Northridge West Neighborhood Council, NWNC Northridge West Neighborhood Council, Unity in Our Community, NWNC
By Peter Lasky
The volunteer members of the Northridge West Neighborhood Council (NWNC) work tirelessly to make Northridge a place of which we can all be proud. Here is a roundup of what is happening in our part of Northridge.
Topiary and Beautification Update
On May 8th the board received the permits to start work on the Tampa Median topiary project, which should begin within 30 days of that date. The first phase of the project will include about a dozen plants. The plants will be trained to resemble three horses in different poses. If successful, we will be adding additional plantings resembling farm animals that might have been found on a 19th century Mexican Land Grant Rancho.
Grants and Donations
At the May NWNC meeting, the board acted on several requests from community organizations asking for Neighborhood Purpose Grants at the May meeting.
The following grants were approved:
- North Valley YMCA received $500 to be used to support the Senior Dance to be held at Northridge Park on June 1st.
- The CSUN Foundation was awarded $2000 for their Veterans Assistance Fund. This fund helps veterans attending CSUN who run into financial hardships. For example, some might be not receiving their government benefits in a timely manner, health emergencies, transportations issues, etc. For more information about this program contact .
- PESA (Parents, Educators/Teachers and Students in Action), was given $2500 to continue their work rehabilitating students who have committed crimes. PESA has a student court program that focuses on making the victims whole again, and, through education programs, slowing the growth of hate crimes in Los Angeles. For more information visit http://www.parentsinactionforbetterschools.org/.
- L.A. Parks Foundation received $2000 to support the Salute to Recreation Family Festival at Northridge Park June 1-3. More than 80,000 people visit the event, which included rides, a Hawaiian Festival, entertainment, food and many children’s activities.
- Calahan Community Charter School was awarded $2078.13 to purchase a carpet cleaning machine to replace an older device that leaks dirty water, making it unsanitary when children sit on the carpet for activities.
- The San Fernando Valley Chinese Cultural Association was given $1000 for hosting a celebration of May Asian American Heritage Month at Granada Hills Charter School May 12.
- NWNC also donated $500 donation to support children’s programs at Northridge Park.
Guest Speaker-League of Women Voters on Permanent Supportive Housing
The League of Women Voters spoke about the need for Permanent Supportive Housing for the homeless. The PSH program has many rules and regulations, and admission to the program isn’t automatic nor free. A portion of each tenant’s income (30%) must go toward the rent. The housing units have full-time managers, counselors and caseworkers to help individuals progress toward independent housing and jobs.
Board Changes
The board is pleased to welcome Matt McPherson, a local realtor and appraiser, to the board, filling an At-Large seat.
We have one open seat. If interested contact or 818-697-0639.
