SB50 and Ending Residential Neighborhoods

Under the guise of helping house the homeless and ending LA’s housing shortage, State Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco has sponsored SB50, which would end single family residential zoning as we know it.  This proposal has already stopped designation of any further HPOZs, and has stalled any attempts to update our Preservation Plan.  SB50 would override local zoning ordinances and allow for mid rise apartment buildings to be built within a half mile of a subway stop or within a quarter mile of high frequency bus lines or in a ‘jobs-rich’ community.  All of Hancock Park fits this definition.  The bill would allow property owners to convert single-family houses anywhere in the state into four-unit apartment houses.  Senator Wiener has made a few cosmetic modifications to the latest version of his bill that give city officials a chance to shift some of the density. 

This is part of the continuing effort by developers to replace affordable housing with unaffordable housing and to turn all neighborhoods into multi story apartment and condominium projects.  There is no shortage of commercial and other properties that could be developed to provide more housing without destroying the neighborhoods that make our city a wonderful place to live.  Let your State Senator (Ben Allen - https://sd26.senate.ca.gov/district) and Assemblyman (Richard Bloom - https://a50.asmdc.org/) know how you feel and fight to keep our city a city of neighborhoods.

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 http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park   There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist).  Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System - http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. 

  Noise and Your Neighbors

Everyone knows there is a lot of construction going on in Hancock Park.  And construction means noise.  What’s an exciting project for you though can be a months’ long headache for your neighbors.  So, if you’re planning construction or extensive landscaping that will last more than a day or two think of your neighbors and:

1)    Let them know you’re planning construction, how long you estimate it will take and what the construction schedule is;

2)    Be sure your contractor knows to limit their crews’ street parking and to be sure and not block driveways or move trash cans;

3)    Provide a phone number that your neighbors can use if there is a problem.

Noise abatement is taken seriously by our City and there is a Noise Abatement Ordinance and LAPD Enforcement Team.  This ordinance mandates that allowable construction hours are:

-        Monday through Friday between 7AM to 9 PM

-        Saturdays and National Holidays between 8AM to 6 PM

-        Sundays, no construction except by residents.  This means that if you are doing any work on your house on Sundays YOU, the resident, must actually be doing the work, not just supervise, not just be around the house.

The text of this ordinance can be found at http://www.lapdonline.org/special_operations_support_division/content_basic_view/1031 and, as with loud parties, the police can be called if you fail to follow the ordinance.

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 http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park   There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist).  Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System - http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. 

 

Protecting our Historic Neighborhood

California has an affordable housing shortage which some legislators are trying to address by fast tracking legislation increasing density in cities.  On the surface these ideas look good, but most of them are a Trojan horse for overdevelopment of unaffordable housing that would also destroy residential communities.  While Hancock Park is an HPOZ our neighborhood is not safe from changes promoted by developers to replace affordable housing with unaffordable housing.  There are a number of bills in Sacramento that would override many of the density and change limitations that keep Hancock Park an intact, beautiful and historic neighborhood.  Our neighbors at Spaulding Square (one of LA’s thirty-five HPOZs) have made a short video that explains what’s going on and what you can do - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRX_5E1BS3k

Your neighbors are working with the Council Office and City Officials to fight against this legislation but we need your help.  In particular SB50 and SB592 will be presented to lawmakers in January.  The Association will send information via the website, newsletter, Larchmont Chronicle column and email lists about what you can do to help preserve our beautiful neighborhood while still supporting the preservation of existing affordable housing and supporting the creation of new housing that is affordable. 

Don’t forget that the holidays season often sees an increase in crime, particularly property crime.  So if you have a house alarm set it, don’t keep valuables in view in your car, lock your car and your house and if you’re the victim of a crime:  Report it!  This helps increase the number of police officers assigned to our area.

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 http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park   There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist).  Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System - http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. 

We’ll See You at the Annual Meeting!

The HPHOA annual meeting is on Wednesday, October 23^rd, 7PM-9PM, at Marlborough School, 250 S. Rossmore Avenue.  Plan to be there and hear:

·       CD4 Councilman David Ryu present his proposal for a multifaceted approach to fight against homelessness in L.A.  Homelessness is a tragedy that affects all of Los Angeles and every neighborhood.

·       Association committee members who will present reports on:

o   Neighborhood Infrastructure Repairs

o   New traffic mitigations

o   Highland Avenue median and Parkway Tree Programs

o   Neighborhood Watch and Security Updates

o   Filming and the recently adopted FILMLA Special Conditions for our neighborhood.

·       Update on current Sacramento and City land use proposals and possible impacts on our neighborhood.

·       Representatives from LAPD and our Private Security Companies will be available to answer questions about the service3s they provide before and after the meeting.  Be sure and ask about any trials being offered to new SSA customers.

Light refreshments will be served and parking is available in the parking facility.

Don’t forget:  WATER YOUR PARKWAY TREES!  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 http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park   There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist).  Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System - http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. 

 Be at the Annual Meeting and Find Out What You Can Do to Help Our Neighborhood

The HPHOA, est. 1948 Annual Meeting will be Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 7PM at Marlborough School in the Collins Room.  The meeting will have presentations by our Councilman, David Ryu, the LAPD, the Security Services, and updates from Association Committee chairs on important topics like filming, concrete streets, HPOZ, Security and Trees.  Put the date on your calendar and plan to be there.   Our community is stronger when we all participate.

The Annual Meeting is also where half the Association’s Board of Directors are elected.  If you are a member in good standing, you should have received a ballot and instrutions for either mailing it in or bringing it into the annual meeting.  The nominess are:

            Tim Allyn                                                         William Newby                        

            Martin Beck                                                     Cami Taylor

            Greg Glasser                                                   Jon Vein

            Susan Grossman                                            James Wolf

Don’t forget:  WATER YOUR PARKWAY TREES!  It’s hot and they need our care to continue to do their necessary work of turning CO2 into Oxygen, cleaning the air and cooling the environment.  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 http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park   There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist).  Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System - http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. 

  Support Your Block Captain and Help Them Help You!

The Association hosted its annual Block Captain’s dinner at the Wilshire Country Club to thank our hardworking network of block captains and to share information about the important projects in Hancock Park.  Block captains heard from the Association Committee Chairs on Security, Street Trees, and the status of Concrete Streets.  Association President Cindy Chvatal also talked about the danger to residential communities from Senate Bill 50 which would allow multi story, apartments and condominums to be developed near mass transit sites such as bus stops.  Since Hancock Park is in the middle of many major traffic arteries this would mean all of Hancock Park would be open for uncontrolled development.  Fortunately, for this year at least and after significant efforts from associations like the HPHOA and citizens through the state, this bill will not go forward.

Your block captain is the key to a successful neighborhood watch and crime prevention network.  The LAPD says this is the most effective and important way to prevent crime.  So, if your block captain knocks on your door and asks you to fill out an information sheet, please take the 5 minutes to do so.  This information is used to keep you and your neighbors aware of issues and information; provides a means for contact in the case of an emergency and keeps your block connected and the neighbors informed.  Your block captains are your neighbors and are volunteers building and maintain our community.  Give them a hand!

We thank Councilman David Ryu who attended the dinner and let us know that the fight to maintain our historic concrete streets has been successful.  The City now has a plan and a budget to repair our streets in concrete and has already started doing so.  The City will also require that developers, contractors, utility companies and anyone else making a hole in the street, must replace an entire segment in concrete.  This saves our street from the deterioration that has happened because of haphazard repairs.  Thanks to our Councilman and the hardworking Street Committee.

Remember, Hancock Park is an HPOZ so be sure and check with our City Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org), before starting any major landscaping projects or planning changes to the exterior of your house, including changing your driveway and windows.  The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ can be found at http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park   There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist).  Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System - http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. 

Here is a link to Patricia Lombard's 5/19/19 coverage in the Larchmont Buzz of the Hancock Park Homeowners Associations Block Captain Meeting  

 https://www.larchmontbuzz.com/featured-stories-larchmont-village/hancock-park-block-captains-meet/

 

City Council Member David Ryu spoke to forty volunteer block captains gathered at the Wilshire Country Club for the annual meeting of the Hancock Park Homeowners Association Block Captains. Ryu, who was warmly welcomed by the group, noted that this July will mark four years in office. He thanked all the block captains and the HOA for their commitment to the neighborhood and their work in helping him develop solutions to problems in the neighborhood.

Ryu said he was pleased to report that he has been able to keep all his campaign promises to the neighborhood, particularly his promise to repair the neighborhood’s concrete streets.

“I think by next year, I can safely say that half of the worst streets are probably going to be done,” said Ryu to the applause of the group.  He said he was pleasantly surprised that they found the simple solution of doing large sections rather than whole streets. He also said the demonstration project he proposed for Hancock Park has been taken over by the Bureau of Street Services, which is now looking at using the same approach in other neighborhoods around the city.

Ethics reform was the other major campaign promise Ryu made, which he said should be completed by the end of year, or possibly earlier, depending on when the City Attorney’s office finishes drafting the new ordinance, and the scheduling of the final approval vote by the full City Council.

Ryu said his effort to introduce a reform motion during his first year in office failed because he couldn’t get a single fellow city council member to second his motion.  He told the story of how he persisted and his proposal to prohibit contributions, to both candidates and elected officials, from property owners whose properties are involved in a land use project requiring discretionary approval.  And that proposal gained the unanimous support of the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission earlier this year. Ryu said he expects the City Council to vote on the draft in the next several weeks. Its passage, he said is a huge step forward to reforming the culture at City Hall.

In conclusion, Ryu thanked everyone for their support and noted he would be starting his re-election campaign next year.

Next, Hancock Park Homeowners Association President Cindy Chvatal-Keane and Jen Devore, chair of the Block Captains Committee, welcomed everyone, thanking them for their service to neighborhood and their efforts to serve as the front line of communication for their neighbors.

Many block captains have done the job for years, and there was a lively exchange about various ways to get neighbors involved in an annual meeting on the block. Devore asked each captain to try to reach out to new neighbors to make them feel welcome, noting that the association is working on developing a gift bag for new neighbors. She also asked block captains to maintain a list of all their block’s residents, and share that list with neighbors so everyone can work together in the event an emergency. On her block, Devore has added notes about residents with special skills, such a physicians or resources, like pools, in case they are needed in an emergency.

Devore asked the block captains for help in encouraging residents to pay the $25 annual HOA dues. Currently, only one third of residents pay the dues, but Devore said the dues are used to  plant trees, remove graffiti, and make other improvements…as well as to maintain the extensive communication system keeping residents informed. Residents can now go online to pay their dues.

For the remainder of the meeting, block captains heard reports and updates from board members and committee chairs: Erik Storey, Neighborhood Filming; DeborahTrainer, Parkway Tree Program; Susan Grossman, HPOZ; Cindy Chvatal, Land Use and Zoning; Bill Newby, Infrastructure Repair Highland Median; Peter Gorelick and Marty Beck, Security/Neighborhood Watch and Traffic Mitigations; Dave Gajda, Hancock Park New Neighbor Gift Bags and Liaison with John Burroughs Middle School

 

      Building a Strong Community - Our Block Captains, the Greater    Wilshire Neighborhood Council and Concrete Streets

According to the LAPD the most important part of safety and security in your neighborhood is an effective block captain/neighborhood watch network.  Hancock Park is fortunate to have so many community minded residents who volunteer to be block captains.  To thank our block captains and keep them up to date on security and other issues, the Association is hosting a dinner on May 15^th at the Wilshire Country Club.  If you’re a block captain you should have received an invitation.  If you haven’t contact the Association.  If you’re not a block captain and your block doesn’t have one, VOLUNTEER!  Then you can share a wonderful dinner with your colleagues at the Wilshire Country Club.

The Association is happy to report that Board Member Jen DeVore was elected to the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council Board.  Jen is a tireless worker for the community, serving not only on the Board of the HPHOA, but also on the HPOZ Board and now the GWNC.  Thank you Jen for so generously devoting your time to the benefit of our community

Councilman David Ryu has announced a targeted repair program for our concrete streets.  The City has completed a pilot study from which this repair program has been developed.  A compete assessment of the concrete streets of Hancock Park was done by the Bureau of Street Services and the first phase, which will repair the most hazardous areas, has begun.  Portions of 2^nd Street and McCadden Place, 4^th Street and Rimpau Blvd., June Street and 4^thStreet, an an uneven pavement at 352 South Las Palmas are the first in line for repairs.  The second phase is to develop an ongoing repair priority list and obtain budget financing, including two dedicated concrete crews.

Remember, Hancock Park is an HPOZ so be sure and check with our City Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org), before starting any major landscahing or planning changes to the exterior of your house, including changing your driveway.  The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ can be found at http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park   There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist).  Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System - http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. 

  Take the Survey, Leave Your Comments and Save Your Neighborhood

The Purple Subway Line is now being built and the LA Planning Department is working on the Purple Line Transit Neighborhood Plan (TNP).  The current proposal would dramatically upzone any area near a major transit line, which includes bus lines.  Since bus lines run throughout Hancock Park, this proposal would put all of Hancock Park at risk for changes in zoning that would allow development of multi story/multiple occupancy residential construction.  It’s no surprise that developers are actively lobbying to make this possible.  It’s vitally important that everyone living in Hancock Park push back to protect our historic neighborhood. The City is conducting a survey and asking for comments, so now is the time for active civic participation.  Our historic neighborhood is at stake.

Here’s what you can do and remember to contact the Association if you have questions or need more information:

• ·       Read the article in the Larchmont Buzz summarizing the meetings and issues - https://www.larchmontbuzz.com/featured-stories-larchmont-village/planning-dept-meetings-solicit-more-community-input-on-purple-line-transit-neighborhood-plan/

·       Find out about the process and workshops being done by the City - http://www.latnp.org/purple-line/project-updates/?utm_source=PL+2%2F14%2F19&utm_campaign=b0c0226b7c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_10_11_COPY_04&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d90dd26482-b0c0226b7c-256438317

·       Take the City’s survey – http://www.latnp.org/purple-line/survey/

·       Send the City your Comments - http://www.latnp.org/purple-line/purple-line-plan-comments/?utm_source=PL+2%2F14%2F19&utm_campaign=b0c0226b7c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_10_11_COPY_04&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d90dd26482-b0c0226b7c-256438317

• Contact City Staff directly - Contact project staff directly - email Andrew Jorgensen, AICP, Project Lead, at andrew.jorgensen@lacity.org or via phone at (213) 978-1281

Remember, Hancock Park is an HPOZ so be sure and check with our City Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org), before starting any major landscahing or planning changes to the exterior of your house .  The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ can be found at http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park   There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist).  Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System - http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180. 

 

Security – Keeping you and your Family Safe

As everyone knows crime is still an issue in Hancock Park.  The LAPD has an initiative to reduce burglaries and thefts and needs our help.  If you’ve been the victim or have any information about crime in your area call Wilshire Detectives at 213-922-8205. 

If you notice suspicious activity and believe a crime is in the process of being committed call 911, and don’t confront the person yourself.  Also, if you have a private security service, notify them.  If something does not seem like an emergency call 877-275-5273, the Non-Emergency Dispatch Number.  If the lines are busy you will get a recording asking you to hold for an operator.  Do not call the Wilshire Division Station if you need officers to respond.  There is an answering machine at the Station, but Stations do not dispatch officers to calls; that is done via 911 or the non-emergency number.

There are two private patrol services operating in Hancock Park:  SSA and ADT.  These services are paid for by individual homeowners and are not a resource to be called by non-subscribers.  Please remember to call the appropriate service if there is a problem so the issue can be dealt with in the most efficient way possible.  More detailed information about Private Patrol Services can be found on the Safety and Security Section of the Association website.  If you’re not already a subscriber please consider becoming one, it means more security for everyone.

In order to make yourself a less attractive target for criminals remember to lock your doors and windows, even if you’re home.  Don’t leave things in view in your car and always lock your car.  Report suspicious activity to the LAPD and to your block captain, and never confront someone yourself.

Now that the winter rains have arrived in force, the Tree Committee is busy planting new parkway trees.  If you need a parkway tree contact the committee to be sure you’re on the list or to get on the list if we’ve missed you.  The City has established new spacing guidelines, so it may be the case that where there were once two trees in a parkway, the city will only allow replanting of one tree.  Also, remember to plant trees on your property for summer shade and beauty.

Remember, Hancock Park is an HPOZ so be sure and check with our City Planner Suki Gershenhorn (suki.gershenhorn@lacity.org), before starting any major landscahing or planning changes to the exterior of your house .  The HPOZ Preservation Plan, which regulates our HPOZ can be found at http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park   There is also an online form you can fill out to help speed up the process (http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist).  Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System - http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180.