Meeting called to order with introductions of the board. The candidates for re-election and the new candidate (Mark Vargas) were introduced. A call for candidates from the floor had no response.

Motion to accept the slate by acclamation (Larry/Nina) carried unanimously.

Carolyn Ramsay Chief of Staff from Councilmember Labonge's office: She announced that Tom Labonge has called on Rec and Parks to close the Hollyridge trailhead. This was a tough decision for Tom to make but he has been listening and is concerned for the safety of our community. This would be a temporary closure that, if Rec and Parks agrees, would take place by Spring Break.

Dan Halden, our deputy from CD4:

Permit Parking Districts are being explored for our area. He thanked the leadership for their work to get signatures to get PPDs in place. The goal is to bring parking relief for the weekends and holidays. Martin lives on Deronda below Rockcliff. Neighbors on upper Deronda hear about the upcoming closure and are frightened about what that closure of the trailhead will mean to them.

Don Krim and David Russell have been going door to door to gather petition signatures. He says that, enforcement is the key. Many would sign if they thought that it would be enforced. They want to know what the purpose of paying for permits is when it won't be enforced. HUNC and HHA have been told that, because over 50% have to sign on, it buys more enforcement for the PPD zones. It would help the petition gathering process for this assurance to be in writing. Daniel will find it and will email it to all those gathering petitions and to the community leadership. David explains that our issue is very different than normal PPD districts. We need to make tourists know not to try to go up to Deronda. To do that, David suggests that we do a demonstration that goes viral showing cars being towed from this area.

Dan says that the goal is to get PPDs in place before the summer.

Zachery from Ledgewood doesn't see how towing helps since there is going to be a hundred people up here the next day? CD4 explained that they are forming a plan that covers all the bases and getting it passed through legal now. Zachery says there is a lack of speed signs and of signs showing who has the right of way when cars meet on an incline.

Gower/Franklin light is impossible to go through. Southbound traffic on Gower has to wait for several lights while cars coming up Gower into the intersection to go westbound on Franklin try to make the light and get caught in the intersection. Daniel will research the timing of that intersection with the DOT.

George reminded Dan and Carolyn that, when Tom was first elected, he worked with us on the topic of sprucing up the southern portion of Beachwood Drive with underground utilities and repair/repaving with CONCRETE of the whole street. It will enhance the view of the Hollywood Sign and make the road better. Perhaps people wouldn't feel the need to venture so high up into Beachwood if they could get a good clean shot from below.  

Don say that there's a perception that the councilman gives greater weight to the tourists than to the residents. At a recent press conference, Tom did made some overtly friendly gestures to tourists and it looks like he's being very generous to them. Perception is everything. Carolyn mentioned that Tom is just a really friendly guy. Fran echoed that suggesting that he may be the next Mayor of Hollywood.

George says that a motion is about to expire regarding the tour van requirement to use wireless headsets while driving open air vans in our area. Daniel hadn't heard about this but will look into it. Daniel did mention that there is also a motion to have the City-owned home on Beachwood deemed  surplus property, cleaned up and prepared for sale. This would cause it to become a home again.

Daniel presented a surprise citation to George. It says, "On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, we hereby salute George Abrahams for his heart and hand to the community. We recognize him for his selfless and tireless volunteerism and advocacy for the people of Beachwood Canyon. He has been going above and beyond for the neighborhood since 1998. George, you are truly an Angel in the City of Angels!"

Senior Lead Officer Maggie Dillard: Only one burglary in the area and two car break ins took place. Door Knockers have slowed down. But the task force is still around. Call 877-ASK-LAPD when you see someone coming to your home that you feel is out of place. We need you to report these.

Graffiti is happening up here on the historic walls. It can't be painted out because they are historic. They need to be steam cleaned. Hollywood Beautification Team will come out if you call them at 323-962-2163. Leave a detailed message where the graffiti is and if it's on private or public property. Tell them if it needs to be steamed or painted. Take a photo and send to Maggie (32080@lapd.lacity.org). File a report about vandalism on the phone (877-ASK-LAPD). The City is addressing the concept of private or closed streets. The gating of LaPunta, upper Deronda, Dorcas etc. are at issue. The City really wants to get rid of gates all together. If the gates at the top of Deronda were open and the street constructed for through traffic, cars would be able to flow through but not to stop. It would have to be a one way or like upper and lower Mulholland. David says that this would be very expensive and it would have to happen after many other things happen to manage traffic. We need to provide another way for tourists to get what they want - the picture of the Hollywood Sign.

Alex Chavez says that we are in crisis mode right now. We have a hard time thinking ahead of what would happen if the gate at the top of Deronda were open. It's an alternative but we're working hard on other solutions in this current climate.

West Traffic Officer Pete Cordero: He went to Mulholland right after the striping was put in. By just being in an area, the violations drop. Pete has had no problems with people parking in the red. Guy Pohlman lives at the top of Deronda. He feels that, if there was an emblem or a plaque on the wall where he lives like the law enforcement emblem, maybe people wouldn't stop there. Fran suggested that a decoy car at the top of Deronda may help.

Officer Pete told us, regarding the idea of showing cars being towed, that cars can't be towed without DOT being there. It's a two-pronged project. Pete doesn't agree with the concrete street paving issue. He thinks that the black asphalt looks and feels better.

Guy says that the No Smoking Signs up on Deronda are pointed in the wrong direction. The signs are attached to the safety gate on this side of the park. Maggie will talk to Sharon Shapiro.

There was supposed to be a huge no smoking sign at five points. Maggie says we should unite and decide what kind of sign you all can agree on. Email her at: 32080@lapd.lacity.org

Justin Hager from Assemblymember Gatto's office: There is much legislation in the works and it all has to be received by Feb 26, so Gatto's office is very busy. Broken parking meters are now okay to park in front of for the max time allowed by the signage. Also, there is a bill called Crowd Sourcing legislation - http://MikeGatto.wikispaces.com will offer a way for the average person to lobby for their particular issue. The probate code and the probate process is the topic of conversation at this moment. If you have tips or ideas on how to change or improve that, check out the Small Business advisory (43rd district). If you are a business owner and have ideas on how they can make businesses better, you should reach out to them and get involved. Gatto's office has direct lines to every state agency. If you're having problems with Covered California, for instance, let Justin know and they will talk to real human beings to get help to you (Justin.Hager@asm.ca.gov).

People want to know more about the helicopter issue. Fran mentioned that there is a petition going around to get folks to sign to support getting air traffic regulations in place.  

Save Hollywood report - George Abrahams shared how the Judge just issued a tentative landmark ruling that will send the Hollywood Community Plan Update back for a new EIR.

Millennium Report - George Abrahams: He reports that the California Geological Survey just issued its findings that show two earthquake traces under the Millennium project. Fundraising continues so that we can get a judges ruling that will send this project back as well.

Gov Brown is now asking for funding to continue mapping faults in California.

Motion to adjourn (Larry/George) carried unanimously.

The CERT training will start on March 7, 2014 at 6:00pm, this class will be every Friday till April 18, 2014. The class will be at the Hollywood Community room at 6501 Fountain Ave.

Once you have completed the CERT class you will receive a certificate from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Please contact Art Holmes 38656@lapd.lacity.org or Sergeant II Darrell Davis 32256@lapd.lacity.org or call 213-485-4316 to make sure you will be attending and sign up for the CERT training.

Start Date: Friday, March 7, 2014

Class Day:  Friday evenings

Class Dates: 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11 4/18

Class Time: 6:00-8:30 PM

Class Location:
6501 Fountain Ave - Community Room, Hollywood, 90028

City Website  

Councilmember Tom Labonge