the moment, and that in the end the things that matter most don't fit in a grab-and-go box. COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS

Leaving Home (Continued from page 1)

Q


Proposed for Fall 2009New Porter Ranch Charter

To Fill High School VoidBy Aviva Ebner

It is no secret that Porter Ranch will FINALLY have a K-8 school that will eventually be built. However, it is also no secret that LAUSD has no plans to build a high school for the area because, in their words, the demographics do

not support it. Granada Hills Charter High School is large, daunting to many students and

their families, and has a very limited number of permits for students not residing in the neighborhood. The other school serving the area is Chatsworth H.S., which does NOT boast high statewide or similar schools rankings.

A new charter high school, Porter Ranch Charter High School (PRCHS), is proposed for opening in Fall 2009 in the Chatsworth area, reasonably close to the Porter Ranch area. The school will initially be housed in a leased facility while a new facility is being constructed, pending approvals.

The goal is to build the permanent facility in an area of Chatsworth mainly for families residing in Porter Ranch and Chatsworth, but will also be available for students from Northridge, Granada Hills, West Hills, and other nearby parts of the valley.

For those not familiar with the charter school movement, a charter school is a free public school founded by local community members, families, and educators that, though approved via LAUSD.

The school will be based on successful models from elsewhere in the United States.

Academica Schools of Florida (www.academicaschools.com) is backing the project and boasts public charter schools that rank in the top 100 schools in the nation (including private schools).

Two of the founders are local educators. Aviva Ebner, a local resident, has over 20 years of experience as an administrator and teacher. She has worked for LAUSD, Beverly Hills Unified School District, and, most recently, in local charter schools. Janet Balekian has 10 years of experience in both LAUSD and GUSD, with the last few spent in charter schools.

Both educators will be attending local neighborhood council meetings in the upcoming months to expand on the core of involved families as well as incorporate input from the local community.

The website for PRCHS is currently under construction, but you can see it as it develops at www.prchs.org. For more information, contact [email protected].

A Visit to Siena, Italy-No Passport Required

Local resident, Steve Savonarola, was looking for something. And after searching for many months and reaching many dead ends, he finally found it. “I wanted to open a special kind of restaurant, one that was totally unique, yet would appeal to

everyone” he said. The restaurant he found was Pizzeria Venti, a small franchise.With a mantra of authenticity, Pizzeria Venti caught their attention. Steve’s partner

and sister in law, Kim Cathers explained; “The dough is made with imported Italian water and extra virgin olive. That attention to quality was very important to us” she said.

Steve along with Kim and other members of their family, decided the time was right. So with the help of Kim’s parents, Sam and Patricia Barnese, and the rest of their family, they embarked on their journey to bring Italy to their community.

After settling on Porter Ranch and while the restaurant was under construction, the family left for Italy to begin the Company’s required training in Tuscany. The Culinary training course held at the franchisor’s facility in Murlo, Italy, just south of Siena, was a real eye opener. “The Italian people are so nice and the food….” Cathers said, “was un-be-lievable!”

The course, open only to Pizzeria Venti franchisees, included a cooking tour of the Italian hill towns and a cheese making class in the small village of Radi. Our host, Marina Vanni, invited our entire class to join her for piccolo piatti, a few “small plates”, as she put it” but the small plates quickly turned into a feast

Julie Barnese, another family member and co-owner put it this way; “We all went to Italy to try to bring back to our customers, not only great food, but a little bit of Italy” she said “and we did!” Cathers, who heads the group added, “This is a family run operation, our family, and we are all members of the community.” Cathers said his group is the first Pizzeria Venti franchisee in Southern California.

Chaminade Hosts Sensitivity Forum

School violence is a common headline these days. April 20, 2009, marks the ten year anniversary of one of the most tragic school shootings at Columbine High School. While this day is vividly etched in many of our minds, it is especially

important to Chaminade College Preparatory’s Director of Student Activities, Julie La Belle, who counseled many of the teens at Columbine High School in the aftermath of the shooting. In an effort to eradicate violence in schools, La Belle and the students at Chaminade are working together to create unity through a series of activities called Breaking Down the Walls.

Last month, Chaminade students and teachers participated in a special program aimed at improving sensitivity and respect on campus. Breaking Down the Walls is a program designed to tear down the boundaries that exist among students and teachers within a school and bring unity to campus. The program aims to allow all students, regardless of their peer group, permission to talk to each other and to empower students to safely and comfortably reach out and communicate with each other.

“Breaking down the walls helps students reach out to one another before a tragedy forces them to do so,” says La Belle. “Gandhi had a quote, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ I believe that by bringing this program to Chaminade, we as a school have chosen to take a stand against violence, bullying or disrespect and in doing so hope to bring about change on our campus and in the larger community.”

PRNC Holiday Party

The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council would like to invite you to a Holiday Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 6pm at Bakers Square located at 17921 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. This open house is your opportunity to meet your council

members in an informal setting, learn about what’s going on in Porter Ranch and how we can Help Make Porter Ranch a Better Place to Live, Work and Grow. Refreshments will be provided.

This year the PRNC has served the community by hosting speakers on key topics such as sidewalk and street repair. We have provided a forum to discuss and take a position on pending projects like Las Lomas, Hidden Creeks Estates, YMCA expansion and the new school for Porter Ranch. We hosted a celebration for the new shade covering at Holleigh Bernson park, which we funded with the councilman’s office.

The PRNC used its budget to provide projectors and laptops for Castlebay Elementary, sponsor the community July 4th event, test a sidewalk clean up program on major streets in July, and provide food as part of the emergency response to the Chatsworth train accident and Sesnon Fire. We have promoted Going Green with free reusable shopping bags and emergency preparedness through local training and events.

We invite you to Help Make Porter Ranch a Better Place to Live, Work and Grow. Check our website www.PRNC.org for more information. The next PRNC meetings are: Tuesday, January 6 and February 3 at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 6pm.

Head of LAUSDL.A. Times Calls

For Axing Brewer

On the second anniversary of David Brewer's four-year contract as superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Los Angeles Times published an editorial calling for his ouster.

The retired U.S. Navy vice admiral “started off with good intentions and big plans,” according to the editorial. “Since those early months, however, he has done little to inspire loyalty and much to stoke misgiving.”

The editorial said that ``Eventually, Brewer's accumulated missteps - and his dismaying lack of prowess -- led to an arrangement in which he ceded much of his authority while preserving the illusion of his leadership, a revision of his job description that avoided roiling the city's ever-tenuous racial politics.”

This was a reference to the hiring in April of former Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines, a Latino, as senior deputy to Brewer, an African-American.

“This is classic Los Angeles politics: Administrative and racial comity is achieved by paying two superintendent-level salaries for one complete superintendent-level package,” according to the editorial.

“It also typifies all that is wrong with L.A. Unified. The district protects administrators who fail rather than students whose futures depend on a solid education.”

According to The Times, the LAUSD is headed toward financially troubled times, which will threaten classrooms and students and test management and educational skills.

“This is a treacherous moment for a school district that has long operated on the edge of failure, and it demands unimpeachable leadership. In such a moment, the district cannot afford a superintendent who holds the title but isn't up to the job,” the editorial said.

“In the interests of the students he is charged with educating, Brewer and the (school)board should acknowledge that he isn't a good fit for the job of superintendent. They should chart a graceful course for his departure and embark on it sooner rather than later.”

LAUSD Facing$300 M Shortage

Facing a midyear budget cut of up to $300 million, the Los Angeles Unified School District has imposed an immediate halt on filling open positions, using district credit cards and spending on a variety of contracts.While the cost-saving measures are temporary for now, they could lead to closing

small schools, combining continuation programs and reducing administrative staff sizes if the budget crisis worsens, Senior Deputy Superintendent Ramon Cortines told the Daily News.

He is also considering “taxing” every department, meaning a percentage of department budgets will be slashed to address looming budget cuts, according to the newspaper.

“I've got to find a way to deal with a $200 (million) to $300 million midyear cut, or we won't make payroll,” he told the newspaper.

Cortines announced the purchasing freeze in a memo sent to all schools and district offices. Only purchases for health, safety, legal requirements, school construction and school lunches will be allowed, according to the Daily News.


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Pastor Dudley - Shepherd of the Hills

By Pastor Dudley C. Rutherford

One NationUnder God

It continually amazes me how quickly each year passes by, as we enter December and look forward to a new year. This new year in particular is especially significant, as our nation

inaugurates a new president on January 20, 2009. While more than half of the nation rejoices in the victory of the candidate for whom they cast their votes in record numbers, the reality of the partisanship that exists in our country cannot be ignored. As a result, I challenge us to truly stand as one nation under God, as our country’s forefathers envisioned, and wholeheartedly support President Obama through prayer and active service in our communities.

The historic magnitude of Obama’s presidency cannot be denied. I am thankful that our country witnessed a momentous event in electing an African American as our next president! Many African Americans believed they would never live to see such a day. Through his victory, I hope everyone realizes that in America, it is possible for anyone to reach the highest office in the land. I am grateful to have lived to see this moment, and what it represents for the issues of race and diversity. Shepherd of the Hills Church continues to be on the frontlines in helping churches and organizations appreciate the diversity of cultures with which our nation is enriched, and am that much more thankful for the strides the United States has made in this regard.

The feeling of loss that accompanies the end of every presidential election, however, must be addressed. Close to half the nation may be conflicted about welcoming a president for whom they did not vote. Particularly in California, the electoral votes for which historically lean toward the Democratic Party, many may feel as though their political voice or vote does not matter. Yes, we may prefer different candidates who support different policies, but we need to focus on the fact that we live in a democracy that has the honor of casting a vote in the first place. Anytime we live in a country where we have freedom, it is a great day to be alive and rejoice that we live in the United States of America.

Therefore, I encourage us all the more to support and pray for President Obama. My prayer is that God would lead him and direct him, watch over him and protect him. While you may hold differences in opinion with regard to our President’s policies, pray for him, as the Bible encourages: may “requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— …for…all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Furthermore, we cannot rely on the government to solve all of our problems. Instead, we must pull together our resources, and utilize other ways to help bless and encourage others, and bring about positive change in our communities.

For example, it is in my heart that God would burden our President Obama to value the life of the unborn child. So, as a citizen, I can sit and complain, and gripe, and argue, or I can be proactive in leading churches, neighborhoods, and other organizations into bringing about change in our local communities.

After pining after Ceyx, herdead lover, Alcyone (NatashaBelmont) transforms into abird so that she can fly outto see his drifting body.

This was part of Sierra Canyon’s recent production of “Metamorphoses,” a collaboration of performing arts instructors Chris Tulysewski and Tom Quaintance. Twenty-six student actors, musicians and technicians participated. (Sierra Canyon School Photo)

As we depend on our nation’s leaders, especially President Obama, to do what is best in leading our country, we must support them in prayer. Furthermore, we, as individual community members, must also exercise our efforts within the community to proactively address the issues our society faces. Because in four years, the entire election process will begin again, when close to half of the country will feel like they have won or lost, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Pastor Dudley C. Rutherford is the Senior Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch. Edited by Rhona Cue


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Survive the Holiday Blues– Be Your Own Santa

By Liane Caryl, M.D., Valley Voice Contributor

Jingle bells, holiday parties, hustling and bustling, and fake Santas. It’s the time of year for holiday cheer…bah humbug!

Along with the cheer comes commitments and obligations. Parties at work, presents to buy, too much to eat, relatives to go visit, relatives coming to visit, nothing right to wear, head for the mall, too many people, no place to park. Uh-oh….overwhelm time!

Are you doing for others and nothing for yourself? Do you ever feel like you need a holiday from the holiday?

A large number of people experience what is known as the “holiday blues”. For some people, it’s a form of holiday burn-out. Other people may feel isolated during this time of year, or become depressed over not meeting goals or expectations. The good news is that once the season passes, so do the blues.

You might be experiencing holiday burn-out if during the holidays you:

- Feel sad, or hopeless - Have less energy than usual - Experience a change in appetite - Experience a change in your sleep pattern - Find yourself avoiding people

If Santa doesn’t have something special in his bag for you, then treat yourself. Set limits on how much obligation you take on. Stay home if you really do not want to attend another party. Instead of constant socializing, spend time doing something you really enjoy.

Do not force yourself to spend time in the company of people who bring you down. If these people happen to be relatives, and you are expected to spend time with them, remember that no one gets to pick their relatives, and no one has relatives who are perfect. Accept them for who they are. Make your appearance at the gathering and leave early. They have the right to feel disappointed just as you have the right to please yourself.

Hate shopping for presents? Get gift certificates and let people pick out their own.

Give yourself a gift, such as a massage, a new outfit, or even time alone. Don’t let the holiday spirit leave you spooked.

Doctor’s orders. © Liane Caryl, M.D. 2008

Dear TeacherA Listening Ear; A Listening Heart

“Dear Teacher is looking forward to hearing from [email protected] or

Dear Teacher - P.O. Box 7011 - Mission Hills, CA 91346-7011

Editor’s Note: “Dear Teacher” is finally a way for students, parents, and teachers to express their concerns, ask questions, and seek problem resolution regarding issues facing us in the educational arena.E-mail or snail mail “Dear Teacher” and all correspondence will be answered. Some will actually be published in this newspaper.

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.” - Art Linkletter

By Sandy Ojeda, Valley Voice Education Editor

Dear Teacher, I teach 5th grade, and I’d like your suggestions for a way to have the students keep track of their homework. S.S., 5th grade teacherDear S.S., A good idea is to use a reproducible weekly calendar with each row labeled with each subject, and across the top are the days of the week. They simply enter their assignments daily next to each subject. Parents can sign each day, you can collect them Fridays, and save them for parent conferences.Dear Teacher, In my 6th grade class, we study ancient civilizations. Why??? M.U., 6th gradeDear M.U., Believe it or not, we learn a great deal by studying history in general, and ancient civilizations specifically. We see that many of our modern systems such as education and government actually are derived from those civilizations, and we also learn not to make the same mistakes they might have made.Dear Teacher, I am in third grade and our teacher said we need to learn how to write letters so I am

writing to you. I am getting good grades and I like school. I hope my spelling is good. S.G., third gradeDear S.G., I am so pleased that you chose to write to me. I think your letter is very well written, and your spelling is perfect. I’m so proud of you for getting good grades, and I’m happy that you like school. I can tell that you are a good student. Dear Teacher, My mom and dad said we have a recession. What does that mean? They helped me spell it. D.C., grade 4Dear D.C., Very simply, a recession happens when people lose their jobs and can’t buy things like they used to, so then businesses lose money and don’t need all of their workers. Those workers lose their jobs, and so on and so on.For example, if your dad can’t buy a car, the car dealer loses business and lays off or fires some of his employees because he doesn’t need them anymore. Then the car make stops making so many cars, and they lay off their workers. See? One bad thing brings on another.

Worthwhile Web - www.historyforkids.org


Dozens of City Officials and others help dedicate a tree at Holleigh Bernson Park honoring all public safety employees and local residents who work to keep the community safe. More than 3,000 joined in the special program.

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Porter Ranch resident, Gregg Garfinkel was one of almost 1,000 locals to sign a petition recognizing “public safety heroes” of the recent Sesnon fire and Metrolink train crash.

Southland FacesWater Shortage

Water shortages in Southern California continue to be a major concern, the general manager of the Metropolitan Water District

of Southern California said, one day after the state allocated just 15 percent of what water agencies requested for the next year.

The allocation is the second-lowest for Southern California in the history of the State Water Project, said Lester Snow, director of the state Department of Water Resources.

“The uncertainty of precipitation patterns due to global warming and deteriorating conditions in the delta, California's main water hub, demand immediate action to enhance our ecosystems and keep our economy productive in the 21st century. The governor has sounded the wakeup call and the clock is ticking,” he said.

Jeff Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, said the water agency is preparing for the possibility of water shortages and rationing throughout 2009. Water supplies have been low this year due to a record-dry spring that decreased runoff from the Sierra Nevada mountains and environmental problems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta that are restricting the MWD's ability to pump water.

Smith Seeks to BoostBusiness and Jobs

Councilman Greig Smith introduced a legislative package of motions on Nov. 7, meant to improve the L.A. business climate by

reducing the tax burden on businesses, attracting companies to locate in Los Angeles, streamlining permitting processes, and making several other improvements that the business community has advocated for.

“During these extremely tough economic times, we need to do everything we can to help stimulate small and local businesses that are the backbone of our economy,” said Councilman Smith, who is Chairman of the Council’s Jobs, Business Growth and Tax Reform Committee. “No one knows better than businesses themselves what should be done to help them. In the new Jobs Committee, we have listened, and we have come forward with these steps to remove obstacles to their success.”

The LA LEAP (Los Angeles Legislative Economic Action Plan) was introduced shortly after the City Council approved the final 3.9% cut in the City’s Gross Receipts Tax as part of the Business Tax Reform that provided $60 million of relief for L.A. businesses. The Business Tax Reform, which Councilman Smith helped craft as a member of the Business Tax Reform Committee, cut business taxes by 15% over four years and eliminated all business taxes for companies with gross revenues under $100,000 per year.

CONTACT: Matt Myerhoff, Communications Director, Council District 12.

Cell: (818) 613-2248 [email protected]

(Valley Voice Photo)

Letters to the EditorDear Editor: Twice now, the people of the Valley have

responded with care and patience to others. Your newspaper has highlighted these activities and it makes everyone else's hearts proud. When we people react to others with respect and understanding instead of bad-mouthing, our whole state is better for that. Thank you for the lovely articles. Peggy Coughlin

Dear Editor, I have to tell you how much I appreciated

your article on the holocaust. I was taking a train from Chatsworth to downtown and picked up a copy of the newspaper. I could not stop reading it. The article has stayed in my head and I have kept a copy of that newspaper with me everyday. You articulated emotions which people feel, but can not put into words, thank you again for publishing such an insightful and important article.

Leora Raikin

Reiter-Wrong? (Continued from page 2)Chapter 11, why can’t automakers.”

As for me, I can never forget the images of those assembly line workers….over 40 years ago!

Last month, millions of Americans participated in “Earthquake Preparedness Day.” Joshua Reiter, Valley Voice Copy Boy, and my seven-year old son and second grader was given his first assignment – covering the day’s events at Germain Street Elementary School in Chatsworth.

By Joshua ReiterToday at Germain Street Elementary, we had an earthquake drill. I heard a loud buzzer, stopped my work, and

went under my desk. My teacher called us out from under our desks, and we lined up to go outside to the playground. We went to the race track and my teacher called roll. We found that everyone was there.

We got stuff to do, and after we went to recess.I thought about it and I wasn’t scared. I also thought that it was a good thing we did it, so if it was real we would

be ready. That was a fun day. (UNEDITED). Please send comments to [email protected]


LOCAL Events

Jay Kim

Chatsworth SeniorsThe Chatsworth Seniors meet every Monday and Thursday

at the Mason Park Recreation Center, 10500 Mason Avenue, Chatsworth from 8:30 a.m. till 3 p.m. All seniors are invited for coffee at 8:30 a.m. Chair exercises, line dancing, Mah Jongg, bridge, and a hot lunch served at

11:30 a.m. Lunch sign-up begins at 9:30 a.m., on a first come basis.

Contact Harriet Van Tiger at (818) 341-3414 for more information.

PRNC Open HouseThe Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council would like to invite

you to a Holiday Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. at Bakers Square located at 17921 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills. This open house is your opportunity to meet your Council Members in an informal setting, learn about what’s going on in Porter Ranch and how we can Help Make Porter Ranch a Better Place to Live, Work and Grow. Refreshments will be provided.

Visit www.PRNC.org for more information.

Heschel Day SchoolAbraham Joshua Heschel Day School – transitional

Kindergarten to Grade 8, Open Houses: Elementary: Dec. 2, Jan. 14 at 9 a.m.

Middle School: Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For admission or to RSVP, please contact Lara Martin,

Director of Admission at (818) 368 5781 ext. 510 or visit www.heschel.com. Private tours are available by appointment. The school is located at 17701 Devonshire Street, Northridge.

A King is ComingShepherd of the Hills Church KOK presents “A King is

Coming to Town Sonbeam's Rock'in Christmas,” Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. in the main sanctuary. The church is located at 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch.

For further information contact Angie at (818) 831-9333 ext 252.

Free ConcertTake a break from the economy, unemployment, and the

wars with OperaWorks' annual "Sing-In the Holidays" concert. The concert will be on Saturday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m. at Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd. In consideration of all who are dealing with current economic stress, this concert is free. Donations graciously accepted - donations accepted online at www.operaworks.com or by calling (818) 898-9597.

For more information, contact OperaWorks at [email protected] or call (818) 898-9597.

Sierra Canyon SchoolSierra Canyon School cordially invites you to attend the

following admission event:Lower School Open House - Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – 12:30

p.m.Kindly RSVP to [email protected] or 818-882-

8121 ext.140.The Open House will provide a tour of the school by student

ambassadors, an opportunity to learn about Sierra Canyon from the Head of School, Division Heads and other key administrators and teaching faculty. Now Accepting Applications for the 2009-2010 School year.

Valley SafariSAFARI in the Valley–Interweaving art, education & craft for

a multi cultural creative adventure– South African Art Exhibition, Book Signing, interactive class and stitch-a-thon is scheduled on Sat, Dec 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Westfield Promenade, 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Californians will be able to experience the wonder of an African Safari, learn about African tribal art traditions and wildlife through a creative and culture needle art called African Folklore Embroidery.

Leora Raikin’s newly released book“Safari through African Folklore Embroidery” will be available for sale. A percentage of all book sales are donated to Kidzpositive. For other book signing dates, lectures,classes or to interview Leora Raikin, (818) 999-6094 www.aflembroidery.com

Granada Hills Holiday ParadeThe 25th Annual Granada Hills Holiday Parade is scheduled

for Sunday, Dec. 7, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Chatsworth Street and Petit Avenue and proceeding west on Chatsworth Street to Zelzah Ave. The parade will help ring in the Holiday Season and promises an afternoon of music and excitement for participants and spectators. This year's theme is "Favorite Holiday Movies."

For more information, visit www.granadachamber.com

Christmas ShowShepherd of the Hills Church’s Christmas production

“Let Heaven and Nature Sing!” will be on Dec. 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. This musical production features Shepherd’s own Amen and Risen Choirs as well as a large cast of actors and soloists from all over Los Angeles.

For tickets, please call 818.831.7880. The church is located at 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch. Phone: (818) 831-9333.

Latke BuffetAt Temple Ahavat Shalom, latkes will be a reason for

people to gather to celebrate Hanukkah at a Light Latke Buffet Dinner on Friday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. For only $5 per person (kids four and under eat for free) you not only get to eat all the latkes you want, but enjoy a tasty salad, fruit, cheese, crackers, dessert and a beverage. After dinner, attend a beautiful Acoustic Candle-lit Service in the Round, led by Rabbi Lutz, Cantor Linsky, Rick and Addie Lupert and Sr. TASTY members.

For more information, visit www.TASNorthridge.org or email Sue Issler [email protected]. TAS is located at 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. Phone: 818-360-2258.

Hanukkah ConcertExperience the wonder, the light and the miracles of

Temple Ahavat Shalom's Hanukkah Concert 2008 featuring Cantor Patti Linsky on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. Dessert Reception.

For more information, contact Sue Cohen at 341-1531 or [email protected]. TAS is located at 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. Phone: 818-360-2258.

Chatsworth Holiday ParadeCome and enjoy Chatsworth's most traditional event,

the Annual Holiday Parade, Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1 – 2 p.m. The parade is scheduled to march down Devonshire Street beginning at 1 p.m. There will be plenty of crafts for the kids, food booths and great entertainment for all ages. This event is brought to you by your local Chatsworth Kiwanis Club

Bethlehem NightOn Sunday, Dec. 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., come

and join Northridge UMC in this exciting adventure as we step back in time and visit the city of Jesus’ birth. Visit the marketplace, talk with shopkeepers, Bethlehem villagers. There will be crafts for the children, refreshments, and time to ponder the season and what it really means.

Northridge United Methodist Church is located at 9650 Reseda Blvd, Northridge. Phone: 818-886-1555

Toys for PALSLAPD Devonshire PALS are collecting new and

unwrapped toys, games and books for underprivileged youth through Dec. 19. Bring items to the Devonshire police station, 10250 Etiwanda Ave., Northridge. Details, call Elizabeth Sandoval at (818) 772-1717 or Dan Slater at (818) 756-8270.

Christmas Eve ServicesShepherd of the Hills Church Christmas Eve services

will occur at 5, 7, 9 and 11pm on Wednesday, Dec. 24th. The church is located at 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch. Phone: (818) 831-9333

Viewpoint SchoolViewpoint School, Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade,

23620 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas Open Houses:Middle School (grades 6-8) – Saturday, Jan. 10 at 1

p.m.Upper School (grades 9 – 12) – Saturday, Jan. 10 at 1

p.m.Please consult the Admission page of the website www.

viewpoint.org or call (818) 340-2901 for more detailed information, as well as parking and RSVP information.

Computer ClassIf you are frustrated by your computer, consider

enrolling in Senior Computers’ Introduction to Computers at California State University, Northridge beginning Friday, Jan. 2. The class meets for six Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon through Feb. 6. Students learn how to create, edit and save documents as files using Microsoft Word and how to retrieve files and print them.

If you are interested in enrolling, call for an application.(818) 831-5064.


[email protected]

Transitional Kindergarten - Grade 8 17701 Devonshire Street Northridge, CA

www.heschel.com

ABRAHAM JOSHUA

HESCHELD A Y S C H O O L

Elementary Open Houses:Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tuesday, December 2, 2008Wednesday, January 14, 2009

All Elementary School Open House events begin at 9:00AM

Middle School Open House:Sunday, December 7, 2008

10:00-12:30PM

For admission information, or to RSVP please contact

Lara Martin, Director of Admission 818.368.5781 x510

Private tours are available by appointment.

“All of the teachers, coaches, & administrators at Heschel seem to give a little bit extra. We think it is because education is their passion and not their job.”

Heidi and Michael Spound current Heschel parents

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SAYRE FIRE. Residents of Porter Ranch and Granada Hills saw flames and smoke approaching the Sesnon area, site of earlier fires that burned 17 square miles and destroyed more than 500 structures.

Providence Names Carmody

Kerry Carmody, chief executive of Providence Holy Cross Medical Center since 1999 and widely credited for bringing national recognition to the Mission Hills hospital, has been named regional chief operations officer for Providence Health & Services, California.

Arnold Schaffer, vice president and chief executive of Providence Health & Services, California, made the announcement. Carmody will transfer to the regional post as soon as his successor is named.

Where Did the Reagan VotesGo in the 2008 Election?

By Phyllis Schlafly

Where did the super-majority of votes gathered by Ronald Reagan in his presidential campaigns go in 2008? Can they be reclaimed by future Republican candidates?

The Reagan Democrats were the biggest loss to Republicans when the No. 1 issue turned out to be the economy and the loss of good jobs. A New York Times headline gleefully proclaimed, "Goodbye Reagan Democrats."

That's why Barack Obama carried Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Indiana. John McCain got 300,000 fewer votes in Ohio than George W. Bush in 2004.

Neither Democrats nor Republicans offered any good solution to the challenge of a depressed economy, but John McCain was particularly insensitive. In the presidential TV debates before the Michigan primary, he brushed off economic questions by pontificating that manufacturing jobs are gone forever and workers should go to a community college and get retrained.

He repeatedly reminded voters that he is the "biggest free-trader" they'll ever meet, a line that may resonate with a few libertarian think tanks but is a poke in the eye to blue-collar guys whose jobs have gone overseas to Chinese working for 30 cents an hour.

McCain could have called for a level playing field for international trade, such as by changing the discriminatory trade agreements that allow foreign countries to replace their tariffs with a value added tax of a comparable percentage, or by repudiating the World Trade Organization, which has ruled against the United States in 40 out of 47 cases. But he didn't.

It's time for the conservative movement to restore parents' rights over public-school curriculum and not leave it up to the anti-parent, pro-diversity policies endorsed by the National Education Association.

The third group that Republicans lost in 2008 was unmarried women. By a colossal 40-plus point spread, unmarried women voted for Barack Obama by 70 percent to 29 percent.

One explanation is economic: The women who cast off husbands look to Big Brother Government to support them. They vote for the party that promises more benefits from the Welfare State.

The other explanation is social: The feminists have carried on a 40-year campaign to destroy marriage and what they deride as the patriarchy. They want to replace it with a matriarchy.

The United States today has 24 million children growing up in households without their own father, and 17 million of those are in mother-headed households. Why is anybody surprised that the dissolution of marriage, depriving kids of their own fathers and the widespread acceptance of matriarchy produces eager supporters of Obama's promise to "spread the wealth around"?

If Republicans want to win future elections, they will have to field candidates who defend U.S. jobs, parents' rights in public schools and the institution of marriage. COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.

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