SBRA Conducts 39th Annual Meeting
The South Brentwood Residents Association (SBRA) recently held its annual meeting at the Church of Christ, Scientist, on So. Bundy. Marylin Krell, president, presided.
Guest speakers included Mike Bonin, CD11 City Council Member; Maria Gray, LAPD Sr. Lead Officer; Felicia Park-Rogers, Sr. Field Deputy for Supervisor Kuehl; Joe Castro, LAFD West Bureau Deputy Chief; and Lauren Cole, BCC & SBRA Transportation Chair.
Joe Castro delivered a sobering assessment of what might happen when the “Big One” strikes. It’s not a question of “if,” he said – but “when.”
Over 1,000 fires could break out immediately, the result of gas lines breaking. These fires will likely then join together, resulting in few fires that are much larger.
Compounding the danger, water mains could also break, making it difficult to put out the fires. While city and county officials will do their best to cope, Castro said all of us should be as prepared as we possibly can be. It could take months to fully restore services, he said.
The topic of the Mayfield/Bundy stop sign was discussed by Mike Bonin. Brentwood residents living north of San Vicente want no stop sign, said Bonin – but they’d be willing to tolerate a roundabout, he added. Those living south of San Vicente are highly in favor of the stop sign, he continued.
The roundabout idea is still being tweaked, the result of community input. Senior Lead Officer Gray said that while crime remains generally low in Brentwood, there has been a spike in burglaries.
It’s important for residents to lock up, close windows and set the alarm. Do not leave valuables in a car, she said. Many now leave radios on during the day, creating the impression someone is home.
This seems to be working, according to Gray.
Veterans Park Conservancy Seeks New Executive Director
Sue Young, executive director since Veterans Park Conservancy’s founding, is retiring to go live with her husband in Arizona.
The organization seeks a new executive director to take over. The executive director reports to the board of directors and is responsible for the organization’s continued achievement of its mission and financial objectives.
Veterans Park Conservancy (VPC) was founded in 1986 to protect the open space on the campus of the Veterans Administration (VA) in West Los Angeles from commercialization and to preserve it for the benefit of veterans.
This mission is currently being revised to include a focus on healing the silent wounds of war with holistic therapies for veterans. More information available at veteransparkconservancy.org.
Are You Water Wise?
Brentwood Beautiful recently sponsored a highly successful “Water-Wise Garden Tour.” Teri Redman Kahn organized the event. More than 50 percent of residential water use is for landscaping.
By switching to drought resistant plants, homeowners can save water – and money.
Attendees – around 50 – became familiar with drought-tolerant plants and could see which ones may work for their home landscaping theme. The tour included the Brentwood School campus, University Synagogue and several private homes in the Brentwood area. The event was sold out. Be on the lookout for a repeat.
For more information, call 310.476.7234.
No Tree Trimming During Nesting Season
This is a reminder that homeowners should not trim trees during the spring or summer months. It is a vital period for nesting birds.
Birds are important to the overall ecological health of our region. They serve as pollinators, reduce insect populations, and fill niches.
The California Wildlife Center reports that they receive baby birds whose nests have been disturbed. It is often impossible to save their lives once this has taken place, and it is so easy to avoid.
With California’s ever-increasing human population, climate change and drought, our bird populations are really suffering. Let’s take the pledge to not tree trim during the nesting season.
We can do it, Brentwood, we can do it! – Teri Kahn
Coral Tree Campaign In Full Swing
The annual Coral Tree Endowment Fund campaign is in full swing.
The money raised is used to trim the trees from 26th Street to Bringham on San Vicente. Yearly pruning is necessary to prevent as much breakage as possible to the branches.
Contributions will provide pruning in the spring, replacement trees, and continued growth of the Endowment to fund Coral Trees in perpetuity.
Douglas Emmett has graciously offered a $10,000 matching grant. Credit card donations may be made on line at BrentwoodCommunityCouncil.org.
Checks may be made out to and sent to: Brentwood Coral Tree Endowment Fund, 149 S. Barrington Ave. #194, Los Angeles, CA 90049. – Nancy Freedman
