Locals Cite Low Pay, Layoffs LAUSD Versus UTLA: Teachers...

Valley Voters Unfazedby Midterm Elections

By Austin Kang, Valley Voice Reporter

I know many of you see this election as an unhappy choice between a long-time politician with no plan for the future and a billionaire with no government experience.” The Republican candidate for California governor, Meg Whitman

seems to have said no truer words.The November midterm elections brought a strong victory for the Democratic

Party in California with many positions including the governorship and senatorship manned by Democratic members. However, many valley locals felt that this election was more of a choice between the lesser of two evils rather than genuine support for a good candidate.

“I didn’t think too highly of really any candidate for California’s governor and senator spot. Regarding the [governor race], for me, Jerry Brown just seemed less worse than Meg Whitman,” Justin Hahn of Northridge said.

* * *The lack of appeal of most candidates stemmed primarily from the fact

that few seemed suited to deal with the harsh budget cuts and layoffs that have afflicted California. This notion was reinforced with the prominent smear campaigns from candidates of both Democratic and Republican parties and as negative attack ads bombarded the local media.

“There were so many ads on both television and on the Internet, but they just said the same things over and over again. They were all mostly negative, so I couldn’t really find reasons to support any of the candidates,” Diego Ramirez of North Hills said.

However, what may have cost Whitman and Carly Fiorina (the Republican candidate for California’s senator) their respective races is their shared pro-business, high-class persona as they were both former Corporate Executive Officers of major companies.

Covering Porter Ranch, Northridge, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, and Valley Communities West of the San Diego Freeway

Volume 5, Number 12 December, 2010

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(Continued on Page 3)

Locals Cite Low Pay, Layoffs

LAUSD Versus UTLA:Teachers at “Head of Class”

By Da Som Seo, Valley Voice Reporter

On November 8th, distressed teachers as well as parents and students assembled outside of the LA Times building to rally for Rigoberto Ruelas, a fifth-grade teacher who took his own life after being published as a “less effective” teacher

by the LA Times. They publicly voiced their concerns over the LAUSD rating system, which bases its database solely on test scores.

“It’s like if somebody will go to anybody’s house and say you are not a good parent,” said Alejandro Ruelas, Rigoberto’s brother. “They just shamed him without any real facts. They just came out and felt they had a story and that’s it.”

In response to the tragedy, the United Teachers Los Angeles, a union of professionals in the Los Angeles area, grew increasingly forceful in pushing forward their struggle against the publication of teacher data. It has also proposed to negotiate changes in the evaluation system with school district officials.

* * *On the other hand, a significant portion of locals approved of the controversial

rating system. “LAUSD’s current rating system and the media’s occasional publication will

surely promote efficiency in teaching. After all, test scores are the only concrete measure of teachers’ efficiency. Parents and schools can’t depend on abstract and subjective components such as a teacher’s ‘passion,’” said Eunice Kim of Northridge.

Likewise, Andrew Kim of Porter Ranch agreed with the rating system. “As a high school student, I witnessed a number of teachers who weren’t adequately prepared for class or even knowledgeable about the learning materials. In such an environment, what else can distinguish the effective teacher from the rest besides test scores?”

Teachers are more than ever agitated by the recent publication in addition to cut salaries and capricious layoff decisions. Susan Saisho, a veteran teacher of LAUSD, finds that public school teachers are being blamed by the society for the ills they have no control over. She suggests that “parents [if to properly evaluate a teacher] should go into the classroom and do teacher observations and see how their child interacts with the teacher.”

* * *Teachers aren’t the only ones frustrated. Locals, too, seem troubled by

teachers’ plight. “Whether they increase scores or not, they are our educators for future leaders.

People nowadays don’t have the least respect for teachers and sometimes even look down on the occupation. We are preventing them from teaching with untainted passion and from teaching without having to worry about meaningless numbers,” Michelle Holly of Granada Hills said.

Meanwhile, LAUSD is severely criticized for unrelentingly laying off teachers to offset the shortage of available funds and for failing to allot enough money for schools. There also was a heated debate over and a lawsuit filed against LAUSD for seniority-based layoff policies.

“LAUSD doesn’t appropriately finance its schools. And it keeps the money that should be distributed to every school. In fact, it denied Granada Hills Charter High School the necessary funding before only because we didn’t have a certain percentage of low-income students. Now that we are independent, we can freely help students who are financially needy,” said Barbara Piper, a math teacher at Granada Hills Charter High School.

Content or discontent, locals continue to express their thoughts on LAUSD teachers and policies. The grim economy is taking a toll on school districts and consequently, on our teachers.everything within our power to shut them down.”

New School ScheduleAugust 15 to June 1?

Los Angeles Unified School District is proposing a District-Wide Early Start Instructional Calendar for all single track elementary, middle and senior high schools. The proposed District-Wide Early Start Calendar would allow the school

year to start on August 15, 2011, and end on June 1, 2012 for students. Moving toward an Early Start Instructional Calendar has benefits for LAUSD

students. Research shows that the earlier calendar helps students retain more material before taking the end-of-semester exams before the winter break, instead of two months later in February. On the earlier schedules, students cover more material and are better prepared before taking the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and Advanced Placement (AP) tests.

Also the school year would end earlier in June allowing families to enroll their children in summer camps and various community agency programs. High school students would benefit from the Early Start Instructional Calendar by having the opportunity to enroll in summer college courses.

Finally it’s important to remember that the move toward the early start calendar is being driven in large part by the local principals who want to see their students improve their learning and academic performance.

If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail [email protected] no later than December 10.

Go to Mar. 8 VoteCity Council AddsBallot Measures

The Los Angeles City Council put more measures on the March 8 ballot, including one that seeks to tax medical marijuana.

The mayor has the power to veto any of them but has not exercised it.

The measures placed on the ballot would:• Impose a $50 tax per $1,000 in ``gross

reimbursements’’ that medical marijuana collectives receive from their patients, to generate $3-5 million in revenue a year;

• Spell out the minimum amount that the city must set aside in its reserve fund for emergencies;

• Ban campaign contributions and fundraising from contractors wishing to do business with the city, and expand the public financing of city campaigns; and

• Remove contribution limits for independent groups and self-financed candidates, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court deeming such restrictions unconstitutional.

• Scale back the pension benefits of the city’s police officers and firefighters, and also have them contribute a portion of their salary toward their post-retirement healthcare.

• Create a ratepayer advocate for the Department of Water and Power;

• Rrequire the DWP to submit its budget to the council earlier than is currently allowed, and to guarantee the amount of its surplus revenue that must be remitted to the city each year;

• Ensure that the city’s libraries receive a larger cut of the city’s property tax revenue for their operating expenses; and

• Amend certain civil service rules.

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Shapell homeS announceS new Land purchaSe in carlSbad

Shapell Homes recently announced the acquisition of the western portion of the Robertson Ranch. Consisting of approximately 200 acres of land, this significant property within the scenic coastal city of Carlsbad, represents one of the last

approved master-planned development opportunities remaining in north San Diego County. Located off El Camino Real and Cannon Road, this future community has city master plan approval for approximately 680 single-family and multi-family residences together with a neighborhood-serving retail center in a village setting. Approximately half of the property has been set aside for open space and active and passive recreation opportunities.

According to Shapell Homes CEO Matt Koart, “Carlsbad is an outstanding community and Shapell could not be more proud to be part of the city’s future. This is a significant commitment for our company, and we intend to add to Carlsbad’s already fantastic reputation and sense of community. We’re not just building houses—we build neighborhoods where people come together, share their excitement and feel right at home.”

Shapell has purchased the western portion of Robertson Ranch from long-standing Carlsbad landowner the Robertson family. The property represents the remaining balance of the community. The original master plan approval was secured in 2006 and the eastern portion of the property is currently under development.

“This represents Shapell’s return to the San Diego marketplace. It’s been many years since Shapell developed in San Diego County, but it’s really exciting to be back. We’ve been an active member of the community in the past and we look forward to once again bringing the Shapell Homes quality to Carlsbad” stated Erik Pfahler, vice president of planning and acquisitions at Shapell Homes.

Shapell has active Southern California communities in areas such as Laguna Niguel, Yorba Linda, Porter Ranch, the Santa Clarita Valley and Thousand Oaks.

For more information about Shapell Homes, please visit ShapellHomes.com.

Chanukah CelebrationDecember 5th!

Please save the date for Sunday, December 5th for the annual Grand Chanukah Celebration at the Porter Ranch Town Center. This year’s celebration at the Porter Ranch Town Center, at the Northwest corner of Corbin and Rinaldi, will be held

from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Menorah lighting ceremony at 5:15 p.m.The highly recognized yearly celebration will include a ten foot balloon Menorah,

traditional holiday music, and delectable bites and beverages for all! In addition, there will be plenty of crafts and games for the children to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the incredible Menorah Lighting Ceremony on this night as well! For more information, please call 877.44Chanuka (877.442.4268) or visit online at www.ChanukahAtPorterRanch.com.

Sponsored by Chabad of Chatsworth, Northridge, Porter Ranch and Porter Ranch Development Company. Porter Ranch is built by Porter Ranch Development Company, a joint venture of Shapell Homes and Liberty Building Company. Family-owned companies in business for more than 50 years, Shapell and Liberty have been building quality homes and communities together since 1969 and in Porter Ranch since 1975.

Porter Ranch CommunityInvited to a Holiday Party

T he PRNC invites the Porter Ranch community to join them at this year’s holiday party which will be held at the Musashi Restaurant in the Towne Center near Ralphs at 6pm on Tuesday, December 7. This is a great opportunity to meet your

board members and neighbors. We had a great turnout last year and expect a good crowd this year, so come early! Appetizers and Desserts will be served.

At the December meeting there was an informative discussion about the proposed expansion to the Sempra Energy Aliso Canyon Gas Storage Facility housed at the top of the mountain in Porter Ranch. A public meeting was held November 6 regarding the expansion to the facility, the largest gas storage in Southern California. Stakeholder Wes Rogers reported that the facility currently stores 84 billion cubic feet of natural gas 9,000 feet underground. The gas is compressed for storage by gas driven compressors. Sempra wants to expand the facility by using efficient electric turbines, but needs to run additional power lines from Newhall to do so.

Rogers pointed out that Sempra is not required to provide brush clearance for its current power lines, and the lack of brush clearance may have caused the Sesnon Fire October 2008 when one of their lines was blown down in the wind. The fire burned 14,703 acres, destroyed 15 homes and 63 outbuildings, and damaged 11 other residences. He contends that any expansion should be predicated upon sufficient brush clearance to prevent a repeat of the Sesnon Fire.

Stakeholders wanted to know how to shut down this project all together. Rogers notes that it would be better for the project to go forward, because the project should have a positive effect on gas bills, but the Sempra should complete brush clearance regardless of whether the project moves forward. According to the Daily News, on November 5, a Gas Co. spokesperson said they do clear brush. Rogers insists that he has seen the area under the lines covered in brush. A public hearing is expected in January 2011. The PRNC plans to have Sempra representatives at the board’s meeting on January 4, 6pm at Shepherd of the Hills. You may contact [email protected] or see www.PRNC.org for more information. - PRNC

new high SchoolGHCHS, the largest Charter School in the United States, with outstanding academic achievement scores, announced that they have submitted a proposal to operate the new High School (Valley Region High School #4) on the site of the former Granada Hills Hospital at Balboa Blvd. and Devonshire St., which closed in 2003.

GHCHS encourages students, parents and community members to provide input on what the GHCHS new school plan should include. To give your input, visit www.ghchs.com/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=149622&id=0 and fill out the survey. The website also has information on how to be involved and stay up-to-date on the new school.

This new branch of GHCHS will consist of three small learning communities, with classrooms, science labs, performing arts classrooms, library, multi-purpose room, gymnasium, lunch area, central administration, playing fields and a multi-story parking garage.

- Councilman Greig Smith

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Valley Voters Unfazed(Continued from Page 1)

Wilbur Ave.Road Striping

W e have received a great deal of input from community stakeholders, residents, and

cyclists about the re-striping of Wilbur Ave. between Chatsworth St. and Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has came back with suggested changes to fix the problems with the re-striping or “road diet.” The bike lanes will be preserved on Wilbur Ave.

Our office is putting together an ad-hoc working group consisting of DOT officials, our Transportation and Planning Deputy, the President of a local home owners association, and three members each from Northridge West Neighborhood Council and Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council. In addition to their President, each Neighborhood Council will be able to appoint two other people, either from their Neighborhood Council Board or from the community at large.

The Working Group will meet, not as a decision-making body, but to analyze the proposals and give input on behalf of all community stakeholders on the DOT recommendations.

- By Councilman Greig Smith

Hillcrest Christian School’s Cross Country Team dominated in its division. Accomplishments include the girls’ Cross Country team taking first place in the Westside League Championship and 14 students from both the boys’ and girls’ teams being invited to participate in the CIF preliminary competition at Mt. San Antonio’s College November 13.

LAUSD Enrollment 671,000

every year, LAUSD holds an official norm day to record the total number of students attending district school and determine staffing requirements

for the rest of the school year. Since last year, total enrollment in LAUSD

has decreased from 678,441 to 671,648. This represents a loss of 6,793 students and a 1% decrease in enrollment. Over the same year, enrollment in independent charter schools grew by 9,929 students, or 15.3%. Charter schools now account for 10.4% of LAUSD students, compared to 8.9% last year. Charter schools recorded the biggest gains in the K-8 grade levels, which increased by about 22%.

From 2009-10 to 2010-11, kindergarten enrollment has gone up from 51,193 to 51,638 over all schools. That represents an increase of 445 (or .87%) throughout the district. This increase breaks down into 30.7% more Kindergarteners in independent charter schools - an increase of 1,105 - and a drop of 1.39% in regular schools - a decrease of 660.

The new enrollment figures have resulted in cuts of 500 norm-generated teaching positions. However, since the enrollment drop was projected ahead of time, staffing adjustments were already in progress. At this point the district expects that roughly 90 staff will be placed in geographic pool assignments until new positions open up.

This decrease in enrollment will obviously impact revenue. However, since the decrease was actually less severe than predicted by the 2010-11 budget, the total effect is not known. Budget Services is currently analyzing the new numbers to determine what the ultimate impact on revenue will be.

- Tamar Galatzan

Whitman, in particular, is notable for spending more of her personal money on her campaign (about 160 million dollars) than any other self-funded political candidate in history.

Beyond California, which is a typically Democratic stronghold, the Republicans made massive comebacks nationally, taking back control of the House of Representatives with a net gain of 64 seats – the highest number of any House victory since 1948.

Most midterm elections curb the power of the current party in the White House after the promises made in campaigns are often not all fulfilled. However, the majority of the valley locals agree that the severity of the backlash from this midterm election is mostly due to a general indictment of government rather than specifically the Obama administration.

“I think the nation is feeling weary of the economic recession and that’s having a lot of impact on their votes. Midterm elections do tend to go against the president’s party, and the results of this one are just an extension of that trend,” Spencer Wolf of Northridge said.

Furthermore, the voter demographics had much to do with the results. From the 2006 midterm elections, the percentage of conservative, older voters (65 or over) jumped from 49 percent to 58 percent, while the younger voters (18 to 29) dipped from 23.5 percent to 20.9 percent.

Sharon Jeong, a citizen of Northridge, summarizes the apathy of youth voters: “I really don’t care about the election. It doesn’t really affect me.”


It would appear that a certain Grinch has come to try to rob the joy of giving, or our ability to give, this holiday season. He has been called “The Economic Slump” and he’s a grouchy old fellow—defl ating the enthusiasm of celebration

preparations and making gift-giving a hardship or an obligation, rather than a cheerful response stemming from our love for others. But I want to encourage you, dear friends, to not allow this sly villain to steal away the miracle and merriness of Christmas. For there is One who will always save the day. There is One who is still in the business of making miracles. His name is Jesus, and He can and will defeat this terrible foe…all He asks is that we take the fi rst step.

This truth has never been made more evident than in the story of Christ raising Lazarus from the dead in John chapter 11. I know this may seem like an odd “Christmas story” to some, but let me explain how this miraculous event holds the secret to unlocking miracles in your own life, great or small. You see, there is no circumstance in life that can compare to death—not even fi nancial destitution—yet we see in this astounding biblical account that Jesus possesses the power to conquer even death. Pay special attention to what He says in John 11:39. Before performing this miracle, He asks the family to take away the stone covering Lazarus’ tomb. You see, Jesus didn’t need them to take away the stone; the One who can heal the sick and raise others from the dead could have certainly rolled the stone away all by his lonesome. However, Jesus asks for this fi rst step of faith.

Lazarus’ sister, Martha, was not initially willing. Her fi rst response was natural: “But, Lord…by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days” (John 11:39). Like many of us, she lived by sight rather than faith, looking solely at the problem, not realizing that the Problem Solver was standing right in front of her. How many times in our lives are we so focused on our circumstances, that we lose sight of the bigger plan God has in store for us? Do we compromise our convictions in favor of the temporary acceptance of our peers? Do we forfeit the blessing of giving to those in need for seeming fi nancial security? Do we stifl e our surrender to a Savior for the semblance of control in our own life?

Quelling their initial unbelief, Jesus reminds Lazarus’ family, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). And then, upon

Pastor Dudley C. Rutherford - Shepherd of the Hills

TAKE AWAYTHE STONE

By

removing the stone and at Jesus’ command, Lazarus walked out of his tomb alive.

What stone is blocking us from seeing a miracle performed in our own lives? Is it fi nancial instability, the approval of others, dependence on someone or something? Are we willing to take that fi rst step of faith and remove the stone, then step back to see what Jesus can do?

I know that with prayer, trust, and belief in the Lord, He can deliver our nation from this diffi cult economic slump. I believe that, in the meantime, He can perform great miracles in the lives of individuals who put their faith in Him across this country. But perhaps He is asking that we take the fi rst step, a step of faith, fi rst?

This year, our church is embarking on another Adventure of Faith, as we trust God to supply our needs through the expansion of our facilities, in order to better serve our members and the community. Through our Miracle in the Making series, we studied God’s Word together, reviewing His promises that He will be faithful to those who put their hope in Him. We know that raising the necessary resources for such an endeavor is nothing short of a miracle in our current economic condition. As such, we are excited to see what God is going to do, as we take away the stone in our lives to give scripturally, strategically, and sacrifi cially.

If you want to learn more about taking away the stone in your life and putting your faith in Jesus, please join us during one of our weekend services at Shepherd of the Hills church. We look forward to hearing about your Adventure of Faith and the miracles God is making in your lives this holiday season and beyond!

Pastor Dudley C. Rutherford is the Senior Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch.

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The Car Rental AgentBy Mark Lacter

We all know that buying the insurance is usually unnecessary, but this anonymous

agent, working at different L.A.-area locations, figures that almost 60 percent of the customers sign on nonetheless. Here’s his account to edmunds.com:

We had week-long training sessions about how to sell these products and how to add value to them. Often, people wound up signing out of sheer fear. Was there any value to the insurance we sold? Only if you didn’t have your own insurance. The most senseless product we offered was the personal accident insurance, which we bundled with the initial product, the damage waiver, for the vehicle. It was redundant -- other pieces of the policy already covered you in the event of an accident. As long as I worked there, no one who bought it ever filed a claim.

Car rental agents are pushed to offer as many upgrades and extra features as possible (sometimes they’ll get a piece of the action).

If someone walks out with a killer deal, takes the cheapest car, takes no “protection,” which is their term for insurance, takes none of the other products we offer -- it reflects poorly on me and ruins my likelihood of promotion. So you learn: If you want to get ahead, you’d better sell.

- LA Observed

Plastic Bags Banned

The Board of Supervisors voted to ban single-use plastic bags at grocery stores,

pharmacies and other shops in unincorporated Los Angeles County areas.

The ban is aimed at reducing by 50 percent the number of plastic bags that wind up in landfills, as well as in river beds and other areas.

Supervisors voted 3-1 in support of the ban, with Supervisor Mike Antonovich dissenting. County staff will now finalize exact wording of the ordinance, which will have to come back to the board for a final vote.

Under the ban, grocery stores and other retail outlets will be prohibited from using the bags. The ban will begin in some stores July 1 and be expanded to every store as defined in the ordinance on Jan. 1, 2012. The ordinance will not apply to restaurant carry out or food trucks.

Stores will still be allowed to offer customers recyclable paper bags, but there will be a 10 cent charge per bag.

According to the environmental group Heal the Bay, which supported the ban, the state spends $25 million a year to collect and dispose of plastic bags. About 19 billion plastic bags are used in California each year, generating almost 150,000 tons of waste and killing marine animals and birds, according to the group.

Pay for an “A”Better Business Bureau

By Mark Lacter

Turns out that those letter-grade scores it hands out might be nothing more than a pay-to-play scam, according to ABC News,

which took a look at the BBB on “20-20.” Business owners are accusing the organization of giving “A”

ratings to anyone who pays membership fees and “F” ratings to those that don’t. The head of the BBB denies such a connection, but just to prove the case, a group of L.A. business owners shelled out the $425 fee for a non-existent company called Hamas, named after the Middle Eastern terror group. It received an A-. From ABC:

Errors seem to abound at the Better Business Bureau. As reported by an anonymous blogger the BBB also awarded an A minus rating to a non-existent sushi restaurant in Santa Ana, and an A plus to a skinhead, neo-Nazi web site called Stormfront. Each listing cost $425. “They ran the credit card and within 12 hours they were an approved, accredited member,” said the anonymous blogger, who runs a site called bbbroundup.com. “They’re more interested in the money than their credibility,” he said.

* * *As part of the ABC News investigation, an ABC News producer

with a camera was present as two small business owners in Los Angeles were told by Better Business Bureau tele-marketers that their grades of C could be raised to A plus if they paid $395 membership fees.

Terri Hartman, the manager of a Los Angeles antique fixtures store, Liz’s Antique Hardware, was told only a payment could change her grade, based on one old complaint that had already been resolved. “So, if I don’t pay, even though the complaint has been resolved, I still have a C rating?” Hartman then read off her credit card number and the next business day the C grade was replaced with an A plus, and the one complaint was wiped off the record. - LA Biz Observed

Field TripsStudents across Los Angeles county would

be able to ride Metro buses and trains for free during school field trips starting early next year under a new policy.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, said students should be able to go on field trips despite the economic crisis.

BEING IN BETTER TOUCHDoes nail polish and lipstick make a lady?

Does a shaved face and haircut make a man?

If we can see ourselves as actual soulsand realize what and who we really are,

without adornment and affectationcamouflaging our very essence,

then we could be in better touch with ourselves and with others,

our community sisters and brothers.We all inhabit this earth.

© Norman Molesko, 2010

•

Electric Vehicles

With a new generation of plug-in electric vehicles on display at this year’s Los

Angeles Auto Show, city officials announced they are making it easier for residents to install electric vehicle chargers in their homes.

“By streamlining the process for permitting, inspection and meter installation, the city of Los Angeles is making it easy and convenient for residents to own electric vehicles,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

First Deputy Mayor and Interim General Manager Austin Beutner of the Departmentof Water and Power said DWP has a program that will allow its customers to charge their electric vehicle at their home within a week of purchase. He called that timeline a “new national standard.”

ERRATAThe correct ISBN number is 978-0-557-41811-4 for the book , “Retiring and Senior Living, Experiencing

The Second Half Of Life” authored by Norman Molesko.This book is great as a holiday gift.


Dear TeacherA Listening Ear; A Listening Heart

“Everyone has his burden. What counts is how you carry it.” - Merle Miller

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

Dear Teacher - P.O. Box 7011 - Mission Hills, CA 91346Dear Teacher,My daughter is trying to learn her times tables. I used

to do all of them at once. Any better ideas? Mrs. P.Dear Mrs. P.,It’s better to learn one at a time. Get through the 2’s,

then conquer each table after that. Success builds great con� dence.

Dear Teacher,My son is in 10th grade and has an opportunity to work

in a senior center after school and on Saturdays. Would that be a good community service activity for college? Mr. R.

Dear Mr. R.,Excellent!! Not only will he ful� ll his community

service requirements, but he’ll gain insight into another generation.

Dear Teacher,Our principal where I teach knows which teachers

aren’t doing a great job, but won’t do anything about it. Mr. X

Dear Mr. X.,The business community doesn’t usually put up

with ine� ciency and unproductive workers, but in the educational arena, sadly, we don’t follow suit. Our children deserve the best.

Dear Teacher,I’m an administrator, and my concerns are related to

parents of children with special needs. I feel those parents deserve our patience and understanding. In some IEP meetings , the parents feel intimidated and overwhelmed. That’s wrong. Mrs. E.

Dear Mrs. E.,Good for you! It’s about time someone put themselves

in someone else’s shoes. Hopefully you can get other administrators on board.

Worthwhile Web - www.think� nity.org

Editor’s Note:“Dear Teacher” is fi nally 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.

By Sandy Ojeda, Valley Voice Education Editor

What is your objection to term life insurance?By Ron RauschenbergerState Farm® Agent

One objection to purchasing term life insurance is just that: when the term is over, the policy is finished. That’s it. No more coverage.

Many people I’ve talked with about term insurance worry they will outlive the policy period and ‘waste their money’ on something they didn’t need. It can be difficult to counter these arguments except by explaining how term insurance can be an affordable way to provide life insurance coverage for a specific time period.

Until now. Insurance companies are offering term policies that actually return the premiums you’ve paid after the level premium period ends. In other words, if you purchase a 20-year term policy and are still living when the 20 year level premium period ends, the premiums you paid will be returned to you, in many cases free of federal income tax.

Those returned premiums can have a number of uses. If you still need life insurance you could purchase another policy. You could also use the premiums that are returned to pay down your mortgage or even add to your retirement savings.

Life insurance can provide peace of mind that your loved ones’ financial burdens may be eased if you are no longer there. The benefit provided by life insurance can help keep dreams alive.

One objection to buying term life insurance has been addressed by a policy that may return the premiums you paid.

Ask an insurance professional about a product that provides needed life insurance coverage but has the potential to return your premiums at the end of the term.

“From Bach to Rock, I make lessons enjoyable & fun.”

• Lessons given in your own Home• Beginning to Advanced

• All Music Styles • All Ages

(818) 348-4154 • Cell: (818) [email protected] • www.EfremBergman.com

Piano Lessons with Efrem Bergman

©LC

0910

Jay KimDa Som SeoHyeon Yun

Austin Kang

The Valley Voice is published every last Wednesday of the Month.

Deadline for submission isthe 15th of the month.

California Borrowing $40 Million a Day in

Unemployment Benefi ts

California is borrowing an average of $40 million a day from the federal government in order to help pay unemployment benefi ts, according to the Los Angeles

Times. With interest, the amount may become more than the state can afford to pay back.

The borrowed money is used to pay off unemployment insurance. It is estimated that California will owe the federal government $16 billion by 2012, an additional strain on the state’s already-stressed budget.

The problem is not only the amount that the state is borrowing, but also the interest that is compounding. According to the LA Times, the state will need to pay the federal government $362 million by the end of next September.

Unemployment in the state is a major problem. It is estimated that 1 in 8 Californians are unemployed, a fi gure higher than the national average. In September, the national unemployment rate was 9.2% while California’s unemployment rate was 12.2%.

The temporary solution to the problem is to increase unemployment taxes for employers. It is currently at $21 per each worker, but the rate will continue to rise if the state continues to borrow.

Governor-elect Jerry Brown has his work cut out for him when tackling the state budget crisis. With this report, his main challenge will be to control the spending without cutting back on unemployment benefi ts.

Donates 343 booksWhen it comes to giving, 10-year old Bryon

Golnick raises the bar for both children and adults. He recently collected and donated 343 books to Haven Hills, a domestic violence shelter in Canoga Park. Golnick decorated shopping bags and put them in each classroom, asking them to collect new or gently used books for children and adults. In less than a month, he collected 343 books.

Christmas ConcertsHillcrest Christian School would like to invite you to

join us for two concerts featuring our award winning youth choirs. On Thursday, December 2nd at 6:00 pm our Middle School Choirs will be singing favorite Christmas carols in English, French, and Latin.

On Saturday, December 11th at 7:00 pm our High School Choirs will be singing Christmas carols and songs from a ride range of styles and eras. Both concerts will include the audience in an Old-fashioned Carol Sing and take place at World Vision Church, located at 19514 Rinaldi Street, on the corner of Corbin and Rinaldi in Porter Ranch. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased at the door or at Hillcrest Christian School. (818) 368-7071.

Viewpoint Preview DayViewpoint School, 23620 Mulholland Highway, Calabassas, will host an Admission

Preview Day, for the Middle and Upper School, Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. This is an opportunity to attend sample classes, and meet the faculty, and current students.

Please visit www.viewpoint.org/admissions, or call 818-591-6560 for additional information, and to RSVP for an event.

G.H. Holiday ParadeThe Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce’s 27th Annual Granada Hills Holiday

Parade will help ring in the Holidays and promises a terrific afternoon of music and excitement for families. Over 4,000 youth participate representing 150 entries, to march in the parade down Chatsworth St., from Petit to Zelzah Ave. on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 1:30pm to 4:00 pm. This year’s theme is “Favorite Holiday Gifts and Presents.” For sponsorship, vendor booth, or other information, contact the Granada Hills Chamber at (818) 368-3235 or [email protected].

Christmas Sing-AlongOur Redeemer Lutheran Church at 8520 Winnetka Ave. in Winnetka will prepare for

Christmas with our Annual Christmas Sing-Along on Sunday, December 5th at 3:00pm. The choir will sing a Christmas Cantata - a gallery of Christmas Carols about Christ’s birth. Call 818/341-3460 or visit our website at www.our-redeemer.org for more information.

Free Holiday ConcertOperaWorks presents a free holiday concert, “Sing in the Holidays!” on Sunday, Dec.

5, 2:00 pm at the Christian Science Church, 4032 Whitsett Avenue in Studio City. This event is a multi-cultural music featuring sacred, secular and popular holiday music, and including songs from Russia and China. Tax deductible donations graciously accepted. To reserve a seat, contact OperaWorks at (818) 898 – 9597 or email [email protected].

Tamar’s Holiday MixerParents, teachers, LAUSD employees and community leaders are invited to LAUSD

Board Member Tamar Galatzan’s 4th Annual Holiday Mixer on Wednesday, December 8, from 5:00 – 7: 00 pm at Tamar’s Valley Field Office, 6651A Balboa Blvd. in Lake Balboa. There will be light appetizers, music, and merriment. To RSVP, please email [email protected] or call (213) 241 – 6386.

Holiday MemorialBastian and Perrott, Oswald Mortuary announces it will host its annual non-

denominational Holiday Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 8, in the chapel at 18728 Parthenia Street in Northridge. The community is invited to participate. Refreshments will be served. Families and friends wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by calling before Tuesday, Dec. 7 at (818) 886- 8600. Visit www.bastianandperrott-oswaldmortuary.com for more info.

SFV PhilharmonicThe Valley Philharmonic Orchestra is a non-profit organization dedicated to the

performance of full-range classical music. Please come and enjoy the great music close to home, Sunday, December 12, from 7 pm to 10:00 pm at All Nations Church, 1000 Foothill Blvd. in Lake View Terrace. For more info, please call Jackie Koo at 213-458-4618 or email [email protected].

ADL at the “J”New Time! Join the North Valley Jewish

Community Center Senior Group. We meet at Temple Ramat Zion on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month starting at 12:00 noon. Bring your lunch and join us for interesting programs. On December 14, a speaker for the Anti Defamation League will be joining us for a provocative discussion. Call 818-360-2211 for more information.

Movie MatineeCome see a great movie in our movie theater followed by a lively discussion

led by Merle Goldberg, Writer/Producer/Director every Saturday at 2PM at The Village at Northridge. Free parking. The entrance is on Prairie and Melvin. Please RSVP to 818-812-4617.

“It’s All Greek To Me”The hilarious play, “It’s All Greek To Me! ~A Myriad of Myths, Mirth, &

Mayhem~” is presented by the Nobel Middle School Theatre Arts Department. Performance dates are December 9th, 10th, & 11th at 6:30 pm, with a special Saturday matinee on December 11th at 2:30 pm at Nobel Middle School, 9950 Tampa Avenue, Northridge in the MPR. Donations will be accepted at the door.

G.H. LibraryThe Friends of the Granada Hills Library will host a two-day used book sale on

Friday, December 10, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM; and Saturday, December 11, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The sale will take place indoors in the library’s community room. Lots of fiction, nonfiction, hardcover and paperback books will be available at excellent prices. Bags of books will be sold for $5.00 each. The Granada Hills Library is located at 10640 Petit Ave. (corner of Chatsworth St.) in Granada Hills.

How’s Your Balance?Please join us for our continuing series of informational workshops presented

in partnership with California State University Northridge, Friday, December 10th at 1:30PM. Come hear a lecture about BALANCE and take a 5 point Balance Analysis test to see how you do. Free parking underground. The entrance is on Prairie and Melvin. Please RSVP to 818-812-4617.

tour of HomesPlease join us for A Holiday Tour of Homes here at The Village at Northridge

on Saturday December 11th from 1PM to 4PM. There will be food and holiday music as you get a rare chance to take a peek at some of the lovely homes of the residents. It will be a fun time. All are welcome. Free underground parking. Entrance on Prairie and Melvin. No RSVP necessary. (818) 812-4640.

Winter FestivalHighland Hall Waldorf School hosts a Winter Festival on Saturday, December

11th from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm. This free community event will include live music, winter crafts, wreath making, storytelling. Visit the pinecone cafe for delicious treats and close the evening with our ever popular candlelight celebration. All are invited to attend. www.highlandhall.org, 818-349-1394 x220

Chatsworth Holiday ParadeSave the Date for the 27th Annual Chatsworth Holiday Parade and Festival

Sunday, Dec. 12. The festival will be held at the Chatsworth Train Depot from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Parade travels eastward on Devonshire St. from Jordan Ave. to Lurline Ave. starting at 1:00 pm. The theme of this year’s Chatsworth Holiday Parade is “Candyland.” For general information, visit http://Chatsworthkiwanis.org or call Nick and Lucia Montaño at (818) 489-6423 or email [email protected].

Appeteezers“The-J” presents Gourmet Made Easy “Appeteezers” and Finger Food cooking

class in time for the holidays. Liven up your party with these easy but creative appetizers that will surely ring in the New Year with a tasty bang, Thursday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. $60. Call 818-360-2211 or email [email protected] to reserve a space.

Center Stage Opera‘Tis the season to enjoy a sumptuous “Amici della Musica” evening of dinner

and song on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 6pm at Angelo’s Ristorante Italiano on Devonshire at Mason in Chatsworth. Shira Renee Thomas and Dylan F. Thomas have a bountiful musical feast prepared for you, featuring favorites from opera, Broadway, jazz and popular song and your full-course dinner. The entire evening is just $49, tax and tip included, and advance reservations are required. Call 818-517-4102, or visit us at www.centerstageopera.org and make your reservations.

Christmas Services Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 8520 Winnetka Ave. in Winnetka will

hold their Christmas Eve Candlelight Services on Friday, December 24th at 5pm and 7pm. Christmas Day will be celebrated on Sunday, December 26th at the 8am, 9:30am and 10:45am services. Please call 818/341-3460 or visit our website at www.our-redeemer.org for more information.

Chatsworth H.S. CampChatsworth High School is offering a Winter Baseball Camp from 9 a.m. to

noon, Dec. 27 – 30, for boys and girls 8 to 16 at the high school field. The Chancellors have won nine LA City Championships since 1983, and National Champions in 2003 and 2004. Instructors include Tom Meusborn, varsity head coach, and 2003 national coach of the year; and the CHS coaching staff and members of the 2010 varsity team. Participants must dress appropriately in baseball attire, including cleats, and glove. Cost is $100. Call Tom at 818-678-3415. Please mention Noah Weinberg, Chatsworth Athlete Referral.

Holiday GiftsPlease donate a new, unwrapped toy, gift, book, gift certificate or other age-

appropriate gift for kids up to 17 years old for the annual LAPD Devonshire PALS (Police Activity League Supporters) Holiday Toy Drive. Gifts can be dropped off at the Council District 12 office, located at 18917 Nordhoff St., Suite 18, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can also drop off gifts at the Youth Center, located at 8721 Wilbur Ave., at the corner of Parthenia St. in Northridge, Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Fridays 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

December 16 is the last day for donations. All of the donated gifts and toys will be distributed to the hundreds of kids who participate in the programs at the Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire Youth Center on Saturday, December 18. The event will also feature music, entertainment, holiday snacks and a visit from Santa. For more information call Sue Bruno at (818) 885-6432.

Winter Coat DriveHelp the Granada Hills Women’s Club share the warmth this winter and donate

your used winter coats for their Burlington Coat Factory Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Drive. To help, you can drop off used warm coats and jackets, clean and in good condition, with no holes and working zippers, through Dec. 10 at the Council District 12 office, 18917 Nordhoff St., Suite 18 in Northridge, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The donated coats will be gathered by Burlington and given to local shelters to be distributed to people in need during the winter. Anyone donating a coat will receive a 10% discount on store merchandise. For more information, email [email protected].

Comfort to Our TroopsWith the holiday season at hand, activities are moving into high gear at


LOCAL Events

A K-12 Independent College Preparatory Schoolcelebrating 50 years of academic excellence

(with daily bus service to and from Chatsworth and Northridge)

Join us to learn more about our Middle andUpper School academic programs andadmission opportunities for 2011-12:

COME LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SCHOOLViewpoint School recognizes the uniqueness of each

child, provides a rigorous education in a nurturing environment, and develops a love of learning and

those qualities which provide strength and direction for a lifetime.

Please visit www.viewpoint.org/admission or call 818-591-6560 foradditional information and to RSVP for this event.

Viewpoint School23620 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302

December 4, 2010 - 1:00 p.m.

Admission Preview DayAll prospective students and parents interested in Grades 6 - 12 are invited. Preview Day provides a

unique opportunity to attend sample classes, meet our faculty and students, and view student work.

(Continued on page 8)


LOCAL Events(Con t inued f r om pa ge 7)

Diplomate American Boards of Internal Medicine & Rheumatology

Clinical Assistant Professor of Rheumatology Keck School of Medicine, University of

Southern California

Wagdy W. Kades, M.D., F.A.C.R.

Porter Ranch Office Los Angeles Office Porter Ranch Medical Plaza St. Vincent POB 19950 Rinaldi Street 201 S Alvarado Street Suite 101-D Suite 626 Porter Ranch, CA 91326 Los Angeles, CA 90057

Tel: (213) 484-5397 Fax: (213) 484-9584Website : kadesmd.com

Rheumatology ~ Arthritis ~ Osteoporosis

Operation Gratitude, where they are working hard to get letters and care packages to our troops serving overseas during the holidays. The Holiday Drive thru Dec. 17 needs volunteers: Monday and Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm; and Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. To learn more about Operation Gratitude, visit their website www.OperationGratitude.com or call (818) 909-0039.

Holiday ConcertHoliday Concert Series at The Village at Northridge every Wednesday

in December. Reception at 3PM; Concert at 4PM. Free parking underground. Entrance to parking is on Prairie and Melvin. Please RSVP to 818-812-4617.

Pets Go OnlineLA Guinea Pig Rescue, Chatsworth, recently has joined other animal welfare

organizations in the area that list their homeless pets on Petfinder.com, the oldest and largest database of adoptable animals on the Internet. The site currently has over 355,700 homeless pets listed, and it is updated continuously. LA Guinea Pig Rescue pets may be viewed at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA1782.html.

CSUN Tseng College Students from any college or university are invited to take Winter Term

classes at California State University, Northridge. The Tseng College at CSUN administers the program, which features academic-credit courses offered during the break between the Fall and Spring semesters. The fee is $305 per unit. Online courses run Dec. 23, 2010-Jan. 20, 2011. On-campus courses run Jan. 3-20, 2011, at the university, 18111 Nordhoff Street. The class schedule and registration information are posted at http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/winter.html.

Kumon of Northridge In honor of October’s National Book Month, the students at the Kumon

Math and Reading Center’s of La Crescenta and Northridge collected more than 85 books to benefit La Crescenta and Calahan Elementary Schools. “It was our goal to provide each person in the community, especially children, with the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of reading,” said Saddia Rana, director of the Kumon Math & Reading Center of Northridge. “My students were excited to give back to the community.”

Business Tax

T he Los Angeles City Council took the first step toward drafting an ordinance aimed at giving business owners an incentive to begin paying delinquent business taxes.

The proposed Voluntary Disclosure Program - expected to generate $250,000 in annual revenue - seeks to encourage unregistered businesses to initiate contact with the city’s Office of Finance to resolve unreported and delinquent tax liabilities.

In exchange, the city would waive the usual penalties and reduce the amount of taxes owed by the businesses.

In the first year of the program, the city would charge only taxes and interest owed by the businesses over previous three years. Afterward, the city would charge what was owed over the previous five years.

Currently, if the city identifies a business as being delinquent in paying business taxes, it can go after eight years’ worth of tax returns.

Businesses would be eligible to participate in the program only if the Office of Finance had never contacted them before, and if their failure to remit business tax was “due to reasonable cause and was not due to negligence, intentional disregard of the city’s tax ordinances, or fraud.”

Solar RebatesT he City Council unanimously rejected a proposal to slash the Department

of Water and Power’s solar rebates, but said applications should not be accepted until a new plan is crafted to avoid bankrupting the program.

DWP’s Solar Incentive Program calls for distributing $313 million in rebates in 2007-2016 -- about $34 million in rebates every year.

Because of a recent surge in applications, however, the utility has already distributed $100 million of that money, and is on track to pay $89 million more over the next three years.

DWP staff warned that if the rebates are not scaled back, “all funds from the Solar Incentive Program will be exhausted in two to three years.”

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