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Panorama City Resiliency Plan: Traffic Safety
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Panorama City is the ancestral home of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. Prior to the establishment of Spanish, Mexican, and American governments, Panorama City was a rich tribal area known as Wiqanga. Later, settlers used the land for cattle ranching, citrus groves, wheat fields, and dairy farms. Post World War II marked a significant turning point for Panorama City; the agricultural community was developed into the first planned community in the San Fernando Valley. First coined as the "The Heart of the Valley", industrialist Henry J. Kaiser and home builder Fritz Burns saw Panorama City as an opportunity to develop a suburban community by marketing homes for World War II veterans. Panorama City quickly transformed into a residential community with significant industrial and retail projects, especially General Motor's Fisher Body plant and the Panorama City Medical Center. The General Motor's Plant ultimately closed in 1992 and was rebuilt as The Plant shopping center in 1998. Today, Panorama City is home to a working-class community and offers relatively affordable housing for over 70,000 residents. Panorama City has many shopping opportunities including the Panorama City Mall, The Plaza Del Valle, The Plant and The Indoor Swap meet. For the past several decades, Panorama City has had sizeable Latino and Filipino communities which are an integral part of this neighborhood's social fabric. Resilience is the capacity of Panorama City's individuals, communities, institutions, businesses and systems to survive, adapt, and grow regardless of chronic stresses and acute shocks experienced. Creating cities that are more resilient to disasters requires strong planning efforts that show how long-term resilience planning can be used to strengthen the community. Resiliency is important because it helps create an organization that is empowered and has the capabilities to recover after a disaster threatens the stability of the community. To contribute to Panorama City's resilience, we analyzed indicators such as community networks, housing, crime safety, traffic safety, business environment, pedestrian safety, transportation, parks, air quality, energy usage, and urban heat island effect. Traffic safety is a critical component of Panorama City's overall resilience, ensuring that pedestrians, cyclists and automobile drivers can travel safely. Traffic collision data revealed that alcohol and drug impairment were the leading factors contributing to both driving and cycling accidents. In addition, most traffic collisions occurred on main streets, especially along Roscoe Boulevard. The Roscoe Boulevard and Van Nuys Boulevard intersection had most traffic collisions. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has implemented a variety of street improvements and traffic light modifications to create increase safety. The Master of Urban Planning Spring senior cohort at California State University, Northridge obtained community feedback from Panorama City residents through a series of public meetings and surveys. The first meeting took place on October 19, 2024, this meeting introduced to residents a general profile centered around the history and current conditions of Panorama City, noting down concerns they had regarding their neighborhood. The second and third meetings occurred on February 25, 2025 and April 5, 2025 respectively. In the second meeting, residents ranked which indicators were of most importance to them, leading to the development of recommendations that were then ranked based on priority in the third community meeting. Throughout this process, two different surveys were put out electronically accessible through a QR code that were made available in English and Spanish. These surveys served as a separate tool to help gauge how residents felt about their community and contributed to the development of the final recommendations. Installations of digital speed signs were recommended for prioritization on pedestrian safety and safer roads in the neighborhood. Residents raised concern on safer roads especially where schools were located and favored the need for more traffic measures to increase safety. Digital speed signs have significant effects to enhance road safety by reminding drivers to respect speed zones and encourages safer driving, reducing pedestrian collisions. Residents are encouraged to voice their concern to the Los Angeles Public Works Department and Council District 6 to combat reckless driving through street modifications. Through traffic studies and city led initiatives, speed feedback signs contribute to a more resilient neighborhood by putting importance on pedestrian travel and safer street interactions
Panorama City Resiliency Plan: Natural Disaster
No full text[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Panorama City is the ancestral home of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. Prior to the establishment of Spanish, Mexican, and American governments, Panorama City was a rich tribal area known as Wiqanga. Later, settlers used the land for cattle ranching, citrus groves, wheat fields, and dairy farms. Post World War II marked a significant turning point for Panorama City; the agricultural community was developed into the first planned community in the San Fernando Valley. First coined as the "The Heart of the Valley", industrialist Henry J. Kaiser and home builder Fritz Burns saw Panorama City as an opportunity to develop a suburban community by marketing homes for World War II veterans. Panorama City quickly transformed into a residential community with significant industrial and retail projects, especially General Motor's Fisher Body plant and the Panorama City Medical Center. The General Motor's Plant ultimately closed in 1992 and was rebuilt as The Plant shopping center in 1998. Today, Panorama City is home to a working-class community and offers relatively affordable housing for over 70,000 residents. Panorama City has many shopping opportunities including the Panorama City Mall, The Plaza Del Valle, The Plant and The Indoor Swap meet. For the past several decades, Panorama City has had sizeable Latino and Filipino communities which are an integral part of this neighborhood's social fabric. Resilience is the capacity of Panorama City's individuals, communities, institutions, businesses and systems to survive, adapt, and grow regardless of chronic stresses and acute shocks experienced. Creating cities that are more resilient to disasters requires strong planning efforts that show how long-term resilience planning can be used to strengthen the community. Resiliency is important because it helps create an organization that is empowered and has the capabilities to recover after a disaster threatens the stability of the community. To contribute to Panorama City's resilience, we analyzed indicators such as community networks, housing, crime safety, traffic safety, business environment, pedestrian safety, transportation, parks, air quality, energy usage, and urban heat island effect. The neighborhood of Panorama City is struggling with rising temperatures due to a combination of factors. The abundance of concrete infrastructure, outdated roofing materials, and the lack of tress and green space all contribute to the intense heat during the summer months. The effects of urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon worsen energy consumption, increase air pollution, and pose significant health risk. As a result, residents of Panorama City experience a diminished quality of life. Creating a tailored resiliency plan for Panorama City is essential to improve the quality of life and ensure the neighborhood can withstand future challenges. The Master of Urban Planning Spring senior cohort at California State University, Northridge obtained community feedback from Panorama City residents through a series of public meetings and surveys. The first meeting took place on October 19, 2024, this meeting introduced to residents a general profile centered around the history and current conditions of Panorama City, noting down concerns they had regarding their neighborhood. The second and third meetings occurred on February 25, 2025 and April 5, 2025 respectively. In the second meeting, residents ranked which indicators were of most importance to them, leading to the development of recommendations that were then ranked based on priority in the third community meeting. Throughout this process, two different surveys were put out electronically accessible through a QR code that were made available in English and Spanish. These surveys served as a separate tool to help gauge how residents felt about their community and contributed to the development of the final recommendations. Panorama City participants did not prioritize recommendations to reduce rising temperatures, so another prioritized recommendation was developed. Improving street lighting in Panorama City can reduce crime, enhance safety, and strengthen community ties. Residents voiced concerns about dark areas, especially along major streets like Roscoe Boulevard. Installing energy-efficient LED lights with motion sensors in high-risk areas, identified through lighting assessments and crime data, can boost visibility and deter crime. Partnering with local businesses and encouraging residents to report poorly lit spots through the MyLA311 app will support long-term maintenance. Better lighting also promotes nighttime activity, supports local businesses, and fosters a more vibrant, connected neighborhood
Cries in Spanish: How Erika L. Sánchez Breaks The Boundaries of Inherited Silence
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] For generations, biculturalism has always been discussed in terms of navigating two cultures and which one is best to conform to. While this can happen in many different cultures, the balance between being a young or new adult Mexican-American woman has displayed psychological effects that can permanently distinguish our personalities.The question of discovering your bicultural, authentic self is argued by the writer, Erika L. Sánchez in terms of how to break those traditional boundaries but also honoring them in different areas of your life. The discussion about the role of Mexican-American young girls and women has long shifted from Sandra Cisneros' Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories, allowing Sánchez to be a refreshing voice for the experiences of many Mexican-American girls and women in our current society. Literary critics and writers such as Gloria Anzaldúa and Helena Maria Viramontes effectively demonstrate the imbalance, isolation and hardships of growing up as a bicultural individual who is trying to discover what their identity is while still trying to uphold traditional values and morals. My project will display the argument of breaking those boundaries, in support of Sánchez and how much of an emotional toll of being pulled in two different directions may be caused by discussing Sanchez's choices of displaying themes such as generational trauma, mental health and family expectations in her novels, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter and Crying in the Bathroom. I argue that there can be an adequate balance without losing the roots we came from, they form special parts of us that make us unique to society. By examining the imbalance of Mexican and American culture, it brings in a new perspective and group of audience on the rarely acknowledged hardships of a young Mexican-American girl/ woman
Secreting Secrets of Sleep: Sleep-Watching in David Copperfield
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] An insomniac himself, much of Charles Dickens' literature embraces issues surrounding insomnia and sleep disorders-JE Cosnett discusses such observations within a medical lens-yet sleep-watching habits in David Copperfield are not frequently discussed as sites of social anxieties and aspirations. Although authors like Michael Greaney, Joseph Litvak, and Tara MacDonald momentarily discuss sleep-watching, not much of an extensive discourse appears on this ubiquitous topic, particularly regarding the social implications of sleep as a representation of class and power. Consequently, this paper seeks to uncover David Copperfield's class anxieties, power dynamics, and self-identity compared to Uriah Heep and James Steerforth. Through the lens of Simon J. Williams' theory of sleep sociology, notions of where, how, when, and with whom one sleeps become revealing sociological products of the observer of sleep and the observed. Dickens frames several instances of David's sleep-watching as the sociological observer; thus, David's sleep-watching of Uriah and Steerforth divulges his inner psyche and social position. Uriah's grotesque form embodies lower-class ambitions and moral shortcomings, revealing David's innate fears of déclassement, whilst Steerforth represents the serene comforts of upper-class privilege and stability that David seeks. Within the structure of the prison system evident at the end of the novel, Foucauldian theories of surveillance encapsulate sleep as a social space with class and power dynamics manifesting in unconsciousness, reshaping David's striving towards social heroism. Dickens' pointed reinforcement of social critique and performative power dynamics witnessed through the eyes of the observant Copperfield becomes reframed as a social performance of status, control, and desire within the site of the slumbering bodies of Steerforth and Heep
Tale of a Civilization
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] This is a short story examining the existential burden of Israel, and the Jewish people at large, being locked in an intractable conflict with the Arabs (Palestinians and otherwise). It follows main character Sam Bentov, an American immigrant to Israel who from middle school age to adulthood grows up in fictional West Bank settlement called B'nai Horin. After mandatory military service, Sam Bentov moves to the Coastal Plain city of Givatayim along with his best friend, Doron. The two are shown to have met in the army as combat units patrolling the West Bank; Doron meditates throughout his service about wanting to end the conflict entirely and kill anyone who raises a hand to hurt Jews. Sam simply accepts the conflict for what it is, even if he wishes he could keep it out of mind. Eventually, a contrast is shown between how they wish to deal with trauma from the conflict-Sam leaving B'nai Horin for the metropolitan Israel, Doron wanting to leave the country altogether (though he never does leave). Doron over time develops left-wing political sentiments, but they are challenged once October 7th happens. Doron slips back into a vengeful mindset, saying to Sam that if he had a button he could press to make all Arabs disappear from the earth, he'd press it without hesitation. He snaps out of this soon enough. Meanwhile, Sam taps into the same thought process that makes Doron left-wing, examining the buildup to Israel's armed conflict with Arabs, the history of B'nai Horin, and whether this is all about mere land ownership. The story concludes with a rhetorical question mark--war in Gaza rages on, protests in Tel Aviv demand the Israeli government advance hostage negotiations further, and Sam once again accepts that to live in Israel is to keep oneself from falling down a rabbit hole of existential dread. Of course, this existential dread is bigger than just regarding Israel's eternal wars; it is a continuation of the millennia-old striving for Jews to finally be safe from persecution
Yanagihara's A Little Life: Writing About Trauma with Purpose
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Trauma and abuse are topics that have been prevalent in literature for hundreds of years, in both fiction and non-fiction novels. Analyzing an author's rhetoric and effectiveness within their writing of traumatic events is something scholars frequently study, Shoshana Felman most notably. However, this practice of close-reading and analysis is not as common when it comes to modern works of literature, especially those within the bildungsroman genre. Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life is a very controversial novel in the fictional space due to its depictions of trauma, abuse, and tragedy. However, very few of these opinions are backed by analysis and research. Scholars like Sigmund Freud and Cathy Caruth should be employed when analyzing a novel's effectiveness, especially when topics of trauma and self-harm are involved. This paper will examine Yanagihara's A Little Life with these scholarly ideas in mind in order to determine the effectiveness of her writing. After a deep analysis, I conclude that Yanagihara not only writes effectively, but she is able to build a strong rhetorical stance with her reader that moves them to a place of understanding and reflection. I argue that A Little Life is a true and honest depiction of trauma, and it is due to the rhetorical tools that Yanagihara implements throughout the novel that lead to her success
Relationships Between High School Student Perceptions of Parental Involvement, Academic Achievement, and College Readiness
No full textIn this study, I examined how high school students' perceptions of their parents' involvement related to their academic achievement and perceived college readiness. Parental involvement was examined with three types of involvement: involvement in school functions, interest in schoolwork, and parental emphasis on achievement value. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect self-reported data from 199 high school students. A path analysis showed that parental involvement in school functions and emphasis on achievement value were positively related to students' perceived college readiness. Involvement in schoolwork showed no significant relationship to either academic achievement or college readiness. These findings suggest that when parents show up to school events and hold high academic expectations for their children to perform well, it demonstrates the importance of education in a way that encourages their children to work hard and feel more confident about the idea of pursing college after high school
Cognates and Strategies
No full textSome educators have had at least one English Language Learner in class, if not more. Some educators have had the challenge of improving the English Language Learner students' English proficiency without taking so much time from their regular teaching lessons. An effective way to increase English proficiency for English Language learners or Dual Language learners is to teach cognates. Some educators are not aware of what cognates are or how they can be taught to help increase English proficiency for English Language Learners or Dual Language Learners. The handbook in the appendix of this project was created to support educators with strategies to teach cognates to English Language learners and Dual Language learners so the students can increase their English proficiency
Roxbury Builders: Operational Feasibility for Attraction and Growth
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] In this project, my team and I conducted an operational feasibility analysis for Roxbury Builders, a construction and design firm specializing in multi-family residential projects in Southern California. The business is co-owned by highly experienced professionals in real estate and construction, bringing industry expertise to the firm. The company aims to deliver efficient, well-structured, and innovative construction solutions while navigating a competitive and evolving market. As part of this project, I played a key role in leading financial analysis, focusing on evaluating the company's funding structure and financial sustainability. One of the primary challenges in the industry is economic uncertainty, rising interest rates, and fluctuating material and labor costs, all of which directly affect project funding and financial stability. To support this assessment, I applied commonly used financial ratios to evaluate the company's liquidity, working capital management, debt levels, and overall profitability. These metrics offered valuable insights into the organization's capacity to manage risks and maintain resilience in a changing economic environment. As a relatively new company, Roxbury Builders is still in the process of strengthening its internal systems and exploring pathways for sustainable growth. To assess the company's competitive positioning, I applied Porter's Five Forces framework, evaluating industry pressures, competitive rivalry, supplier and buyer power, threats of new entrants, and alternative construction solutions. This analysis provided valuable insights into Roxbury Builders' strengths and vulnerabilities, helping guide our recommendations. I utilized academic resources from the OneSearch CSUN University Library, industry reports, and other research materials from the MBA program to gain a deeper understanding of industry trends, best practices, and financial measures. These resources were critical in assessing market conditions and operational improvements tailored to the company's needs. Beyond my focus on financial feasibility, I worked closely with my team to evaluate operational workflows and funding initiatives, ensuring our recommendations were practical and actionable. We collaborated to develop strategic solutions aimed at enhancing Roxbury Builders' efficiency, sustainability, and market positioning. Additionally, I took an active role in managing submissions, ensuring all deliverables were completed on time, and maintaining clear communication within the team. I consistently reminded team members of upcoming deadlines and worked to keep us on track, ensuring that every submission was reviewed and approved before final delivery. Through this collaborative project, we delivered actionable recommendations that Roxbury Builders can implement. These were carefully documented in the final report and also presented directly to the client. The experience of contributing to this project has reinforced the importance of structured operations, financial strategy, and adaptability in the construction industry while also highlighting the value of teamwork in delivering meaningful consulting insights
Injury Impacts on the Self-Efficacy of Collegiate Athletes Returning to Sport: A Qualitative Study
No full text[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Injuries are a deeply personal and difficult obstacle that athletes often face during their athletic careers. These injuries can often lead to psychological barriers that may influence an athlete's level of self-efficacy which, in turn, can impact their performances and confidence in those abilities (Bandura & Locke, 2003). Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), the primary research team examined responses of 10 Division I female collegiate athletes pertaining to the sources of self-efficacy as they return to sport following serious injury (Smith & Osborn, 2015). Utilizing semi-structured interviews with female collegiate athletes who had missed at least 3 months of training and/or competition due to injury, participants were asked to detail their injury and recovery experiences as they related to four sources that influence self-efficacy: mastery experiences, verbal persuasion, physiological/emotional feedback, and vicarious experiences (Bandura, 1977). Athlete relatability, timing, social support, fear of reinjury, environment, medical support, and maturity were identified as themes. Our results indicate that the athletes in our study have mixed views on their injury experiences, especially regarding environment and athlete relatability, while most athletes shared negative feelings towards medical and fear of reinjury. Many of the athletes shared positive experiences in regard to having social support to assist them in their recovery as well as positive outlooks on their injury and recovery experiences, displaying signs of maturity. Overall, the results suggest that there are other influences on the self-efficacy of athletes returning to sport from injury than just the four main sources. The findings have important implications for both researchers and practitioners, suggesting the importance of sport psychology practices in rehabilitation and recovery from injury. Additionally, there are practical implications for athletes recovering from injury, as it provides an opportunity for deeper self-awareness, so athletes are able to determine their own levels of self-efficacy and to understand how their injury and rehabilitation experiences can influence their self-efficacy as they return to sport