HOLMBY NEWS
January 11, 2019
From the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, serving the Holmby Westwood community since 1960.
1. “The Agora” – Project Update
2. LAPD Crime Report
3. UCLA FlyAway Bus – Reduced Service Hours
4. Google Leases Westside Pavilion for New Campus
5. Metro Free Student Fares During LAUSD Strike
6. Greening Holmby Westwood
7. Obey the Dog Leash Law
8. USPS “Hold Mail” Service
9. Give Blood – UCLA Promotion
10. Hammer Museum Expansion
11. LAPD Community Police Academy
12. Volunteers Needed – Metro Purple Line
13. Homeless Count – Volunteers Needed
14. Get Covered CA – Health Insurance
15. Upcoming Community Events
16. HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
17. Resident Ads
18. HWPOA Contact Information
1. “THE AGORA” – PROJECT UPDATE
Dear Neighbors,
The HWPOA Board of Directors took decisive action at our recent meeting to strongly oppose the proposed development at 900 Hilgard (SE corner of Hilgard and LeConte) to be known as “The Agora”.
The developers have filed an application with the city for a 16 story, 194 ft. in height, student residential high rise on a property that is zoned for not higher than 45 ft. or 3 stories. It is 4 times the height allowed and 3 times the amount of sq. ft. allowed.
IT IS EGREGIOUSLY INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE CURRENT ALLOWED ZONING!
The developers requested an amendment to the General Plan, a change in Zoning, a change in Height District, and a change in the Westwood Multi-Family Specific Plan. This Multi-Family Plan was adopted speci fically to prevent incompatible projects like The Agora, (the W Hotel structure and what was Westwood Horizons on Tiverton were built before the Specific Plan was adopted). The Plans and zoning that are on the books today, state the importance of maintaining our low density character and avoid encroachment into adjacent neighborhoods from other uses, commercial off-street parking, or spill-over traffic.
A significant problem occurred when the developers recently purchased a single-family residential home at 901 Malcolm which is directly behind the Hilgard property and within the HW boundary. There is the likelihood that they plan to purchase additional homes in order to control opposition. We remain on high alert!
COUNCILMAN KORETZ, OPPOSE THIS DEVELOPMENT!
The Board insists that the developers build to 45 ft. and not more! We insist that Councilman Koretz vigorously oppose this proposed development, that he oppose all requested changes to our zoning and to our Plan, and that he insist on a “by right” development (what is currently allowed). If Councilman Koretz does not support this request, the developers will not be able to garner the necessary city council support.
The Westwood Neighborhood Council and Comstock Hills Homeowners Association have joined with Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association in opposition. We expect to also get the support of the Westwood Community Council, Westwood Hills Property Owners Association, and Westwood Homeowners Association.
Please visit the website at: www.savehilgardavenue.com
You can help by emailing: emagna@msn.com and paularogersla@gmail.com or hwpoa@aol.com to show your support and ensure that these developers build no higher than the 45 ft. as allowed. You may also contact HWPOA at 310-470-1785.
Thank you for your support!
Sandy Brown
2. LAPD CRIME REPORT
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a vehicle Vs. pedestrian collision that left one man dead in Westwood.
On Sunday, January 6, 2019 at about 8:45 p.m. Los Angeles Police Officers responded to the call of an assault with a deadly weapon, in the 1200 block of Westwood Boulevard. When officers arrived, they located an unidentified male adult victim who had been struck by a vehicle and dragged through the S/W alley.
The LAFD transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the vehicle was detained and the investigation is ongoing. Witnesses said that the victim had been physically banging on the vehicle and lying on the hood before being run over by the vehicle.
Anyone with information on this homicide should contact West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470.
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
3. UCLA FLYAWAY BUS – REDUCED SERVICE HOURS
From the Daily Bruin:
A bus service to Los Angeles National Airport is reducing its operating hours in Westwood due to low ridership in the area.
The airport is reducing its FlyAway bus services, which offers hourly trips to and from Westwood and LAX. The bus will now run its Westwood routes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It previously ran from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For more information, please click here:
Daily Bruin – UCLA FlyAway article
4. GOOGLE LEASES WESTSIDE PAVILION FOR NEW CAMPUS
From the Westwood-Century City Patch:
Google Inc. is planning a massive West Los Angeles campus, the company announced Tuesday.
The tech giant leased the entirety of the One Westside redevelopment, an off campus that to be built at the former Westside Pavilion shopping mall. The move, in addition to more than 500 tech startups, further solidifies Silicon Beach’s status as a major technology hub.
The planned campus will be 584,000-square-feet, and construction is expected to begin later this year. According to the agreement, Google would be expected to assume its approximately 14-year lease upon completion of construction and tenant improvements in 2022.
To read the complete article, please click here:
Patch Article – Google leases Westside Pavilion
5. METRO FREE STUDENT FARES DURING LAUSD STRIKE
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) proposes to offer free rides to students of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in the event of a teachers’ strike that may commence on on Monday, January 14.
Students who show their LAUSD identification card during strike days can attend their schools, study at local libraries or participate in various activities at up to 44 recreation centers throughout the city, among other undertakings. LAUSD students will be able to ride free from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. each strike day.
For more information, please click here.
6. GREENING HOLMBY WESTWOOD
The first Planting of Missing Street Trees in our neighborhood will take place Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 9 AM to 12 PM. Tree People volunteers will plant the free trees in the parkways around the intersection of Malcolm and Manning Avenues. Several homeowners and Kappa Delta Sorority agreed to participate in the tree planting and to care for the trees as they become established.
Application has been made for street closures between 8 AM and 1 PM on Malcolm between Manning and Glenmont Avenues, and on Manning between Hilgard and Le Conte Avenues to ensure safety during the planting.
Please come and help or just watch. The reforestation of our heritage street tree plan will add beauty to our streets, help our property values and contribute positively to our environment.
For more information, contact Holmby Westwood Green Team: khowe.kwh@gmail.com or mossbodek@msn.com
7. OBEY THE DOG LEASH LAW
A neighbor reported that last Sunday, a couple was walking their large dog off-leash on Loring and also on Conway. Dogs must be on leash unless they are in your fenced yard or at a dog park that allows off leash exercise.
Even if you think that your dog is well-behaved and does not need a leash, it is illegal, potentially unsafe and disrespectful to your neighbors. Thank you.
8. USPS “HOLD MAIL” SERVICE
A homeowner had the following experience with the USPS when using its Hold Mail Service. Please take note that this service does not always function as it should, so you may want to consider having a neighbor check on your mail while you are gone.
Via its website, I instructed the USPS to stop delivering my mail on 12/24/2018 and resume delivering my mail on 1/3/2019. I also instructed the USPS to deliver accumulated mail on 1/3/2019. The USPS acknowledged my request in an email to me dated 12/18/2018.
When I returned home on 1/3/2019, I discovered that mail had been delivered on 12/24/2018, which I found at the back of my house unprotected from the elements. There was also a note on my front door which said “MAIL IS BEING HELD AT POST OFFICE” and my accumulated had not been delivered as instructed.
I called the USPS (Brentwood P.O.) and spoke to the carrier to get an explanation. The carrier told me that since the USPS gets thousands of requests to hold mail, etc., not all reach the carrier for proper execution. So keep your finders crossed when instructing the USPS to hold your mail.
9. GIVE BLOOD – UCLA PROMOTION
From the UCLA Blood & Platelet Center:
Have a movie night on us! Donate Blood or Platelets and as a Thank You Gift receive movie tickets to your favorite movie theater (AMC, Cinemark, Regency or Landmark)! Click the flyer below for more information:
10. HAMMER MUSEUM EXPANSION
From the Daily Bruin:
The Hammer Museum will undergo renovations and expansion on Wilshire Boulevard through 2020 to include new galleries and office space.
The Hammer acquired the first floor of an adjacent building on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Glendon Avenue from City National Bank, as well as an extra floor in the current museum from UCLA. The expansion and renovation, which began in fall 2016, is part of a $180 million campaign to transform the museum, as well as increase its endowment.
To read the complete article, please click here:
Daily Bruin – Hammer Museum Expansion
11. LAPD COMMUNITY POLICE ACADEMY
The LAPD West Bureau is sponsoring a Community Police Academy starting this February 27th at the Jewish Federation, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90048. This eleven-week course will meet each Wednesday evening between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. The course will conclude with a graduation ceremony on May 8th.
The Community Police Academy offers an exposure and orientation to a variety of policing concepts and operations within the Los Angeles Police Department. However, unlike prior Community Police Academy sessions, successful completion of this session will provide community members with the minimum training needed to participate in the Volunteer Patrol Program. Those who choose to take their police engagement to a new level, will have the opportunity to wear a volunteer uniform and actively participate in crime reduction strategies in their neighborhoods.
Through the Community Police Academy, enrolled students will be encouraged to build a lasting partnership with the Department, with the goal of developing a relationship between the Los Angeles Police Department and the community members we serve.
Interested community members should contact the West Los Angeles Area Community Relations Office at (310) 444-0735 or contact your neighborhood Senior Lead Officer for additional information.
12. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – METRO PURPLE LINE
Metro Purple Line Extension – First/Last Mile Walk Audit
First/Last Mile planning for the Purple Line Extension has begun for the Wilshire/Rodeo, Century City/Constellation, Westwood/UCLA and VA Hospital rail stations. We invite you to participate in a Walk Audit, which is part of Metro’s First/Last Mile program to develop plans and implement strategies to ensure safe, accessible, and pleasant trips to and from transit for all riders. A Walk Audit is an in-the-field analysis of the streets surrounding a transit station.
Please RSVP to join us in January for one of the following times (note: some dates may be “sold out”).
Saturday, January 12th: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Wilshire/Rodeo Station & Century City/Constellation Station
https://metrople_wilshirerodeo.eventbrite.com
Saturday, January 12th: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Westwood/UCLA Station & VA Hospital Station
https://metrople_westwooducla_va.eventbrite.com
Monday, January 14th: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Westwood/UCLA Station & VA Hospital Station
https://metrople_westwooducla_vajan14.eventbrite.com
Monday, January 14th: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Wilshire/Rodeo Station & Century City/Constellation Station
https://metrople_wilshirerodeojan14.eventbrite.com
Participants will walk for one hour, noting streetscape conditions, such as sidewalk quality, crosswalks, and barriers to access. Observations provided by participants will be used by Metro to develop the Purple Line Extension First/Last Mile Plan.
Click here for more information
13. HOMELESS COUNT – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
You can now register for the 2019 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, which will take place January 22-24. We need more than 8,000 volunteers to canvass more than 80 cities and 200 communities across Los Angeles County. By participating in the Homeless Count, you will help us better understand homelessness in our region and direct resources where they’re needed most.
To register, please go to https://www.theycountwillyou.org/
14. GET COVERED CA – HEALTH INSURANCE
Dear neighbors:
California’s health insurance open enrollment period ends on January 15, 2019. You can sign up for coverage or learn more by visiting www.coveredca.com or calling 1 (800) 300-1506.
Coverage could be more affordable than you think. Premium assistance to help reduce the cost of health care is available to individuals and families who enroll in a Covered California health insurance plan and meet requirements.
Already had coverage through Covered California for 2018? This year, it is more important than ever to head back to CoveredCA.com and shop and savecomparing options for 2019. In some areas, there may be more plans to choose from.
If you have questions, free help is available. Professionals are available to help you find the right plan and get signed up. If you would like to get in touch with a broker or navigator who can help you sign up for insurance, you can search for someone in your area here . Or, if you’d like to attend an in-person event to learn more, you can find upcoming events here .
Take the time to learn about your options and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Los Angeles office at 323-651-1040.
Sincerely,
Ted W. Lieu
Member of Congress
15. UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Art of the Real: Los Angeles – January 11-17, 2019 at the Billy Wilder Theater and Downtown Independent. Founded in 2014, the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Art of the Real festival continues to be the premier North American showcase for non-fiction and hybrid works, shedding light onto otherwise overlooked, boundary-pushing films. Along with Acropolis Cinema, UCLA Film & Television Archive is proud to offer a West Coast home to a curated selection of these spectacular works, all of them being shown in Los Angeles for the first time. For more information, please click here.
Reading: The Shades by Evgenia Citkowitz – Tuesday, January 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Hammer Museum. Hilton Als calls Evgenia Citkowitz’s first novel “a tour-de-force, a powerful, wicked, compassionate, and beautifully written account of the dangers we keep in our head and heart, including love” (New Yorker). The Shades is a haunting tale about a British family reeling in the aftermath of tragedy. Followed by discussion with Citkowitz and UCLA professor Mona Simpson. Click here for program information.
Explore L.A. with Discover & Go – Explore L.A. museums and attractions through this exciting partnership between the Los Angeles Public Library and local cultural institutions. Log in to Discover & Go with your Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) card and reserve free or low-cost passes to participating organizations. CLICK HERE for more information.
16. 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 lost and found pets, traffic alerts and similar situations will 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.
17. RESIDENT ADS
YARD LIGHTING & LANDSCAPER REFERRALS
Hello all, we live at 850 Devon Ave and are in need of a yard lighting and landscaping company. Any referrals would be greatly appreciated. Please contact RStone@jenner.com. Thank you.
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SEEKING PAINTER RECOMMENDATIONS
Any recommendations for excellent painters would be appreciated. They should be reliable and reasonable. Please feel free to contact me: by phone: 310.497.1876 or by email: sunkab@earthlink.net Thank you.
18. 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 – FEBRUARY 12
- 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.