Thursday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m -
Household Survey
Community Survey
To learn more about preparedness, please join us for the next EPP meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 9th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in CERT, go to the website to find the free classes offered by LAFD at www.cert-lac.com
CA law AB-3074, which would enforce an established 5-foot "ember-resistant zone" around structures to reduce wildfire ignition risk. That means no brush or plants (with the exception of fire-proof species) within 5 feet along our houses.
We had one another large turnout at the September 6th, 2025
ORA General Membership Meeting! Thank you to everyone who attended. Our guest speakers included Councilwoman Monica, Kurt Cabrera-Miller, President of the Sylmar Neighborhood Council,
and EPP Chair Sharon Hawkins. Each of the speakers discussed many important topics. The meeting was zoomed for ORA Members (For Membership information email ORA at oraoakridge@gmail.com.) unable to attend the live event. We had another great meeting.
Join us at our next November 8th meeting
· Sandra Jacobs, New Manager of Oakridge
· Garrett Peyton, LAPD Captain III
Thank you for being part of such a strong and engaged community!
Oakridge Residents Association (ORA), ORAOakridge.com,
Email us at: ora.oakridge@gmail.com
PAST EVENTS:
- Space #
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
THANK YOU to all who attended the ORA General Membership Meeting! We were pleased to welcome several guests who shared valuable highlights:
Announced the completion of Phase II of the bollard installation along Foothill Blvd.—a project launched after Covid in response to increased homelessness.
Reported progress in addressing homelessness, including securing housing for 266 individuals post-pandemic and the removal of over 150 RVs from Sylmar streets.
Confirmed that funding and a location have been secured for the new Fire Department, noting that while the process is slow, it remains a priority and continues to push forward.
The Councilwoman addressed several resident questions on local matters, including SB-79 and concerns over proposed high-rise construction in Sylmar. These projects, which conflict with existing residential zoning laws, have been permitted under the Mayor’s emergency authorization. She, along with other councilmembers, is working to end this authorization and stop the developments from advancing.
Kurt Cabrera-Miller - President of the Sylmar Neighborhood Council
The Sylmar Neighborhood Council serves 110,000 people and works with issues regarding the governance of the City of Los Angeles to see that they all do more for the community of Sylmar.
Highlighted that the Council has been recognized as #1 in communication over the past four years. He believes in being fully transparent and holding himself and other city officials accountable. He is extremely proud of his diverse team which is comprised of youths as young as thirteen, and several seniors so that every voice is heard.
His office maintains an open-door policy, and all Sylmar residents are encouraged to become involved through council meetings that are also streamed live. Visit the site: Sylmarnc.org
They are also advocates for positive and fun initiatives such as Bark-Tober, an annual Animal Resource Fair event held by the Sylmar Neighborhood Council every October.
Mr. Cabrera-Miller spent a good deal of time answering questions with residents on topics that included cell-phone reception within our community, local area clean-ups, and concerns regarding recent affordable housing projects.
Sharon Hawkins - President of EPP
Discussed the legislative CA law AB-3074, which would enforce an established 5-foot "ember-resistant zone" around structures to reduce wildfire ignition risk. That means no brush or plants (with the exception of fire-proof species) within 5 feet along our houses.
The measure also calls to replace flammable ground covers like wood mulch with non-combustible materials such as gravel or stone; install ember-resistant vents and screens; and ensure fences and gates connected to structures are made of non-combustible materials.
Although the bill was passed in 2020, enforcement for existing structures is anticipated in 2026 and could greatly affect our community.
Sharon has EPP meetings monthly and all are encouraged to attend.
The meeting was in full attendance and also streamed live via Zoom. To find out how to stream our meetings at home or on your phone, please email us (oraoakridge@gmail.com).
We look forward to seeing everyone in their costumes on Halloween! 🎃
Announced the completion of Phase II of the bollard installation along Foothill Blvd.—a project launched after Covid in response to increased homelessness.
Reported progress in addressing homelessness, including securing housing for 266 individuals post-pandemic and the removal of over 150 RVs from Sylmar streets.
Confirmed that funding and a location have been secured for the new Fire Department, noting that while the process is slow, it remains a priority and continues to push forward.
The Councilwoman addressed several resident questions on local matters, including SB-79 and concerns over proposed high-rise construction in Sylmar. These projects, which conflict with existing residential zoning laws, have been permitted under the Mayor’s emergency authorization. She, along with other councilmembers, is working to end this authorization and stop the developments from advancing.
The Sylmar Neighborhood Council serves 110,000 people and works with issues regarding the governance of the City of Los Angeles to see that they all do more for the community of Sylmar.
Highlighted that the Council has been recognized as #1 in communication over the past four years. He believes in being fully transparent and holding himself and other city officials accountable. He is extremely proud of his diverse team which is comprised of youths as young as thirteen, and several seniors so that every voice is heard.
His office maintains an open-door policy, and all Sylmar residents are encouraged to become involved through council meetings that are also streamed live. Visit the site: Sylmarnc.org
They are also advocates for positive and fun initiatives such as Bark-Tober, an annual Animal Resource Fair event held by the Sylmar Neighborhood Council every October.
Mr. Cabrera-Miller spent a good deal of time answering questions with residents on topics that included cell-phone reception within our community, local area clean-ups, and concerns regarding recent affordable housing projects.
Discussed the legislative CA law AB-3074, which would enforce an established 5-foot "ember-resistant zone" around structures to reduce wildfire ignition risk. That means no brush or plants (with the exception of fire-proof species) within 5 feet along our houses.
The measure also calls to replace flammable ground covers like wood mulch with non-combustible materials such as gravel or stone; install ember-resistant vents and screens; and ensure fences and gates connected to structures are made of non-combustible materials.
Although the bill was passed in 2020, enforcement for existing structures is anticipated in 2026 and could greatly affect our community.
Sharon has EPP meetings monthly and all are encouraged to attend.
Our next General Membership Meeting will be on November 8th. Guest speakers will be announced soon.
PAST EVENTS:
On August 28, 2025 - The Tribute to Frank Sinatra at The Museum of the SFV was a nice and relaxing event. Everyone attending identified really enjoying themselves and they would certainly attend the next one. It was free for Oakridge and you had to carpool there (Donations were optional). Here's another look at the flyer.
On August 16th, the Rec Club sponsored Bingo - it was a fun, a special thanks to Ron and Paul who coordinated help and organized this event.
Safety for you and your families:
August 12 - The EPP meeting was great.
A big thanks to Sharon Hawkins for coordinating and presenting home fire safety strategies for residents, reviews of how Zone 0 may affect us, and presenting addititional strategies to help us prepare for emergencies.
🐍 Snake Safety Tips for Residents
As summer's now officially in full swing, we thought we would share some safety tips regarding rattlesnakes. For additional details for home and pet safety, please refer to our Snake Safety Tip page.
⛑️ If YOU or your PET is Bitten by a Snake (EMERGENCY):
Stay calm and limit movement.
Do NOT apply ice, tourniquets, or attempt to suck out venom.
CLOSEST EMERGENCY HOSPITAL: Olive View-UCLA Medical Center
Two PET HOSPITALS have Anti-Venom treatments:
VCA Chatoak Animal Hosp at 17659 Chatsworth St, GH 818-363-7444
- $65 - Preventive Anti-Venom shot (Helps)
- Anti-Venom treatment cost: $1,500-$2,500
- 16915 San Fernando Mission Blvd GH 818-363-8143
- (Does Not provide Preventive Anti-Venom shots)
- Anti-Venom treatment cost: $4,000
🐍 For Snake Removal (Non-Emergency):
- Contact LA Animal Services or a licensed wildlife control provider.
Stay safe!
July 4th - Holiday Parade and Celebration.
JUNE 7 - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - Where ALL RESIDENTS were welcome to attend
THANK YOU to all who attended the ORA General Membership Meeting on June 7th. We were pleased to welcome several guests who shared valuable updates:
LAFD Station 91: Captain Madison Viray and Crew:
• Expressed heartfelt thanks for all the community donations over recent months. The RecClub, led by Ron and Paul, announced a $600 donation to Station 91 from the Quilt Raffle proceeds, and William Castillo also recognized additional individual contributions from residents.
Senator Caroline Menjivar:
• Discussed a range of legislative matters, including 21 bills she has introduced this session. She also addressed specific initiatives and bills that community members inquired about.
• The Senator is collaborating with Councilmember Monica Rodriguez to secure funding for an additional fire station in our district.
• The senator looks forward to attending our July 4th parade.
LAFD: Assistant Chief William Peralta and LAFD Battalion 12, "C" Platoon Chief: Jason Getchius:
• Spoke on behalf of Battalion 12, which covers 106 square miles—making it the largest single battalion in the city. Regarding Hurst Fire: The fire initiated near the SCE Transmission Tower 6. SCE has acknowledged that their equipment likely caused the fire and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
• For evacuation notices, they highly recommend using mobile apps that notify fire outbreaks, such as Watch Duty and Pulsepoint, and genasys Protect (Zone#: LFD-0001-A, as Sylmar was the first zone designated!).
• During evacuations, the LAFD is always in touch with LAPD to get folks on the freeway and away from the fires as quickly as possible.
LAPD: SLO Joseph Carter:
• Officer Carter reported progress on clearing encampments along Foothill Blvd. In collaboration with DOT, Sanitation, and Outreach—coordinated through Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez’s office—ten motorhomes and trailers were impounded. Councilwoman Rodriguez encouraged legislation to change the enforcement from “No Overnight Parking” to strictly “No Parking”.
May 10 - LAFD FIRE SERVICE DAY
Had a local FIRE STATION 91 day of fun activities:
* Station Tours and T-Shirt Sales
* LAFD Cadet Post Booth
* Auto Extrication Demo
* and More!
MAY 10 10AM - 4PM
14430 Polk Street
We were excited to invite you to a special virtual webinar with Korinna Domingo, Director of the Cougar Conservancy, on Saturday, May 3rd, from 11:00 AM to Noon. Many of you joined us in person in the small conference room or tuned in live via Zoom.
Those who have signed up for access to our members-only website can find details there. For those others interested in joining via Zoom - please email us and we will provide details to join the meeting.
Also, thank you for your questions in advance and emailing them to ora.oakridge@gmail.com.
LA City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez thanks you for attending the presentation on the preliminary design of the new Sylmar Senior Center on Thursday, May 1, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Sylmar Recreation Center.
 |
| (CLICK FOR DETAILS) |
Looking ahead, our next ORA General Membership Meeting will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Guest speakers will be announced soon and we will also provide updates on questions raised from our last meeting—so stay tuned!
You may have noticed the freshly painted red curbs marking the no-parking zone near the main entrance. This change came directly from your feedback at the last Membership Meeting, thanks to collaboration between Jose Hernandez (Field Representative for Monica Rodriguez) and the Department of Transportation. It’s a great example of how our collective voice leads to positive changes. We’ll discuss more exciting updates at the next meeting.
3/06/2025
MARCH 6: We had one of our largest turnouts at the March 1st ORA Membership Meeting! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, especially those who asked insightful questions.
For those who did not attend, we were welcomed with guest speakers Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez, Fire Captain Michael Gross of Station 91, Fire Battalion Chief Jason Getchius for LAFD District 12, Field Representative Jose Hernandez who attended on behalf of Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, and Senior Lead Police Officer Joseph Carter. Several firefighters from Station 91 were in attendance as well. The feedback from all the speakers was incredibly positive, and all wished to return in the near future to address some of the concerns that were addressed.
Key topics discussed:
Brush control legislation – A project is in progress to enhance fire safety.
New fire station for Sylmar – Land has been acquired on Foothill Blvd, with construction planned by 2030.
Senior center development at Sylmar Park– A new facility is expected by 2029.
Foothill Blvd. RV’s – Legislative motions are in the works to streamline jurisdictional challenges and expedite solutions for encampments along Foothill Blvd.
Emergency evacuation concerns – Efforts are being made to improve congestion at the community exit during evacuations and increase police patrols at the entrance.
2/23/2025
After the meeting, ORA volunteers distributed free air purifiers behind the Clubhouse—one per household, available on a first-come, first-served basis. A special thanks to Monica Rodriguez and the Red Cross for generously providing the purifiers to the community. Any residents that did not get one can still get one by contacting her Sylmar Office at: 14117 Hubbard Street #D1, Sylmar, CA 91342 • Tel: 818.756.8409.