Fixing Our Sidewalks and Remembering Tom LaBonge

The City’s plans for repairing our sidewalks has been suspended because of the budget crisis caused by the COVID epidemic.  However, as everyone knows, many of the sidewalks in Hancock Park not only need repair, but are a hazard to pedestrians.  The Association has asked the City’s Street Services Department for help in getting the most dangerous sidewalks fixed.  Block captains will be identifying the problematic sidewalks on their block and, with the Association, will build a list of the sidewalks that are most in need of immediate repair.  This list will be submitted to the City’s Department of Street Services which will prioritize repairs based on estimates of liability and schedule repairs.  Unfortunately, this process will only address the most egregious situations, so we’re also exploring other funding options to pay for repairs, including using Association dues and resident participation.  This is a difficult time not only for Hancock Park but for the entire City and the Association will be continuing to investigate ways to keep making progress on backlogged infrastructure work.

We send our condolences to the family of our former councilman, Tom LaBonge, who recently passed away.  Tom started out as the Hancock Park field deputy to Councilman John Ferraro and he played an important part in the successful effort to install our beautiful historic streetlights.   Tom was our Councilman when Hancock Park successfully established itself as an HPOZ and Hancock Park’s history and beauty are now preserved for all future generations.  He loved all the neighborhoods in his district, taking photographs of landmarks that became part of the calendars that were his annual gift to his constituents. 

This is when we ask our members to support the Association’s work by paying their annual dues.  You’ll receive a mailing soon, so please donate; we need your support now more than ever.  One of the things your dues pay for is parkway tree planting, which is now in process.  Let us now, via the website, if you need a tree. 

Don’t forget to consult our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting projects that change the exterior of your house. The Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ is at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.  

What’s New for Hancock Park in the New Year

Hancock Park starts the New Year with hope and optimism.  In 2021 the Association will be focusing on:  1) Homelessness and Security – This includes supporting meaningful solutions to the citywide homelessness crisis while addressing security issues raised by encampments in our neighborhood; 2) Concrete street repair – The budget for repairing our failing streets in historically mandated concrete has been approved; 3) Traffic control; 4) Continuing support and enforcement of our Historic Preservation Zone (HPOZ) and the resolution and repair of hazardous structures, such as 252 S. June Street and 181 S. McCadden; 5) Continued support to ensure that the city maintain the historic Highland traffic median and it’s protected palm trees; 6) Increasing and maintaining Hancock Park’s urban forest; the Association is now planting and we encourage every resident to take care of their parkway trees; and 7) Crime prevention and Safety.  The Association continues to expand and strengthen its block captain network and to work with the LAPD to proactively keep Hancock Park a safe neighborhood.

Because of the COVID-19 epidemic and the attendant decrease in revenues and increase in demand for services, the City budget is deeply strained.  The Association will be working closely with our new Councilperson, Nithya Raman, to ensure that our neighborhood is protected and safe.

And, don’t forget, the annual Association parkway tree planting is in process.  Fall and winter are tree planting season in Los Angeles so, if you need a tree, let us know via the website. 

If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.  

Everything We’re Thankful For

During this difficult time with so much uncertainty, it’s often hard to see the many things we can be thankful for.  First, we’re thankful for living in this wonderful country, state and city, and particularly grateful to live in the middle of a major city in a beautiful neighborhood.  The Association is thankful to our residents who are the backbone of our neighborhood:  planting trees, serving on committees, being block captains, participating in the neighborhood watch.  Thank you everyone!  We look forward to making things even better in the New Year!

The Association has always worked together with the City and Council Office to help provide the best services available to our members.  We want to take this opportunity, in particular, to thank outgoing City Councilperson David Ryu, who has been our City Councilperson for the last five years.  We thank David and his excellent staff, including Emma Howard, Adeena Bleich, Renee Weitzer and Rob Fischer.  In particular Rob, as our Field Deputy, worked tirelessly to help our residents get help, answers and to navigate the sometimes confusing city bureaucracy.  We wish all of them the best in their lives and their careers and we know they’ll continue to contribute to whatever community they’re part of.

The election results are in and we welcome our new Council Person for Council District 4, Nithya Raman.  The Association anticipates working closely with her and her staff to keep Hancock Park a great place to live as well as an important contributor to the larger health and happiness of the City of Los Angeles.

And, don’t forget, that the annual Association parkway tree planting is about to begin.  Fall is the best time to plant and so, if you need a tree, let us know via the website. 

If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.  

The HPHOA, est. 1948 Annual Meeting was held virtually, via Zoom, on October 14^th.   We thank everyone who attended, including representatives from the LAPD, the Council Office, the Security Companies and most of all, we thank our members.

The impact of COVID-19 is being felt throughout the city as businesses struggle and people lose their jobs.  The City is facing unprecedented need from citizens while seeing revenues fall.   LAPD Captain of the Wilshire Division, Shannon Paulsen spoke about keeping our community safe and the challenges ahead as the City tries to balance its budget.   Councilman David Ryu talked about what’s been accomplished this last year including the successful maintenance of the Highland Median, and procuring funding and developing a plan for restoring our concrete streets.  He also spoke about the challenges ahead for security, city services, housing the homeless and other important issues.  Our committee chairs updated the members on parkway trees, filming, our HPOZ, security, traffic and some of the many other issues facing Hancock Park. 

The results of the Association election were announced and the slate nominated by the Board was unanimously re-elected:  Cindy Chvatal-Keane, Jennifer DeVore, David Gajda, Joel Kozberg, Clif Lord, Pam Newhouse, Shondell Spiegel, Erik Storey, and Victoria Vickers.  Now, more than ever, our community will need the help of dedicated residents who volunteer to help.  Please consider joining a committee and let us know on the website how you’d like to participate. 

It’s now fall which means tree planting season has begun.  The Tree Committee will be starting to plant so if you have a place in your parkway that could use a tree, let us know via the website.   

And DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!  Not only is this a presidential election, but it’s also an election for our Councilperson, so be sure you VOTE!   You can check your registration at website https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/registration-status.  You should have received your ballot so if you haven’t received it check the Where’s My Ballot website - https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status/wheres-my-ballot . If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.  

Join Us at the Annual Meeting

The HPHOA, est. 1948 Annual Meeting will be held virtually, via Zoom, at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 14^th.  To join the meeting click on the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85863823319 or iPhone one-tap: US: +16699006833,,85863823319# or +13462487799,,85863823319#.  This is your chance to hear from the Council Office, LAPD and the Association and an opportunity for you to ask questions and volunteer to serve on a committee.  Don’t forget, if you’re a member in good standing when you get your ballot, please fill it out and send it in.  To find out more information, including the candidates for Board of Directors, take a few minutes and visit the website.

Thanks to the hard work of the Tree Committee, Board member Bill Newby, and Councilman David Ryu’s Office, the Highland Median has been mowed and cleaned!  Drive by and take a look and thanks to everyone who’s helped prod the City to get this done.

HPHOA Block Captains met with the HPHOA Board in September to go over Security, Parkway trees, the HPOZ, Filming and Transportation.  Thanks to the all the block captains and Board Members who Zoomed in to ask questions and make sure we keep our neighbors informed and safe.  The Block Captains are the key to keeping our neighborhood safe and beautiful and we thank them for volunteering.

Don’t forget to fill out the Census at https://2020census.gov/en.html   and make sure you’re registered to vote by going to website https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/registration-status.  If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.  

Zooming the Annual Meeting and Saving 4^th Street

The HPHOA, est. 1948 Annual Meeting will be held virtually, via Zoom, at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 14^th.  This is your chance to hear from the Council Office, LAPD and the Association on all the important issues facing our community.  It’s also where the election of half of the Board of Directors will be held.  If you’re a member in good standing, meaning you paid your dues, you’ll be getting a ballot.  To find out more information, including the candidates for Board of Directors, take a few minutes and visit the website.

Thanks to all the residents who wrote and spoke at the GWNC Transportation Committee and ultimately succeeded in the effort to get the Council to uphold the 2011 motion that opposed Bike Lights and Restricted Turns at 4^th and Highland and 4^th and Rossmore.  The Association and GWNC is investigating ways of improving the use of 4^th Street for everyone:  pedestrians, dog walkers, bike riders, motorists and residents.  We all pay taxes and the streets are owned by everyone.  Your input made all the difference.

Don’t forget to fill out the Census.  The Census is taken every 10 years and determines the number of representatives we have, in the state house and in Washington; it determines how much of the nation’s resources are devoted to our area and needs and makes sure that our voices are heard, counted and attended to.  The website is https://2020census.gov/en.html

If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.  

Please Keep Everyone Safe!

As the state and city have reopened businesses and more and more people are resuming activities, it’s important to remember that the Coronavirus is not gone.  It’s still infecting people at increasing rates and while some people show no or mild symptoms, others in your family or community could get deathly ill, suffering long term health problems or even death.  Please, please, please wear a mask and keep a social distance of at least six feet from other people.  Until there is a vaccine this disease is going to continue to cause pain, suffering and death.  The most vulnerable among us are at great risk:  those with compromised immune systems, those with chronic diseases and those disabled by strokes, cancer or other health problems.  Be the best person you can be and take care of others by doing all you can to stop the spread of the disease.  Remember:  wearing a mask protects other people, not you.  You are only protected if other people wear masks. 

As businesses reopen, it’s clear that many of our neighborhood restaurants and shops have suffered a devasting loss of income in the last three months.  Make a point of visiting Larchmont Village and other areas of business around us and getting a meal togo, or buying a book or new shirt. 

The Association Website is an excellent source of ongoing information and a place where you can contact Association Board members about getting a tree planted, status of the street repair project and many other things - https://www.hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/page-18054/5048881

If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.  And don’t forget to respond to the census, if you haven’t already.  Go to https://2020census.gov/?UTM_campaign=c20m&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=nextdoor&utm_state=ca

Thanks to our Block Captains and Councilman Ryu

This week the Hancock Park block captains met, via Zoom, with each other, HPHOA Board members, and Councilman Ryu and members of his staff to talk about the important issues facing our community as a result of the Coronavirus emergency.  Before the CV outbreak the City was already facing a homelessness crisis and was ramping up efforts to house the those without shelter.  Those efforts are even more important now and the City, in particular our Councilman and his office, are working hard to provide temporary shelter as well as a permanent path off the streets.  The Councilman also discussed with our block captains some of the security challenges we face because the city no longer incarcerates suspects charged with non violent crimes.  And, now our mostly empty streets are being used as speedways and the strain of enforcement is falling on the very short staffed traffic enforcement staff.  

HPHOA Board members gave status reports on Tree Planting, Street Repair, maintenance of the Highland Median, Security, Traffic and Historic Preservation.  The HPHOA website will soon have information and photographs of the trees chosen for our historic streetscape.  There remains money in the upcoming city budget for street repair, and the Highland Median is now being watered and cleaned.  The HPOZ Board will start meeting and reviewing cases next week, via Zoom, and with help from the Council Office, problem properties are being investigated and cited.

Your Block Captain network is a vital part of community safety and awareness.  If you don’t know who your block captain is, contact the Association.  If you want to volunteer to be a block captain let us know!  Thanks to all the community minded people who volunteer to be block captains; Hancock Park wouldn’t be what it is without you!

Don’t forget to maintain the social distancing guidelines, wear a mask when out in public, wash your hands, don’t touch your face and check with your neighbors to be sure they are OK.  For more information please visit our website: hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/page-18054/8843518.

If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.

The Coronavirus, the City Budget and Hancock Park

The outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus has not only hurt the health and safety of our city, but has been devastating to our city’s fiscal health.  The City has committed to maintaining the LAPD, LAFP, Sanitation Services, DWP and other critical services.  However, the budget contains major cuts to services such as trees, sidewalk repair, and graffiti removal.  Your Homeowners Association is committed to maintaining our tree canopy, to removing graffiti and working with the city on a solution for sidewalk repairs.  Since tree maintenance and graffiti removal services will most likely not be paid for by the City, the Association will use your dues money to make up the difference.   In difficult times like this your dues will help keep Hancock Park free of graffiti, maintain our beautiful urban forest and many other benefits.  So, if you haven’t already, please pay your dues.    

While the City has committed to maintaining the physical security of Los Angeles, by supporting the LAPD and LAFD, this crisis puts a great strain on these services.  If you don’t have a private security service please consider obtaining one.  These services augment the public services and release resources for those parts of the city suffering even greater crime.

The Association has started its annual tree planting and maintenance cycles.  If you need a tree, contact the Association.  If you have questions about tree maintenance, the website contains a lot of information - https://www.hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/Parkway-Trees

Don’t forget to maintain the social distancing guidelines, wash your hands, don’t touch your face and check with your neighbors to be sure they are OK.  For more information please visit our website: hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/page-18054/8843518.

If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.

Take Care of Yourself and Your Neighbors

The outbreak and spread of the Novel Coronavirus has caused a great deal of disruption and inconvenience to those not infected, and sickness and sometimes death to those infected. These types of situations are what truly test the bonds of community, and Los Angeles and Hancock Park have shown that we know we’re all in this together and will do whatever it takes to help our family and neighbors stay healthy and safe. Remember the simple guidelines to wash your hands with soap and water (20 seconds or two Happy Birthdays), keep your hands away from your face and to follow the instructions of our mayor and city, state and federal governments. Check in with your neighbors, if possible by email or telephone, and make sure no one is in need. For more information please visit our website: hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/page-18054/8843518.

The Council Office has been working hard to ensure that the Larchmont Farmers’ Market remains on Larchmont. The Farmers’ Market operator has been looking for a larger space on Larchmont because of the success of the market and the desire to host more vendors. The community and the Council Office met by telephone conference last month to discuss keeping the market on Larchmont.

Spring seems to have arrived quickly this year, so tree planting will soon commence. If you need a street tree, let us know via our website, and the tree will be planted at the Association’s expense.

If you’re planning to make any changes to the street-visible portion of your house, including hardscaping and windows, check with our HPOZ Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org) before starting. The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ, can be found at preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park. There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process — the Initial Screening Checklist (preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist). Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System: laocb.org/programs/graffiti-abatement and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.