Thanks to the folks at 3rd Street School, Councilman Ryu and his office, the LAPD, and the Tree People for helping make our annual meeting such a success. And, especially, thanks to Hancock Park residents for attending and participating in making our community a great place. Remember to volunteer for a committee!

As anyone who drives the city knows, many neighborhoods are facing wholesale house teardowns replaced by huge, generic construction. That’s why our Hancock Park HPOZ is so important. Because of our HPOZ Hancock Park continues to maintain the unique architectural and historic structures that make us one of the most beautiful places to live in America. If you’re thinking of making changes to the exterior of your house, even ‘small’ changes, find out if your changes are in keeping with our HPOZ. The Hancock Park Preservation Plan (http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park) is the legal document that regulates our HPOZ. Read it and then contact our City Planner, Renata Dragland (renata.dragland@lacity.org), and get her input. There is an online form which can start the process: http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/initial.screening.checklist . Renata will then help you schedule a consultation with the HPOZ Board, made up of an architect and four of your neighbors. Even if all you have is a vague idea contact Renata and get input. Remember, if your project is not correctly permitted and approved you can be forced to undo the changes at your own expense. The HPOZ Board meets at 6PM on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at the John C. Fremont Branch of the LA Public Library – 6121 Melrose Avenue (at June Street). These meetings are public meetings. The Preservation Plan for Hancock Park can be found at: http://www.hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/ or http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park ).

And, as the Tree People reminded us at the Annual Meeting, don’t let your trees die; water them deeply twice a month. Our trees are vitally important to our and the environment’s health. Remember, to keep you and your family safe by locking your house and car; not leaving items in plain sight, setting your house alarm (if you have one), and paying attention to any unusual activity. If you think a crime is happening call 911, DO NOT confront someone yourself. Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or use the City’s Anti-Graffiti System – http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 or call Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180