| From Tragedy to Action: What We’ve Achieved So Far
Dear neighbors,
The Encino Neighborhood Council election was just over two months ago, so you might think an introductory email from the new President is overdue.
But writing immediately after the election, I could only offer plans and promises — and as they say, talk is cheap.
So, I chose to wait – wait and share actual progress instead of aspirations. And I’m proud to say that we’ve made real strides on the issues that matter most to Encino: crime, the Sepulveda Basin, traffic, and the Oak Tree Inn homeless facility.
While addressing your concerns is my top priority, building a sense of community is just as important. That's why I championed the creation of a new ENC committee dedicated to planning community-wide events — like the screening of E.T. at last week's ENC Movie in the Park, which brought out hundreds of Encino residents. It was a terrific opportunity for everyone to connect, unwind and enjoy a beloved film.
If you have ideas for future ENC events, we'd love to hear about them! Just email them to president@encinonc.org, and I'll make sure your suggestions get to the organizing committee.
A Community United in the Face of Tragedy
Shortly after the ENC election, tragedy struck Encino when American Idol executive Robin Kaye and her husband Tom Deluca were murdered in their home. In the face of such unimaginable loss, our community responded not just with grief, but with action — demanding accountability and change.
While past ENC meetings often drew just a handful of attendees, hundreds of you began showing up.
You demanded action. We demanded the City deliver. And together, we got real results.
Working with LAPD and other city agencies, some of the additional safety measures include:
- Increased patrols
- More investigative resources leading to more arrests and crime ring busts
- Deployment of automated license plate readers and other technologies
The result was a jaw-dropping 83% reduction in burglaries. In July — the month Kaye and DeLuca were murdered — there were 24 burglaries in Encino. In August there were just four.
That is still four too many, because each incident has real victims. But because we demanded action, we are significantly safer today than we were before the election. It's a testament to what we can accomplish together.
Sepulveda Basin: Reducing Wildfire Risk
For years, the Sepulveda Basin has posed a serious fire hazard, with hundreds of homeless people living inside of a tinderbox, setting hundreds of fires annually. Any one of them could result in a catastrophic wildfire. After years of inaction, the City has begun a large-scale cleanup effort, thanks in part to our relentless pressure.
To date, it has led to:
- 32 acres cleared
- Over 400 hazardous trees removed
- 240 tons of brush disposed of
- $22 million in additional state funding secured
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers joining the work starting mid-October
These ongoing efforts have already resulted in a reduction of fire-related incidents, and Encino becomes safer with each passing day.
Traffic: Relief is on the Way
Cut-through traffic has long plagued our residential streets. After years of ENC advocacy, a traffic mitigation plan is set to roll out in the coming months.
This plan will reduce congestion and improve livability in our neighborhoods. The ENC will work closely with both the City and residents to ensure the plan is effective and minimally disruptive. More information can be found here.
Oak Tree Inn: Ongoing Oversight
The Oak Tree Inn, a homeless facility opening in Encino, is one of our most complex challenges because it is a “by right” project — meaning the City cannot stop it as long as certain criteria are met. However, community pressure made a difference.
In response to that pressure:
- The facility has pledged not to allow the storage of illegal drugs or weapons in on-site lockers (which will no longer be considered “amnesty" lockers).
- Additional operational safeguards have been promised to improve safety and oversight.
Time will tell if the Oak Tree Inn honors their promises, but rest assured we'll remain vigilant and hold the facility and its operator to the highest standards.
We Couldn't Have Done It Alone
None of this progress happens without the cooperation of others.
It's important to acknowledge those who have heard us and taken action. It starts at the top with the Mayor's office, which spearheaded many of our asks. The LAPD, LAFD, CD4 and DOT, among others, have also been instrumental. We're counting on each to stay the course because so much work remains.
And finally, the Encino Property Association — without its invaluable partnership, many of these outcomes would have been much more difficult to achieve.
Looking Ahead
I’m proud of what the ENC has accomplished in just two months — progress that has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. But the frenetic pace came at a cost: long days and little sleep. That’s not sustainable, so moving forward, I’ll be taking a more measured approach, continuing to advance our priorities while broadening our focus to include the issues you raise.
Your input is essential. I encourage you to stay engaged, attend ENC meetings, and share your concerns with us. If you don't receive our emails, they are a great way to stay engaged with the ENC and you can sign up below.
Together, we’re building a safer, stronger Encino.
In service,
Roy Nwaisser President, Encino Neighborhood Council
P.S. If you want to get involved with the Encino Neighborhood Council we have lots of volunteer opportunities! Just fill out this form and let us know what you're interested in, there is something for everyone!
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