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. 

Winter is the time to plant in Southern California and with the recent rains there couldn’t be a better time to put a tree in that open space in your parkway.  If you are missing a parkway tree you should have gotten an email from the Association asking your permission to plant a beautiful, healthy 15 gallon tree; paid for by your Association dues.  If you got this email please respond right away so a tree can be planted soon.  If you have an open space and didn’t get an email then contact the Association on our website and we’ll put you on the planting list.

Our beautiful, tree lined streets, provide the shady canopies of green that make Hancock Park a park.  When Hancock Park was developed in the1920’s the builders planted a beautiful young forest of elms, sycamores and fir trees.  Now, 100 years later, the trees are reaching the end of their lifespans.  And, with the added pressures from repeated droughts, new insects and diseases have damaged and killed many of these trees.  Thanks to our Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, our parkway trees are protected, and if one dies, we can replant.  Remember, trees are important not only to maintain the look of our beautiful historic neighborhood and landscape, but are also a critical part of the natural infrastructure that preserves the lives of ourselves, our children, wildlife and the planet.

If you are the unfortunate victim of a crime please be sure and report the crime to the LAPD.  The phone numbers can be found at the Wilshire Division website (http://www.lapdonline.org/wilshire_community_police_station),choose Report a Crime on the bottom right hand side or go directly to http://www.lapdonline.org/report_a_crime).   Remember to keep you and your family safe by locking doors and windows, arming your alarm if you have one and if you think someone is on your property call 911. 

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. 

 

Changes in Land Use Laws Could Threaten R-1 Status of Hancock Park

State Senate Bill 50 would allow denser development close to transportation hubs.  While on the surface this seems like a good idea, the definition of proximity to transportation hubs in this legislation includes nearness to bus lines, which directly impacts Hancock Park.  Bus lines run down almost all of Hancock Park’s major streets.  This bill would make increased density possible in our R-1 residential community, superseding existing zoning law and overruling our HPOZ.  The City is also proposing major changes to the way projects are reviewed and approved, consolidating authority and speeding up many processes.  While clarification and simplification of public processes are worthy goals, some of these changes would facilitate fast tracking of major developments while limiting community input. 

These and other initiatives, including the updating of the Wilshire Community Plan (the blueprint for development and growth in our part of Los Angeles), will have a major impact on our neighborhood.  The Association and its Zoning and Land Use Committee are actively opposing bills such as SB50.  The Association is also pushing our Councilman and the City to ensure that any changes to zoning that increase development and density and any changes to city review processes be done with input from and consideration for our community.

Now that winter and slightly cooler temperatures are here, think about planting a tree.  If you need a parkway tree contact the Association Tree Committee at our website.  Crime continues to be a problem so be safe by keeping doors and windows locked, arming your alarm if you have one and if you think someone is on your property call 911.  Don’t confront anyone yourself.   Also, don’t leave anything in your car in plain view; seeing packages in a car is often an invitation for theft.

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. 

  Help Clean the Air by Reducing Gas Powered Leaf Blowers

Los Angeles has some of the worst air quality in the nation, primarily because of gas powered engines.  And some of those gas powered engines are the leaf blowers many of Hancock Park gardeners use.  Many people don’t realize that use of gas powered leaf blowers is illegal in the City of Los Angeles (LAMC 112.04).  You can find a copy of the ordinance at http://bss.lacity.org/investigationandenforcement/GasPoweredLeafBlowerEnforcement.pdf .   So make a New Year’s resolution to talk with your gardener, find out if they use a gas powered leaf blower and, if they do, ask them to either switch to an electric battery operated blower or use a rake and broom.  But don’t let them switch to using water; this too is illegal.

Now that winter and slightly cooler temperatures are here, think about planting a tree.   A tree does more for cleaning the air than just about anything else and they provide shade in the summer.  The Tree Committee has completed the inventory of parkway trees and is planning to plant parkway trees in the coming months.  If you need a parkway tree contact the Association Tree Committee at our website.

Unfortunately, thefts go up during the holidays, so be safe bykeeping doors and windows locked, arming your alarm if you have one and if you think someone is on your property call 911.  Don’t confront anyone yourself.   Also, don’t leave anything in your car in plain view; seeing packages in a car is often an invitation for theft.

And since Hancock Park is an HPOZ 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. 

 

Be a Good Neighbor When There’s Filming

Hancock Park has been an attractive site for filming for many years.  Our beautiful neighborhood, full of architecturally distinct houses from many periods along with broad, tree lined streets, brings lots of film, television and commercial companies to our area.  While filming brings in revenue to the person whose property is being used, it also impacts the neighbors to the property.  To help balance these sometimes competing interests the Association setup Good Neighbor Filming Guidelines many years ago.  These guidelines have helped to ensure that one person’s ability to make money from their property didn’t destroy the peace and quiet of their neighborhood.  Recently though, because of the increased amount of filming and the volume of complaints about the impact of filming on the quality of life in the neighborhood, the Association has updated its Filming Guidelines.

The LA City ordinance governing filming calls for the infrequent use of private and city property for the purposes of filming.  The ordinance also says that filming should be conducted at such times and in such a manner as to cause a minimum of interference with the enjoyment and use of adjacent property, and consistent with public health, safety and general welfare.  The updated Hancock Park guidelines have specific recommendations with regards to Frequency of filming on a property and/or a street; proper notification and surveys of surrounding residents; hours for filming, how equipment will be managed; how parking will be addressed and compliance and security recommendations.  We’re now circulating the new guidelines to get your comments and input.  Watch your email box and the Association’s website for the guidelines and a return response card.

Don’t forget to fill out the questionnaire being sent by the Association to determine what Hancock Park issues are most important to you.  Also, be safe by keeping doors and windows locked, arming your alarm if you have one and if you think someone is on your property call 911.  Don’t confront anyone yourself. your home call 911 immediately.  DO NOT CONFRONT THE PERSON YOURSELF!

And since Hancock Park is an HPOZ 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. 

 

The Candidates for Your Association Board

 

                          Looking Forward to Seeing you at the Annual Meeting!

 

Your Homeowners’ Association Annual Meeting will be at 3^rd Street School, Tuesday, October 16^th at 7PM.  The meeting will have guests from the Council Office, and LAPD, as well as reports from our Committee Chairs.  This is your chance to get to know what the Association has been doing for our community and how we can all participate in keeping Hancock Park a great place to live.

The annual meeting is also when the election is held for half of the members of the Board of Directors.  If you’re a member in good standing, meaning you’ve paid your annual dues, you will receive a ballot in the mail.  You can either return the ballot in the mail or bring it with you to the Annual Meeting.

The candidates for the HPHOA Board nominated by the Association are: 

            Patricia Alexander

            Cindy Chvatal-Keane

            Jennifer DeVore

            Indy Flore

            David Gajda

            Joel Kozberg

            Pam Newhouse

            Victoria Vickers

For more information about the candidates visit the HPHOA, est. 1948 website.

Don’t forget to be safe by keeping doors and windows locked, arming your alarm if you have one and if you think someone is on your property call 911.  Don’t confront anyone yourself. your home call 911 immediately.  DO NOT CONFRONT THE PERSON YOURSELF!

And since Hancock Park is an HPOZ 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.