Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29): Introduced by Vice President William Castillo, Congresswoman Rivas shared key legislative updates, detailed major federal funding projects secured for the East San Fernando Valley, and highlighted how her district office can assist local residents.
- Wildfire Preparedness & Sylmar Fire Station Funding: Congresswoman Rivas secured $850,000 in federal community project funding as a down payment toward a new fire station in Sylmar. Recognizing that Sylmar faces significant wildfire risks yet has far fewer fire stations than areas of comparable geographic size, she continues to prioritize emergency response resources for our foothills.
- LA County Fire Department Pacoima Warehouse Upgrade: Nearly $1 million in federal funding was awarded to modernize the LA County Fire Department’s central supply warehouse in Pacoima. Unrenovated for over 50 years, this facility serves as the primary regional distribution point for emergency gear and supplies during countywide wildfires.
- LA Mission College: Following a previously secured state grant of $10M for a new biotechnology/biomanufacturing building, Congresswoman Rivas submitted a $1.8 million request for a Construction Technology Workforce Training program to prepare ~300 local students over three years for trade careers.
- LA Valley College: Highlighted a $1 million federal allocation for a Fire Technology career training center, expanding on past investments in their cyber technology safety initiative.
- Community Advocacy & The HART Act of 2026: Addressing the severe local impacts of immigration enforcement actions across the district, Congresswoman Rivas introduced the HART Act. The bill proposes establishing the Office of Immigrant Community Mental Health and Resiliency to provide supportive mental health services to affected families, students, and neighborhood communities.
- Housing Accessibility: Congresswoman Rivas spoke on her support for the bipartisan 21st Century Road to Housing Act, which expands financing opportunities for manufactured homes and raises FHA limits.
How the District Office Can Help You
Congresswoman Rivas emphasized that her staff in Arleta is ready to advocate directly for constituents experiencing delays or issues with federal agencies:
- Social Security & Medicare: Assistance with delayed benefits, claim disputes, or medical care wait times.
- IRS & Financial Recovery: Recovering improperly withheld tax funds or small business back-payments.
- Passports & Urgent Travel: Expediting emergency passport requests (such as local passport fairs and urgent appointments).
- Immigration & Homeland Security: Locating family members in detention centers and navigating agency inquiries.
- Washington, D.C. Tours: Booking Capitol tours for residents visiting D.C.
- Official Congressional Website:
rivas.house.gov
- Help with a Federal Agency:
rivas.house.gov/services/help-with-a-federal-agency
- U.S. House Community Project Funding:
house.gov/appropriations/community-project-funding
- California Department of Insurance (State Resources):
insurance.ca.gov
Community Recognition
O.R.A. President and Vice-President William Castillo accepted the Plaque of Recognition presented by Congresswoman Luz Rivas.
- Location: The triangular empty lot at Foothill Boulevard and Balboa Boulevard (just after passing under the 210 Freeway).
- Design & Features: Planned as a full-sized, two-story station featuring two apparatus bays, first-floor operations, second-floor firefighter quarters, expanded wellness center facilities, and dedicated gender-specific restrooms in the captain's quarters.
- Milestones & Timeline: The City Planning Commission recently approved zoning entitlements (reclassifying the land from light industrial to public facilities). The design contract award process is underway, with design expected to take 12–18 months, followed by a two-year construction phase aimed for completion by 2030.
- Investment & Purpose: Ground was broken this spring on a $54 million infrastructure project at 10943 Herrick Ave in Pacoima, funded through Measure W and LADWP to capture rainwater and replenish local aquifers.
- Park Amenities: The project brings massive community upgrades, including two new baseball fields, backstops, dugouts, shade covers, bleachers, a batting cage, bullpens, sports lighting, exercise equipment, a multipurpose field, hydration stations, new walking paths, bioswales, and fresh landscaping. Construction is targeted for completion in Spring 2028.
- LACC Partnership: Expanded from a CD7 pilot program with the LA Conservation Corps, this program trains youth aged 18–26 in trade skills while repairing broken sidewalks.
- Citywide Expansion: Additional city funding secured with Mayor Bass is now expanding repairs citywide, currently focusing on infrastructure around venue corridors for LA28.
- Future Sidewalk Additions: The office is also partnering with LiUNA (the Laborers' Union) on an innovative model utilizing union apprenticeship hours to construct brand-new sidewalks in areas needing safe pedestrian pathways, such as near local schools along Glen Oaks Boulevard.
Sylmar Senior Center Progress:
- Field Rep Monica Benavides confirmed weekly design coordination meetings for the new Sylmar Senior Center (located next to Station 91).
- Design plans are in their final stages (focusing on exterior facing, shade, and landscaping), with an estimated groundbreaking scheduled for early next year.
Traffic & Truck Access Concerns:
- In response to resident questions regarding heavy traffic and truck turns at Balboa/Foothill as well as safety along Foothill Boulevard near Sierra Highway, team members confirmed ongoing coordination with LADOT to evaluate traffic signals, turn lanes, and truck route enforcement.
- LA City Council District 7 Official Site:
monicarodriguez.org
- LA City Department of Public Works / Bureau of Engineering:
eng.lacity.org
- Safe Clean Water LA (Measure W Projects):
safecleanwaterla.org
- Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC):
lacorps.org
- MyLA311 Service Request Portal:
myla311.lacity.org
Thank you to Marie Rumsey and Monica Benavides for joining us and keeping Oak Ridge informed on our city's progress!
During the visit, Council District 7 presented official City Certificates of Recognition to local community members for their outstanding volunteer service:
Lenny Garza: Recognized for over 12 years of dedicated volunteer service keeping the streets and common areas of Oak Ridge clean, safe, and beautiful.
Ray Wepprecht: Recognized for ongoing volunteer efforts supporting the wider Sylmar community.
1. U.S. Forest Service Guests Oscar Vargas and Luis Dozal — June 13, 2026
Oscar Vargas: Division Chief for the California Region/Angeles National Forest. A local Sylmar resident with a personal and professional commitment to defending the foothill communities.
- Luis Dozal: Battalion Chief (Angeles National Forest) with over 30 years of local wildland firefighting experience, specializing in interagency coordination.
Note: Both leaders serve on national/international incident management teams and bring expert-level wildland fire experience back to our backyard.
- Angeles National Forest Dispatch 24/7 Call 661-723-3620
2. Interagency Response & Capabilities
Seamless Defense: The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operates federal "green trucks" that work hand-in-hand with LA City (red trucks), LA County, and eight other local fire departments.
The Little Tujunga Task Force: Local resources include 5 fire engines, 2 hotshot crews, 2 patrols, 2 chief officers, water tenders, medium/Type 1 helicopters, and air tankers (subject to national availability).
Proactive Training: Local crews recently completed a multi-day joint training drill at the Little Tujunga Station to ensure a fast, coordinated response for the upcoming season.
3. Summer Fire Outlook & Conditions
Current Status: Southern California is not currently in a drought, meaning brush and larger vegetation hold more moisture.
The Threat: Despite the moisture, there is a heavy volume of dead grass and light vegetation ready to burn. Routine brush fires are expected.
Weather Forecast (Through September): Expect below-normal rainfall, below-normal monsoonal/thunderstorm activity, and above-average temperatures. It is shaping up to be a traditional hot, dry, and breezy Southern California summer.
Ignition Facts: Over 90% of local fires are human-caused (accidental or infrastructure-related), while a small percentage are triggered by seasonal lightning storms.
4. Local Fire History & Fuel Management
Regrowth Buffers: Records show nearly every square inch of the mountains behind the community has burned within the last 20 to 25 years (including the Sayre, Marek, Hurst, and Saddleridge fires). Because the vegetation is in various stages of regrowth, the immediate threat of a massive, uncontrollable mega-fire is somewhat lessened.
Prescribed Burns & Clearings: The USFS aggressively uses controlled burns on federal land to establish strategic community breaks. A contract is currently being established to retreat and clear the major ridge and roads behind the Olive View hospital.
5. Community Concerns & Safety Reminders
Stetson Ranch / Equestrian Center Issues: Residents raised serious safety concerns regarding illegal trespassing, fireworks, barbecues, and late-night activity at the western edge of the park near the foothills.
Jurisdiction Clarification: LAPD does not hold primary jurisdiction inside the Stetson Ranch park area; it falls under LA City Parks and Recreation.
If suspicious or dangerous activity is actively threatening the national forest brush line, the USFS can and will respond.
For ongoing enforcement, residents are encouraged to attend monthly Neighborhood Watch/Sylmar Neighborhood Community Council meetings to coordinate directly with Senior Lead Officer Joseph Carter or the Parks & Recreation council president.
Holiday Patrols: During major holidays like the 4th of July, USFS engines actively stage along the foothills above the 210 freeway to monitor high-risk areas and respond immediately to fireworks or illegal ignitions.
How to Stay Informed The USFS emphasizes that even when you do everything right to prepare your home, getting accurate real-time information during a fire is the toughest hurdle. Keep an eye on the community website for a follow-up post detailing the specific digital tools, emergency alert channels, and maps recommended by the Chiefs to track active incidents.
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1. Snake Safety & Rattlesnake Avoidance: Cary Quashen
Cary Quashen: A local resident who runs Action Drug Rehab and Mental Health (treating chemical dependency and mental health for 43 years).
The "Snake Wrangler": What started as a viral video catching a rattlesnake three years ago turned into a passion for helping Santa Clarita and foothill families safely remove snakes to protect people and their pets.
Contact: Cary can be reached directly for snake removal assistance at 661-713-3006.
2. Common Local Non-Venomous Snakes
Gopher Snakes: * Appearance: They have an oval-shaped head (about the size of a fingernail) and a long, thin tail with no rattle.
Behavior: When threatened, large gopher snakes can flatten their heads to look triangular and shake their tails in dry leaves to mimic a rattlesnake.
Ecosystem Value: They are highly beneficial constrictors that keep the neighborhood mice and rat populations under control. They can grow up to 6 or 7 feet long and are harmless if left alone.
California Kingsnakes: * The "King" of the Ecosystem: Kingsnakes are constrictors and are completely immune to rattlesnake venom.
Natural Pest Control: A kingsnake will actively hunt, constrict, and eat a rattlesnake of its own size, making them an excellent natural defense for your property.
Red Racers: * Long, very thin, red, and extremely fast snakes. They are harmless and will quickly flee if humans approach.
3. Rattlesnake Facts vs. Myths
Myth #1: Rattlesnakes are aggressive. Fact: Rattlesnakes are not aggressive and will not chase you down. They only bite if they feel actively threatened or trapped. (Cary noted he was bitten the previous weekend and spent 3 days in the ICU, but emphasized it was his own fault for reaching directly into a blind bush).
Myth #2: Rattlesnakes want to use their venom. Fact: Venom takes two days to two weeks to replenish. Because they need it to hunt and eat, biting a human is a last resort that they want to avoid.
Myth #3: Baby rattlesnakes are more venomous or can't regulate venom. Fact: This is a total myth. Newborn rattlesnakes can regulate their venom perfectly fine from birth.
Identification: Rattlesnakes are easily identified by a distinct triangular head, a heavy body, and a highly visible button or rattle on the tail that sounds like a lawn sprinkler.
Note: Counting the rattles does not tell you a snake's age; they gain a new rattle segment every time they shed their skin, which can happen up to 3 times a year.
4. Critical Pet Safety & Rattlesnake Avoidance School
The Danger to Dogs: Cary reported visiting nearly 70 homes where a dog was bitten in the previous six weeks, noting that 6 local dogs had died in the prior two weeks.
The Cost of Medical Care: If a dog is bitten by a rattlesnake, veterinary antivenom treatment typically costs between $3,000 and $12,000.
Rattlesnake Avoidance Classes: Cary strongly recommends enrolling dogs in "Snake School." Visit the website: thesnakeschool.com or call (661) 658-1774.
These classes train dogs to instantly recognize and run away from the specific sight, smell, and sound of a rattlesnake.
Training is held on Saturdays and Sundays in Santa Clarita. Cary left registration cards at the meeting (which can be scanned via phone) and offered to help arrange a local, discounted group class if enough neighbors are interested.
What to Do If You See a Snake
If you encounter a snake on a community trail or near your home, do not panic. Back away slowly and give it space to move along. If it is a rattlesnake threatening a residential area, keep an eye on its location from a safe distance and call community security or Cary directly at the number listed above. Please do not kill non-venomous gopher or kingsnakes, as they are your best natural defense against pests and dangerous predators!
1. Vice-President's Updates: William Castillo
Cougar Conservancy Visit (April 4, 2026): The Conservancy shared valuable local wildlife safety information during the community Easter Egg Hunt. Sign-up sheets remain available for future wildlife synergy programs.
My Safe LA: Sign-up sheets are still open for residents requesting free carbon monoxide and smoke detector checks/installations.
Annual Community Garage Sale (May 30–31): The event was a massive success with ideal weather. A huge thank you to Susan Georgia for coordinating, Kurt Doerr for updating the event map, and all who participated.
2. Upcoming Events, Deadlines & Volunteer Opportunities
Fiesta Father’s Day Breakfast (Sunday, June 21): ORA is hosting a steak fajita breakfast burrito event (catered by Graciana's) featuring rice, beans, fruit, and donuts.
Cost: $15 for members.
Ticket Deadline: Must purchase from Theresa by Monday so headcounts can be submitted to the caterer.
Fire Station 91 Quilt Raffle: Tickets are $5 for a beautiful, handmade red, white, and blue quilt. 100% of the proceeds benefit local Fire Station 91. The drawing takes place on July 4th at 1:00 PM (you do not need to be present to win).
Emergency Drill & Next Meeting: An upcoming Emergency Exit Drive-Through Drill will be announced soon on our webstie. The next official ORA membership meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, featuring Congresswoman Luz Rivas and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez’s Chief of Staff to discuss the timeline for the new Fire Station 31.
Call for Volunteers: ORA needs more residents to actively participate in monthly meetings and help with post-meeting cleanup (stacking chairs, vacuuming). Please reach out to Wes, Patricia, Kurt, or William to get involved.
3. Neighborhood Infrastructure & Home Grants
Street Slurry Seal Concerns: Multiple residents reported that the recent street slurry seal has failed to cure properly after four weeks, leaving driveways marked and staining shoes/dog paws black. While management initially declined to take further action, ORA will press them on the issue again.
Firewise Recognition: Residents are encouraged to review the Waterwise article in this month’s Crier newsletter regarding park irrigation updates. The Wildfire Water Solutions (WWS) seminars were part of this process. Sharon Hawkins, our EPP Committee Chair, was instrumental in obtaining this recognition.
Fire-Retardant Home Upgrades (AB 888): This pending bill aims to assist owners of older homes with financial aid for fire-retardant roofing and safety upgrades. The California Department of Insurance will oversee the program and has agreed to host a special weekday meeting (at 6:00 PM) for our park once the guidelines are finalized.
4. Spectrum Outage Guide & Internet Alternatives
Following a recent 7-hour community-wide internet blackout, research revealed the outage was caused by vandals cutting fiber-optic lines mistakenly hunting for copper. ORA has compiled the following direct customer service resources and alternative provider options:
Essential Spectrum Numbers:
Spectrum Reliability Credit Line (1-800-892-4357): If your internet is down for more than 4 hours, you are entitled to a billing credit. You must call this number to request it; it is not applied automatically. Ask the representative to check your historical account data for past uncredited outages.
Spectrum Customer Solution Department (1-888-369-2408): Use this direct number to negotiate a better monthly rate. Residents have successfully used this line to secure up to 50% off their bills on locked-in two-year commitments.
Local Internet Alternatives Evaluated:
AT&T Air: Over-the-air wireless internet. Reported as highly stable and fast by local neighbors, making it an excellent option since hardwired AT&T Fiber is not yet available in our area.
T-Mobile Home Internet: Utilizes cellular tower signals. It can be cost-effective but may experience spottiness or speed drops in areas where standard cell reception fluctuates along the foothills.
Starlink (Satellite): Reliable for streaming, but vulnerable to heavy high winds knocking down dish equipment, and requires an unobstructed view of the sky.
Frontier Fiber / Starry: Not currently available in our community, though residents are hopeful that Verizon’s upcoming south-side cellular tower project will eventually bring fiber infrastructure with it.
Local Resource: For general advice on local connectivity, residents can text local Verizon technician Freddy Avila at 747-379-9737 (text inquiries only).
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We received A Letter from Oakridge Management about the Street Seal Coating Project:
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