Westside Village Civic Assn., Inc.

January 2005 Newsletter---annual meeting issue

Jan 20, 2005

You are invited to the
Westside Village Civic Association
Annual Meeting, Dinner, and Raffle

Tuesday, February 22, 2005 (5:30-9:00 p.m.)
St. John?’s Presbyterian Church-National and Military
Child Care provided
Here about improvements that are being proposed for the community,
Meet your neighbors, get involved and learn about current events

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Program

5:30 Registration
5:45-6:30 Mexican Buffet Dinner served by Baja Bud?’s
Dessert, Coffee, and Refreshments
6:45 Comments by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Anthony Vasquez
7:00 WVCA Business Meeting
Reports by the President and Treasurer
Election of Officers and Directors
7:40 Presentation from the MVCC for Neighborhood Improvement
Proposals for Westside Village
8:00 Councilman Jack Weiss, 5th Council District
8:50 Closing remarks
Three Raffles will be held throughout the night?’s events


President?’s Message

?“Happy New Year?” to all of you. It is hard to believe that it is already 2005 and almost time for our Annual Meeting once again. The schedule of events is posted in this newsletter for your convenience. We will, once again, be serving Baja Bud?’s Mexican Buffet for dinner along with soda, water, coffee, and dessert starting at 5:30. If you are interested in dinner, please return the envelope provided with payment in order to assist us in planning for the night?’s events. If you would like to pay your dues at this time as well, I know our Treasurer, Richard Saltsman, would be greatly appreciative, as would the rest of the board. For all of those that cannot make the dinner, you are welcome to join us for the Business Meeting portion of the evening beginning at 6:45 p.m. with our Senior Lead Officer Anthony Vasquez. Features of our program will include City Councilman Jack Weiss, 5th District, who will be speaking mainly about the LAX Master Plan and what impact it will have for our neighborhood. He will also be addressing questions regarding the Santa Monica Airport, which has been of concern to us as of late with their expansion of Corporate Jet Traffic and any other questions or concerns that you would like to voice. The Urban Planning Committee of the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC) will be presenting some interesting ideas they have for neighborhood improvement in the Westside Village area (Zone 1). The community?’s input and ideas are being solicited and there will be time for questions after the presentation. Everyone who attends will receive a ticket for the raffle of three lovely baskets from Trader Joe?’s that are being prepared, once again, by Carolyn Saltsman. It is always a good time to get together with old neighbors, meet new ones, find out what is going on in your neighborhood, and have some fun.

The Nominations Committee, comprised of Marie Wallace, Tracy Marsh, and Roberta Schiller, has decided upon three potential nominees to the board for the next term. If there is anyone who is interested in serving, either on the board or as a Block Captain, you are welcome to contact any of our board members or speak to one during the Annual Meeting. All board members will be wearing ribbons with their current positions so they can be easily recognized. Three board members will be resigning from the board this year, including myself. I have enjoyed serving the community for the last several years as a Director and as President for the last two years of the WVCA. I thank you for the opportunity and for all of your support. It has truly been a rewarding experience and I have gotten to know so many wonderful people in the village. I believe that we live in a truly unique and caring community. The board would like to thank Jill Lurie for her time in serving on the board. Jill is a landscaper and brought a beautiful display to last year?’s Village Festival. She also brought to our attention in an article for our newsletter how many 2nd and 3rd generation families live in the Village, including her own family. Another member who is resigning at the end of this term is Ian Halsema. Ian spearheaded the Village Festival Committee as Chairperson and was an instrumental reason why it was such a success. The board would like to thank him for all the careful planning, attention to detail, hard work, and expertise that he put into the planning and execution of this event. Ian was also involved in revising the plans for the DWP-145 Substation, which will be built on National near Sepulveda. Although we could not stop the construction, we did work hard in conjunction with the MVCC to make it more palatable for the surrounding neighborhood. I am sure that I speak for the entire board in thanking both Ian and Jill for their valuable service and contribution to our community. The members who will be nominated for a new or continuing one-year term as Officers are: Richard Saltsman Treasurer; Tracy Marsh, President; Marie Wallace, Past President; and Lisa Haught-Garner, Secretary. Those continuing either their current term of two years or who will be nominated for a second two-year term as Directors are: Ken Alpern, Lisa Cahill, Brian Considine, Don Elliot, Lotti Furlan, Arnie Lifset, Roberta Schiller, Marion Serra, Greg Severson, and the new nominees that will be announced at the meeting.

So much has happened in the last year that I would like to recap some of the more important events and issues that we have worked on as your Civic Association.
The First Annual Village Festival was an amazing success. Many members of the board worked very hard to make this an event that everyone in the neighborhood could participate in and appreciate. We had ponies, a bounce house, face and ceramic painting for the children. There was a balloon toss for adults and children alike that eventually became a free?–for?–all but was definitely worth watching. Ray Harder, who is a Past President for the WVCA, was our MC; he introduced the events and talked about our community. The board would like to thank Mr. Harder for being such an entertaining Host. We also had several different items that were raffled off including a DVD player, many DVD?’s, three lovely baskets created by Carolyn Saltsman with items from Trader Joe?’s, and Jill Lurie?’s beautiful floral display. We had City Council representation by Paul Backstrom, who works with Jack Weiss and also several members of the Mar Vista Community Council including Ken Marsh, Rob Kadota, Ken Alpern, and Marie Wallace manning the information tables. Fire station #43 was there along with their high-tech Mobile Headquarters Unit from the LAPD. There was a choice for lunch between a mobile ?“In-and-Out Burger?” truck and Baja Bud?’s Mexican food. We also had the 8th annual Bike Rodeo take place right before the Festival organized by Jeanne Parker. There were 20 bicycles that were given away to children who otherwise would not have been able to afford them. In order to receive a bike, the children completed a safety course sponsored by the LAPD. It allowed for the children to have interaction with the officers and with the number of officers present, it was truly a worthwhile event. There are many pictures of the Festival that will be displayed at the Annual Meeting. For those who were unable to attend, you can see what you missed and for those who would like copies, this can be arranged.

The DWP Substation-145 has been approved by Cultural Affairs after environmental concerns posed by ourselves and the MVCC Urban Planning Committee were met. The building will be slated for construction this year. As was announced at the last Annual Meeting, we were able to make the DWP keep the initially proposed roof on the building. As I mentioned previously, we were not able to stop the building due to the fact that the DWP purchased the land privately but keeping the roof on the building was the most important issue for me. The jury is still out as to what effects the transformers may have developmentally on our children and I believe that if an error is made, it should be on the side of prudence. The roof, which is made of cement, should help to protect against the potentially harmful effects.

Our neighbor, Palms, was certified as Community Council this last November. We would like to congratulate Len Nguyen, head of the Community Council, who has worked very hard for many months to make this possible. We look forward to working with Palms Community Council in the future with potential issues that affect both of our neighborhoods. Due to the proximity of our communities, I am sure this alliance will prove to be very beneficial in the future. Again, Congratulations to the newly formed Palms Community Council!

Well it is time for me to say goodbye and again, I would like to say how much I enjoyed the experience of serving on the board and thank you all for the opportunity to do so.

Sincerely,


Bobby Holliday- President

DWP Substation Update

As the fenced-off parcel at the northwest of National/Bentley reveals, our long-standing dry-cleaners and Pet Depot neighbors have moved. The DWP, after years of studies and meetings with the community, will use that parcel to construct a DWP substation to serve the ever-growing electricity needs of our region.

The final design, which will have a more pleasing color format and with more camouflaging/blending greenery than previous designs, occurred in response to a vigorous effort by representatives of the WVCA and the MVCC to change what was felt by Westside Villagers to be an unsatisfactory and more impacting design pushed by the DWP.

The latest design will have a roof, unlike the previous design, and have greater assurances of limiting noise and other impacts. A four-page list of safety and environmental questions posed to the DWP was derived by the WVCA and the MVCC.

The actual design can be viewed by visiting the offices of CD5 Councilmember Jack Weiss (822 S. Robertson Boulevard, Suite 102, Los Angeles 90035).

Construction will begin this spring, and be completed either in the winter or spring of 2005. Unfortunately, National Blvd. traffic will be considerably impacted during this construction phase, and Westside Villagers are advised to take caution and plan their commutes to accommodate any associated temporary inconveniences.


Affordable Housing Issues

Last fall two pieces of legislation dealing with affordable housing came to the WVCA Board?’s attention. One was the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (IZO) introduced in City Council. The other was AB2702 a State of California bill which among other things transferred local control of zoning from the City to the State. After lengthy discussion, the Board agreed that both bills were detrimental to Westside Village and L.A. residential communities in general.

We let our elected representatives know how we felt via letters to all 15 members of the City Council and to Governor Schwarzenegger. (AB2702 had been approved by both Legislative houses and was on the Governor?’s desk. Getting action on this was a long shot.)

Letters were drafted and sent. We heard from our Councilmember Jack Weiss immediately that he and many other Councilmembers did not approve of the IZO in its present form as it would do little to relieve the very real lack of affordable housing and had the potential to negatively impact all of the city?’s residential communities. Single family zoning density could double. Consequently, the IZO is under serious revision.

On Sept. 29, the last day for the Governor to act on AB2702, he vetoed the bill using much the same language as was in WVCA?’s letter, namely it would transfer local control to the State and did nothing to improve our aging infrastructure (schools, water, sewage, transportation) required for increased density.
Although we got positive response to our letters, we know this issue will not go away. It will be back. There is a pressing need for affordable housing. Remember Fritz Burns built the Westside Village tract in 1940 without curbs and sidewalks in order to keep the homes affordable. Now many of us could not afford the homes we live in today.



Palms Neighborhood Council and WVCA


A very misleading petition/sign campaign was distributed to homeowners and renters in Westside Village over the past several months. The inflammatory and factually-incorrect petitions were part of an attempt to switch Westside Village from the Mar Vista Community Council to the new Palms Neighborhood Council (just certified in December), and caused considerable confusion within Westside Village residents.

Any claims the petitions make about "Mar Vista Politicians" trying to take over Westside Village schools, fire stations, police stations, and the like are both regrettable and untrue, and the Westside Village Civic Association Board opposes any efforts that might divide and undermine our community.

The decision of the WVCA to join with the MVCC was a long and painstaking effort, and was based on identical geographic and zoning features of Westside Village with its neigbors across the 405 freeway. The WVCA Board has voted to stay with the MVCC, but also voted to support the newly-created Palms Neighborhood Council--the latter of which we look forward to as our new neighbor.

Westside Village is an independent neighborhood that doesn't "belong" to either Mar Vista or Palms, and is part of the Mar Vista region/community between the 10 freeway and Culver City--hence the name Mar Vista Community Council. Westside Villagers are encouraged to play a role in its local, private neighborhood association (WVCA) or its City-certified neighborhood council (MVCC).

Regardless of the petition effort, a neighborhood like Westside Village can only change neighborhood councils if both the current and proposed neighborhood council boards vote for such a change, and if the neighborhood residents approve the change after being presented with all of the facts associated with this change.

The Department of Neigborhood Empowerment (DONE) recognizes Westside Village as part of the MVCC, and there is no legal or official effort at all to move Westside Village to the new Palms Neighborhood Council. The WVCA Board at this time supports the efforts of both the MVCC and the Palms N.C. to deal with matters within their respective borders, and to work together on issues affecting the greater region.

Should Westside Village face any issues that require involvement from both neighborhood councils, the WVCA Board looks forward to a cordial working relationship with both entities for the betterment of local residents.

For those Westside Village residents who sincerely desire affiliation within the new Palms Neighborhood Council, the WVCA Board urges these residents to take advantage of an "overlap zone" between the MVCC and Palms Neighborhood Councils at Palms Middle School and Charnock Elementary School. Any Westside Villager playing a significant role at either school (we need more school volunteers!) can enjoy dual stakeholder status with both neighborhood councils.


Expo Line Update
In June 2001, the MTA Board unanimously approved a light rail passenger line to connect the Westside to Downtown, and to the current MetroRail Lines (Red, Blue and Gold) as well as to the countywide Metrolink system.

This line, frequently referred to as the "Expo Line", is approved from Downtown Los Angeles to East Culver City at the intersection of Venice and Robertson. This is only Phase 1 of the line, which was approved by the MTA Board to someday extend from Culver City to Santa Monica in a Phase 2.

The cost for Phase 1 has been calculated at approximately $5-600 million, with a total cost for Phase 2 approximating $1.2 billion.

Phase 1 will serve the USC, Crenshaw and Culver City regions, as well as the museums and other attractions near Exposition Park, and will provide an excellent option for Westsiders to avoid the 10 freeway in order to travel to Downtown L.A. for events at Disney Hall, the Staples Center or other new Downtown developments.

The timeline for phase 1 construction to start is in 2006, with completion slated for 2009-2010.

A new EIR for Phase 2, likely to commence in the spring or summer of 2005, will evaluate a Sepulveda Blvd./Venice Blvd. diversion off the Exposition right-of-way, versus a straighter route along the right-of-way past Cheviot Hills and Rancho Park.

Anyone interested in playing a greater role in the development of the Expo Line is encouraged to join the grassroots Friends4Expo Transit (www.friends4expo.org).

Ken Alpern


Westside Village Loses an Icon: A Tribute to Bob Woolfe

Bob Woolfe, world-reknown scenic artist and Westside Village icon passed away on November 1. Bob was active in the WVCA since its formation and lived in his home on Queensland with his wife Lois and his three children: Dana, Nancy and Kim over 50 years. He is remembered as warm, generous and our ?“artist in residence.?” In addition to oils, water colors and ink sketches, he designed the green and white WVCA T shirts of a Westside Village house (Bob?’s), proclaiming ?“I Love Westside Village.?” His paintings are in private collections in the U.S., France, England, Japan, Switzerland and Australia.

In 1995, WVCA member and neighbor Christine Page wrote a profile of Bob chronicling his scenic art in the movies, TV and theme parks. This profile is now reprinted on the WVCA website www.neighborhoodlink.com/la/wvca as part of the WVCA history.

His neighbor Ron Meza remembers Bob this way. ?“We moved into our house on Queensland Street in March 1963. We were immediately welcomed by Bob and the neighbors with a festive barbecue. One of the most endearing qualities about Bob and his family was sharing their Christmas caroling tradition established some fifty years ago.

As the years passed many friends returned for the annual Christmas celebration. Over the past forty years, Bob and I served alternately as President of the Westside Village Civic Association and continued to support the efforts of WVCA. Bob was a most generous person with his good nature, time and talent as a painter. It is fair to say that we all own a piece of Bob?’s fine art work. Many of his works include the children of neighbors as models in his paintings. We are saddened by his passing. Bob will be sorely missed in our community.?”

Bob?’s family created a Home page for Bob http://www.geocities.com/bob_woolfe/news.html. You can view and sign the Guest book and let his family know if you own any of Bob?’s paintings.





Let?’s Party!

So you want to have a block party? Ok, that is a great idea. Getting to know our neighbors and building on existing relationships helps everyone with the quality of life and enjoyment of community. The WVCA board for a long time has supported, both financially and with encouragement block parties.

Let?’s clarify what the board can do for you and what is expected. The board is willing to donate up to $100 per party to help offset the cost of insurance that is required. The board will do this based on a few criteria being met: first, the board must be invited to the event. This is not just because we like to party and have a good time but because we want to know the people in our community better so that we can truly represent your wishes and desires. Second, we must be notified at least one month prior to the date of the party. Third, the organizers must contact the Bureau of Streets, City of Los Angeles. They will tell you all the details you must do to qualify to have a street party. One such detail is that you must have approval of at least 51% of the residents of that street. Knowing this, it is best to plan ahead and get started early.

Having a block party that is approved by the City of Los Angeles is a great way to have fun and friendship. Start planning your spring, summer or fall event now!



The Greenies Meet

The 3500 block of Greenfield had a ?“getting to Know You?” gathering on Sunday, August 8, 2004. Block Captain Walter Renzi reported that over 50 neighbors met one another in Jeanne Parker?’s patio along with some of the Westside Village Civic Association board members and city and state politicos. All enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere, food and fun. Eveyone agreed that it was well worth the effort to get together and encourage friendliness and cooperation. Good neighbors can enhance a sense of well-being.

Jeanne Parker.

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Neighborhood Improvement

When I first moved into Westside Village, spring of 2002, I though it was a nice little community but did not think much more about it. Now, since serving on the Board for over a year my eyes have been opened to what a really great community we live in. We have neighbors that care for each other and many people who are willing to devote tremendous amounts of time and effort to ensure that we sustain our way of living.

This encouraged me to step up and chair the Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC). With more apartments and condominiums moving into the area, DWP putting in a power station, Play Vista construction moving quickly, we see our world threatened to change and not necessarily the way we want.

I urge all of you to join together and help me make a difference. Let?’s identify and work to put into place changes that we do want for our community. Things that will beautify or improve the quality of our lives.

We need your ideas! This is what we have been thinking about so far:

1. Adding more trees
2. Creating some kind of park or recreation area around the water channel that starts at Queensland and Military.
3. Put house numbers on the curbs with the Westside Village logo
4. Put information Kiosks in the community.
5. Get new benches for bus stops.
At our annual meeting a member of the Mar Vista Community Council will make a presentation about some additional neighborhood improvements that are recommended.

In the meantime, we would appreciate getting you ideas, feedback and support. You may email me at got2scuba@comcast.net.
Thank you,
Arnie Lifset








Enjoy a Eco-Friendly Fire

During these wet, cold winter months it is a treat to enjoy a crackling fire with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate. However, starting and burning a wood fire creates significant airborne pollutants, while popular manufactured firelogs often contain petroleum-based chemicals that create an unpleasant smell and may harm your chimney.

Thanks to recent advances in ?‘green?’ fire log technology, there are now several options for enjoying a non-polluting, more energy efficient, safe fires:

Java-Logs: these are manufactured from used coffee-grounds. They produce 25% more energy than wood fires, have no smell, and generally burn 2-3 hours. Compared to traditional manufactured logs, these have no toxic chemicals and burn easier and brighter. They can be purchased at Target, Whole Foods, Wild Oats, or online at www.java-log.com

SimpleFire: made of 100% recycled materials, these small bags can be used in a chimera as well as a fireplace. Generally burn 1-2 hours. Simplefire can be purchased at Paykel in Santa Monica, Smith & Hawken in Beverly Hills, or online at Amazon.com. More information at www.simplefire.com.

StarterStikk: These 100% natural fatwood firestarters ensure a quick an easy fire. They are produced from the stump of the pine tree, which is rich with natural resin for firestarting capabilities. StarterStikk can be purchased at Sav-On. More information at www.conros.com.

Eco-Flame: This sugar-cane based heating / cooking fuel can be used in place of sterno cans or lighter fluid. The product is made from natural sugar cane alcohol and burns cleaner, hotter and more efficiently than petroleum based products. Very safe, can be extinguished with water. More information at www.ecogel.com