HOLMBY NEWS
February 17, 2017
From the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, serving the Holmby Westwood community since 1960.
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1. LAPD Crime Report
2. City Council Candidates Forum
3. USPS Blue Mailbox Warning
4. LADWP Report on Power Outages
5. Stormy Weather Safety Tips
6. Upcoming Community Events
7. HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
8. Resident Ads
9. HWPOA Contact Information
1. LAPD CRIME REPORT
From Officer Christopher Ragsdale, regarding the rape that was reported in last week’s news:
The incident that occurred was an acquaintance rape, where the suspect and victim knew each other and spent the night together. The victim is alleging that the relationship became non-consensual. This was not an intruder or predator. If there was a threat to the community (such as a stranger or predator rape), the LAPD would alert the community immediately.
Residential Burglaries
There has been a series of Residential Burglaries developing in the Westside communities. The suspects typically knock or ring the doorbell to verify if anyone is home. When there is no answer, the suspects enter the side or rear of the residence and force entry typically by smashing the window or door glass to gain entry. Suspects are targeting the master bed and bath as well as other areas of the home and removing Jewelry, cash, small valuables and small electronics.
Immediate detection is key to prevention and apprehension. Ensure that you have motion detection cameras that will immediately notify and alert you directly on your smart phone when activity is occurring at your front door or side access yards.
The Los Angeles Police Department recommends the following tips to help secure your home and harden the target:
- SURVEILLANCE/SECURITY CAMERAS: Web based surveillance and doorbell camera systems will allow homeowners to view and monitor activity from any smartphone or computer which are motion sensor activated and will alert your device when there is activity. They will also lend valuable information and clues to the investigation.
- ALARMS: Ensure that security alarms are in good working order and set when not at home whether leaving for 10 minutes or 10 hours. Accessible upstairs doors & windows should have alarm sensors and upstairs rooms should have motion sensors to include the master bedroom.
- ALARM RESPONSE: Consider a private patrol alarm response to enhance your current alarm and security system. In many cases private patrols are already contracted in many neighborhoods or associations.
- MOTION SENSOR LIGHTING: Install motion sensor lighting around your home to illuminate normally dark areas around the home. This will also alert residents to outside activity around the home when motion lights are activated.
- GATES: Ensure that all gates and access points to the side or rear of the residence are locked and secured.
- DOOR AND WINDOW LOCKS: Ensure that all doors and windows are locked and secured with sturdy secured locks and that there are second locking mechanisms securing all doors and windows as a second line of defense.
- MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU’RE HOME…Even when you’re not.
- NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Monitor suspicious activities in your neighborhood and alert your neighbors. Should the activity escalate to a crime about to occur, crime in progress or crime that just occurred, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
- SECURITY PATROLS: Consider after hours on site security at construction sites or major remodel projects. Many neighborhoods contract with private security patrols which monitor neighborhoods and can quickly respond to burglar alarm activations or reports of suspicious activity when they occur.
You may access crime mapping at www.crimemapping.com to review recent crimes in your area. Sign up to receive alerts when crime is reported in your neighborhood.
E-Policing: http://www.lapdonline.org/e_policing
EMERGENCY: 911
NON-EMERGENCY: 1-877-275-5273
All other City Services: 311
Christopher Ragsdale, Senior Lead Officer
West Los Angeles Community Police Station
Office: 310-444-0741
Email: 26690@lapd.lacity.org
Website: www.lapdonline.org
2. CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM
The Westwood Community Council and Westwood Neighborhood Council have organized the CD 5 Candidate Forum on Tuesday, Feb 21:
Fifth District Candidates Forum
Tuesday, February 21st
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
10750 Ohio Avenue
(in the John Carroll Parish Center on the corner of Ohio & Selby)
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Candidates Forum runs from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
All three candidates on the March 7th Primary Ballot — Jesse Max Creed, Mark Matthew Herd, and Paul Koretz — are participating in this Forum, which will focus specifically on Westwood, Westwood Village, and Fifth District issues.
All are welcome, and admission is free. Free parking is available in the St. Paul Church Lot (enter on Selby Avenue), and street parking is available on Ohio or Selby.
Seating is first come, first served. Complimentary coffee and other refreshments are graciously being provided by several of our Westwood area businesses.
In addition to questions posed by our three panelists, written questions can be submitted from the audience.
For more information, please click here:
CD5-CandidateForum
3. USPS BLUE MAILBOX WARNING
Several blue collection mailboxes have recently been vandalized by potential thieves. This has occured at the three drive-thru mailboxes at the Barrington Circle Post Office as well as the mailbox on Sepulveda near Montana, but it’s possible that the vandalism has occurred on other mailboxes as well.
Residents have reported discovering sticky material just under the drop-in slots. It’s applied by vandals/thieves to catch letters with checks & credit card info.
Janet Turner, local field deputy for our US Congressman Ted Lieu, immediately followed up with the Barrington PO, who told her that their mailboxes are theft-proof and the sticky glue has been removed. However, nothing is totally immune to thieves.
Please be careful if you use the blue USPS mail collection boxes and make sure your letters have dropped all the way inside.
4. LADWP REPORT ON POWER OUTAGES
The HWPOA Board of Directors recently met with representatives from the LADWP to address our concerns regarding the numerous power outages in the area.
The representatives reported that the outages are usually due to failed cables and failed joints. They are working to identify the worst performing circuits and replace the oldest and most problematic cables. They hope to improve reliability and performance, which is made more difficult with increased building and growth in the area.
The map below shows the cable replacement in our neighborhood in recent years and planned for the future.
5. STORMY WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
Winter storms can mean big trouble for Angelenos who don’t prepare for wet weather. Here’s what you can do to safely ride out any storm.
Before a storm
- Prepare a basic emergency kit and store it in an accessible place. The kit should contain bottled water, flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery-operated radio or television
- Keep phones charged in case you lose power.
- Clear out debris from rain gutters, drainage channels, and pipes around your home.
- Secure large items like trash cans, toys, and yard decorations that may block street drainage systems.
- Get sandbags. Sandbags are available at select LAFD stations. A full list is available here or by visiting LAFD.org.
To report storm-related issues such as
- Downed trees
- Clogged storm drains
- Flooding
- Rock, land, or mudslides
Download the MyLA311 app or visit MyLA311.lacity.org! Use this app 24/7 to report issues. You can also include photos and geo-tag information with your reports to help crews respond and track reports you’ve submitted.
If stormy weather knocks down a power line
- Call DWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP or 911 immediately.
- Assume the line is dangerous; stay away and warn others to do the same.
- Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from power lines. Tree limbs and other objects can conduct electricity that can shock anyone coming in contact with them.
During a storm
- When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Do not go outside if you see lightning or hear thunder.
- Limit non-essential travel and avoid standing flood waters.
- If you encounter a flooded roadway, Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Just 6 inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
6. UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Los Angeles World Airport Police Tour – Saturday February 18, 2017 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Sponsored by the Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB). We will meet at the WLA Community Police Station (1663 Butler Avenue, Los Angeles, Ca. 90025) promptly at 9:30 am. You must RSVP to attend and reserve your place on the bus:
Robert A. Ringler, Co-Chair – Mobile- (310) 365-5723
Email: – ringler@mac.com
This tour is subject to cancellation if an incident or demonstration should occur at LAX or if we don’t get a reasonable attendance.
LAPD Blood Drive – Monday, February 20th, 2017 at the West Los Angeles Area Community Police Station (1663 Butler Avenue). Please join us for LAPD-West Los Angeles Area’s Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.
Please visit redcrossblood.org and enter: BADGESoCal to schedule an appointment or call the Community Relations Sergeant, Sergeant II Justin Scott at 310-444-0743.
Give life, give blood!
Stop Senior Scams – Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Westwood Library. Stop Senior Scams℠ is a great, unique theater troupe of senior citizens who are coming to our branch to teach us how to avoid the all too common scamming of either us or our loved ones. Everyone in the group is between the ages of 64 and 98 and are very effective in helping you to understand how NOT to get scammed!
Also, Councilmember Paul Koretz will be on hand to meet and greet you and handout reusable shopping bags, so come and get all your questions answered by him as well!
7. HWPOA COMMUNICATION AND AD POLICY
Please direct all comments, questions or issues regarding the Holmby News to hwpoa@aol.com.
Ads for plumbers, housekeepers, garage sales, etc. will be posted in the weekly News. Emergency situations such as coyote sightings, lost and found pets, traffic alerts and similar situations will continue to be published during the week as received.
When placing an ad, please send to hwpoa@aol.com for the Holmby News moderator to review. Responses to ads should be directed to the ad placer, not to HWPOA.
8. RESIDENT ADS
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE
My housekeeper, Maria Castro, is looking for several additional half-days per week. She has worked for me for several years. Very reliable, has her own car. Phone: (323) 252-6541. Email: castro213m@gmail.com.
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HOUSEKEEPER SEEKING WORK
I have an excellent housekeeper who is looking for several additional days of work. Hew name is Monica Moiyorga. Her telephone number is: 323.829.7114. I am glad to provide a reference. My telephone number is 310.497.1876.
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WORTH NEW YORK TRUNK SHOW
Little Holmby area trunk shows featuring Worth New York Spring clothing collection. February 14-February 20.
Over 300 tops, dresses, skirts, jackets, and accessories featuring gorgeous European fabrics (including leather and suede) from the most casual to dressy. The designs are exclusive to Worth, so you won’t see yourself coming and going! You can view the line at www.worthnewyork.com.
Call or email Denise Barta for an appointment or details: (310) 721-2500; dbarta@worthnewyork.com
9. HWPOA CONTACT INFORMATION
HOLMBY WESTWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 49180
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-470-1785
Email: hwpoa@aol.com
Web site: www.holmbywestwoodpoa.org
Pay Membership Dues: https://squareup.com/store/hwpoa