Northridge West Neighborhood Council — Minutes — 2026-06-09

--- Page 1 --- 1 NORTHRIDGE WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL General Board Meeting Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 6:15 PM I. CALL TO ORDER a) Call to Order by Presiding Officer Janis Kraft at 6:22 p.m. b) Roll Call: Quorum established with 7 board members: Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys & Kevin Herzberg. Krystal Sims joined at 6:34 p.m. bringing the board attendance to 8. c) Pledge of Allegiance was recited. II. ADMINISTRATIVE MOTIONS a) Approval of May 12, 2026 General Board meeting minutes: (Kraft/Dulys) moved to approve the May 2026 NWNC board meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously: 7-0-0. Voting Yea: (7) Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys & Kevin Herzberg. Opposed: (0) Abstaining: (0) Absent: Krystal Sims Approval of May 2026 MER: (Kraft/Duly) moved to approve the May 2026 MER. Sam reviewed the expenses for NWNC and upcoming expenses. There is just over $2241.63 available in the budget. The motion carried unanimously: 8-0-0. Voting Yea: (8) Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys, Krystal Sims & Kevin Herzberg. Opposed: (0) Abstaining: (0) III. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS • Pat Lopresti thanked everyone who attended the Meet the Horses event last month. Over 250 families attended. Prop K funding is being considered to work on the parks. • Glenn Bailey announced that the VANC meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, will feature Councilmember Lee. Email Glenn if there are items you want him to address. • Matthew Mitnick of LAHSA thanked the board members who helped with the Homeless Count. The numbers are being verified right now and he will report back on that soon. In July, they will be presenting more results on the Valley and the City of L.A. homeless counts. Funds are being shifted away from LAHSA on July 1st but they will continue to receive state and federal dollars so they can continue with their special projects (Sepulveda Basins houses several 100 people who are homeless). Let him know if there are any areas that they can respond to, as well as high priority calls for people who are on the streets experiencing homelessness as they are working to match the homeless with housing. --- Page 2 --- 2 IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Janis Kraft made the following announcements: a) 6/20/26 is the final day for credit card charges for this fiscal year. b) A new online funding training started 6/1/26. All board members are required to take the training which is in 6 segments and must be completed by August 31, 2026. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8K7Sssr3cRGgAsrp91T7gcPXXRwXKZd (EmpowerLA Rep Vincent Autiero said once completed, the training will take board members through to June 30, 2027.) V. PRESIDENT’S REPORT a) Janis asked the board to nominate people who can serve on the board as there are many vacant seats. VI. GOVERNMENT REPORTS a) Public Safety LAPD Devonshire Division (1 877-ASK -LAPD) Battalion Chief Adrian Vasquez said there has not been much activity in the past month. But he is cautious because the weather in June is similar to what we usually get in July. There have been two major fires in the past two weeks. He suggested everyone use Watch Duty and lasd.org for the latest reports. • Last week, in Canoga Park, a husband fatally shot his two sons, wife and himself and they had to witness this tragic incident. • There will be a measure on the November ballot for a ½ cent sales tax increase which will help fund LAFD so they can increase their staffing. • Kathleen acknowledged the tragic circumstances that the LAFD staff often face. • Jeff asked if the man who was gardening and struck a rock with his equipment had caused a major fire. Chief Vasquez said although they can’t stop people from doing landscaping, they recommend people hold off or use caution on major landscaping projects during the fire season. Mikki I. stated that crime is down in the Devonshire District. Burglary of motor vehicles has increased in the Northridge West area so: lock it, hide it, keep it. • Tomorrow, June 10th, the LAPD Senior Lead Officers will have a table at the Northridge Fashion Mall Farmers’ Market. • She noted that the Devonshire LAPD app is a good way to stay current on any outreach and safety car events. b) CD 12 City Council Representative Myrka Martinez thanked everyone who attended Meet the Horses and the Rec & Parks Family Festival. • There will be a Granada Hills Swimming Pool Opening on Saturday, June 13. • The soccer games will be displayed for the World Cup in Northridge Park. • The location for Conversations Council will take place at a church in North Hills. • The City Council approved the City’s budget which includes funding to maintain 500+ LAPD officers as well as Fire Department funding. The CM believes in keeping these core services. • She gave a full report on motions the CM has backed or submitted. Jeff questioned whether smoke from street vendors’ cooking is a safety issue for AQMD. Myrka said she would check into it. --- Page 3 --- 3 c) Mayor’s Office: David Nguyen, W. Valley Rep. said the Mayor’s budget passed without a hitch. The city is committed to essential services, especially street repairs & street cleaning. On July 25th, 2026 there will be an event for students with a giveaway of 500 backpacks at Reseda Park from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and a resource fair with a lot of free medical services. d) Department of Neighborhood Empowerment Rep Vincent Autiero stated that $20K was allocated to keep the Cornerstone platform for NC trainings. • Quickbase will be replaced with Google Workspace. • He spoke about their Youth Leadership Conference which was very successful. • Funding was provided for the 2027 elections and it will be hybrid with six group elections. He shared information sessions on how the elections will work, a film competition for young people (to be submitted for L.A. Film Fest), and the World Cup Kick it in the Park viewing parties. • EmpowerLA will also be reporting back to the city on the final digital access needs assessment and costs required to remediate Neighborhood Council digital platforms for ADA compliance. • Nominations for the Joy P. Atkinson Neighborhood Council Excellence Awards are Now Open: The Joy P. Atkinson Neighborhood Council Excellence Awards recognize Neighborhood Councils that best fulfill their City Charter mandate to promote greater civic participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs. Previously known as the EmpowerLA Awards, the Joy P. Atkinson Neighborhood Council Excellence Awards honor the legacy of former Board of Neighborhood Commissioners Joy Atkinson. A powerful community organizer & advocate for civic leaders and women, Commissioner Atkinson faithfully served the South Los Angeles community and all Angelenos for decades on the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners. • The Board of Neighborhood Commissioners will consider nominations that highlight Neighborhood Council’s projects, events, Neighborhood Purpose Grants, Community Impact Statements, and the vital resources Neighborhood Councils provide. This year’s nomination form will also accept images, presentations, and videos to support your nomination. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, using this submission form. e) Budget Advocate Glenn Bailey, www.budgetadvocates.org – reminded the board that Budget Day takes place on June 27, 2026 at City Hall with free parking for those who pre-register. There will be a youth component for those aged 14 – 25, and city officials, who are in charge of the budget will speak. Come to express your concerns about the city budget. https://tiny.cc/BudgetDay26 f) Julia Estrada with the Office of Asm. Pilar Schiavo offered help to any stakeholders who are having issues with state agencies. • They have brought back $400K to constituents in the first quarter of the year. • All 15 of the Assemblymember’s bills made it to the Senate floor. They are highlighting the Predatory Lending Act to protect small business owners who are entrapped by illegal interest rates. • Their Annual Backpack Giveaway with Supr. Horvath, takes place on July 11th at the Childcare Resource Center in Chatsworth. • They recently honored the Valley Hive for being an outstanding business. --- Page 4 --- 4 VII. FUNDING MOTIONS a) Funding for Next Year’s Budget: (Kraft/Edwards) moved to approve 2026-2027 $25,000 NWNC budget. The final approved budget must be uploaded starting on 7/1/26 along with documents, BAC and signatures. After discussion, the motion carried unanimously: 8-0-0. Voting Yea (8): Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys, Sims & Kevin Herzberg. Opposed: (0) Abstaining: (0) b) Discussion and vote to approve $100 Canva Pro license. (Kraft/Dulys) moved to approve $100 for the Canva Pro license. The motion carried unanimously: 8-0-0. Voting Yea: (8) Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys, Sims & Kevin Herzberg. Opposed: (0) Abstaining: (0) c) Discussion and possible motion to approve the Credit Card purchase of a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf “Gift Card,” in the amount of up to $150.00 from Administrative funds to be used by any NWNC Board Committee to provide Stakeholders refreshments at the City Approved Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf meeting location. OR: For the approval of a CC charge of up to $75.00 for Stakeholder refreshments at the Public Safety Committee meeting to be held June 15 or 16 (TBD), at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. (*Note: in this case, the NWNC Card holder would have to attend that entire Committee meeting. There was discussion with Vincent Autiero about how to allocate funding for refreshments as gift cards are not allowed to be purchased with NWNC funding. (Edwards/Lichtman) moved to amend the motion to approve a CC charge of up to $75.00 for Stakeholder refreshments at the Public Safety Committee meeting to be held June 16, 2026 at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. The motion carried unanimously: 8-0-0. Voting Yea (8): Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys, Sims & Kevin Herzberg. Opposed: (0) Abstaining: (0) d) Discussion and possible vote to approve in concept up to $2500 in CIP account for brush abatement at Limekiln Canyon. Funds must be kept in CF account established by CD12 for matching purposes. • Janis said the funding clerk would like this vote be postponed until the next fiscal year. Janis added that she would like this to go through the Beautification Committee first for discussion on how this will work. Kathleen added that the Public Safety Committee should be involved. • Jeff said the Los Angeles Parks Foundation might also provide funding for this. --- Page 5 --- 5 • Janis pointed out that CD12 would match funding for this project. Janis then tabled this motion for further discussion with the Beautification Committee. VII. NEW BUSINESS a) Janis alerted the board that VANC has agreed to host an Alzheimer’s Community Education Forum via Zoom for Valley NCs and stakeholders this Fall. Glenn Bailey added that this event would expand the outreach to all 34 NCs in the Valley to support or partner on this event. All NWNC would need to do is promote its involvement in this event on their website. b) Budget Rep Appointments: (Kraft/Edwards) moved to appoint Sam Dulys and Jeff Diamond as Budget Representatives. Kathleen stated that Sam and Jeff could attend the Budget Day event at City Hall. Glenn explained the responsibilities of the Budget Reps. The motion carried unanimously: 8-0-0. Voting Yea: (8) Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys, Sims & Kevin Herzberg. Opposed: (0) Abstaining: (0) c) Discussion of Board members who may be interested in registering and car- pooling to the Budget Day event at City Hall on Saturday, June 27. Jeff offered to drive and has already registered. Janis, Kathleen & Sam are planning to attend. d) Ad Hoc Committee Formed Re: Topiary and Median Damage: (Kraft/Edwards) moved to create an Ad Hoc Committee, composed of Beautification and Public Safety Committee members, to pursue going forward with City entities (City Attorney, CD12, LAPD, etc.), in reclamation of public monies (over $5000.00), and possible prosecution relating to the “hit-and-run,” damages done to the 2 Horse Topiaries and Tampa median from the identified responsible individual. • Janis stated that the motorist who destroyed the topiaries has been arrested. • Kathleen explained that the Ad Hoc Committee could stay on top of this issue. • Jeff, Kathleen and Janis will serve on this committee. The motion carried unanimously: 8-0-0. Voting Yea: (8) Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys, Sims & Kevin Herzberg. Opposed: (0) Abstaining: (0) e) National Night Out: Discussion to discuss and recruit volunteers at National Night Out on 8/4/26: Sam, Janis, Kathleen & Nathan will volunteer. f) Filling the Vacancy for Secretary: Discussion on possible appointment of board member to the Secretary position. There were no volunteers. --- Page 6 --- 6 g) NWNC First Cardholder: Discussion and vote for Sam Dulys to have a NWNC credit card. (Kraft/Lichtman) moved to amend the motion to “name Sam Dulys as the First Cardholder of the NWNC credit card.” The motion carried unanimously: 8-0-0. Voting Yea: (8) Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys, Sims & Kevin Herzberg. Opposed: (0) Abstaining: (0) (Lichtman/Duly) moved vote on the amended motion. The motion carried unanimously: 8-0-0. Voting Yea: (8) Janis Kraft, Kathleen Edwards, Nathan Lichtman, Nick Haddad, Jeff Diamond, Sam Dulys, Sims & Kevin Herzberg. Opposed: (0) Abstaining: (0) VIII. NWNC Committee Reports a) Executive Committee (Janis Kraft) – No report. b) Public Safety: Jeff Diamond said there will be a meeting next Tuesday, 6/16/26 at 7 p.m. at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. c) Government Affairs – No report. d) Planning and Land Use (Sam Dulys) - No report. e) Elections (Janis Kraft). No report. f) Homelessness (Nathan Lichtman) - No report. g) Beautification (Sam Dulys) - No report. h) Budget (Sam Dulys) - No report. i) Outreach: Nathan Lichtman stated that the Meet the Horses event was very successful and drew a lot of the public. j) Education (Krystal Sims) - No report. IX. ADJOURNMENT: (Kraft/Lichtman) moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m. - Minutes by Pat Kramer, AtWork-