TARZANA NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING
Tuesday July 23, 2024 7:00 PM
Tarzana Child Care Center
5700 Beckford Ave.
Tarzana, CA 91356
Click Here for the Agenda
Councilmember Blumenfield Introduces New Environmental Efforts to Ensure Clean Drinking Water and Reduce Health Risks from Artificial Turf |
Recently the Council approved Councilmember Blumenfield’s motion that instructs the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to test for the presence of Polyfluoroalkyl / Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and other similar contaminants and provide information on how to ensure safe potable drinking water for the City. This was prompted by recent revelations that DWP, for the first time ever, detected these contaminants in two water sources in the San Fernando Valley (the Pollock Well Field and at the Tujunga Well Field). While the levels were not deemed dangerous, it raised enough concern for Blumenfield to put together the motion.
Separately, Blumenfield introduced a motion to help Los Angeles transition away from artificial turf/synthetic grass and encourage the transition to California drought-friendly landscaping. Made from petroleum products, artificial turf/synthetic grass has been found to cause serious environmental issues as it degrades, can magnify the ‘heat island effect,’ and can burn in a wildfire. In the past it had been heralded as a good water-saving landscape alternative, but the conventional wisdom has been rapidly changing as the product has been studied, peer-reviewed and tested. Ultimately, a ban on future non-functional / decorative turf may be necessary. Artificial turf is now known to contain harmful substances such PFAS, and other “forever chemicals”. In April 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration, through the Environmental Protection Agency, categorized PFAS and other “forever chemicals” as hazardous substances dangerous to human health. The EPA has concluded that exposure to PFAS may lead to reproductive effects, developmental delays, and risks of some cancers. Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, and mucous membrane exposure, including microplastic dust kicked up on artificial turf fields.
On the effort regarding artificial turf, Charming Evelyn, Chair of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter’s Water Committee, said, “Sierra Club stands in strong support of this motion from City Councilmember Blumenfield. This is a crucial step for preventing widespread contamination and protecting public health.”
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Unveiling Restored Art Panels on Snoopy Bridge
Councilmember Blumenfield was joined by community members and students from Tarzana Elementary School to formally unveil the restored art panels on the one-of-a-kind Snoopy Bridge. Since the 1970s, the Snoopy (also called “Peanuts”) Bridge over Wilbur Avenue near Tarzana Elementary School has been a beloved community landmark. After the Snoopy art panels were defaced with graffiti, Blumenfield and his team worked with community members, Charles M Schulz Creative Associates, and Hattas Studios to refurbish this Valley treasure. It was a complicated task, but all parties worked together to make it happen.
Blumenfield secured $20K in funding and contracted with Hattas Studios to bring the murals back to their original condition. The work also included an application of an anti-graffiti coating both to deter future vandalism and, if it occurs, make it easier to remove. Blumenfield is thrilled that the art panels have been restored for future generations to enjoy and is grateful to the community members who brought this to his attention and have been a driving force behind this project, especially Stephanie Brody, Kirk Donovan, and Patty Jo Wolfson.
Tarzana Neighborhood Council Board members Iris Polansky and Susan Rogan were also in attenance to help celebrate.
LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION & PARKS - Spring season registration opens March 4, 2024 for the PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports. Classes and clinics are available for youth ages 3-17. REGISTRATION: www.laparks.org
At the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP), we believe in the power of sports to foster growth, teamwork, and joy in our community's youth.
Thanks to the LA28 Olympics and Paralympic Games commitment, the PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports Program provides affordable and accessible sports programming to kids of all abilities through Los Angeles. At 88 pre-qualified recreation centers and 36 pools sports programs are automatically offered for $10.00.
Every one of our recreation centers and pools offers the PlayLA program.
Please use caution around any downed or dangling wires or poles. Assume the line is live, and do not approach or touch it. Report any downed or dangling wires immediately by dialing 9-1-1!
In the event of a power outage, remain calm and be prepared:
In response to the success of the temporary program, the City is now offering permits for businesses that would like to offer Al Fresco dining permanently.
Mayor Bass announced that restaurant owners can now apply for the permanent Al Fresco outdoor dining program. The outdoor dining program originally was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and remains popular. The Mayor also launched financial relief for businesses owners to help them continue participating in the permanent program.
Small business owners will be automatically considered for the Fee Relief Program upon submitting their application for a revocable permit ― the permit required to operate outdoor dining on the sidewalks and on-street. Business owners are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of the fee relief and ensure adequate time for processing and inspections. As many as 1,800 small businesses are expected to benefit from the Mayor’s fee relief program. Learn more HERE
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