I have several items for you today.

First, the LAPD North Hollywood Station, is accepting applications for Cadets. Please see the attached flyer and website link. Feel free to forward to anyone that you think might be interested in becoming a Cadet. https://local.nixle.com/alert/4943373/?sub_id=242848

Second, VVHA, the Valley Village Homeowners Association, is holding their first meeting of 2013 January 16, 7:00pm at Colfax Charter Auditorium.

This meeting will include a report on Neighborhood Watch and information from Valley Village Senior Lead Officer Manny Arreygue.

VVHA will also be conducting the 2013/2014 Board Elections. I am running for the board as a Boardmember at Large and hope to see you at the meeting.

NCVV Projects committee is holding their first meeting of the year tonight at 7:30pm at Colfax Charter auditorium, 11724 Addison Street.

NCVV’s first City Services Committee meeting of the New Year is tonight at 7:00pm in the Oakwood School Library on Magnolia Blvd.

The monthly meeting of Neighborhood Council Valley Village will be held on Wednesday November 28, 2012, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM at Faith Presbyterian Church 5000 Colfax Avenue, Valley Village, CA, 91607. Below is a link to their website for more information www.myvalleyvillage.com .

Interest rates are at historically low rates. Buyers and homeowners are trying to take advantage of this, by purchasing a home or refinancing their home. The appraisal process can make selling or refinancing your home difficult in this market. One third of real estate agents have recently seen lower than expected appraisals hinder home sales, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. In many cases the sale was cancelled or the sales price was renegotiated to a lower sale price because of the low appraisal value.The National Association of Realtors say problems can arise because appraisers, employed by appraisal management companies, do not always have adequate experience in a neighborhood.It is important for a listing agent to meet the appraiser at the time of the inspection, provide comparable sales and be certain that the appraiser is familiar with the area. In areas such as Valley Village, it is important that the appraiser knows the value of having a home located in the Colfax Charter School District. Or in Studio City, the impact that being in Carpenter Elementary school has on the value. If an agent is not comfortable with an appraiser, they can reject them and ask the lender to assign one that is familiar with the area where the house is located. This is the same for homeowners getting an appraisal on the home for a refinance.

1. Children should trick-or-treat during daylight hours.
2. Children should never be allowed to go out alone on Halloween.
3. Children should never eat any treats until they have been examined.
4. All fruit should be cut and closely examined before eating.
5. Advise children that they should never enter strangers’ homes.
6. Never invite children into your home.
7. Children should never accept rides from strangers.
8. Children should never take shortcuts through backyards or alleys.
9. Set a specific time limit for your children to be out on Halloween night.
10. Give wrapped homemade treats only to children you know.
11. Instruct children not to stray from their group.
12. A responsible adult should escort children while trick-or-treating.
13. Adult escorts should carry flashlights.
14. Don’t leave your home unattended on Halloween night.
15. Keep pets inside your home, or other safe place on Halloween night.
16. Children should walk, not run, during their trick-or-treat activities.
17. Parents should know what route their children will be taking.
18. All costumes should be made of light-colored, fireproof material.
19. Children should wear proper fitting, comfortable costumes and shoes.
20. Props such as toy guns or swords should be made of pliable material.
21. Realistic replica firearms should never be used.
22. Masks should not be worn if they impair vision.
23. Wigs should be fireproof and should not restrict vision.
24. Children should always use sidewalks, not the street, for walking.
25. Children should look in all directions before crossing the street.

Neighborhood Council Valley Village Board Elections
Don’t forget to vote Thursday September 20th, 4:00-8:00
Faith Presbyterian Church of Valley Village
5000 Colfax Avenue
Valley Village, CA 91607
NCVV Board Elections
There are 7 seats up for the 2012 election:
2 Homeowner seats, 2 Residential Renter seats, 1 Business Person seat, 1 Education Representative seat , and 1 At-Large seat.

The Valley Village Homeowners Association July 4th parade is tomorrow at 10:00. The parade starts at Morella Avenue and Addison Street and ends up at Valley Village Park where the VVHA will be serving refreshments. This is a great neighborhood event and the neighborhood participation and spirit seems to get better every year.

It’s not too late to submit photos of your garden to www.myvalleyvillage.com for their annual garden tour contest. Log on today and submit your photos for a chance to win!!

There is a Town Hall Forum to discuss the proposed increase in the speed limit on Chandler tonight, May 2, 7 pm to 8:30 pm at Colfax School.  Representatives from LADOT, LAPD, and our local Councilmember’s office will be attending.