Government Reports –
Ellen Isaacs, Representative for Assemblymember Mike Feuer
Ms. Isaacs reported that Assemblymember Feuer had a number of bills that had moved through Senate policy committees for hearings. Three complex pieces of legislation are of particular interest: a water conservation bill, a toxics regulation bill, and a bill amending an earlier piece of legislation authorizing LA County Metro to put a ½ cent tax on the ballot for transportation projects. The sales tax bill is proceeding on a parallel track with an ordinance and expenditure plan recently approved by the Metro Board. The bill must pass the Senate and be signed by the Governor in order for the Metro ordinance and plan to be put to voters.
Stephen Cheung, West Area Director for Mayor Villaraigosa
Mr. Cheung reported that the kick-off meeting of the Westside Alliance of Neighborhood and Community Councils was held on July 31, 2008. There are 7 planning areas in the City with 11 Councils in the West Area. The goal of the Westside Alliance is to create a facility for Westside advocacy. As a prelude to doing so, the Alliance’s first meeting was dedicated primarily to creating a mission statement and identifying its particular areas of focus.
The City will conduct a citywide emergency preparedness drill in November. For more details visit www.shakeout.org.
Street Furniture: Chairwoman Rosen announced that the BCC has been very cooperative in working with CD-11 in selecting 14 Brentwood locations for the installation of street furniture (5 Transit Shelters, 6 PAKs and 3 Pillars). “Street Furniture†is the name used to identify structures, such as transit shelters, that contain illuminated advertising displays. The BCC has taken a strong position in opposition to the installation of such outdoor advertising in areas where City Code, including General and Specific Plans, prohibits the installation of such advertising. The San Vicente Specific Plan precludes outdoor advertising along the San Vicente corridor, while the City’s General Plan identifies Sunset Blvd (west of the 405 freeway) as a “scenic highway,†thereby precluding the installation of outdoor advertising within 500 feet of the street’s centerline. Councilman Rosendahl has supported the BCC’s position and his Office has informed Chairwoman Rosen that the street-furniture site previously slated for installation in front of the Luxe Hotel has been removed from the list of installation sites and will not therefore be installed. Chairwoman Rosen recently made a presentation to the Pacific Palisades Community Council, which subsequently voted to join the BCC and Westwood-area groups in their effort to prevent the installation of street furniture in code-protected areas. Chairwoman Rosen explained that there is concern that, despite Councilman Rosendahl’s support, CBS/Decaux, the private Contractor, will prevail upon other City Council Members to support a “blanket approval†of street furniture locations throughout the City, including in Brentwood’s (and the Palisades’) code-protected areas. In preparation for this potential battle, the BCC was asked to approve the distribution of a “Fight Blight†flyer that will be circulated through the BHA’s newsletter and to other HOAs via e-mail to help raise money for this battle. The Council was also asked to approve further work by BCC’s Counsel. The Council approved both requests.
BCC Supports Small Dog Park Improvements
Stephanie Mintz, a member of the public who has spearheaded a grass-roots effort to improve the Barrington Small Dog Park, made a presentation and sought BCC support of the project. Ms. Mintz has received the support of the City’s Dept. of Recreation and Parks and the City Council Office. The Council voted to support the project.
San Vicente Street Trees: Barbara Goldenberg of Brentwood Beautiful announced that all trees on San Vicente have been adopted for perpetual care and that commemorative plaques have been installed. As other individuals want to provide perpetual care for other trees in the area, Brentwood Green at Brentwood Science Magnet School has made all the trees surrounding the school available for adoption. Funds raised will help maintain the trees as well as all the special gardens within the school grounds. Small trees may be adopted for $1000. Large trees will be $2000. Call Barbara Goldenberg at 310/393-7774 for more information.
LA Pearls Awards: Ray Klein reported that the City Attorney’s office is sponsoring the Los Angeles Pearls Award for a senior citizen who volunteers in the community. The Executive Committee of the BCC has nominated Don Keller for this award. Councilmember Rosendahl’s office has joined the BCC in supporting Mr. Keller’s nomination.
Hotel Angeleno: Tom Freeman reported that the owners of Hotel Angeleno recently filed a petition for writ of mandate in the Superior Court against the City of Los Angeles, arguing that the City improperly ordered the removal of its bright, multi-colored exterior lighting and they are seeking a court order requiring the City to allow it to maintain the lights. The City is in the process of filing the administrative record, which should take one or two months. Mr. Freeman’s law firm, Bird Marella, has agreed to represent the Brentwood Community Council in the writ proceedings.
Recycling Program in Brentwood Village and on San Vicente Blvd:
Chairwoman Rosen announced that both the San Vicente Business District and the Brentwood Village Chamber of Commerce are working with the Council Office to coordinate recycling programs for San Vicente Boulevard and Brentwood Village.
Brentwood Community Council Announcements: Council Members gave updates on the following matters – Brentwood Village Chamber Summer Kick Off, Transit Shelter at Montana & Bundy, Oversized Vehicle Ordinance, Terra Cotta Project, Barrington/Wilshire Landmark Project, Westgate Blue line Stream, VA Homeless Program Building #209, FBI Building, Barry Building, and Wachovia Signs.
Upcoming meetings: September 2, 2008. October 7, 2008. November 4, 2008. December 2, 2008.
Future Presentations will include the proposed ½ cent sales tax for transportation, Strategic Transportation Plan and SoCal Great Shakeout.
The BCC meets regularly on the first Tuesday of each month at the Brentwood Kaufman Library. The BCC agenda is posted at the Brentwood Kaufman Library one week prior to the meeting date. To receive the BCC’s monthly agenda by e-mail, contact Chairwoman Wendy-Sue Rosen at RosenFree@aol.com or visit the BCC website: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/la/brentwoodcc.
(Sue Casamassima serves as Recording Secretary and Representative of Zone 8 – Brentwood Glen)
