HOLMBY NEWS
October 19, 2018
From the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, serving the Holmby Westwood community since 1960.
1. LAPD Crime Alert
2. Mail Theft Prevention
3. Election Pollworkers Needed
4. Flea-Borne Typhus Alert
5. Veterans “Stand Down” – Help Needed
6. Movie Premiere – Street Closures
7. Halloween Golf at Holmby Park
8. Fall Festivals & Halloween Events
9. Upcoming Community Events
10. HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
11. Resident Ads
12. HWPOA Contact Information
1. LAPD CRIME ALERT
BURGLARY (entry of structure w/intent to commit theft or a felony)
Incident #: 180817697
700 BLOCK WARNER AV | 10/13/2018 @ 8:30 PM
AUTO THEFT ADVISORY
At a recent Crime Control meeting, the LAPD Senior Lead Officers were approached by the West LA Auto Detective Supervisor who advised us that he would like our folks to know about a few crime trends that our currently plaguing our community. It is the in the interest of curbing these crimes through awareness, education and making appropriate changes in how we manage our property (in this case, our vehicles) that will serve well in combating this criminal activity. If you own one of these types of vehicles, you may want to take note:
- Newer model Mercedes Benz’ rims and wheels
- Toyota catalytic converters (any model)
- New model Honda airbags
These guys are absolute pros. They are not just opportunistic criminal transients that are looking for loose change, etc. They know exactly what they’re doing and can circumvent most wazoo locking mechanisms that are supposed to keep your rims and/or wheels secure. They can successfully steal these wheels/parts in a matter of minutes. Often, they remain hooded in their approach and then will quickly spray paint out the security cameras before setting to their task. They are gloved, quiet, and efficient. They can leave a car up on blocks in a matter of minutes and, unfortunately, the likelihood of police catching these guys is rather low. This is what’s occurring in our community when most of us are sleeping.
This is not a problem that we can arrest our way out of. There are just too many of them that do nothing else but perfect their profession, at our expense. That’s why it’s important to be ever aware, and to share the info with your friends, family and neighbors. Most importantly, you need to make whatever changes you can to prevent this from happening to your vehicle. Park in well-lit locations, in a garage if possible, rather than on the street. And if you have no choice about street parking, maybe mix it up a little. They’ll search out their desired car ahead of time. Keep them guessing. And make sure care alarms are on.
Also discussed with the detective was that six of the most recent fifteen cars stolen from the West LA area had the keys within them. And yet people regularly report that they didn’t leave the keys in them when it was stolen. But when the cars are ultimately recovered, the keys are often inside. I get it. People forget, they are leading busy lives, they are rushed and/or they are embarrassed that they left their car so unsecure. And now that the keyless fobs allow for us to push a button (rather than find the appropriate key, insert it, turn it on and then turn it off and remove it) it’s a relatively new routine and we are more likely to forget. Fobs are regularly left in the car center console and the bad guys know it. They conduct ‘door checks’ on newer model vehicles and if the car is unlocked, they know that the fob is likely in the car somewhere and all they have to do is push a button to steal it. Another telltale sign is that some of the newer models have their side view mirrors automatically turn in when locked. But bad guys also know that if the side view mirrors are not turned in, the car is ripe for the taking. Be aware.
2. MAIL THEFT PREVENTION
Mail theft is a Federal crime and cases go to the US attorney’s office.
Precautions to take:
- Don’t leave mail out where it is visible.
- Make arrangements for a neighbor to receive parcels if you won’t be home, or arrange to have parcels shipped to your workplace.
- Only deposit outgoing mail in the Blue Collection Boxes that have the updated design (slot, instead of “pull down” door.
Reporting:
- If you see a Blue Collection Box that has not been updated, let USPIS know and they will have it replaced.
- If there is mail theft using access with a postal key (apartment or condo buildings), let USPIS and they will have the locks changed.
- If you see mail theft in progress, call 911 right away. Police will respond and they will also contact USPIS.
- If you have video of mail theft, report it to LAPD and they will also contact USPIS.
Contact Information to make a report or ask questions:
24 Hour Assistance at 877-876-2455
Lee Versoza, US Postal Inspector
LJVersoza@uspis.gov
Office – 213-830-2453
Angela M. Ferris, Postal Inspector-Team Leader
AMFerris@uspis.gov
Office – 213-830-2511
Janet Turner, District Representative for US Congressman Ted Lieu, 33rd District
Janet.Turner@mail.house.gov
3. ELECTION POLLWORKERS NEEDED
A pollworker is an essential component to every polling place location on Election Day. There are two different types of pollworkers: Inspectors and Clerks. While Inspectors serve as supervisors for the polling locations, Clerks assist with a variety of conventional tasks. Both are paid a stipend for their time.
Pollworker Eligibility
To become a pollworker in Los Angeles County, you must be:
- 18 years of age or older (unless participating in the Student Pollworker Program)
- A resident of California
- A United States citizen registered to vote or a legal permanent resident (green card holder)
Pollworkers must be available between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. to set up the polls, provide assistance to voters and conduct poll closing procedures.
APPLY ONLINE TO BECOME A POLLWORKER
Individuals who are registered sex offenders cannot volunteer.
If you need pollworker assistance, call (800) 815-2666, option 7.
Juan, who is the coordinator for District 3 (which is in 90024, Westwood) from the Poll Worker’s Service Department under the Registrar’s Recorder’s Office with the LA County Clerk, said that they need help at the polls on November 6 at St. Albans Episcopal Church, 580 Hilgard, 90024. Juan said they are having difficulty getting our polling place manned and could use additional assistance.
Some details:
- The day goes from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and unfortunately we cannot break this into shorter shifts. It is a 15 hour day.
- There is a required 2 hour training session at the end of October.
- At the training session, you sign up and give them the information they need which includes your Soc. Sec. number.
- You can take the training session online but if you do, you will not get paid.
- If you attend the class, you will be paid $40.00.
- If you volunteer on Nov. 6, you will be paid $100.00
Everyone interested should call 562.462.2560 or 562.462.2960 to sign up. Juan is extension 2560.
4. FLEA-BORNE TYPHUS ALERT
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) reminds residents to take action to protect themselves from flea-borne typhus by using flea control products on pets and avoiding wild or stray animals.
Public Health is currently investigating an outbreak of four flea-borne typhus cases in the Willowbook area and continues to respond to an unconnected outbreak involving several cases in downtown Los Angeles.
Flea-borne typhus is a disease that infected fleas can spread to humans. Bacteria (Rickettsia typhi and R. felis) found in infected fleas, and their feces, cause typhus. Symptoms of typhus include high fever, chills, headache, and rash in people. Call your doctor if you have symptoms; typhus can be treated with antibiotics. Typhus is not transmitted person-by-person.
Fleas can come from many types of animals including cats, rats, and opossums. Places where there is an accumulation of trash that attract wild animals like feral cats, rats and opossums that may carry an infected flea can increase the risk of exposure.
To help prevent typhus:
Keep fleas off you and your pets.
- Use flea control products on your pets.
- Keep pets indoors.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent labeled for use against fleas.
Avoid being near wild or stray animals.
- Do not leave pet food outdoors. Do not provide food or water for wild animals.
- Maintain yard free of debris and trim overgrown plants and bushes.
- Keep trash in containers that are tightly covered to avoid attracting animals.
- Close up crawl spaces and openings under home where rats and stray animals can sleep, hide, or find food.
- Address any stray cat, rodent or opossum issues on and near your property.
For more information regarding flea-borne typhus, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/typhus or call 2- 1-1.
5. VETERANS “STAND DOWN” – HELP NEEDED
The 4th Annual Veteran’s Stand Down is October 26, 2018 at the VAGLAHS in West L.A. This one day fair offers a wide variety of services for homeless Veterans – see information below!
We need Volunteers and Donations from the community. Say thank you to our most vulnerable Veterans, our homeless and struggling Veterans, with your donation. Take the hand of a homeless Veteran by volunteering at the Stand Down.
Each volunteer assignment is two hours in length. Serve food, volunteer at registration or information desks, help to style women Veterans in the AmVet clothing tent. Discover the fulfillment of extending a helping hand to our soldiers as they struggle to find housing and overcome hardship.
The Stand Down is Friday, October 26th, 2018 at the Welcome Center, Building 257, at the VAGLAHS campus in West L.A., 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073
Contact us to volunteer and/or to provide donated goods at info@villageforvets.org.
Click the DONATE button below and help us to continue to serve Homeless Veterans at the VA Campus!
6. MOVIE PREMIERE – STREET CLOSURES
Amazon Video will be holding the Premiere of “Homecoming”, at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at the Bruin Theater, located at 948 Broxton Avenue in Westwood.
There will be various sidewalk and street closures around the area of Broxton Avenue between Weyburn Avenue and Le Conte Avenue.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of these events, feel free to contact Talia Shnaider at 310-742-1064 or 818-926-8319.
7. HALLOWEEN GOLF AT HOLMBY PARK
TGA Premier Golf has announced their camp schedule at Holmby Park for the Fall / Winter programs.
Kick off the Halloween weekend with a frighteningly fun round of golf with TGA! Children ages 5-12 are invited to test their skills against the short course at Holmby Hills in a stroke play tournament. A shotgun start will begin at 1:15p and the event will conclude by 2:30p leaving time for awards and a costume contest. Parents are encouraged to caddy and keep score for their children. TGA coaches will be on hand to help with on-course rulings and general play.
Halloween 9 Hole Golf Tournament
Saturday, Oct. 27th, 1:00 – 3:00p
$40 per player
Rental clubs available by request
Tournament information:
- Costumes encouraged
- Stroke play with max score of 8 per hole
- Awards for lowest score and best costume
Additional upcoming activities:
8. FALL FESTIVALS & HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Fairburn Elementary School Annual Fall Festival – October 20, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the Fairburn schoolyard. Bouncy Houses, carnival games, cookie decorating, pumpkins galore and so much more!
Warner Ave. School Halloween Haunt – Sunday, October 28 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Carnival games, inflatables, arts & crafts, Haunted House and more!
Westwood Recreation Center’s “Incredible Halloween” – Saturday, October 27 from 4-8:00 pm.
2018 Guide to Halloween Events – The Westwood-Century City Patch has created the following ghoulish guide to carnivals, Day of the Dead festivals, haunted houses & other events throughout the Los Angeles County area. Los Angeles Guide to Halloween
9. UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Pop Up Book Sale – Saturday, October 20 from 10AM to 12PM at Westwood Library. Several fully loaded carts of carefully curated books (including kids books) will be for sale at the usual GREAT PRICES (CHEAP!!!!)
Come and purchase some wonderful books for family and friends! We have a great collection of Coffee Table books, Children Books and DVD’s.
Workshop on Substance Abuse for Parents of Teens – Thursday, October 25 at 7:00 PM at The Santa Monica Synagogue (1448 18th St. in SM). What do we as parents need to know about smoking, vaping, “Juuling,” edibles, and other trending substances? Join us and Linda Gingras, LMFT, CADC II, and Director of Addiction and Prevention Services at Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, for a workshop focused on the tools we need to talk about these trends with teens and help them make healthy decisions.
Los Angeles Police Museum Tour – Saturday, October 27 from 11:00pm – 3:00pm. Members of the public are invited to join the West LA Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) on a tour of the Los Angeles Police Museum. The LA Police Museum shares LAPD’s rich history including an engaging audio tour and numerous fascinating exhibits!
We will meet at the WLA Community Police Station (1663 Butler Avenue, Los Angeles, Ca. 90025) at 11:00am for transportation to the museum. Children are welcome as well as friends and family. This an Admission event, $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors (62+) and children under 12 are free. R.S.V.P. to Robert A. Ringler (310) 365-5723 or ringler@mac.com
Exploring Your Universe – Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the UCLA Campus, Court of Sciences. Exploring Your Universe is UCLA’s annual science festival, educating and inspiring over 7,000 visitors each year! Launch bottle rockets, make comets, do chemistry and physics experiments, touch brains, see fossils, and much more! Exploring Your Universe will also offer planetarium shows, science talks, and telescope viewings! Exploring Your Universe is free and appropriate for all ages!
Exploring Your Universe
Noon – 5 PM
Nighttime Activities: 5 PM – 8 PM
Free Admission!
UCLA Parking: $12
https://www.exploringyouruniverse.org/
UCLA Veterans Day Ceremony – Friday, November 9, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Wilson Plaza, UCLA. Come Honor our Veterans! Join our annual tribute to veterans and their contributions to the nation.
Chancellor Gene Block invites you to the annual UCLA Veterans Day Ceremony honoring all members of the Bruin community who have courageously defended our freedom through their military service. Information fair with campus and community resources immediately following ceremony.
Please register by Friday, November 2, 2018 by emailing eventinfo@specialevents.ucla.edu or calling (310) 825-4868. Parking is available for purchase in Parking Structure 4 – Parking Map
10. 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.
11. RESIDENT ADS
SEEKING SEAMSTRESS (IN-HOME)
I’ve maintained my diet for two years, and am seeking a seamstress to come to my home to make my clothing one size smaller. Thank you.
Marion Solomon
drmarionsolomon@gmail.com
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SEEKING TREE TRIMMER
I am looking for a good, reputable tree cutting service that is insured. Please call Ms. Bennett at (310) 897-3114 if you have any referrals. Thank you.
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CAR LEASE AVAILABLE FOR FORD FUSION
We are looking for someone to take over our lease on our 2017 Ford Fusion! The car is in perfect condition, 10,000 miles a year, 24,000 miles left on the car, lease up in April 2020. All the bells and whistles, $338 a month. Must go through Ford credit. Price negotiable. Interested parties please contact Eve Marie at 310-500-9229.
12. 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
You Are Invited . . .
- To attend our monthly Board Meetings*
NEXT MEETING – NOVEMBER 13
- To let us know your concerns about our community and your ideas about how we might work to improve it
- To become involved in our Association.
*Board Meetings are usually held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm at Belmont Village (10475 Wilshire Blvd.). Please confirm prior to attending.