Dear Senators McCain and Obama,

I have great respect for both of you, but fear by the time one of you is inaugurated in January as President of the United States, it may be too late to act on a number of issues that concerns me a great deal. Being senior to Sen. Obama, and less than a year younger that Sen. McCain, and having been involved in the stock market for 50 years, 32 with major Wall Street firms, I urge you both, winner and loser, to immediately address the following urgent national problems:

After bailing out the banks and Wall Street to the tune of $1 trillion, nothing has been done for 300 million Americans on Main Street.

Adding to the problem, the banks are “hoarding” our money to build up their financial positions and statements, not lending to the public, and due to their avariciousness, are raising credit card interest rates, reducing credit limits, increasing late fees and over limit charges, and implementing anti-consumer policies never seen before.

MSNBC.com has reported that American Express now penalizes cardholders on the basis of where they shop, and which bank holds their mortgage. So shopping at some stores may now be risky to your “financial health.”

What else are banks doing now?

a. Reducing the limits on millions of accounts, then turning around and charging over - limit fees. Worse, the default rate is often raised to 32%.

b. From a blogger: “I’ve had a Bank of America card for 20 years, and have never been late. My interest went from 9.9% to 28.9% for no reason.”

c. From another: “Even being late by a few hours is treated as a major offense with increased fees, higher interest rates and more penalties, which only makes it harder to pay.”

d. On AMEX: “They froze my card, claiming the amount exceeded the six-month average – and it wasn’t true.”

e. “If you cancel a card, it becomes a black mark on your credit.”f. “The banks reduce your credit, and FICO lowers your score.”g. Pam writes: “I got nailed by AMEX. They lowered my limit from 41k

to 18.2k without any reason, and I have close to an 800 score. Now it will be lowered probably by 20 to 50 points.”

L ike too many other individuals in the San Fernando Valley, my day

came to a dizzying halt late Monday morning of October 13. At a moment’s notice, I, along with other residents of Porter Ranch, tried to make our way home despite closures on Rinaldi Street and the 118 freeway. The smoky air was stifling and the time pressure was equally suffocating.

How do you look at your home and choose what limited items you can bring? Where is the hope in such unexplainable and unexpected destruction? Our hope was seen in the spirits and lives of so many that gave so much in our community’s time of need.

We were blessed at Shepherd of the Hills to serve as an American Red Cross evacuation center for the residents and victims in the surrounding area of the San Fernando Valley. Thanks to the donation of numerous local businesses, several thousand meals were served at our church to more than 1,000 individuals who checked in to our facilities throughout the varying stages of evacuation.

We want to thank all of the local businesses who donated food: Wal-Mart, Del Taco, Bakers Square, El Torito, Panda Express, Outback Steakhouse, Abe's Deli, Jerry's Deli, and Brent's Deli, Subway, Chipotle, Rubio’s and Pepsi, to name just a few. Donations and efforts continue even as this article is written, so we thank those in advance who continue to give.

In addition, hundreds of men, women, and children volunteered their time to serve at the evacuation center. Literally within moments of this disaster, the church mobilized along with the American Red Cross in setting up the shelter. More than 500 volunteers from the Shepherd of the Hills Church served alongside the American Red Cross to provide whatever comforts of home they could to the evacuees. In addition to basic needs, such as food and shelter, other amenities were provided including video games and Disney movies for children, WiFi and computer access, accommodations for pets, and cell phone charging stations provided by Sprint.

Many city officials stopped by to see how the rescue shelter was doing here at Shepherd. Mayor Antonio Villariagosa visited with volunteers and evacuees for about two hours Tuesday, October 14, and returned for a press conference at 5:15 that evening. A common observation made by local news reporters and visitors was the organization of the evacuation center at the church. One American Red Cross employee, who has worked with disaster relief efforts for five years, commented that he had never seen any organization as organized as Shepherd of the Hills Church with regards to emergency relief efforts. Certain individuals have asked me if the church had been prepared for such an event. My honest response is, no, we weren’t

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

Volume 3, Number 11 NOVEMBER, 2008YOur Award-Winning Free Local Newspaper

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(Continued on Page 5)

Letter to McCain, Obama

Where isMain Street’s

Stimulus Package?Reiter-Wrong?

(Continued Page 4)

Fire scorched Limekiln Canyon right up toPorter Ranch Estates backyards.

Sesnon FireShepherd of the Hills ChurchServes as Evacuation Center

By Pastor Dudley C. Rutherford

:

LAFD Photos

The Mayor, left, spent many hours at the church’s evacuation center, shown here with

Pastor Dudley Rutherford.

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Fire Victims AdvisedTo Seek “Public Adjusters”

With the recent wildfires behind many in Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Northridge, Granada Hills and throughout the North Valley, residents are turning to their clean up efforts. During times of intense and wind driven wildfires, one needs

to do more than just protect family and home from the actual flames. Wildfires can cause a major amount of damage from the release of smoke from burned materials, harmful gases, ash, particulates and soot. Many of these releases can be harmful to health, home and personal property. How to go about cleaning and repairing damaged property can be overwhelming to most.

In some cases it will become necessary for homeowners and businesses to make a claim through their insurance policy for damages resulting from wildfires, and that can be an overwhelming process. Bill Rake, President of The Greenspan Company/Adjusters International, has been a Public Insurance Adjuster in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley for over 35 years and his company has been handling claims on behalf of the policy holders for over 60.

Rake believes it is important for policy holders to understand that there are many different types of insurance adjusters who can be involved in claims. He wants to remind people that "insurance company adjusters represent the insurance company and public adjusters, such as The Greenspan Company, are hired by the policy holder to work solely on their behalf - not for the insurance company."

Rake further states that it is a common misperception by policy holders that when they hire a public adjuster their claim becomes adversarial or their insurance company flags their claim for different treatment. He believes that the policy holder is taking a reasonable step to protect their interest in making sure that their home or property is restored to its pre-loss condition. In fact, The Greenspan Company has successfully resolved dozens of fire and smoke claims from the October 2007 firestorms in San Diego, Lake Arrowhead and Malibu.

Rake went on to state that "after this type of event The Greenspan Company seeks to provide professional advice as to all avenues of recovery available under our client's insurance policy, assist our clients in determining a complete scope of necessary repairs due to the damage or loss sustained and ensure that our clients maximize their recovery so they can get their life back to normal as quickly as possible."

Rake expressed his concern that many people are simply overwhelmed by the damage to their property and are trying to continue on with their daily lives. He believes that "public adjusters, such as The Greenspan Company, are able to assist in easing the stress and emotional burden that impacts clients after a loss by handling the interaction and claim adjustment with the insurance company.” This allows Greenspan's clients to attend to the emotional well-being of their family, go to work knowing that their claim is being well managed and get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible.

“These aspects of our work provide invaluable benefits to many of our clients who are just trying to manage their everyday lives, in addition to dealing with what may appear to be an overwhelming insurance claim," he concluded.

The Greenspan Company maintains a local office in Encino.

Fire Fees

14,703 Acres BurnDowned Power Line

Cause of Sesnon Fire

After firefighters completely contained the 14,703-acre Sesnon fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire reported the blaze destroyed 15 homes and 63 outbuildings and damaged 11 residences

during its five-day assault, sparked by a utility company's power line that fell onto dry brush. Also destroyed were 41 vehicles.

A total of 2,173 fire personnel were deployed from California state, county and city fire agencies to battle the flames at a cost of $12.6 million, according to CalFire. A dollar estimate of the damage, however, was not available.

The fire began in an unincorporated area near Porter Ranch when heavy winds blew down a power line onto heavy grass and brush along Limekiln Canyon Road near the Oat Mountain communications towers, Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Sam Padilla said.

The line is owned by the Southern California Gas Company, and fell onto the utility's own property, California Public Utilities Commission officials told the Los Angeles Times. The Gas Company operates an underground natural gas storage facility under the mountain, and operates a private electrical system where the fire apparently started.

The Gas Company's sister utility, the San Diego Gas & Electric Company, faces hundreds of lawsuits for destroyed property stemming from three SDG&E power line failures that caused fires near Escondido last fall. Both utilities are owned by San Diego-based Sempra.

According to PUC rules, power lines owned by electric utilities require regular inspections and all brush under the lines must be cleared. But commission spokesman Tom Hall told the newspaper that those rules don't extend to nonelectric utilities on private land. “This line does not fall under PUC jurisdiction,” Hall told The Times. “But we do have a PUC inspector working (with the Gas Company) to determine the cause.”

CalFire reported that a joint investigation with Los Angeles County Fire, Los Angeles County Sheriff and CalFire personnel was still open.

Residents who lost vital documents in the recent wildfires will be able to obtain copies without paying the usual fees as a result of

an executive order signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.Under the order, fees will be waived for fire victims trying to

obtain copies of birth, death, marriage or divorce records. Fees will also be waived for duplicate drivers licenses, identification cars, vehicle registration certificates, certificates of title and other documents that may have burned.

The order also waives the standard one-week waiting period for unemployment assistance.

November, 2008 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 3

Fighting Fires

Aircraft Set DownIn Heaviest Winds

No matter how many aircraft local, state and federal agencies make available for firefighting duty in Southern California, they won't fly if Santa Ana winds blow hard enough, according to veteran

firefighters, pilots, and a tanker base manager.Sustained winds over 50 miles per hour might be considered the

maximum drafts for all aircraft, according to Jim Wilkins, a spokesman for CalFire Southern Region Operations in Riverside.

But with so many localized variables to consider, the final decision is always left up to individual pilots, said Wilkins, who worked 34 years for the San Bernardino County Fire Department and 16 years with National Incident Command.

“We had a pilot hovering over the Panorama and radioing 90 knots before he landed,” Wilkins said, referring to the Panorama Fire that howled through north San Bernardino on winds approaching 100 mph, destroying 280 homes in a matter of hours, in 1980.

In the past five years, during destructive blazes that veteran firefighters described as firestorms, blasting winds above 60 mph grounded all aircraft - tanker planes and helicopters - at times. It's a reminder that firefighters and

residents are clearly at nature's mercy at times, according to Wilkins.Heavy-duty helicopters like the Skycrane and other military machines with the

Navy and Marines may be able to fly in those conditions, according to Wilkins.Leslie Casavan, manager of the U.S. Forest Service Tanker Base in San Bernardino,

agreed that final decisions are often left up to pilots.“They're firefighters, so they want to put out the fires,” Casavan said. “A lot

depends on wind direction, wind speed and topography. Some say 30 knots to 40 knots might be a threshold.” Forty knots is roughly 46 mph.

Fire Center

A Local Assistance Center for victims of the Sesnon Fire is open in Chatsworth, according to county Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

The center at 21415 Plummer St. is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.

The center, to be operated in cooperation with the state's Office of Emergency Services, will serve as a one-stop source for disaster relief services, including information on how to replace records lost in the fire, file insurance claims and apply for assistance and housing.

Train Legislation

President Bush signed legislation last month requiring railroads across the country to install safety systems that proponents said would have prevented the Chatsworth Metrolink collision that killed 25 people.

The Rail Safety Improvement Act mandates the installation of collision-avoidance systems on major passenger and freight railroads by 2015. It also increases penalties for railroads with repeated violations of safety rules and prohibits train and signal crews from working more than 12 hours a day and 276 hours a month.

The legislation also requires railroads to develop fatigue-management plans and sets minimum training standards for railroad workers.

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Metrolink Updates

Facing potentially major claims over a fatal commuter train crash in Chatsworth, the Metrolink board approved millions of dollars in safety improvements and discussed a lawsuit that the agency filed against the company that provides its engineers.The safety upgrades, which will cost $10.6 to $12.6 million, include implementing

Automatic Train Stop technology, adding more engineers and conductors, and replacing incandescent light bulbs with light-emitting diodes on signals.

The board of directors of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors allocated $5 million to Metrolink to cover Los Angeles County's portion of the expenses for the safety improvements.

Some observers told The Los Angeles Times that the collision – the worst rail accident in California in 50 years - could be the first test of a $200 million federally imposed cap on damages associated with train accidents. In addition to those killed, dozens were hospitalized and a total of 135 passengers and crew members were injured.

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November, 2008 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 4

Senators, I heard you and many others suggest that those in a position of the those above, just pick up the phone “and speak to your bankers. They understand, and are willing to help.”

Well, not so easy! We also learned that American Express was cross checking individual and business accounts. If you were late on one account, they were freezing all.

Both Bank of America and Chase offered little relief, if any. The first representative couldn’t do anything other than waive a one-time late fee, or some other charge. The second level person was a well-trained NO-NO-NO “robot,” who sympathized with each caller, but could not change any of the company policies, or interest rates.

The “absolute last chance” for those who can’t make “regular” payments was to appeal to a third level, where possibly, you could have your account closed, pay an agreed lower interest (12%) and have a negative report filed with the credit bureaus. But you still owe 100% of the debt.

As you know Senators, the federal government has advanced about one trillion dollars to these same banks, banks that will not lend to us, and mortgage rates keep going up, not down. These are the same people that cried “uncle” from us, and we will have to pay it back for decades. Does this make any sense?

I was beginning to get a bit optimistic that the government would force the banks into action to forestall further foreclosures on millions of homes, especially with many mortgages ready to reset soon (estimated by Citi at $24 billion in November). This will exacerbate the crisis and threaten our housing market even more. However, it seems Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury head Henry Paulson are handing the help-the-people-ball to Congress.

Remember Senators, to get the second vote by the House to approve the “bailout,” deals were made in Washington to pay off members $150 billion for their votes, in exchange for pet hometown projects – and we got stuck with that bill too!

We must move immediately on a large stimulus for Main Street. With almost 100% of the bailout going “to the top,” it’s hard to believe the Bush Administration has

Reiter-Wrong? (Continued from page 1)

been cool to such a new stimulus plan, one that Bernanke insists should be “significant.” Both of you have made positive statements about our housing problems: Senator

McCain you have suggested ordering the government to purchase bad mortgages to cut homeowners’ monthly payments. The banks disagree!

I also remember Senator Obama’s remarks: “Think about it. If your neighbor’s house is burning, you’re not going to spend a whole lot of time saying well that guy was always irresponsible…his house could end up affecting your house.”

Also, would the homeowner whose residence is paid off, want to see their street flooded with foreclosure signs?

Why can’t we have the federal government enact a program to convert mortgages on homes with values that fall below their mortgage balances from adjustable to fixed-rate loans? Or to reduce mortgage balances and interest, with the proviso the government gets paid back when the home is sold? With today’s home prices, that seems like a decent payback bet!

There is so much more to write – but that will come after elections. As for me, Senators McCain and Obama, I believe we will come through this – together. History shows that the government rescued many homeowners in the early 1900s and during the Great Depression. We have much more on our side now, despite horrible leadership (24% approval for our President, 18% for Congress). I believe the 300 million people of our great country will “take back” the nation, under new, more honest elected officials, free from the ultra-extreme on the far left, and far right.

Yes, the stock market will go to new highs (it always has), the economy will recover, banks will be forced to invest in the public, homeowners will be more secure, universal health care is on the horizon, and our troops will be returning from Iran and Afghanistan. But don’t ask me when! Do we know what tomorrow brings? (Ask the residents of Chatsworth and Porter Ranch.) No, tomorrow might not bring good news, but never ignore the advice of our own Wayne Gretzky:

“I SKATE TO WHERE THE PUCK IS GOING TO BE, NOT TO WHERE IT HAS BEEN.”

Sincerely, Mel Reiter

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11-Digit Dialing Comes To Valley

Residents with an 818 telephone area code were urged by telecommunication companies to start dialing with 11 digits

in order to get in the habit before it becomes mandatory next spring.

The new dialing procedure will mean persons in the San Fernando Valley will now have to join other areas in dialing 1, the area code and seven-digit phone number, even for calls within the same 818 area code.

Like many areas, the 818 area code has been “overlaid” with a second are code, 747, and the Public Utilities Commission wants 11-digit dialing to be mandatory so 747 phone

number holders will not be discriminated against.

The 11-digit dialing will become mandatory in the 818 area code beginning April 18, 2009.

Customers with an 818 area code will keep it, but beginning May 18, new phone customers will receive the new 747 area code.

PUC officials said that dialing the 1 plus the area code before the seven-digit number will not increase the cost of the call. Residents are also urged by the PUC to re-program any automatic dialing equipment to include the 11-digit numbers.

TEAchERs NEgOTiATiONs

Los Angeles Unified negotiators proposed a guaranteed $180-million increase in its funding of employee health benefits over three years, beginning next year, the district announced.

The district's proposal is a direct response to the United Teachers Los Angeles' proposal for a multi-year agreement with a guaranteed funding increase, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Union President A.J. Duffy has said that if there is no progress in talks, a strike could be authorized for January or February.

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Our Community’sTime of Need

prepared, but it only took a few minutes for people to come out of the woodwork and get organized.As I contemplate the flames burning in Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, and Simi Valley, I see something that

burns even brighter—hope. The Herculean relief effort at the church reminds me that, if you put your trust in God, and you have the collective effort of a church, coupled with the community and the American Red Cross, we can get through anything. When the faith community and local businesses work together, we can accomplish anything. Together, we have proved this potential in the last two days.

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

Edited by Rhona Cue

Pastor Dudley - Shepherd of the Hills

Costco Robek’s Juice and SmoothieWal-Mart S & S DevelopmentMarie Callendar’s CulliganEl Torito Mexican Restaurant ArrowheadSizzler PepsiClaim Jumper Marilyn AlanWhole Foods Abe’s DeliChatsworth Neighborhood Council Chili’s Grill and BarPanera Bread Applebee’sPanda Express Northridge DentalSouplantation Future Dental CareSenor Gomez Courtyard Lowe’s Home ImprovementCalifornia Pizza Kitchen Corner BakeryOutback Steakhouse Chipotle Mexican GrillOn The Border Mexican Grill Ralph’sRed Ribbon Grandpa Fred’s BBQDonut Queen Rubio’s MexicanWestern Bagel Mediterranean BistroSubway AT&TMcDonald’s First AMECarl’s Jr. Denny’sLulu’s Vallarta Supermarket #11Radisson Hotel Hot Tomato Los Toros Mexican RestaurantWeiler’s Deli $200 cash donationResidence Inn by Marriott Knollwood Elementary SchoolDel Taco David FelenderPopeye’s Fried Chicken Susan Alan SalonSylmar Neighborhood Council Brent’s DeliSam’s Club La Sirenita

“...if you put your trust in God, and you have the collective effort of a church, coupled with the community and the American red Cross, we can get through anything.”

(Continued from Page1)

Establishments that donated goods or services in response to the Porter Ranch fires:

November, 2008 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 6

November, 2008 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 7

Porter Ranch Pulls Together Under Fire

By Porter ranch Neighborhood Council

Soon after the outbreak of the Sesnon Fire in Porter Ranch at 10:30 am on Monday, October 13, the community began evacuating and neighbors began pulling together. By 2:30 Paula Cracium, PRNC Board Member

and Shepherd of the Hills Director of Development, began to set up the church as an evacuation center. Church staff, volunteers and members of the PRNC connected and began to mobilize resources to help evacuees. Board Members Bright Aregs assisted in setting up cots, Sue Hammarlund contacted Red Cross services, Becky Leveque arranged for some of the first food deliveries.

“We are grateful for such an outpouring of volunteers and community support from all sides,” said Paula Cracium. Walmart provided blankets, pillows, diapers, sanitary supplies and much more for the 350 - 500 evacuees staying at the church on Monday and Tuesday nights. Food was donated by virtually every restaurant and store in the community. Hundreds of volunteers helped at Shepherd’s evacuation center. By 4:00 evacuees began arriving. Over 900 people stayed for dinner while they considered their options. One evacuee described Shepherd’s center as the “Hilton of Shelters”.

Residents and homeowners are thankful for the community’s support and especially for the exceptional work of the more than 1,400 firefighters who came from all over California to battle this firestorm.

Help Make Porter Ranch a Better Place to Live, Work and Grow. Check our website www.PRNC.org for more information. The next PRNC meeting is: Tuesday, November 11 at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 6pm. Save the date for the PRNC Holiday Party, Tuesday, December 2 at Baker’s Square in Granada Hills.

Property Restorationservices in chatsworth

Many local victims of the recent Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Granada Hills and other fires, now face the difficult task of restoration and reconstruction services.

One such company offering more than 50 years of experience in this area is BELFOR Property Restoration, Chatsworth. BELFOR provide single-source service and accountability in the restoration of home and contents, which translates into a seamless recovery process, exceptional quality and peace of mind for homeowners.

Proper action at a very early stage helps ensure a smoother recovery process and a healthy environment when you and your family return home. Unchecked water damage for example is the leading cause of mold in structures. Without proper emergency measures early on, problems can arise.

If residents have ever encountered property damage from fire, smoke, water or wind, they will appreciate the BELFOR difference. Experience speaks volumes. With over one-half million successful restoration projects, they understand all concerns and expectations. Communication is an essential ingredient in any successful project, large or small. They keep customers apprised of the details. They carefully present the options and let homeowners make the decisions.

Please see ad on page two of this edition, and visit their website www.belforusa.com, or feel free to call the local office, located in Chatsworth, with questions: (866) 764-4112.

csU solar

CSUN and California State University campuses across the state will be partially powered by the sun under a partnership between the college system and SunEdison.

Under the agreement, SunEdison solar panels will be installed on rooftops, parking canopies and in ground-mounted arrays at CSU campuses.

The panels are expected to provide 8 megawatts of power, or roughly 12 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy, during the first year of operation. That is equivalent to roughly 5 percent of the CSU system's annual energy consumption.

The agreement calls for SunEdison to finance, build and operate the panels for 20 years. CSU will purchase the solar power at or below retail rates.

Sierra Canyon Schoolcordially invites you

to attend the following admission eventsOpen Houses provide a tour of our school and an opportunity to learn about

Sierra Canyon from the Head of School, Division Heads and other keyadministrators and teaching faculty

Lower School Open HouseSaturday, November 8, 2008

10:00 am - 12:30pm The Lower School Open House is for parents and students who are interested

in learning more about Early Kindergarten through 6th Grade

Sierra CanyOn SCHOOL LOwer CampuS11052 Independence Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Kindly RSVP to Susy San at 818-882-8121 ext 140

middle and upper School Open HouseSaturday, November 15, 2008

10:00 am – 12:30 pmThe Middle and Upper School Open House is for parents and studentswho are interested in learning more about 7th through 12th grades

Sierra CanyOn SCHOOL upper CampuS20801 Rinaldi, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Kindly RSVP to Debby Shively at 818-882-8121 ext. 311

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vv_gsfvcc_ewaste.pdf 10/16/08 3:56:43 PM

November, 2008 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 8

An Independent Coeducational School from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade

To learn more about admission opportunities to Viewpoint for 2009-10, we invite you to attend any of the following events:

FOR KINDERGARTEN

• Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m.

FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8)

• Saturday, November 22 at 1:00 p.m.

• Saturday, January 10 at 1:00 p.m.

FOR UPPER SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12)

• Saturday, January 10 at 1:00 p.m.

Please consult the Admission page of our Web site,www.viewpoint.org, for more detailed information, as well as parking and RSVP information.

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November, 2008 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 9

LOcAL EventsHalloween Hand-over

The Northridge West Neighborhood Council and the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce present the 1st Annual Halloween Hand-over, Saturday, Nov 1, 12-3 p.m. at George W. Hall Field, 18755 Devonshire Blvd., Northridge.

Turn in your gently used Halloween costumes, which will be donated to needy children in the community next Halloween season. Also enjoy prizes, music and hot dogs.

Caring Ministries First Lutheran Church in Northridge is hosting a Stephen

Series Work Shop Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., for leaders and members to learn about a system that equips church leaders and laypeople for effective one-to-one caring ministry. $15 - RSVP 818-885-6861 or email geribrown@mac.com

Community PicnicPlease join Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilmembers

Greig Smith and Richard Alarcón, for a “Public Safety and Community Appreciation Picnic” to show our gratitude to the public safety officers and groups that came together during recent disasters, Sunday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Holleigh Bernson Park, 20500 Sesnon Blvd. in Porter Ranch.

This event will include free food for all, entertainment, children’s activities, police and fire vehicles, helicopter flyovers, public safety booths and more. For more information call (213) 473-7012 or email Megan.Cottier@lacity.org.

Veterans Day EventLawrence Middle School students, staff, and PTSA would like

to extend an invitation to all for the annual Veterans Day Program, Tuesday Nov. 4, 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The school is located at 10100 Variel Avenue, Chatsworth. If you have any questions or would like to attend, please contact: Bruce Troe or Marylee Pena at (818) 678-7900.

FrEE BraceletsUnity Church of Chatsworth is pleased and blessed to

join Rev. Will Bowen of the “Oprah Show” as they give away “Complaint Free Bracelets” for the month of November. Please call (818) 914-1955, email unitychurchofchatsworth@yahoo.com, or come by the church for your bracelet.

CSUN ScheduleStudents may register online for Winter Term at California

State University, Northridge, now through Jan. 2, 2009. Winter Term classes meet Jan. 2-18, 2009, at the university campus, 18111 Nordhoff Street, during the break between fall and spring semesters. For more information, visit http:tsengcollege.csun.edu/winter.html, or call (818) 677-2504.

St. Stephen’s FestivalSt.Stephen’s Lutheran Church is sponsoring a Fall Family

Festival Friday, Nov 7, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. The church is located at 15950 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills. For more information, please call Beth Yaros at (818) 891-1759.

Autism FundraiserNAYA Spa is sponsoring an Autism Fundraiser on Nov. 8 at

21800 Devonshire Street, Chatsworth. There will be a lot of kid friendly activities in an enclosed "safe" zone including a bouncy castle, inflatable waterslide and face painting. For more info, please call 818-341-8888 or email marie@nayafresh.com

Sierra Canyon SchoolLower School Open House, Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 12:30

p.m. The Lower School Open House is for parents and students who are interested in learning more about Early Kindergarten through 6th Grade. The Lower Campus is located at 11052 Independence Avenue, Chatsworth. Kindly RSVP to Susy San at 818-882-8121 ext 140.

Middle and Upper School Open House, Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Middle and Upper School Open House is for parents and students who are interested in learning more about 7th through 12th grades. Upper Campus is at 20801 Rinaldi, Chatsworth. Kindly RSVP to Debby Shively at 818-882-8121 ext. 311

reduce E-WasteIn order to create a cleaner environment for our community,

the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting an electronic waste [e-waste] collection event Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 and 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Canoga Park Bowl located at 20122 Vanowen St.

For more information, please contact Fuyumi Hashimoto at (818) 989-0300 or fuyumi@sanfernandovalleychamber.com.

Chaminade College PreparatoryChaminade Middle School (grades 6-8) Open House is

on Sunday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 19800 Devonshire Street, Northridge. Call (818) 363-6907 for more info.

High School (grades 9 – 12) Open House will be on Sunday, Nov. 23, 1 – 3 p.m. at 7500 Chaminade Ave., West Hills. Call (818) 347-8300.

Heschel Day SchoolAbraham Joshua Heschel Day School – transitional

Kindergarten – Grade 8 is located at 17701 Devonshire Street, Northridge.

Elementary Open Houses: Nov. 13, Dec. 2, Jan. 14 at 9 a.m.

Middle School Open House: Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

For admission, or to RSVP, please contact Lara Martin, Director of Admission at (818) 3685781 ext. 510.

Viewpoint SchoolViewpoint School, Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade,

Open Houses:Kindergarten - Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m.Middle School (grades 6-8) - Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.

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

p.m.For more information, visit www.viewpoint.org or call

(818) 340-2901. The school is located at 23620 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.

E-Waste CollectionIn honor of America Recycles Day (Nov. 15), Planet

Green is hosting a free two-day electronics recycling event in the San Fernando Valley on Nov. 14th and 15th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Planet Green Parking Lot, 20724 Lassen Street, Chatsworth. For more information, call 818-725-2596.

Special OlympicsSign up for the 2008 Special Olympics Tri-Valley Bowl-

A-Thon, Saturday, Nov. 15 at AMF Rocket Lanes, 9171 DeSoto Ave., Chatsworth for a fun day of bowling for a great cause. For more info, call (818) 342-0017.

West Hills ChurchWest Hills Church will hold their 3rd Annual Holliday

Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. West Hills Church is located at 7475 Fallbrook Avenue just south of Saticoy Street in West Hills. For more information, please call the church at 818/887-6227 or JoAnn at 818/341-6090

G.H. Little LeagueRegistration for the 2009 Spring Season at Granada Hills

Little League will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15 and Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children ages 5 to16 who live within the Granada Hills Little League boundaries are eligible to enroll to play Baseball and/or Girls Softball. Registration will be held at 16035 Rinaldi Street. For more information, call (818) 366-4590 or visit www.GHLLonline.com

Castlebay FundraiserCastlebay Lane Elementary School will hold an all-day

fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 20, at Baja Fresh in Porter Ranch.

Toy ExpressHoliday Toy Express arrives at the Chatsworth

Depot, Sunday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. with a festive gathering beginning at 5 p.m.

Jewish HomeThe Los Angeles Jewish Home will host the ninth annual

“Wells Fargo Walk of Ages” on Dec. 7 in Reseda with Lee Majors as honorary chair.

The Walk will begin and end at the Jewish Home’s Eisenberg Village Campus at 18855 Victory Boulevard in Reseda. Registration begins at 7 a.m. followed by warm-ups, the opening ceremony and the walk itself at 8:30 a.m. Individuals or teams may register for the event at www.walkofages.kintera.org or by calling 818-774-3324.

Holiday ParadeThe Chatsworth Holiday Parade is scheduled to

march down Devonshire Street beginning at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14.

Jay Kim

November, 2008 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 10

Middle Class arrivesOn l.a.’s skid rOw

Students at G.H. Charter HighGot Early Access to SAT

SAD to Glad: Recognizing Seasonal

Affective DisorderBy Liane Caryl, M.D., Valley Voice Contributor

Have you ever noticed that around this time of year, pumpkin season, you start feeling sluggish and depressed?

Do you have more energy and motivation during the spring and summer months?

If you answered yes, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (“appropriately” acronym’d SAD). Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression occurring, as its name suggests, seasonally. It typically manifests in fall and winter, when daylight is at a minimum.

Two brain hormones involved in the regulation of sleep cycles, energy levels, and mood are believed to be responsible: melatonin and serotonin. Low levels of light are thought to increase levels of melatonin, resulting in a feeling of sleepiness, and decrease levels of serotonin, which is associated with depression.

Symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder are similar to the symptoms of depression:

- Mood change- Loss of interest in usual activities and/or socializing- Sleeping more than usual- Carbohydrate craving resulting in overeating and weight gain- Feeling tired and sluggish- Poor ability to concentrateIt is estimated that 6 out of 100 people are

affected, but this ratio can vary depending on where you live. The further from the equator, the higher the risk. “Northerners” with SAD living above the equator who spend their winter months below the equator where daylight lasts longer do not experience the symptoms. Observations like this support the theory that SAD is related to light exposure.

What can you do if you are affected? If you have a severe case, an evaluation by a medical professional is in order to confirm the diagnosis and establish a treatment plan.

But if you notice that you get a little edgy in the fall and winter, you prefer humid Miami to overcast Seattle, you can’t pass a bakery without stopping, but otherwise you’re functioning at your usual level, then you may just need to spend more time in the available daylight.

Another option is to replace your lightbulbs with the kind that emit a full spectrum of light simulating daylight. If you try to increase your dose of sunlight in a tanning booth, make sure to take precautions against ultraviolet rays.

If you work in an office, take a walk outside during your breaks. If you work in a bakery, consider taking a vacation in Australia…until April.

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

in a county that has more than 250,000 millionaires, the number of homeless continues to increase and now the faces of the homeless

have changed to include lawyers, business owners, pre-med students and other highly-educated people.

The Burbank Temporary Aid Center has experienced a 66 percent increase in requests for assistance in the last 18 months, the Daily News reported. About half of those seeking help are middle-class people experiencing homelessness for the first time, said Barbara Howell, the center's executive director.

Andy Bales, president of the Union Rescue Mission, said he is also seeing professionals and

other middle-class people coming into the mission who are experiencing homelessness for the first time, including former mission donors.

Experts estimate that in Los Angeles only 12 percent of the homeless find shelter each night, the newspaper reported. The remainder sleep on streets or in vehicles, parks and abandoned buildings -- a practice that has become increasingly dangerous as attacks on the homeless have nearly tripled in the last decade nationwide.

In a county of more than 250,000 millionaires, about 73,000 people are homeless on any given night. About 40 percent are women and children, according to the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

T he company that administers the SAT exam says it is throwing out the scores of several Granada Hills Charter High School students

who managed to see copies of the test the day before they took it last month.

But the Educational Testing Service said there was no need for a wider cancellation, suggesting that investigators were confident that any stolen tests had not been widely distributed, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The testing service had previously said that it

was investigating a security breach in the exam and was unsure how far it extended.

“We have concluded . . . that a majority of scores will be reported and only those limited number of students directly involved will have their scores canceled,” testing service spokesman Tom Ewing said in remarks reported by The Times.

“They will not be given an opportunity to retest (immediately) and if they test in the future again, they will do so under very strict observation and most likely separate from the rest of other students.”

November, 2008 For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com Page 11

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Dear TeacherA Listening Ear; A Listening Heart

“Dear Teacher is looking forward to hearing from you.dearteacher@verizon.net 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.

“ We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” Author Unknown

By Sandy Ojeda, Valley Voice Education Editor

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We’re on a mission for quality health care.We’re Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.

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Dear Teacher, Our son is in 5th grade, and it seems that his fluency, how fast he reads, has now become part of his testing. How can we help him improve? Mr. and Mrs. C.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. C., At his school site, he is given a selection to read, and he is timed for one minute. You can do the same at home. Make sure it’s a passage he has never read, and time him. Make it a challenge to reach beyond his score the next time he does it. This is one area where practice really does help make it perfect.

Dear Teacher, Our neighborhood school used to have Saturday school. Why did they stop? Mrs. R.

Dear Mrs. R., Budget cuts! Budget cuts! Welcome to our economic woes.

Dear Teacher, My child needs private tutoring. What’s the going rate? Mr. D.

Dear Mr. D., If you want a very experienced teacher/tutor with expertise, the rates range from approximately $40.00/hr. to $75.00 or $80.00/hr. Those rates are for one-on-one tutoring, usually in your home or designated location. Group rates are slightly lower, but your child is then with 1-4 other students. As with most things in life, you hopefully get what you pay for.

Dear Teacher, I’m a junior in h.s. and want to be a Pharmacist. What are the requirements? R.E.O., 11th grade

Dear R.E.O., A pharmacy degree program requires at least 2 yrs. of specific pre-professional undergraduate work followed by 4 yrs. of professional study. To be a licensed pharmacist, you must graduate from an accredited school of pharmacy and pass a state board exam. Go to www.pharmacy.org/schools, click on United States, and you’ll get a long list of schools. Another place is www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-become-a-pharmacist.htm.

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