Brentwood Community Council

February 6, 2007 Meeting Highlights

Apr 24, 2007

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS BOOK PRESENTATION ?– Renee Chanon, Past President of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles presented Brentwood Community Council representatives with copies of Los Angeles: Structure of a City Government by Raphael J. Sonenshein, Ph.D. The publication was made possible with the support of the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation. 6800 copies have been given to the City (Los Angeles Unified School District, city libraries, and civic organizations). For more information, visit the League?’s website: www.lwvlosangeles.org or phone: (213) 368-1616.

CAPTAIN ABORN KHOURY CREDITS POLICE AND PUBLIC FOR CRIME DROP

According to West Los Angeles?’s Commanding Officer, ?“West L.A. Rocks!?” Captain Carol Aborn Khoury was pleased to report that crime in West Los Angeles had dropped 12% from the prior year. She attributed the reduction in crime to officers who have been ?“engaged, focused, and proactive,?” as well as an increase in public/community participation and greater witness information. Brentwood has the lowest crime in WLA. Robberies in WLA have increased 2% over last year, and continue to be a problem citywide, particularly in the Valley. In the last two months, the WLA Station has seen higher incidences of burglary/theft from motor vehicles and grand theft auto. Motorists should not leave anything of value in parked cars as this increases the chances of becoming a victim. High-end vehicles, such as Escalades and expensive motorcycles have been targeted.

Only one follow home burglary was reported this year in WLA. Hillside burglaries have been a problem, however, from Brentwood to the Hollywood Hills and the West Valley. Most hillside burglaries have been taking place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night during the dinner hour. Residents must activate their alarms even for short trips away from home. Use motion sensor lights. Report suspicious activity providing license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions. Crime victims must file a report in a timely manner. Use landlines when available as opposed to cell phones.

Distraction burglaries usually involve a team and target elderly victims. The Captain advised against answering the door to strangers. Legitimate solicitors carry information cards.

Dial 9-1-1 for crimes in progress and safety issues. Do not call the Station as the call will be delayed. For non-emergencies call 1-877-ASKLAPD.

Captain Aborn Khoury discussed the fact that there still are not enough officers throughout the City. Because of this, the seven basic car areas (geographic areas assigned a senior lead officer) are required to drop two cars per day. However, cars are deployed from other areas to provide coverage when needed. The Captain has appealed to the three Councilmembers in WLA for more officers. In the next year, WLA will lose 200 to 300 original officers through the retirement program.

One of the Captain?’s goals for 2007 is to reduce crime by 5%, which will be a challenge.

Captain Aborn Khoury reported that three gang-related homicides took place in the southeast section of WLA. The surge in homicides mobilized that community to work closely with their neighborhood councils, school, and the Council Office. A prevention/intervention program was initiated in that community for children from ten to fifteen years of age during the winter school break. The program, a collaborative effort with the City Attorney included 39 to 89 children at the Robertson Recreation Center. The program ran Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the three-week period. Crime for that period dropped 40% versus the prior year. The Captain would like to expand the program to Stoner Park over spring break.

The Captain spoke about high technology equipment that can assist the police in their work. Smart cars are equipped with license plate scanners and infrared (heat seeking) equipment helps in the apprehension of suspects and evidence retrieval.

Traffic collisions have been a problem in WLA with ten fatalities last year, many involving pedestrians. The Captain recommended using caution and becoming defensive pedestrians.

COUNTY ORDERS FOX TO STOP GRADING ON WLA VA CAMPUS
BCC Chairwoman Wendy-Sue Rosen provided background on recent construction on the WLA VA campus, which had concerned many residents. According to the Chairwoman, David Heldman of Brentwood Glen first alerted her to a construction project on the WLA VA campus. Apparently, Fox Entertainment Group was proceeding with construction without proper approval and permits. Chairwoman Rosen informed Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky?’s office, which resulted in the County Department of Public Works posting a notice of violation, halting the project. The Chairwoman thanked County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, Senior Field Deputy Flora Gil Krisiloff and County staff for their swift action.

Ms. Krisiloff spoke to the issue and the ongoing opposition to private non-veteran land uses at the WLA VA. She stated that several years ago, the Supervisor had initiated zone changes on the 388 acres WLA VA property. If the land is sold, it would become County unincorporated land with the portion north of Wilshire Boulevard to be zoned for open space and the portion south of Wilshire for institutional use.

Ms. Krisiloff provided additional clarifications regarding the various jurisdictions for the federal properties along Wilshire Blvd., stating that the General Services Administration has jurisdiction over the Federal Building and the property being considered for a possible new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regional headquarters building. The Department of Defense has jurisdiction over the ten acres that had been used by the Army Reserve and is currently being considered for a land swap. She commented that the final Environmental Impact Statement would be forthcoming with regard to the proposed FBI building.

The BCC PASSED A MOTION advising the Chairwoman to write a letter to the elected officials informing them of the community?’s opposition to private land use developments at the WLA VA including Fox Entertainment?’s construction project, and to reiterate the need to complete the 25-50 years land use master plan mandated by Congress for the WLA VA property.

BCC OFFICER ELECTION RESULTS ?– The BCC approved the Nominating Committee?’s recommended slate of officers for the year 2007: President ?– Wendy-Sue Rosen, Vice President ?– Stacy Marks, Treasurer ?– Jackie Raymond, and Secretary ?– Bette Harris.

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS ?– The South Brentwood Homeowners?’ Association Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Brentwood Science Magnet School. Speakers will include Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky; Councilman Bill Rosendahl, Captain Carol Aborn Khoury, and BCC Chairwoman Wendy-Sue Rosen.

The Brentwood Homeowners Association Annual Meeting will be held on March 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Getty Center. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilman Bill Rosendahl will speak that evening.

The Brentwood-Westwood Symphony Orchestra will perform on Sunday, March 11th at 3:00 p.m. at the Paul Revere Middle School.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 11 ANNOUNCEMENT ?– Andrea Epstein, Field Deputy to Councilman Bill Rosendahl announced that the Councilman was able to procure $150,000 in Proposition 12 funds for improvements needed at Crestwood Hills Park.

42ND ASSEMBLY DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENT ?– Josh Englander and Ellen Isaacs, deputies to State Assemblyman Mike Feuer, attended the BCC meeting. The Assemblyman has been appointed Chair of the Budget Subcommittee #5 on Information Technology and Transportation and a member of the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. Chairwoman Rosen announced that she was very pleased that the Assemblyman would be participating in the BCC?’s March 6, 2007 Transportation Forum.

TRANSPORTATION FORUM AT UNIVERSITY SYNAGOGUE FOR MARCH 6TH BCC MEETING - The next BCC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 2007 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please note that the meeting location will be at University Synagogue on Sunset Boulevard. (Enter parking lot from Saltair and use back entrance). The agenda will include a Transportation Forum with State Assemblyman Mike Feuer, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and Councilman Bill Rosendahl. The BCC meets regularly on the first Tuesday of each month. 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 Chairwoman Wendy-Sue Rosen at RosenFree@aol.com or visit the BCC website: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/la/brentwoodcc.

(Bette Harris serves as Recording Secretary and Public Safety Representative on the Brentwood Community Council)