Open Palms

Coalition of NC Green Committees meets THIS THURSDAY

2012-02-22T07:21:06Z

Please join us THIS THURSDAY for the first meeting of the Neighborhood Coalition of Green Committees. We intend to meet quarterly to share best green committee practices (including zero waste events and effective social networking), to discuss relevant upcoming local … Continue reading →

Palms Neighborhood Watch Meeting 2012

2012-02-21T01:13:19Z

Come participate in the 1st neighborhood watch meeting of 2012 on Thursday February 23rd at 7:00pm at the IMAN Center, 3376 Motor Ave, 90034. Meet our Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer Juan Ceja, get a crime update, and hear about the LAPD priorities and goals for 2012.

Make your voice heard! LAUSD Redistricting Hearing

2012-02-20T19:06:33Z

A very important hearing will be held on TUESDAY February 21st at 6:00pm at Hamilton High School which will determine who will represent students, parents, teachers, and administrators for the next 10 years on the Los Angeles Unified School District School Board.

At this community meeting, members of the LAUSD Redistricting Commission will hear testimony from the community so that (hopefully) the LAUSD districts represent OUR interests. It is very important that all our community schools are within the boundaries of one district so that we, as a community of interest, can get the best possible representation from our elected officials. Please attend and participate at this meeting on TUESDAY in the Hamilton High School Auditorium (2955 S. Robertson Blvd), submit public testimony (in person, in writing or online).

PNC: LA City Redistricting

2012-02-18T11:29:59Z

This resolution was passed by the Palms Neighborhood Council on February 15th, 2012:

WHEREAS ,“the Palms” was established in 1886 as the first suburb of the City of Los Angeles and represents a historic neighborhood in LA literally at the crossroads of the 10 and 405 Freeways, the new Expo Line railway (built on the old tracks that made Palms a destination at the turn of the 20^th Century), and LA’s Westside; and

WHEREAS, Palms is unique community of interest – home to over 42,000 people in 1.95 square miles representing some of the most diverse and highest density populations in the Southland, with high levels of education and single parent families, average income and age for the city of Los Angeles, and major cultural institutions including the IMAN Center, St. Mary’s of Palms, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness of Los Angeles, Culver City Foshay Lodge No. 467, The Museum of Jurassic Technology, and the Culver Palms Church of Christ; and

WHEREAS, Palms businesses, residents, and stakeholders face a number of unique challenges including the lack of an official business improvement district, a strong city to the south (Culver City), low awareness of the area, no community center, a small pocket park, and the local library and high school divided from the community by a freeway; and

WHEREAS, Palms is served by one Los Angeles Fire Battalion (Station #43), one high school district, one Los Angeles Police Division (Pacific), but three council districts (5,10, and 11); and

WHEREAS, the Palms Neighborhood Council has represented the stakeholders in Palms since 2004 to improve the quality of life, give our neighborhood a voice, improve the delivery of City services, and represent the diverse people of Palms. This mission is challenged by split representation in the Los Angeles City Council between three council districts, requiring additional coordination for projects such as beautification, improving education, improving park space, and development in the neighborhood.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Palms Neighborhood Council affirms and supports the preliminary redistricting plan released on January 25, 2012, as it applies to Palms. The Palms Neighborhood Council further stands resolved that the Los Angeles Redistricting Commission place the Palms community in a single council district with a strong preference for a district that connects Palms with the Westside of Los Angeles. While not making a judgment on a particular councilmember, the PNC feels Council Districts 11 or 5 best represent its interests.

Palms Neighborhood Council General Assembly

2012-01-31T01:09:09Z

Wednesday, February 1, 7pm, IMAN Center, 3376 Motor Ave. (click for agenda)

All are welcome!

Motions include:

President’s Report (Olomajeye)

MOTION (WRAC): Urge City of LA Review of DEIR for HINES/BERGAMOT PROJECT andsupport for a master EIR for The Bergamot area plan; Elect one NC member to act as a liaison with
the nonprofit group Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City (www.smclc.org) in order to be kept
apprised of the HINES project DIER and other relevant issues
MOTION: Authorize President, Vice President and Secretary to access the CIS (Community
Impact Statement) system to submit Board-Approved CIS documents on behalf of the NC
MOTION: PNC allocates up to $13,500 to Chrysalis for Clean up Projects in Palms
MOTION: PNC allocates up to $12,000 to Pacific Graffiti Solutions for graffiti removal services

Outreach Report (Ericta)

i. MOTION: The PNC supports the installation of additional “Palms” signs in Councilman Koretz’s area at the corner of Overland & National and National & Palms; the installation of additional ”Palms” signs in Councilman Rosendahl’s area at the corner of Overland & Washington and at Sepulveda & Venice on the median, and the establishment of an additional “Palms” sign in
councilman Wesson’s area at the corner of Venice & Robertson

Projects/Policy Report (Lipmen & Carr)

MOTION: PNC supports joining Children’s Movement of California; endorsing in principal thepolicy goals of the Children’s Agenda for California prioritizing children’s health and education

Transportation and Safety Report (Miller)

MOTION: PNC allocates up to $250 in seed money to be used for website development and administrative costs for promotion of the LA Native coalition. The PNC does this with expectation of being promoted in all LA Native materials
MOTION: PNC opposes efforts to add toll lanes to the I10 and I110 Freeways and encourages The Mayor and City Council to end this pilot program and focus on transportation congestion solutions for the city that do not create separate roadways for those of different economic means
MOTION: PNC endorses the LA Department of Transportation plan for the Sepulveda Bike Lane
MOTION: PNC endorses the Expo Greenway project proposal for the area adjacent to the Expo Line Westwood Station
MOTION: PNC endorses Option 3 for City Hall lawn restoration and urges the City in that implementation, to utilize plants indigenous to Southern California and to follow the guidelines of the Low Impact Development Ordinance to address storm water diversion and water capture

Palms Neighborhood Council Transportation Committee

2012-01-31T01:08:54Z

Meeting Monday, January 30, 7pm, Fire Station 43, 3690 Motor Ave.

The motions will be considered at the committee meeting and at the General Assembly meeting

LA Native

MOTION: The Palms Neighborhood Council allocates up to $250 in seed money to be used for website development and administrative costs for promotion of the LA Native coalition. The PNC does this with expectation of being promoted in all LA Native materials.

Metro Express Lanes (reconsideration of tabled motion)

MOTION: The Palms Neighborhood Council opposes efforts underway to add toll lanes to the I10 and I110 Freeways and encourages the Los Angeles Mayor and Los Angeles City Council to end this pilot program and focus on transportation congestion solutions for the city that do not create separate roadways for those of different economic means.

Sepulveda Bike Lane

MOTION: The Palms Neighborhood Council endorses the Los Angeles Department of Transportation plan for the Sepulveda Bike Lane.

Los Angeles City Hall Lawn

MOTION: The Palms Neighborhood Council endorses Option 3 for the restoration of the lawn at City Hall and urges the City in that implementation to utilize plants indigenous to Southern California and to follow the guidelines of the Low Impact Development Ordinance to address storm water diversion and

water capture.

Expo Greenway

MOTION: The Palms Neighborhood Council endorses the Expo Greenway project proposal for the area adjacent to the Expo Line Westwood Station.

All are welcome!

L.A. City Council redistricting, before and after (proposal)

2012-01-31T01:08:39Z

From the Los Angeles Times Jan. 25, 2012

The redistricting maps show how the changes compare to the current map.

A city commission has proposed changes to the lines that define Los Angeles City Council districts. The public will have five weeks to review the maps and comment before the panel’s final vote and a plan goes to the City Council for consideration.

Palms Beautification Promotion – win the Palms Award!

2012-01-31T01:08:23Z

Please spread the word about our Palms Beautification Promotion. Each month until February 2012 we will be awarding people with the most reports to 311 about bulky item, trash pick up and graffiti incidents in our Palms neighborhood. Send your reports to

palmswest@palmsla.org to be eligible!!

The first ever winners will be awarded at this month’s General Assembly meeting on February 1st at IMAN Center, 3376 Motor Ave, 7pm. The winners are (drum roll):

Natasha Kumar
Raquel Avalos
Byron Rosa

A possible award is a $25 gift card to a Palms restaurant!!

Local Issue: Title 1 funding for Palms Middle School and Hamilton High

2012-01-31T01:07:53Z

Click for information on Palms Middle School from Friends of Palms

Friends of Palms/PTSA Meeting, 7 pm

Bureau of Sanitation Waste Hauler/Franchise Stakeholder information website update

2012-01-31T01:07:18Z

The City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation (Bureau) was directed to evaluate the method in which private solid waste haulers operate in the City. In 2011, the Bureau held a series of stakeholder meetings to gather input from interested parties. A summary of the comments gathered through the stakeholder process as well as copies of all the comments received are posted on the Bureau’s web site at http://www.lacitysan.org/solid_resources/recycling/services/phfi.htm. Also posted is the Solid Waste Franchise Assessment report prepared by HF&H Consultants.

The Bureau is preparing a report detailing its findings and associated recommendations. The Bureau will present its report first to the Board of Public Works for consideration. This item is tentatively scheduled to be presented to the Board of Public Works on February 13, 2012. Please visit the Board of Public Works web site at http://boe.lacity.org/dpw/ebreports for a copy of the Board Agenda.

A copy of the Bureau’s final report will be posted at http://www.lacitysan.org/solid_resources/recycling/services/phfi.htm approximately 7 days prior to the Board meeting date.

Coming Attractions: 9901 Luxe to Bring Apts., Restaurants to Ex-Culver Plaza Site

2012-01-19T01:25:12Z

Image via Culver City Times

The Culver Plaza complex on Washington Blvd. is headed for the wrecking ball (it was supposed to be demolished this past weekend, but we hear it was still there this morning) and don't fret, the giant, colorful "Syncopation" mural by Ed Massey has been taken out and moved to the Playa Vista educational facility, according to a press release. But what's up with the demolition? The property, which incidentally is not quite in Culver City, belongs to development/management company NMS Properties, which has been on a tear across the Westside the last few years (they're behind the Santa Monica SCI-Arc killer, the La Cienega nudie bar-adjacent apartments [Luxe@375], and the SaMo Quonset Hut project [Luxe@Broadway]). They'll be bringing yet another "Luxe" to the area, according to their website: 9901 Luxe.

NMS didn't return a call, but according to a public notice for an upcoming zoning hearing on the project, they're planning to build a six-story tall apartment building with 131 units (11 of which would be reserved for "very low income" tenants). The building would also have 12,027 square feet of groundfloor commercial and 253 parking spaces in one level of groundfloor parking and an existing three levels of underground parking. The notice says that "The applicant seeks to allow flexibility for potential commercial space tenants so that a 100% restaurant use scenario may be possible." NMS is also hoping to have less parking for the restaurants than would otherwise be required (one space per 250 square feet rather than one per 100 sf).
· NMS Properties Archives [Curbed LA]
· Iconic Ed Massey Mural, "Syncopation," to be Saved as L.A. Building is Demolished for Redevelopment [PRWeb]

Expo Construction Notice: Phase 2 Track Removal – Los Angeles

2012-01-02T07:12:46Z

When: Monday, January 9, 2012 through Friday, April 6, 2012

Work Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

No work will take place on weekends

Where: From Military Avenue to Bagley Avenue, along the Expo Right-of-Way (ROW), in the City of Los Angeles

Work Description:
Track Removal:Work crews will remove the existing railroad tracks consisting of rails, fasteners, and ties. All work will take place within the Expo ROW. Heavy machinery and flat bed trucks with back-up alarms will be utilized for this work.

Traffic Impacts: Flaggers will be used to assist trucks hauling debris as they enter and exit work areas on Military Avenue, Westwood Boulevard, Overland Avenue, Motor Avenue, National Boulevard, and Bagley Avenue.

Advisories:

Access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout all construction activities.
Noise levels will be monitored to ensure work performed is within the necessary compliance levels and sound blankets will be installed if required to buffer any noise that may impact the surrounding community.
Work crews will water down the work area to minimize dust, and the air will be monitored.
Please obey all posted construction signs and do not enter the construction work zone.

(Construction schedules are subject to change for various reasons including but not limited to: weather conditions, unforeseen emergencies and other acts of nature.)

To view the construction notice – please click here.

Pivotal Solar Hearing in LA City Council Energy and Environment Committee

2011-12-12T22:07:48Z

The Los Angeles City Council will be holding a special meeting on Tuesday, December 13th to discuss the pilot of a 75MW Solar Feed-In Tariff program for Los Angeles. The session is expected to be critical for implementation of a new solar program that will enable business owners and residents to install solar panels on their rooftops to generate clean energy and sell surplus to the local utility.

The public is invited to participate in this hearing, which will consider important elements of the new LA solar program, including pricing, implementation, application and regional parameters. If you plan to share your comments publicly, you should arrive by 8:30am on the dot, fill out a speaker card (indicate you are speaking on #2) and give it to the clerk.

The Los Angeles Business Council (LABC) has been a key advocate for the CLEAN LA Solar Program for the City of LA, and is encouraging public awareness and support in LA’s transition to clean energy. LABC and the Sierra Club have launched an online petition allowing community members to make their voice heard by telling LA’s civic leaders that you want the CLEAN LA Solar Program today.

The City Council meeting was called following concerns raised by California State Senator Negrete McLeod, author of California statewide Solar Feed-In Tariff legislation (SB-32), regarding the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power’s (LADWP) approach on solar. It also follows a new report by UCLA and USC researchers (PDF) that Los Angeles lags behind other California cities in solar jobs and the amount of solar power capacity per capita.

The report found that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) generates less than one-sixth as much solar power per customer as Southern California Edison, and has one of the weakest solar track records among major California utilities.

The new study, “Empowering LA’s Workforce: New Policies that Deliver Investments and Jobs,” explores the results of current solar programs in terms of solar power generated to date, job creation, and the cost-per-job — and outlines a policy package to develop new demand, deliver appropriate training, and ensure solar jobs for disadvantaged workers.

The report’s authors urge Los Angeles officials to adopt a solar FiT (feed-in tariff) program, which enables business owners and residents to install solar panels on their rooftops to generate clean energy and sell surplus to the local utility. Such a program has been endorsed by a coalition of environmental groups, labor leaders, business organizations and other stakeholders. According to the report, a robust solar energy program in Los Angeles has the potential to create $2 billion in local investment and 16,000 job-years with minimal impact on ratepayers.

MEETING DETAILS

What: LA City Council Energy and Environment Committee (Committee membership: CM Krekorian, Cardenas, Perry-Chair, Alarcon, LaBonge)
Where: LA Energy and Environment Committee (ROOM 1010, CITY HALL 200 NORTH SPRING STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
When: Tuesday, December 13th at 830am (come at least a ½ hour early to put in a comment card)
Agenda: December 13, 2011 LA City Council Energy and Environment Committee Agenda

The Los Angeles Business Council and the CLEAN LA Coalition Partners need your help sending a message to City leaders today. From the website you can click to send a letter to the Mayor, City Council and LA Department of Water and Power saying that you support a well-price, fairly allocated, 75MW Solar FIT with a simple application to be implemented by 2014.

WATER MAIN BURST

2011-12-08T21:00:26Z

A water main has burst at the intersection of Palms Blvd & National Blvd. Please avoid this intersection if you can and expect delays. DWP is out and attempting to fix issues. Please report further incidents as they happen by calling 1-800- DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397. Click here to contact our DWP Neighborhood Council Representative.

Cold Weather Exposes Pipes to Risk of Breaks!

The age of much of the LADWP water distribution system results in periodic breaks and leaks. As overnight temperatures across Los Angeles dip into the low 30s and 40s, LADWP reminds customers that with cold weather comes an even greater increase in the likelihood of pipe breaks.

During the winter months, the LADWP water system typically experiences an increase in water main breaks due to colder water entering the distribution system from the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. The colder water causes the pipes to shrink very slightly, known as thermal contraction, which can cause some pipes to break. Winter leaks occur most frequently in the early morning hours (3-5 a.m.) when pressure is highest because of minimal use and temperature is coldest.

LADWP has already experienced an uptick in leaks with crews responding to more than 30 leaks this week, compared to 15 leaks total for the previous week. The leaks occurred throughout the city, with the highest concentrations in the Westside and Valley. LADWP crews responded promptly to the main leaks and completed repairs that same day.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

2011-12-08T03:37:17Z

Santa Claus is coming to the north-west corner of Regent St and Vinton Ave on Thursday December 8th at 5pm. Come out and see Santa Claus tomorrow!

Help Shape Our Community’s Lines on Dec 15

2011-12-01T07:33:20Z

Every 10 years the people of Los Angeles have an opportunity to shape the fifteen L.A. City Council district boundaries.

If you care about public safety, transportation, city services, and parks in your neighborhood, come tell the Commission about where you live, work, and play.

Attend the hearing for the City of Los Angeles Redistricting Commission on Thursday December 15th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the IMAN Cultural Center, 3376 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles. Download the flyer for details on the hearing.

Free Admission to Los Angeles Museums – December 3-4

2011-11-29T03:16:36Z

Bank on Christmas arriving early for art lovers this year, thanks to Museums on Us. Flash your Bank of America or Merrilll Lynch credit or debit card at participating museums in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday...

Westside Energy Efficiency Workshop on November 29

2011-11-22T19:09:56Z

Join the Los Angeles Business Council for the first-ever Westside Energy Efficiency Workshop with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and SoCalGas. Learn about energy efficiency products and programs available for commercial and industrial building owners, energy auditors and all service providers. Tuesday, November 29 from 12-2:00 pm at Century Park Towers Concourse Level in Conference Room B, 2049 Century Park East.

RSVP by November 25th to awilliamson@labusinesscouncil.org.

The event will feature LADWP Director of Energy Efficiency Tom Gackstetter and Gillian Wright, Director of Customer Programs and Assistance, at SoCalGas.

Weekend Open House Tour: The Orange Tree Open House Tour

2011-11-19T22:24:47Z

In the aggressively-waged battle for your attention, brokers will go to any lengths. And some like to namedrop the trees in the yard. Do the following houses whet your appetite more because you know they have orange trees?

2840 Burkshire Ave. (Sawtelle)
Price: $699,000
Trees: Lemon, orange, lime, and plum
Days on Market: 16
Bed/Bath: 3/1
Sq. Ft: 1,209
Pitch: "Move right into this ultra-charming 3-bedroom/1-bath updated home. Gorgeous hardwood floors and warm color palette throughout. A spacious living room with bright bay window welcomes you in. Redone kitchen offers breakfast nook & stainless steel appliances. Many upgrades and amenities including central heat, copper plumbing, double pane windows, recessed lighting. Pristine bathroom offers spa tub and separate shower. Nice grassy yard with new sprinklers, plus lemon, orange, lime, and plum trees. Centrally located in wonderful North Westdale neighborhood, close to Whole Foods, cafes & parks. Welcome home!"
Open House Sunday, November 20 from 1 pm to 4 pm

1900 N. New Hampshire Ave. (Los Feliz)
Price: $949,000
Trees: Avocado, orange, loquat, fig
Days on Market: 62
Bed/Bath: 3/2.5
Sq. Ft: 2,503
Pitch: "This gorgeous 1922 Traditional home achieves the perfect balance of old world charm and modern amenities. Original features include coved ceilings, built-ins, pocket doors and hardwood floors. The "new" includes the kitchen w/ it's Bertazzoni range, custom cabinetry, Caesarstone counters and breakfast nook. Ideal floor plan offers three large bedrooms, two beautifully updated bathrooms and a view deck upstairs with a grand living room, dining room for twelve, den/office, kitchen and 1/2 bath downstairs. Central heat and air, separate laundry room and storage basement/wine cellar. Expansive, private backyard has avocado, orange, loquat and fig trees. There's a grassy area, gracious patio and even your own mini-vineyard. Two car garage + potting shed. Stroll on over to Los Feliz Village and enjoy its award-winning restaurants."
Open House Sunday, November 20 from 1 pm to 4 pm

5406 Selmaraine Dr. (Culver City)
Price: $579,000
Trees: Lemon and orange
Days on Market: 24
Bed/Bath: 3/1
Sq. Ft: 1,020
Pitch: "Absolutely adorable Sunkist Park home on a lightly travelled tree lined street makes for a truly peaceful place to call home. Walk in the frnt door and notice the beautifully refinished hardwood flrs in a rich chocolate hazelnutty brown. The kitchen was recently remodeled w/ granite tops, tiled backsplash, maple cabinets, a large eat-in-kitchen and a door with access to the backyard. All of the lower cabinets have pull out drawers and the lower corner cabinet maximizes space with 2 lazy Sunsans. This home has a newer roof, newer dual paned windows and has been freshly painted both inside and out in a lovely neutral palette. In addition to the closets in each BR, there is also an entry closet, hall closet plus linen closet which give this home ample storage. An enclosed patio off of the living room nicely extends the living space. There are mature lemon and orange trees heavy with fruit lining one side of the backyard. The attached 2 car garage also houses the washer and dryer."
Open House Sunday, November 20 from 1 pm to 4 pm

3545 S. Bentley Ave. (Palms)
Price: $685,000
Trees: Orange
Days on Market: 10
Bed/Bath: 3/2
Sq. Ft: 1,417
Pitch: "Charming Single Level 3 Bedroom Home centrally located and Priced to Sell!!!!! Enormously spacious carpeted master bedroom with fireplace, plenty of closet space and french-doors which open to a beautifully huge landscaped yard featuring an orange tree, free standing bonus room structure (can be utilized as a possible office or other room) and storage shed. 2nd Bedroom also features French-doors which open to yard. 3rd Bedroom located and facing front of house with closet. Refinished original hardwood floors in Living Room & Dining Room. Beautifully updated master bathroom with modern-styled vanity imported from Italy featuring marble counters. Additional features throughout the home include: Recessed lighting, Skylight, crown molding, brand new baseboards, built-in Pantry with sliding shelves, and so much more. Property also includes attached Garage & driveway. Centrally located in "Westside Village" near Pharmacy, Supermarket, shopping centers, restaurants, and schools."
Open House Sunday, November 20 from 1 pm to 4 pm

City Threatens to Cancel Neighborhood Council Elections

2011-11-17T13:00:45Z

Let the city know how you feel – fill out the NC Stakeholder Survey

As you may be aware, the 2012 Neighborhood Council (NC) Elections, as conducted by the Office of the City Clerk-Election Division may be postponed until 2014. Under City Administrative Code 20.36, the City Clerk is required to hold NC Elections every even-numbered year between the months of March and June. However, due to budgetary constraints, the City Clerk was not provided funds in the City’s 2011-2012 Budget to conduct the 2012 NC Elections.

The City Attorney has drafted an ordinance that would amend the LA Administrative Code on Neighborhood Council elections. Attend the hearing on the NC election cancellation motion and express your opinion to the City Council on November 30th at 3 PM – 10th Floor of the Los Angeles City Hall.

Individual stakeholders may complete and submit a survey attached below. The survey must be returned to the City Clerk by Friday, January 6, 2012.

If any stakeholders have questions or concerns regarding the survey or the attached supplemental material, please call the City Clerk-Election Division at (213) 978-0444 or email us at clerk.electionsnc@lacity.org.

Click Here to Fill Out the Survey