Brentwood Community Council Highlights for October 7, 2008

Government Reports
Chairwoman Rosen reported that the Governor has finally signed the State Budget, but would not sign many bills that were passed by the Legislature.  Nevertheless, our own Mike Feuer did remarkably well in obtaining the Governor’s signature on key bills, including the bill to place Measure R on the ballot (which the BCC supports) so that the citizens can choose to accept a half-cent sales tax to fund much needed transportation projects (many on the Westside).  For more information on Measure R, see http://www.metro.net/measurer/default.asp.  Visit Assemblymember Feuer’s website for more info and/or to give him YOUR ideas for new bills, http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a42.

City Council Update
Chairwoman Rosen introduced CD-11’s New Field Deputy Jessyca Avalos.  She comes from the office of Councilman Richard Alarcon where she worked for nearly two years as a field deputy and legislative deputy. She can be reached at jessyca.avalos@lacity.org

The Great SoCal ShakeOut and Planning for Emergencies
Ray Klein, BCC Public Safety Representative, and his lovely wife Roberta Klein reported on the NEED TO BE PREPARED in the event of a large earthquake, which experts predict is overdue. Mr. Klein reported that Northridge was 6.7 on the Richter Scale and experts estimate the next “big one†has the potential to be 7.8 and shake for up to two minutes. This earthquake is projected to cause 50,000 injuries, 2,000 deaths, 250,000 relocations and 133,000 homes lost to fires. It is important to be prepared.  You can participate in the “Drop, Cover and Hold On†earthquake drill scheduled for November 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM. Visit www.shakeout.org for complete details.

The Klein’s presented some key tips:
Visit http://www.lafd.org/eqbook.pdf to get a “plan†checklist.
Have a safe evacuation plan for home, work and school.

• In your cell phone directory, list emergency contact information under ICE (in case of emergency).
• Secure all items in your home.
• DO NOT use plumber’s tape to secure your water heater.
• Use museum wax to secure your glass/china/ and other valuable breakables.
• Do not hang pictures/paintings over beds/sofas/chairs.
• Never light candles or cause a spark until you are sure there is no gas leak.
• Learn how to shut off your gas with a special wrench! The gas company will show you FOR FREE!
• Make sure to always have the gas turned back on by the gas company.
• Take a CPR class so you can help your family and your neighbors.
• Keep at least one fire extinguisher in your home. The ABC model is the best.
• Make a disaster kit or buy one. A recommended resource is SOS Survival Products. Visit http://www.sosproducts.com/shaking.html.
• Make sure to have at least a one-week supply of water (one gallon per person, per day).
• If you turn off your electrical box, turn off individual breakers first and then the master breaker, and turn it back on in the opposite order.
• Make sure to educate your housekeepers and child-care providers about what to do in an emergency.
• Don’t ever touch a fallen power line because it may kill you.
• After an earthquake be prepared for aftershocks.

Brentwood School Master Plan Update
Dr. Michael Pratt, Head of Brentwood School and Jim Favaro, Master Planner of Johnson Favaro presented Brentwood School’s Draft Master Plan.  

Brentwood School’s Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was adopted in 1992 and will expire in 2012.  Brentwood School and its “planners†are anticipating growth for both the upper (east campus, grades 7 – 12) and lower (west campus, grades K – 6) divisions and are working on a master plan that addresses the school’s needs for the next 25 – 30 years.  This project will require an Environmental Impact Report, traffic studies and a covenant with the Residential Neighbors of the Brentwood School and Brentwood Homeowner’s Association.

Archer School – The Public-Private Partnership
Elizabeth English, newly appointed Head of School at The Archer School for Girls, introduced herself to the Council and spoke about her extensive background in both private and independent education.  For more information about the Archer School for Girls, see www.archer.org.

Brentwood Community Council Announcements
Federal Land Update — The FBI is moving forward with an Environmental Checklist in response to the community’s concerns regarding the potential impacts of its planned renovations. The BCC submitted a letter asking the GSA to consider several potentially adverse impacts including construction, traffic and aesthetic concerns.

Wachovia Signs — The Department of Building and Safety Commission held a hearing to address Wachovia’s request for a six-month extension to bring its illuminated signs into compliance. The request was granted on condition that the Brentwood-facing sign not be illuminated during this time. Chairwoman Rosen expressed concern that (1) the BCC was not notified about the hearing, despite the fact that the BCC is the objecting party; and (2) a representative from the Mayor’s Office appeared at the hearing and suggested a meeting to try to help resolve this matter, but did not invite or notify the BCC and has not responded to inquiries from the BCC or the Council Office.  

Stephen S. Wise Middle School Project — Stephen S. Wise applied for a CUP to operate a nursery school on a property that they previously agreed to use for an athletic field, which was a trade-off for increased enrollment on a neighboring property for its Middle School. The BCC wrote a letter opposing the requested CUP because it would be at cross-purposes with the previously approved project.

Recycling in Brentwood Village — Brentwood Village has entered into a partnership with the City and will be the first Brentwood area to introduce a recycling program. The Brentwood Village Chamber of Commerce will begin this program with eight recycling bins. The City’s contractor will pick up the recyclables every other day. Councilmember Bill Rosendahl’s Office is planning a public announcement of this program on November 17th. Time and exact location will be announced. The San Vicente Business District’s Recycling has been put on hold pending a similar partnership with the City.

Terra Cotta Project — Members of the BCC and BHA will be attending a hearing in front of the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission on October 15, 2008 to oppose the approval of the project as presented.  The community is concerned about the number of permits issued in a piecemeal fashion and the grandfathering of over 50 parking spaces.

Temporary Sepulveda Lane Closure — The southbound lane of Sepulveda Boulevard (from Dartford Avenue to just south of the Mulholland Tunnel) will be closed starting September 22, 2008 for up to eight weeks.  The lane will be closed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Upcoming BCC meetings:  No November meeting. Next meetings: December 2, 2008.  January 6, 2009.  February 3, 2009.

Future BCC Presentations: San Vicente Design Review Board report and Recycling for Multi-Family Housing.

Next BCC Meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The BCC meets regularly on the first Tuesday of each month at the Brentwood Kaufman Library. The BCC agenda is posted at the Brentwood Kaufman Library one week prior to the meeting date. To receive the BCC’s monthly agenda by e-mail, contact Chairwoman Wendy-Sue Rosen at RosenFree@aol.com or visit the BCC website: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/la/brentwoodcc