Sorrento/Meadows Changes Security Company
After careful consideration the Sorrento Board of Directors has decided to go a different direction for our security concerns.

Around May 1st we will be changing from Ace Security to Centurion Security. The Security Committee and the Board of Directors believe that Centurion will provide a higher level of customer service to our residents and guests. We also believe that Centurion is better equipped to advise the Security Committee on actions we can take to reduce speeding and illegal parking.

Centurion has a very impressive resume of clients on the southern side of the San Fernando Valley and on the West Side. They are also working with other Associations in Porter Ranch. We believe we can build relationships with those other HOAs that will increase the number of patrols in our community.

There will be new guards in new uniforms at our gates. The patrol cars will be different as well. Centurion has a superior training program for its guards, and very high standards for appearance and courtesy.

Still, there will be a transition period. It will take a few days for the guards to recognize the guests who pass through our gates regularly. You will be asked to update your family’s security profile. You will see more signs in the neighborhood. You will see an increased effort by the Security Company and the Association to reduce speeding and unannounced guests. At all times we want to insure that our residents and guests are treated courteously and efficiently.

We have invited the management team from Centurion to attend our next HOA meeting and answer residents’ questions.

As you might imagine Ace Security was not happy to lose an account as large as ours, but they have been very professional and are helping with the transition.

Porter Ranch K-8 Span School Design Revealed!
On Wednesday April 2, 2008 another community meeting was held by LAUSD about the new Porter Ranch school. A feeling of excitement was in the air as the architect R.L. Binder of FAIA Architecture & Planning revealed the schematic design for the school.

Giving much consideration to the windy North East and North West winds for the school location, the design established an enclosed area protecting doors and the courtyard from high winds. The classrooms will be two story elevations starting with the Kindergarten area which will have its own play yard and school rooms giving it an individualistic feel.

Likewise, the elementary classrooms and middle school classrooms are on opposite ends of the campus separating the two areas. Each has its own teacher staff rooms and the middle school has room for future expansion. The design includes a full kitchen, library, multi-purpose room, lunch shelter, administration offices, and a gymnasium. A courtyard, play yard, soccer filed with a jogging court and 6 basketball courts round out the design. You can examine the drawing more closely here.

A lively discussion occurred after the design was presented about ample parking and the drop off structure. Other concerns included back up generators in case of emergencies, classroom sizes and features and the use of the multi-purpose room. The LAUSD reassured everyone that the school will be designed and built under strict regulations and safety codes otherwise the design will not be certified and the school will not be built.

There will be more community meetings held in the near future giving you a chance to give your input for the school. If you are interested in attending please check back or see the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council's website for more information.