Station 19
Brentwood’s historic Fire Station 19 participated in show and tell on Fire Day, May 10, when fire stations across the City of Los Angeles opened their doors to the public. Children were given access to the firemen’s dorms and permitted to climb over all the fancy equipment, within reason.
Historic Stance
Matthew Flynn, Assistant Professor of twentieth century military and U.S. diplomatic history at Arizona State University launched his new book, First Strike; Preemptive War in Modern History at a private launch party in Brentwood. The book is an historical study of preemptive strikes made in response to an perceived imminent attack from another country. Examples include Napoleon, Japan, Hitler, the Civil War and ultimately, the United States invasion of Iraq. Flynn’s in-laws, David and Kitsy Olson, are Brentwood residents who threw a lovely gathering at their home.
The book is Flynn’s second historical work. He has also authored China Contested: Western Powers in East Asia.
Glen Deals
Brentwood Glen will be hosting a multi-family neighborhood garage sale on June 7. The event will feature the combined goodies from 25 homes. The sale runs from 8 AM until 2 PM and will be in the Brentwood Glen, south of Sunset and west of Sepulveda; follow the signs where Church Lane meets Montana Ave.
Wachovia Cited
A sign that graces the Wachovia Bank Building at 11601 West Wilshire Blvd. in Brentwood has been keeping residents awake at night with its light. The Brentwood Community Council, South Brentwood Home Owners Association and City Councilman Bill Rosendahl all joined to find a solution. Officials at Wachovia met them with resistance. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has now cited the building for non-compliance. It seems their sign is brighter and larger than allowed. Signs are permitted to identify buildings, but the Wachovia sign is precariously close to advertising. The citation was filed on May 15.
Oversized Vehicle Ordinance
A pilot program that restricts vehicles over 22 feet long or 7 feet high from parking on assigned streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. without a permit is now in place. The ordinance is also being tested in parts of San Pedro. The installation of signs was completed on May 8. Special patrols from Parking Enforcement have been dispatched in the designated areas 5/16 and 5/17 to issue final warnings to vehicles still parked illegally. Tickets will be issued following. DOT officers will primarily be responsible for the enforcement, including those cases in which it is determined that people are living in the vehicles. LAPD can be called to assist if necessary. Permits will be $10 per night for a total of three nights, obtainable at the four Customer Service locations. Following a trial period of at least one month, a report will be assembled and brought to the Transportation Committee, Council and the Coastal Commission. If it is determined that the pilot program is a success Councilman Rosendahl will be seeking alternative parking for vehicles to relocate.
One Way, No Way
The Pico-Olympic plan that would have made both streets one-way has been put on hold until an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) can be done. The court ‘s ruling sent a strong message to Los Angeles City Mayor Villaraigosa who supports the plan. The Greater West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce has argued that the re-direction of those streets would negatively impact businesses and residential neighborhoods, and increase traffic substantially on already crowded streets. The Mayor bypassed normal City Council channels and ignored the democratic process. Residents, who credit the actions of Councilman Rosendahl in stalling implementation and achieving the victory, welcome the preliminary injunction.
