Recently in Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council Category

A new trailhead for Limekiln Canyon and expanded YMCA parking are in the works in Porter Ranch.

Jane Stanton, executive director of the North Valley YMCA, Dave Hasson, a YMCA board member and Chris Murray, project consultant for Rosenheim & Associates, presented the plan at the July meeting of the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council.

The YMCA is seeking support from the PRNC and a variance from the city for the additional 78 parking spaces, which would be created by leveling the berm to the east of the YMCA facility.

The lot would follow the city's guidelines to include one tree for every four parking spaces.

They are also responding to requests from residents to improve access to Limekiln Canyon.

They propose to grade a foot trail from Corbin Avenue near the south end of the YMCA parking lot down to the canyon.

"We think this project is a great addition to Porter Ranch, enabling peope to really enjoy Limekiln Canyon," Stanton said.

The PRNC plans to discuss and take a position at its Aug. 12 meeting.

The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council elections were held June 28 at Shepherd of the Hills Church, with six positions open.

The four board members who ran were re-elected. They were Becky Leveque, Sue Hammarlund, Paula Cracium and Ali Dabirian.

The two new members who were elected were Irwin Cohen, actively involved in the Friends of Porter Ranch Library and regular PRNC meeting attendee, and Mandhatasinh (Mark) Chauhan, new to the PRNC scene.

PRNC members thanked Paul Drogichen and Pat Pope, who have served on the board as the treasurer and secretary, respectively. They are stepping down to make time for other commitments.

In late August, a retreat is planned to allow the board to begin working together and to develop a vision for the coming year.

For more information, visit www.prnc.org.

The next meeting regarding a new K-8 school in Porter Ranch will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 9 at Germain Elementary School, 20730 Germain St., Chatsworth, according to the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council's Web site..

The purpose of the meeting is to review building placement and the proposed architecture style.

At the April 2 meeting about the school, there was "animated" discussion about drop-off access, sufficient kindergarten parent parking, emergency equipment, classroom features and a technology center, the Web site states.

For more information about the upcoming meeting and to see a color rendering of the school, visit www.prnc.org.

The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council will sponsor a celebration of the new shade coverings at Holleigh Bernson Park from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

The board heard many complaints about the lack of shade at the park, which opened in June 2006, and partnered with L.A. Councilman Greig Smith to solve the problem.

The PRNC spent $17,000, which was matched by Smith, to provide the two beautiful coverings. And just in time for summer.

Lunch will be provided at the celebration, prepared by the Red Cross as part of its continuing emergency training.

Also on hand will be Carol Parks of the LA Office of Emergency Preparedness, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girl and Boy Scouts, Boy Scout Venturing, Fire Explorers, Red Cross Youth Volunteers and the YMCA.

All will offer emergency related information, volunteer and participation opportunities and freebies.

The park features a children's play area, restrooms, two basketball courts and a baseball diamond.

It is located at 20500 Sesnon Blvd. in Porter Ranch and is open from dawn to dusk.

For more information, visit www.prnc.org.

The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council will get an update about a local middle school project at its next meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch.

The update will be given by Al Grazioli, LAUSD Valley Region Development Manager.

He will cover a new proposed site for the school, which is designed to relieve overcrowding at Castelbay, Beckford, Germaine and Darby elementaries and Lawrence and Frost middle schools.

According to initial plans, the two-story school was slated to open in 2012.