September 6th - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
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!