Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association

MINUTES - November 9, 2004

Meeting held at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 by President George Wolfberg.
Introductions:
Minutes, August 21. The minutes from the October 21 special meeting were approved with one correction, the spelling of Frank Langen’s name.
Treasurers report:
Savings $1,637.26
Checking $3,004.02
Certificate $12,000.00
Total $16,641.28
Old Business:
-Park Improvement Project, Prop. K. No report. Still await feedback on final design and schedule from City Engineer
-Options for institutionalization of Board/Association policy. To be put on hold.
-Proposed Historic-Cultural Monument status for Canyon Service Station.
o Mike Deasy presented an update. Brian’s lease is over as of today.
o There will be a hearing by the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Commission (Commission) next Wednesday, November 17 at Los Angeles City Hall, 10 am.
o Mike, Frank Langen and Brian have obtained the services of Myra L. Frank, Jones & Stokes to prepare the type of Historical-Cultural Monument (HCM) Nomination application expected by Commission Staff. This revised application must be filed with the staff by Friday to be sent out to Commissioners in their agenda packets.
o Mike and George will follow up with Kevin Keller of Cindy’s staff regarding the procedural process for obtaining a demolition permit; acceptance of the HOM by the Commission will temporarily stay the issuance of a demolition permit
Committee reports:
Jill Soffer intends to have the committee on Canyon Development meet next week.
New Business:
Community-based landscaping along flood control channels.
Duncan Kennedy, who lives on West Channel Road across from the school, discussed how he and his neighbors have been landscaping the public strip adjacent to the flood channel across from their homes. Mr. Kennedy stated that the lack of landscaping revealed a view of a broken chain link fence along the top of the channel which he has attempted to repair. Also, there is a clear view of the channel wall that frequently is covered with graffiti. Although the City plan shows the existence of a rail fence similar to those in the neighborhood, it has long since disappeared if it ever existed. He and his neighbors were inspired by community-based landscaping along East and West Rustic Roads. Jill Baldauf stated that the principal of Canyon asked her to inquire about the use of railroad ties on West Channel as our parent support group was denied their use on campus by LAUSD. A discussion ensued regarding the possible hazards of creosote formerly used to protect railroad ties and the use of a copper arsenate solution currently to protect the ties. Also, that the LAUSD and the City of LA may be subject to different laws. Ms. Baldauf is still waiting for an answer from Monique Ford from the Council Office. George will contact Ms. Ford and the LAUSD to attempt to obtain an answer
Motion. A motion was made, seconded and carried (1 opposed) that George should write a letter to the appropriate City office(s) stating that the BOD will support these neighbors in planting landscaping around the channel.
Other business:
o Leslie Hope reported on today’s LAPD Traffic Advisory Committee meeting. There is a proposal to put fixed cameras at various locations to enforce the 30 mph speed limit. Leslie will follow up regarding speeding on Entrada.
o Duncan Kennedy announced that the Tru Green contractor was using illegal leaf blowers along West Channel Road. ZAPLA will be notitied.
Future Meetings:
The next meetings will be December 7th (tentative, if needed), January 4th and the meeting on February 1 will a community forum with the City Council candidates invited.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.