Health

The Many Health Benefits of Cannabis

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

Weed has come a long way. Since it was legalized for recreational use eight years ago, cannabis has evolved – and is now used in… Read More »The Many Health Benefits of Cannabis

n response to the presentation to the Woodland Hills Homeowner’s Organization (WHHO) by Councilmember Blumenfield’s Legislative Director Jeff Jacobberger on July 22, 2026, regarding the Reimagine Ventura status. While we appreciate the minimalist presentation regarding the updated status of the center medians, we would appreciate an update regarding the Reimagine Project as a whole including what’s been achieved to date, the project schedule, budget, current expected and desired scope, and the design and community outreach process. The WHHO offers the following comments to the plan and further input by meeting with any involved City representatives as deemed appropriate. PROJECT SCHEDULE What is the schedule for implementation of the remaining scope of work? This project was initiated in 2014. It’s time to finish it. What is realistic? PROJECT BUDGET A budget of over $3 million taxpayer dollars was allocated for the project. It also has been mentioned that a majority of the budget would be allocated to ADA improvements, triggered by certain implementations. I would suggest that a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) consultant be brought in to determine which improvements can be made without triggering ADA issues. Improvements such as the medians, the landscape bump outs and replanting street trees in the existing wells may be possibilities. Additional funding for “improvements” may be available from the 523 Fund since improvements connected to safety and traffic control are justified by the fund. Work categorized as “maintenance” cannot be covered by the fund. Medians and physical barriers that prevent turning and improper entering of the reverse diagonal parking are important safety mitigation measures, not maintenance. The allocation of 523 funds is justified for the bump outs as it significantly improves safety by reducing distances pedestrians must cross in high traffic vehicular pathways like Ventura Boulevard. MONUMENT SIGNS The monument sign renderings, as presented by Mr. Jacobberger, are designed such that they will aesthetically become dated very quickly, and frankly are considered unattractive by many in this organization. We suggest the goal should be for a design concept that reflects quiet elegance, with material of a more permanent nature such as stone or concrete. The requirements for breakaway designs can be mitigated simply by better placement of the signs. WELCOME TO WOODLAND HILLS SIGN A “Welcome to Woodland Hills” type sign should be located close to the area’s borders. A well thought out placement on the east side should be on the Corbin median but placed much further back (midway of the length) to minimize potential vehicle interaction. On the west side of Woodland Hills, placement near the Valley Circle/Mulholland Dr./101 freeway interchange would greet those from the beach communities, the Ventura freeway and Calabasas. MEDIANS The two medians proposed make sense with 2 large scale trees placed 30’ apart on each median. If other planting is also proposed, a maintenance plan needs to be included. Irrigation of the planting needs to consider the water source and costs. If only trees are included, then the contract for watering them can be included in the contract for the watering of the other new street trees. The species should be prudently selected and should be of a size that will not obstruct the roadway during the tree’s lifetime but still provide shade and be visually appealing. Additional opportunities for median locations should be considered. ENHANCED CROSS WALKS Enhanced crosswalks were omitted from the last presentation. The crosswalks would add a strong presence on the boulevard and would help define the updated character. By connecting to the existing ADA curb ramps recently installed on each side of the street, the issue of triggering additional ADA requirements should not occur. The crosswalks should be in as many places as possible, especially where the new traffic light controlled (smart) crosswalk and also the new traffic control light was installed as part of Phase 1. Enhanced crosswalks at the limits of the Reimagine project (each side) would help de-mark the area. LANDSCAPED BUMP OUTS Landscape bump outs have been mentioned many times as being included in the plan for improvements. The new diagonal parking creates many opportunities for inclusion of this improvement. Unfortunately, there are areas where disabled access curb ramps were added by the City already. There may be ways to add the landscape areas around the street level paths beyond the curb ramps. Truncated domes installed on the street level path at the point of vehicular traffic would be a logical work around. EXPANDED PROJECT LIMITS Recently an affordable housing project west of the Reimagine borders was constructed with extremely limited on-site parking. Such planning, albeit extraordinarily shortsighted, will negatively impact the adjoining private properties such as the bowling facility. The extension of the Reimagine concept will mitigate some of the damage that the housing project will cause by adding additional public parking along Ventura Boulevard to the west. Additional diagonal parking in that area is most important, but the improvements associated with the beautification phase of the Reimagine project should also be included. For instance, a planted median, given the width of the street and the need to control left hand turns into any newly added diagonal parking in that area. As the Reimagine project extends west and gets closer to the Woodland Hills boundary, the opportunity for “Welcome to Woodland Hills” signage on that side of our community becomes more appropriate. DRIVEWAY IMPROVEMENTS TO MEET ADA REQUIREMENTS As previously stated, this issue can be dealt with in the following ways: 1. Continue the project as planned. Allocation of the ADA improvements will take up a major portion of the project budget, diminishing the amount of the other important improvements to the area that were anticipated. The ADA improvements wouldn’t even be noticed. Sidewalk paving enhancements, art, street furniture, humanly scaled street lighting, the planted medians and bump outs, new street trees, appropriate monument signs, and enhanced crosswalks have all been included in images presented to the community on multiple occasions. Compromises to the elements that were presented as included require further communication with the community. 2. Continue the project as planned. Acquire increases in the project budget through pursuit of additional sources such as the 523 Fund. 3. Revise the project definition and carefully select improvements that would not trigger ADA improvements. SIDEWALK STREET TREES Simply replacing existing street trees and planting trees in empty tree wells has occurred in other areas along the Boulevard. This is a simple improvement in which community participation can be sought and minimally affordable tree watering contracts can be contracted out by the City. Tree species should be selected with input from the Urban Forestry Division of the Bureau of Street Services. The issue of retailers illegally cutting the trees down because the trees are blocking their signage must be considered. Perhaps smarter tree species selection or larger trees at the time of planting would mitigate this issue. SIDEWALK PAVING ENHANCEMENTS The options are as follows: 1. Continue the project as planned. Although enhancing the sidewalk paving has been implied in community presentations, no real specifics have been offered. Given the budget issues and the lack of specific designs presented, the impression is that this improvement isn’t really included in the plans. 2. Include selected areas of enhanced paving to minimize cost and provide emphasis at intersections and/or crosswalk terminations. Additionally, repair broken curbs, power wash the existing sidewalks, repair cracked or lifted concrete, etc. CONCLUSION To date, the presentations for the Phase II portion of Reimagine Ventura Boulevard (Beautification) have been vague and fragmented. In January of 2025, one of the well-attended community workshops was held at the Woodland Hills Library and stakeholder input was provided. There was no response to the input gathered at that meeting and communication stopped until the presentation at WHHO on July 22, 2026. The WHHO presentation was limited to showing two monument signs and two planted medians. No response to the stakeholder comments or the larger scope items previously shown to the community were mentioned (except the required ADA improvements.) A budget of over 3 million taxpayer dollars was still reiterated at the WHHO meeting, however. Communications by the council office to the community often mention projects to be completed in Canoga Park and Reseda before the Councilmember’s term is up. In recent times the Reimagine Ventura Boulevard or Woodland Hills is not mentioned. The reimagine project seems to be something of an afterthought in the daily efforts of the City. Twelve years have passed since the community initiated the project and the city began its efforts. As such, local businesses and community leaders consider this project a typical boondoggle and waste of everyone’s valuable time and effort. As a going away gift to the community, we strongly feel that Councilman Blumenfield should actually finish this project in a timely and cohesive manner. Phase I was a success but was only part of the anticipated result. A concise, clear plan illustrating overall intent, budget and schedule is required. If this project or any part of it that was presented is being shelved, the business community and residents need to know. The potential for great improvements to the Boulevard, however, still exist and the need is still there. Submitted: Dennis DiBiase, VP WHHO Scott Silverstein, Board WHHO John Walker, President WHHO

Bass Announces 43% Drop in Valley Burglaries

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

In a recent press release, Mayor Bass announced that burglaries are down 43% in the San Fernando Valley since last August and 27% citywide, while… Read More »Bass Announces 43% Drop in Valley Burglaries

Granada Hills Rotary Helps Students SHINE at Reseda Park

by VNG Desk
August 7, 2026

Reseda Park was buzzing with energy on the morning of Saturday, July 25, as neighbors, volunteers, and local organizations gathered for the annual Shine LA event.… Read More »Granada Hills Rotary Helps Students SHINE at Reseda Park

Extreme Heat’s Impact on the Heart

by VNG Desk
July 23, 2026

As temperatures climb across California and heat advisories become more common, Dignity Health is urging residents to recognize the serious impact extreme heat can potentially… Read More »Extreme Heat’s Impact on the Heart

What is Transient Global Amnesia and What Causes It?

by VNG Desk
July 16, 2026July 16, 2026

In a recent Substack post titled “The Day I’ll Never Remember,” 69-year-old jour-nalist Katie Couric recalled the terrifying health scare that robbed her of her… Read More »What is Transient Global Amnesia and What Causes It?

Doctor Performs First Sleep Apnea Surgery in West Valley

by VNG
July 13, 2026July 13, 2026

Dr. Marc Kerner and surgical staff from Specialty Surgical Center in Encino performed the first Inspire Surgery in the West San Fernando Valley this past month. … Read More »Doctor Performs First Sleep Apnea Surgery in West Valley

Councilman Announces Initiative to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

by VNG Desk
June 26, 2026

Councilmember Bob Blumen-field this week introduced a motion to reduce the City of Los Angeles’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decrease reliance on distant organics processing… Read More »Councilman Announces Initiative to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Preparedness Pushed at Firewise Meeting

by VNG Desk
May 15, 2026

More than 150 regional Firewise community leaders, including volunteers from EPIC-FSC (Emergency Preparedness in Calabasas – A Fire Safe Council) and wildfire mitigation experts from… Read More »Preparedness Pushed at Firewise Meeting

What Exactly is Hantavirus?

by VNG Desk
May 11, 2026

It’s a worst-case scenario when embarking on a cruise: a virus outbreak. Currently, a vessel carrying around 150 passengers remains docked off the coast of… Read More »What Exactly is Hantavirus?

Northridge Hospital Gives to Local Nonprofits

by yonnu
April 30, 2026

Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center (NHMC) awarded over $260,000 to seven local nonprofits. This funding further supports initiatives that positively impact the region… Read More »Northridge Hospital Gives to Local Nonprofits

Fire Eaters Jump to it in Calabasas

by VNG Desk
April 10, 2026

Almost 250 goats – and a few sheep – were dropped off to Paxton Calabasas apartment complex on Las Virgenes Road last week to chew… Read More »Fire Eaters Jump to it in Calabasas

The Menopause Dilemma and the Light That May Help

by VNG Desk
April 3, 2026

By Dr. Fred Vaziri For millions of women, the transition through menopause brings an unwelcome surprise: weight gain that appears despite no real change in… Read More »The Menopause Dilemma and the Light That May Help

Sleep Apnea – New Treatment from Local Surgeon

by VNG Desk
March 6, 2026

Sleep related problems affect many Americans. The most commonly known disorder, sleep apnea, affects at least 65 million people in the United States. There are… Read More »Sleep Apnea – New Treatment from Local Surgeon

Colorectal Cancer Rising in Young Adults

by VNG Desk
February 19, 2026

With the recent deaths of Catherine O’Hara and James Van Der Beek, both suffering from colorectal cancer, health professionals are spotlighting how this disease is… Read More »Colorectal Cancer Rising in Young Adults

Sounding the Alarm on Heart Disease During Heart Month

by VNG
February 12, 2026

As the nation observes American Heart Month this February, Dignity Health is spotlighting the vital importance of proactive heart health, urging individuals to prioritize understanding… Read More »Sounding the Alarm on Heart Disease During Heart Month

ICE Arrests Man at Northridge Church

by VNG Desk
February 5, 2026

Church officials and members of North Hills United Methodist Church are accusing ICE agents of using heavily armed men to enter church grounds and arrest… Read More »ICE Arrests Man at Northridge Church

Brad Sherman Calls for Closure of Aliso Canyon After New Gas Leak

by VNG Desk
January 30, 2026February 3, 2026

Southern California Gas Company reported that on January 27 at 7 am a safety valve on an aboveground pipeline at the Aliso Canyon natural gas… Read More »Brad Sherman Calls for Closure of Aliso Canyon After New Gas Leak

Dignity Health Stops Human Trafficking in Its Tracks

by VNG Desk
January 30, 2026February 3, 2026

As January marks Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the U.S., Dignity Health is underscoring its unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors with… Read More »Dignity Health Stops Human Trafficking in Its Tracks

L.A. County Prevails in Calabasas Landfill Litigation

by VNG Desk
January 22, 2026

By James R. Bozajian After nearly one year of contentious litigation, a Los Angeles County Superior Court has ruled that there are no legal barriers… Read More »L.A. County Prevails in Calabasas Landfill Litigation

CDC Lowers Vaccine Recommendations for Children

by VNG Desk
January 8, 2026

In an unprecedented overhaul of vaccine recommendations for children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced a major shift in suggested vaccines.… Read More »CDC Lowers Vaccine Recommendations for Children

Volunteers Cleaning Communities Honored at City Hall

by VNG Desk
December 19, 2025

By Mark Hovater Volunteers Cleaning Communities (VCC) received a special honor on Friday, December 5, when the grassroots organization was recognized by the Los Angeles… Read More »Volunteers Cleaning Communities Honored at City Hall

Give the Gift of Life to Someone Else – It’s Easy!

by VNG Desk
December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

By Tim Gaspar My friend Doug needed a kidney. I found out in the most 2020s- way possible: a group text. I’ve heard of people… Read More »Give the Gift of Life to Someone Else – It’s Easy!

How Long Can You Actually Keep Thanksgiving Leftovers?

by VNG Desk
November 26, 2025

Leftovers: some say it’s better than the actual meal itself. Ross from Friends marvelously turned his into the infamous “moist maker.” But how long are they actually… Read More »How Long Can You Actually Keep Thanksgiving Leftovers?

UCLA Hosts Drug Take Back Day

by VNG
October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

This Saturday, October 25, from 10 am to 2 pm, UCLA West Valley Medical Center will host a community prescription drug take-back event, offering residents a… Read More »UCLA Hosts Drug Take Back Day

Kaiser Employees on Strike Until Sunday

by VNG
October 17, 2025October 17, 2025

Thousands of Kaiser Permanente union employees, including registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, midwives, physician assistants, rehab therapists, speech language pathologists, dietitians, and other specialty… Read More »Kaiser Employees on Strike Until Sunday

BuildAbility Supports Dreams and Skills of the Disabled

by VNG
October 9, 2025October 9, 2025

BuildAbility is hosting their inaugural fundraiser “Pioneering Possibilities” on October 24 to support their programs for individuals with disabilities. BuildAbility’s mission is to inspire the… Read More »BuildAbility Supports Dreams and Skills of the Disabled

UCLA Health Opens Porter Ranch Pediatrics Clinic

by VNG
October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

UCLA Health has opened a new pediatrics clinic in Porter Ranch in response to the area’s growing demand for the health system’s world class care. The… Read More »UCLA Health Opens Porter Ranch Pediatrics Clinic

Preparing Kids for the Classroom Includes Immunizations

by VNG
August 28, 2025August 28, 2025

Young people ages seven to 18 are busy checking off their back-to-school or college lists. Visiting their pediatrician or family doctor to get up to… Read More »Preparing Kids for the Classroom Includes Immunizations

Pharmacy Expands Access to Birth Control Through Clinical Trial

by VNG
August 8, 2025August 8, 2025

Calabasas Pharmacy is participating in a groundbreaking clinical trial that makes birth control more accessible through no-cost, pharmacist-led contraceptive services. This initiative, funded by a… Read More »Pharmacy Expands Access to Birth Control Through Clinical Trial

Identify Heat Exhaustion During Scorching Summer Months

by VNG
July 2, 2025July 2, 2025

The San Fernando Valley is all too familiar with triple-digit temperatures. While the summer brings scorching heat, it also brings the threat of heat exhaustion. … Read More »Identify Heat Exhaustion During Scorching Summer Months

Want to Change the World? Take the Clean Water Survey

by VNG
April 3, 2025April 3, 2025

By Melina Sempill Watts Looking for some wins in 2025? Take the new Safe, Clean Water L.A. Survey which provides a very open-ended opportunity to… Read More »Want to Change the World? Take the Clean Water Survey

Ovarian Cancer Circle Donates $100,000 to Research

by VNG
February 27, 2025February 27, 2025

A triumphant local story celebrates the inspirational hard work of the nonprofit The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini, founded 13 years ago by Robin’s… Read More »Ovarian Cancer Circle Donates $100,000 to Research

Coping With Stress After a Natural Disaster

by Dr. Sue Kapitanoff
January 24, 2025January 24, 2025

Experiencing a fire or any major disaster is highly stressful. Our world is turned upside down, nothing seems normal and there may be serious danger… Read More »Coping With Stress After a Natural Disaster

Norovirus is Spiking Among Californians

by VNG
January 10, 2025January 17, 2025

The Centers for Disease Control has reported an alarming increase of norovirus cases in the month of December. The most recent numbers from the CDC… Read More »Norovirus is Spiking Among Californians

Ovarian Cancer Circle Raises Over $50,000 for Research

by VNG
November 27, 2024November 27, 2024

The Ovarian Cancer Circle, Inspired by Robin Babbini, hosted its most successful fundraiser to date on November 14, raising over $50,000 for ovarian cancer research.… Read More »Ovarian Cancer Circle Raises Over $50,000 for Research

Biden Administration Proposes New Plan for Free Over-the-Counter Birth Control

by VNG
October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor Department and Treasury Department recently proposed a rule that would allow free access to over-the-counter… Read More »Biden Administration Proposes New Plan for Free Over-the-Counter Birth Control

Seminar on Medicinal Benefits of Cannabis for Seniors

by VNG
October 24, 2024October 24, 2024

The Foundation for Senior Services, Q4 Active and Age Well Academy will host a class on the medicinal benefits of cannabis for seniors on Friday,… Read More »Seminar on Medicinal Benefits of Cannabis for Seniors

Breast Cancer Screenings Save Lives

by VNG
October 18, 2024October 18, 2024

By Nimit Sudan, MD October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you’re likely seeing pink ribbons everywhere. But why do people wear a pink ribbon,… Read More »Breast Cancer Screenings Save Lives

Ketamine Therapy and How it Works

by VNG
September 20, 2024September 20, 2024

In light of Matthew Perry’s recent passing, questions have arisen on ketamine infusion therapy and its role in treating a slew of mental health concerns,… Read More »Ketamine Therapy and How it Works

The Surprising Connection Between Oral Health and Dementia

by VNG
August 16, 2024August 16, 2024

Research from the past several years has made an interesting correlation between an individual’s gum health and their likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. Studies show that… Read More »The Surprising Connection Between Oral Health and Dementia

Is Your Ready-To-Go Bag Ready to Go in an Emergency?

by VNG
August 16, 2024August 16, 2024

By Brian Cameron Last week’s 5.2 earthquake near Bakersfield is a reminder that emergencies can happen without warning. The nonprofit Emergency Preparedness in Calabasas, a… Read More »Is Your Ready-To-Go Bag Ready to Go in an Emergency?

Zoch Named New President of Northridge Hospital

by VNG
August 9, 2024August 9, 2024

Jeremy Zoch, PhD, MHA, FACHE, has been named the new Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer for Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center, effective… Read More »Zoch Named New President of Northridge Hospital

When to Worry About That Mosquito Bite

by VNG
August 2, 2024August 2, 2024

With summer comes increasing temperatures and a rise of pesky bugs that oftentimes swarm those that spend these months outdoors. While mosquitos are the most… Read More »When to Worry About That Mosquito Bite

Summer Could See a Minor Uptick in Covid

by VNG
June 28, 2024June 28, 2024

According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the States may see an increase in COVID-19 infections this summer. California… Read More »Summer Could See a Minor Uptick in Covid

Northridge Hospital Gets LGBTQ+ Equality Recognition

by VNG
June 21, 2024June 21, 2024

Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center (NHMC) has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality… Read More »Northridge Hospital Gets LGBTQ+ Equality Recognition

UCLA Offers New Strategies to Defeat Depression

by VNG
May 30, 2024May 30, 2024

By Dr. Andrew Leuchter UCLA Health offers innovative approaches for treatment of depression that doesn’t improve with medications. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive therapy… Read More »UCLA Offers New Strategies to Defeat Depression

Q4 Active Celebrates One Year Anniversary

by VNG
May 24, 2024May 24, 2024

Happy first anniversary to Q4 Active! Q4 Active is a new studio fitness concept for adults 50+. As the VP of Training and Development, Tony Berlant, rightly… Read More »Q4 Active Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Northridge Hospital Launches Sensory Inclusion Kits for Autistic Patients

by VNG
May 17, 2024May 17, 2024

Dignity Health announced the implementation of sensory kits during National Autism Month, the start of a new program in its emergency departments across Southern California,… Read More »Northridge Hospital Launches Sensory Inclusion Kits for Autistic Patients

Dignity Health Now Accepts Aetna Insurance

by VNG
May 3, 2024May 3, 2024

Dignity Health and Aetna, a CVS Health Company, have reached an agreement on a new, multi-year contract that allows Aetna members to maintain in-network access… Read More »Dignity Health Now Accepts Aetna Insurance

Eldest Daughter Syndrome Breaking the Internet

by VNG
April 29, 2024April 29, 2024

It’s a phrase that has recently broken the internet, but any first-born daughter may be all too familiar with the meaning behind “eldest daughter syndrome.”… Read More »Eldest Daughter Syndrome Breaking the Internet

UCLA Buys West Hills Hospital; Renamed UCLA West Valley Medical Center

by VNG
April 5, 2024April 5, 2024

As Valley News Group was the first to report in our January 25 issue, UCLA Health has acquired West Hills Hospital and Medical Center and related assets… Read More »UCLA Buys West Hills Hospital; Renamed UCLA West Valley Medical Center

Princess Kate’s Diagnosis Shines a Light on Women’s Cancers

by VNG
March 29, 2024March 29, 2024

British royal watchers notwithstanding, all obsessed with unfounded speculations, have been stunned with the recent announcement that Catherine, Princess of Wales… aka Kate Middleton… has cancer.… Read More »Princess Kate’s Diagnosis Shines a Light on Women’s Cancers

106-Years-Young Centenarian Meets With Q4 Active

by VNG
March 22, 2024March 22, 2024

Active Seniors aged 64+ at Q4 Fitness met with educator and centenarian, Risa Igelfeld, age 106 years young, on what are the secrets to life’s longevity,… Read More »106-Years-Young Centenarian Meets With Q4 Active

Ovarian Cancer Circle Donates $75,000 for Cancer Research

by VNG
January 18, 2024January 18, 2024

The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired By Robin Babbini presented a check for $75,000 to further ovarian cancer research to UCLA gynecologic oncologist Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh and… Read More »Ovarian Cancer Circle Donates $75,000 for Cancer Research

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