David Rahimian, Area Representative Neighborhood and Community Services for Mayor Villaraigosa; gave a summary of the Mayor’s educational reform Principles. Mr. Rahimian also spoke of DWP scams and "Big Sunday," at which 120 trees were planted, and a senior facility was repainted. 2,300 persons volunteered.
Mary Anne Conron did not appear.
Senior Lead officer Kathy Bennett did not appear.
Mr. Mike Pizzuti, Deputy City Attorney, Neighborhood prosecutor, West Valley Area, spoke of the work done to deal with illegal activities of fraternity houses at California State University. He stated that groups of students living together cannot be regulated as a fraternity.
Regarding the situation at a house on Halsted and Etiwanda on the North side. There was a meeting on May 16th. an inspector from building and safety attended. The vacant house is to be secured until May 22,2006. If the house is not secured it will be secured by the city. There is another house in the area that has been ordered to comply with a order to remove trash.
Thomas Baker spoke of the nuisance factor of the fraternity house. John Bwarie stated that it is illegal to operate a fraternity house in the Los Angeles area without a zoning variance. However, if there is no sign for the fraternity, or website, nothing can shut down people living together. There must be evidence.
Mike Pizzuti gave his phone number (818) 374-6837 for further information. John Bwarie stated that there is a process for shutting down an illegal house. Thomas Baker stated that this has been a problem for twenty years in the neighborhood.
Steve Patel spoke of his concerns with a single family zoned residence being used as a "group house," multi-family residence. Can such permits be revoked? Mr. Pizzuti said they could, BUT, establishments of sober living houses, group homes are regulated by the state. There was much continued discussion.
Don Dwiggins reported on the progress of Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles. There are 87 neighborhood councils in Los Angeles. 20 are in the process of being formed, and 18 are dysfunctional. Neighborhood Councils are: 1) overseeing the budget process in our areas, 2) Promoting public participation, 3) Planning in the community. 4) Government to local issues. Responsibilities of the Neighborhood Council include 1) Promoting the mission and the values of the Council 2) Planning using Board resources, and others. The Brown Act guarantees openness in all Neighborhood Council activities. There was discussion on what it means to serve by many members on the Neighborhood Council. The coming election will choose a new youth representative between the ages of 16 – 18 years of age and a "stakeholder," in the community. Also there are elected positions open for a "stakeholder" business owner or worker, and a "stakeholder" property owner (at large.) The filing deadline is May 24th, but "write-in" candidates will be accepted until the day before election day, and they must provide documentation. At our next meeting on June 21,2006 the candidates will be given an opportunity to introduce themselves and provide written statement. Election day is June 25,2006 from 1-5 P.M. at Andasol Elementary School Auditorium. There will be a ten-day challenge period, and newly elected members will be welcomed at the July meeting.
Mr. Leyva spoke regarding his candidacy, opposing the incumbent, Lee Baca.
Richard Fisk of the Old Granada Hill’s Residence Group spoke of the history of the closing of the Granada Hills Hospital, and its sale to the Los Angeles Unified School District. Plans are being made for a High School with 45 classrooms and 1,250 students. A Draft Environmental Impact Report will be open for public comment until June 9,2006. Both the neighborhood councils and the chamber of commerce are against having a High School at this location. There are four issues citizens have with the High School plan: 1) Traffic at Devonshire and Balboa Blvd 2) Lack of concern for parking. 3) The planned adult school for 450 students, 4) Demographics – "Is the school truly needed in the area?"
Mr. Fisk asked that the council express an opinion of this issue. The council agreed to investigate the draft environmental report and form opinions. A motion was made by Thomas Baker and seconded by Lucille Meehan. The motion passed unanimously.
The council is still working on this important safety issue.
Steve Patel was suggested.
Peter McCarty spoke of a Senior Health Fair on May 20, 2006 sponsored by the SCAN Health Plan, Healthcare Partners, FACEY Medical group and Northridge Hospital Medical Center. The location will be First Presbyterian Church 10400 Zelzah Ave, Northridge Saturday May 20, 2006 between 10:00 – 2:00 P.M. Flyers were made available.
Rev. Dr Chuck Smith of the New Life Church of the Nazarene in Northridge spoke of the new plans for a cell tower, which would involve attaching the cell tower to the field lighting. The income from the cell towers will go for fencing along Chatsworth, and for restrooms for those who use the playing fields. Papers with further information were included.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 P.M.