Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce Paul Davis & Alberta Bellisario Insurance Services Deats Design Hornstein Law Offices RGEB Employee Benefits Flash Frozen Photography, Inc. Holiday Inn Woodland Hills Valley Promotional Products Westfield California Lutheran University Support Your Newsletter Sponsors Warner Center Marriott April 2011 Volume 65 No. 12 Almost Exclusive! Lee Levy Spins Poem! February Ambassador of the Month: Lee Levy, Nex Graphics & Invitations, p.9 Gov. Says What? VICA wants tax measure on ballot p.11. Tibetan Food Tastes Like? Find out on p.18. City Controller’s Forecast L.A. Controller Wendy Greuel p.9. New Members, page 7. Returning Members, page 12.
Transcript
Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce
Paul Davis & Alberta Bellisario Insurance Services
Deats Design
Hornstein Law Offices
RGEB Employee Benefits
Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.
Holiday Inn Woodland Hills
Valley Promotional Products
Westfield
California Lutheran University
Support Your Newsletter Sponsors
Warner Center Marriott
April 2011Volume 65No. 12
Almost Exclusive!
Lee Levy Spins Poem!February Ambassador of the Month:Lee Levy, Nex Graphics & Invitations, p.9
Gov. Says What?VICA wants tax measure on ballot p.11.
Tibetan Food Tastes Like?Find out on p.18.
City Controller’s ForecastL.A. Controller Wendy Greuel p.9.
FRIEND LEADERSRGEB Employee Benefits Bel-Air Exteriors California Concierge
Fibrenew West gishSEIDEN IamFarmers~Paul Lawler Monarch Village Tarzana Liberty Mutual Northrop Grumman
Paul Davis and Alberta Bellisario Insurance Services Lockheed Federal Credit Union Paul Shively & Associates, Inc.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
DavidAsplund
WHTCC Chairman of the Board
Spring is a time ofrenewal, but with afinancial hangoverfrom the recessionand fresh concerns
over demonstrations in the Middle East, itmay not seem like the skies are clear andthe birds are singing just yet. But as theseasons teach us, spring is only thebeginning of something new and good, withthe full return of the harvest not cominguntil many months later.
So what can we renew now that will bearfruit in the months to come? Renewableenergy comes to mind. Our demand forenergy will not decrease but ourdependency on oil can. American innovationwith alternative and renewable energysources will fuel economic growth. Arenewed commitment to fiscal discipline inthe public sector also comes to mind as thegovernment budget process becomes highlypublicized. Our leaders need our supportand input as they Continued page 8.
Proud to be a WoodlandHills~Tarzana Chamber Member
By Diana Williams, Executive Director
We have a memberlogo just for you.You can proudlydisplay it on yoursignature and web-site. This is a state-ment to potential
and existing Customers/Clients. You are stating that you are a mem-
ber and belong to an organization thatis well-respected in the community.
You are stating that you support thecommunity and the mission statementof the Woodland Hills~TarzanaChamber of Commerce.
As a chamber member you are vali-dating your business standing in thecommunity.
Your membership displays yourcivic responsibility, sense of commu-nity affiliation.
Your profile on our website islinked directly to your website. Youcan provide a link in Continued page 11.
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View april 2011 Page 2
Chamber Report2 0 1 1 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
DAVID ASPLUNDChairman of the BoardProvidence Tarzana Medical Center
DIANE DEATS Executive Vice Chair, Chair of OperationsDeats Design
COLLEEN LANGFORDImmediate Past Chair (2010)Co-Chair EducationHoliday Inn Woodland Hills Warner Center
STEVE HORNSTEIN, CPAChief Financial Officer/Wine Festival ChairHornstein Law Offices
CATHERINE da GAMA GRI, E-Pro, WCRCorporate Secretary/Co-Chair InstallationRodeo Realty
ANN CARLTON BOSEChair Government AffairsSkyline Financial
BARRY S. COHNChair AmbassadorsRGEB Employee Benefits
MITCHELL DEARMANCo-Chair BeautificationWestfield Topanga and Promenade
DAVID FOXCo-Chair Financegish SEIDEN LLP
MAX HAGHIGHI, RHU CEOChair ProgramsSyndicated Insurance Agency, LLC
FRANCOIS KHOURYChair Special Events(Installation)Woodland Hills Hilton
SARAH LALOYANCo-Chair ProgramsMonarch Village Tarzana
PAUL LAWLERChair MembershipPaul Lawler Farmers Insurance
SEAN MCCARTHYCo-Chair Government/ Chair Beautificationusobituariesonline.com
TRACY MYALLCo-Chair EducationPremier America Credit Union
New Member Orientation BreakfastWednesday, April 13thInvitation Only8:00AM – 9:00AMHilton Woodland HillsAddress: 6360 Canoga Ave.RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday (818) 347-4737
UCC General Assembly LuncheonWednesday, April 13th11:30 AM-1:30 PMRSVP REQUIRED By April [email protected] Or(818) 981- 4491
Multi~ Mixer - April 20thCalabasas, Woodland Hills~TarzanaChambers of Commerce and BigMedia USAJoin us for~Food, Wine & Fun! 5:30 PM - 8:00 PMCorbin Gentle DentalAddress: 19701 Ventura BlvdRSVP REQUIREDmailto:[email protected]
Z Awards LuncheonThursday, April 21st11:30AM – 1:30PMIn place of our standard LuncheonNotice Date ChangeWarner Center MarriottAddress: 21850 Oxnard StreetSelf Parking ComplimentaryRSVP REQUIREDContact Jose Martinez [email protected] (Mention you are a member of theWoodland Hills~Tarzana Chamber)(818) 347-4737Members and Guests $40 Tables and Sponsorships AvailableClick Here For More Information!
Calendar april 2011 Page 4
Calendar of Events
Free e-waste Drop OffSaturday, April 23rd, 9AM-2 PM 20121 Ventura Bl. Back Parking Lot
Business Networking MixerWednesday, April 27th5:00PM – 7:00PM Note Time ChangeRSVP REQUIRED by noon on TuesdayCo-Hosted By: Kathy Rappaport~ Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.Nicola's KitchenAddress : 20969 Ventura Blvd.No Need to RSVP. Members $0, One Time Trial Guests $10
LA River Community Clean up!Satuday, April 30th9:00 AM- NoonONEgeneration parking lot,18255 Victory Blvd ResedaPlease sign up by emailing yourname, school and cell phone info to:[email protected].
Business Networking BreakfastWednesday, May 4th7:00 AM to 9:00 AMSponsor: RGEB Employee BenefitsWoodland Hills Country ClubAddress: 21150 Dumetz RoadRSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday. Walk-Ins welcome add $5. No Jeans please at Breakfast Venue Members $20, One Time Trial Guest Price $20.Assigned seating.
See the calendar on the website for more details and more events!
A guest or One Time Trial Guest is defined assomeone who is interested in membershipin our community. It is our pleasure towelcome you to one of each event (1breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 mixer). Thisbegins your trial membership. Yourinterest in membership is very importantto us. You will be recognized andwelcomed by our staff to one of eachevent. With respect to our valuedmembers, we limit attendance to guestswho are interested in membership.More info atwoodlandhillscc.net/calendar
RSVP818347-4737
Avoid the Line!Pay online
Business Networking LuncheonWednesday, May 18thNetworking from 11:30 AM – NoonLuncheon from Noon - 1:15 PMSpeakers: Albert Abrams & Kristi BlicharskiTopic: Local stores and merchantswill prosper, thousands of jobs willbe saved, and, most importantly, theCity’s budget dilemma will behelped significantly if we all shoplocally. Start with Woodland Hills~TarzanaChamber of Commerce eDirectory.Warner Center MarriottAddress: 21850 Oxnard StreetSelf Parking ComplimentaryRSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday.Walk-Ins welcome add $5 Members $25, One Time Trial GuestPrice $25
Business Networking MixerWednesday, May 25th5:30PM – 7:30PM Holiday Inn Woodland Hills WarnerCenter Address: 21101 Ventura Blvd.RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday. Members $0, One TimeTrial Guest Price $10 g
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View april 2011 Page 5
W W W . C A L L U T H E R A N . E D U / W H
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
Learn Local.Think Global. ADULT
DEGREEEVENINGPROGRAM
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
Convenient evening and online classes!
Phone: 1-888-CLU-GRADE-mail: [email protected] Hills Center21052 Oxnard St. FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE
Bachelor’s degrees offered at our Woodland Hills Center:
Now Online!
TUTOR DOCTORis an internationalorganization providingin home, one on onetutoring for students of all
ages, from Preschool to senior citizens, in ANY subject ,including standardized test preparation. All tutors are highlyeducated teachers, and/or have had much tutoringexperience.Services included:• Free in home consultation and assessment to determine
student’s personality, learning style and specificeducational needs.
• Education Consultant meeting with teachers, educatorsand therapists (optional)
• State of the art on line tutoring available (optional) • Details of each session sent to customer onlineWe are passionate about making a difference in our
student's lives by improving study skills, grades andconfidence. We also serve those with special needs.TUTOR DOCTOR happily makes house calls!Call for your free consultation now! (818 ) [email protected], www.hometutorsvalley.com. g
Member Spotlight Tutor Doctor
LAW OFFICES20335 Ventura Blvd., Suite 203
Woodland Hills, CA 91364(818) 887-9401 • (888) 280-8100
Penny SparkSoCal Home Improvement Referral Service(818) 883-5555, (626) 355-3200 http://www.schirs.com
Barrons Lipper RankingsWaddell & Reed made the top 5in several individual categories and maintained the pole 1st& 2nd positions for best overall fund family over a 5 year
period- a back to backwin for us! Stephen E. Rischall,Financial Advisor,Waddell & Reed Inc.15260 Ventura Blvd.Suite 940, ShermanOaks, CA 91403Office- (818) 465-0210x112, Mobile- (818) 675-6234www.rischall.wrfa.com
UCC Medium Business Honoree Lucie Volotzkyof Beds Unlimited Opening the first locationin 1985 and now celebrating 25 years inbusiness, with locations in Canoga Park,
Northridge and Woodland Hills, Lucie is active in sevenChambers and she knows the benefits membership provides.
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber News april 2011 Page 6
Ensele Art GalleryShowcases WHTCCTalent.WHTCC member KathyRappaport’s photos areinfluenced by her travels tovarious parts of the world. Toher, photography is aboutcapturing the essence of theplace. She describes her workas a balance between modernthemes with a journalisticapproach. g
Courtesy of Reza Gostar,calabasas.patch.com
""
Brought to you by LAPD West Valley Area.1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last
week cleaning your carpets, painting yourshutters, selling magazine subscriptions ordelivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroomwhen I was working in your yard last week.While I was in there, I unlatched the backwindow to make my return a little easier.
3. Those yard toys your kids leave out alwaysmake me wonder what type of gaming sys-tem they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled upon the driveway. And I might leave a pizzaflyer in your front door to see how long ittakes you to remove it.
5. Hey your car parked in the driveway - I willuse the garage door opener in your car, itactivates the garage door - even when thecar ignition is off. So you may want to turnyour garage door opener (power) off frominside the garage when your home.
6. If decorative glass is part of your frontentrance, don't let your alarm companyinstall the control pad where I can see if it'sset. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the windowover the sink. And the windows on the secondfloor, which often access the master bedroom- and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to putmotion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with yourumbrella, and you forget to lock your door -understandable. But understand this: I don'ttake a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask fordirections somewhere or offer to clean yourgutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sockdrawer? I always check dresser drawers, thebedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. I always check the freezer - and not forfood! 12. Here's a helpful hint: I almost nevergo into kids' rooms.
13. You're right: I won't have enough time tobreak into that safe where you keep yourvaluables. But if it's not bolted down, I'lltake it with me.
14. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrentthan the best alarm system. If you're reluc-tant to leave your TV on while you're out oftown, you can buy a device that works on atimer and simulates the flickering glow of areal television.
15. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes,I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I domy best to never, ever look like a crook.
16. The two things I hate most: loud dogs andnosy neighbors.
17. I'll break a window to get in, even if itmakes a little noise. If your neighbor hearsone loud sound, he'll stop what he's doingand wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hearit again, he'll just go back to what he wasdoing. It's human nature.
18. I'm not complaining, but why would you payall that money for a fancy alarm system andleave your house without setting it?
19. I love looking in your windows. I'm lookingfor signs that you're home, and for flatscreen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'lldrive or walk through your neighborhood atnight, before you close the blinds, just to pickmy targets.
20. Avoid announcing your vacation on yourFacebook page. It's easier than you think tolook up your address.
21. To you, leaving that window open just acrack during the day is a way to let in a littlefresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
22. If you don't answer when I knock, I try thedoor. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walkright in.
23. If I am ambitious enough to invade yourhome while you are there - you may want toconsider "answering" my door knock throughthe door - "Hello - who are you - no, I don'twant any - go away or I'll call the police" AndI will go away. So DO NOT OPEN IT! But if Ihear your voice speaking with me - I willmove on to another home that may let me in!
24. Maybe I will work with someone claiming tosell magazine subscriptions - I always knowwhen someone is home or not - by knockingon the door!
25. I look to see if your trash cans are put outon trash day - or I'll look to see if anyone hastaken in the trash cans by nightfall - a deadgiveaway that no one is home!
26. Those car keys you left in the ignition or onthe hook in the garage - allows me to driveaway from your house in luxury with yourproperty - and your car.
27. I love computer laptops - easy to carry andeasy to sell! But I fear that you had enoughgumption to install a locater program tolocate your laptop like - LoJack for Laptops,or if you have an Apple computer, iPAD,iPHONE - Mobile Me!
28. I love homes that are not well lit! Or homeswith overgrown bush and shrubbery so I canhide if someone walks or drives by. It allowsme to hide! Have adequate exterior lighting.A motion-sensitive light is recommended forbackyards.
29. And when I get rid of what I have stolen - Iknow that hardly anyone keeps serial num-bers or has engraved their ID on anythinganymore. Keep a detailed inventory of yourvaluable possessions, including a descriptionof the items, date of purchase and originalvalue, and serial numbers, and keep a copyin a safe place away from home -- this is agood precaution in case of fires or other dis-asters. Make a photographic or video recordof valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques.Your insurance company can provide assis-tance in making and keeping your inventory.
30. And I love neighborhoods where the neigh-bors do not talk to one another - they have noidea what's going on!
31.Form a Neighborhood Watch Group. They canhelp you work with your neighbors to improvesecurity and reduce risk of burglary. g
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net New Members april 2011 Page 7
Always Best Care19210 Calvert StreetTarzana CA 91135Phone: (818)422-5378www.alwaysbestcarewsfv.com Always Best Care provides trainedcaregivers that are compassionatein their approach of non medicalcare to our senior community inorder to keep our loved ones safeand supported in the comfort ofhome. We also provide a free serv-ice of helping families find residen-tial, independent, or assisted livingall over Los Angeles County
My San FernandoValley.com19477 Ventura BlvdTarzana CA 91356Phone: (818)996-3346 Fax: (818)996-3355www.mysanfernandovalley.com
Printing In Colors LosAngeles19445 Ventura BlvdTarzana CA 91356Phone: (888)997-7427 Fax: (888)997-7427www.picslax.com
Topanga Boosters21501 Shoenborn StreetCanoga Park CA 91303Phone: (818)756-3180www.topangabooster.org The Topanga BOOSTERS is a vol-unteer support organization madeup of business and communityleaders. Its primary mission is toincrease the effectiveness andmorale of the officers and staff ofthe Topanga Police Station by rais-ing money for community services,materials, and equipment not gen-erally supplied by the City of LosAngeles. To learn more, visitwww.topangaboosters.org
Golden Stars Realty458 Maclay AveSan Fernando CA 91340Phone: (888)808-4359 Fax: (888)808-4359www.goldenstarsrealty.com
Delband Holdings Inc15452 Cabrito Rd, Ste 212Los Angeles CA 91406Phone: (818)835-0454 Fax: (888)865-5066www.dhscanning.com
Zilly24152 Lyons Avenue #218Newhall CA 91321Phone: (800)769-9000www.zilly.com
Haven Hills, IncPO Box 260Canoga Park CA 91305Phone: (818)887-7481 Fax: (818)887-4796www.Havenhills.org Haven Hills provides safety andsupport to victims of domestic vio-lence while working to break thecycle of abuse. We offer shelter,crisis intervention, counseling,advocacy, and activities supportingincreased economic opportunity tovictims primarily in the SanFernando Valley of LosAngeles.We endeavor to increase communi-ty awareness about domestic vio-lence issues and bring about socie-tal change through education andpublic policy advocacy.
Lucianos6223 Topanga Canyon Blvd.Woodland Hills CA 91364Phone: (818)346-7182
Caliber Technologies16114 Sherman WayVan Nuys CA 91406Phone: (800)966-1293 Fax: (818)855-1293www.CaliberTechnologies.com
Sirkin Law Group, P.C.21550 Oxnard St., Third FloorWoodland Hills CA 91367Phone: (818)340-4479www.sirkinlaw.com
Local ReZults, Inc.Contact: Bill Hazelton21900 Burbank Blvd., 3rd FloorWoodland Hills CA 91367Phone: (818)804-3088www.LocalReZults.comLocal ReZults is a local onlinemarketing firm that offers a com-prehensive suite of tools and serv-ices to get your local businessranked highly in search engineresults pages. The bottom line isthat we help local businesses gen-erate more sales and profits morecost effectively with cutting-edgesocial media and search enginemarketing strategies.
My Instant Guru, Inc. 6303 Owensmouth Ave. 10th FL.Woodland Hills CA 91367 (877)430-4878 Fax (877)530-4878 www.myinstantguru.com My Instant Guru has been servingSmall and Medium sized businessin the Southern California Areasince 1999. We specialize indesign, setup and 7x24 monitoringand maintenance of computer net-works. Networks that are proac-
tively managed have fewer prob-lems resulting in less down time,increased productivity and lowercosts. Contact us today to learnmore how our IT services can sup-port your business.
ADP Small BusinessServices 6300 Canoga Ave. #400 Woodland Hills CA 91364 (818)592-3619 • www.adp.com ADP is the industry leader in pro-cessing payroll, integratingemployee benefits and streamlininghuman resource services to compa-nies of all sizes. We’ve been inbusiness since 1949 and have atriple A Standard & Poor’s creditrating; we will be around tomorrowto support your business needs.
Phillips Graduate Institute 5445 Balboa Blvd. Encino CA 91316 (818)654-1753 Fax (818)654-1772 Web: www.pgi.edu
Woodland Hills, CA 91364 in the French QuarterVentura County Woman Business Owner of the Year
Continued from Chairman’s Message take on the almost impossible task of keeping government lean whilemoving the economy forward through education and jobs growth.
Okay, so we can’t solve all the world’s problems, but what will renewallook like for you this spring? A renewed sense of purpose and dedicationto your business and your employees are always good. How about arenewed commitment to your business relationships, contacts andnetwork? Is it time to renew that Chamber of Commerce membership? Atlast, you can never go wrong by renewing your commitment to friends,family and loved ones. Mother’s Day, Graduations, Father’s Day,vacations…go out and enjoy them all. Life is much more than work.
David Asplund, Director, Business Development & Physician RelationsProvidence Medical Institute, Valley Service Area (818) 391-8929 cel g
Government Affairs
CommitteeLast Thursdayof the Month!
12 noon. Confirm locationwith Chamber Site.
CCaatthheerriinnee ddaa GGaammaaREALTOR® DRE 01211622 GRI, E-Pro, WCR
Along with the decision to buy and or sell your home comes another very important decision, that decision is your choice of real estate agent.I have been a licensed realtor for 13 years. I have helped many reach their real estate dreams. In addition, my love for the community has inspired a passion for what I do. Call me and let’s see what I can do for you!
Cell 818 421.0200
Welcome New Members!Madelia Marketing 5245 Don Pio Dr.Woodland Hills CA 91364 (310)795-1558 Fax (888)494-6048 www.MadeliaMarketing.com
Mattress Tree 21530 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills CA 91364 (818)836-4852 Web: www.mattresstree.com
CPR Cell Phone Repair 21787 Ventura Bl. in Warner PlazaWoodland Hills CA 91364 (818)854-6850 www.cpr-losangeles.com
The Inner Health &Wellness Center 18740 Ventura Blvd. Ste 301Tarzana CA 91356 Phone: (818)776-1661 Fax: (818)774-0123 www.TheInnerhealthCenter.com Here at the Inner Health & WellnessCenter we offer several Health andAesthetic services. Chiropractic carefor back, neck and other joints mus-cles and nerve issues, specializing inpost automobile accident care. Weoffer Cellulite reduction and bodysculpting treatment using the FrenchLPG Endermologie method. We alsooffer the new spot fat "melting"using the new ZERONA cold lasersystem. Both work great!Individually and in combination.Lastly, we offer Colon Hydrotherapyfor system cleansing and severaldigestion concerns. Visit us atwww.TheInnerHealthCenter.com
LION Auto Body 6652 Lankershim Blvd., Suite C North Hollywood CA 91606 (818)255-5411 Fax (818)255-5563
Servpro of Woodland Hills/ Tarzana Brandon Hedding 20942 Osborne St. Unit HCanoga Park CA 91304 (818)882-4556 Fax (818)882-1462
The Arbors at WarnerCenter 6333 Canoga Ave. Woodland Hills CA 91367 (818)883-3935 Fax (818)883-1429 www.arborsapartmentslosangeles.com The Arbors at Warner CenterApartment Homes is a beautifultropical oasis situated in the heartof Warner Center in WoodlandHills. Our community features anunparalleled array of amenities,lush landscaping, and a top notchmanagement team that truly cares.We're conveniently located withinwalking distance to transportation,dining and entertainment.
SunWize Technologies 14511 Myford Road, Suite 240Tustin CA 92780 (866)436-7353 www.sunwize.com
NCM Cinema Networks Cari Weiss 26868 Cold Springs St.Calabasas CA 91301 (818)880-2029 www.nationalcinemedia.com
The Inner Health &Wellness Center 18740 Ventura Blvd. Ste 301Tarzana CA 91356 (818)776-1661 Fax (818)774-0123 TheInnerhealthCenter.com g
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View april 2011 Page 9
Local Unemployment Projected toDrop to 11.7%. City's General FundRevenues To Be the Lowest Since2006-07 (Los Angeles) -With the Cityof Los Angeles facing a $350 millionbudget deficit next year, the City'schief accountant, City ControllerWendy Greuel, released the economicforecast for the City of Los Angelesfor the upcoming fiscal year 2010-
11. "I'm pleased that our localunemployment rate is projected todrop from 12.4% to 11.7%, howeverthere are still far too many Angelenosout of work and we project that theCity's economic growth with be slowand sluggish in the coming year,"said City Controller Greuel."Overall,we expect the City to receive $6.336
billion in revenue nextyear, which is $130million less than the$6.466 billion the Cityis expected to receiveduring the current
fiscal year. Additionally ,the City'sGeneral Fund is projected to receive$4.25 billion in revenues, a decreaseof $126 million since 2006-07."The Controller provides thiseconomic forecast to the Mayor andCity Council each year so they canhave all of the relevant fiscalinformation as they create the City'sbudget for the following year. "The Mayor and City Council cannot -and should not - count on anincrease in tax revenue to helpbalance the City's massive budget
deficit for next year," said CityController Greuel. "While weanticipate tax revenue for the currentyear to be dramatically lower inalmost every category, we projectthat 4 of the 7 tax revenue streamswill actually increase next year.Unfortunately the anticipateddecrease in property tax willoutweigh any other revenueincrease." With the City already facing a $54million budget deficit this year and aprojected $350 million deficit nextyear, the Controller urged the Mayorand City Council to act quickly, butstrategically as they make thenecessary cuts to balance the City'sbudget.Some of the highlights of the reportinclude:• For fiscal year 2011-12, theController anticipates that propertytax receipts are expected to decreaseby $24 million.• The Controller also projects thatbusiness tax and licenses permitsand fess will decrease, while salestax, utility users tax and transientoccupancy tax will increase.• Additionally, for the fiscal year2011-12, the Controller projects thatthe City will receive a decrease invarious transfers from other funds,including Special Parking RevenueFund - $10 million, Power RevenueFund - $4.8 million and Telecom-munications Development Account -$4 million.• The Controller anticipates the Cityneeding to borrow $450 million in Taxand Revenue Anticipation Notes(TRANs) next year to cover cash flow. • The City will be required to pay$628 million in debt service nextyear. g
Lee Levy Nex Web Designs& Graphics Ambassador ofthe Month, FebruaryThe Woodland Hills Chamber is a
fantastic placeIf you enjoy networking face to
faceI've been a member now for over
two yearsI've networked, made friends, got
over public speaking fearsI remember the first mixer that I came too,
A little intimidated, what do I do?The friendly green ribbons introduced me around
At my first event, some new friends I had foundThe breakfasts are fun, the MC's are great
We have guest speakers that come and educateTen seconds we have to introduce and tell
Go over 10 seconds and you'll hear the bellSome speeches, some lines, and good humor too
And Mr. Bob Epstein, looking to sue (LOVE U BOB!)I started to network with many of you
Over coffee, at mixers, and some lunches tooI learned a lot of things about this chamber
For this reason I became ambassadorNow I am the lucky one who does this great deed
Introduce new members, or give a great leadOnce a month hosting a satellite lunch
Sharing new ideas with a terrific bunchAll this in turn has grown my business
A single event I try not to missNew members, and guests I offer this to you
Please come to events, this will work for you too!Remember like everything else that you do
Give it your all and all will WORK FOR YOU!Sincerely, Lee Levy, Nex Graphics & Invitationswww.nexgraphics.com, [email protected](818)-888-8235 (888)-390-9004 g
A $54 millionbudget deficit this yearand a projected $350
million deficit next year
CITY CONTROLLERWENDY GREUEL'S
ECONOMIC FORECASTFOR 2011-2012
Ed Grisso 6250 Canoga Avenue, Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91367 800.425.1633 - 818.301.5399 (F)
Get Your Business on a Site with4,000 Unique Hits a Month!Place your 1/3 page or larger WHTCCBuyers Guide Ad Before April 29th andget 13 months at the 12 month ad rate!1 Additional AD MONTH FREE!
Receive 13 months at the 12 month rate! 1 MONTH FREE!when you act by April 29!
The Community Buyers Guide
• Hosted on the WHTCC website, which currently gets 48,000 hits per year
• Links to advertisers’ websites and offers
• Can be updated quarterly
• Crisp zoom and fluid flipping
• Internal and external links
• Search feature and easy navigation
• Users will be able to print and email the directory, allowing the viewership of your ad and business to grow!
Contact Kymm Thorntonwith any questions about the eDirectory or advertising at [email protected] or call 818 317-8776
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View april 2011 Page 11
VICA backs placing tax extension on ballot.
Support of vote does not includesupport of tax increases
The VICA (Valley Industry and Commerce Association) Board ofDirectors voted to support Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to place taxextensions on a June special election ballot. Brown’s plan includes afive-year extension for income and sales tax hikes from 2009,maintaining higher fees for vehicle licensing and diverting some staterevenues to local governments. The endorse-ment of putting theseitems before the voters does not include VICA’s support for the taxesthemselves. However, VICA feels that it is important for voters to havethe opportunity to weigh in on these tax measures. Once on the ballot,VICA would again review the proposals through its committee processand take a separate vote on each proposition. VICA’s bylaws require atwo-thirds majority vote to take a position on ballot items. g
Continued from Diana Williams Chamber Report.your correspondence to your profile, to your directory ad, toyour newsletter ad/article or a featured ribbon cutting orevent.
All of our green correspondence has a link to yourwebsite as long as you provide us the link!
You can be called from an iPhone and most cell phonessimply by finding you in the Woodland Hills~TarzanaChamber of Commerce directory online.
Proudly present your Woodland Hills~Tarzana ChamberAdvantage card to all businesses. Our Member to Member
discount is a great way to Shop Locally to fuel oureconomy. You and your employees may be pleasantlysurprised at your yearly savings by taking advantage of theAdvantage Card. If the business you present the card todoes not know about this card, simply state that it’s forchamber members and that it provides discounts throughoutthe Greater West Valley.
We thank you for your support and we are proud to haveyou in our chamber community. g
Rates have dropped• Medicare Supplements• Medicare Advantage plans• Employee bene#ts• Life, Health, Disability and• Long Term Care Insurance
It’s Time to Shop Your MedicareSupplement Plans!
818-888-0880 • www.pdinsure.com • License #’s 0669770 and OA02225
Best Properties, Inc.Jeffrey Davidsonwww.bestprop.us
Keith K Nichols Construction(General Engineering & Building)Keith Nicholswww.kknconstruction.com
StaplesJeanette Garciawww.staples.com
Togo'sPinki Dhillonwww.togos.com
GainYour Business!
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View april 2011 Page 13
The Chamber is actively seeking ways to improve our community and, in so doing, we would like to invite you to consider LEADER LEVEL support.
THE WOODLAND HILLS~TARZANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is experiencing phenomenalgrowth! We offer businesses, large and small, benefits that are unique to their growth.Larger businesses are able to showcase that “community matters” through specialsponsorships to the Chamber. Small businesses gain by beautification and increasingdesirability to promote our community. We welcome you to become members and to be apart of the successful growth of Woodland Hills~Tarzana Chamber of Commerce!
Why you want an Exclusive LEADER LEVEL:• Your logo will be placed on our LEADER Banner which is displayed at each WHTCC event.
• You have a great platform to be recognized with the largest Chamber in the SanFernando Valley. You will meet people, including civic leaders, not only in our communitybut well beyond.
• You maximize public relations and marketing opportunities to improve and increasemembers' visibility with the Chamber’s sphere of influence.
• One stop shopping.Your membership is paid and you choose where the remaining fundsare allocated. 01/01/2011-12/31/2011
• Your LEADER LEVEL Support membership is tax deductible. We are a nonprofit 501(C) 6.
• Our many high profile programs and events are well attended and community recognized.
• To showcase your community support through media marketing on our website and thetemplate e-mails recognizing your support.
• We are in a strong position for governmental advocacy that supports our members,businesses and our community. You are automatically a member of the United Chambersof Commerce with your WHTCC membership.
We are working hard to promote a vibrant sense of community! You can strengthen andhelp beautify Woodland Hills and Tarzana by supporting the Chamber of Commerce.
Your contribution enables us to continue accomplishing great results.
• Unite Community and Business.• Strengthen our local large and small businesses.• Work with Public Service Organizations to ensure public safety and quality of life issues.• Advocate legislative issues that affect local business environments in our community.• Community betterment and beautification to increase desirability where you and youremployees live, work and play.
Let's support each other and help our community be the Southern California model ofbusiness growth and living desirability! g
Community Recognition
for
Jen saysBeing clear
on what you dois important to potentialbuyers aka prospects. Whenyou describe your business,beware of such phrases as‘we kinda do this’ or ‘wesort of do that’. You wantthe interested partyconfident in your service. Be clear, confident& brief!
~Brought to you by: Jen's tipof the day, who IS the Directorof Business Development forthe Woodland Hills-TarzanaChamber of Commerce g
Under thefederal healthcare reform,parents havebeen given a newbenefit - they cankeep theirchildren insureduntil the age of
26 under their workplace health carepolicies. Unfortunately, the state planson taxing this benefit, undermining itsvery purpose.
Federal income tax law was changedto prevent the value of this incrementalbenefit from increasing federal incometax obligations. California has not yetfollowed suit.
That is why I am authoring Assembly
Bill (AB) 36 to conform our stateincome tax laws to the feds. Absentthis change, under existing state taxlaw, the value of health coveragethat an employer provides to adultchildren, not defined as a dependent,results in additional taxable incometo the employees.
We need to make this simple reformso that our tax code is not an obstacle for parents to keep theirchildren insured, especially in thistough job market. Young adults havethe lowest rate of access toemployer-based insurance. As youngadults transition into the job market,they often have employment thatcomes without employer-sponsoredhealth insurance.
Further information about AB 36 isavailable online athttp://www.leginfo.ca.gov. g
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View april 2011 Page 14
IT Q&A by Michael Hosey
Question sent by Jeff Yorke, Franklin Advantage
Q. My XP computer performance has sloweddown drastically, what can I do to speed it up?
A. Slow computer speed can be related tomany different causes. There could be aninordinate number of installed programs (manythat you don’t use or need) on the computer orthere could be a lot of temporary files that theoperating system uses when surfing the web(also known as cookies). I would suggest doingthe following in this order.
1) Go to Start (located at the bottom left of yourscreen), select Control Panel, then Add/RemovePrograms. Look at what programs are installed.If you find programs that you do not use, youcan uninstall them. 2) Next, you'll want to clean your temporaryfiles. This step may take awhile if you havenever cleaned it before. Go to Start, select AllPrograms, Accessories, then System Tools andDisk Cleanup. The system will then scan yourhard drive and give you the option to removeold files. Remember to make sure you check thelast box titled “Compress Old Files.”3) Finally, after you have completed thesesteps, you should defragment your hard drive.A fragmented hard drive is much like a filingcabinet that is no longer alphabetized. Thatmeans that it takes longer for the computer tofind the files it needs and results in a slowerexperience. Go to Start, All Programs,Accessories, System Tools and DiskDefragmenter.
Dancers kick off February tree planting withWoodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce
and Woodland Hills Neighborhood Council!
Maria Torres of Exotifit and her dancers warm up before the February treeplanting. www.exotifit.com, [email protected]
Join us for the next WHTCC Tree Planting with Councilman Dennis P.Zine on April 19 at 8am.
We'll plant trees on Ventura Boulevard between Canoga and Topanga Canyon.Items to bring: Gardening gloves, sun block, hat and closed toe shoes. g
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Ribbon Cuttings april 2011 Page 15
Ask Jen: JEN SVEJDADirector, Business Development. 1.818.347.4737
Allbright Windows Coverings ribbon cutting. It was great to see the huge show of support forAllbright Windows Grand Opening at their newlocation! Allbright Window Coverings, (818)786-227116681 Roscoe Blvd., North Hills CA91343www.allbrightwc.com
RIBBONCUTTINGSPh
oto:
Jim
Bra
mm
er
How to:get a Ribbon Cutting or a
mixer for yourself?
Serving authentic Himalayan cuisine from Nepal,Tibet and India. We use only fresh locally grownvegetables and fruits, and mountain grown herbsand spices direct from Nepal. All of our dishesuse the finest ingredients and are prepared witha light touch to enhance your dining experience.Let us know how you would like your foodprepared, mild- spicy.Tara's Himalayan Cuisine19737 Ventura Blvd., Woodland HillsCA91364Phone: (818)932-9572Web: www.tarashimalayancuisine.com
The Studio is a unique boutique fitness and dance centerintended to promote healthy living while making you feelright at home. The Studio: A Place For Balance, Pilates,
Yoga, Dance.... Fun. The Studio: A Place For Balance, 21133 Costanso St., Woodland Hills CA91364
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Ribbon Cuttings april 2011 Page 16
Ask Jen: JEN SVEJDADirector, Business Development. 1.818.347.4737
RIBBONCUTTINGS
How to:get a Ribbon Cutting or a
mixer for yourself?
Ribbon Cutting attendeeswere in for a nice surprise
sit down dinner with livemusic thanks Heshmat
Barani, owner of Safir Mediterranean
Cuisine19940 Ventura Blvd.,
Woodland Hills CA 91364,Phone: (818)713-9090,www.SafirCuisine.com
CPR Cell Phone Repair is anindependent service organizationdedicated to the on-premises repair ofcell phones, iPods, and electronicdevices. They offer “while-you-wait” service andspeedy on-site repairs for every smartphone conceived. From water damageto cracked or shattered LCDs, CPR®’sown in-house service technicians havethe capability to fully restore anysalvageable damaged electronicdevices on the spot, typically within anhour! CPR Cell Phone Repair, 21787 Ventura Blvd., in Warner Plaza,Woodland Hills CA91364,Phone: (818) 854-6850, Web: www.cpr-losangeles.com
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Committees april 2011 Page 17
C O M M I T T E E SOne of the most effective ways to leverage your Chamber membership
and raise your profile is to become active on a committee.
Your Government Affairs CommitteeMeets the Last Thursday of the Month
April 30, from9:00 AM- NoonWhere:ONEgeneration parking lot,18255 Victory Blvd Reseda, CA 91335.Please sign up by emailing your name,school and cell phone info to:[email protected].
Be prepared to sweep trash and debrisform bridges, bundle green waste andpaint bridges between Canoga Park andthe 405 Freeway. Turn out will determinethe scoop of work we do that day. Please sign up early.
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING • Gloves• Clothes to Get Dirty In• Sturdy Shoes• Hats• Sunscreen• Drinking Water Bottle• Rubber Boots or Waders (optional)• Hand Tools for Prying Trash from
Vegetation (optional)• Extendable Grabber Arm Tools (optional)
BECOME A PART OF OUR RIVER CREW!• River site support• Photographers• Musicians• Media• Outreach• Financial Sponsorship• In-Kind Donations of Water, Gloves,
Fruit, Energy Bars • Signage, Canopies, Tables, Chairs
Please sign up by emailing your name, school and cell phone info to:[email protected].
