Left to Right: State Senator Fran Pavley with Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council Board Members Bright Aregs, Ethan Turer, Richard Rippey, Vasdev Singh, Sean O’Rourke, Maha Batta, Mel Mitchell, Paula Cracium, Pat Pope, Becky Leveque, Sue Hammarlund.

Superb schools, improved roads, and public safety have been the focus in 2012 for the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council. But what is this Council, you ask? The PRNC is certified by the City to represent the interests of Porter Ranch to the City Council and Departments. The Council is comprised of 11 elected volunteers devoted to making Porter Ranch a better place to live, work, and grow.

Investing in students and their school has been important to the PRNC since its inception in 2003. This October after more than seven years of work, the Board celebrated the opening of the Porter Ranch Community School with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The PRNC also supported Castlebay Lane Charter Elementary with an emergency sound system and assessment equipment. Board members experienced student enthusiasm first hand at a special recognition ceremony and patriotic assembly.

The PRNC carefully considered traffic and pedestrian safety in recommending against bike lanes for the a small stretch of Porter Ranch Drive between Rinaldi and Corbin, but moved to support bike lanes in other parts of Porter Ranch including on Wilbur north of Rinaldi and on Sesnon. The Council worked with LA City Councilmember Mitchell Englander to prioritize the August paving of Wilbur north of Rinaldi. Finally, the Council encouraged street parking adjacent to Holleigh Bernson Park. This project is still in the works with the City.

Focused on safety, the PRNC funded the Volunteer Surveillance Team with essential equipment and the LAPD Devonshire Division with TVs that are now networked throughout the station. The Council carefully considered security concerns with Walmart on their alcohol permit and worked to increase shopping safety year round at the Porter Ranch Town Center.

Each month the PRNC strives to tackle issues of importance to Porter Ranch and create an opportunity for the community to engage in discussions with our City leaders. This year was no exception. Our guest speakers included LA City Councilmember Mitchell Englander, LAFD Battalion Chief Trevor Richmond, and candidates for California State Senate District 27.

Come join us at our next meeting on January 8, 6pm at Shepherd of the Hills Church where we will help you get your year off to a great start with a focus on Emergency Preparedness. LAFD Captain Chris Cooper will give a demonstration about skills provided in free CERT classes and tell you how you can sign up.