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    Our community was the scene of California's worst train disaster recently and our community is not yet back to normal. We got used to the noise of the helicopter motors throbbing overhead and the lights at night as the heavy metal of the wreckage was moved around. The sirens are no longer heard hurrying both to and from the scene. But we are not back to normal yet. It was a horrible accident and we are still saddened and offering our prayers and condolences to everyone involved.

 

  The difference is that the whole world has been privy to our special Chatsworth neighborly care and concern. Our community responded to the need quickly and efficiently without any fanfare because the people who live in our area are so very kind, caring and concerned for one another. 

  From the moment the first bomb-like explosion to the angry red fire and through the thick dark smoke that enveloped the area, people who were nearby ran toward the damaged train and began helping the dazed walking wounded and sought to comfort the injured. Hundreds of local residents came forward to donate food, water and medical supplies.

  The public safety personnel from the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Ventura County Fire Department all responded quickly and saved many lives. Crises Teams provided comfort to the injured as wells as to the family members of the victims.

  The staff from the nearby Chatsworth Hills Academy responded early. Two Neighborhood Councils, Chatsworth and the Porter Ranch, cooperated to provide volunteers to assist with the food, water and trauma. Judy Daniels, Chatsworth Neighborhood Council President, and Becky Levenque, Public Safety Chair of Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council, Steve Columbus, Helena Csyana, Adam Horowitz, Dan Huffman and Andre van der Valk, all exhibited great courage and strength. Mitchell Englander, Chief of Staff for Councilman Greig Smith and a L.A.P.D. Reserve Officer assisted in search and rescue operations. Vicki Briskman and Jeff Hammond arranged for many contributions of food. Many other local people also helped.

  And, our local businesses were generous in providing food especially sandwiches, beverages, dinners and much needed water. Local businesses that contributed included Macdonald’s, Subway, Ralph’s Chatsworth Market, Los Toros, Papa John’s, Rosie’s, Sergios, and Trader Joe’s. Nearby businesses contributing were Costco, Islands, L.A. Lasagna Co., Mimi’s Café, Macaroni Grill, and the Olive Garden.

  If you would like to do something to help, you can still donate blood. All blood types are needed. Call the American Red Cross at (800) GIVELIFE, or the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center (310) 794-7217, ext.2.or go online www.GiveLife.org.  

  The Chatsworth Historical Society will present the annual Pioneer Day from 1. a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 5th at The Homestead Acre, 10385 Shadow Oak Drive. It is within Chatsworth Park South and the west end of Devonshire Street. The 1.3 acre fenced compound will be open even though the rest of the park is closed to the public. A donation of $4 for adults is asked, children $1, those under 5 are free.

  There is limited parking in front of the cultural monument so Councilman Greig Smith’s Office has arranged for parking at the Chatsworth Train Station with a shuttle every 20 minutes taking passengers up to the event. There is no charge for the shuttle. Look for the signs at the station 10044 Old Depot Plaza Road. 

  There will be Tours of the Hill-Palmer Bungalow, the Museum will be open with a special display about political campaigns and voting. Also there will be hot dogs, drinks, a bake sale with lots of homemade goodies, a white elephant sale, community organizations, quilts and much more. Chores of Yore for young people, jacks, marbles, hopscotch this year in addition to butter churning, and old fashioned washing techniques. More are gold panning, railroad hands-on displays, origami, quilting for veterans and much more.

  A chili cook-off is part of the excitement with judges and prizes. The public is invited to enter their homemade chili. Pioneer Day is a local event to show people how to have a good old-fashioned day of fun the way our pioneers enjoyed it.