Holmby News 3-5-21

HOLMBY NEWS
March 5, 2021

From the Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association, serving the Holmby Westwood community since 1960.

1.  HWPOA Board Meeting – Video Conference
2.  LAPD Crime Report
3.  LADWP Project at Westwood Bl. & Santa Monica Bl.
4.  Holmby Westwood Green Team Update
5.  DMV Warning – Phishing Scam
6.  Open Restaurants in Westwood Village
7.  Westwood Village – Live Virtual Tour
8.  Westside Safety & Preparedness Fair
9
.  Activities & Things to Do
10.  HWPOA Communication and Ad Policy
11.  Resident Ads
12.  HWPOA Contact Information

1.  HWPOA BOARD MEETING – VIDEO CONFERENCE

On Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 PM, the HWPOA Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting.  Due to social distancing restrictions, the meeting will be a video-conference held online via Zoom.  Please click here to see the agenda.

Members of the community are welcome to join the Zoom call. Please let us know if you plan to attend and we will send you the link to access the video-conference.  Email Dana at hwpoa@aol.com.

2.  LAPD CRIME REPORT

BURGLARY FROM VEHICLE
Incident #: 210806232
200 BLOCK S BEVERLY GLEN BL  |  2/19/2021 @ 10:00 AM

BURGLARY FROM VEHICLE
Incident #: 210806446
10700 BLOCK WEYBURN AV  |  3/1/2021 @ 7:30 PM

E-Policing: http://www.lapdonline.org/e_policing
EMERGENCY: 911
NON-EMERGENCY: 1-877-275-5273
All other City Services: 311
Pete Ojeda, Senior Lead Officer
West L.A. Community Police Station – 1663 Butler Ave.
Office: 310-444-0741
Email: 36393@lapd.online
Website: www.lapdonline.org

3.  LADWP PROJECT AT WESTWOOD BL. & SANTA MONICA BL.

Dear Resident:

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will begin inspection of 8,300 feet of the existing 42-inch Westwood Trunk Line at the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. This assessment is important to ensure water service reliability to the surrounding community.

Work will occur over two Saturdays: Saturday, March 13, 2021, and Saturday, March 27, 2021. Expected working hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the possibility of extending past 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and going into Sunday, if additional time is needed to place the Westwood Trunk Line back in service. Work will take place on the north side of the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard, near the Mobil Gas Station. Local traffic patterns will be impacted as listed below and as shown in the enclosed notice.

  • Northbound Westwood Boulevard at Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed to through traffic.
  • Motorists traveling northbound on Westwood Boulevard will be routed to Sepulveda Boulevard.
  • Southbound left turn pocket on Westwood Boulevard will be reduced to one lane.
  • Eastbound left turn pocket on Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed.
  • Westbound right turn traffic along Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed.
  • At the end of each workday, traffic control measures will be removed and traffic flow will be returned to normal.

As essential city workers, our crews continue to work on critical water and power infrastructure improvement activities while following recommended health and safety guidelines to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

If you have any questions or need further information related to this project, please contact Construction Engineer, Francis Sy Su, at (213) 367-4745, or Project Manager Juan Guzman, at (213) 367-3709.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as LADWP continues to upgrade our City’s water infrastructure.

Deborah Hong
Deborah.Hong@ladwp.com

4.  HOLMBY WESTWOOD GREEN TEAM UPDATE

The Holmby Westwood Green Team is answering questions related to our parkway trees in the HWPOA newsletter.  In addition to focusing on our parkway trees, we will address the work of the Green Team, efforts by the City of Los Angeles related to urban trees as well as resources for tree care and maintenance.  Please send your questions to Marnie Bodek at mossbodek@msn.com or Allyson Bunting at Allyson.bunting@gmail.com

Who is responsible for parkway trees?
The parkway is the strip of land between the street curb and the sidewalk.  Trees in the parkway are known as parkway trees or street trees.  The parkway is technically a public right-of-way.  The Urban Forestry Division of the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services is responsible for managing street tree pruning, dead tree and stump removals and tree planting.  They also handle all emergency street tree problems and can be reached by calling 311.  Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that street trees in front of their property receive adequate irrigation. 

Do mature parkway trees need watering?
Yes, absolutely.  Especially because of rising temperatures and drought. The two most important influences of our parkway trees are the availability of adequate water and nutrients.  A lack of water can cause high levels of stress and increased susceptibility to disease and lack of nutrients.

When we reduce watering our landscapes to save water, it is very important to ensure that associated trees continue to receive the water they need. Water cools the tree through transpiration and transports nutrients from the soil throughout the tree. It also supports healthy growth and defends the tree from pests and disease.

What are symptoms of a tree that needs water?

  • wilting of leaves and shoots
  • yellowing and fewer deep green leaves
  • smaller than normal leaves
  • early leaf drop and thinning canopy

What is the right amount of water for mature trees older than 5 years?
In general, mature trees need more water than young trees as they have a higher leaf surface area and a larger root system. They are often able to find the water they require from parkway landscape watering. However, during a drought, supplemental watering may be required depending on the size, age, species, soil and if there is irrigated lawn around it.  Use the signs of drought stress above to determine this. You should also check the soil moisture level with a screwdriver.  Mature trees require more water when growing near heat traps such as driveways. A general rule is to water twice a month for up to 2 hours with a soaker hose. Do your watering in the early morning or in the evening.

Remember, frequent but short watering will only provide moisture to the top few inches of soil. Therefore, long, slow and less frequent watering using a soaker hose is more beneficial to trees because the moisture can penetrate far deeper. This is described as deep watering and should be done away from the tree base to prevent root rot.

For more information on watering mature trees during a drought, see this article and video from the Sacramento Tree Foundation: https://www.sactree.com/pages/493

5.  DMV WARNING – PHISHING SCAM

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has learned of a text message phishing scam related to REAL ID and reminds customers that it will never ask for personal information related to driver’s license number, Social Security number or financial information through email, text or over the phone.

The DMV has heard from multiple customers who have received a text message stating, “Our records indicate that your contact information must be updated for REAL ID Compliance. Provide an Up-to-date Mailing Address and Phone Number.” When customers click the continue button, the following message appears: “Action Needed: Due to an update on our new regulation complaint, every CaDMV customer must update their contact information. Update now at: (a fictitious link).” This text message is NOT from the DMV.

The DMV does not send customers unsolicited requests for information. When the DMV texts or emails customers, it is based on action initiated by the customer. For example, customers may receive an appointment reminder or cancellation notice by text or email from the DMV.

The department recommends its customers ignore or delete any unsolicited texts or emails requesting personal information on behalf of the DMV.

Starting October 1, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases. Before visiting a DMV office for a new REAL ID, customers should fill out the online application, upload their documents, and bring their confirmation code and documents with them to an office at their convenience, even the same day. More information is available at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

6.  OPEN RESTAURANTS IN WESTWOOD VILLAGE

When you shop, dine and play in Westwood Village, you contribute to our community. Let’s all do our part to help our wonderful local businesses during this time of uncertainty.

For a complete list of all Village merchants, visit: www.thewestwoodvillage.com

VIOLET BISTRO
Violet Bistro is reopening for in-person dining!  The dining areas are heated, airy, and designed to ensure your safety. Tables are limited and reservations are necessary.  Violet also offers Zoom cooking classes taught by professional chefs for all ages and cooking abilities.

Violet Bistro
1121 Glendon Ave.
www.violetla.com

BARNEY’S BEANERY
Barney’s has reopened for outdoor dining. Reservations are recommended but are not required.

Barney’s Beanery
1037 Broxton Avenue
www.barneysbeanery.com

THE BOILING CRAB
The Boiling Crab is open for takeout and limited patio seating, wait times may be longer than usual.

The Boiling Crab
10875 Kinross Avenue
www.theboilingcrab.com

7.  WESTWOOD VILLAGE – LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR

Westwood Village: A Live Virtual Tour
Take a virtual stroll through this master planned college town.

Schedule: Wednesdays, March 10, 24, and April 7 at 6:00 PM
Length: 60 minutes
Cost: $12 general public, $8 Conservancy members
Format: Zoom webinar

Reservations required​
CLICK HERE

Come along with us as we virtually tour the “town for the gown.”

Virtually visit one of the earliest planned suburban shopping villages in the world. On this tour we will visit sites like the Bruin Theatre and learn more about why Westwood Village became the entertainment destination for west L.A. We will also unearth some history, and unique architectural flourishes and secrets that connect this quaint Mediterranean-style district to its neighbor UCLA.

This presentation will be conducted through Zoom. Information on how to attend will be sent following registration.

This program is presented by The Los Angeles Conservancy.  The Los Angeles Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization that works through education and advocacy to recognize, preserve, and revitalize the historic architectural and cultural resources of Los Angeles County.

8.  WESTSIDE SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS FAIR

3rd Annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair
Sunday, March 7, 2021
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

This is a FREE virtual event for West Los Angelenos to learn from local experts how to prepare for and survive a major disaster.

At the 3rd Annual Westside Safety and Preparedness Fair you will have the chance to:

  • Learn what to do before, during and after a major earthquake (or other disaster)
  • Learn potentially life-saving skills
  • Learn how you and your neighbors can work together and help each other recover from a disaster
  • Get answers to your questions about what you should be doing now to prepare.

For more information and to register, CLICK HERE

9.  ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO

UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden presents:
NATURAL HISTORY & CARE OF POPULAR HOUSEPLANTS
Saturday March 6th 10-11am PST • Virtual Event for Garden Members
Have you ever wondered what your Monstera deliciosa would be like in the wild? Join us to learn about the unique adaptations plants have to survive in their natural habitats, and how that impacts their care in your home. Led by Botanical Garden staff Terry Huang and Jules Cooch, this intimate conversation will cover a variety of popular houseplants and connect them to interesting specimens in the Garden. Though much of our programming is free, this special event is limited to Garden Members. Support the Garden and become a member today. All members will receive a direct email invitation and Zoom link at least 48 hours before the event starts.

—–

The Los Angeles Public Library Presents:
WINTER FILM FESTIVAL – STAGE DOOR CANTEEN
A Musical About NYC During WWII
Thursday, March 11 at 7:00 PM – Online event

The Winter Classics Film Festival will continue with an online discussion of “Stage Door Canteen”, a musical featuring Katherine Hepburn, Harpo Marx, Ethel Merman and Tallulah Bankhead. During World War II, a young soldier visits this famed venue and meets stars of the stage and screen. You’ll love the swinging soundtrack with Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and more!

We had originally announced that the March 11 discussion would be on “Little Annie Rooney”, but unfortunately that film was dropped from Kanopy. We’re sorry for the inconvenience. “Stage Door Canteen” is available on hoopla with your library card. Watch the film and then join us on Zoom!

Here is the Zoom information:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://lapl.zoom.us/j/85977453255?pwd=RWMzcHlaRU5wSXNIQzVLSHlMUnJyQT09

Meeting ID: 859 7745 3255
Passcode: Classics

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 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.

11.  RESIDENT ADS

GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH A CHRONIC LUNG CONDITION

I host a meeting every other month for people with bronchiectasis and chronic lung diseases other than TB or cancer. It’s a very informal support and information group, free of charge, which has been ongoing for about 15 years. The meetings bring together people who all share a common health problem, so we can feel completely comfortable talking about our lung issues in a warm, supportive environment. Each of us has a history of diagnosis, treatment, and day-to-day experience that is very helpful for answering our questions and getting the benefit of people’s personal experience.

We are affiliated with a national non-profit organization, NTM Info & Research (NTMir).

Our group is open to all and, due to the coronavirus, the next meeting will be on Zoom, Monday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. Here is the link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81553766249 with the Meeting ID: 815 5376 6249.

Please feel free to contact me for more information. I look forward to speaking with you and meeting you on Zoom!

Andrea Smith, ablsmith@dock.net; 310-470-8343 (home); 310-770-5674 (cell)

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*
  • 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.  Please confirm prior to attending.