By Katie O’BRIEN

The Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council on May 10 celebrated its 20^th year of community engagement in Sunland-Tujunga with its first in-person general meeting since the pandemic. The STNC meets the second Wednesday of the month at Apperson Street Elementary School, 10233 Woodward Ave. in Sunland.

Among the activities was the presentation of a certificate of recognition to the community accepted by Hovsep Navasardyan.

The theme of this year’s 4th of July Parade is “Sunland-Tujunga, The Beautiful.” STNC is a sponsor. Rotary President Kresse Armour announced that applications to ride in the parade will be available on the Rotary’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Sunlandrotary.

Officers from the LAPD and LAFD presented several updates at the top of the meeting with reports on staff changes for Sunland and Tujunga.

A newly-assigned motor officer is getting up-to-speed on the community’s concerns regarding traffic. Crime is down in the area, and families are returning to Sunland Park for picnicking as the homeless situation there is being addressed. A dog park is also being proposed for Sunland Park. Citations are being given to people parking at Sunland Park past 9 p.m.

According to LAPD officers, there has been a reduction in violent crimes – down from last year – but a 3.7 increase in burglaries, especially vehicle catalytic converters, and personal theft. A state bill is in process to demand engraving on new cars with catalytic converters and help for those who wish to protect their converters. The STNC supports any efforts to stop these thefts, which cost the car owner thousands of dollars and hours of time. The STNC would like the etching of VINs on catalytic converters be done at no cost to owners of existing vehicles and prohibit the sale of vehicles without etched VINs engraved on catalytic converters.

LA City Fire Departments held open house events recently. The nearest to Sunland-Tujunga was Station 91 at 14430 Polk St. in Sylmar. Mayor Bass attended and offered information on disaster preparedness, and there were activities for children and fun for the whole family.

The Making It Happen Annual Rummage Sale is a major fundraiser for Heart of the Canyons Church and is scheduled for June 8, 9, (noon – 8 p.m.) and June 10 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 9666 Foothill Place in Lake View Terrace.

Declan Floyd, a representative from the office of State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, presented a certificate of recognition to the STNC honoring its 20^th anniversary.

A town hall on the Canyon Hills Development in La Tuna Canyon is being planned. Approval has been given for 221 single-family homes to be built on 300 acres of land in La Tuna Canyon. Discussion was held regarding the environmental problems the development presents for wildlife and trees, including creating a huge fire risk with only one entry and exit road to the gated community. The grading of land to create this project will take one to two years to complete and is expected to cause a number of inconveniences and problems for those living in La Tuna Canyon.

Field Representative Ricardo Flores from the office of Council District 7 LA City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez talked to the group about CD7 Housing Workshops for Tenants and Property Owners. The workshop for tenants will be held June 13 at 6 p.m. at North Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Blvd. in Tujunga; the workshop for property owners will be held June 21 at the same time and location.

A safe “drone” fireworks show is set for July 2 at Hansen Dam.

STNC’s Budget and Finance Committee meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Apperson Street Elementary School.

The Beautification Committee meets at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Sunland Tujunga Library, 7771 Foothill Blvd.

STNC Safe Traffic and Transportation Committee meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Sunland-Tujunga Library and STNC S-T Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee meets the same fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m., currently at McGroarty Arts Center, 7570 McGroarty Terrace in Tujunga.

The STNC Land Use Committee meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 10137 Commerce Ave. in Tujunga. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 5.

The Youth and Education Committee will tentatively meet on June 1 at 7 p.m., location TBA. The Community Improvement and Government Affairs and Outreach Committee meetings are tentatively set for May 18. The STNC calendar has more information on all meetings, agendas and updates and can be found at stnc.org.