Brentwood Community Council

December 4, 2007 Meeting Highlights

Jan 26, 2008

NEW BCC REPRESENTATIVES ?– The BCC approved the Representation Committee?’s recommendations for the following positions: Larry Watts as Legal Counsel and Ray Klein as Public Safety representative on the BCC. In addition, the South Brentwood Homeowners?’ Association Board had authorized its president, Bette Harris, to serve on the BCC as Alternate of Zone 7.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT ?– Bette Harris reported that Mayor Villaraigosa?’s office is recruiting community civilian volunteers for the Crisis Response Team (CRT). At the request of the City?’s Fire and Police Departments, members of the CRT provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention and referrals to victims of crime or trauma and their families. Training will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from January 22 through March 13th at Fire Station #88 in Sherman Oaks. For more information e-mail: LACRT@lacity.org or call 213-978-0697.

Ray Klein spoke about a recent City Fire Department presentation that stressed the importance of adhering to parking restrictions in force on Red Flag days in the hillside areas. He said that it is important to not park on marked streets during Red Flag Days because those streets have been determined to be so narrow that parked vehicles would impair the ability of fire equipment to reach homes. The LAFD also said that persons in the upper canyons should make an early decision to evacuate or shelter in place and then stick to that decision. Attempting evacuation after the area is filled with smoke is problematic because vehicles, which require oxygen, may cease working and become obstacles blocking fire equipment trying to reach the upper canyon areas.

RECOGNITION AWARDS FOR BETTE HARRIS ?– BCC Chairwoman Wendy-Sue Rosen spoke of the role Bette Harris has played in the community, serving as Public Safety representative since the formation of the BCC in 1998, as Secretary since 1999, writing the ?“BCC Highlights?” in the Brentwood News for many years, serving on the West Los Angeles Community-Police Advisory Board, and as President of the South Brentwood Homeowners?’ Association since 2001. Representatives of the following officials presented Ms. Harris with recognition awards: State Assemblymember Mike Feuer, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and Councilman Bill Rosendahl. Ms. Harris expressed her deep appreciation for the awards.

STATE ASSEMBLY UPDATE ?– Josh Englander, representative from State Assemblymember Mike Feuer?’s office spoke of the challenge in moving forward considering the State?’s budget deficit. In answer to a question regarding the Mayor?’s Pico-Olympic Plan to streamline traffic by creating a pair of one-way streets from the City of Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles, Mr. Englander said that the Assemblymember is studying the proposal and welcomes input from his constituents.

STATE VETERANS HOME ?– Bob Sleppy, Chief, Environmental Services Section, State of California, Department of General Services, reported that the gate to the WLA VA campus at Bringham and Gorham will be closed to general traffic and to residents beginning in mid-January for approximately four to six weeks to allow construction of utility connections on Bringham. The State plans to contact resident in the apartment houses located in the vicinity of Gorham and Bringham to arrange short-term parking, while the work is being done. The State will also ensure that the contractor provide appropriate traffic controls to reduce congestion. A webcam will be installed and a newsletter printed by the first of the year.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 11 REPORT ?– Andrea Epstein, Deputy to Councilman Bill Rosendahl, introduced Whitney Blumenfeld as the new Planning Deputy in the Council Office. Ms. Blumenfeld can be reached at 213- 473-7011. Ms. Epstein also reported that a decision regarding Hotel Angeleno?’s lighting is expected in early January. Councilwoman Rosen regretfully announced that Ms. Epstein would be leaving the Council Office and expressed appreciation for her hard work on behalf of the BCC and the Brentwood community.

BARRINGTON PARK PROJECT ?– Gregory KeKahuna, the new Facility Director at Barrington Recreation Center, spoke about improvement plans for Barrington Park. The Building Finance Committee will hold an open forum meeting, and will need to raise approximately $6 million. An architect has been hired to draw plans for a dual gymnasium and multipurpose field. Mr. KeKahuna agreed to keep the BCC informed of progress on the project.

Chairwoman Rosen urged that the plans be vetted in a public forum in order for the community to provide input. Mr. KeKahuna?’s e-mail address is: gregory.kekahuna@lacity.org.

WEST LOS ANGELES VA CARES UPDATE ?– Flora Gil Krisiloff provided a summary of the VA?’s CARES (Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services) process, and reported that the CARES local advisory panel had disbanded. She has served for many years as a member of that panel, and was disappointed that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs did not allow the panel to make recommendations for reuse of land identified by CARES as excess. The panel voted on VA healthcare related capital improvement plans, which will require funding from Congress.

Ms. Krisiloff touched on a number of related issues, saying that Senator Feinstein, Congressman Waxman, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and Councilman Rosendahl agree on the need for a Land Use Master Plan for the property. She said that although there are currently no Enhanced Use Lease arrangements at the WLA VA campus, the VA continues to push in that direction. She opposes Enhanced Use Leases because they can ultimately result in commercial development and sale of the property. Buildings 205, 208, and 209 have been designated to serve homeless veterans. A draft Environmental Impact Study is being prepared for the Army Reserve facility on Federal at Wilshire Boulevard. Ms. Krisiloff said that current County zoning does not allow commercial projects on the Army Reserve property.

The BCC passed a motion directing Chairwoman Rosen to advise the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs of the BCC?’s Federal Land Policy and inquire about sharing agreements.

Chairwoman Rosen commended Flora Gil Krisiloff for her commitment, exhaustive research, and years of service on the VA?’s local advisory panel. The Chairwoman credited Ms. Krisiloff?’s hard work and vigilance on behalf of veterans and the community for the progress made to date.

BCC APPROVES NEW BYLAWS ?– The BCC approved revised bylaws submitted by Ray Klein, Chairman of the Bylaws Committee, on behalf of the nine-member committee. Chairwoman Rosen commended Mr. Klein for his extensive work and admirable job. She added that the work of the Bylaws Committee is ongoing.

OPENINGS FOR TWO MEMBERS-AT-LARGE ?– The revised Bylaws provide for two new members-at-large. The BCC will conduct outreach for nominations for these positions.

NO BCC MEETING IN JANUARY. NEXT MEETING ON FEBRUARY 5, 2008 ?– The next BCC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 5, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. No meeting is planned for January due to the New Year?’s holiday. The meeting agenda will include Officer Elections. 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 http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/la/brentwoodcc.